In December of 1981, a 44-year-old Trappist Monk named William Wilson made a life-altering decision. After living in cloistered seclusion for his entire adult life, he left his monastery to respond to a call from God to live among the poor of Latin America.  Although he embarked on this mission believing he would live a contemplative existence, he soon began to sense that God had a different plan. After two years in Cochabamba, Bolivia, Father William chose a remote and inaccessible slope high in the Andes on which to build a small adobe room where he would seek the Lord’s guidance. Here, in the small village of Aramasi, Father William witnessed the utter destitution of the Quechua natives who filed through his doorway seeking treatment for their many illnesses and diseases. While he did his best to minister to them, his initial efforts proved to be terribly inadequate.  Finally, Father William called upon some old friends from the United States and, with their support, he was able to establish the area’s first clinic.

God’s vision for Father William did not end there, however. The former monk had not forgotten the people of Cochabamba whom he first met upon his arrival – particularly the many orphaned and abandoned children. Again the Lord spoke to Father William, and he responded by establishing Villa Amistad, a haven where children could find a safe home, nourishing meals, educational opportunities and, most importantly, the love of Jesus.

Today, nearly one hundred children find hope at Villa Amistad, and the medical program in Aramasi provides care to thousands of impoverished villagers in the region. In addition, we have expanded our programs to include enhanced academic, vocational, and religious training as well as an impending micro-enterprise project.

The Lord’s vision for Amistad Mission continues,
and we invite you to help us make His vision a reality.
Contact us today, and become a part of history!

“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
                     Prov. 22:6