In Guatemala, ministry leader Jose Salazar looked at the statistics on the number of children living outside the care of their families — and the number of families that couldn’t care for their children — and grieved that these families were not receiving care and support from local churches.
Jose is passionate about changing that. And in his experience, building a church culture that welcomes vulnerable children and families begins with preaching the gospel: We have messed up, and only because of God’s mercy and kindness are we reconciled to Him once again.
Now, when he invites people in his church to help vulnerable families, “it makes sense because the Gospel moves us to those places” as they follow Paul’s exhortation to “share the Gospel but share your lives as well.”
It’s on this foundation of receiving God’s grace and generosity that “pure religion” is built. And it’s what sustains the long, hard and beautiful work of walking alongside vulnerable children and families in Jose’s community.
The Pure Religion Project is a focused initiative inspired by the members of the Christian Alliance for Orphans and the broader CAFO community, designed to help churches live out the “pure religion” described in James 1:27 and invited throughout Scripture. Through world-class resources, supportive community and ongoing connection and coaching, The Pure Religion Project at CAFO wants to help you lead your church with assurance, hope and the help you need.
