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BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — The God’s Child Project aims to “Break the bitter chains of poverty through education, healthcare, dignified housing, economic and social empowerment, and sustainable development.” We spoke with two devoted members about their experience going on trips to build homes, distribute food, and doing so much more.

BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — The GOD’S CHILD Project, a nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, has launched the Footprints of Hope Shoe Campaign to provide essential footwear for children and mothers living in severe poverty.

A team of compassionate and dedicated nursing students from Dickinson State University (DSU) embraced the spirit of service as they embarked on a transformative journey to Guatemala over spring break. From February 29 to March 9, 2024, the DSU Nursing Student Association students participated in the God’s Child Project, providing essential healthcare services and support to underserved communities in Guatemala.

GCP has raised and educated 83,000 impoverished and abandoned children in Guatemala. It also has a hospital for malnourished children that has served thousands.

When Brendan Dwyer was four years old, his mom, Marianne, became the director of Teenagers, Inc., a nonprofit that aims to connect teens to the world through community service. Working from an office on Bethlehem Pike near Chestnut Hill Avenue, Marianne Dwyer served in that role for nearly 20 years while also raising seven children at the family’s home in Chestnut Hill.

This summer, Benedictine Certified Nursing Assistant/UND nursing student Hayden Reitmeier participated in the God’s Child Project in Guatemala. He traveled to Guatemala with fellow students working for 11 days. The God’s Child Project, founded in 1991, works in the United States, Guatemala, and India. Their focus is to provide aid in education, healthcare, housing, disaster relief, legal systems, and human trafficking, with the goal of lifting people out of poverty.

Earlier this month, we introduced you to a Washburn woman who we described as a “Human Hurricane” for all of the outstanding contributions she’s made around the clock to help others here in the state.

The God’s Child Project volunteers sprung into action after the Fuego volcano, located 25 miles west of Guatemala City, Guatemala, erupted June 3. The eruption left more than 100 people dead, destroyed hundred of homes and left many people without shelter and clean drinking water. About four hours later the volcano emitted a 1,600-degree pyroclastic cloud of volcanic gas, ash, water and small stones. The cloud rolled down the mountainside at 70 mph, consuming everything in its path. Those in its path were burned alive or buried in 60 feet of volcanic ruble.

The Volcán de Fuego, a volcano in the Southern region of Guatemala, erupted unexpectedly on Sunday, killing at least 75 people. Videos and photos of the eruption have been spread across social media, showing images of residents fleeing the disaster as well as destroyed cars and buildings covered in a thick layer of ash.

In Guatemala, 50 percent of the population live in poverty. For 25 percent, that poverty is extreme. When families can’t afford to feed their kids, they have no choice but to look for help. Nobody wants to see a baby starve, but one Dickinson couple actually did something about it. Monica Hannan recently traveled to Antigua, Guatemala, to see the result.

“Why not me?” That’s how Sam Borja Truax responded when asked why he would agree to help oversee voting for an election in Guatemala.