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Transcript of Fall 2015 Messenger
Independent...Ashley was self-sufficient, but something was missing – page 4
When one thinks of an open
door certain imagery comes to
mind. Revelation 3:8 describes an open door in
this manner: I know your works. Behold, I have set
before you an open door, which no one is able to
shut. I know that you have but little power, and
yet you have kept My word and have not denied
My name.
When I think of an open door, I think of unlimited
opportunity. Open doors are symbolic of these
opportunities and the ability to do something
worthwhile, something to make one’s life count.
We must remember that our God is a God of open
doors. Some see open doors and proceed with
great caution, or they may not even move forward
at all because of fear. Open doors may cause us
to leave our comfort zone and take a risk.
Eron Green, President and CEO
We are in a season of open doors here at STCH
Ministries. At times it feels as if we are “drinking
water from a fire hydrant”. We feel blessed to be
chosen to have so many opportunities for growth
as an organization, because as we grow, so will
our impact for the Kingdom. I would ask that
you keep us in your prayers as we continue the
journey God has for STCH Ministries.
When I think of the difficulties faced by DeDe,
Ashley, Eloy and Lupe, the open doors that
were provided by God were, at times, extremely
difficult to walk through but look where they are
now! Ultimately, who we become while we go
through the door often matters more than the
door we choose.
Open Doors
STCHM is a Texas Baptist agency affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.2 Fall 2015
Family Counseling - Corpus Christi 361.991.8680
Family Counseling - Victoria 361.575.5151
Family Counseling - SATELLITE OFFICES:
Beeville and San Antonio 361.991.8680
Gonzales, Rockport, and Stockdale 361.575.5151
President’s Office and Development 361.375.2417
Homes for Children - Beeville 361.375.2101
Homes for Families - Goliad 361.575.5151
Jobs for Life - Corpus Christi 361.452.3046
International Ministry - Corpus Christi 361.994.0940
Join us on www.STCHM.org [email protected]
contents STCH MinistriesSnapshots
KIdS HELpIng KIdS
The generosity of children knows
no bounds! Bryce and Chance
heard STCH Ministries staff, Joel
and Galilee Bowden, present our
ministries at First Baptist Church in
Orange Grove. They were so moved
by what they heard; they decided to
set up a lemonade stand in their little
town. The plan? To raise money to
donate to the kids that call Boothe
Campus home. Soon after we were
surprised by a handwritten note we
received in the mail, along with their
donation. The note read, “We had
a lemonade stand and earned $15.
Our great-grandma matched it. We
wanted to give the money to you.”
We love to share this story with our
kids. The kindness and generosity
these boys demonstrated is a great
example for us all.
VALErO’S gIFTEvery year Valero hosts a Texas Open
Benefit for Children to raise money for
www.STCHM.org 3
VISIT STCHM On FACEbOOKConnect with us on Facebook for an up-to-date, as it happens, snapshot of what we are doing daily. There is always
something post-worthy. We encourage you to share what we are doing with your Facebook friends, so check us
out and tell others about us, www.facebook.com/stchm.
P4IndEpEndEnT...
P6HELpIng TO
TrAnSFOrM LIVES
P7THEy bELIEVE In ME
P8SUppOrTEd by SOUTH
TEXAS CATTLEWOMEn
P9SprIng EVEnTS
P10THE prOVIdEr
P11nEW FAMILy COUnSELIng
LOCATIOnS
P12pEACE OF HEArT
P14JOAnnA’S JOUrnAL
rEApIng A HArVEST
We have been truly blessed by our faithful donors. Thank you!
organizations in their area. A committee
chooses different non-profits that are
focused on children to receive the
benefits from the event. We have been
honored to be recognized by them for
several years.
Many people do not realize that we
are funded completely by private
donations. Gifts like this help us to
continue to meet the needs of children
and families we serve. At the check
presentation Jeff Brewer, Director of
Development, shared our appreciation
to the committee and Valero by
saying, “We have been blessed by your
continued support of our ministry. Due
to the tremendous growth we continue
to see at our Boothe Campus outside
of Pettus, we will be using this donation
to literally feed our kids.”
The giant check presented was a
wondrous thing for our kids. Faith
Cottage gathered in the Commissary
for a picture-perfect moment!
quickly found out the community really wasn’t fond of
him. Still she kept her head high and continued to work
and take care of her family. She often left her children
in the care of their father when she went to work, until
she returned home one day to find Child Protective
Services inquiring about the safety of Kylee and Kyle.
They accused her of endangering her children. “There
was just so much drama that I wasn’t used to dealing
with,” Ashley reflected. “I realized I was just existing, not
living. But I didn’t know what to do.”
Ashley was struggling with whether or not she should
move back to Houston or stay where she was. Seemingly
by chance, she met Jade and Weston Keeler. The couple
invited Ashley and her children over to their home and
immediately a bond was made. The Keelers have been
very influential in the direction Ashley’s life has taken
ever since. “I started attending church with them at First
Baptist Church in East Bernard. It wasn’t very long before
they told me about STCH Ministries Homes for Families.
They encouraged me to look into it.”
After visiting the Marshall Ranch Campus in Goliad, she
decided that it was not for her. “I toured the campus
and thought it was a wonderful thing they were doing,
but it wasn’t for me. I was independent already!” Ashley
giggled at the thought. “I mean, I had my own place and
was able to take care of myself.”
4 Fall 2015
The importance of being independent is huge in our society. The significance of being able to take
care of ourselves determines how we measure our own success. Ashley, a single mother of two, was
doing just that. She had a steady job, working full-time and then some. She had her own apartment
and a car. By definition, she was independent. There was just one thing missing…her reliance on God.
A shley attended church when her schedule allowed,
which wasn’t often. Sometimes she worked up to
80 hours a week. Determined to make a good life for
herself and her children, Kylee and Kyle, she just pushed
forward. If she was tired or needed a break, she would
just keep going. It wasn’t until her uncle passed that
Ashley found herself in need of help. He had been
responsible for watching her children while she worked.
Out of desperation, Ashely moved from Houston to East
Bernard, Texas, to be with her boyfriend, who is the father
of her children.
Once in East Bernard, Ashley was in for a rude awakening.
Her boyfriend was struggling with some things and she
Independent...
Continued on page 5
The Keelers encouraged Ashley to consider the
opportunities it presented. “I was working all the time.
When I was with my kids, I just gave them whatever they
wanted,” Ashley sighed. “I was just so tired, so I did what
was easy.”
“Even though I didn’t want to give up my independence,
I decided I would give it a try.” Sitting cross legged on
the floor of the family room in Fredrick Cottage, Ashley
looked down at her hands as she continued, “At first, I
just did it for my kids. I knew it was the best thing for
them. Before, I used to worry all the time.” She looked
up, smiling brightly and said, “Now I have peace and I
am happy. Not long after I got here, I was sitting on the
back porch and heard nothing in my head. It was great!”
Even though Ashley struggled with a feeling of isolation
when she first got to Marshall Ranch, she committed to
letting go of the control. She started to receive letters
every day. Weston, along with other ladies from her
church, had written letters of encouragement to Ashley.
Then Weston would mail one each day. This gave Ashley
the courage to continue on her journey. “I was so used to
taking care of myself. Now I am learning to allow others
to lead. For the first time in my life I have time to think
about my future - to dream.”
Ashley is not the only one that this move has impacted.
Kylee and Kyle have shown growth as well. Irene Gutierrez
provides activities for
the children in our
Homes for Families
program while the
moms participate in
Bible study, computer
classes, counseling
sessions, and other
opportunities offered
on the Marshall
Ranch Campus. Irene
interacts with the
children daily. “It is
amazing what love
Homes for families
www.STCHM.org 5
After coming to
Homes for Families,
she finally had the time
to embrace her life and
change her focus.
can do. When Kylee and Kyle first came here, they were
very quiet and scared. They clung to Ashley. I started,
very gently, doing preschool activities with them and
they took to it easily. They started to become more verbal
and expressive. They are very good, sweet kids.”
Irene enjoys getting to witness what God is doing in the
lives of these families. She started as a volunteer and
then was hired on staff. “It is pretty amazing. I am blessed
every day to get to come here. Seeing the spiritual growth
of the mothers and their children, it is so wonderful.” She
continued, “Most of the time these women are so used
to people taking from them, always wanting something
from them. They don’t expect to get something without
any strings attached.”
Even though Ashley was
independent, she was
just going through the
motions. Working,
attending church,
and so on. After
coming to Homes
for Families, she
finally had the time to embrace her life and change her
focus. “In everything I do, I want God to be first. It was
so worth it to come here and give up my independence.
I have gained so much more.”
Continued from page 4
6 Fall 2015
Jobs for life
Helping to Transform Lives
me in my encouragement of them.
It is my purpose here to help them
learn to trust themselves, others, and
ultimately God.”
“These women just need love, true
unconditional love.” Diane’s eyes
began to fill up with tears as she
shared that we all have sinned,
including her. “I know what these
women are experiencing; I myself
have strayed from Him, but God is
so good! I honestly don’t know how I
trusted Him so easily. What I do know
is that God’s understanding is larger
than ours. The only way to allow God
to fill you up with His love and truth is
to share what you are feeling inside,
empty that sorrow and hurt out, so
that He can fill it with His love.
“It is in our brokenness that we find the
Lord. Getting to be a part of showing
Christ’s love to these women, knowing
that for some of them it is the very
first time they have seen it - it is very
fulfilling. I just want to do this every
day! Allow Him to fill me up, so that I
may pour out His love into their lives.
At STCH Ministries Jobs for Life, we
always put God first and that allows
us to transform lives for His Kingdom.”
Diane Eschbach enjoys volunteering with children’s ministry and with the elderly, so when she was encouraged by a friend to volunteer as a mentor to ladies enrolled in STCH Ministries Jobs for Life, she was a little caught off guard. After taking the time to pray about it, Diane decided to go out of
her comfort zone and embrace the opportunity that was presented to her.
A llowing God to lead her, Diane
realized she could use the gifts He
had given her to make a difference
for the Kingdom in a way she had
never considered. “I always thought of
myself as an encourager, I love to lift
people up.” Diane has been a mentor
at Jobs for Life for three semesters.
“As a mentor, I come alongside the
women and encourage them, pray
with them. Help them get some
direction in their lives.”
Understanding that most of these
women have never known the love of
Christ and understandably have trust
issues, Diane is patient with each of
them. “I am completely transparent
with them. I know that these women
have always been around takers. I want
them to know they can trust me. They
may be broken in areas of their lives
and since it didn’t happen overnight, I
know the transformation will be slow.”
As Diane builds relationships with
these ladies, she understands that she
cannot help them in a way that might
interfere with their growing trust in
God. “My heart just grieves for them. I
have to allow the Holy Spirit to guide I encourage anyone who has a heart to serve to get out of your comfort zone and allow him to use your gifts.
alumni update
THEy bELIEVEd In MEBy Keith Patrick
n 1998, my mom signed the paperwork for me to go into
foster care. She looked so much different than I remembered
from even a few years before. She had aged so much; her
life had been hard and I knew that was all because of her
choices. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I made an internal
decision not to end up living my life the way she lived hers.
That doesn’t mean I had the skills yet to actually carry that
decision out. I was in foster care for about a year and then
transitioned into the care of STCH Ministries. I ended up at
the Marshall Ranch Campus in Goliad.
For the first time in my life, I was part of a real home
environment. I did chores for the first time, had expectations
for behavior, and rules to operate within. I had also always
been an only child living with senior citizens. Now I had
siblings and 3-4 of us shared a car, and I earned money and
had to manage it for gas. I had never been in a “normal”
www.STCHM.org 7
I
Keith graduated from
Texas Tech University
with a degree in
Human Development
& Family Studies and
MS in Agricultural
Communications.
Keith is the Director
of Entrepreneurship &
Innovation for Frenship
ISD in Wolfforth, TX.
I grew up living with my grandparents in Austin. When I was in 4th grade my grandmother passed away and I went to live with my great-grandmother. After my Granny passed, I really didn’t have anywhere to go at that point. My mother had never been a significant part of my life and I had never met my father. There simply weren’t many options for me.
home life and now I was expected to learn how to function
in that world, and that was exactly what I needed.
I was also learning responsibility and how to live up to
my potential. I really enjoyed working on campus for
Greg Huskey, Marshall Campus Administrator at the
time. I love variety in a job, and he found something
new for me to do every day to keep me interested. The
stability at STCH Ministries was also helping me reach
my potential at school. Honestly, I don’t believe I would
have gone to college if not for them. I always had the
ability to do well in school and I think I just assumed
college would happen for me, but I didn’t have the drive
or determination to see it through. They believed in me.
STCH Ministries gave me the opportunity to succeed,
but also approached me with the expectation that I
would. That expectation was something I desperately
needed; I had become comfortable with mediocrity and
that mindset doesn’t work with who I am and the way
I am motivated.
You won’t find a better
group of people dedicated
to helping kids that need
someone to believe in them.
This organization is second
to none in the emphasis it
places on the mission God
has placed before them to
serve children. Even in a
short time it gave me the
tools to be who I wanted to
be in life. That doesn’t happen
everywhere, and I thank God
that STCH Ministries was
there for me when I needed it.Keith and his wife, Kristin, at the STCH Ministries Family Reunion this summer. Kristen is a 4th grade reading and writing teacher for Lubbock ISD.
outh Texas CattleWomen have been supporting South
Texas Children’s Home Ministries since the 70s, when several
ladies of the group sponsored children in their homes for a
week or two during the summer. As more members learned
about our ministry, their hearts became full of love for the
children we serve at our Boothe Campus. This was just the
beginning of our relationship with these passionate women!
In the 80s, Shirley Malaer, Commissary Supervisor for STCH
Ministries at the time, visited with South Texas CattleWoman
Dorothy Kinsel. After learning about the needs of the
campus, the group was able to donate a $200 beef gift
certificate. “Our organization promotes the importance
of beef as the preferred source of protein,” stated Terry
Chandler, member of the South Texas CattleWomen. “It
is so important to us to provide beef for these children.
The quality nutrients in beef make a big difference in their
formative years and directly impact their learning capacity.”
With roughly 110 members, this is just one of fifteen Texas
CattleWomen chapters in the state of Texas. Covering about
eighteen counties in an area roughly bordered by Cotulla
to Pleasanton, San Antonio, Seguin, Stockdale, and west to
Uvalde, the South Texas CattleWomen are directly impacting
communities by educating consumers on the importance
of beef in a healthy diet and staying up with legislation
that impacts the beef industry. The mission of South Texas
CattleWomen’s is CattleWomen share a common interest in
the BEEF industry. We share friendships and support each
other during the challenges and successes that being involved
in the beef industry present. We are ranchers, teachers,
health care professionals,
industry affiliates, and
more. Owning a cow (or
marrying a rancher) is
NOT a requirement.
“We work with consumers,
medical people, ag
departments and culinary
arts departments, USO,
military and Wounded
Warriors Project, ag days
at local schools, as well as with Miss Rodeo Texas and Miss
Rodeo America.” Terry continued, “We are one of the few
chapters that are involved with children’s homes. We try to
establish a working relationship with the homes and help
these kids get the most nutritious meal they can get - beef!
We know that children’s homes run on very tight budgets,
and we are glad we can help with outstanding nutrition.”
Steadily increasing their donations over the last decade has
greatly impacted our campus. In the last four years, STCW
has given STCH Ministries a total of $19,000 to buy beef for
the children’s table including a $6,000 beef gift certificate
to Elder’s Country Story & Market in Beeville this year. This
has been put to good use as we have seen tremendous
growth at the Boothe Campus of STCH Ministries. We are
currently the largest Baptist affiliated children’s home in
the United States that is completely privately funded. The
continued support from the South Texas CattleWomen has
been a wonderful blessing to us. We truly appreciate their
dedication to the children we serve!
www.facebook.com/SouthTexasCattleWomen
8 Fall 2015
S
Supported by
South Texas CattleWomen
www.STCHM.org 9
Spring Events
Saturday - April 16, 2016STCH Ministries Ladies for the Least embodies our mission to honor God, reach hurting children and families with His love and truth, and enable others to join us in this ministry. This event provides such an amazing opportunity for use to worship, fellowship, and inspire one another, with the purpose of impacting children and families in need throughout South Texas and the Dominican Republic.
Ladies for the Least is a giving society. Each year, members gather at our gorgeous Boothe Campus to collectively fund a needed project for one of our ministries: Homes for Children, Homes for Families, Family Counseling, Jobs for Life and International Ministry. Annual membership is $1000, with an option to attend the event as a guest.
STCH Ministries Ignite Your Relationship will be held at the beautiful Omni Bayfront hotel in Corpus Christi, providing the perfect occasion for a special night out for couples of all ages. Join us for dinner, entertainment, and a guest speaker that will help strengthen, restore, and ignite your relationship.
This special event is hosted by STCH Ministries Family Counseling and sponsored in part by Blanche Davis Moore Foundation. Save the date for this special couple’s night out.
2 0 1 6
Friday - April 22, 2016
long for Lorraine to realize the trouble boiled down to their
finances. After Lorraine spoke to her supervisor, Brenda
Whitfield, Director of Counseling in Victoria, the couple was
asked to write down all of their debt, expenses, and income
to bring in with them on the next visit. Brenda facilitates
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (FPU) classes and
encouraged the couple to enroll.
“We did as Brenda requested. We only had $38 left after we
paid our bills. The stress we were dealing with was so high.”
Tears began to fill Eloy’s eyes. As he looked down, Lupe
reached over touching his arm gently. She said, “We just put
our trust in the Lord to provide.”
After the 9-week FPU classes and almost a year in
counseling, Eloy and Lupe have been able to plan their
finances in such a way that Eloy no longer has to work for
anyone and the couple can now enjoy their time together.
Eloy grinned, “This experience has brought us closer
together and made our faith stronger…in each other and
in the Man upstairs, the true Provider.”
n 1962, Eloy began working as a deckhand onboard a
tugboat. He moved up the ladder over the years, eventually
becoming a captain, until he retired eight years ago. As Eloy
talked about his drive to provide for his family, he was sitting
up straight with both his arms resting on the table. His hands
enclosed each other and his eyes were bright. This was a
proud man. What stood out most though, was his wife, Lupe.
She was sitting to his right, facing her husband. She was
quietly gazing at him as he spoke, with total admiration on
her face. It was hard to believe they came to STCH Ministries
Family Counseling for a troubled marriage.
Since retiring, Eloy and Lupe have found their finances to
be strained. With Eloy’s ingrained sense of responsibility,
he took on side jobs doing mostly construction work since
his retirement, only taking a short break when he started to
experience heart problems and was hospitalized. He had
two stints put in, but that didn’t keep him down long. Eloy
continued to do backbreaking work and the pay didn’t match
the strain on his body.
All this time Eloy and Lupe had been seeking help with their
marriage. “We had gone to several counseling offices, but
nothing seemed to help. Then at church, a friend suggested
we try STCH Ministries.” Eloy expressed how they were
impressed that the services we offered were by licensed
professional therapists and that it was Christ-focused. “So we
decided to give it a try.”
In November of last year, the couple started to see Lorraine
Turner, Family Therapist at STCH Ministries. It didn’t take
10 Fall 2015
I
family Counseling
The ProviderEloy, by all accounts, was a self-made man. Growing
up in a large family, he started working and
providing for his family at a very young age. Despite
the fact that Eloy only had a 4th grade education, he
had a very impressive resume.
In 2014, a newly crafted
tugboat was named after
Eloy. He had the opportunity
to go onboard during
construction and on its
maiden voyage from baton
rouge to new Orleans.
family Counseling
www.STCHM.org 11
about issues and come up with solutions using scriptural
principles. All information discussed by clients during the
counseling process is confidential in accordance with Texas
law and ethical standards.
Our counseling offices also provide a safe and effective
play therapy environment enabling children to express
themselves in their natural language. This helps children
move toward growth and healing.
Examples of Counseling Services:• Family Issues• Marital Relationships• Parenting Challenges• Childhood or Adolescent Struggles• Conflict Resolution• Anger, Depression, and Grief
t is with great excitement that we announce STCH
Ministries Family Counseling has several new locations.
We have added three new satellite offices this fall, one in
Beeville and two in San Antonio. We pray God’s blessings
on these new offices, staff, and clients.
Family Counseling is a preventative ministry. We partner
with churches, organizations, and community groups
to be a first resource in their community for those who
are hurting and in need. Our highly trained and licensed
therapists offer Christ-based counseling to help strengthen
the lives of children, families, couples, and individuals.
Referrals for counseling are accepted from churches of
all denominations and also from the community at large.
Counseling provides a safe place where people can talk
For more information and addresses for all our Family Counseling locations, please visit – www.stchm.org/fc
NewFamily CouNseliNg loCatioNs
i
FAMILy COUnSELInG LOCATIOnS
BeevilleCorpus ChristiSan Antonio361.991.8680
GonzalesRockportStockdaleVictoria
361.575.5151
an you imagine getting to see God work in the lives
of families every single day? At South Texas Children’s
Home Ministries, that is exactly what we get to do. It is a
blessing and an honor. We are granted an opportunity to
serve children and families for whom, most of the time,
we are their last hope. It is a glimpse of true peace to
witness the transformation that happens when a person
accepts Christ in their heart and gives over their life and
all their burdens to Him.
DeDe is one of those transformations we have been
blessed to behold. This young lady came to one of our
Family Counseling offices back in February of 2014. She
was “very shy with her hair all in her face and she had
huge sad eyes that seemed to beg for help,” shared
Karen Knowlton, Child and Family Therapist.
As time went on, DeDe grew to trust Karen. Becoming
comfortable DeDe was finally able to voice the true load
that she had carried for so long. She had been abused by
her stepfather for years and found herself homeless at age
13. DeDe struggled on her own for two years. Returning
home because she thought things had changed, she
quickly realized her mother was still struggling with a
drug addiction. With the fear of her mom’s new boyfriend
moving into the home, DeDe was on her own again. She
moved in with a friend and hid from everyone else she
knew. No longer attending school, DeDe realized she was
setting herself up for a very hard life. She reached out to
her father. Two and a half years had passed since she had
seen him, but DeDe felt an uncontrollable urge to share
what had happened to her. Meagan, DeDe’s stepmom,
C
12 Fall 2015
I honestly don’t
know where I
would be if I
didn’t come to
STCH Ministries.Continued on page 13
www.STCHM.org 13
immediately contacted STCH Ministries to get DeDe help
with the trauma she had experienced.
Now that DeDe had voiced what she had endured, she
began her first steps toward peace. Yes, DeDe’s story
is complicated and heartbreaking, but it is one that
demonstrates the power of our Heavenly Father. In 1
Corinthians 10:13 (NET) it states, “No trial has overtaken
you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He
will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to
bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that
you may be able to endure it.” God had in fact prepared
a way out for DeDe; it was STCH Ministries Homes for
Children.
Karen truly believed that for DeDe to have absolute
peace with the experiences in her life, she needed Jesus
Christ. “All this time we had talked about the power of
prayer and the importance of her relationship with Jesus
and DeDe always stated she just wasn’t sure, due to the
trauma she had endured, that the Jesus thing was real.”
It was during this time that Karen accepted a position at
the Boothe Campus of STCH Ministries. Boothe Campus
is the location of our Homes for Children ministry, with
cottages that provide loving, Christian homes for hurting
children. This was where DeDe needed to be. Karen
spoke to DeDe’s family about the opportunities she
would have through STCH Ministries, “She could continue
therapy with me and live in a stable environment where
all her needs would be met.”
On August 21, 2014, DeDe’s father placed her voluntarily
into the care of STCH Ministries. “I was scared, nervous,”
DeDe recalls. “I didn’t know anyone and the idea of this
place was too good to be true, honestly.” DeDe moved
into Barnes Cottage with her houseparents, Terry and
Virginia Wilkins, along with a house full of girls. The
two things that blew DeDe away the most were the
peacefulness of the home and how her houseparents
already loved her before they really knew her.
For the first time in DeDe’s life, she has lived in the same
place for over a year. Making up for lost time, DeDe has
thrown herself into her studies and worked hard to make
up classes. She has also realized that God has never
forsaken her; He was preparing the perfect place for her.
Knowing this allowed her to explore the truths of the
Bible and begin a relationship with God. She finally has
found peace. Peace in herself, peace with her past, and
peace of heart. “You can make the choice by loving the
Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself
firmly to Him. This is the key to your life…” Deuteronomy
30:30 (NLT).
DeDe has accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and now
experiences true peace. “I see my past as a blessing,
because I can help others.” DeDe’s eyes were bright
as she continued, “God has given me the strength and
ability to overcome everything I have been through, so
that I can demonstrate His love to those around me.”
DeDe now uses the story of how God plucked her out of
her despair and into a new life to witness to the children
here at Boothe Campus and anywhere else she finds
herself. DeDe has spoken at several churches in the South
Texas area and even in the Dominican Republic, where
she recently went on a week-long mission trip through
STCH Ministries International Ministry. “I want to show
people that if you trust and put your faith in God that
He will work in mighty ways. You just have to have faith,
even when it feels like the world is telling you to give up.
That’s when you will experience true peace.”
Homes for CHildren
This is DeDe’s second year raising animals for
the stock show. She enjoys taking care of Lola
(pictured) and Crispy; exercising them every
day, feeding them, and keeping their pens clean.
“I never would have had this opportunity before
coming to STCH Ministries.”
Continued from page 12
international ministry
In the af ternoons the Runge team hosted Bible classes in three locations. It was a sight to see their vertically-gif ted pastor playing leapfrog chase with the preschoolers! And best of all was the report that over 20 children accepted Christ.The STCH Ministries staff’s purpose was to introduce new staff members to our International Ministry in the Dominican Republic, and to survey the results of the summer mission trips. It was a combination Doxology and Hallelujah chorus experience!The Santiago orphanage moved into their new facilities; Villa Altagracia school (already in their second month of classes) was dedicated; we shared “almuerzo” inside the second floor “salon” at Raquel’s school; at Monte Plata orphanage new directors and staff exuded energy and enthusiasm while exhibiting spruced up facilities; Rebeca Dinzey, Samuel’s Fund Director, turned into a geography teacher as we delivered maps and globes at the San Felipe tutoring class and we watched children
STCH Ministries President and CEO, Eron Green, and four other administrative staff joined a group from Runge, Texas, and a specialized-in-construction group from Beeville for a varied assortment of ministries.The construction team had volunteered for the challenge of building a small suite of offices on the roof of the dining room at the IBQ site. Russell Jerez, Projects Coordinator, was finally going to have a real office af ter several years of designing buildings and estimating mission team projects in various locations—dodging 4 small children in his two-bedroom apartment, on the hood of the car, or a scrap of lumber perched on a make-do-sawhorse desk!The construction team did permit one wife to be included! She and the Runge ladies joined 8-10 Dominicans in the sewing room. Baby clothes, a dress made to a pattern (right next to rocket science), and other projects were accomplished in spite of way too much laughter and fun!
Joanna’s JournalReaping a Harvest
By Joanna Berry
14 Fall 2015
Continued on page 15
doing homework on the picnic tables built this summer; Pastor Domingo and his wife, Elvira, shared that the ladies saved at the summer medical clinics were being discipled and inviting their friends to church; and Glenys, grateful and giddy with excitement, reported God’s continued work, along with her vision for all that was still needed.The last day, STCH Ministries staff were blessed as it seemed God was throwing open the windows of opportunity, joining the heart of our vision and purpose with like-hearted Dominicans, to make the name of our great God and His kingdom known in a greater way throughout the Dominican Republic. (Doxology here, please!)Our final meeting joined dreams and efforts of the last five years as we met with the Betesda Boys Home board to make concrete commitments and plans to begin the building of their new home by January 2016. (The Hallelujah chorus would
be appropriate here as well!)We celebrate all that God has done, joining Dominican leaders with US churches and individuals and dentists and doctors and teachers and construction teams and more. And now? Prayer, and lots of it! Establishing God’s kingdom, rescuing and educating children, supporting ministries and families in the dark world in which they live is not for sissies. Be strong WITH us. And pray for needs to be met. I am including a short list of needs to pray the Lord of the Harvest to supply. These showers of blessing that we have experienced this week come af ter your mission team and others have given generously, exercised faith, and contributed lots of sweat equity! Thank you for your investment in our International Ministry and your partnership with STCH Ministries.
CRITICAL NEEDS:1. Financial support for teachers in the Christian schools. The government has
raised the pay for public school teachers, while retaining classes of 50-60 students. Everywhere we went—Rosa Elena, Raquel, Villa Altagracia, Girasoles, and others—the need to retain dedicated Christian teachers was voiced.
2. Construction teams—smaller groups of individuals with experience to help build the Betesda Boys Home and finish the inside of a recently repaired home at the Monte Plata orphanage. Suggested dates to come.
3. Finances for the construction at the orphanage sites.
www.STCHM.org 15
Continued from page 14
Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDPermit No. 3656San Antonio, TXP.O. Box 759
Beeville, Texas 78104-0759
Address Service Requested
Please join us for
A Homespun ChristmasSaturday, December 5, 2015
3:00-4:15pm - Activities4:30-5:00pm - Entertainment5:00pm - Dinner & Program
On the STCH Ministries, Boothe Campus9243 FM 2617, Pettus TX
Petting zoos, wagon ride, mechanical bull, photo booth,special presentation from our kids, tours, and more
RSVP by November 20361.375.2101 [email protected]