Founding of Estado 29

Responding to the clear need for a home for the many children living on the streets of local cities, in 1957 Pastor Jose Acosta Zamora opened an orphanage with five children, calling it "Estado 29".

His passion to help them grew with their number.  He preached about the need to care for these children.  Mrs. Manuela Camacho, a member in his congregation, donated land to establish a permanent home.  Without family or children of her own, she began working at the orphanage and these kids became her family.

At first they had just a few rooms with mud brick walls with only the most basic furniture and a wood stove for cooking.  Electricity and gas arrived in the 1970’s and the facilities were slowly improved as donations and individual help allowed.

Transition

In the 1980’s Pastor Acosta and his family organized a Mexican non-profit organization to operate the orphanage.  He became very ill a few years later and his daughter Debora became director of the orphanage.  Pastor Acosta died soon after.

Conditions during the Debora's early years as director were still difficult, often with no money or food and with a still-primitive facility to house kids that now numbered over 30.  They trusted and God provided for each day’s need.

There were many individuals and groups of visitors over the years who helped as they could, often arriving just in time to answer urgent prayer for assistance.  Gradually, donations and visits became increasingly organized and consistent.  These groups helped bring dramatic improvements in the facility, staff size and the number of kids.

Estado 29 Today

Estado 29 is now home for over 90 children and visitors are often surprised by the joy in the family of kids, and cleanliness and size of the facilities.  Through the continuous generosity of many, many donors, the children's basic needs are regularly met.  They are enrolled in local schools and a few are in university.  Many of the kids attend Bethesda - Una Iglesia de la Ciudad (literally, Bethesda - A Church to the City) in Ensenada, pastored by Samuel Acosta, Debora’s brother.

Even in Mexico, expenses are high for a facility of this size providing quality care for so many children.  Your participation as a donor is greatly encouraged and appreciated.  Sponsorships are an easy way to donate monthly to the ministry of these children.