Stepping Up and Stepping Out

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By Ashley Wolff 

SIX BOOTHE CAMPUS STUDENTS, along with two leaders, loaded into a van and set off on a summer adventure. Their destination: Shepard of the Ozarks in Harriet, Arkansas. Their purpose: attending the Recreation Excellence Collaborative’s Youth Leadership Camp. What they did not expect was how deeply the experience would impact them, returning with hearts transformed and a renewed vision to strengthen their campus, their school and their churches. 

Every year, students apply for the opportunity to attend this life-changing camp. They are required to show leadership potential on the campus and receive recommendations from their houseparents and other staff. The staff then looks for students who have a willingness to serve and are seeking to further their relationship with Christ. After careful consideration, leadership selected the six students who would attend this year, and the excitement started to build. 

For many, the anticipation of the trip itself was enticing. The almost twelve-hour road trip had the students and leaders laughing as funny stories, jokes and loud singing filled the van. “After having the opportunity to attend the past three years, my favorite thing is the memories we make throughout the trip. Things like the EXTRA long road trip where our kids have me laughing harder than ever,” student ministries coordinator, Tea, shared. 

Once the students arrived at camp, they were able to meet campers from other campuses like their own. The camp is organized by recreation leaders from non-profits, like STCH Ministries, throughout the United States. “My favorite part was making friends with people I never thought I would even talk to. It was so cool to see how God brings people together,” Boothe Campus student, Jalynn, shared. Another student, Juliet, shared, “My favorite part about camp was when I connected with people I had never met before and seeing the love of God through others.” 

The purpose of the camp was to help students grow in their relationship with Christ while learning how to lead and encourage others. Throughout the week, students were given the opportunity to go on hikes, learn archery, do ropes courses and participate in team-building activities. What the students did not see was how these fun adventures were helping them grow into stronger leaders. “Watching one of our students face their nerves and go on the ropes course while the others cheered them on, that is something we bring home,” Tea shared. Throughout the week, they started seeing others around them in ways they never had. 

The most impactful part of the week came during the worship and message time. Each student took away something different, but each one took it to heart. One of the students, Joseph, mentioned how much the worship meant to him and that he learned about being patient with others. Meanwhile, Jalynn shared, “I learned a lot about sticking with things and trying to live out the fruit of the spirit, especially patience. I felt God really testing me to be more patient with people, and honestly, I don’t always get it right, but I’m learning it’s better when I just let Him guide my heart.” Both Jalynn and Joseph felt the Lord laying on their heart the need for patience and relying on Him. 

A beautiful aspect of this year’s trip was that two sets of siblings were able to attend together—Jalynn and her younger sister, Jada, and Sam and his older brother, Lane. Jada shared, “The most impactful part was when we would talk about God. It felt so good to know that if I lay my life in God’s hands, how much weight would be lifted from me. Seeing my sister really impacted me as well because it just means so much to me that she is believing and worshipping Him.” The siblings did not just grow as individuals; they grew together. 

Brothers Sam and Lane were impacted by a message the camp pastor, Scott, shared. They both took away the importance of seeing themselves the way God sees them. “Through God, you have a unique position, unique value, unique experiences, unique circumstances,” Lane shared. “Through those things, you can remind yourself of the ways God has made you unique from the world and the way God has made you in His image.” Sam also shared about learning how God’s opinion matters more than those around him and that he needs to focus more on God and less on the world. 

The impactful messages and worship opened the door for important conversations between the students and staff who attended. “One of my favorite things is spending the downtime with the teen girls who are asking deep, meaningful questions about Christ,” Tea shared. Juliet also expressed what this time meant to her, “Every time STCH Ministries takes us to places that share God, it brings me back to why I’m here and why God loves me.” The conversations and deeper understandings played an important role in the students’ growth and in them becoming better leaders. 

The transformations did not stop when they stepped back into the van to travel home. Each student experienced something they wanted to bring back and share with the campus. “The memories that we have are so special, and when we come home, the students and I now have a connection that is impactful to our campus,” Tea shared. “The students who may have once been blind to things that they could do on campus (like helping clean up after a campus event) now take more initiative to step in and step up to help.” Each student wanted to share their takeaway and what they brought back to the campus. 

“I just hope people know that patience, kindness and love really do make a difference, and God calls us to show that to everyone. Camp was such a blessing, and it really helped me get closer to God and keep trying to live out His word every day.” – Jalynn 

“The thing I want to bring back from camp is sharing that you are made in God’s image, so act like it. Don’t try to use your struggles against God or others; instead, use the unique things about you to show the image of God daily.” – Lane 

“I am coming back with an understanding of how to lead and how not to lead by example. I am showing more patience with others.” – Joseph 

“Coming back, I want to share that the love of God is just so powerful, and sharing what God did for us was just so amazing. Trusting God can really change your entire life. I feel free and happy to know that I’m not alone in things because God is always by my side, every step of the way.” – Jada 

“One thing I am bringing back is that people should be themselves. That they shouldn’t care what anyone else thinks. I now try not to let bad things affect me and my life, but to also use it to help me.” – Sam 

“Something I learned at camp that I’m bringing back to campus is that persevering through your faith is really important, and it shows your true love with God.” – Juliet 

One week transformed the lives of six students who have since returned and started living out what they learned. We pray that God continues to move in their lives as they step out as leaders on the campus, in their school and in their churches. 

Just a Bed: The Tools God Uses

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THE WORD “GOSPEL” COMES FROM THE GREEK WORD, euangelion, an ancient military term for the announcement of a victory. Early Christians adopted the word to describe the good news of Jesus Christ’s victory over sin and the hope that faith in Jesus brings to the world. “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel,” Jesus commanded (Mark 16:15). He left to his followers the discovery of effective methods and tools. 

For a child living in poverty, how do you communicate euangelion, and the hope and change that faith in Christ can bring? How do you love “out loud,” in practical actions that spell the reality of God’s ability to save the children and families trapped in circumstances like those recounted below? 

Harlen, Darlen and Darlenson live with their mother. Their father left the country seeking work, a sadly familiar story. The children are angry and rebellious, failing in school. Debts have accumulated, and Mom has suffered a stroke. In the midst of desperation, she found Christ. 

Nayeli and Alfonso live in a shack next to a pigsty. Mom earns 80 dollars per month as a janitor in a public hospital, and Dad earns 200 dollars as a teacher. Both are committed Christians. 

Jose, Angel, Maria Isabel and Paulina live in a wooden shack, infested with termites, and the inside walls are partly cardboard. Two girls and two boys sleep on the same bed, using mattresses eaten by rats. The children began to attend a neighborhood Bible club, where they heard the Gospel. Their mom now serves there. 

The knowledge of poverty is all around us, but like “white noise,” it hovers in the background of our consciousness. Confronted with the reality, the needs seem overwhelming and pervasive: housing, food, education, safety. We can instinctively turn away, asking ourselves, “What can one person do to impact the quicksand of circumstances that sucks hope out of existence?” 

Russell Jerez has served with STCH Ministries in the Dominican Republic as the Director of Construction and in various leadership positions for the last 14 years. Frequently confronted by the dire circumstances surrounding Samuel’s Fund sponsored children, he has learned that hope begins with small actions that meet basic needs. 

Recently, Russell, accompanied by his wife, Mio, ministered in El Salvador. There, they reported a transformational moment in their own lives: 

During a mission trip to El Salvador, Mio and I had the opportunity to deliver groceries to a Samuel’s Fund sponsored family, where we got to know the family. The parents and their three children recently moved in with the grandparents, who loaned them the use of one of the two rooms in their small home. 

Despite their desperate poverty and living conditions, Ana shared her gratitude for the Peniel churches where they heard the Gospel and found Christ. They recently received the news that their children would be sponsored by the Samuel’s Fund program. A joyful smile filled her face. She gave thanks for the bag of groceries we brought with teary eyes, endless hugs and “muchas gracias!” Under the 7-foot-high metal roof, the temperature rose to over 100 degrees inside the 8×8 room. Mio and I also noticed one condition in particular: the family of five shared one bed, a condition with which we were familiar. 

When Mio and I prayed for them, we were reminded that we were praying for the Salvadorian version of our own story, and our beginnings: living in one room with three young children in the basement of our parents’ home. We remembered how we prayed and how God has provided, in His time, for our own place. 

As we left, our thoughts shifted from prayers to actions. How could we help this family? First, a phone call to order mattresses, then a rough sketch that would use leftover wood, and “Operation Bunkbed” officially began. Working nonstop, the beds were ready for delivery two days later. 

Everyone helped to carry the unassembled pieces of the beds—the three kids, Mom and Dad, the pastor, even Ana’s mother. In short order, the four-year-old twins were jumping on their new bed. Wide-eyed, the older brother realized that tonight he would not have to sleep on a double-folded rag on the floor. With eyes filled with tears, Mom and Dad had front row seats to the Gospel in action! 

The Apostle James wrote that, “faith without works is dead.” It is amazing to discover that as we move from compassion to action, our own faith comes alive and God’s purpose for our lives is renewed. 

Richard shared recently, “I was thankful to build and deliver something for a basic need, like a bed, and I hoped that it would show people that God cares about them. And they won’t give up, even though they have a difficult life. It was a humbling feeling, like I wanted to cry, as I realized how many of God’s blessings I take for granted.” 

Swamy remembered, “I was familiar with the impact of receiving a bed. I lived as a child in Honduras, and until I received a bed, I always had to sleep with my grandma. When we delivered the bed we built, I could feel his gratitude mixed with shyness. We assembled it in a corner of the kitchen, as it was the only space available. Sharing that experience was like a treasure, and it continues to bless my heart. It reminds me of the verse, ‘Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ I’m grateful for how my life started, and all the credit goes to God for where I am now.” 

While it would be inaccurate to believe that just a bed and a new mattress will change a child’s life and his future, a bed delivered in situations of great poverty demonstrates to the child in a simple yet profound way: God is real, He cares, He sees me and my family in the midst of the desperation and chaos around me. 

Little Maria will never lead a normal life due to crippling brain seizures and a speech disorder. She had never had her own bed, and when the mission team from Yorktown Christian Academy delivered her bed, she could not stop saying, “gracias, gracias, gracias!” 

Elias Marinez is one of the children who received a bed and who recently shared the impact that gift made in his life. He is 21 years old and lives in Bani, Dominican Republic. While in elementary school, Elias was sponsored by the Samuel’s Fund program, and then received a CLEP scholarship for his university studies. Upon graduation with a degree in Computer Technology, he was offered a job in a thriving company in his field of study. Recently, we asked Elias to share what a bed meant to him as a young boy.

bed was in very poor condition. Although my family wanted to buy me a new one, it wasn’t financially possible since my two brothers were starting school, and their expenses were a priority for my family. Therefore, the gift of a bed came as an answer to a prayer. 

For me, as a child, it meant more than just a piece of furniture; it was a personal blessing that made me feel seen, cared for and valued. Knowing that something as necessary and personal as a bed had been designed and given specifically for me filled me with joy and gratitude. Having a new mattress and bed allowed me to sleep well and wake up energized to perform better in school. 

I remember the bed had a plaque with the passage from Numbers 6:24-25. 

The Lord bless you and keep you; 

The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. 

That verse reminded me that behind this gift was love, faith and people willing to bless others. 

Today, eight years later, I still use that bed. It has witnessed my growth, my high school and college graduations. As an adult, I understand even more the value of this gift: the bed provided a better quality of life, health, rest and a push to achieve goals. The gift of a bed was, and continues to be, a symbol of God’s provision and care for my life and my family. 

Russell has directed the construction of hundreds of beds as well as many other projects. He said, “More than ever, I see everything as a tool to serve God. Perhaps it’s my construction mind that gives me that perspective. Experiences, the needs around me, assets, knowledge — they all can be used to serve God. More than that, they are the tools that God uses to show us Himself. I pray that I am always willing to see, willing to use His tools, willing to be used for His purpose and His glory.” 

Mission teams in the Dominican Republic and El Salvador, and starting soon in Belize and the Rio Grande Valley, communicate euangelion, the good news of the Gospel. They do this through Bible stories, songs, games, crafts and through meeting various needs, all wrapped in love, all temporary in nature. After the music, games, stories and colorful crafts have faded, the gift of a bed remains. It is a tangible, visible proof that “I matter, I have value, someone loved me, chose me and gave me a free gift.” What an amazing illustration of the Gospel. 

Near to the Brokenhearted

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THE BOWDEN FAMILY HAS EXPERIENCED SEASONS marked by disaster, loss and medical crises. These moments left them feeling hopeless, but after seeking counseling, they discovered God was drawing near in those dark moments. What once felt like an unbearable weight from the past slowly gave way to healing, and now they are learning to step into the f uture with renewed hope. 

On the morning of November 8th, 2018, in Paradise, California, Kimberly Bowden looked out the window and noticed a strangely colored sunrise. Seeing nothing of concern on the news, she went about her usual morning routine, getting the family ready, taking her kids to school and driving to work. As she arrived at the office, she noticed ashes raining from the sky. This was the beginning of the infamous “Camp Fire,” which ravaged 153,336 acres in Butte County over two weeks, including the Bowden family’s hometown of Paradise, California. 

The Bowdens survived the fire but lost their home. “The fire destroyed everything we felt we had created and worked hard to get,” Kimberly said. “After this experience, it was hard to believe that good things could happen again.” 

Seeking a fresh start, Kimberly and her husband, Chase, moved their family to Port Lavaca, Texas, in 2021. At that time, Kimberly was unsure what she believed about God, as she and her husband were still recovering from the devastating loss. Shortly after moving, however, the Bowdens felt drawn to explore a relationship with God. They found themselves in a new church community when tragedy struck again. 

In 2023, the Bowden’s youngest son, Waylon, was injured in a four-wheeler accident. Doctors told his parents that he might not live through the procedures needed to heal him. Immediately, their new church family rallied around them in support. “The Pastor came to pray, the whole church was praying for us,” Kimberly recalled. Miraculously, Waylon recovered without the expected need for surgery. Kimberly attributed this outcome to the prayers of her church. Not only did Waylon experience physical healing, but the startling grace and love of their new community helped Kimberly realize God had been faithfully walking with them through their trials. 

After years of supporting their family through a series of stressful events, the couple found themselves struggling in their relationship. Chase called their pastor at First Baptist Church in Port Lavaca to seek advice, and he recommended marital counseling through STCH Ministries. The couple began counseling and quickly experienced the relief of healing and relational restoration. 

In counseling, Chase and Kimberly learned strategies for communicating, solving problems together and seeing God at work in their marriage. The uniquely Christian lens of the counseling helped the Bowdens view their relationship as an important part of their walk with the Lord. 

Through counseling, Kimberly learned, “When we are dealing with or processing something, we bring God into it. We see it as a part of how we grow together with God. We can go to the source and figure out together what we need to be doing and where our thoughts need to be. All those things make us better in our marriage and our relationship.” 

Their marriage was not the only area of their lives where God would use STCH Ministries to provide healing and transformation. As Kimberly and Chase gained a solid footing in their marital relationship, they grew in awareness of their family’s need to heal from the loss and fear they had endured in the fire and in Waylon’s four-wheeler accident. 

In personal sessions, Kimberly’s counselor helped validate the truly traumatic nature of the events her family had experienced. The Bowden’s counselors enabled them to identify false thoughts and beliefs they had adopted during these times, like “God must not see us,” or “good things must not happen to good people,” and to replace them with truth: God is with us and is protecting us, even in the midst of suffering. 

As she experienced the benefits of counseling, Kimberly began to understand that these traumatic experiences had also affected their children. She and Chase noticed that Waylon was struggling, and they longed to see their son experience the same wholeness they had gained through counseling. 

Because of his young age, Waylon’s counselor used sand tray therapy to help him begin to process his experiences. A form of expressive therapy, sand tray is often used by STCH Ministries counselors with children and those struggling to articulate their experiences with language. Lorraine Turner, MA, LPC-S, CCST and Regional Director of Counseling Ministries in Victoria, explained: 

In sand tray therapy, clients use a tray filled with sand and a collection of miniature figures, objects and natural items to create scenes or worlds. These scenes can reflect a person’s thoughts, feelings, memories or struggles – often things that might be hard to express with words. In working with both children and adults, sand tray is powerful because it helps integrate both hemispheres of the brain. The sand, figures and images are nonverbal and sensory-based, which stimulates the right hemisphere to process emotions, imagination, intuition and spatial awareness. When the therapist asks the client to describe or reflect on what they created in the tray, the left hemisphere is engaged. Talking about the symbols, naming feelings and making connections uses language, logic and sequencing. By building (right brain) and then reflecting (left brain), clients bridge emotional experience with cognitive understanding. This helps them process trauma, regulate emotions and gain insight because the two sides of the brain are working together instead of in isolation. For these reasons, sand tray often works when other forms of therapy do not. 

Kimberly and Chase were amazed at how quickly this form of therapy helped Waylon heal and regain his joyful personality. “Now that he has gone through counseling at STCH Ministries and experienced sand tray therapy, he has healed. He is just a completely different kid now,” Kimberly shared. Waylon moved from feeling fearful and wanting to avoid extracurricular activities to trying new things; he even asked to play football this year. 

Through this process, the couple gained more insight into the way their family responded to their experiences. Through her discussions with Waylon’s therapist, Kimberly realized that his difficulties were part of something bigger; their entire family had struggled to process the trauma of losing their home in the Paradise fires. “We were all struggling with the fact that we were part of the same trauma, but no one really had the proper help to get on top of it,” Kimberly shared. 

After Waylon’s success with sand tray, the counselor suggested the family meet for a group sand tray session. Together, Kimberly, her husband and their two sons built representations of what they experienced in the 2018 fires. They explored their grief and together came to see how God protected them even in their greatest hardship. Finally, the Bowden family began to experience freedom from the grip that this experience held in their life. “I can’t stop telling people about the benefits of sand tray therapy. I knew nothing about it before, and now I want the world to know about it!” Kimberly declared. 

When they look back, Chase and Kimberly are amazed at how God led them through trial and fire to healing and wholeness. “God used his church to bring us to faith,” Kimberly reflected, “but STCH Ministries counseling gave us the tools to connect our faith with what we had experienced and to grow from it.” They can now see that God has stayed near them through it all, bringing them to Himself and leading them to resources that allowed them to grow and heal. 

Double Your Impact: Become a Partner in Hope to Transform Lives!

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At STCH Ministries, we witness daily the incredible power of community and generosity. We see children finding healing, mothers receiving the support they desperately need and families being restored through God’s love and truth. These transformations are only possible because of compassionate individuals like you. Today, we invite you to become a Partner in Hope and be part of something truly life changing. 

Josh’s Story

The Story of Josh at Homes for Children 

Josh’s life was transformed when he came to STCH Ministries’ Homes for Children, just after becoming a Christian. Before arriving, his family faced significant financial struggles and he lacked support. At Homes for Children, he found stability, love and guidance, which helped his faith grow rapidly and brought hope into his life. With the support of his houseparents and the ministry, Josh matured and found direction.  

Now, studying social work in college, Justin aims to help others as he was helped. He attributes his changed life to the comprehensive support he received through STCH Ministries, and he is deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity made that possible. 

The Power of Monthly Giving 

Being a Partner in Hope means making a monthly contribution of any amount to sustain our ministries and provide for children like Josh. Your consistent support helps us meet immediate needs and plan for the future, ensuring that we can continue to share God’s love and truth in a hurting world. 

An Unprecedented Opportunity 

We are excited to announce a Matching Gift Challenge! Thanks to a generous donor, all new Partner in Hope gifts from now through March 2025 will be matched up to  $5,000 each month! This means your gift is doubled, making an even greater impact on the lives of those we serve. 

Your Impact as a Partner in Hope 

When you become a PARTNER IN HOPE, you are helping: 

  • Children, mothers and families receive the help they need without financial burden.  
  • Restore broken relationships.  
  • Individuals find their God-given purpose.  
  • To give hope to those in need. 

Transforming Lives Together 

Your support as a Partner in Hope brings stability for growth and renewal, leading to restoration and transformation in all areas of life. It is more than just a donation; it is a lifeline bringing hope and new beginnings to those in need. 

Join Us on This Mission 

Becoming a Partner in Hope is simple: 

  1. Visit our website: Become a Partner in Hope 
  1. Contact us: Call (361) 375-2147 to set up your monthly gift. 

By joining us, you become part of a community dedicated to healing, restoring and transforming lives. Together, we can make a profound difference, one person at a time. Do not miss this incredible opportunity to double your impact and bring hope to those who need it most. 

Be a Partner in Hope today. Your generosity changes lives. 

Privileged to Serve Through STCH Ministries

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Every ministry faces similar challenges. From advocacy organizations that support children, youth and the homeless to nonprofits that provide drug and alcohol programs. Every leadership team grapples with the question: How do we invest our limited resources to meet the greatest needs for the greatest number of people?

STCH MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL began work in the Dominican Republic with a similar question, “From an eternal perspective, where do we focus our teaspoon of resources for the ocean of need surrounding us?”

Our mission statement seeded the answer. “Honoring God, helping children and families with His love and truth and enabling others to join us.” To accomplish this mission, a unique
sponsorship program would provide:
• Eternal hope and spiritual development through faith in Christ
• Opportunity for sponsors to personally invest influence and resources in these lives
• Education to break shackles of generational poverty
• Support to develop as Christian leaders in their own culture

The Samuel’s Fund sponsorship identified disadvantaged children with potential, ages four through high school. It was named after the biblical character of Samuel, a great leader and influencer in the nation of Israel. When God called him as a child, Samuel answered, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” He was only a child, yet his training had begun. In the Dominican Republic, the Samuel’s Fund program grew to benefit more than 400 children with this opportunity.

As children matured and graduated from high school, the creation of the Christian Leadership Educational Project (CLEP) extended the development of “Christian leaders in their own culture” through college. Those who demonstrated leadership potential in their church or Christian ministry would be eligible for a scholarship.

Jose Alberto Regalado is one of these young adults. Jose was born in Monte Plata, the youngest of four siblings. His father abandoned the family before he was born, leaving the family in abject poverty. At the age of 10, his mother died. Through the care of his Heavenly Father (whom he did not know at the time), he was chosen to live with Ramon and Juana Prensa, founders of the Monte Plata Children’s Home. Jose recounted, “They treated me as a son, and guided me all of my life. I learned everything about life from them—how to eat at a table, take care of my clothes, work and study, drive a car—everything!”

Dominican law requires a child to move out of an orphanage at age 18. Although he was still in school, Jose moved out. He worked at the school, helping out in their small dental clinic until he graduated. This experience led him to pursue training as a dental technician, traveling every day to Santo Domingo. However, the length and cost of the one-way, three-hour trip, plus poor job opportunities for a technician were discouraging.

Through a series of God-planned circumstances, Jose began to help STCH Ministries summer groups. He met Christians with generous hearts, and soon he became a CLEP scholarship recipient. The sponsorship enabled him to move to Santo Domingo and enroll in dental school.

In addition to the financial help, the CLEP sponsorship provided much needed support. Jose’s life has not been easy. He identified the lack of a mother’s love as an aching void in his heart. It has contributed to some serious mistakes as he searched for a substitute. Along with his sponsors, STCH Ministries staff stood by him with loving counsel and support. In addition, due to the circumstances of his birth, Jose lacks required Dominican government recognition (similar to a social security number) necessary for licensure when he graduates. With faith that God will intervene, prayer and work continue, enabling Jose to focus on God’s purpose for his life—to serve others through his skills as a dentist.

Vladimir Minier was always fascinated by numbers and the topic of finances. As a child, he lived in one of the poorest sections of Villa Mella. He suffered from depression and rarely spoke or smiled. Overweight and painfully shy, Vladimir received regular abuse from peers. When he was thirteen-years-old, a Christian teacher at school told the story of Christ dying for our sins. “Come to me,” she quoted. “Put your burdens on me.” She stated with assurance that Jesus could change lives. Vladimir bowed his head over his desk and committed his life to Christ. Life became a little brighter. He was not alone anymore.

When a church opened in his neighborhood, he began to attend faithfully. Attending grew to assisting, then teaching. He led the singing and joined the drama group. Diosmary, a part time STCH Ministries tutor, told him about the CLEP program and invited him to apply for a scholarship. Vladimir was accepted, and soon he enrolled in a private university with a major in the area of finances.

In October 2021 he will graduate as a Licensed Financial Advisor. He is presently working in a bank as he waits to apply for a government-funded master’s program in France. Long-term, his goals include owning his own firm, consulting, giving back to others through guidance in money management. Vladimir credits the CLEP scholarship with providing many opportunities that have benefited him, saying, “It gave me hope, and helped me to reach seemingly impossible goals in the university.”

As Vladimir also assisted with summer teams, he reported, “I was inspired by their noble hearts, how they sacrificed themselves to help others. I want to do that through my career in the future.”

Carlos Cruz lived an uneventful life in Puerto Plata until at eight years of age, his world turned gray and the light of hope was extinguished from his soft brown eyes. His dad left and remarried. Lack of stability and financial needs became a daily reality. Carlos disconnected emotionally and retreated to books and videos. Sometime later his mother also left for Italy.

Carlos came to faith through his involvement in a church during his early teens. His despondency coupled with his habit of reading attracted him first to Ecclesiastes and later drew him to the book of Proverbs. He memorized significant portions, saying, “Proverbs helped me to make many good decisions since I didn’t have anyone else to guide me.”

Carlos moved to Santo Domingo after high school, hoping to find a way to enroll in the university. He lived with grandparents for a short while and began to serve in his uncle’s church in the impoverished neighborhood of Brisas del Este. There he learned about the CLEP program, applied and was accepted. While Carlos studied construction engineering, he also dedicated many hours to helping other Samuel’s Fund children as he helped to lead mission teams. COVID disruptions pushed his graduation to spring 2022. His goal is to remodel homes and flip them for a profit. He will continue serving with STCH Ministries and in the Brisas del Este church.

Dark-haired and strikingly beautiful, Jeffy Ariza plays clarinet in the IBQ praise band. Although she seems too young, she will finish her studies in medicine this year as a CLEP scholarship recipient. After serving two years of residency she will continue to specialize as a pediatrician. Jeffy is passionate about her goals, explaining, “I want to be a different kind of doctor, compassionate, serving God and my community rather than making money.”

Perhaps her passion can be traced back to her early years with five siblings. Jeffy remembers poverty and hunger, lack of school supplies and uniforms for school attendance and a father who struggled with rage. She grieved to see her younger siblings and her mother suffer. Her health was affected by the stress. She struggled with depression and developed serious gastrointestinal issues.

She accepted Christ at 11 years of age along with her mother, through the outreach of the IBQ church. Later, they were chosen for a Samuel’s Fund sponsorship, and their home stabilized. Jeffy’s impossible dream to become a doctor evolved into a reality through a CLEP scholarship. Jeffy cannot count the number of ways that the scholarships have benefited her and her family—tuition and school supplies, food during difficult times, medical care and medicines, tutoring and even a laptop for their studies.

Although life has not been easy, Jeffy believes that God allowed everything for a purpose. Reflecting over the past, Jeffy concluded, “It was a test, like gold being refined, and I was able to grow.”

Nemesis Chalas grimaced a bit as she shared that her greatest obstacle is her impatience. As she neared graduation from university, impatiently praying for a job, she suffered hours of overwhelming anxiety and frustration. “Now I see that God had something specific in mind for me, in His time, at the right time.” Today, she has a great job with the Department of Education.

Nemesis’ life shares a familiar pattern in the Dominican Republic—a broken home, lack of resources to continue her education. She recounted that in spite of impoverished circumstances, learning was always easy for her, and she finished high school with honors. She accepted Christ at 14 years of age. When she was 16, a paralyzing fear of death motivated her to pray, “If you let me live, I promise to serve you.”

A visionary and ambitious young lady, Nemesis plans to have her own business in the future as an event planner—lights, sound, food, music and decorations. She has already begun planning smaller celebrations like birthday parties. Inspired by the work she did with the summer mission teams, she plans to use these opportunities to share her faith and be a blessing to others.

Keren Ramirez lives in La Romana. As the daughter of a pastor in a very needy area, economic deprivation has always been a huge obstacle, both personally and for the church. Keren shared, “God always sent angels who donated at just the right time for our greatest needs. One time my father checked his bank to see whether there was enough for our immediate need and discovered he had a large balance. Although he queried everyone, he never discovered who made that deposit.”

Those experiences made an indelible impression and grew her faith. With no means to pay for a university education, she knows God provided the CLEP scholarship. Keren will graduate in November 2021 as a lab technician. Her experiences working with mission teams have inspired her. Although their economic circumstances are very different, she learned that Americans have the same faith as she does. “They sacrifice to serve and give their resources. We serve God together and have faith in the same God, and He uses all of us to accomplish His purpose,” she reflected.

In 2006 STCH Ministries expanded internationally, responding to God’s call to serve beyond the South Texas region. We began with faith and a lot of questions. Where to start? How to invest in keeping with the calling God had given STCH Ministries? What is the best way to invest for long-term impact and eternal benefits?

The success of the sponsorship and university scholarship program (CLEP) is demonstrated in the lives of these young people and many more. Doctor, dentist, financial advisor, event planner, construction engineer and more—productive citizens, able to bless their families, committed to serving Christ as leaders in their own culture. The credit for the vision, and the glory for all that has been accomplished belongs solely to the great God we are privileged to serve through STCH Ministries.

When God’s Hand Guides

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Mothers arrive at Homes for Families for many reasons. Sometimes financial instability, abusive relationships or a lack of family support are at play. Other times, mothers find themselves homeless with nowhere else to turn. No matter the situation, when a mother arrives with children in hand, STCH Ministries Marshall Ranch and Bluebonnet Ranch campuses provide a safe environment to pause, breathe and then dive into the underlying issues.

JUDY IS A MOTHER TO SIX CHILDREN. She has four girls and two boys between the ages of two and thirteen. Her story is one of difficulty, and in fact, it’s non-linear. As humans, we love to hear about people conquering something hard after one attempt, but more often than not, our stories include road bumps, detours and dead ends. Judy knows this disruption well, but through hardships, heartache and growing pains, she ultimately experienced life change.

As a mother stuck in a difficult situation, Judy first heard about Homes for Families through a local church. She felt a desire to call the campus and learn more about the program, but as she listened to the rules and expectations, she felt nervous. “I couldn’t do it,” Judy said. She assumed it would be too hard to let go of a living situation that tied her to the life she actually needed to escape. With these details in mind, she hung up the phone and pushed the idea out of her mind.

One year later, Judy experienced the physical and emotional harm of domestic violence. With children living in her home, a CPS case quickly opened. Through this personal trauma, she again heard about STCH Ministries. As she talked with a family advisor, the advisor suggested that Judy explore the benefits and offerings of STCH Ministries Homes for Families.

As she talked with a family advisor, they explored the benefits and offerings of STCH Ministries Homes for Families. While discussing the logistics of a move, she recalls the advisor saying, “Don’t think of it in a negative way. Think of it as a blessing in disguise.” This phrase provided the lightbulb moment that Judy needed. On that day, she consciously chose to shift her mindset about the future and view opportunities with optimism. Soon after, Judy made the call to move to Homes for Families with her children in hand.

On November 6, 2018, they arrived on campus. The move was hard on everyone, and as a family unit, they struggled with a new home, a different schedule and a lack of independence. She felt grateful to be in a program that surrounded her children with love and support, but it was hard to fully commit to the campus’ expectations. After nine months, Judy walked away from Homes for Families feeling stronger than when she first arrived.

With the economic upheaval in 2020, Judy lost her job and lacked the support of a solid family network. She eventually purchased a home with the help of the COVID-19 stimulus checks, but after a series of hardships, Judy again turned to Homes for Families. This time, she needed spiritual direction, financial assistance and guidance for her children. “I just wanted to build my relationship with the Lord,” said Judy. “I felt strong after my first time at STCH Ministries, and then I fell back into old habits when I left. The world was pushing me to do things I didn’t want to do, but the Lord pushed me to come back. I had to make the decision to return.”

On August 2, 2021, Judy and her six children moved back to Homes for Families. This was a hard decision because the children wanted to avoid a second upheaval to their friend groups, schooling and extracurricular activities. Following the move, Judy felt less anxious. “I’m not all over the place, screaming, shouting or cussing,” said Judy. “I feel humbled. I learned to not do things on my own and wait for what God has in store for me.”

Today, Judy is moving through Phase I at Homes for Families, and her children are adjusting remarkably well. While recalling the return to Marshall Ranch, Judy said, “It felt like coming back home. The two years in between were hard. Walking through the door at STCH Ministries brought peace, and now I’m not as angry, and I’m not as depressed. Yes, I still get flustered, but as a whole, I’m at peace. At Homes for Families, they’re teaching me how to deal with struggles the right way.”

Today, Judy has more patience in interactions with her children. She recognizes that each child is different, and as individuals, they experience the world in unique ways. With new parenting skills at her fingertips, Judy tries to give her children love, time and attention each day. She is also working to implement structured chores in her house, a new venture for her family.

Judy regularly expresses a profound gratitude for the team at STCH Ministries. “They welcomed me here with six kids,” said Judy. “That felt big. A lot of places don’t have room for a family of seven people, but they made room for us.”

For Judy, life change is happening at Homes for Families. She is not the same person as the woman afraid to take the first step of faith and reach out for help more than four years ago. “I learned that the world is not going to save me. Jesus died on the cross for my sins, and we should follow in his footsteps,” said Judy. “At Homes for Families, I learn something new every day. It’s really changed my way of thinking.”

Judy hopes that other women experiencing heartache, hardships or abuse will find their way to Homes for Families. “It’s well worth it,” said Judy. “It’s hard in the beginning. It truly is hard. But you’ll feel peace within yourself, and you’ll see the change within yourself. It’s overwhelming and joyful. When you let God in, your whole life will change. Before I found STCH Ministries, I was depressed. I felt hopeless. Now, my life has changed for the better.”

While planning for the future, Judy holds two dreams close to her heart. First, she wants to be a resource for teen girls who find themselves in unexpected pregnancies. After watching relatives struggle through pregnancies at young ages, she wants to make a difference for those who feel hopeless.

Recently, Judy discovered her entrepreneurial spirit. If personal growth continues at a consistent pace, her second dream is to open a shop that sells party supplies—specifically balloons. She feels so much joy thinking about the possibility of owning a small business someday and recalls a simple balloon shop in her hometown and the smiles on her children’s faces when they hold the inflated treasures.

Homes for Families served as a beacon of hope for this family, just as they do for countless others who show up at their doorstep willing to walk the path toward real and meaningful change. Through stories like Judy’s, God’s providential and protective care is often noticeable over an extended period of time. Some might say her continued encounters with Homes for Families were by chance or completely random, but others will recognize God’s hand guiding each decision. If you or someone you know needs help, visit www.STCHM.org/hff.

A Timely Investment

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I think we all know that education is critical in our lives. If we don’t learn, we cannot move forward. Think about it. What if we were not taught to walk as a young child? What if we did not know how to read? Not to mention, what if we did not know how to talk or communicate?

LEARNING NEVER ENDS and it is up to each of us to determine the value of the education we receive and how we use it to enrich ourselves and serve others. The value itself is immeasurable and only becomes apparent to others when we move forward using what we have learned.

From the beginning of STCH Ministries, it has been apparent and clear that education is very important. Children living on our Boothe Campus may not have had the chance to graduate from high school if they had not been placed to live in our care. Education is crucial, not just while in care, but when they step into the reality of life beyond the safety of Pettus, Texas.

It is the commitment of STCH Ministries to provide the opportunity for each graduating senior to pursue their dreams and receive the education they desire. This could be going to college, trade school or even choosing to be certified with specific skills so they can grab a hold of life with confidence and stability. Fortunately, in our 68-year existence, donors have been generous with education endowments to provide scholarships. This ensures the resources are available for every eligible high school graduate.

Here are a couple of examples of named endowments:

The Howard K. Joslin Education Fund exists to help graduates who choose to attend a trade school and gain knowledge in fields such as welding, construction, mechanics and more. Before Howard passed away from a plane crash, he and his wife, Cristal had already talked about one day helping graduates wanting to go to a trade school. Howard knew the importance of non-traditional education since he himself went straight into a trade profession. Since its creation, several graduates have been impacted by their generosity.

The Angela Hise Education Endowment exists to help graduates attend a traditional college or trade school. Angela passed away several years ago and her mother, Jo, heard Eron Green, President & CEO of STCH Ministries, speak at a local church describing the importance of higher education and how we are committed to providing this opportunity for every graduate. Jo then decided to endow a scholarship in her daughter’s memory.

Each graduate must comply with eligibility standards required to receive funds from education endowments. These standards include academic and spiritual criteria. The College Transition Coordinator on the Boothe Campus helps to guide each resident during their junior and senior years of high school to prepare a plan for their future. Taking the next step and entering into adulthood is never an easy task for any child. However, STCH Ministries invests in every child in our care, paving the way to a positively supported future.


Due to the sacrifice and foresight of so many to make timely investments years ago and today, STCH Ministries can provide the necessary resources for those choosing to expand their knowledge.

STCH Ministries is forever grateful to those who have established or contributed to endowments to provide education scholarships. If you would like to learn more about how to create an endowment, please contact the Office of Development at development@stchm.org or 361.375.2417.

Shoulder to Shoulder

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STCH Ministries reaches hurting children and families with the truth of God’s love through every ministry we pursue. The magnitude and scope of our mission requires us to partner with other organizations, so much so that enabling others to join us in this ministry is written into our mission statement. The Greater San Antonio Church Health Initiative, Unicity and Faith Fosters Texas are some of the groups we serve alongside. These enterprises help pastors, parents and children in the foster care system. Working together, we all extend our reach and bring hope and healing wherever the need exists.

STCH Ministries’ partnership with The Greater San Antonio Church Health Initiative makes a difference in the lives of pastors who bear the burdens of the front lines of ministry. The Church Health Initiative was born out of the desire to help improve community health by addressing the daunting needs of pastors. The Baptist General Convention of Texas received a grant in 2018 from the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio to do the work.  Ben Hanna, son of former STCH Ministries Vice President Homer Hanna, was selected to lead the effort. STCH Ministries, an early partner in this effort, encouraged several staff members to take part in a steering committee that focused efforts on how to improve the spiritual, emotional, physical and financial health of pastors.

The Church Health Initiative now provides one-on-one coaching relationships, financial help, retreats and groups to encourage pastors to pursue greater health in every aspect of their lives. In November 2019, thirty-two couples attended the first “Pastor Strong Retreat” at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort. STCH Ministries Director of Faith & Finances | Faith & Work, Darrell Jackson, led a breakout session on financial health. STCH Ministries Director of Family Counseling Charny Beck and her husband, Randy, led another session on emotional health. Both sessions earned high ratings in the participants’ written evaluations of the retreat. Family Counseling Directors, Dosely Antongiorgi and Lorraine Turner were on hand and available for individual counseling.

Parents operate on the front lines of family preservation. In August of 2018, STCH Ministries Family Counseling San Antonio partnered with the organization Unicity to train others to lead the evidence-based parenting curriculum Raising Highly Capable Kids. Through the spring of 2019, we trained 130 community leaders in churches, businesses, school districts and other organizations as facilitators. Now, in the middle of our second year in partnership with Unicity, we hope to double the number of people trained to teach this curriculum. 

Parenting can be difficult, challenging at best; we want to encourage parents in San Antonio to support each other in safe spaces with support resources from the local community. The Raising Highly Capable Kids curriculum teaches parents to use “The 40 Developmental Assets”, the 40 building blocks every child needs to grow and mature, as a framework for raising their children. Research shows the more of these assets a child has in their life, the more likely they are to engage in healthy behaviors, while moving away from unhealthy behaviors. As parents develop and maintain these assets, they feel equipped to provide their children with the skills to become healthy, caring and responsible individuals. When parents or families need extra help, professional counselors are available to assist the families with the appropriate connections in the community. STCH Ministries’ commitment to strengthening families is carried out through teaching Raising Highly Capable Kids alongside Unicity.

There are over 34,000 foster children in Texas creating a staggering need for more foster families. In 2019, the Baptist General Convention of Texas launched a foster care initiative called Faith Fosters Texas to build collaboration between faith-based, like-minded organizations to recruit foster parents to assist the least of these in our state. Involvement from churches is a key component in finding the families necessary to serve the many children needing a place to call home. Faith Fosters Texas recruits churches and provides the resources they require to build a healthy foster care ministry in their church to help secure foster families.

STCH Ministries’ involvement in the collaboration helps to ensure families and their children receive support, equipping foster families to thrive. Through Family Counseling, Faith & Work and Faith & Finances, STCH Ministries can minister to both parents and children of foster families.   

If you would like to know more about how you or your church can become involved in Faith Fosters Texas, please go to www.faithfosterstexas.org. 

STCH Ministries endeavors to fulfill our mission engaging in every level of society. Healthy pastors create strong communities which call for healthy families. Parents are the key components to maintain resilient families and we believe every child deserves the love of a committed family. In pursuing our mission, we achieve our vision to show the love of Christ to each child and family to whom we minister. We pray that God empowers these partnerships and brings us more in the future.