La Gran Familia Orphanage

In 1998, St. John's planted a seed in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico. Today, that small seed has changed the lives of over 40 abandoned and abused children. Greg David Spinks, a young deacon from St. John's with an overwhelming compassion for the less fortunate went to northern Mexico to immerse himself in mission work. After arriving in Cuauhtémoc, Greg witnessed the appalling conditions of children roaming the streets and realized the dire need for an appropriate living environment for the children of Cuauhtémoc. Greg's vision was to rescue children from the vices and insecurities of the streets and to provide them with improved living conditions, quality of life and a vision of opportunity and hope for the future.

An appeal to St. John's resulted in several parishioners, including Pete and Dottie Kastner, raising funds to build a small home for the children. Thus "La Gran Familia" or "The Great Family" was born. In cooperation with the Mexican Child Welfare agency Greg ensured that the children were well fed, clothed and educated in a loving and caring environment.

Throughout the years, St. John's has remained committed to keeping Greg's vision alive by providing funding and volunteer work for La Gran Familia. Currently 19 boys and 9 girls are cared for at La Gran Familia. In addition to housing the children in a boy's house and a girl's house, a day care facility recently opened and has 15 children of single parents enrolled. This little seed planted by St. John's has flourished and has provided love, care, clothing, food, and shelter to countless children. This is truly an example of what our community, following Christ's words, can accomplish despite great distances. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and these little ones have a better life thanks to our efforts.

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