It all started with a movie and a simple question that set Craig Vanhove on a life-changing mission. After watching the movie The Insanity of God, Craig asked God if there was something He wanted him to do, and if there was, could He make it really clear. His answer came four days later when Casa Angelina Orphanage in Guatemala called. Within two months, he was on his way to the orphanage for a 5 day volunteer work trip. During his stay, it became abundantly clear there was a need for new equipment as everything they had was worn out.

When Craig got home, he told his wife they needed to build the orphanage a welding truck and teach welding to the children. That Saturday morning, before getting out of bed, God told him, “I’m going to support you on this.” Although he was starting at zero, with God and his wife’s support, he believed in his ability to make a difference. Throughout the coming years, Craig spent countless hours working and explaining his mission to customers when they would notice the additional equipment in his shop. Four years, two more trips to Guatemala and over $100,000 in donations later, all the equipment needed to start a trade school at the orphanage was loaded in to two 40-foot shipping containers and ready for final delivery.

Craig built or purchased $650,000 worth of equipment for this project. He built everything as heavy duty as possible due to the rough use it could go through in the mountains. Even the purchased equipment was modified to bring it to the standards Craig was satisfied with. The equipment included three custom-built trailers that will be used to transport the welding equipment to job-sites. Parts of Guatemala are very hot and humid, meaning the steel components would be vulnerable to rusting. Based on his years of shop experience, Craig has witnessed the difference between painted and galvanized steel in use. It was not a difficult decision for him to determine galvanizing was the right fit for this equipment. Not only does it provide corrosion protection, it also reaches the inside of tubular parts and is extremely durable. With 300,000 orphans living on the streets of Guatemala, longevity was another important factor to ensure these children continue to have the opportunity to learn a trade and create a promising future.

The galvanized components were used to build three trailers. The first is a double wall box with two 60-gallon water tanks mounted underneath. The second one is to haul a skid steer. It has a tubular rack in the front for attachments and additional tubular construction for the hinged rear section. The final trailer is for moving shipping containers around the orphanage. It has a channel frame and tubular cross members. When asked if there were any unique challenges related to galvanizing, Craig shared, “I like to weld my parts tightly together. It takes a lot of self-control to leave venting areas.” Also, since he wanted to add color with power coating, special tape had to be sourced and held in place with magnets to mask off specific areas.

This project will have a big impact on orphans, widows and the greater Guatemalan community. Currently, 130 children are growing up to be responsible Christian adults at the Casa Angelina. Starting a trade school expands the opportunities available to these children and teaches them skills to help them succeed. This equipment will also assist small, poor villages with construction, hauling and welding services. To date, the orphanage has built over 100 widow homes and the new equipment will make this process more efficient in the future. Through his faith in the Lord and gracious generosity, Craig will impact countless lives through the completion of this project.

Success Story: After a rough start to life, Suselle entered Casa Angelina at age 10. Growing up at the orphanage, she received shelter, support and education. Now 23 years old, Suselle was recently accepted at the Aeronautical Engineering School in Spain and she has a very promising future to look forward to.