"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" — 2 Corinthians 5:17
As we continue through this holy season of Lent and approach Holy Week 2026, our hearts are filled with gratitude. Your support through your purchases every month, benefit those in need across the globe. This month, your 10% will be going to the Ezekiel Center - a beautiful outreach that blossomed from terrible tragedy.
From Tragedy to Service
On September 8, 2014, the son of Jonathan and Teresa (Ezekiel) drowned while they served the needy in Villa de Juarez, Coahuila, Mexico. Desiring to use their painful experience to enter into the suffering of others, they opened the first Ezekiel home in 2015, in the town of Pucacaca, San Martin, Peru. Since then other homes have been erected and during 2020, they felt inspired by the suffering of many youth in local indigenous communities to open a place where they could be fed, developing their individual potential to seek a better life. Thus was born the Ezekiel Center and Ezekiel Project, providing food to local families, help when emergencies arise, dinner to 40-50 kids every weekday, physical and nutritional education, and daily classes in faith formation, reading, and arts and crafts.
Where Are They Now?
While the family is now settled in Nebraska—with Jonathan serving as Director of Catholic Social Services in Hastings and Teresa working as a case manager for local clients in need and teaching English to immigrants seeking a better life — their spirits remain tied to the beautiful community in Chontapunta, which they are currently hoping to support. They are overjoyed to report that the program is thriving under the new direction of Marcia Dahua and her team of Jonathan Tapuy, Rosa Tapuy and Rosa Vargas.
New Life at the Center
The past few months have been filled with faith, fellowship, and growth. Because of your support, this beautiful work continues to flourish:
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Formation Themes: This quarter, the children are focusing on the Books of the Bible, Guardian Angels, the Creation Story, and the Liturgical Calendar.
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Daily Bread: The children get to enjoy meals after their daily religious formation and activities.
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Soccer & Community: Jonathan, his wife Rosa, and the kids relax after a long afternoon of games.
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Dignity & Care: For Christmas, over 40 kids received professional haircuts and lice treatments. This was a special gift from Jonathan’s sister, who has become a local hair stylist working out of her home.
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Building for the Future: We are excited to announce the construction of a new Cabaña! This space will allow the kids to dance and play games even when it rains, and it provides an outdoor cooking area for Rosa and Marcia.
Your 10% from Rooted for Good purchases will also go to supporting this amazing program! Our Good for Others campaign is at the heart of why we do what we do. We sell all natural skincare products to help others - PERIOD! Thank you for helping, through your purchases and donations this month, especially during this Lenten season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The Ezekiel Center and all of us at Rooted for Good thank you!
Growing and learning together,
Anna Ketterling