Puerto Maldonado, Peru
About The Location And History
Puerto Maldonado is a city in southeastern Peru with a population of about 100,000 people in the Amazon rainforest 55 kilometres west of the Bolivian border; It is located at the convergence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios rivers. The latter river joins a tributary of the Amazon. This city is the capital of the Madre de Dios Region. It has the official title of Capital of Biodiversity in Peru in recognition of important records of flora and fauna found in the forests. With much of the mining and forestry, children are sadly often trafficked, neglected or abused.
Special Fundraiser – Hope on Wheels!
It’s time to replace the two 12-year-old vehicles at Tat’s Place! Life at this Children’s Home in Puerto Maldonado requires reliable vehicles. The current cars have served them well and earned a well-deserved retirement. These vehicle upgrades will provide Tats Place with reliable transportation for many years! Your support will ensure that the precious children at Tat’s Place are well cared for in all circumstances.
Who Are We Partnering With?
Scott and Tracy are from Ontario, where they lived attending Emmanuel Baptist church while for many years running a masonry business. They were led to Peru in 2014 and have lived ever since. They are dedicated to serving children who have experienced pain from their past. Working closely with the local Government, permanent and transitional care for children who are victims of family violence, abuse, abandonment, trafficked, or homeless is provided.
If you want to support the Blackburn Family personally, you can give a special one-time gift or support them monthly. Click the following to give a Canadian Donation or a US Donation:
Tatiana’s Story
From a very young age, Tatiana had a heart for serving children. After a short trip to help at an orphanage in Haiti in 2014, she was ready to go all in to serve the less fortunate children of the world. Tatiana was the driving force behind the family moving to Peru, and she loved the children of Peru.
In the summer of 2018, Tatiana Blackburn died tragically in a car accident. To honour her memory, we have started a fund called Tat’s Kids Peru. This fund is designated to the children at Tat’s Place for the ongoing operation of the home, and will be used to further the cause she believed in so deeply.
“If the world is cold, make it your business to build fires.” ~ Tat
What Is The Initiative?
In Puerto Maldonado, our project is Alegre Sonido de Dios, a home for children of all ages who have suffered at the hands of their abusers. Since arriving in Peru, Scott and Tracy have cared for over 70 children from varying backgrounds, including sexual abuse, violent abuse, abandonment, and orphans.
These children are protected and provided education, spiritual guidance, and counsel in a loving and caring place where the children can heal.
If you would like to pray for the kids, see the children’s profiles here.
Special Projects
As the ministry grows, several local businesses have stepped up to help Tat’s Kids. This past year they have seen high inflation rates, with food and fuel costs increasing by 30-50% and propane costs increasing by 100%! God has faithfully met their needs so far but moving forward into 2023, and we ask that you consider supporting this home.
From time to time, some efforts need attention. You have the opportunity to make a donation towards a special fund, for a special effort, for a special ministry! These efforts include Birthday Celebrations, Christmas presents, and other needs for the Home. Thank you for helping the Blackburns in their ministry to love and care for the most vulnerable children in Puerto Maldonado! You are truly making an impact!