Songs of Joy is a legal Association in Guatemala as well as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation in the U.S.  There is a local Board of Directors composed of both Guatemalans and North Americans.  There is also a U.S. Board of Directors.

There have been over 400 children cared for at the Songs of Joy Home since we received our first children in October of 1990. Some placements are short-term, others indefinite, and our numbers fluctuate; lately we have been averaging about 55 children at the Home ranging in age from infancy  to 18 years of age -- including the 3 youngest of our 7 adopted Guatemalan children.  We are currently processing the adoption of our 8th child.

One thing unique about Songs of Joy is that we receive large family groups, and older children, while many  of the other agencies in the country will not accept them. We have also taken children with "special" needs.  We provide food, clothing, medical and dental care, education, recreation, and (most importantly) spiritual training.   Many of the children come to us from severely abusive situations. Some have deep emotional scars and it takes a great deal of love, counsel, and the grace of God to see them changed.  His promise to us is that "It is never in vain!"

If you would like to read our Vision please click on the link (SOJ Vision) to do so. 

Our Own School:  Because of their background, our kids need much individual attention and motivation   We want them to be well prepared so that, if they should choose, and have the ability, they can continue on with higher formal education to become doctors, dentists, attorneys, engineers, missionaries -- young men and women equipped to share their skills and their faith wherever God might call them.  Because of that, we began our own on-site school in January of 2001, with all primary classes through 6th grade.  The school year here runs from January to October.

Evangelistic Outreach Ministry.   Our ministry includes evangelism in several forms.  We regularly go to outlying poor mountain villages to take medical teams (often with visitors who come), or for food/clothing distribution.  When we have a medical clinic, the medicine is given to the people without cost, and after they are seen by a doctor and receive their medicine, they are directed to a Prayer Station where each person is presented with the Gospel message.  We have seen great fruit in this area, as people receive Jesus Christ as Savior or come to a place of rededicating themselves to Him.  We then attempt to see them incorporated into a local village church fellowship.

Feeding Program.   One of the reasons so many families are forced to place their children in "institutions" is because of their inability to provide even basic necessities for them.  In our attempt to help with the poverty of so many, we have a monthly program whereby we are assisting 100+ sponsored children and their families.  Primarily, they come monthly to take back to their homes various food items, including beans, rice, corn, sugar, and fresh vegetables.  While at our Home they are presented with a gospel message of the love of God as demonstrated through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.  We have a semi-annual "Birthday Bash" for the children whose birthdays fall within that 6 month period.  That is always a fun time with piñatas, birthday cake, games and gifts.  Each year we provide new shoes for each of our sponsored children.  We also assist them with school supplies at the beginning of each school year.

International Outreach.  We have done several Evangelistic Outreaches in other countries: particularly so far in El Salvador and Nicaragua.  We have seen more than 4,000 individuals come to Jesus Christ through these outreaches.  You can see further details on those by going to our Outreach page.  Click

Staff/Volunteers.  We are always in need of more individuals to come and work with us -- whether on a short- term basis for a few weeks, a few months or a longer commitment.  The knowledge of Spanish is extremely helpful but not entirely "mandatory" since many of our children have a basic understanding of English and there is a possibility of learning it here.  We need a full-time nurse.  We are interested in finding both a mechanic and a carpenter who will not only maintain our vehicles and build things for the Home but will be able to teach some of the children who have an interest in learning these trades.  It would be wonderful to have a full time maintenance man on the grounds, to oversee all of the upkeep of our buildings and gardens.  We need a full time nurse as well.  If you would like to pursue the possibility of coming to serve with us, see Short-Term Visit and then contact us. Click

Facilities..  In July of 1998 we began construction of a complex which has the potential to house up to 100 children.  (You can see these facilities by clicking on the Facilities link)   The following structures are completed:
    (1) kitchen / dining room / laundry area
   (2) a two-story dorm building:  upstairs are girls' dorms, pharmacy/medicine room, a guest room, and storage rooms;  on the first floor are dorms for toddler and little boys, the school office, a class rooms and a guest room.
    (3) a mechanic shop and carpentry shop
   (4) a 2-story building where our older boys' dorm is on the second floor and the first floor is living quarters for full-time staff
    (5) a school building / chapel / family home --  on the first floor are 4 class rooms and a chapel;  the Directors'  family currently have their living quarters on the second floor.
    (6) a swimming pool
    (7) a conference center which can seat 300

Finances.  At present it costs approximately $10,000 per month for the operation of our home.  That does NOT include the costs of running the school OR any outreach ministries.  As missionaries, we maintain the home with the contributions which we receive on a monthly basis.  At this time we are about $5,000 short nearly each month in the support which we receive.   We have a monthly sponsorship program for the children and at present 70% of our children have sponsors at $35 per month. If you would like more information about sponsoring a specific child please click on the Sponsorship page or contact us. Click

We cannot do this work alone. Our partners are like our extended "family" and very important to us.  If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please send us your address, whether by "snail mail" or E-mail. If you have a Facebook page, you can find information and see many pictures there.  Just ask to be friends with "Carla Rose" or simply search for "Songs of Joy" to connect to the pages. 

If God should move in your heart to join with us through prayer and financial support we look forward to getting to know you.   Any assistance you give us will be so appreciated, and we know that God is faithful to bless those who care about His little ones.  Our support address can be found below, and also on the Home Page, as well as a Pay Pal icon to pay thru credit card, if you should choose.

If you'd like to consider the possibility of coming for a short- or long-term visit please check out our Short-Term Missions page and then let us know of your plans.  Our doors are open and the children love the hugs and attention that visitors always bring. We are more than happy to answer your questions and consider that possibility. Click


Proclaiming God's Faithfulness,

 Carla Rose