Achieving the Impossible: How Faith, Sponsorship and Perseverance Are Transforming Lives

ON MOST SUNDAYS, poised and graceful, Jeffy accompanies worship in the IBQ church with her clarinet. One might never imagine the uphill battle that this beautiful young woman has endured to become Dr. Jeffy Ariza. Recently, she reminisced, “I remember ever since childhood, I wanted to be a doctor. Economically, it was impossible until I received the CLEP scholarship. But then, serious health issues caused me to drop out, and everything was compounded by family chaos. No matter how difficult it was, I always maintained faith in the Lord and the will to achieve my goal. STCH Ministries and my sponsors continued to believe in me. They accompanied me until, with God’s help, I achieved my dream of graduating with my medical degree. My life is living proof that ‘With God nothing shall be impossible.’”

The Christian Leadership Educational Program (CLEP) was developed as an extension of the Samuel’s Fund sponsorship for children four years old through high school. The CLEP scholarship program enables high school graduates who have demonstrated leadership potential to achieve a college education, secure productive employment and impact their culture for Christ in the Dominican Republic. In addition to maintaining good grades, students are required to give back 10 hours per week to younger children through tutoring or other ministries. During June and July, they invest 15 hours helping with the summer mission teams, developing their leadership skills and learning English.

Each graduation is hard-fought and represents a series of triumphs over financial impossibilities, family chaos, illness, food scarcity, along with transportation challenges and frequent tropical storms, aptly named “tormentas.” As these children accomplish the impossible, they change the future and multiply their potential influence for Christ.

Luis Alcantara graduated in April. He sent pictures to his sponsor family as he wrote,

“Hello! I write this letter with much love. My family was going through a very difficult time financially, and it’s amazing how God touched your hearts, and you chose me. From that moment, my life changed, from elementary school through university. Wow, God is wonderful! I’ve now graduated with a degree in marketing. In that process, I met the love of my life, and it truly was magical and wonderful. Today, we got married and have embarked on another journey together. Thank you for so much love, for your time, your dedication, your effort and your devotion to God. God truly has your reward in Heaven.”

When we first met Tommy, his needs were obvious and overwhelming. Appalling living conditions in the midst of poverty, a bedridden mother and a grandmother, his potential was doubtful. Yet by God’s grace, the investment of staff and personal grit, today Tommy is a university graduate. He writes,

“I address you with deep respect and admiration to express my sincere gratitude for becoming part of my family. Thanks to your dedication to my well-being and your faith in the transforming power of Christian love, I have achieved the impossible—graduating from college.

I have a good job, recently promoted to supervisor of a call center, and will soon be married to a beautiful Christian girl. This achievement is not only personal; it is also a reflection of the collective effort of an institution that believes in the potential of every young person, that prays for our families, and that works tirelessly to open paths of hope. Through your mission, you have planted in me values that I will carry with me throughout my life: gratitude, perseverance, faith and service. With eternal gratitude, Tommy Júnior Cuevas Séptimo.”

The Figueroa house leaned dangerously and reflected the equally precarious family dynamics, an alcoholic father and hunger frequently knocking at their front door. STCH Ministries’ sponsorship and the IBQ church reached out to them, and when Jesus was invited in, everything changed. Recently, Barlin Figueroa wrote,

“I am pleased to share that I have completed my photography studies. I want to share how the Lord has worked in my life through STCH Ministries, particularly through the CLEP and Samuel’s Fund programs. In His faithfulness, God opened doors when my family needed them most and showed us the love of Christ. God provided in wonderful ways: we received food exactly when we needed it the most, school supplies, a proper bed to rest in and even the construction of a home that today serves as a refuge for my family. I know all of this was an expression of God’s love through people who, without even knowing me personally, sowed into my life with love and faith. I recently completed my education. But beyond the diploma, I carry with me a clearer vision of my purpose and a deep desire to serve others, just as I was served.”

A primary goal for every young person is to find employment in their chosen field. Nayelis Payano shared her excitement as she not only graduated but also found employment in her chosen field,

“I write this letter with a heart full of gratitude to thank you for all your support during my career. Your constant prayers and your visit to my country, where we were able to meet. I have officially completed my studies. In March of this year, I presented my thesis and obtained a grade of 97 points, which filled me with satisfaction. In October, I had the graduation ceremony, an unforgettable moment that marked the end of an important stage in my life.

Also, I want to share with you some great news: I have landed a new job! I am currently working as a Junior Media Planner at an advertising agency. This achievement is the fruit of your unconditional support.”

Sponsorship Director, Rebeca Dinzey, and her staff have accompanied these young people and many more. Over 20 have graduated, and 30 more are currently pursuing a degree. She reflected,

“It has been my honor and great privilege to see so many stay faithful and become what God made them to be through the CLEP program. He has used sponsors to bless the CLEP students, who sometimes did not know them at all, had never seen them personally, and they faithfully paid their school, sometimes paid for their room and board, not expecting anything in return. That’s grace beyond measure. That’s the unending love from God through the hearts of the sponsors.”

Every CLEP graduate represents far more than a diploma earned. Their stories are testimonies of God’s faithfulness, the power of Christian sponsorship and the determination to persevere through overwhelming obstacles. What once seemed impossible has become reality as they step into careers, build families, serve their communities and influence others for Christ. Through the prayers, generosity and encouragement of faithful sponsors, lives are being transformed, futures are being rewritten and a legacy of hope continues to grow.