A construction job. A tearful encounter. A divine calling. This is how a nonprofit was born — and how one child named Milo helped shape a vision for generations.
I’ve worked in the construction business for over 24 years. In 2018, a job took my wife, Sofia Barrantes, and me to the island of Oahu in Hawaii. At the time, we were simply focused on the project — it was business as usual. But God had something much greater in store for us.
While I was working on the building, Sofia stepped out to explore the area. Two hours later, she returned in tears. I was alarmed — I asked her what had happened. She just looked at me and said, “Come with me.” No explanation — just a quiet urgency in her voice.
We walked to the back of the building, and there it was: an orphanage filled with children in desperate need. I was stunned. I never imagined I’d witness such deep poverty here in the United States. But it was real. And it was right behind where I had been working.
Sofia had already spoken with the local pastor. That very day, we brought food, drinks, and supplies for the children. We prayed with them. We played, laughed, and read the Bible together. It was a moment of divine clarity — something shifted in us.
After I completed the job, we returned home to California. But we couldn’t forget what we had seen. As soon as we landed, Sofia and I looked at each other and said:
“We have to start a nonprofit. We have to help children in need.”
A few months later, Sofia traveled to Guatemala to visit her father’s church — Iglesia ZOAR. During a children’s ministry activity there, she met a young boy who kept coming to the church. His name was Milo.
Year after year, we would return to Guatemala and see Milo. We grew to love him as our own. At one point, we even hoped to adopt him — but God had other plans. Eventually, Milo disappeared from our lives. We never saw him again.
But his memory lived in our hearts.
In 2020, we founded Twelve to Milos, named in honor of Milo — the child who represented so many others like him. The number twelve symbolizes the disciples of Jesus Christ, and our mission is rooted in this truth:
The Perfect Kingdom of God
At the beginning, we had no land. No headquarters. Just faith.
But through years of hard work and God’s blessing, we were able to purchase land in Guatemala. And in 2024, we took a leap of obedience:
We donated eight acres of our personal property to Twelve to Milos.
That land will soon become the permanent headquarters of our mission — a place where love is served daily through education, healthcare, faith, and hope.
This is how Twelve to Milos began.
And by God’s grace, we’re only getting started.
Want to help us build the future of Twelve to Milos?
Join the mission. Support the vision. Be the reason a child feels seen, loved, and empowered.
👉 Donate Here
We invite you to be part of it.
