The Ministry Continues – Keeping it Social – Distanced!

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We are excited to see God continue to work in our ministry through you, our supporters, and those who benefit from our ministries. 

We have prayerfully scheduled events this Fall to keep you engaged and to help sustain and promote our ministry. Our events have been planned and prepared with safety in mind as well as being good stewards of funds and providing helpful resources.

We understand this has been a challenging year for everyone. And we appreciate your commitment to our ministries. You help the Ministry Continue! We have already had one successful event, and hope you will join us for the next upcoming events!

The iCare Conference was held earlier this month. Due to the restrictions and safety of our attendees – we hosted our first-ever virtual event. Approximately 150 people attended, along with featured speaker, Candace Payne (also known as Chewbacca Mom). She was motivating and inspirational to those who attended.

Our sessions were led by the STCH Ministries Family Counseling team as well as other community leaders who provide mental, educational and spiritual guidance.

Topics ranged from:

  • Burn-out for those in ministry
  • Learning about the real dangers of social media
  • Understanding the impact of trauma
  • Setting limits without guilt
  • Potential long term effects of the COVID-10 pandemic 

Being virtual provided the opportunity to reach more participants in the south Texas region. We are privileged to provide training to those serving in professions and roles which help others. 

We are excited to announce our annual Ladies for the Least Event will now be VIRTUAL! It will be a little different than our in-person luncheon – but we faithfully expect to have a successful event. Virtual access will provide women the opportunity to participate no matter where they’re located!

Supporting this event will help fund a NEW ministry project which will make a difference in lives every day! Please join us in changing lives.

JOIN US:
Saturday, October 24, 2020
11:00 AM (via ZOOM)

Click here to register: LADIES EVENT!

* Can’t make this date and time? You can still participate! Once you register you will gain access to the recorded event so you can watch and vote – if you purchased a voting ticket. 

Ladies for the Least is comprised of those with a servant’s heart, a group of ladies who are passionate about impacting the lives of children, families and individuals in need of hope – “those who are among the least.” – Matthew 25:30 

One event NOT going virtual is our annual Golf Classic. This is a perfect way to social distance with your friends while enjoying a day out on the golf course and helping support our ministry.

JOIN US:
Monday, October 26, 2020
Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club
9800 Hyatt Resort Dr.
San Antonio, Texas 78251

Click here to register: LET’S GOLF!

All proceeds from this tournament will directly support the operational expenses of STCH Ministries.

Thank you again for your continued prayers, support and commitment to STCH Ministries and those we serve. As we navigate this season of COVID-19 we remain faithful and dedicated to God’s Plans for our lives and those in our ministry. 
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

As you are led, we ask for your continued participation in helping impact lives daily. If you have any questions about the events we’re hosting or want to be more involved, please let me know.  

Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

Are You The English Teacher? The story of a new doctor.

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My name is Manuel Castillo (Alex), I am 25 years old and I live in the Dominican Republic. This year, thanks to the great help I received from STCH Ministries, I will graduate from college as a Doctor of Medicine.

Two weeks ago, I started helping with medical clinics regularly. This was only my second time doing a medical clinic on my own and I say on my own because I had been part of many others medical clinics along with doctors and nurses, but this time it was different. It was time to stand by myself, with God’s help of course.

I was a little nervous about not knowing what kind of illnesses I would see. Something that made me feel more comfortable was the fact that I knew the school and many of the people who live in the area.

As I thought, among the patients were people I had known for many years. Many of them were children that I knew from helping out at the school. One of the naughtiest kids I ever knew walked into the medical van. When he saw me, he asked to his cousin, “Isn’t he the English teacher?” His cousin smiled and replied, “Yes, that’s him.”

After hearing that expression of amazement, I felt happy, proud and older. The first time I met them the boy was 10 years old and the girl was 8 years old, now they are 16 and 14, respectively. I said to them, “that’s right, I’m your old English teacher, but now I’ll be your doctor.” In that moment I saw inspiration in their faces as they recognized the one who used to be just the boy who helped them learn English had now become the doctor who would help them with their health. This made me realize that the dreams, aspirations and desires to be someone who can influence others (just as I once received help, motivation and inspiration) with God’s guidance, can come true. 

The Ministry Continues – Surviving the Hot Texas Summer!

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Dear Friends, 

I hope you are enjoying a typically hot summer. Although it may be amongst uncertain circumstances, one thing is certain – we can always expect sunny, humid and drenchingly hot summers throughout South Texas.

We can also always count on creating summer memories on the campuses too! 
Though it may be hot, our campuses are full of smiles, laughter and hot glistening sweaty faces. God’s Glory shines bright on those glistening faces which we (including you) are serving!

We are in awe of God’s continued blessings upon our ministry and those we serve. Thank you for being part of the glory which God provides.

Here are a few highlights of summer memories at the Boothe Campus and Marshall Ranch.

Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

 A Housedad Recalls
  “A former student who graduated is back at Homes for Children for summer break from college, and he asked me for a ride to town so he could get a haircut. I said yes, and we headed into town with my father-in-law who came along for the ride.

As we were making the 25-minute trip to Beeville my father-in-law asked him, “What is one of the best moments in your life?“

The young man responded, “Just spending time talking about things of God and discussing the Bible with my housedad and my relief housedad.“

His answer is such a blessing! Some of the sweetest moments and relationships made on the campus between kids and houseparents can make a big impact on their lives, creating memories for a lifetime.

 A Former Student at Homes for Children Remembers

“One of the most memorable things for me while growing up on the Boothe Campus, was when I asked my housemom for permission to do something. She told me I needed to go ask Pop. The reason she directed me to my housedad, was because she knew that I had never had a father-daughter relationship and it was important that I learn how to do that.”

Some children who come to live at the Boothe Campus may not have strong parental relationships. Therefore when they connect to their houseparents, they are able to develop relationships with parental figures. Although our houseparents are not intended to replace biological parents, they are in place to provide stability, trust, guidance, love and support as they serve our children while in our care.

A Mom Creates Memories with Her Daughters
  The thrill and excitement of achievement creates a life-long memory. This summer we were excited and proud to celebrate one of our moms at Homes for Families. Brittney successfully graduated high school and received her diploma! She is now planning to take training courses to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at La Bahia Nursing Home in Goliad, later this Fall. 

Our Homes for Families staff and residents threw Brittney a graduation party, and her two daughters were there to celebrate with her. She diligently sacrificed to make a change for her life and in the lives of her daughters. Brittney provided the example to her daughters – that grit, determination and hard work can change lives. Not only is she making an impact in her life, but for generations to come! 

 Splish Splash!
The memories of a hot sunny day are filled with sounds of laughter and screams of joy. The gush of water as kids fly down water slides, fun competitive outdoor games and the satisfied craving of Chic-Fil-A all made a FUN-FILLED day provided by a group of donors.

Jason Moore from Buffco Productions and Donald and Terra Calloway from Legacy Safety threw this FUN SUMMER party for our children. HUGE smiles were found on everyone’s faces!

We are grateful to have a diverse group of supporters who find creative ways to bring fun to our children’s lives and create memories!

These summer memories and SO MANY OTHERS are just a glimpse into how God is working to heal, restore and encourage lives.

Those which STCH Ministries serves, including you and me, are all benefiting by seeing the glistening glory of God’s grace and mercy. Whether it be in the drenching hot Texas summer sun, or as you continue to navigate life during COVID-19; God’s Presence does not leave, nor does He forsake you. (Hebrew 13:5)

Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

Kyle Luke
Vice President of Development and Communications
STCH Ministries

Foundation & Friendship

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Laura Duprie recalls STCH Ministries as a household name in her family for decades. She remembers Christmas parties on Boothe Campus from her childhood. Her heart holds a special place for the early STCH Ministries leaders, friends of her parents, whose kindness still impacts the way she lives life. She tells of her dad, Dale Pogue, working to build what is now the STCH Ministries Family Counseling program with gladness. Laura credits a presentation to the ladies group at First Baptist Church Goliad with sparking her interest in volunteering at Homes for Families.

After hearing the director of Homes for Families, Theresa Klacman, talk, Laura remembers wanting to help. “Theresa quickly invited me to teach and I love it.” Laura teaches Bible studies and gives lessons to help the ladies succeed after leaving the campus – like computer skills, smart shopping tips and parenting classes. She appreciates how well thought through each phase of the ministry has become. “There’s no doubt that prayer covers that whole ministry – which is why it is succeeding and growing.”

Laura remains engaged and involved in the ministry because of the changes she sees in the ladies who work through the ministry phases to find healing. The difference God works not just in their hearts, but also in their faces, inspires her. Often, when ladies first move to the ranch, their eyes reflect bitterness and their shoulders slump beneath the weight of the pain they carry. As they move through the phases and allow God to transform their situations and modify their thinking their outward appearances transform too. “To see them when they come in and watch their countenance change – that’s the most exciting thing,” Laura explains.  She feels as if the Bible comes to life through the transformations she witnesses when laughter returns and their eyes begin to sparkle. The evidence of their testimonies encourages Laura to persist in prayer for her family and friends when they go through hard times. “There have been times when I needed that encouragement to know there is hope for somebody that I was praying for. I love what I do as a volunteer, but it may be selfish in some ways because of what I get out of it!”

Laura’s commitment to helping the moms in the ministry fulfill their personal goals reaches beyond teaching classes. She forms genuine friendships and cares for each of them. Debbie, one of the ladies in Phase III needs help purchasing a car, and Laura helps her decide which vehicles to look at in person. The current owners for one option live in Corpus Christi. Laura does not hesitate to reach out to her one contact there, a friend’s father. The retired Navy mechanical engineer has the expertise to determine the car’s condition and plans to meet Debbie when she goes to look over the car. Laura encourages Debbie, “He’s going to be there to help you, listen to his advice.”

Laura’s friendship and dedication for each lady continues after they leave Marshall Ranch. Whether they leave early without finishing or graduate from the ministry, Laura stays in contact with them. She prays for them and follows them on social media. Online ordering and delivery make it possible to provide a pizza dinner as a reminder that they are not alone. “I do whatever I can do to show them that just because they are out there in the world and live in another city, they are not forgotten.”

From her own experience, Laura understands that following the Lord is a daily choice. “No one gets fixed and stays fixed. In the time it takes to snap your fingers, the habit you worked a whole year to develop can be gone.” Laura recognizes her happy, stable childhood enables her to make healthy decisions today, and sets her apart from most of the ladies living on Marshall Ranch. However, many of their stories reveal one person somewhere who invested in them enough to plant a seed of hope. She knows that God places signposts to remind them, “There’s something better.” Often, those memories lead them to find Homes for Families and give them the courage to make difficult changes in their lives.

Those stories encourage Laura showing her that what she does matters.  “Maybe even the smallest act of kindness can affect someone, down the road they’ll remember that and consider looking into the option of God.” The Bible’s promise that the Word of God doesn’t fall void (Isaiah 55:11) compels Laura to continue helping people however she can. “I love STCH Ministries; it is an amazing, God-driven ministry. I have known since I was a kid that STCH Ministries is full of people who love Jesus. As long as God wants me to continue, I’ll be there,” she promises.

Homes for Families encourages volunteers to pour into the lives of the women and children God brings to the campus. The friendships formed while working through the ministry’s curriculum often provide a mom’s first glimpse of the difference good decisions and dedication to doing right can make in a changed life. If Laura’s experience intrigues you, please contact our staff to discover ways you can volunteer. Teachers, mentors and host families top an expansive list of ways you can take part in healing hearts and sharing hope to single moms and their children. https://www.STCHM.org/care/#families