It all starts here in Medellin – the beginning of a new future for many children living on the streets.

Many organizations are working here, and there is much being done. One thing that is hardly touched on is the girls in sexual exploitation (prostitution). Open Arms is the only organizations working with the girls on the streets. In this country alone, there is an estimated 35,000 children being sexually exploited on a daily basis. That isn’t counting the ones who are abducted or trafficking throughout this country.

Nearly 3 weeks ago, Open Arms took in 12 pregnant girls between the ages of 12 and 17. OAF provided all the necessities these girls needed, providing them with food, clothing, a place to sleep and support throughout their whole pregnancy. Some of the girls have already had babies before, and OAF has taken those babies in as well and cared for them while the mothers start the process of being restored.

Also, yesterday in one of the barrios (poor neighborhoods), the guerrillas started taking children (boys and girls) from their homes to fight in their war or to work as prostitutes. One story just yesterday was of a young girl who fled to Open Arms’ downtown center for safety. OAF is working to find her a safe home, because the guerrillas have threatened if she came back that she would be killed.

These two stories speak of exactly why we are here — to rescue children from these situations and give them safety, love and a future.

Colombia is a beautiful country, with good people all around, working very hard to support their families and help their country. Issues like this are all over the world, and even in the US. But there is a need here that is overwhelming and makes us all here and at home work even harder to rescue more children from a life of abuse, violence, and poverty.

As this project begins on May 27th, we want to ask you to think of small ways that you can help. There are many children in need, and many families that are hurting, and we have the calling to take initiative and help rescue and restore. Through your support in helping raise awareness and donating to this cause, the Open Arms Foundation can grow and flourish into an organization that can and will drastically change this country, rescuing and restoring hundreds to thousands more street children and giving them hope and salvation through Jesus Christ.

To help this cause, go to our homepage and read the section called Spread The Word. You can also donate by clicking on the button at the top of the page. Thank you.

Here are a few photos from yesterday and today that John Poole and Stephen Stonestreet took (iPhone photos):