The History of Estado 29 Orphanage

Orphanage Estado 29 was founded by Mexican minister Jose Acosta Zamora in August 1957 with five children who were orphans from the town of San Luis Rio Colorado in Sonora.

Pastor Acosta was deeply influenced by the presence of so many children living on the street of many Mexican cities. He started preaching about their condition and the Christian obligation that we have to help orphans. 

In the town of San Antonio, Mrs. Manuela Camacho was touched by this and she donated the land to start a home for these children.  Mrs. Camacho did not have family or children, thus these five orphans became her family and she also began serving the Lord at Estado 29.

For many years the orphanage consisted of three mud-wall rooms a few old beds, a dinner table and a wood stove for cooking. In 1975, electricity was connected and an LPG tank was added to supply gas for cooking. Improvement to the facilities has been done very slowly by private donations or individuals. 

In 1977 Mrs. Camacho passed away and left the land to the orphanage.

In 1983, Pastor Acosta and his family founded a private, Mexican non-profit organization to operate as an orphanage.

In 1987, Pastor Acosta became very ill and he gave the direction of the orphanage to his daughter Debora.  At the same time he gave direction of the church in Ensenada to his son Samuel who is also a pastor.

The financial situation of the orphanage was often critical, with no money to pay the bills nor to buy food. The orphanage didn't have a proper kitchen, dining room, laundry room, bathrooms, etc. and there were about 30 children to take care of. 

Each day they trusted in the Lord and slowly the needs were answered.  
Today, visitors are sometimes surprised at the cleanliness and size of the facilities.  

Through the continual generosity of many, many donors, the children's physical needs are regularly met.  Donations are continually encouraged, as the expenses are high for a facility this size providing quality care for so many children.  Your participation as a donor is greatly encouraged and appreciated.  Contact any trip coordinator on how to become a regular supporter.

The children are enrolled in local schools and many attend the church that Pastor Acosta founded in Ensenada: Una Iglesia de la Ciudad.  

Visitors provide to the children what donations cannot: encounters with our loving God.  Bring God's love to these children when you visit.