Help Carlos Save His Sight
Carlos represents everything we prayed for our community to become when we started TKLF. I have known him for most of his life, and I deeply respect the man—and Christian—he is today.
He is the oldest son of a physically challenged single mother, helping raise his younger siblings in an extremely poor community. Carlos himself was born with serious challenges, including a club foot and vision in only one eye. Still, he never let hardship define him.
From a young age, Carlos was always at the mission. He was a strong student, helped classmates who struggled, and quietly volunteered wherever help was needed—working in the garden, painting, sweeping floors—always without being asked, and always with humility. At just 16, he took responsibility beyond his years and found work in the local tourist industry, doing whatever jobs were available behind the scenes.
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Today, at 21, Carlos continues working faithfully, earning only enough to cover basic weekly expenses while still helping support his mother and siblings.
When Carlos was eight, he received a prosthetic eye that should have been replaced six years later. Financial hardship made that impossible. Now, a serious infection threatens the sight in his remaining eye. Without urgent surgery, a new prosthetic eye, and medication, he could lose his vision entirely.
The total cost of care is $1,250.
This gift could save Carlos’s sight—and with it, his ability to work, care for his family, and continue being a light to others despite having so little himself.
Any amount makes a real difference and will have an immediate, life‑changing impact.
If you are able to give, Donate Now.
Thank you for standing with Carlos.
The upper‑left photo captures a recent visit when Carlos was able to sit with us and share lunch. It was a small, ordinary moment—yet deeply meaningful for those of us who have watched him grow over the years.
"Sustainability" Research Project
Based on research accumulated in conjunction with Vanderbilt University, we are launching a new study at our Villa Valedor mission in the Dominican Republic. Ultimately, we are looking to solve the problem of community sustainability defined as community reliance on outside donors.
This program will include a study that will require a parent to attend class with their child in the mission classroom and to discuss the assignment in the family home.
For a detailed description of the study and variables to be measured, please click on project details below.
