STCH Ministries Family Counseling provides hope and direction for individuals, couples, children, and families when they need help sorting through the challenges of life. Kelly Harris, a therapist serving in Corpus Christi, shares with us how God is granting freedom to a client.
I received a note from a client today who has been working with me for just a few sessions now. She wrote, “As you erased those items (from the whiteboard) and talked, it literally felt like you were erasing them from my life. It felt so freeing!” Of course, I had no idea of the impact of that moment, but He did and in this instance, I received a note to let me know.
What a great reminder that I need not offer anything profound as I work with those I serve. Sometimes it’s the smallest action that God uses to touch and change the hearts of people.
The second reminder is that this is His work, not mine! Praise God for the freedom He wants His people to have in our Lord Jesus Christ!
At the time of this writing, our Family Counseling ministry consists of four counseling hubs with seventeen offices operating, for the most part, out of partner churches in each area. Corpus Christi was the original office hub. Earlier this year, this center added a new counseling location and a new therapist to their roster. Kelly came on part time in February 2018 and began serving one day each week in the satellite offices inside Yorktown Baptist Church and Coastal Oaks Church in Rockport.
The response to having a licensed counselor in these two locations has been impressive. In just six months, Kelly’s agenda filled up and by July she transitioned to a full-time schedule, adding an extra day to each location as well as seeing clients in the main Corpus Christi office. Those extra days soon filled with regular clients and both the Yorktown and Rockport locations now have a waiting list.
STCH Family Counseling therapists are professionally trained and offer counseling that is clinically excellent and distinctively Christian. Counseling services are provided regardless of an individual or family’s ability to pay for them. Donations toward services are accepted and appreciated. Learn more at www.STCHM.org/FC.
One of our four regional counseling offices located in Corpus Christi.
We offer counseling at Yorktown Baptist Church in Corpus Christi.
We also have a counseling office at Coastal Oaks Church in Rockport.
https://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/Corpus-office-1.jpg13332000Family Counselinghttps://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/stchm_h-logotagline-e1704238942591-1030x257.pngFamily Counseling2018-10-04 17:16:202020-03-16 15:15:37Providing Hope and Direction
STCH Ministries opened a new Family Counseling office in Richmond, Texas, making seventeen locations in all. The new office is hosted by Water’s Edge Community Church and provides professional counseling services that are distinctively Christian.
Randy Beck, pastor at Water’s Edge, is optimistic about this new venue for reaching out to the church’s neighborhood.
“We are always looking for ways to show compassionate care for the community. It is great to see families walk through the door of a church – not for worship services but because they are broken and know they need help,” Pastor Beck explains. “STCH therapists share our values and we know the families will be impacted for the Kingdom.”
STCH Ministries has offered counseling for families, couples, and individuals since 1995, and expanded to Houston in September 2016. In the past two years, services in the Houston area have grown to four full-time therapists at five locations. The Family Counseling team has plans to continue reaching out to new areas in metropolitan Houston in the coming years.
Across South Texas, there are also regional Family Counseling hubs in Corpus Christi, Victoria, and San Antonio, with office locations at partner churches in surrounding communities. In addition to private counseling sessions, professional therapists provide training and information to church leaders and their congregations through a variety of seminars and workshops on topics related to the family.
For a complete list of Family Counseling locations, or to seek help for a counseling need, visit www.STCHM.org/FC.
https://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/Corpus-office-1.jpg13332000Family Counselinghttps://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/stchm_h-logotagline-e1704238942591-1030x257.pngFamily Counseling2018-10-01 08:16:112020-03-16 14:27:59Family Counseling Up to 17 Locations with New Office
Ashley Beck spent her summer as a STCH Ministries International summer intern in the Dominican Republic. She and four others served together from the base located on the grounds of Iglesia Bautista Quisqueyana (IBQ). The young people worked shoulder to shoulder with teams made up of volunteers from 15 different churches and STCH Ministries staff. The teams engaged in medical, construction, and teaching projects across the island nation.
This year, construction projects were the priority. Four new houses were built over a period of three months. Each new home was for a child sponsored through Samuel’s Fund – a sponsorship program that enables orphans and at-risk children to receive an education, participate in spiritual training, and have other needs met. Ashley blogged about her experiences in the Dominican Republic. Through those journal entries, she reveals some of God’s construction projects inside her life – demolishing incorrect thought processes and revealing His plan for her future.
She candidly communicates about the openness of the Dominican nationals to share their lives and culture to bring one more person to a saving faith in Christ. “I have a new place in my heart for Dominicans,” she wrote, “They love and serve unlike any people I’ve ever met.” She witnessed an unfailing commitment to working hard at every task no matter how menial, by workers of every nationality.
Over the course of her tenure, Ashley identified three major lessons she learned:
God works His alterations in each of us on His timetable,
Our personal hopes are eclipsed by those God has for us,
God is bigger than all of our shortcomings.
Ashley credits God with changing her focus from herself to other people. In the beginning, she was alert to what she would get out of her time overseas. What she realized was God works in each volunteer in every group, while at the same time impacting both believers and non-believers in deeply individual ways. For instance, the girl who came on the family mission trip reluctantly is impacted by the joy she identifies on the faces of children in the orphanage as they welcome friends to church services. She has been impacted by “people who live and breathe every day to make sure one more person will join them in the Kingdom (of God).”
The focus of what she hoped for was remodeled as well. While working on a demolition project, she realized she had been inattentive to the purpose God had for the project. “In life,” she muses, “we can become so distracted by what we hope for that we miss the lessons or better gifts from God.”
Overall, Ashely has come to the conclusion each of us needs to accept: God is greater than our failures. As she grappled with her weaknesses, she noticed the hole she had dug herself into, and the temptation was strong to stop striving. God is faithful to speak to our flaws and He sent friends who encouraged her. “They picked my life apart and tried to find Jesus,” she explains, “but He was hidden underneath my selfish desires.”
She is determined now to continue to fill in those frailties with what she calls “the cement of Jesus – made with a mixture of Bible truths and water from the people in your life.” Ashley has committed to begin “digging into the Word rather than into my hole.” And she invites us to join her.
Growing up as a preacher’s kid (PK) has helped prepare Ashley to understand and accept God’s call on her life to a career in international missions. She has begun her senior year of high school with a clear focus and is submitting college applications to schools where she can pursue biblical studies with a minor in missions.
For the many people who knew her, the memory of Rosa Elena lives on. Dark-skinned, turbaned elegantly, and dressed in flowing white, she often pointed one thumb heavenward. It was her signature gesture as she deflected all the glory to God. Rosa Elena inspired everyone with her amazing faith and her dedication to the forgotten, yet priceless to God, children of Hatillo—chained by ignorance, generational poverty, and immorality.
Shortly after she opened her heart to Christ, God gave her a passion for these children living in the Hatillo area. Their location and poverty isolated them without access to education, without knowledge of God’s love, without hope for the future. Rosa Elena began educating 7 children in 1996, and labored faithfully with minimal resources for 10 years. When STCH Ministries began to partner with the school in 2007, a former graduated student recounted, “We had to break a crayon in four pieces to share!” In 2012, STCH Ministries received significant funding for this project. With the help of partnering churches they replaced the deteriorating wooden buildings with new concrete structures. The school grew to over 100 students.
Unexpectedly, Rosa Elena’s health began to deteriorate and on September 26, 2016 she passed away. A crisis developed as the school struggled with decreasing attendance, teacher resignations, and financial stress. STCH Ministries staff and donors, along with the IBQ church staff and a newly formed board, stepped up their support. New staff was trained, salaries were increased, additional investments were made in uniforms, computers, and other equipment. Gradually the school stabilized and began to grow. Today, the goals for the future of Rosa Elena’s school are excellence with self-sustainability.
Since the time Rosa Elena began to educate children and share the hope of the Gospel, many years have passed and countless children have been impacted. “La Gloria a Dios,” was Rosa Elena’s refrain, as she pointed with her thumb to the skies. Two years ago Rosa Elena left our planet to reside in that Glory-land to which she often pointed.
https://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/JJ-3-1.jpg15562000Joanna Berryhttps://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/stchm_h-logotagline-e1704238942591-1030x257.pngJoanna Berry2018-09-26 09:46:392020-03-16 15:16:47Rosa Elena Pointing Heavenward
For the many people who knew her, the memory of Rosa Elena lives on. Dark-skinned, turbaned elegantly, and dressed in flowing white, she often pointed one thumb heavenward. It was her signature gesture as she deflected all the glory to God. Rosa Elena inspired everyone with her amazing faith and her dedication to the forgotten, yet priceless to God, children of Hatillo—chained by ignorance, generational poverty, and immorality.
Shortly after she opened her heart to Christ, God gave her a passion for these children living in the Hatillo area. Their location and poverty isolated them without access to education, without knowledge of God’s love, without hope for the future. Rosa Elena began educating 7 children in 1996, and labored faithfully with minimal resources for 10 years.
Joanna Berry (standing left), Rosa Elena (right), and children receiving new school supplies.
When STCH Ministries began to partner with the school in 2007, a former graduated student recounted, “We had to break a crayon in four pieces to share!” In 2012, STCH Ministries received significant funding for this project. With the help of partnering churches they replaced the deteriorating wooden buildings with new concrete structures. The school grew to over 100 students.
Unexpectedly, Rosa Elena’s health began to deteriorate and on September 26, 2016 she passed away. A crisis developed as the school struggled with decreasing attendance, teacher resignations, and financial stress. STCH Ministries staff and donors, along with the IBQ church staff and a newly formed board, stepped up their support. New staff was trained, salaries were increased, additional investments were made in uniforms, computers, and other equipment. Gradually the school stabilized and began to grow. Today, the goals for the future of Rosa Elena’s school are excellence with self-sustainability.
Since the time Rosa Elena began to educate children and share the hope of the Gospel, many years have passed and countless children have been impacted. “La Gloria a Dios,” was Rosa Elena’s refrain, as she pointed with her thumb to the skies. Two years ago Rosa Elena left our planet to reside in that Glory-land to which she often pointed.
Rosa Elena now resides in that Glory-land to which she often pointed.
Rosa Elena pointing one thumb heavenward.
Joanna Berry (standing left), Rosa Elena (right), and children receiving new school supplies.
Rosa Elena’s original school building.
Construction on the new school building.
Rosa Elena’s finished school building in the Dominican Republic.
https://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3739-crop.jpg18262560Internationalhttps://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/stchm_h-logotagline-e1704238942591-1030x257.pngInternational2018-09-26 09:00:262020-03-16 15:11:22International Partnerships: Rosa Elena
The Dominican children are back in school. This year every sponsored child proudly carries a colorful STCH Ministries backpack, school supplies, and their uniform, provided by our Samuel’s Fund sponsors!
During regular visits, our Dominican staff ask them about their school progress and families. The children’s answers reveal their interests and pleasures, and their concerns. Many times their responses provide a small “window” into their spiritual development as well:
No matter what, God is always God. No one can laugh at Him.
God never leaves or abandons His children. I just need to have faith.
God is in every place. Anyone can know Him if they open their hearts to receive Him.
God will help me do all things, if I trust and believe.
I need to be patient and wait for God’s timing.
We must trust God no matter how difficult our situation.
I had to repeat a grade and I worked hard and prayed that God would help me. I passed!
I saw God’s hand when the brakes failed, and He protected my family.
The priority of the Samuel’s Fund sponsorship is to enable children to get an education so that they can overcome the obstacles that poverty has created. Of equal importance to that goal, however, is helping them to grow in their knowledge of God and to develop a faith relationship through Christ. It’s an investment that brings hope not just for today, but also for eternity.
00Joanna Berryhttps://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/stchm_h-logotagline-e1704238942591-1030x257.pngJoanna Berry2018-09-23 11:58:432020-03-16 15:05:22God Through the Eyes of Children
As the calendar winds down and our thoughts turn to the holidays, we begin to think not only about how we will observe the traditional festivities but also what we can give to those most special to us. Often, not just any gift will do, we want our present to recognize the important place they hold in our hearts. May we suggest an honor gift made to STCH Ministries?
Honor and memorial gifts are thoughtful ways you can personally contribute to the ongoing care of children in South Texas. An honor gift is a contribution you make in honor of a friend or family member who is still living. A memorial gift is a beautiful way to celebrate the life of a loved one after they have passed away.
Bequests are handled with gratitude and sensitivity. In the case of a memorial gift, a suitable notice of your gift and expression of sympathy will be handwritten and sent to the family of the deceased. For donations made in honor of another, that person will also receive a personal note advising them of your kindness. The amount of the gift is never revealed unless requested by you.
Giving in this manner is easy; you may print an Honor Gift Form or a Memorial Gift Form to fill in and send in with your donation. You may also make these gifts online. (Select the tab labeled Honor or Memorial Gifts on our donation form.) Each gift of this nature received at STCH Ministries is invested in our permanent funds, which are used to help with educational, medical, and general expenses for our children. The first priority goes to educational and medical needs.
The English clergyman Robert South said, “If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.” Giving honor and memorial gifts through STCH Ministries is a gift that is a double blessing: distinguishing someone you care about and making a difference in the lives of children and families at the same time.
https://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/Honor-and-Memorials.jpeg24992560Communicationshttps://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/stchm_h-logotagline-e1704238942591-1030x257.pngCommunications2018-09-20 10:18:412020-03-16 15:07:35Honor and Memorial Gifts
Development & Communications team members from STCH Ministries in New Mexico at the Connections Conference.
Baptist organizations have been providing care for widows and orphans for over 100 years, adhering to the biblical mandate of James 1:27. On September 9 – 11, 2018, STCH Ministries participated in the Connections Conference, the annual meeting of the Association of Baptist Children’s Home Professionals, which brings together organizations from across the country to collaborate on development and communications topics. This year’s conference was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Southern Baptists have long held their commitment to cooperation and enduring strength of the denomination, with like-minded entities working together for the purpose of bringing people into relationship with God. STCH Ministries and twenty other Baptist Children’s Homes across the nation collaborate through the Baptist Coalition of Children and Families (BCCF), and the Connections Conference is made up of the development and communications professionals of these children’s homes.
Rod Marshall, BCCF President, underlined the cooperative commitment in his address to the gathering. “We work closely with the North American Mission Board, the Women’s Missionary Union, and Baptist Press to address the needs of families in the United States. Baptist child care providers have been the best in child care for over 150 years.”
STCH Ministries staff members were among the speakers at the conference, presenting about compelling storytelling and working with contractors.
Throughout the weekend, the theme of “Staying Connected” was intentionally implemented in each aspect of the conference. Through general meetings, breakout sessions, meal times, and special events, participants were encouraged to share with one another on a variety of topics. STCH Ministries staff members were among the speakers at the conference, presenting about compelling storytelling and working with contractors.
Raymond J. Gary Jr., CEO of iDonate, spoke extensively about the mindset and motivations of American charitable donors. “Today’s donors are empowered consumers who expect their experience to be a dynamic, simple, joyful experience. We need to be smarter than Netflix and bolder than Uber in our efforts to connect with them,” he instructed.
Conference attendees displayed a common purpose as they exchanged experiences and strategies regarding subjects as diverse as leadership, data management, and how to best share a ministry’s stories. Jeny Cortez, STCH Ministries Director of Development, commented, “There’s no sense of competition. We all want everyone to be successful. We know it is all for the glory of God and the healing of broken lives.”
Conference attendees were reminded of the importance of their work by two of the residents of the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home who attended the event. Ryleigh and Sophia helped with logistics and each spoke during the meetings. When Ryleigh first moved to the children’s home, she did not understand why her mom made the decision to send her into residential care. She was convinced she had done something unforgivable. Professional counseling and the unconditional love of her houseparents helped Ryleigh decide to trust in Jesus as her Savior.
The conference ended with participants returning to their home organizations full of inspiration, new ideas, and a powerful sense of connection to their counterparts in other states. In 2020, the Connections Conference will be hosted by Connie Maxwell Children’s Home in South Carolina.
Our Development & Communications team attended the 2018 Connections Conference in New Mexico to collaborate with other Baptist children’s homes.
https://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/P9090038.jpg19202560Alisha Holthttps://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/stchm_h-logotagline-e1704238942591-1030x257.pngAlisha Holt2018-09-14 07:00:092020-03-16 15:13:33Meeting of Baptist Children’s Homes Inspires Teamwork
Did you know that the average person who works 40 years will spend 2,000 hours in church, and 90,000 hours at work? To be good stewards of the life God has given us, we must continually listen for God’s guidance. We must look for opportunities to bless others during the normal activities of each day. And when God speaks to us, we must step forward in faith to follow His leading.
Cesar exemplifies someone who allowed God’s Spirit to speak through him during the ordinary activities of his work-life. Cesar was a taxi driver in the small town of Higuey in the Dominican Republic. Every day was a challenge, as he drove up and down city streets, always looking for another fare, a few more pesos to meet the necessities of his family. Lunch time was a prime opportunity for fares, and he often drove customers to eat at various restaurants. In the midst of his work pressures and responsibilities, God’s Spirit spoke to his heart. Cesar began to notice the ragged boys who hung out behind the restaurants, scavenging the uneaten food out of the trash.
Cesar had enough to worry about. Just making enough pesos to live was hard. And he wasn’t doing too badly in the serving God department, either. He was a leader in his church, and supported a wife and several children. He could have ignored the sight of the hungry boys, looked the other way, and busied himself with his own responsibilities. But God’s Spirit continued to whisper, “Those are MY boys, my special creation.” Compassion for the children grew, and Cesar shared the need with other church members. In time they formed a board, found a rental home and the boys were accepted into their hearts and lives.
STCH Ministries was introduced to the Home, named “A Better World” about two years ago, and we began to help with food and maintenance projects. We slowly developed a relationship with the boys and the staff. Although their rent house was shabby, the owner of the house allowed them to live in the home for only $1.00 per year. Last spring, however, the elderly owner became ill. As a result her family required the orphanage to move out of the home by the end of 2018.
The board had acquired a small piece of land, and now they turned to STCH Ministries for help. Could we help to build a permanent home for the children? Plans have been drawn and the estimate to build a home for the 15 boys is $100,000.00. We have received donations totaling $30,000 for this project. We are trusting by faith for the remaining balance.
Cesar stepped out in faith when God’s Spirit stirred compassion in his heart for abandoned street boys. We are also trusting God to provide this need. We hope many of you will partner with us and with the boys home of Higuey to build a permanent home and to truly create “A Better World” for them.
Donations can be made online at this link. Please be sure and designate in the comment box that your donation is for the Higuey Boys Home. For more information, please call 361.994.0940.
https://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/569d5175-8cf9-40b1-a205-37ea56c207d8.png647965Joanna Berryhttps://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/stchm_h-logotagline-e1704238942591-1030x257.pngJoanna Berry2018-09-11 10:43:092020-03-16 15:07:18Higuey Boys Home – A Better World
Did you know that the average person who works 40 years will spend 2,000 hours in church, and 90,000 hours at work? To be good stewards of the life God has given us, we must continually listen for God’s guidance. We must look for opportunities to bless others during the normal activities of each day. And when God speaks to us, we must step forward in faith to follow His leading.
Cesar exemplifies someone who allowed God’s Spirit to speak through him during the ordinary activities of his work-life. Cesar was a taxi driver in the small town of Higuey in the Dominican Republic. Every day was a challenge, as he drove up and down city streets, always looking for another fare, a few more pesos to meet the necessities of his family. Lunch time was a prime opportunity for fares, and he often drove customers to eat at various restaurants. In the midst of his work pressures and responsibilities, God’s Spirit spoke to his heart. Cesar began to notice the ragged boys who hung out behind the restaurants, scavenging the uneaten food out of the trash.
Cesar had enough to worry about. Just making enough pesos to live was hard. And he wasn’t doing too badly in the serving God department, either. He was a leader in his church, and supported a wife and several children. He could have ignored the sight of the hungry boys, looked the other way, and busied himself with his own responsibilities. But God’s Spirit continued to whisper, “Those are MY boys, my special creation.” Compassion for the children grew, and Cesar shared the need with other church members. In time they formed a board, found a rental home and the boys were accepted into their hearts and lives.
STCH Ministries was introduced to the Home, named “A Better World” about two years ago, and we began to help with food and maintenance projects. We slowly developed a relationship with the boys and the staff. Although their rent house was shabby, the owner of the house allowed them to live in the home for only $1.00 per year. Last spring, however, the elderly owner became ill. As a result her family required the orphanage to move out of the home by the end of 2018.
The board had acquired a small piece of land, and now they turned to STCH Ministries for help. Could we help to build a permanent home for the children? Plans have been drawn and the estimate to build a home for the 15 boys is $100,000.00. We have received donations totaling $30,000 for this project. We are trusting by faith for the remaining balance.
(Building Plans)
Cesar stepped out in faith when God’s Spirit stirred compassion in his heart for abandoned street boys. We are also trusting God to provide this need. We hope many of you will partner with us and with the boys home of Higuey to build a permanent home and to truly create “A Better World” for them.
https://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/JJ-4.jpg6801024Joanna Berryhttps://www.stchm.org/wp-content/uploads/stchm_h-logotagline-e1704238942591-1030x257.pngJoanna Berry2018-09-11 09:49:342020-03-16 15:07:11Higüey Boys Home – A Better World
Providing Hope and Direction
/in ChangePoint Moments/by Family CounselingI received a note from a client today who has been working with me for just a few sessions now. She wrote, “As you erased those items (from the whiteboard) and talked, it literally felt like you were erasing them from my life. It felt so freeing!” Of course, I had no idea of the impact of that moment, but He did and in this instance, I received a note to let me know.
What a great reminder that I need not offer anything profound as I work with those I serve. Sometimes it’s the smallest action that God uses to touch and change the hearts of people.
The second reminder is that this is His work, not mine! Praise God for the freedom He wants His people to have in our Lord Jesus Christ!
At the time of this writing, our Family Counseling ministry consists of four counseling hubs with seventeen offices operating, for the most part, out of partner churches in each area. Corpus Christi was the original office hub. Earlier this year, this center added a new counseling location and a new therapist to their roster. Kelly came on part time in February 2018 and began serving one day each week in the satellite offices inside Yorktown Baptist Church and Coastal Oaks Church in Rockport.
The response to having a licensed counselor in these two locations has been impressive. In just six months, Kelly’s agenda filled up and by July she transitioned to a full-time schedule, adding an extra day to each location as well as seeing clients in the main Corpus Christi office. Those extra days soon filled with regular clients and both the Yorktown and Rockport locations now have a waiting list.
STCH Family Counseling therapists are professionally trained and offer counseling that is clinically excellent and distinctively Christian. Counseling services are provided regardless of an individual or family’s ability to pay for them. Donations toward services are accepted and appreciated. Learn more at www.STCHM.org/FC.
Family Counseling Up to 17 Locations with New Office
/in News/by Family CounselingRandy Beck, pastor at Water’s Edge, is optimistic about this new venue for reaching out to the church’s neighborhood.
“We are always looking for ways to show compassionate care for the community. It is great to see families walk through the door of a church – not for worship services but because they are broken and know they need help,” Pastor Beck explains. “STCH therapists share our values and we know the families will be impacted for the Kingdom.”
STCH Ministries has offered counseling for families, couples, and individuals since 1995, and expanded to Houston in September 2016. In the past two years, services in the Houston area have grown to four full-time therapists at five locations. The Family Counseling team has plans to continue reaching out to new areas in metropolitan Houston in the coming years.
Across South Texas, there are also regional Family Counseling hubs in Corpus Christi, Victoria, and San Antonio, with office locations at partner churches in surrounding communities. In addition to private counseling sessions, professional therapists provide training and information to church leaders and their congregations through a variety of seminars and workshops on topics related to the family.
For a complete list of Family Counseling locations, or to seek help for a counseling need, visit www.STCHM.org/FC.
Lessons Learned
/in ChangePoint Moments/by Alisha HoltThis year, construction projects were the priority. Four new houses were built over a period of three months. Each new home was for a child sponsored through Samuel’s Fund – a sponsorship program that enables orphans and at-risk children to receive an education, participate in spiritual training, and have other needs met. Ashley blogged about her experiences in the Dominican Republic. Through those journal entries, she reveals some of God’s construction projects inside her life – demolishing incorrect thought processes and revealing His plan for her future.
She candidly communicates about the openness of the Dominican nationals to share their lives and culture to bring one more person to a saving faith in Christ. “I have a new place in my heart for Dominicans,” she wrote, “They love and serve unlike any people I’ve ever met.” She witnessed an unfailing commitment to working hard at every task no matter how menial, by workers of every nationality.
Over the course of her tenure, Ashley identified three major lessons she learned:
Ashley credits God with changing her focus from herself to other people. In the beginning, she was alert to what she would get out of her time overseas. What she realized was God works in each volunteer in every group, while at the same time impacting both believers and non-believers in deeply individual ways. For instance, the girl who came on the family mission trip reluctantly is impacted by the joy she identifies on the faces of children in the orphanage as they welcome friends to church services. She has been impacted by “people who live and breathe every day to make sure one more person will join them in the Kingdom (of God).”
The focus of what she hoped for was remodeled as well. While working on a demolition project, she realized she had been inattentive to the purpose God had for the project. “In life,” she muses, “we can become so distracted by what we hope for that we miss the lessons or better gifts from God.”
She is determined now to continue to fill in those frailties with what she calls “the cement of Jesus – made with a mixture of Bible truths and water from the people in your life.” Ashley has committed to begin “digging into the Word rather than into my hole.” And she invites us to join her.
Growing up as a preacher’s kid (PK) has helped prepare Ashley to understand and accept God’s call on her life to a career in international missions. She has begun her senior year of high school with a clear focus and is submitting college applications to schools where she can pursue biblical studies with a minor in missions.
Rosa Elena Pointing Heavenward
/in Joanna's Journal/by Joanna BerryFor the many people who knew her, the memory of Rosa Elena lives on. Dark-skinned, turbaned elegantly, and dressed in flowing white, she often pointed one thumb heavenward. It was her signature gesture as she deflected all the glory to God. Rosa Elena inspired everyone with her amazing faith and her dedication to the forgotten, yet priceless to God, children of Hatillo—chained by ignorance, generational poverty, and immorality.
Unexpectedly, Rosa Elena’s health began to deteriorate and on September 26, 2016 she passed away. A crisis developed as the school struggled with decreasing attendance, teacher resignations, and financial stress. STCH Ministries staff and donors, along with the IBQ church staff and a newly formed board, stepped up their support.
New staff was trained, salaries were increased, additional investments were made in uniforms, computers, and other equipment. Gradually the school stabilized and began to grow. Today, the goals for the future of Rosa Elena’s school are excellence with self-sustainability.
Since the time Rosa Elena began to educate children and share the hope of the Gospel, many years have passed and countless children have been impacted. “La Gloria a Dios,” was Rosa Elena’s refrain, as she pointed with her thumb to the skies. Two years ago Rosa Elena left our planet to reside in that Glory-land to which she often pointed.
International Partnerships: Rosa Elena
/in ChangePoint Moments/by InternationalShortly after she opened her heart to Christ, God gave her a passion for these children living in the Hatillo area. Their location and poverty isolated them without access to education, without knowledge of God’s love, without hope for the future. Rosa Elena began educating 7 children in 1996, and labored faithfully with minimal resources for 10 years.
Joanna Berry (standing left), Rosa Elena (right), and children receiving new school supplies.
When STCH Ministries began to partner with the school in 2007, a former graduated student recounted, “We had to break a crayon in four pieces to share!” In 2012, STCH Ministries received significant funding for this project. With the help of partnering churches they replaced the deteriorating wooden buildings with new concrete structures. The school grew to over 100 students.
Unexpectedly, Rosa Elena’s health began to deteriorate and on September 26, 2016 she passed away. A crisis developed as the school struggled with decreasing attendance, teacher resignations, and financial stress. STCH Ministries staff and donors, along with the IBQ church staff and a newly formed board, stepped up their support. New staff was trained, salaries were increased, additional investments were made in uniforms, computers, and other equipment. Gradually the school stabilized and began to grow. Today, the goals for the future of Rosa Elena’s school are excellence with self-sustainability.
Since the time Rosa Elena began to educate children and share the hope of the Gospel, many years have passed and countless children have been impacted. “La Gloria a Dios,” was Rosa Elena’s refrain, as she pointed with her thumb to the skies. Two years ago Rosa Elena left our planet to reside in that Glory-land to which she often pointed.
God Through the Eyes of Children
/in ChangePoint Moments/by Joanna BerryDuring regular visits, our Dominican staff ask them about their school progress and families. The children’s answers reveal their interests and pleasures, and their concerns. Many times their responses provide a small “window” into their spiritual development as well:
No matter what, God is always God. No one can laugh at Him.
God never leaves or abandons His children. I just need to have faith.
God is in every place. Anyone can know Him if they open their hearts to receive Him.
God will help me do all things, if I trust and believe.
I need to be patient and wait for God’s timing.
We must trust God no matter how difficult our situation.
I had to repeat a grade and I worked hard and prayed that God would help me. I passed!
I saw God’s hand when the brakes failed, and He protected my family.
The priority of the Samuel’s Fund sponsorship is to enable children to get an education so that they can overcome the obstacles that poverty has created. Of equal importance to that goal, however, is helping them to grow in their knowledge of God and to develop a faith relationship through Christ. It’s an investment that brings hope not just for today, but also for eternity.
Honor and Memorial Gifts
/in News/by CommunicationsAs the calendar winds down and our thoughts turn to the holidays, we begin to think not only about how we will observe the traditional festivities but also what we can give to those most special to us. Often, not just any gift will do, we want our present to recognize the important place they hold in our hearts. May we suggest an honor gift made to STCH Ministries?
Honor and memorial gifts are thoughtful ways you can personally contribute to the ongoing care of children in South Texas. An honor gift is a contribution you make in honor of a friend or family member who is still living. A memorial gift is a beautiful way to celebrate the life of a loved one after they have passed away.
Bequests are handled with gratitude and sensitivity. In the case of a memorial gift, a suitable notice of your gift and expression of sympathy will be handwritten and sent to the family of the deceased. For donations made in honor of another, that person will also receive a personal note advising them of your kindness. The amount of the gift is never revealed unless requested by you.
Giving in this manner is easy; you may print an Honor Gift Form or a Memorial Gift Form to fill in and send in with your donation. You may also make these gifts online. (Select the tab labeled Honor or Memorial Gifts on our donation form.) Each gift of this nature received at STCH Ministries is invested in our permanent funds, which are used to help with educational, medical, and general expenses for our children. The first priority goes to educational and medical needs.
The English clergyman Robert South said, “If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.” Giving honor and memorial gifts through STCH Ministries is a gift that is a double blessing: distinguishing someone you care about and making a difference in the lives of children and families at the same time.
Meeting of Baptist Children’s Homes Inspires Teamwork
/in News/by Alisha HoltDevelopment & Communications team members from STCH Ministries in New Mexico at the Connections Conference.
Baptist organizations have been providing care for widows and orphans for over 100 years, adhering to the biblical mandate of James 1:27. On September 9 – 11, 2018, STCH Ministries participated in the Connections Conference, the annual meeting of the Association of Baptist Children’s Home Professionals, which brings together organizations from across the country to collaborate on development and communications topics. This year’s conference was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Southern Baptists have long held their commitment to cooperation and enduring strength of the denomination, with like-minded entities working together for the purpose of bringing people into relationship with God. STCH Ministries and twenty other Baptist Children’s Homes across the nation collaborate through the Baptist Coalition of Children and Families (BCCF), and the Connections Conference is made up of the development and communications professionals of these children’s homes.
Rod Marshall, BCCF President, underlined the cooperative commitment in his address to the gathering. “We work closely with the North American Mission Board, the Women’s Missionary Union, and Baptist Press to address the needs of families in the United States. Baptist child care providers have been the best in child care for over 150 years.”
STCH Ministries staff members were among the speakers at the conference, presenting about compelling storytelling and working with contractors.
Throughout the weekend, the theme of “Staying Connected” was intentionally implemented in each aspect of the conference. Through general meetings, breakout sessions, meal times, and special events, participants were encouraged to share with one another on a variety of topics. STCH Ministries staff members were among the speakers at the conference, presenting about compelling storytelling and working with contractors.
Raymond J. Gary Jr., CEO of iDonate, spoke extensively about the mindset and motivations of American charitable donors. “Today’s donors are empowered consumers who expect their experience to be a dynamic, simple, joyful experience. We need to be smarter than Netflix and bolder than Uber in our efforts to connect with them,” he instructed.
Conference attendees displayed a common purpose as they exchanged experiences and strategies regarding subjects as diverse as leadership, data management, and how to best share a ministry’s stories. Jeny Cortez, STCH Ministries Director of Development, commented, “There’s no sense of competition. We all want everyone to be successful. We know it is all for the glory of God and the healing of broken lives.”
Conference attendees were reminded of the importance of their work by two of the residents of the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home who attended the event. Ryleigh and Sophia helped with logistics and each spoke during the meetings. When Ryleigh first moved to the children’s home, she did not understand why her mom made the decision to send her into residential care. She was convinced she had done something unforgivable. Professional counseling and the unconditional love of her houseparents helped Ryleigh decide to trust in Jesus as her Savior.
The conference ended with participants returning to their home organizations full of inspiration, new ideas, and a powerful sense of connection to their counterparts in other states. In 2020, the Connections Conference will be hosted by Connie Maxwell Children’s Home in South Carolina.
Higuey Boys Home – A Better World
/in News/by Joanna BerryCesar exemplifies someone who allowed God’s Spirit to speak through him during the ordinary activities of his work-life. Cesar was a taxi driver in the small town of Higuey in the Dominican Republic. Every day was a challenge, as he drove up and down city streets, always looking for another fare, a few more pesos to meet the necessities of his family. Lunch time was a prime opportunity for fares, and he often drove customers to eat at various restaurants. In the midst of his work pressures and responsibilities, God’s Spirit spoke to his heart. Cesar began to notice the ragged boys who hung out behind the restaurants, scavenging the uneaten food out of the trash.
Cesar had enough to worry about. Just making enough pesos to live was hard. And he wasn’t doing too badly in the serving God department, either. He was a leader in his church, and supported a wife and several children. He could have ignored the sight of the hungry boys, looked the other way, and busied himself with his own responsibilities. But God’s Spirit continued to whisper, “Those are MY boys, my special creation.” Compassion for the children grew, and Cesar shared the need with other church members. In time they formed a board, found a rental home and the boys were accepted into their hearts and lives.
STCH Ministries was introduced to the Home, named “A Better World” about two years ago, and we began to help with food and maintenance projects. We slowly developed a relationship with the boys and the staff. Although their rent house was shabby, the owner of the house allowed them to live in the home for only $1.00 per year. Last spring, however, the elderly owner became ill. As a result her family required the orphanage to move out of the home by the end of 2018.
The board had acquired a small piece of land, and now they turned to STCH Ministries for help. Could we help to build a permanent home for the children? Plans have been drawn and the estimate to build a home for the 15 boys is $100,000.00. We have received donations totaling $30,000 for this project. We are trusting by faith for the remaining balance.
Cesar stepped out in faith when God’s Spirit stirred compassion in his heart for abandoned street boys. We are also trusting God to provide this need. We hope many of you will partner with us and with the boys home of Higuey to build a permanent home and to truly create “A Better World” for them.
Donations can be made online at this link. Please be sure and designate in the comment box that your donation is for the Higuey Boys Home. For more information, please call 361.994.0940.
Higüey Boys Home – A Better World
/in Joanna's Journal/by Joanna BerryDid you know that the average person who works 40 years will spend 2,000 hours in church, and 90,000 hours at work? To be good stewards of the life God has given us, we must continually listen for God’s guidance. We must look for opportunities to bless others during the normal activities of each day. And when God speaks to us, we must step forward in faith to follow His leading.
Cesar exemplifies someone who allowed God’s Spirit to speak through him during the ordinary activities of his work-life. Cesar was a taxi driver in the small town of Higuey in the Dominican Republic. Every day was a challenge, as he drove up and down city streets, always looking for another fare, a few more pesos to meet the necessities of his family. Lunch time was a prime opportunity for fares, and he often drove customers to eat at various restaurants. In the midst of his work pressures and responsibilities, God’s Spirit spoke to his heart. Cesar began to notice the ragged boys who hung out behind the restaurants, scavenging the uneaten food out of the trash.
Cesar had enough to worry about. Just making enough pesos to
live was hard. And he wasn’t doing too badly in the serving God department, either. He was a leader in his church, and supported a wife and several children. He could have ignored the sight of the hungry boys, looked the other way, and busied himself with his own responsibilities. But God’s Spirit continued to whisper, “Those are MY boys, my special creation.” Compassion for the children grew, and Cesar shared the need with other church members. In time they formed a board, found a rental home and the boys were accepted into their hearts and lives.
STCH Ministries was introduced to the Home, named “A Better World” about two years ago, and we began to help with food and maintenance projects. We slowly developed a relationship with the boys and the staff. Although their rent house was shabby, the owner of the house allowed them to live in the home for only $1.00 per year. Last spring, however, the elderly owner became ill. As a result her family required the orphanage to move out of the home by the end of 2018.
The board had acquired a small piece of land, and now they turned to STCH Ministries for help. Could we help to build a permanent home for the children? Plans have been drawn and the estimate to build a home for the 15 boys is $100,000.00. We have received donations totaling $30,000 for this project. We are trusting by faith for the remaining balance.
(Building Plans)
Cesar stepped out in faith when God’s Spirit stirred compassion in his heart for abandoned street boys. We are also trusting God to provide this need. We hope many of you will partner with us and with the boys home of Higuey to build a permanent home and to truly create “A Better World” for them.