Places

Afuaman is a village located in the Ga West Municipal Assembly of the Greater Accra Region in Ghana. In Afuaman, the main occupations are peasant farming and petty trading, given its rural setting near Greater Accra.  It is near the Densu River, a significant water body in Ghana. The Densu River flows into the Weija Reservoir, providing water for domestic and industrial use in Accra and surrounding areas. Many residents practice Christianity, with some also following traditional African religions. Islam is also present in the community.

  Ahamansu, also known as Ahamasu or Ahamanso, is a peasant farming community in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region, Ghana. It has a poverty rate above 50%. Kadjebi District shares an eastern boundary with the Republic of Togo. In Ahamansu, many people practice traditional African religions, which include idol worship and ancestor veneration. However, Christianity and Islam are also prevalent.

Gbawe (pronounced BOW-EE) is a suburb of the Capital City of Accra. The roads are all dirt and nearly impassible in the rainy season. Unemployment in Gbawe is rampant. Most people in Gbawe do menial jobs and basic trading of goods.

  Kponkpa is a peasant farming community in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region, Ghana, and is part of the broader, hilly cocoa-growing belt near the Togo border. The community has one of the highest percentages of population without water on their premises, with about 83.5% lacking access to water at home. This scarcity affects residents' daily lives, forcing them to rely on polluted sources or travel long distances for water. Idol worship and traditional rituals are part of some residents' spiritual practices. However, Christianity and Islam are also prevalent in Kponkpa. It has a poverty rate above 50%.

 Tafi-Atome is located in the Afadzato South District of the Volta Region in Ghana. This district is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, including the Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary established in 1996, where monkeys have been protected for over 200 years as messengers of the gods. In Tafi-Atome, traditional African religions are practiced, with some people worshiping gods and ancestors. Christianity is also prevalent in the area. The community has a mix of traditional and modern faiths. The community's main occupation in Tafi Atome is farming, with many residents engaged in agriculture. However, tourism has become a significant contributor to the local economy, with the Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary attracting thousands of visitors each year. Many community members are involved in eco-tourism activities, such as guiding, hospitality services, and selling local products. 

Tamale (pronounced TOM-A-LEE) is the largest city in the Northern portion of Ghana and is essentially the gateway to the North. Tamale is the fastest growing city in West Africa and is predominately Muslim (97%) or "Traditional" Idol worship. Although Ghana is considered a "Christian" nation, Tamale is a Muslim stronghold.

Tarikpaa (pronounced TARE-IK-PA) is a rural village filled with peasant farmers who grow maize, yam and beans. Many people in this village suffer from malnutrition due to the simple lack of food. Most families live below the poverty line with an average monthly income of $15/month. The only hope of breaking the poverty cycle is through education.

Santa Catarina Pinula (Cristo Rey) is a town, with a population of 70,982 and a municipality in the Guatemala Department of Guatemala. Its history dates back to pre-Hispanic times when the indigenous people of that era founded the town. During the conquest, the Spaniards brought many Mexican indigenous people, who brought with them a wealth of cultural elements, which were integrated into the local groups.

Guatemala City stands as the most populous city in all of Guatemala. The landfill in Zone 3, officially known as the Guatemala City Dump, is the largest in the country. This landfill plays a crucial role in the city's waste management, although it also presents significant environmental and social challenges. Many of the families living in these communities are part of the recycling workforce at the Zone 3 landfill. These individuals collect materials such as plastic, cardboard, aluminum, cans, and even clothing. These items are then resold, earning them around five dollars a day. The houses in these communities are built from wood and metal sheets, as most families have limited resources and lack the capital to afford better housing and proper nutrition. They often do not have access to basic services such as potable water, electricity, food, and education.    

Hope Rising located in Leogane, Haiti was created after the devastating earthquake of 2010. The area is very poor and most families eat only 2-3 good meals a week. High divorce and infidelity rates create broken families and homes that are at risk. Hope Rising Fellowship and Hope Rising Christian Academy are two bright shining lights in the community providing Jesus, health, and education to the masses.

Ciudad Victoria is in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, about 200 miles south of Brownsville, TX. It sits at the foot of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain Range. Ciudad Victoria has a population of approx. 346,000 people, of which 90% are Catholic. Over 37% of the population is considered marginalized. The primary salary per day is $4.28 USD, with primary occupations in factory and construction work. There is a lot of poverty within this community and a lot of medical needs. Lakepointe, through the local church partner Amor Viviente, has been able to help meet the medical needs within this community. We have also been able to reach out to the kids through the local church by using the AWANA program and our Child Sponsorship Ministry.

Matamoros is a city in the northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas. It is on the southern bank of the Rio Grande, directly across the border from Brownsville, TX, United States. Matamoros if the second largest city in the state of Tamaulipas. As of 2016, Matamoros had a population of 520,367. Matamoros is the 39th largest in Mexico and anchors the second largest metropolitan area in Tamaulipas. Additionally there is a very large disabled and physically challenged community. Lakepointe, through the local church partner Iglesia Bautista AMMI, has been able to help meet the medical needs within this community. We have also been able to reach out to the kids through the local church, where we have our Child Sponsorship Ministry.

Piedras Negras is a small border town in Coahuila, Mexico across from Eagle Pass, Texas. It has a population of approx. 180,000 people of which 72% are Catholic. The primary salary per day is $4.65 USD, with primary occupations in factory and construction work. There is a lot of poverty within this community and a lot of medical needs. Additionally, there is a very large disabled and physically challenged community. Lakepointe, through the local church partner Fuente de Vida, has been able to help meet the medical needs within this community. We have also been able to reach out to the kids through the local church by using the AWANA program and Child Sponsorship Ministry.