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Bright Stars for the Children Orphanage Project
The Forest Lake Church partners with Bright Stars for Children, an orphanage in Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, by supporting the development of the campus through mission trips and serving. James 1:27 states that "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." It is our goal to put our faith in action and make a major impact through Bright Stars as we strive to Live the Gospel in the lives of orphans in the Dominican Republic.
The story of Bright Stars...
In 2025, on a trip to share wheelchairs with those in need, Glen and Loida Mather, a power couple from Forest Lake Church, felt the calling to do something powerful for the many orphans of the Dominican Republic. After prayerfully considering what God was calling them to do, and after Holy Spirit guidance to a perfect location, a campus was purchased for the future home of Bright Stars.
As they continued to journey through the process of permitting and government approval, it was obvious that God wanted Bright Stars to become a reality. In early 2026, the first child was welcomed to Bright Stars, and the orphanage continues to be a place where orphans can have a warm and loving family that teaches them the love and goodness of God.
This is only the beginning! There is current facilities for 40 children with plans for additional dormitories, classrooms and a playground to allow for the impact of Bright Stars to reach more and more children that need a place to call home.
Go. Give. Get Involved.
GO: Mission Trips
Forest Lake Church will have regular and ongoing mission trips to Bright Stars to Live the Gospel and put our love in action. There are several different type of mission trips that are offered:
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Construction
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VBS
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Medical
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Community Development
GIVE: Support Children
Each month, it costs $16,000 to operate Bright Stars. This includes the 14 paid staff, including our executive director, child-care professionals, and security, plus food, transportation, education, and utilities. Bright Stars runs off of gifts from others to impact lives in powerful ways.
GET INVOLVED: Projects
Beyond the monthly cost to run Bright Stars, there are sevearl identified projects, from $1,200 to $13,500 each:
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Front 8” Masonry security wall: $6,000
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Water Purification: $9,000
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Playground and Equipment: $15,000
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Solar Power and Batteries
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Kitchen pantry: $7,500
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Water Heaters: $2,500