"Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage is a first-class operation! The whole program is very well organized. During my recent visit, I was impressed with the high expectations set up for the boys which are reinforced by the staff’s commitment and belief in the boys. It was particularly pleasing to see the focus and effort on education and spiritual development, which is often lacking in orphanages. I am happy to offer my wholehearted support of this worthyministry!"

Josh McDowell
Renowned Christian speaker and author of Evidence That Demands a Verdict

An article published by Fr. Barnabas Powell on his recent work trip can be found here.

 

"I cannot put into words the impact that our "work day" had on our young people. I teach the 11th and 12th Grade Church School class, and the following morning they all asked when we could return. The young people that came have wonderful memories and understand far more deeply the issue of homelessness, poverty and hunger."

Dorothea Love
St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church
Irvine, California

 

"The time we spent at St. Innocent was a life-altering experience!"

Margo Josheff
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Madison, WI

 

"I am generally somewhat suspicious of marketing, and I admit that I had viewed the Project Mexico brochures with a certain skepticism. Needless to say, I was completely blown away by the reality of the community at St. Innocent’s. Such warmth and goodwill, and a true sense of Christian Love—things which cannot be adequately conveyed in print or photos. Visiting you is an experience which will remain vivid for my entire life. Thank you so much for everything you do."

Ksenia Danylevich
Graduate, St. Vladimir’s Seminary
St. Nicholas OCA Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

 

"Being in such a remote area of a country with so little technology and infrastructure, I didn’t know if I would be able to spend (let alone enjoy) the week without T.V., video games or cell hones. However, the days passed, and I came to the realization that the week had flown by, I had had fun, and that all those things I thought I was going to miss were really just "noise" in my life. They were distractions that many of the people I had encountered in Mexico didn’t have, yet they seemed not to notice, many of them even appeared much happier than I was. Until that moment, I didn’t realize the immensity of the program that is Project Mexico. Not only is it a great program because of the work that you are doing for God and for others, but it is truly a benefit for one’s spiritual self. Truly, "it is more blessed to give than to receive.""

Alexandra Reed-Lope
St. George Romanian Orthodox Cathedral (OCA)
Southfield, MI

 

"As Katherine’s mother, I want to thank you, first of all, for doing God’s work where He has called you and for providing the excellent opportunity for others to be included in your efforts. Katherine came home humbled by what she experienced and wants to go back next year. She made me excited to go, too!"

Mary Miskov
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church
N. Huntington, PA

 

"Our journey through Tijuana and to St. Innocent’s was the high point of our two weeks in southern California. When we played soccer or shared a meal with the boys and staffers, it became clear that we, just like others who visit, were receiving much more than we could offer. …thanks for showing us how helping one person at a time can add up to so much love!"

Dn. Kevin Smith
Director, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Chorale Tour, 2006
Prof. of Liturgical Music, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

 

"As I prepared to leave St. Innocent’s my eyes welled up with tears. While I felt that I had helped people in need, I felt that I had received more than I gave. They also showed me what true character was. These boys had the ability to overcome the obstacles that they had encountered so early in life and grow into amazing young adults. And while I felt that I had shared my faith, I realized that the boys had given me a renewed sense of faith and inspired me to look deeper into my relationship with God. People have asked me if it was a culture shock when I arrived in Mexico. But I always respond that it was more of a culture shock returning to America. Looking back on my trip to Mexico I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life."

Justine Palivoda, 17 years old
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (OCA)
Parma, Ohio

 

"There are not words in the English language that can adequately describe my trip on Project Mexico. I had expected to feel charitable, or even noble in my mission to help those who needed it, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be humbled by 20 boys in an orphanage. The amount of love that they show for each other, even after horrifying pasts, awed me. The part about my trip that touched me most had to be the insignificance of the language barrier. I was startled by the universality of love, compassion, and caring. It didn’t matter that we didn’t always understand each other; we still managed to communicate our gratitude and affection. My week in Mexico is undoubtedly the most magical trip I have ever been on, and would absolutely encourage other people to participate as well."

Katie Svilar
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (OCA)
Parma, OH

 

"I just wanted to let you know how amazing an experience it was for me. Now that I am back home in Delaware I am finding it hard to adjust. I didn’t realize how attached you could get to people in one week. I not only bonded with other group members but also the boys. I think Project Mexico is full of wonderful people and staff and I can’t wait to come back."

Melissa Riley
St. Michael Archangel Orthodox Church (OCA)
Wilmington, DE

 

"I hope to return as often as there is space for me to come. Truly, I have gained more than I have helped others. God bless this work of mercy. Thank you for focusing on our spiritual needs. It does keep the work to be done in perspective."

Lori Smith
St. Nicholas OCA Church
Mogadore, OH

 

"I hope and pray that I will be invited back. This week has been a tremendous source of revitalization for me. It is so refreshing to see your work bear fruit in such an immediate manner. God bless you!!"

Fr. Michael Abdelahad
St. George Antiochian Cathedral
Worchester, MA

 

"I have never seen a happier group of children as the boys from St. Innocent Ranch. That is a testament to the great care and Christian enrichment they receive every day."

Elizabeth Ghiz
St. Ignatius Antiochian Church
Fitchburg, WI