Dollars and Sense

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Each summer, Homes for Children junior high and high school students gain a sense of purpose and a paycheck through the Vocational Training Program (VTP). For two weeks, our students take part in a working environment where they learn how to apply for a position, learn how to work under a supervisor, learn new skills and learn how to work with their peers.

Participating staff members demonstrate appropriate supervisory skills, problem-solving, communication and servant leadership to the students. Caseworkers and houseparents use the students’ participation in the VTP to begin conversations about financial integrity, budgeting and stewardship. Other staff supervisors enjoy developing a personal relationship with students, something their typical workday seldom allows. Mason Elliot in the Maintenance Department, who taught the students about lawn care said, “Supervising the VTP program allowed me to build deeper relationships with the kids and it was fun to teach them new things.”

One new participant, working in the Maintenance Department, got a crash course in plumbing the first week and spent the second-week trimming trees. She discovered how much she likes working outside and is hopeful she can continue on a volunteer basis.

For the past three summers, another student has worked in the Student Activities department during the VTP, which includes working with the younger children on campus. He believes the key to success with elementary children is to love them as if they were his own family.  “I’m more than sure that God is working on me through this program,” he stated. His tremendous smile is proof that the VTP is helping him to develop ideas about what he wants to do as a career. He is not yet sure what path he will follow after high school, but he knows God will use him to impact kids’ lives through whatever profession he chooses.

This year, about 30 students worked in six different departments on Boothe Campus during the VTP. Most of the students plan to save the money they earned for big purchases. Learning to save and budget their dollars makes sense for future success and are life skills we try to teach each of the students. The program is great for both staff and students and they look forward to it every year.

Llego La Luz

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Frequent blackouts in the Dominican Republic plummet whole neighborhoods into darkness—blacker than a hundred midnights.* They light candles and continue their activities without a hiccup.  When the lights are suddenly restored, a joyous cry echoes from house to house. “Llego la luz!”  The light has come!

The Figueroa family represents a composite of many families in which the LIGHT has transformed their lives.  The three children attended a VBS class held by a mission team. They accepted Christ. A small candle of hope glimmered. A medical team met physical needs and counseled for spiritual needs. Mom glimpsed an answer to the darkness and chaos of their alcoholic family.

Other teams visited the Figueroa family and shared an evening meal and the love of Christ. Eventually, the children were sponsored through Samuel’s Fund. Teams shared groceries from the Texas Baptist Hunger Offering. Mom accepted Christ. The LIGHT grew.

Dad continued to drink constantly. Teams and church members continue to visit. More discipleship. More VBS. The LIGHT could not be restrained. Hallelujah time! Dad accepts Christ. Mom and Dad’s marriage is restored.

Now the LIGHT is blazing out of that home and family into the entire neighborhood. “I want what you have,” neighbors and family declare. Eventually, other teams rebuild their home. Today, their family of five shares the LIGHT of the Gospel message into countless other homes.

How many teams invested in that family? How long did it take?  Possibly 8-9 teams, over a four-year period, plus the donations from many more, and the sponsors of the children. Is it worth it?  Wouldn’t the time be better spent sharing 500 tracts and testimonies door-to-door? Possibly. How much time and effort did Jesus invest during his short time on earth to disciple only 12?   They began a multiplication process that has extended throughout the world and continues into each of our lives.

This summer 22 churches and over 369 participants ministered in the Dominican Republic and in Costa Rica. 127 made a decision to open their hearts to the LIGHT! The teams also discipled, taught, and met many needs of children and families. With one heart they shared life-transforming LIGHT.

In Costa Rica, Kenedy/Kerrville teamed up to do maintenance at an orphanage in San Jose and then traveled into the interior to minister to Nicaraguan refugees trapped in desperate poverty.

In late June, Bear Creek team was joined by FBC San Antonio and FBC Kenedy. Their ministry activities included building on the Higuey orphanage, VBS, sports camp, a ladies Bible study, preaching and teaching.

University Baptist church flew into Santiago for the 5th year.  They built a playground for orphanage children and Trauma Competent Caregiving to the staff.

FBC Corpus Christi and Parkway Victoria joined together to bless the school at Guaricanos with bookshelves for the library and a VBS, in addition to a pastor’s conference, marriage seminar and youth activities.

WUBC-Crosspoint brought a record 60+ team members.  Construction on the orphanage and the home of a Samuel’s Fund child, sports camp, medical clinic and ESL and VBS classes kept them especially busy.

Crossroads Baptist teachers team held training workshops in La Romana, in addition to IBQ.  They overlapped with FBC Beeville, Emmanuel, and Bay City as they worked in Hatillo.

“Go into all the world,” commanded Jesus just before He returned to His Father.  Sharing the LIGHT of the Gospel is essential.  What about the rest of the commandment?  “Make disciples… teaching them to observe all things I have commanded.” Teams who return annually and continue to pour into Dominican and Costa Rican ministries can truly fulfill Jesus’ Kingdom-building commandment.

*James Weldon Johnson, poet

Family, Faith & Finances

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Family, education, community service and participation in their local church have helped guide the Rosales family of San Antonio through life. Recently, Eva Rosales saw a flyer at her YMCA for a STCH Ministries Faith & Finances (FF) class. The idea that the Bible had something to say about her finances intrigued her. Her aunt, Maria Rosales, and daughter, Marriah Miranda, were also excited when she mentioned the class to them. Although the three ladies are in different stages of life, the opportunity to learn together in the study appealed to them.

Faith & Finances is a life skills training based on Biblical principles for money management. The topics include spending plans, managing debt, setting savings goals and preparing for the future.

Maria retired twenty-eight years ago and has enjoyed a comfortable retirement. Coming from a family with a history of longevity, she realized she needed to start thinking about the future. She came to FF wanting to learn how best to manage her money and better prepare for her future.

Eva is a widow with two adult children and works as a public elementary school teacher. She works a second, part-time job to help pay for her youngest son’s college tuition. Her personal faith and the importance of giving back to her community are two values she incorporates into her lessons. Eva hopes to retire in ten years but plans to remodel her family home before that happens. Her goal was to put together a workable savings plan to help her retire well.

Marriah Miranda graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi with a degree in Biomedical Science and a minor in Spanish. She plans to continue her education to become a Physician Assistant. “I wanted to take this course because, in school, you don’t learn about the basic stuff like taxes or anything financial.” Marriah has student loans and wanted to learn how to be able to pay it off and keep herself from taking on more debt.

The ladies enjoyed the variety of participants in their Faith & Finances sessions. Each session began and ended with prayer, specifically praying for one another. Comradery developed as individuals showed vulnerability by discussing personal situations and sharing tips to overcome specific fiscal obstacles. Maria recalls, “Not only was the teacher teaching us but we learned from our peers too.”  

Eva was grateful for their facilitator, Blanca Eschbach. Blanca is the Site Coordinator for the San Antonio Faith & Finances – Faith & Work regional office. “It was a neat part of the class to not have someone just dictating to you. Blanca told us what she learned through the mistakes she made. She helped us figure out how to fix our mistakes and learn from them.”

Today, they are better prepared to handle their money. Paying in cash is Maria’s biggest takeaway from the study. She closed several credit card accounts and has become more deliberate about her spending. Through the training, she learned how to rearrange her assets and save money. She has a new financial plan and does not worry about becoming a burden on her beloved family.

Eva is applying the principle of writing down all her expenses. She was surprised to realize how much money she spent eating out. “Those fast food offers are tempting to a busy working mom,” she explains. Dedication to being more intentional about her spending enables her to decide to eat at home.

Marriah is more aware of her spending habits. “Using cash makes a difference,” she describes. “I don’t want to buy things because I can see the money leaving.” Marriah and Eva started looking at discount stores and resale sites rather than making impulse purchases, and it is something they enjoy doing together. Marriah is determined to pay off her credit card and student debt.

“This is our simple life,” Maria declares. The Faith & Finances course has given them tools they will continue to use to build their family’s financial future for generations to come.

Summer Camp = Changed Lives

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Several of our students from Homes for Children (HFC) experienced camp for the first time this year and for more than one, it was life-changing. 22 of our students enjoyed a week of comradery, fellowship and inspiration at Camp Zephyr. The camp was led by M3 Camps with worship led by The Mike Romero Worship Band and speaker Shane Pruitt. The goal of the week was to lead the students towards finding their purpose in Christ.

During the week, the HFC students experienced a renewed affection for Jesus through worship and the message. Each of the students left camp transformed by the words, music and the physical aspect of worship. One young man new to HFC this year said the worship experience was the best of his life. As he looked around he noticed each individual was having a personal conversation with God while singing and was awestruck by the sensation of connectedness to Christ and to those around him. “I definitely loved worshipping, reaching out to Him, crying out to him. It was amazing to see what God can do, and to understand how God can handle my problems.”

The week changed three of our students lives forever. For one of the students, the worship songs and message began softening her heart from the first evening of camp. The second night of camp she decided to make a life-changing decision. She explained, “That night I asked God to be in my heart, to take all my sins away and help me to be a new person.”

Eternal change is the goal for each of the students at HFC, to come to know the radical saving love of Jesus Christ and be forever changed. The students came home with renewed spirits and their eyes opened to God’s purpose for their lives. STCH Ministries is thankful for organizations like Camp Zephyr and M3 Camps for their continued drive to help change the lives of students.

Summer Update

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Recent Peru trip—Flying directly from Houston to Lima, Peru then another short flight, we arrived in Pucallpa, an area of about 750,000 people. For 2 years we explored the possibilities for STCH Ministries in Peru. So much to consider—political stability, family-friendly logistics, ministry opportunities to children and families, and partnerships led by committed local staff.  We believe we have found that in the TEC center—focused on children and families in a holistic manner—sharing the Gospel while reinforcing education, and basic hygiene and nutrition. There are multiple opportunities to serve an orphanage, several schools, including a school in English that ministers to the children of missionaries. Wonderful Peruvian staff—hearts dedicated 24-7 to children and families. More news coming with details about future trips.

High-Five to medical and dental teams for repeated mission trips to the DR.  Lipscomb University for their 5th mission trip to the DR, in addition to sending 3 pharmacy interns to the Dominican Republic for 4 weeks.  Through their skills they shared Christ’s love and met physical needs.

CMDA—a record number of 43 professionals and students in the medical and dental field joined together to share their abilities in ministering to the health needs of Dominican children and adults, as they also intentionally shared the Gospel.

Higuey orphanage—the boys faced expulsion from their rental home. God provided funds through generous donors, plans were drawn, and then delay, delay, and more delay.  But GOD…never count Him out!  Our wonderful friend and Christian contractor, Luis Pichardo, voluntarily paused the construction of other projects.  “God’s work comes first,” he stated, and he literally moved his entire crew to live temporarily in Higuey.  Working around the clock they worked on this home, and even started on the administration building.

In early June four churches combined—not an easy task. The 2019 theme song, “Only Jesus” drew our hearts together in one great prayer, “I’ve only got one life to live…I’ll make every second count for Him.” Morning devotionals challenged each one to use their gifts, … follow Jeremiah’s example, “the prophet that didn’t quit.” Whenever and wherever God calls, He will sustain us. This mission team set the bar for unity and common purpose through VBS, and as they built benches for children’s Bible classes, ministered to orphanages, and celebrated with Samuel’s Fund sponsored children.

After a nightmare of missed flights, and midnight arrivals in distant cities, teams from Portland and Maryland  threw their best efforts into the tasks of ministry–construction and VBS at Villa Altagracia and Hatillo schools, plus the Higuey and Monte Plata orphanages.

Together with our Dominican staff, each team rose to the
challenge—old-hands and “new-bies,” translators, interns, helpers, cooks, led by our Super-Hero staff.  Sometimes they had to bob and weave, as planned events changed or grew beyond projected numbers. “In as much as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it for me,” Jesus said.  Focused on serving the King of Kings, each group overcame obstacles to minister to the “least of these.”

A child recently asked, “Why are you here?”  Good question.  Why so much effort?  Why the sacrifice of time and resources?  Participants report, “In giving, I received so much more—joy, faith, personal renewal.”

One person summarized, “I think it is what James calls pure religion.  It is compassion for the neediest.  Not just social, but spiritual.  We address their physical needs, but also their need for the Gospel.”  

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Stella’s Story

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On a cold night in the mid-1950s, Stella’s parents left their home never to return. Frightened, Stella and her six siblings walked to their grandmother’s cottage for refuge. When their grandmother could not raise them on her small pension, San Antonio authorities sought assistance from STCH Ministries.

STCH Ministries Homes for Children (HFC) became a haven for young Stella and her siblings. Her lifelong commitment to worshipping Jesus began when her housemom taught her to play piano and sing. Five of the siblings were adopted but she chose to stay with her remaining sister. The children’s home provided Stella a safe place to grow up, find encouragement and develop a compassionate personality.

After leaving HFC, Stella moved to Houston, but love for her grandmother brought her back to San Antonio where she met and fell in love with Scottie Crow. The two were married in 1978 and began a happy life filled with volunteer work.

Her altruism extended to everyone she encountered, and she encouraged others to show kindheartedness. One of Scottie’s favorite memories of Stella’s practical compassion is the time she met Henry while on a shopping trip to Fort Worth. When they met, Henry was homeless and had not eaten in days. She escorted him to a nearby restaurant where she overheard the staff speak rudely about his appearance. She quickly stepped in to address the young women’s behavior and when the manager learned about this, he comped the entire meal. Another patron provided Henry with some pocket money.

Unable to have children of her own, Stella generously mothered Scottie’s children and grandchildren. She was the primary caregiver for his parents and youngest son until their deaths.

Stella passed away from a heart attack in May of 2018. Following the example she left in life, Scottie donated her wardrobe and jewelry to housemoms caring for children on Boothe Campus, a legacy of kindness brought full circle.

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Emerging Butterflies

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ELEGANTLY DRESSED young women seemed to float through the festive room as they served homemade lasagna. The colors and sounds inside reflected the blooms and butterflies outside on this early spring day. Guests gathered to celebrate the courageous women dedicated to the ambitious undertaking of rebuilding their lives at STCH Ministries’ Homes for Families (HFF) Appreciation Banquet. Located just outside of Goliad, TX, HFF on Marshall Ranch Campus is currently home to eleven mothers and thirty-one children. These families are linked by traumatic pasts and a determination to be the change that breaks the cycle of a lifetime of bad decisions.

Theresa Klacman, Program Director of HFF, explains the annual banquet. “The families at HFF receive the benefits of the generous nature of STCH Ministries and numerous volunteers in the community throughout the year. It’s important to me that the girls give back once a year and show their gratitude. This event allows the residents and the staff to see just how many people are involved in making this program a success. It’s a wonderful time for reflection and thanking
God for his church.”

In preparation for this event, the girls take a six-week public speaking and etiquette class. They learn how to set a table, how to serve their guests, and what to say while serving. “The whole process grounds us all to gratitude and allows us to say thank you with action to all the people who make this program a success,” Klacman said.

Testimonies from each woman was the highlight of the afternoon. Many of the speakers emphasized the difficulty of acting on their responsibility to be courageous in life.

Judy, a mother of six, spoke of weighing “the pain of change versus the pain of never changing,” In the end, she made her decision to join the program for her children. “I knew I needed to change. I wanted my kids to be – better. I didn’t want my kids to follow the footsteps I did.”

Young Gabrielle did not know how to cook, physically care for her child or even appropriately handle telephone conversations when she arrived at HFF. Her playful grin and spunky confidence accentuate the metamorphosis she is undergoing while living and learning on the ranch. “I could never imagine going back to my old ways,” she affirms. “I’ve learned to ‘throw down’ in the kitchen now. I have discovered things about myself that are new and I have restored old dreams.”

Angelica came determined to “get my life together to be able to raise my son no matter the cost.” A lifetime of betrayal at the hands of her own family left her cautious and judgmental with deep fears about whether this opportunity was too good to be true. Although she is in the early stages of the program, she has a beautiful understanding of the work God is beginning in her. “I would like to say my life is like a butterfly. I was born, hatched, into the world as a caterpillar eating the leaves of plants to survive. Eating and surviving off of the things of the broken world. Right now, I am in the cocoon at HFF. Right now, God is making me into a beautiful butterfly.”

Maria’s migration to Marshall Ranch came for the sake of her children also. She describes life after moving into Phase 2, the Equipping phase, from her daughters’ point of view. “The girls say that they love the new mom I am today. They are very thankful to me for choosing them instead of drugs and finding God. He has shown me how to love myself and others. He has given me peace and patience I never thought I could have.”

Forging a better life for their children may have been the catalyst which began the evolution, but God Himself is transforming these ladies into women genuinely seeking His heart each day. Brittany asserts, “My relationship with God is stronger than it has ever been. I am now a godly woman who can provide safety and stability for me and for my children as I keep God in the forefront of it all.”

Debbie struggled through Phase 1; in fact, she left the ranch to give life on her own another try. When she understood that she had exchanged the likelihood for a future merely to repeat the past, she returned to HFF. Now she is committed to true maturation and pursuing recovery with her whole heart. Her words reflect her decision to move forward. “The more I search, seek, listen and apply His wisdom I find hope and confidence to pass on to my children. They can walk in freedom. A life of forgiveness and restoration, healing from any hurts, abuse, or addiction is only found in Jesus Christ. I look forward to a bright future knowing that He holds my future in His hands.”

Tiffany has just begun studying early childhood education at Victoria Community College and is on the verge of readiness to stand on her own. Looking back, she is amazed to see in herself “the woman I always wanted but never truly believed I could be until now. I am blessed to be a testimony that Jesus can and will change our hearts when we humble ourselves and submit to His authority over our lives.” She continues to expound upon the difference HFF has made; “All the time you put into MY life – has taken me from a pit of hopelessness and led me to freedom and a new chance at life. I’ve tasted and seen that the Lord is good and His love endures forever.”

God is indeed helping butterflies emerge at the Marshall Ranch Campus. Each lady is discovering the beautiful vocation He is preparing them for. Judy plans to work with pregnant teens. Gabrielle writes rap music and desires to become an inspirational singer. Angelica plans to enter into ministry through an organization called “Eyes on Me” to help other young people in similar situations to thrive. Maria plans to become a teacher’s aide. Brittany wants to become a nurse. Debbie is an entrepreneur and plans to open her own cleaning business. Tiffany has been hired through the Head Start program in Victoria where she
will gain valuable experience as she continues her education.

HFF staff and residents optimistically hold fast to what God Himself promises through the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:6, “I am sure that God who has begun a good work in me will carry it on until it is finished.”

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More Than Just a Temporary Home

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Excitement, nervousness, and anticipation were all words used by the three seniors Jian, C.J., and Preston at STCH Ministries Homes for Children (HFC) to describe their feelings towards college. For the three of them, attending college was not something that they thought would be possible before coming to HFC.

WHEN A CHILD comes into care at HFC, they are getting more than just a temporary home; they are entering into a family that will love and care for them long after they leave. One way that STCH Ministries extends their love is by providing programs to help prepare them for life after high school. STCH Ministries also provides full college scholarships to the children that graduate from high school while in care and maintain the proper grades while in college. For most children, this is a dream come true.

Support is a big part of what happens on campus to help prepare the children for their future. Their houseparents are there to help them with school work, housework, money management, and other aspects to prepare them for the “real world”. Anna Piprek, College Transition Coordinator for HFC, is there to help with the transition and continues to support them while they are in college. She encourages them to do better and to strive for excellence in everything they do. Anna was fortunate to partner with the Junior Service League in Beeville as the seniors were given the opportunity to explore various professions. “It is my hope that through this program we can provide them with the support, accountability, and preparation they need to succeed,” Anna explains.

As they prepare for college, the three seniors and their houseparents look back at their time with STCH Ministries.

Jian came to HFC a little over two years ago and lives in Brown Cottage on Boothe Campus. “He didn’t have confidence in himself when he got here. He’s super smart so most people don’t know how to take him,” his houseparents, Dustin and Victoria Gordon describe. Since being at STCH Ministries, he has grown in his confidence and the ability to interact better with those around him. “He isn’t afraid to say ‘this is who I am’,” Victoria explains. He has also grown spiritually and physically. He started working out with his housepop, Dustin, and now chooses to work out at least one hour a day. Through the Junior Service League, he was given the opportunity to shadow at BTX CrossFit in Beeville. He shadowed the trainers and learned how they do some of their workouts.

When asked what his favorite part about being at HFC was, he stated, “always having food in the pantry!” So, it comes as no surprise that he is most looking forward to the food in the cafeteria while at college. Dustin and Victoria’s prayer for him is, “that he is armed well enough to defend his religious beliefs and doesn’t get knocked down; that he doesn’t give up on what he thinks he wants and figuring it out.” Jian plans to attend Texas A&M Kingsville to study Computer Engineering.

For Preston, STCH Ministries has helped him grow in his school work and housework. “Without STCH, I really wouldn’t be where I am today, because before I wasn’t really the brightest at school, but now with STCH Ministries I have straight A’s; I tutor after school; I have a scholarship. Incredible!” he exclaims. Preston came to HFC a little over a year ago and lives in Foster Cottage. His houseparents, Terry and Sheila Backen, describe Preston as someone who, “is always doing projects, there is nothing he can’t do.” Since coming to HFC, he has gained the confidence and drive to help out more around the house and with daily chores. “He has learned his value,” Sheila explains. Preston is interested in science and through the Junior Service League, he enjoyed a day of shadowing at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Beeville.

While at school in Pettus, he was part of the Art Honors program and helped tutor ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) students. When asked how STCH Ministries has prepared him for college, he shared that, “it taught me how to deal with a roommate.” An answer to a prayer for Terry and Sheila is that he will be living with his roommate from HFC next year and they know the two boys will hold each other accountable. Terry and Sheila’s prayer for him as he goes off to college is, “that he will continue to gain confidence and find the right fit for himself; that he continues to seek God and God’s plan for his life.” Preston plans to attend Coastal Bend College in Beeville to study Information Technology.

Preston’s roommate C.J., has also experienced some changes since coming to STCH Ministries a year ago. “I am glad I found STCH because it led me to finding God and Jesus, and ever since then my life has had lots of new doors open, including college.” Over the last year, C.J. has grown as a leader and role model to the children around him, but at the same time, he has been able to experience what it means to really be a kid. While at Pettus High School, he volunteered as a tutor with the elementary ACE students after school. Terry and Sheila shared, “he has an ability to work with kids and help them in different ways.”

C.J. is also interested in physical activity such as working out and was able, through the Junior Service League, to shadow at BTX CrossFit in Beeville. “It was a new experience, and I wasn’t expecting it to be as cool as it was,” he admits. He was also given the opportunity to shadow a photographer as she captured and edited pictures. Terry and Sheila’s prayer for him as he goes on is, “That he would continue to seek the Lord and establish himself. For him to be a blessing to his family without having to give up himself.” C.J. plans to attend Coastal Bend College in Beeville and will be studying Videography.

Graduating and preparing for college can sometimes be difficult. For more than 66 years, STCH Ministries has provided love and support to help make things a little easier as each child transitions either to college or a vocation. Knowing there is a place they can come back to when they need someone to talk to or just need their laundry done helps ease worried minds. The houseparents want their boys to know, “God has a special plan for them and they can do anything they set their minds to; they don’t need to be afraid to GO! And DO!”

Greg Huskey, Vice President of Homes for Children, talks about what this ministry means. “We enjoy and celebrate with our ex-students of their accomplishments. STCH Ministries is a relational based ministry which hopefully and gratefully extends for a lifetime of ministry with our students.” The seniors that are moving on this year may have only been here for a short period of time but for them, this is more than just a temporary home, this is a family.

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Expanding God’s Kingdom

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The idea of a STCH Ministries medical mission trip over spring break to the Dominican Republic originated in the hearts of a few Baylor University students early in the fall of 2018. They ranged from freshman to seniors and their majors varied—neuroscience, medical humanities, health sciences, biochemistry and others. Their ultimate goal upon graduation was a career as a Physician Assistant (PA). 17 students (from Arizona, Colorado, California, Oklahoma, and Texas) quickly paid their deposits and filled out their applications. Their enthusiasm and perseverance made up for what they lacked in experience.

TRIP LEADER, Anna Kemp, reflected, “I knew I wanted to have a medical mission trip, but at times it was hard not to be anxious. None of the group were close friends, and I was inexperienced on how to organize and lead a trip like this. What can we do at a clinic with no Spanish and little clinical experience? I would pray, and then trust and then doubt all over again. The process was a big faith-builder for me. I had to exercise my faith-muscle!”

In the Dominican Republic, Dr. Francisco Paredes, STCH Ministries staff doctor, began preparations for logistics of food, transportation, pharmacy help, children’s ministry volunteers, and translators which every medical clinic requires. For the group of Baylor students, with limited clinical experience, how could he plan clinics in which both the students and patients would benefit? Michelle Gambrel, a licensed PA, heard about the trip through her daughter who was a participant and decided to go along. Another doctor, Dr. Rebecca Georges from San Antonio, agreed to join the team. Dr. Georges also agreed to present two lectures on relevant medical topics to enhance the students’ learning experience.

As Dr. Francisco continued to plan for the clinics, he knew he would need additional experienced medical professionals for this group. Then he remembered Jammal. Jammal was a faithful Christian in the Iglesia Bautista Quisqueyana (IBQ). As an outstanding high school student, he had been awarded a full scholarship to medical school there in the Dominican Republic. Jammal also spent two summers in the United States to learn English. His ability to communicate in English would be crucial for this unique opportunity. Having recently graduated from medical school, he was treating patients at a local hospital. With Jammal’s help, Dr. Francisco recruited six additional English-speaking Dominican doctors to also donate their time for a week of medical clinics.

The clinics were held in school facilities located in impoverished neighborhoods and villages. Closed for the day to allow medical needs to be met, they converted the classrooms into makeshift doctor’s offices. Each team included a doctor, two Baylor students accompanied by a translator as needed. The team sat behind a table laden with a blood pressure machine, a stethoscope, intake forms and prescription forms. More chairs for the patients on the other side of the table formed the consultation setting.

“Everyone took a chance on us and trusted God that good things would happen,” reflected Ella Heintz from Seabrook, Texas. God answered! In three days of medical clinics, in different communities, they saw over 400 patients. They heard their ailments and together the team of translator, doctor and students diagnosed and prescribed treatment with compassion. Available medicines were provided. Then, “How can we pray for you today?” a team member asked. Bowing their heads, sometimes holding hands, the team voiced a prayer of blessing over the patients’ needs and families. One student shared, “I experienced the reality of God’s kingdom extending all the way from a Baylor classroom to a makeshift clinic in a poverty setting in another country.”

At the end of the week, several other Baylor students shared their impressions.

“It was an incredible experience to be able to work alongside the Dominican doctors all week. Not only did we learn from them while working with patients in the clinics, but we built relationships with them throughout the week. (It) opened my eyes to what it means to serve wholeheartedly under one God.” Miranda Swanberg, sophomore, Health Science and Biochemistry, Round Rock, Texas.

Craig Russell, graduating senior who had already been accepted to PA school, reported, “We shared experiences together and learned from each other’s cultural differences, respecting those differences all along the way. At the free medical clinics that we set up at the schools, the doctors were immensely helpful in explaining to us their mentalities in terms of why they made certain decisions or diagnoses regarding the patients.”

Another student, Olivia Azzopardi, commented that she was impacted by “experiencing the sheer love and devotion for God from a different cultural standpoint! The experience solidified the fact for us that we all serve one God, and have one common purpose in life. I was so blessed to be able to create friendships with them over our common center of love.”

As an experienced PA, Michelle Gambrel shared from her perspective, “Seeing Baylor students pursuing a PA profession and who want to use it for God’s glory was a rewarding experience for me. It made me excited for the future of the PA profession. It also seemed to affect the students, giving them a renewed sense of God’s presence in their lives.”

Every participant concurred that the medical missions experience especially confirmed their sense of calling to a medical profession. “We were serving others, and watching God work.” In the reactions of the team, Anna Kemp sensed God had fulfilled her desire as she began plans for the mission week, “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (II Corinthians 4:5)

Spring Break, 2019—a moment in time. Time to re-set priorities, slow down the pace of life enough to hear God, and see the needs of others. Time to strengthen relationships, and develop new relationships with Christian brothers and sisters 2000 miles away. A sacrifice of time and resources in order to serve others. For each student and their families back home, it required a significant step of faith. We hope these moments will live on in each student’s heart, and produce a rich harvest of faith and service to others as God continues to lead them in their journey of life.

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Remembering Diane

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APRIL 6, 2019, outside of LaGrange, Texas, Diane Gryseels and several family members lost their lives in a tragic car accident.

Diane Gryseels is remembered for her passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ by everyone who knew her. STCH Ministries staff, residents, and clients were all impacted by her life. Diane served over four decades through multiple positions across STCH Ministries, which means only Heaven knows the exact numbers of lives changed by her witness. She began as a caseworker in 1966 fresh from earning her Master of Social Work through Worden School of Social Service at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio.

In 1968, Diane felt called by God to serve as an international Journeyman Missionary and moved to Vietnam. While there, she met Binh and LoiBeth in an orphanage. Eventually, God brought the siblings to Buckner Orphanage in Texas and Diane became their adoptive mother. Years later, Diane adopted Haylee, another of the children she met during her time in Vietnam.

Diane returned to STCH Ministries in 1972 serving in multiple positions. Her enthusiasm for the organization was the catalyst for her parents to become houseparents on Boothe Campus. Over time, Diane’s influence encouraged many in her family to serve in both ministry and missions. LoiBeth, her daughter and one of her brothers are both missionaries living overseas.

Donna Stewart is one who found a confidant, mentor, and friend in Diane. They met soon after Donna became a Christian and joined Tuleta Baptist Church outside of Pettus, Texas. When Donna’s husband returned to his faith in Christ and the two began to reprioritize their finances and begin tithing, they were challenged by multiple appliance breakdowns and unexpected car repairs. These difficulties were especially daunting as Christmas was fast approaching. Without Donna’s knowledge, Diane orchestrated members of STCH Ministries staff and Tuleta Baptist Church’s congregation to work together to provide a memorable Christmas for the young family. Much later, when Donna learned of Diane’s involvement and +she tried to thank her, Diane was adamant she receive no credit as the most important thing was for the young family to know the importance of tithing and learning to trust God to provide. Donna shares that she has since worked to “pay forward” the kindness that Diane showed toward her young family.

When the opportunity arose for STCH Ministries to expand services to Corpus Christi in 1985, Diane moved too in order to open the new Roberts’ Memorial Children’s Shelter, and she remained the director of that program until it closed. Her personal investment with STCH Ministries continued throughout her entire life and extended beyond the scope of her job description. Gina Diaz is one whose life was impacted by both Homes for Children (HFC) and especially Diane.

In the mid-1980s, Gina and her four young daughters became homeless. While the decision to place her children at HFC was heart-wrenching, she believed they “deserved to sleep in the same bed every night and eat three meals each day.” She felt these were essential elements every parent owes their child, and HFC made it possible for Gina to ensure her children were cared for. Gina wanted to better herself. She was empowered to get a job, find an apartment and enroll in college in Corpus Christi due to STCH Ministries dedication to helping the whole family. It was there that she met Diane. Gina credits Diane’s influence on her life for bringing her back into a relationship with Jesus. “Diane believed in me,” Gina stated. “She had a way of making you feel like you can overcome – no matter what the obstacle looks like. And, I don’t believe she did that just for me.” The two ladies remained friends even after the girls returned to Gina’s custody, in fact, Diane shepherded her through the reunification with her daughters and showed her how to regain their trust.

Tam Campbell, Administrative Assistant for STCH Ministries’ Family Counseling office in Corpus Christi worked with Diane from 1988 until Diane retired in 2010. During that time Diane was the Director of the Robert’s Memorial Children’s Shelter as well as head of both the Foster Care Program and the Adoption Program. The Adoption Program held a special piece of her heart; she placed a lot of babies in Christian homes. After those programs and the Children’s Shelter closed, she worked as a counselor until she retired. Tam feels deeply impacted by Diane, not just as a co-worker but as a friend. “I cannot even count the number of people she ministered to in her counseling practice, because they just numbered too many. Diane was a true servant of God who talked of His presence to everyone and anyone who would listen.”

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