After one-and-a-half years of construction, a new building for Friedensplatz, a children’s home in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico, is now complete. The dedication ceremony took place on Feb. 1.

The home, located in Colony Manitoba, has been caring for children whose families are going through difficult times for many years.

When parents undergo treatment at the Centro (rehabilitation center) for drug or alcohol addiction, this often leads to family separation. These children have experienced hardship and need special care, affection and love.

Children typically stay at the home for about three months, though some remain for nine months or longer. The children come from Mennonite and Low German background, not only from Mexico but also from Bolivia and Canada. At times, Friedensplatz has cared for over 60 children simultaneously. In addition to regular schooling, they receive Bible and singing lessons and have time for various sports and recreational activities.

Over the years, the building had deteriorated, and the sanitary facilities no longer met the necessary hygiene standards. There was also not enough space to accommodate all the children. This led to a desire to construct a larger building.

A number of people contributed to the project — one furniture maker donated chairs, another provided tables and benches for the dining hall and a bicycle shop gave children’s bikes.

Many guests were invited to the dedication service in early February. The sermon text for the occasion, delivered by Viktor Sawatzki, was “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). After the church service, approximately 300 visitors toured the new facilities and enjoyed a time of fellowship over coffee and cake.

Staff members care for the children by helping them with washing, dressing, and providing everything they need for a normal life. The Fröse family brings food for the children on the first Monday of every month. Several volunteers from churches in Mexico, Canada, and Bolivia are dedicated to supporting the children. However, the home cannot replace a family. Yet we are grateful to God that these children receive help here.

We first met Roselia during our mission in 2021. At that time, she and her four siblings had moved into the children’s home. Now, she has been working as a caregiver for eight months, devoting herself wholeheartedly to the little ones. Sadly, her family situation has not improved — her parents are divorced, and her younger siblings are once again living at the children’s home.

Ten-year-old Marikje has been at the children’s home for nine months. Her parents are divorced and do not take care of her. “Marikje, what do you want to be when you grow up?” we asked her. “I want to work at Friedensplatz,” she replied quickly, without hesitation.

Let us continue to bring this work before God in prayer.

A slightly different version of this article was published in the February 21, 2025, edition of Die Mennonitsche Post. Used with permission.