OUR TEAM OF TWO WOMEN AND FOUR MEN stood looking at the pile—4×4 posts, and 1×8 slats of lumber. One or two grabbed the posthole diggers and began dragging the pieces of wood across the yard to start the fence-building project we were assigned. Beth, the owner of the home, walked up to thank us for our help, and we listened to the story, oft-repeated during our days of work at the Guadalupe River disaster area. “My husband and I stood on the black-night edge of the flood, grateful to be alive, but terrified and confused about how to help in the nightmare that unfolded in front of our eyes. The peaceful river had become a surging torrent trapping hundred-year-old trees, homes and cars in its path. Those terrified screams of people, helpless to escape, will always echo in our minds.” We noticed that Beth wore a bracelet inscribed with John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” She explained, “Although many lives are gone, the light of their memory, the way they lived, shines on, and will never be extinguished in our hea rts.”

Heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly, resulting in the catastrophic flooding of July 4, 2025. Campers, families and children were forced to flee in the darkness as water ripped through homes, camps and communities in the early morning. Communities in the Texas Hill Country were left grieving, rebuilding and searching for hope. Families were forever changed. Even after the floodwaters receded, the emotional and physical scars remained. Months later, many homeowners were still unable to return to their homes and were living in temporary housing while repairs continued. The need for help was still great, and the opportunity to serve was clear.

One such example was the mission outreach led by STCH Ministries in partnership with Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville, Texas. This outreach became a testimony of faith, friendship, compassion and the power of serving others in their time of greatest need.

It was not simply a volunteer trip; it was the continuation of a long-standing relationship between Pastor John Wheat, Trinity Baptist Church and STCH Ministries. That relationship began nearly 19 years ago when Pastor John Wheat was serving at a church in Kenedy, Texas. Pastor Wheat traveled to the Dominican Republic to personally evaluate the ministry work of our International Ministries. After seeing the work firsthand, meeting the children and families served and understanding the mission and vision of the ministry, he returned with a desire to involve his church in the work. When Pastor Wheat later moved to Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville, the international involvement and support continued. Over the years, this partnership has grown into more than a ministry connection; it has become a friendship and a shared calling to serve children and families both internationally and locally. Pastor John reflected:

The value of the STCH Ministries team—someone just a hand-reach away if you need them. To know that, without expectation on our part, they are aware of your needs and your ministry. They found a way to express, through practical actions as a mission team, gratitude, and live out the friendship that has come from a long-term partnership.

The greatest immediate need reported was for counseling. In August and again in October, Darin Griffiths, Vice President of Counseling Ministries, brought a team of five counselors, each EMDR trained and prepared to work with trauma. On both of these trips, they offered a total of four nights of group meetings that were open to the public.

In March, Danny Quintanilla, International Ministries Director, was asked to organize and lead the STCH Ministries construction and rebuilding outreach. He commented, “As a leader, I am so thankful for the way our STCH Ministries staff worked together.” In addition to International Ministries, staff volunteers represented all aspects of STCH Ministries—Counseling Ministries, Community Ministries, Campus Ministries and administrative positions. Danny also credited Texans On Mission and the Texas Lions Camps for helping to provide the logistics needed to get this trip together. “Texans On Mission did a great job in getting some work projects and providing supplies for our small team, and the Texas Lions Club camp provided our lodging.” Nestled in the beautiful Hill Country along the Guadalupe River, the camp provided not only significant help logistically, but also a peaceful place to reflect, rest and prepare for each day of service.

The STCH Ministries team worked on multiple disaster-affected properties, including homes and camps that had been damaged or destroyed by the flood. Projects included building fences, cleaning properties, repairing structures and helping homeowners begin the long process of rebuilding their lives. For the STCH Ministries team, the outreach became more than physical labor. It became a ministry of encouragement, prayer and presence. Sometimes the most important work was not building or repairing, but simply listening, praying and reminding people that they had not been forgotten. On our last day, our team was able to help a professional musician, who would not let us leave until he had “given back” with a song and small handmade crosses he had carved out of flood-destroyed trees.

For many STCH Ministries employees, this outreach was a deeply meaningful experience. Team members worked side by side with coworkers they did not normally work with, building new friendships and strengthening relationships within the ministry. Evenings were often spent reflecting on the day, sharing stories and discussing the impact of the work. These moments became just as meaningful as the work projects themselves. One volunteer reflected, “I really appreciated visits in the late afternoon with other staff members. We developed a pattern of staying up until about 10:30 pm, sitting on the porch of our cabin just talking about the day and catching up on life stories. I cherish the times when I get to learn about other co-workers.”

The outreach had a profound impact not only on the people who were served, but also on the STCH Ministries employees who participated in the trip. Russell Jerez and Maria Magallanes from the Dominican Republic also joined the team. Russell commented, “There is no way to give back to Trinity Baptist Church what they have given to us. In comparison to the size of the disaster, what we could do seemed very insignificant.” Many returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude and compassion. They saw firsthand the pain and loss experienced by families who had lost homes, friends and loved ones. They also saw resilience, faith and determination as people rebuilt their lives piece by piece.

The mission outreach to Kerrville was more than a work trip. As STCH Ministries President/CEO Eron Green expressed, “We had a desire to work hand-in-hand with our staff, and to demonstrate the value we place on the churches who have been faithful partners by sharing their burden for the tragedies suffered.” He continued, “It demonstrated compassion for those who were hurting, gratitude for faithful church partners and a commitment to serving wherever there is need.”

The old hymn affirms, “The Light of the world is Jesus.” As a ministry and as individuals, STCH Ministries is called to reflect that Light for children and families who are grieving and hurting and often trapped in dark hopelessness.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

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.

AS ONE TRAVELS LIFE’S JOURNEY, they are often like a shipment crossing a bridged cavern. They will face a variety of circumstances and need multiple forms of support to carry the loads they are given. This is what Valerie experienced in her family’s journey of healing and growth. As her family’s circumstances changed, STCH Ministries’ unique ministry areas allowed our staff to meet her with support and encouragement at multiple points in her journey.

Valerie first connected with STCH Ministries when she came to the Marshall Campus with her newborn son in 2021. She felt immediate warmth and support from her new community and still cherishes the memory of the first months on the Marshall Campus with her baby. After three months, however, Valerie felt called to leave the campus due to some family issues.

In January 2024, Valerie returned to Marshall Campus after realizing what the campus meant to her and her family. She was excited to be back in a community where she could focus on building skills to parent well, grow in her relationship with the Lord and move forward in her education and career. Valerie jumped into the program with determination, eager to soak up every learning opportunity. “I really put my heart into building my character,” she remembered.

It was at Marshall Campus that Valerie first met STCH Ministries social worker Melody while participating in the Raising Highly Capable Kids course she taught.

“Taking the Raising Highly Capable Kids course really helped me learn how to interact in an emotionally healthy way with my kids. As a mom, it can be easy to be frustrated and tired, but the class taught me to keep going and that I was not alone in the difficulties of parenting. It taught me hope. I learned that it is okay to feel what you are feeling in the moment, but that I can remember to keep my eyes on God. He created the heavens and the earth, and whatever you are going through, He’s got this.”

During her time on the Marshall Campus, Valerie began laying the foundation that would allow her to live for God and lead her children well. She built strong relationships with staff members who encouraged her in her walk with the Lord, and felt God comfort her through this sense of belonging. Valerie fondly recalled, “I loved it there at Homes for Families. I loved Miss Theresa, Miss Josephine, Miss Kim, Miss Brandy… I loved everyone. Goliad was my home.”

Due to a family crisis, Valerie had to leave the Marshall Campus for a second time in September of 2024 while still in Phase I of the program. “It was such a hard decision to make. I cried over it. I was so sad to leave,” she remembered. Ultimately, Valerie determined it was necessary to move to the Houston area to seek specialized help for one of her children. She gratefully remembered the support STCH Ministries staff provided her, even as she decided to leave. “Every single one of my resident coordinators has been really helpful, always reminding me that I have a place to return if I need it,” Valerie said.

Leaving the campus and the community she built there was daunting. Valerie was determined not to lose the progress she had made there, but was not sure how she would do it without the support of the campus around her.

Valerie kept in touch with the staff, knowing that they were a resource for emotional support and guidance, but she still felt far away from her support network. With the community she had grown to trust and rely on separated by so much distance, she was not sure where to turn for local advice and encouragement. “I was scared,” she recalled, “but God was with me. I felt like I wasn’t ready to be on my own, but God helped me.”

Then, one day, Valerie got a call from Melody, who works with our Houston Community Ministries office. Linda, the Marshall Campus caseworker, made the connection after Valerie spoke to her about navigating an upcoming move. Remembering her connection to Melody from Raising Highly Capable Kids, Valerie was overjoyed to connect with support close to her new home. “I was just in awe and so encouraged that she had reached out,” Valerie said. Finding out that Melody lived in Houston brought her a sense of relief.

This rekindled connection came at just the right moment. Valerie had secured a new job but needed to move herself and her children to a new apartment quickly. She was not sure how she could furnish her new home while continuing to provide for her children’s needs. “Melody shed light on my pathway as I was moving on from living with my sister,” Valerie shared. Melody provided advice about safe areas of town to live in, since she was familiar with the region. She also helped Valerie find housing applications and resources to furnish their new home. Valerie’s application for an apartment was approved, and, upon moving in, Melody and the Houston Community Ministries team helped her set up her new home. “My kids were so happy when they walked into the room,” Valerie remembered. “Seeing those smiles on their faces was one of the happiest moments in my life.” Amid transition and uncertainty, God comforted Valerie through her connections at STCH Ministries, who had the right person to call to support her where she was.

Today, Valerie shares that she and her children are still practicing what they learned while on the Marshall Campus in their new home. “We incorporate everything that we’ve learned,” she shared. “Waking up early, being on time, doing chores and being sure the house is clean before we leave. I always go back and look at my resources from when I was still there.” Thanks to continued support along the way, Valerie is equipped to hold fast to her walk with the Lord towards a bright future for herself and her children.

Despite the twists and turns of Valerie’s journey, God provided her with the support that she needed at the time she needed it. “I was scared,” Valerie recalled, “but God was with me. I felt like I wasn’t ready to be on my own, but God helped me.” Through every transition, challenge and unexpected turn, He provided encouragement, guidance and hope at just the right time. The connections Valerie built through STCH Ministries continue to strengthen her as she leads her children forward in faith. Today, she stands as a testament to how God can use a community of support to carry families through life’s heaviest burdens and into a future filled with promise.