Dreaming Big in Argentina
Although their congregation is small, Assemblies of God pastors Quique and Betty Cruz are not afraid to dream big. “When the heart of God is really in something, God will bless it,” Quique Cruz says.
Seven years ago, donations from Charisma readers helped the church, located in Escobar, Argentina, near Buenos Aires, build a kitchen for their outreach ministry. Today with assistance from the Atlanta-based ministry A Time to Build, that initial construction has blossomed into a home for up to 60 children.
Cruz said Argentina’s legal system does little to help children who are abused in their own homes, so he is working to gain legal rights to care for such children. The Cruzes feed 25 to 35 children every Saturday and permanently care for two young girls who now live in the home. As construction is completed and legal negotiations are worked out, more children will be served. The Cruzes also plan for the home to include a school.
“Quique and Betty’s heart is evident in everything they do,” says Jerry Willis, co-founder of A Time to Build. “From running their church to caring for orphans to overseeing construction projects, they do all as unto the Lord.”
The Cruzes hope the home will impact their community for generations. “The project started with us, but it doesn’t end with us,” Quique Cruz says. “We want more generations to continue it.”
