Happy Tummies

An after-school program for children in vulnerable situations providing a nutritious meal, a monthly doctor check-up, tutoring by licensed teachers, teaching good personal hygiene, and most of all, learning about the Gospel of Jesus and His saving grace.

Happy Tummies is an after school ministry for malnourished elementary school children. One of our biggest priorities is teaching the children about the Lord and we teach them from the Word, as well as by example. Many of these children have a hard home life, so at HAPPY TUMMIES we try to show as much of God’s love as we possibly can. Most of the children do not get anything to eat at home, so they come in very hungry (especially on Monday since they haven't had much at all to eat over the weekend). They can have as much as they want to eat, but they must clean their plate before going back for more.

It is such a thrill to watch the children’s progress. When they first come to us, they are very lethargic. But within a couple of weeks, we can see a difference in their energy levels and their little faces continually light up with smiles.

There is a long waiting list with names of others who NEED to be included. We are praying for monthly supporters to be able to include more children in San Juan, Panyebar, and San Pedro.

What can US$35.00 accomplish?

It only takes US$35 to support a child for 1 month (or US$420 a year), so we can provide a nutritious meal and drink, a doctor's visit, medicine, the salary for teachers and cooks, electricity, water, and other things that come up. Please prayerfully consider if you can become a monthly supporter of this COMPASSION MINISTRY.

Donate Now

How It Works

School teachers tell us many children attending school suffer from malnutrition leaving them with little energy and too hungry to focus on learning. Pastors and teachers give us names of needy families. In-home interviews are conducted and applications completed.

The children must thoroughly wash their hands with soap as soon as they arrive each day. Some work hard to get the dirt out from under their fingernails and some even extend the ritual to washing their faces! Next, they are given their daily vitamin and then they say a prayer and are served lunch. Toothbrushes and toothpaste are provided for each child and brushing after eating is required. A monthly doctor's visit for checkups helps greatly. Moms take turns cleaning before and after the children eat.

The teachers work with the children on math, reading, and writing skills. The children also are taught a Bible story every day. Parents constantly thank us for helping their children. They volunteer without hesitation to help in any way they can.

Why sponsor the whole program and not an individual child?

After people travel to Guatemala with a team and serve, they are excited and want to continue the effort by financially supporting the ministry. Sometimes, the excitement wears off. Sometimes, they go through difficult seasons. Sometimes, they simply forget. This does not, however, need to be a reason for a child to be asked to leave the program. Hence, if everyone sponsors the program as a whole, the probability is less that a child would have to be asked to leave the program.

GET INVOLVED

Want to donate supplies?

If you’re interested in donating needed supplies for our Happy tummies children, please check our “Prayers & Needs” page to know more about each ministry’s specific need.

LEARN MORE