The GOD’S CHILD Project is a non-political, ecumenical charity that began 16 years ago by North Dakota native, Patrick Atkinson.  Atkinson was volunteering in Guatemala during its’ violent “war years” of the 1980’s, literally rescuing orphaned boys and girls from the hillside villages after the military massacres.  He raised them as his own and then left Guatemala to resume what he thought would be a “normal” life.  Back in Bismarck, he began receiving hundreds of letters from these children saying that they were back out onto the streets and they pleaded for his return.  He sold all of his belongings and left immediately for Guatemala with the goal of caring for these 35 children.  Of course more and more street children came knocking on his door, and so began The GOD’S CHILD Project.  He has since raised over 18,000 orphaned or abandoned boys and girls throughout the years.  Read Atkinson’s compelling story in a recently published biography by Monica Hannan, The Dream Maker.

A network of clinics, schools and Community Development Centers, The GOD’S CHILD Project provides foster homes, legal support, medical care, food, clothing and above all personal development and love to its children.  A very important focus is the spirituality and the self-esteem with which helps to recover their health, their dreams and their future.  Over forty-five international ServiceTeams (including teams from NDSU, MSU, UND, U of Mary, local churches, high schools, service clubs and families) come down to build houses and clinics, volunteer in the school, library, malnourished infant center or homeless shelter, providing the basic services for the poorest of the country. 

The GOD’S CHILD Project helps the poor in Central America, Africa and right here in the United States.  It is because of the love and support from the people of North Dakota and Minnesota that they are able to serve so many boys, girls and abused, single women.  Funded 100% by private donations, Sponsors donate a monthly donation of $25 - $100 to care for a child, educate them and give them the tools these children need to break their chains of poverty.  Most importantly, they develop a personal relationship that shows a child that someone cares.  For more information on sponsorship, volunteering in Guatemala or locally, contact Jena Gullo, Executive Director at 701-255-7956 or visit www.GCPNC.org.