HE WAS BORN September 9, 1997, to a single mom, Francia, in the Dominican Republic. Alexis Enmanuel Buret Marte could have been just one of those countless children, lost within the generational poverty surrounding his birth. Except for God. Although not a believer herself, at the grandmother’s urging, Francia took her infant to church and dedicated him to God. Much later, Francia began to attend the Iglesia Bautista Quisqueyana (IBQ) church where she accepted Christ when Alexis was five years old. Alexis and Francia continued faithfully attending church. Although Alexis believed the truths taught, he was as a young teen before he made his personal decision to accept Christ and follow Him.
Every day throughout the world many thousands of children are born to single moms, usually destined for poverty and hopelessness. What makes the difference between their fate and a child who conquers impossible odds to become a college graduate, employed, and a fine example of a Christian young man? Undoubtedly there are many factors. Nevertheless, there are two significant determinants—the sovereignty of God and personal choice. Together they compose a mystery that our human mind can never completely understand. Yet at times we can see both of these factors juxtaposed in the life of a specific person.
Long before Alexis’ decision to follow Christ, God orchestrated events that would greatly impact Alexis’ life. In 2007, STCH Ministries was led to begin international ministry. God brought them to the Dominican Republic. As they began to focus on the needs of children and families, they were made aware of the limited opportunities for children born into poverty. Tuition in a public school was free, but every child had to have a uniform which included black shoes and white socks. In addition, they had to provide their own transportation, schools supplies and books. For many families whose most desperate need was food, education was not a priority. Sadly, without an education, there could be no hope.
These factors combined with the mission of STCH Ministries to honor God, help hurting children and families led to the creation of the Samuel’s Fund Sponsorship program. The goal was to provide resources for children from the age of 4 through high school to receive an education and to develop spiritually, mentally and socially. Sponsors contribute a monthly donation of $35.00, which goes directly to the child’s benefit, primarily education but also medical care. STCH Ministries does not deduct any percentage for administrative or operational costs of Dominican or American staff.
Robin Greene had come on several mission trips. In 2012, God moved her heart to sponsor a child through the Samuel’s Fund sponsorship ministry.
“We were matched with Alexis…didn’t choose him, but boy were we blessed!” she wrote recently. “I had met him before and was really impressed by his sincerity, hard work attitude, and willingness to do whatever was asked of him, and his joy in life.”
Sponsored by the Greenes, Alexis began to receive funding for his high school education. He grew a desire to learn English and work with the “Americanos” that he saw occasionally in the IBQ church. Gathering his courage, he approached Russell Jerez, Construction Projects Director in the Dominican Republic and asked, “Could I help you with the construction?”
“Do you know how to use tools? Have you ever held a drill?”, Russell responded.
“No, but I am willing to learn,” Alexis assured him. He began helping, and Russell saw that he was a quick learner, got along well with others, and never complained about hard work and days which stretched long.
Since Alexis came from a single parent home, he assumed the role of man of the house, while still growing up himself. He found a father figure in Russell. Russell shared his own faith while he also demanded hard work, staying busy, communicating appropriately in English with the mission team members. Under his influence, Alexis continued to develop a heart for God and learned great work habits. Russell reported, “Gradually our relationship changed from father-figure to a genuine friendship.”
Robin had several opportunities to spend time with Alexis and his mother on subsequent mission trips, “In conversations with Francia, we had multiple discussions on her hopes and dreams as well as her concerns for Alexis’ future. Her thoughts helped me to keep Alexis and his needs directing my prayer life without inserting my own thoughts and cultural biases.” God continued to order Alexis’ steps.
Samuel’s Fund sponsorship ends with high school graduation. Francia recalls Alexis sharing that he wanted to pursue a university education. She was willing to help him, but told him sadly, “We don’t have the resources for you to go. But we can pray and ask God for that.” It was just then that God led STCH Ministries to develop the Christian Leadership Educational Program (CLEP), to help young people continue their education. The life of the Old Testament prophet, Samuel, originally inspired our sponsorship ministry to children. Samuel was dedicated first to God, then trained and educated, and he eventually became a leader for God. Samuel’s life would continue to be the model for the new CLEP program.
The staff began to identify young people who had matured in their faith, applied themselves in their studies, and shown commitment and leadership in their church, or other Christian ministries. Recently graduated from high school, Alexis became one of the first students to qualify for this sponsorship. Robin and Eddie Greene continued their investment in Alexis’ life through the CLEP program. This was a considerable commitment, as university costs are significantly higher than a Samuels Fund sponsorship, involving tuition, books, transportation and more.
Although the Dominican Republic offers more affordable education through the state-run university, obstacles like overcrowding and limited choice of classes, plus the necessity of working to pay expenses, can require up to ten years to graduate. Because of his sponsorship, Alexis was able to attend one of the excellent private universities in the Dominican Republic. With hard work, he could graduate in four years. Alexis chose a business major with an emphasis in tourism and hotel management. He diligently applied himself to his studies while continuing his involvement with mission teams in the summer. Alexis excelled in school and in three and a half years finished his course work. He then began a semester of internship at a hotel in Punta Cana.
Alexis was given a low-level responsibility—inputting data into a computer, and occasionally answering the phone when the front desk was too busy. It wasn’t long before his co-workers looked at him in amazement. “Where did you learn English? What are you doing in this position with that skill?” In a few weeks Alexis was promoted, and before the internship was completed, he was offered a permanent job as Director of Environmental and Social Services.
The tourism environment is one fraught with temptations for a young man. Alexis has maintained a close relationship with Pastor Rudy, pastor of IBQ, who frequently counsels him with thoughts from Proverbs 3. “Do not forget my teaching…So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, and God will direct your steps.” Russell along with the Greenes continued to encourage Alexis also. Alexis has maintained his Christian walk and testimony, and God has been faithful to bless him. During days off he always found his way back to the IBQ church. His responsibility to care for his mother, as well as the joy he feels to be able to help with her support, remain strong motivators.
Alexis is quick to acknowledge the benefits that STCH Ministries International has provided for his life. The university sponsorship provided by the Greenes through the CLEP program opened the door of possibilities for his future. He reports that many special relationships contributed to his life: the mission teams with whom he frequently served, his church, his mother, Francia, the Greenes, Pastor Rudy and Russell Jerez, and the DR staff all helped him along the way. Through them, he received encouragement to grow in his faith and his Christian walk, along with learning to be an example to others in spite of his youth. His opportunity to learn and practice English became a critical component of his success at his job. Other qualities that propelled his success at work, which he learned from Russell, were excellent work habits, like taking initiative when a job needed to be done, working hard and staying busy, as well as getting along with others.
In a country where many are born into generational poverty and little opportunity, the immediate is so urgent that many never learn to think beyond today. Alexis readily shares that he has a 10-year plan. He wants to marry and have children and raise a Christian family as he has seen Russell and others at IBQ model. Although he recognizes he has much to learn about the hotel management and tourism business, his long term-goal is to own and manage his own business supplying resources to hotels and resorts. For the next few years, however, he will focus on learning every aspect of managing a resort.
God’s sovereignty and the free will of man, seems to be a mystery, even an oxymoron. In Alexis life it is not difficult to see God’s hand. It is also obvious to recognize the part that Alexis’ choices contributed to the success he has experienced. A child dedicated to God by a mother who didn’t yet know Him herself, and the young man who made his own decision to accept and follow Christ. The mission teams God brought to the Dominican Republic and Alexis’ personal desire and courage to seek that opportunity. Samuel’s Fund and the CLEP program established through God’s leading, and at just the right time the Greenes chose to sponsor Alexis. Alexis’ faithfulness in his studies and God’s leading to the right major, the right job, in the right place for him.
On January 25, 2019 Alexis Enmanuel Marte Buret graduated with his university degree. Francia is understandably proud of her son. Robin and Eddie Greene also flew from Houston to celebrate this occasion with Alexis and Francia.
Homes for Families Mom Graduates High School
/in Print Edition, Vol. 67, Issue 2/by Alisha HoltDEBBIE CASTILLO WALKED AWAY from high school as a teenager with no thoughts of looking back.
Homes for Families (HFF) has been both a comfort and a challenge for Debbie as she’s struggled to become a healthy adult. It took several attempts, but she was able to persevere with the strength she found in her relationship with Jesus Christ and the encouragement of her extended HFF family.
She has learned through the HFF program, that God did not create her to be a quitter and on May 24, 2019, Debbie walked the stage at Goliad High School and received her diploma. As she reflects over the recent past, she is astonished by the changes within her heart. She remembers asking God, “How come I didn’t believethat good things are for me too? He said because you didn’t know what was good, acceptable, pleasing to God (see Philippians 4:8) and now you do.”
Debbie’s children inspire her to pursue a better future. “When my kids were taken away by CPS years ago, I knew deep down inside there’s got to be a better and different way than this,” Debbie admits. She recognizes that life will always have conflicts, but the thought does not deter her. She can now identify herself as her own biggest skeptic, but she has learned that God has always known who He created her to be. “I truly believe from the depths of my soul He doesn’t leave us as He finds us and that motivated me to keep coming back to finish what He has started in me (Philippians 1:6),” Debbie confidently claims.
On graduation night, the entire HFF family cheered as Debbie received her diploma and moved her tassel, but the voices that rang loudest in her ears were her proud children. Circumstances have changed for the better since that fateful day when she thought she had lost them forever. “It has been a long road for them,” she acknowledges. “Proverbs 31:28 says, ‘Her children arise and call her blessed.’ and I stand on those words.”
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Captive Thoughts
/in Print Edition, Vol. 67, Issue 2/by Alisha Holt“For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in an abundance
of wise counselors there is victory and safety.” – Proverbs 24:6
REBEKAH LOGAN did not consider herself anyone out of the ordinary. She had no complaints about her life; as a child of a stable Christian family, she understood the Gospel truth from a young age and accepted Jesus as her Savior while still a child. Overall, Rebekah enjoyed an easy life in comparison to some.
In spite of that, she characterized herself as an anxious person. She remembers thoughtswhich overtook her imagination, turning ordinary circumstances into
something terrifying. No matter how hard she tried, the images returned throughout the day keeping her in a state of nervous fear.
While she knew both God and Satan existed, she never expected to face spiritual warfare. Rebekah understood spiritual warfare as “exorcist type stuff”. She said, “I’ve always believed in Satan, that he has abilities to do things here on earth, to tempt and affect us.” Rebekah clarifies, “But, I never considered
myself to be someone that was afflicted with spiritual warfare in any way.” She assumed she wouldn’t be targeted.
She depicts herself as, “One of those people whose testimony is not very exciting.” What she did not take into consideration is how completely she is loved by God, Himself. Being the recipient of the attention and affection of El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) is all it takes to put a target on the back of every believer.
As a young teenager, Rebekah was comfortable in her personal faith, and actively shared her beliefs with others. Still, she struggled with anxious thoughts.Real life scenarios were exaggerated and invaded her thoughts. Rebekah became an aunt when she was in high school and those “day terrors,” as she called them, intensified. “My newborn niece was vulnerable and so close to me that she was a target of my day terrors. I imagined something terrible happening to her. That false image plagued me for years. I played it over and over again,” she remembered. As the intrusive thoughts continued to torment Rebekah, she found it
easier to give in to the fear they caused.
After graduation from Texas State University, Rebekah joined A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP) and moved to the Grand Canyon. This organization finds jobs for Christian young people inside national parks, thus positioning them to immerse themselves into relational evangelism. It was there
Rebekah met geologist Greg Logan, an intern with the National Park Service.
The two married in 2011 at the Grand Canyon and began to look for permanent work. Greg’s training as a geologist brought them to Victoria, Texas. Victoria was not where Rebekah wanted to be. “I had a really hard time becoming content with being here,” she recounted. “How do you go from the Grand Canyon to Victoria and be ok with it? We were outdoorsy people – it was hard to find things to do outdoors here.”
While she looked for employment, Rebekah discovered she had too much free time and began to “stew in my discontent.”About the same time, she suffered debilitating headaches which did not respond to medication and she did not understand what was causing them.
Rebekah found work and the couple cultivated relationships with new friends and mentors Tim and Judith Williams. Tim was the pastor of Northside Baptist Church where the Logans are now members and the two couples enjoyed spending time together. Judith lent her literature and reading it changed her life. The author explained how spiritual warfare can have a physical effect on a person. She described, “As soon as I read it, it’s like Christ reached into my head and pulled the headaches out. The headaches were gone. It was an affirmation, it was a pivotal moment.” Rebekah continued, “You are battling spiritual warfare. This is real. You need to be okay with that because you will need to be able to handle it. Handling it means to give it over to Me and realize you don’t need to fight yourself.”
The rich and vibrant relationship between Rebekah, Greg, Judith, and Tim continued when Tim became the Director of Church Relations for STCH Ministries
in 2015. In fact, when Rebekah called all of them to share her experience, everyone told her they each had prayed fervently for her that same day. This revealed to her, for the first time, how intimately and completely God loved her. She discovered a renewed zeal and rejoiced at the truth that her testimony continued to unfold. “My testimony is not like a chapter book that you’ll finish at a certain point in your life. It doesn’t end until my body does and I am in eternity. I was
one of those kids who thought that I had a boring testimony. When I became an adult, things started happening!”
She learned to face spiritual warfare because Jesus won the victory at the cross. “When I put on my full armor (of God) and use the power of the name of Jesus, Satan has to flee and that’s that! It’s actually pretty straight forward,” Rebekah claimed. There were other conflicts, other victories yet, the day terrors continued.
Rebekah wrestled with the idea of taking all of her thoughts captive and allowed her thoughts to control her instead. “I became a very fearful person. I allowed that stuff to wreak havoc on my mind and was not able to focus on other things due to the images stuck in my head of terrible things happening to people that I loved.”
She struggled through an extremely difficult pregnancy with her second daughter, including physical and mental challenges. After Eleanor was born, postpartum anxiety pushed the day terrors into high gear. She endured anxiety attackswhich rendered her helpless, curled up on the couch paralyzed by fear.
“It wasn’t even anything specific afflicting me,” Rebekah acknowledged. “I had gotten to the point where I didn’t need a thought to produce fear in me. Fear
was always present. Fear was in control of my body.” After an especially harrowing sleepless night, Rebekah’s incapacitation convinced Greg they needed to become proactive about the situation. Based on Tim William’s recommendation, Rebekah called and scheduled an appointment at STCH Ministries Family Counseling.
After hearing Rebekah’s story, therapist Pam Frink suggested Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy as the course of action. According to Pam, EMDR along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT – traditional talk therapy) are the top therapy protocols for helping people deal with trauma, depression, and anxiety. Many therapists believe EMDR is to be superior to traditional talk therapy because it goes right to the brain and typically takes
a fraction of the time that CBT does. Pam utilizes EMDR therapy with the majority of her clients because of the effective nature of the treatment. “Researchers find that EMDR is an excellent tool for helping those battling PTSD, OCD, addictions, and grief. I am a huge proponent for EMDR. I see how it is healing,” Pam explained.
The EMDR protocol mimics the brain’s natural processes of working through memories. When the procedure happens correctly, Adaptive Information Processing has taken place and, once complete, the memory no longer “bothers” one anymore. When a memory maintains the sensory and or emotional elements (Maladaptive Information Processing), any similar experience, thought, smell, sound, etc. can throw the victim emotionally and mentally back into the exact state as when the original incident occurred. Without treatment, these maladapted memories will never resolve.
Before the first EMDR session, Pam helped Rebekah identify her negative thinking and formulated a statement for her to proclaim after the processing ended. One of the targets Rebekah identified was the feeling that she was not enough to take care of her children.
Rebekah detailed one of her first EMDR sessions this way:
My brain has processed targets and triggers either visually or verbally. The first time was very visual. While my eyes were open and following Pam’s fingers my mind was visually seeing things like a movie. I was replaying a short clip of an experience, which represented what I was struggling with. This particular target was a moment in high school when someone close to me grabbed the back of my arm and told me I needed to lose weight.
My “I am” statement going into it was, “I am not good enough.” The statement I wanted to believe afterward was “I am good enough.” I began the session
believing I am not good enough physically. As the processing begins, Pam’s fingers moved back and forth in front of my following eyes. I play this clip and say the words in my mind, “I am not good enough.” Pam knows what she’s doing and she knows what to look for as I’m processing. When she stops moving her fingers I quickly tell her anything that has stood out to me, she usually says, “ok, just notice that” then starts moving her fingers again.
As we started and stopped time and again, the clip I played and statement I heard, began to change. The first shift was from this person grabbing the fat of my arm (the original image) to them simply standing beside me. The next shift was this person hugging me! It was gradual, but as this shift happened the “I am not good enough” statement left me. Finally, the image in my mind changed to God Himself hugging me. It was surreal. I began to cry. My “I am” statement came back to me but this time it was the second one. “I am good enough.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 teaches us to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. God Himself was captivating my thoughts to Him.
The day terrors that troubled Rebekah for so long ceased early in her treatment and she has finished her therapy course. STCH Ministries Family Counseling was the tool God used to train her to take her thoughts captive, a basic commandment for a Christian’s walk which she failed to master on her own. She is confident of the truth she learned: all of the targets were cleared when Christ died on the cross. She felt challenged by God to “not allow His death to be a
sacrifice in vain.” She is thankful to have the skills necessary to handle anxiety, “If I have a thought that would have turned into a day terror in the past, I can control the situation instead of the situation controlling me. Life is manageable now.” Rebekah intentionally enjoys each day with her daughters and looks forward with optimism knowing Christ won the victory.
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God Provides – Costa Rica
/in Joanna's Journal/by Joanna BerryAfter the short flight to San Jose, they began their first
assignment at Excelencia Familiar children’s home. Asked to paint the girls bedrooms a hot pink color, the team went to work. On the last bedroom…Oh no! Big brown eyes reflected disappointment with the announcement, “We have run out of the pink color.” Hesitating momentarily, Amanda responded, “If Jesus made water into wine, we can make more pink paint!” They hurriedly mixed the remaining pink paint with leftover beige and red, and Presto! A unique Pepto Bismol paint job resulted. The girls expressed delight.
The team next moved into the rain forest to work with Nicaraguan
refugees. During VBS, Leslee was “volun-told ” to take charge of making chicken soup for the large group of children and moms. Panic set in as she viewed three WHOLE chickens. Her US-grocery- store chicken was pre-cut! Bravely, she picked up the helpless chicken, grabbed a knife, and set to work. After sabotaging one chicken, she noticed the Costa Rican ladies patiently watching, and cried, “Help!” Immediately one stepped forward. Whack, whack, whack! The chicken was ready for the soup pot.
Repeatedly, God proved his faithfulness. The men mixed concrete for a cement floor in the community worship center. The supply was just enough for the floor, and a sidewalk. Later, the
community gathered on the new cement floor for popcorn and the movie, Left Behind. Johnny spontaneously was asked to speak to the crowd. Exhausted from the unaccustomed concrete work, the life-long dread of public speaking threatened to overwhelm him. Then he thought, “I don’t want any of these people to be left behind.” God’s peace replaced fear as Johnny shared the Good News of salvation through faith in Christ.
After the event, they planned to distribute groceries to the first 50 families. Too late they realized the supplies filled only 41 bags. Miraculously, only 41 families stayed to receive the food.
Reflecting back on their experiences, Amanda reported, “The greatest lesson we learned was to trust God with everything
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Spring Awakening
/in Joanna's Journal/by Joanna BerryIn the Dominican Republic, Dr. Francisco’s eyes widened as he heard the news that so many students, with little experience, were coming to help with medical clinics. What could they do? How could this work? What would be the benefit both to the students and to the patients at the medical clinics? And so the journey of faith began….
A day at the orphanage in Santiago capped off the week. Whether reading, or playing soccer and basketball and jumping rope with children, or sharing laps, smiles, and hugs, the students shared God’s love with each one. One child’s response touched all of our hearts in a special way. When asked, “What do you want most for your life in the future?” “A family,” was the response. So it is throughout the world in every child’s heart, a deep longing to belong to a family.
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 make new relationships with Christian brothers and sisters 2,000 miles away. A sacrifice of time and resources, accompanied by 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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Transformational Change
/in Print Edition, Vol. 67, Issue 1/by Joanna Berry“Our goal is transformational change,” stated Theresa Klacman, who leads the Homes for Families ministry on the Marshall Ranch.
“I was a single mom with four children, and Satan made me believe the lie that I couldn’t make it. Now I know that God’s power is greater than any other thing, and with Hishelp I CAN and I AM making it. God has a plan. He never leaves us completely alone. And He had this place (Marshall Ranch) prepared to help me turn my life around,” shared one of our resident mothers.
At Homes for Families, the goal is deep inner healing. This begins with developing a personal relationship with God.Afterwards come the changes in thought-life, as truth replaces the lies they have believed. Then gradually the behaviors begin to change. Love is the primary tool. Resident Coordinators live in the home with the residents and draws heavily on God’s unconditional, inexhaustible love as they work with each lady. In addition they participate in focused Bible studies and relationship-healing topics like Boundaries, Making Peace with Your Past, that integrate Biblical truth with practical guidance on how to handle life differently. Therapy by a licensed Christian counselor is also available. All living expenses are provided without charge so that residents can focus on inner healing, learning new skills like conflict resolution, and repairing relationships with their children. The younger children are cared for on campus, while the older ones ride the bus to the Goliad Independent School District.
Phase Iis the discipline of getting up early every morning for prayer and devotions, getting breakfast, being on time, and getting along with several other mothers and their children in the same house! They take turns with kitchen duties, cleaning, etc. Naturally, at first they revert to the primary coping skill they have seen and used in the past to respond to stress and offense—ANGER! It is a slow process to learn there is a better way. As they grow, they begin to teach their children by responding to them with love and patience as they discipline and guide them.
During Phase I, some of the toughest life lessons that they must learn
Phase IItwo weekend passes per month, and a small weekly allowance to learn about budgeting and saving as they prepare for life after Homes for Families. They also begin a period of removing obstacles for success when they graduate from this program. As they tackle these hindrances, they must overcome the memories and the fear of past failures. The staff is constantly encouraging them, teaching them to have faith and trust God.
As they progress to Phase II, they earn more privileges like
This fall has been a season of celebrations for several ladies as they conquer those fears and overcome obstacles for their future success. Two of our ladies studied, took the driving test, and received their driver’s license. One young mom had legal charges to address from her past. Prayerfully she wrote a letter to the court, confronting the charges with a positive report of the changes that had taken place in her life. Hallelujah around the table when the court dismissed the charges and wished her the best on her future life! Future success requires more education. Two of our ladies begin college and another will achieve a high school diploma inMay, 2019. Transportation is needed in order to get a job or enroll in college, and we are grateful for a recent donation of a van for one of our ladies. She had a small car, which she then generously donated to her co-resident. With each success their confidence and their faith in God is strengthened.
Recovery and rebuilding a life is not an easy road, as you can imagine. Setbacks at first are common, and some give up and leave. The door at Home for Families is always open to them, however, when they are ready to begin again on this journey.
Phase IIIoff campus , either locally or closer to their families or to better opportunities for employment.
As they achieve the goals required, they are able to move into Phase III, where they begin independent living. To make that move, they must be within two weeks of enrollment in a college or technical school, or employment. They move to another house on campus, but now there are fewer rules. They begin to take care of their own expenses and manage their own budget. Homes for Families provides a case manager and continues some financial support on an individual basis, especially when they are getting an education. After four to six months of living on campus and managing their lives successfully during Phase III, they can move
We rejoice with each success—a driver’s license, a high school diploma, a job, or a car. But our greatest joy comes from the transformational changes we witness. ”Now I know that God’s power is greater than any other thing, and with Hishelp I CAN and I AM making it,” Felissia shared. She went on to explain, “When I was awarded custody of my children, we had a lot of damage to repair. The older ones especially were so angry because of my past behaviors. So we cried a lot together, and I asked their forgiveness and we prayed, and little by little love began to grow in place of the anger! Now, they also know Jesus, and understand that He is the One who made their mommy change!”
All the sacrifices, all the long hours, the investments of time and resources are counted as nothing in comparison to the overwhelming joy experienced by the staff whentransformational change in the heart of a mother reaches all the way into the heart of her children.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
The Sacredness of Work
/in Print Edition, Vol. 67, Issue 1/by Alisha Holt“I GET UP EVERY DAY and go to work because I have to earn a living. I come home frustrated and exhausted, only to get up the next day and do it all over again. Then the weekend comes and I have a break. But by Sunday evening I have knots in my stomach when I think about doing it all over again on Monday morning. Is this all there is to life?” a friend messaged.
How can we find meaning in our work? Is it just about making money, buying stuff, keeping up with the neighbors?” Recent research by the Barna group states, “It’s no surprise that 75% of adults are looking for ways to liveamore meaningful life.” In The Message translation, Paul asks, “How do I take my everyday, ordinary life—my sleeping, eating, going-to-work and walking around life—and place it before God as an offering?” (Romans 12:1,2)
Since 2008, STCH Ministries has been offering jobs and life skills classes to men and women. The goal has been to strengthen families by helping people discover God’s principles for their life and work. Throughout this time, the curriculum, location and target audience has changed, as they sought to develop a more effective program that could be implemented in partnership with the local church. Joanna Berry, Vice President of Family and International Ministries stated, “The church has always been God’s Plan A. Our ministries are joined in a type of symbiotic relationship with local churches in their ministries to families.” This vision has fueled the recent development of a new curriculum called Faith & Work.
Faith & Work is aBible based work-enhancement course which guides one to discover God’s purpose for their life and how to fulfill that purpose through their work. Participants are provided the opportunity and tools to achieve their full potential as they become more confident in their ability to succeed at work, become leaders and positively influence their work environments. Using biblical and practical insights, the new eight week course is designed to sharpen student skills and deepen their understanding concerning each Christian’s responsibility to be leaders in the workplace while serving the world with excellence and integrity.
The curriculum itself best explains, “We can develop our gifts in virtually any job or position in which we find ourselves, for working on God’s behalf requires many different giftings and vocations. I Corinthians 7:17 says, ‘Each person should continue to live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God called them.’ In the Old Testament, Ezra was a priest and Nehemiah was a civil engineer and city planner. God used both of them mightily, along with countless other men, women, and even children, to accomplish His purposes. And He continues to do the same today.”
Faith and Work provides a framework which enables learners to fully embrace the truth that work is a blessing and an opportunity to serve a higher calling while supporting their families.
The topics covered in the curriculum begin teaching identity and purpose allowing participants to assess their own strengths and abilities through personality and spiritual gifts assessments. They can learn practical skills like setting goals and writing resumes. They will better understand their unique role, how to build healthy relationships and even overcome issues that sabotage success. During the sessions, the student is challenged to see themselves as created in God’s image with purpose and potential.
Darrell Jackson, Director Faith & Work/Faith & Finances at the Houston location, led a group of men at a non-profit ministry called Agape Development through the new study in the Fall of 2018. Agape Development and Restoration Community Church are partners in the mission of rebuilding the lives of individuals, families and the community. Ten men, including employees and supervisors of the Agape ministry, commented on how much the Faith & Work curriculum helped to strengthen their relationships with one another and taught them a biblical understanding of their individual roles at work and as kingdom men. “As I taught these men, I could not help butto reflect back to when I pastored a church in a community filled with needs. I would have loved to offer a course like Faith & Work that helped people learn about God’s view of work, while assisting them to increase their job skills,” Jackson reported.
For every Christian, work needs to be more than a job, more than a title or a profession. There is no division between the secular and the sacred when work becomes a calling to reflect God’s love and glory in every action, in all of our roles. As a successful doctor recently shared, “My life was changed when I decided that all of my work would be a form of worship to God.”
STCH Ministries has Faith & Work/Faith & Finances offices in Houston, Corpus Christi and San Antonio. The staff at all three locations are excited to bring this dynamic curriculum to the churches of South Texas. “Because of the benefits we have seen in the lives of individuals, families and in communities throughout our cities, we believe that God has given us a tool that will help individuals succeed, and bring glory to God!” stated Darrell Jackson.
Faith & Work is a companion ministry to our Faith & Finances program, a curriculum which teaches biblical principles for money management. Both programs are offered by STCH Ministries staff in and for local churches. If you, your church or ministry are interested in offering either of these studies to your organization, please go to www.stchm.org/faith-work for more information. STCH Ministries is faith-based and entirely supported by donations from God’s people, and does not charge for our services.
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The Healing Power of Normalcy
/in Print Edition, Vol. 67, Issue 1/by Alisha HoltNORMAL. A WORD EVERYONE understands, and yet most find it difficult to agree on its meaning. My favorite definition is “the usual, average or typical state or condition.” I can assure you that what was normal for me growing up as the oldest of two in the suburbs of Houston, Texas was not normal for my husband, the only son and youngest of four on a farm in North Georgia. Our children’s experiences as missionary kids crisscrossing the northern and southern hemispheres add a completely different flavor of “normal” to our family. However, there are several elements common to our individual childhoods that are strikingly similar. We each grew up with parents lovingly committed not only to one another but to the success of the family as a whole. We both attended church regularly with our families where we were taught through lessons and actions of the tremendous love of God and His care for the most intimate aspects of our lives. Our distinct families shared an important common denominator, a love for God and respect for the principles laid out in the Bible regarding family life.
At STCH Ministries Homes for Children, we strive to create that same type of normal for every child. Dr. Greg Huskey, Vice President of Homes for Children (HFC) clarifies, “We want to create an environment that allows children to enjoy a ‘normal’ faith-based family.”Which means a family-like experience complete with both a mother and a father who care and take an active interest in the lives of their kids. The eleven cottages on our Boothe Campus form an inclusive neighborhood where friendships are developed and lives are shared. Church attendance, public school and extra-curricular activities are all regular, even normal parts of life. The nuts and bolts of living are also included: chores, homework, doctor visits, dental care…even college and preparation for life as an adult are provided.
Children come to Homes for Children from both private placements as well as through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for a variety of reasons. For many of them, the healthy, stable family-like experience provided by the houseparents is completely foreign. And that makes creating normalcy a high priority for our houseparents and the HFC staff. Beginning with their first moments in a cottage, children are given a bedroom to share with another child and are shown where they can store their personal items – a space to begin to belong. Life inside the cottages revolves around family; family meals, family chores, family outings, family devotionsand even family vacations. Birthdays and Christmas are intentionally celebrated with parties and gifts for each child in each cottage.
Kelsey and Mary Motes have been houseparents for almost five years at Love Cottage. Theirs is an all-girl home where the ages range from 16 years to ten months old.
Kelsey tells me that their blended family of eleven – six cottage girls and the three Motes’ children “Live, love, laugh and cry as a family.” Just like any other family, Kelsey and Mary move at full speed keeping up with the busy girls.
This school year, five of the girls played volleyball followed immediately by basketball season. The Christmas holidays brought a bit of a break – just a bit – as there were still Driver’s Ed classes and monitoring the mandatory drive time with a parent to keep up with.Second semester has them gearing up for track and field which will keep them running through the end of the school year. A couple of the young ladies are also involved in singing and math competitions as well as Career Development Events through the FFA Chapter at school. And, these are the activities at just one cottage on campus! The beauty of the closely knit community is demonstrated through the housepops taking turns taxiing kids from home to school to ballfield and back home.
Kelsey takes care of the project animals barn on Boothe Campus. FFA and 4H provide excellent, even therapeutic opportunities for the children. Participating in stock shows allows HFC young people to experience healthy commitment, sometimes for the very first time in their lives. Raising project animals provides the possibility to take on the responsibility of caring for something beyond themselves; it also allows them to build meaningful relationships in a wider community than they have previously been exposed to. Bringing the national 4H format to Boothe Campus by chartering the STCH Ministries 4H Club this year enables Kelsey to shepherd the progress of both the students and their animals closely. For many, taking the risk of committing to the needs of an animal is a chance for healing to begin in their own hearts and lives. This year, 4H’ers participated in the Beeville Junior Livestock Show and will be showing a goat and a lamb at both the San Antonio and Houston Livestock Show andRodoes .
In the life of a believer, God is present in each aspect of every day. When you look for them, you can find His fingerprints everywhere. Houseparents and staff are diligent to identify those godly markers in order to bring them to the attention of young hearts unused to His tender mercies. Kelsey remarks,
“Biblical topics always seem to come up and we discuss those with the girls. Often, we’ll help them look it up in Scripture to prepare and talk about what they learned.”
The Love Cottage household worships together on Sundays at First Baptist Church, Kenedy, and during the week through bible studies and activities on campus. Joel Bowden, Director of Student Ministries, describes his position as identical to any student minister at a local church except his kids are always around. And, like any minister to youth, Joel wears many hats: Bible study leader, hunting guide, Awanas coordinator, swimming poollife guard , counselor, dodge ball referee, confidant and event planner to name a few. In addition to weekly Bible education for all ages, Joel organizes the social calendar and coordinates the numerous church groups who participate in special events with our kids.
Support of our residents does not end with their high school graduation. Scholars work with staff to plan for college or trade school while they explore their career interests. Scholarships are provided to each graduate whoqualify , making it possible for success in their future. Throughout the course of higher education, transitional apartments on campus are available during school breaks – although many opt to spend the weekend with their houseparents in the cottages…just like normal college students across the country.
Life on Boothe Campus is rich and full. That does not mean that it is without difficulty. Counselors, caseworkers, and houseparents conscientiously work day in and day out helping each child to process and understand their past while equipping them to be successful in the future. Maintaining normal, faith-based families empowers our purpose of healing hearts and sharing hope permitting us to witness the beauty of God changing their stories day by day.
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Thankful For The Past, But Anticipating The Future
/in Print Edition, Vol. 67, Issue 1/by CommunicationsTHANK YOU! 2018 was a year to remember and celebrate the goodness of our Lord and Savior. Our donors, churches, foundations and many others are appreciated for the sacrifice and committed partnership to STCH Ministries.
In 2018, 15,301 individuals were served in one or more of our nine distinct ministries. Please take a look at what God is doing at STCH Ministries.
83 Children, at Boothe Campus, enjoyed exciting experiences such as attending youth camp, FFA project animals, and activities at church; along with receiving the basic necessities in a protected, loving home at Homes for Children.
17 College students received scholarships, booksand housing to prepare for a successful future.
59 Moms and their children thrived as they reside in safety on the Marshall Ranch Campus at Homes for Families.
111 Pastors plus their families have been strengthened and replenished through Pastor Care.
4,360 Individuals, couples, children, and families received counseling that is clinically excellent and distinctively Christian at one of our 17 counseling offices throughout South Texas.
10,214 Through our International ministry, orphans and disadvantaged families were spiritually ministered to in the Dominican Republic.
85 Men and women graduated from the “life-changing” Faith & Work ministry.
222 Men and women mastered Biblical principles concerning money through the Faith & Finances ministry.
43 Families have been connected with resources through Family Support.
500 People received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
This past year, in Ministry Consulting, we continued to work with several organizations to share our expertise and resources that helped them operate more efficiently. This ministry is an opportunity for STCH Ministries to continue to serve others and is a means to effective stewardship.
As we anticipate the future in 2019, we at STCH Ministries will continue to trust God for what is to come. Thank you for collaborating in our vision to show the love of Christ to those whom we serve. By God’s glory and grace, STCH Ministries has been blessed with 66 years of ministering to those who are in need of hope, healingand restoration.
There is no end to God’s goodness as we expectantly wait to see His blessings.
2018 was great, 2019 will be even better. Thank you for partnering with us in Healing Hearts and Sharing Hope.
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Sovereignty Of God
/in Print Edition, Vol. 67, Issue 1/by Joanna BerryHE WAS BORN September 9, 1997, to a single mom, Francia, in the Dominican Republic. Alexis Enmanuel Buret Marte could have been just one of those countless children, lost within the generational poverty surrounding his birth. Except for God. Although not a believer herself, at the grandmother’s urging, Francia took her infant to church and dedicated him to God. Much later, Francia began to attend the Iglesia Bautista Quisqueyana (IBQ) church where she accepted Christ when Alexis was five years old. Alexis and Francia continued faithfully attending church. Although Alexis believed the truths taught, he was as a young teen before he made his personal decision to accept Christ and follow Him.
Every day throughout the world many thousands of children are born to single moms, usually destined for poverty and hopelessness. What makes the difference between their fate and a child who conquers impossible odds to become a college graduate, employed, and a fine example of a Christian young man? Undoubtedly there are many factors. Nevertheless, there are two significant determinants—the sovereignty of God and personal choice. Together they compose a mystery that our human mind can never completely understand. Yet at times we can see both of these factors juxtaposed in the life of a specific person.
Long before Alexis’ decision to follow Christ, God orchestrated events that would greatly impact Alexis’ life. In 2007, STCH Ministries was led to begin international ministry. God brought them to the Dominican Republic. As they began to focus on the needs of children and families, they were made aware of the limited opportunities for children born into poverty. Tuition in a public school was free, but every child had to have a uniform which included black shoes and white socks. In addition, they had to provide their own transportation, schools supplies and books. For many families whose most desperate need was food, education was not a priority. Sadly, without an education, there could be no hope.
These factors combined with the mission of STCH Ministries to honor God, help hurting children and families led to the creation of the Samuel’s Fund Sponsorship program. The goal was to provide resources for children from the age of 4 through high school to receive an education and to develop spiritually, mentally and socially. Sponsors contribute a monthly donation of $35.00, which goes directly to the child’s benefit, primarily education but also medical care. STCH Ministries does not deduct any percentage for administrative or operational costs of Dominican or American staff.
Robin Greene had come on several mission trips. In 2012, God moved her heart to sponsor a child through the Samuel’s Fund sponsorship ministry.
“We were matched with Alexis…didn’t choose him, but boy were we blessed!” she wrote recently. “I had met him before and was really impressed by his sincerity, hard work attitude, and willingness to do whatever was asked of him, and his joy in life.”
Sponsored by the Greenes, Alexis began to receive funding for his high school education. He grew a desire to learn English and work with the “Americanos” that he saw occasionally in the IBQ church. Gathering his courage, he approached Russell Jerez, Construction Projects Director in the Dominican Republic and asked, “Could I help you with the construction?”
“Do you know how to use tools? Have you ever held a drill?”, Russell responded.
“No, but I am willing to learn,” Alexis assured him. He began helping, and Russell saw that he was a quick learner, got along well with others, and never complained about hard work and days which stretched long.
Since Alexis came from a single parent home, he assumed the role of man of the house, while still growing up himself. He found a father figure in Russell. Russell shared his own faith while he also demanded hard work, staying busy, communicating appropriately in English with the mission team members. Under his influence, Alexis continued to develop a heart for God and learned great work habits. Russell reported, “Gradually our relationship changed from father-figure to a genuine friendship.”
Robin had several opportunities to spend time with Alexis and his mother on subsequent mission trips, “In conversations with Francia, we had multiple discussions on her hopes and dreams as well as her concerns for Alexis’ future. Her thoughts helped me to keep Alexis and his needs directing my prayer life without inserting my own thoughts and cultural biases.” God continued to order Alexis’ steps.
Samuel’s Fund sponsorship ends with high school graduation. Francia recalls Alexis sharing that he wanted to pursue a university education. She was willing to help him, but told him sadly, “We don’t have the resources for you to go. But we can pray and ask God for that.” It was just then that God led STCH Ministries to develop the Christian Leadership Educational Program (CLEP), to help young people continue their education. The life of the Old Testament prophet, Samuel, originally inspired our sponsorship ministry to children. Samuel was dedicated first to God, then trained and educated, and he eventually became a leader for God. Samuel’s life would continue to be the model for the new CLEP program.
The staff began to identify young people who had matured in their faith, applied themselves in their studies, and shown commitment and leadership in their church, or other Christian ministries. Recently graduated from high school, Alexis became one of the first students to qualify for this sponsorship. Robin and Eddie Greene continued their investment in Alexis’ life through the CLEP program. This was a considerable commitment, as university costs are significantly higher than a Samuels Fund sponsorship, involving tuition, books, transportation and more.
Although the Dominican Republic offers more affordable education through the state-run university, obstacles like overcrowding and limited choice of classes, plus the necessity of working to pay expenses, can require up to ten years to graduate. Because of his sponsorship, Alexis was able to attend one of the excellent private universities in the Dominican Republic. With hard work, he could graduate in four years. Alexis chose a business major with an emphasis in tourism and hotel management. He diligently applied himself to his studies while continuing his involvement with mission teams in the summer. Alexis excelled in school and in three and a half years finished his course work. He then began a semester of internship at a hotel in Punta Cana.
Alexis was given a low-level responsibility—inputting data into a computer, and occasionally answering the phone when the front desk was too busy. It wasn’t long before his co-workers looked at him in amazement. “Where did you learn English? What are you doing in this position with that skill?” In a few weeks Alexis was promoted, and before the internship was completed, he was offered a permanent job as Director of Environmental and Social Services.
The tourism environment is one fraught with temptations for a young man. Alexis has maintained a close relationship with Pastor Rudy, pastor of IBQ, who frequently counsels him with thoughts from Proverbs 3. “Do not forget my teaching…So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, and God will direct your steps.” Russell along with the Greenes continued to encourage Alexis also. Alexis has maintained his Christian walk and testimony, and God has been faithful to bless him. During days off he always found his way back to the IBQ church. His responsibility to care for his mother, as well as the joy he feels to be able to help with her support, remain strong motivators.
Alexis is quick to acknowledge the benefits that STCH Ministries International has provided for his life. The university sponsorship provided by the Greenes through the CLEP program opened the door of possibilities for his future. He reports that many special relationships contributed to his life: the mission teams with whom he frequently served, his church, his mother, Francia, the Greenes, Pastor Rudy and Russell Jerez, and the DR staff all helped him along the way. Through them, he received encouragement to grow in his faith and his Christian walk, along with learning to be an example to others in spite of his youth. His opportunity to learn and practice English became a critical component of his success at his job. Other qualities that propelled his success at work, which he learned from Russell, were excellent work habits, like taking initiative when a job needed to be done, working hard and staying busy, as well as getting along with others.
In a country where many are born into generational poverty and little opportunity, the immediate is so urgent that many never learn to think beyond today. Alexis readily shares that he has a 10-year plan. He wants to marry and have children and raise a Christian family as he has seen Russell and others at IBQ model. Although he recognizes he has much to learn about the hotel management and tourism business, his long term-goal is to own and manage his own business supplying resources to hotels and resorts. For the next few years, however, he will focus on learning every aspect of managing a resort.
God’s sovereignty and the free will of man, seems to be a mystery, even an oxymoron. In Alexis life it is not difficult to see God’s hand. It is also obvious to recognize the part that Alexis’ choices contributed to the success he has experienced. A child dedicated to God by a mother who didn’t yet know Him herself, and the young man who made his own decision to accept and follow Christ. The mission teams God brought to the Dominican Republic and Alexis’ personal desire and courage to seek that opportunity. Samuel’s Fund and the CLEP program established through God’s leading, and at just the right time the Greenes chose to sponsor Alexis. Alexis’ faithfulness in his studies and God’s leading to the right major, the right job, in the right place for him.
On January 25, 2019 Alexis Enmanuel Marte Buret graduated with his university degree. Francia is understandably proud of her son. Robin and Eddie Greene also flew from Houston to celebrate this occasion with Alexis and Francia.
Surprised By God
/in Joanna's Journal/by Joanna BerryA mission trip requires each person to step out of the ordinary, leave the known for the unknown. “Does God really want me to do this? Will God be enough for the unknown,” we wonder? When we step out in obedience and faith, we open ourselves to God-sized surprises.
The children’s team had shared the love of Christ with children in
many venues. Their concern was, “How can we effectively communicate Jesus’ love for each child when we can’t speak the language?” They prepared colorful cards with their pictures to give each child that stated, “Hemos venido a compartir el amor de Jesus.” (We have come to share the love of Jesus). The team was paired with Valentina, a translator whose passion to share Jesus’ love with children, rivaled their own. Word for word, gesture for gesture, her tone of voice mirrored the presenter. To their surprise, the communication obstacle vanished in the unity of spirit they experienced.
When we follow God by faith, He will surprise us by giving more than we hoped for, abundantly more than we could ask or imagine.