A few years ago, a group of friends (some Ecuadorians, some North Americans) pooled their money together to purchase a 100-year-old house in the heart of Quito's Historic Center- just a few blocks from Presidential palace.
Alicia--the daughter of Sixto Duran Ballen a former President of Ecuador and former Mayor of Quito-- had a vision to restore this run-down house and use it as a place to accomplish three things:
1) To house young men who would commit for 1-3 years to live and study together the principles and Person of Jesus of Nazareth.
2) To create a safe, inviting place where both the leaders of the country and the poor in the community could gather, share a meal, and get to know one another. People from all different backgrounds, ethnicities, and social classes would be welcomed in the name of Jesus.
3) To host international friends who would visit, share, serve, and participate in the activities of the house for a period of time, causing the network and family of God to grow.
Casa Victoria is a venue for two kinds of restoration. The obvious and tangible restoration is that of the house itself, and the landscaping of the surrounding area. It is a beautiful, grand, and historic home with an inner courtyard, high ceilings, wood floors; many fire places and several original artistic designs.
The other type of restoration is the restoration of people to God and to each other. Alicia, Jose Luis, and Jose's wife Carolina have been pouring into the five young men who are currently living at the house, and caring for each visitor (rich or poor) who is somehow connected to Jesus.
The young men living in the house come from various backgrounds, but each of them knows their need for God, for His love, grace and leadership in their lives. They are learning to be faithful in small things, like keeping things clean and doing what they say they are going to do. They are learning to be honest with each other and to apologize and forgive each other for offenses. They are learning to love and serve the poor, whether it is a hungry person, or a political leader who is poor in spirit.
These young men are also serving the community of San Roque, where the house is located. This neighborhood is inhabited primarily by poor people, who come from the countryside in hopes of having a better life in the city. Most of the time, they face disappointment, hardship and mistrust. This is where Casa Victoria come in: it is a place where they are shown love and care, a listening ear, a shared meal, and Jesus of Nazareth.
The Library
In August of 2007, the city council of Quito awarded Casa Victoria a grant to build a library inside the house, as a prize for their submitted proposal of a project that would benefit the community. When completed, this library will be an information center with computers, multimedia, and two levels of bookshelves. This is a vital opportunity to open the doors of Casa Victoria to the children of the neighborhood and their parents, many of who are single mothers. There are no libraries in the local schools, so this will be a wonderful resource for people, and one more opportunity for those overseeing and living in Casa Victoria to serve and develop relationships with those who come.
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