New Year’s resolutions are nothing new. I am not sure about you, but I have never been a New Year’s resolution type person. I am, however, someone who takes account often to see if the need to adjust would be beneficial. Whether you make New Year’s resolutions or not, we should be looking at our lives to assess how matters are progressing. The areas I like to assess in a broad sense pertain to spiritual, personal and professional health. As I look at these areas of life, there are physical and emotional aspects to process as well. As we assess our overall health and well-being, we must decide the areas that are working and those we need to change. 

Habits are habits; they can help us to accomplish great objectives, or they can cause us to fail. So, what separates those who are able to make sustainable, significant changes in the way they live, so they can ultimately be the person they desire to be? Simply put, they are able to create habits that lead them to success. Some might say you should take your resolutions and make them your lifestyle. But what does scripture say about personal resolutions? 

In Romans 14:13, Paul instructs Christians to make a resolution. “Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” In these kinds of matters, Paul is saying, let us not decide as to how others should behave. Instead, let us decide as to how we will behave. Let us resolve never to do anything that will cause our brother, who is convicted differently than we are in this instance, to stumble into sin. So at least in this instance, the idea of making a personal resolution, a personal and determined commitment, to change or improve our own behavior is given to us as a command. And nothing in the Scriptures would indicate that it is wrong to make such personal resolutions. 

As you read through this Messenger, you will see stories where resolutions are made – let’s also call them commitments. Cindy resolved she wanted to change her life and she came into care in our Homes for Families program. Her story is one of powerful transformation! I also think of Sam’s story and his resolve. Almost more importantly, I think of his housepop, Jesse, and his resolve to want to care for and love Sam. When we live lives of personal commitment to God’s grand plan for us, amazing transformational moments can be seen. 

I challenge you to think about your life, your resolutions, your commitments, your habits. What do they say about who you are or who you desire to be? If you aren’t pleased, then change them and create new habits that will help you to be the person you want to be and, more importantly, the person God wants you to be. The great John Wooden famously said: “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is yet to be, the only way to affect tomorrow is today.” If you have a history of not following through on resolutions and commitments, today it all can change. 

I pray you enjoy this edition of our Messenger! 

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12: To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you. 

COUNSELING HAS BROUGHT HOPE AND HEALING to many families through STCH Ministries, and for Seth and his family, it opened the door to lasting change. Katherine and her husband, Travis, loved their children, but parenting their youngest son, Seth, was becoming overwhelming and exhausting, causing tension they were not sure how to overcome. At nine years old, Seth was full of energy and strong-willed. His siblings, Alexis and Noah, often joked that he was the “problem kid.” Katherine did not like hearing it, but she understood why they felt that way at times. 

Seth had been a happy baby, but his behavior began to shift around age four, becoming more challenging as he grew older. Simple boundaries, like hearing the word “no,” often led to full-blown tantrums. “He had a hard time accepting life on life’s terms,” Katherine shared. “If he didn’t get his way, he’d get really angry – and that happened a lot.”

Small tasks frequently turned into battles. Homework, chores or even transitioning from video games to dinner often triggered Seth’s frustration. “It felt like every request turned into a fight,” Katherine recalled. The tension in the home was not just affecting Seth – it was wearing down the entire family.

“We wanted to be good parents, but we just didn’t know how,” Katherine admitted. In their frustration, they often responded to Seth’s anger with their own. “He would yell, so we would yell louder, trying to get him to listen. But it never worked.” Seth’s siblings were also caught in the cycle of frustration. They began to view him as “the baby” who always got his way. This sibling dynamic only added to the tension.

The peaceful home Katherine and Travis had envisioned felt more like a battleground. Katherine often found herself bracing for the next meltdown. “I didn’t enjoy being around him,” she confessed. It was not the family dynamic they had hoped for, and Katherine knew that if nothing changed, the frustration and anger would keep hurting their relationships.

Their introduction to STCH Ministries came when Alexis began counseling. Katherine had not expected to need help for the family, but when Alexis’ sessions ended, it became clear that Seth could also benefit. “As soon as she was done, I knew our son would probably need some help as well,” Katherine recalled.

Faith played a vital role in their decision to choose STCH Ministries. “Faith is very important to us,” Katherine explained. 

“I wanted Christian counseling because I didn’t want someone telling my daughter or Seth that their behavior was fine when it wasn’t,” 

For Katherine and Travis, finding counseling that aligned with the values they taught their children was essential. They wanted to ensure that the lessons learned in counseling reinforced the biblical principles they instilled at home.

After Alexis completed her counseling sessions, Katherine placed Seth on the waiting list. That simple step marked the beginning of a journey toward healing – not just for Seth, but for the entire family.

When Seth began counseling at STCH Ministries with his counselor Megan, Katherine was unsure about the play therapy she recommended. “I didn’t understand how just observing a child play would tell her anything,” she admitted. Megan explained that play therapy allows children to express their emotions and experiences in the way they know best – through play. Unlike adults, who process feelings through conversation, children often “play out” their thoughts and challenges.

The Association for Play Therapy (APT) explains that play therapy is a structured way for trained therapists to use play to help their clients. Through play, children can work through their difficulties and develop in healthy ways. In simpler terms, the therapist uses play to connect with the child, gently guiding them toward healing and growth.

For Seth, this approach created a safe and comfortable environment to process his emotions. Though Katherine initially had doubts, she chose to trust the process. Megan used play to help Seth express what he could not verbalize and over time, the playroom became a place where he felt safe and understood. As the sessions continued, Megan shared insights that helped Katherine and Travis better understand their son’s behavior and emotional needs.

The sessions did not just help Seth – they helped the whole family. Megan provided Katherine and Travis tools to support Seth at home. One of the biggest lessons was understanding how Seth felt within the family dynamic. “Seth felt like he didn’t have any say, any control or any place in the family. He was just the baby, being told what to do all day long,” Katherine shared.

This realization was eye-opening for Katherine and Travis. It shifted their approach to discipline and daily routines. Instead of defaulting to punishment and taking away privileges like video games, they began using positive reinforcement. By rewarding good behavior, they found that Seth responded more positively.

The family also applied the practical tools that Megan suggested. A visual schedule became one of their most valuable resources, helping Seth understand and anticipate his daily activities. This predictability helped reduce his frustration around transitions. Within this structure, Seth was given choices about the order of certain activities, like whether to do homework before or after his afternoon snack or which chores to complete first. These small but meaningful choices gave him an appropriate sense of control while maintaining necessary boundaries.

Most importantly, Katherine and Travis learned the importance of modeling emotional awareness for their children. By openly sharing their feelings and showing healthy ways to express and cope with frustration, they gave Seth and his siblings the tools to mirror this behavior. This approach matched their goals as parents: teaching their children valuable life skills while keeping healthy limits in place.

The changes extended beyond just rules and routines. Megan emphasized the importance of building trust and connection through spending quality time together to strengthen the parent-child relationship. These special times of positive interaction helped rebuild trust and connection, making the other strategies work even better.

Over time, the transformation became clear. Katherine and Travis responded to Seth’s outbursts with more patience and understanding. 

“We learned that when he yelled, we didn’t have to yell back,” Katherine said. “We started to understand how Seth was feeling instead of just reacting.”

Seth’s relationships with his siblings improved as well. As the home environment shifted to one of mutual respect, Alexis and Noah began to see Seth’s feelings as real and important. “Now they all play games together without fighting,” Katherine shared. “My daughter and Seth like to do Pokémon, and they talk about it. They see him as a person now, not just an annoying sibling.”

Looking back on their journey, Katherine feels grateful for how far their family has come. “We wanted to be good parents, but we didn’t know how. STCH Ministries showed us the way,” she shared. The changes they experienced went far beyond Seth’s behavior. They brought the family closer, filling their home with patience, love and respect.

“Counseling didn’t just help Seth. It helped all of us learn how to listen, respond with love and understand each other better.”

Faith remained at the center of their journey, working together with the practical tools they learned in counseling. “We try to teach our kids to rely on God for all of our problems,” she said. The combination of professional counseling and spiritual guidance provided a holistic approach to healing. Through STCH Ministries, they found that their faith could work together with therapeutic techniques, creating lasting change that aligned with their values. The experience reminded them that healing is possible when trust is placed in Him.

Katherine encourages families considering counseling: “Take the step. It’s worth it. Just knowing someone is willing to listen and walk alongside you can make all the difference.” For more information on STCH Ministries Counseling Ministries, visit www.STCHM.org/counseling-ministries. 

CINDY’S STORY SHOWS HOW HOPE can light up life’s darkest corners. From battling addiction and grief to finding restoration and purpose, her journey is a beautiful reminder of the transformative work of God’s love and grace. 

In 2021, Cindy was living a comfortable life. She had a steady job and an apartment. However, on a fateful night in November, an act of compassion opened the door to troubles that would soon turn her life upside down. 

During a winter freeze, Cindy came across a homeless man needing shelter. “I thought I could help him,” Cindy recalls. “But I didn’t realize how much my life would change.” What began as a temporary gesture of kindness grew into a relationship that seemed good at first. However, Cindy was at a vulnerable time in her life, having recently experienced a miscarriage and a significant fight with her partner. In a moment of hopelessness and depression, she was introduced to drugs on her birthday. “He hesitated at first,” she remembers, “but when I tried the drugs, he said I had a look that showed I was hooked.” 

This decision led her quickly down a path of addiction and despair. For six months, Cindy lived in a cycle of abuse, pressured into degrading circumstances she never imagined. Her partner’s violence and manipulation left her feeling trapped and powerless. 

Then, a friend’s persistent words broke through Cindy’s pain and confusion. “She told me this lifestyle wasn’t meant for me and that I needed to get out,” Cindy reflects. Gathering courage she did not know she had, Cindy broke free from the abusive relationship and found refuge at a domestic violence shelter. It was there, two months later, that she learned she was pregnant. With that revelation, hope began to reappear. “I knew I had to fight for her,” Cindy shares. “I couldn’t give up now.” 

Cindy’s pregnancy brought hope but also immense challenges. She faced multiple health complications, including diabetes, kidney issues and weight challenges, making her a high-risk patient. When Cindy’s daughter, Emma, was born prematurely at just 30 weeks, weighing only 2 pounds, 2 ounces, she had to stay in the NICU for two months. 

After leaving the hospital, Cindy sought shelter and help at a maternity home. Arriving with her newborn on a breathing machine, Cindy received critical support and rest during her stay. However, her time there came to an end all too quickly. Cindy faced uncertainty about where to go next. Her and Emma’s medical needs made it challenging to find a safe place to live, with plans falling through left and right. “When my time at the maternity home was up, I was terrified,” Cindy admits. “I called around, but most places had waitlists, and I didn’t know what we were going to do.” During this time, Cindy realized that God’s timing is always perfect. 

In May 2024, Cindy discovered STCH Ministries Homes for Families – a place that would soon become a turning point in her journey. When asked what it meant for her and Emma to be welcomed so openly, despite the challenges of her daughter’s oxygen machine and her own visual impairment, Cindy shared, “That’s something that’s going to be unforgettable because most places don’t want to deal with people like me. But they took me in. It means so much that they’re working with me and helping me manage Emma’s appointments while still letting me participate in lessons, Bible study and worship. I don’t feel overwhelmed here like I did in other places.” 

At STCH Ministries, Cindy experienced God’s redemption in ways that changed her forever. “Miss Josephine and Miss Brandy asked me if I wanted to accept Jesus,” she recalls. “I had never done that before, but I said yes.” What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. Within three days of that decision, Cindy’s daughter no longer needed oxygen support. “That’s how I know Jesus exists,” Cindy says, her eyes filled with tears. “If He could heal her, He can do so much more.” 

This was just the beginning of Cindy’s journey of faith. Feeling a strong calling, she prayed for guidance before choosing to be baptized. “I didn’t want to do it just because others were doing it,” she recalls “I wanted it to be real.” Her baptism became a turning point. She describes the transformation: “It’s been a lot different now that I’m baptized. Everything that’s going on and everything that I’m going through, I see it with a different outlook than what I was seeing before.” 

Cindy’s transformation extended beyond her faith. It has reshaped how she viewed others, including Emma’s father. “I used to hate him,” Cindy admits. “But now, I can say, ‘I love you because you’re Emma’s dad, and I care for you as Christ cares for you.’” She prays for him every night, asking God to lead him to healing and restoration. “Hopefully, he gets help. I don’t want to see him lost forever,” she says with compassion. Cindy’s newfound ability to forgive is a testament to God’s work in her heart. 

Healing also brought changes to Cindy’s relationship with her daughter. Raised by her grandmother, Cindy missed the traditional mother-child bond. Now, through God’s guidance and the support of those on Marshall Campus, she is building that bond with her daughter in ways she never thought possible. “The resident coordinators are teaching me how to be the mom Emma needs,” Cindy shares, “and the mom I wished I had growing up.” 

Cindy’s reliance on God has grown steadily as she navigates ongoing physical challenges. Her eyesight continues to diminish due to diabetes, but she recognizes this as an opportunity to trust God’s provision. “Even though my eyesight is diminishing, at the same time, the Lord is restoring it in a weird way by my hearing being enhanced,” she explains. 

The staff at Homes for Families has stepped in to provide adaptive solutions for managing a household. “They’ve taught me how to cook and clean without relying on my sight, and that’s been a big help.” Her faith, along with the resources and encouragement provided by the ministry, has given her hope for a brighter future. 

Cindy dreams of becoming a Certified Nurse’s Assistant or pursuing medical coding so she can work from home, in hopes of providing for her daughter while being present in her life. “I pray for her every day,” Cindy says, reflecting on Emma’s miraculous recovery and her hopes for their future. “She’s my pride and joy. I just want her to grow up knowing God’s love and how much He’s carried us through.” 

Cindy’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s redemption is not about erasing the past – it is about transforming it. It is about choosing hope, even when darkness seems overwhelming. It is about believing that the past does not determine the future. 

Thank you for taking time to read through our Messenger! What a blessing it is for us to show you some of the ways in which God is working through STCH Ministries. As you read through the stories shared, please take a moment to say a prayer for those highlighted. As you know, what is shared is a small portion of their story and we know God has a great plan. 

I find bridges to be marvels of engineering. The civil and structural engineers who design and build bridges have the complex responsibility of managing many phases of the design and construction that are vital to the project’s success. Some of these phases include site planning, foundation work, building the substructure, completing the superstructure, inspections and testing to name a few. Many times, architects are involved in the design of a bridge for a variety of reasons. Some bridges are fairly simple to build and others are seriously complex. 

Generally speaking, bridges are designed and built with painstaking detail to provide a way to cross an obstacle, such as a body of water, valley, road or railway, without blocking the path underneath. We rely greatly on bridges to help us navigate through our lives. I challenge you to think about how often you use a bridge. How much designing and planning went into that bridge, and how much more difficult our lives would be without it? 

When I think of bridges, I think of connection in spite of an obstacle. In the same way, bridges are used to overcome obstacles, in life we face situations where we have an obstacle, and we need to overcome it. At times those obstacles can be minor and easily dealt with but other times we need help. I believe it is vital that we are connected with the Great Connector, our heavenly Father. How many times in life have we faced obstacles that seem insurmountable? We must realize that with God, all things are possible. 

You might be facing an obstacle as you read this today. I encourage you; no challenge is too big for the Great Connector. We also know that God uses His people to be that blessing and help in times of trouble. Here at STCH Ministries, that is what we desire; for God to use us how He sees fit, in a variety of situations, to reveal His character to those we minister to. I am not sure how large of a bridge you need built for the obstacle you are facing, but I do know it starts with God. Also, are you open to God using you to be a connector for those in their time of need? God uses His people to do His work. We know while the needs are great, the laborers are few. 

Let’s commit to being bridge builders for those facing challenges! 

Romans 12:21- Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

IN A VIBRANT COMMUNITY NEAR KATY, TEXAS, God transforms lives through STCH Ministries Community Ministries. Partnering with Family Hope and River Bend Baptist Church, they reach out to Venezuelan members of the community and other residents, offering classes that act as essential lifelines for those working to build stable lives. These classes, including Faith & Finances and Faith & Work, serve as vehicles of God’s grace, offering hope and transformation. They are available in Spanish to ensure accessibility for the community. 

Since 2014, Family Hope has been serving northern Fort Bend County, helping transform individuals into healthy families through services such as medical aid, food, rent and utility assistance, job searches and disaster relief. Recognizing the community’s deep spiritual and practical needs, STCH Ministries partnered with Family Hope to complement their mission. The recent restructuring of STCH Ministries Faith & Work into two components — “Job Readiness,” focusing on essential job skills, and the full ten-week course, helping participants apply their unique, God-given design in the marketplace — perfectly aligned with the needs of Family Hope’s people. 

One of the most significant outcomes of this partnership has been offering the Faith & Finances class to the Venezuelan members of the community. For many, financial stability seemed out of reach, complicated by the challenges of life in a new country. However, through the Faith & Finances class, participants learned crucial skills supported by Biblical principles, empowering them to take control of their financial futures with God’s guidance. 

Denis and Gledys, a couple who completed the ten-week program, expressed gratitude for how God worked through the class. 

“We have learned to consider the income and expenses that we have, consult on the expenses and eliminate what does not add or contribute to it,” they wrote. 

“We have learned to communicate; this has made it easier for our finances to be clearer and used for the good of our home.” The lessons go beyond traditional financial education by incorporating Biblical teachings, helping the participants manage their money in a way that honors God and promoting long-term financial health. For members of the community like Denis and Gledys, these God-given lessons are invaluable as they navigate the complexities of a new financial system. 

In addition to financial education, STCH Ministries Faith & Work – Job Readiness equips participants with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce, which is especially crucial for people facing significant barriers to employment. These workshops teach practical job skills while emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s guidance at every step of their career paths. Sikiu Millán participated in the Job Readiness seminars and highlighted the value of these sessions, saying, “It is a super important tool to be able to find that dream job that we talk so much about.” 

These workshops help participants craft resumes that highlight their strengths and align with employer needs, all while keeping God at the center of their goals. This holistic approach equips them with practical tools and instills a sense of purpose and hope grounded in God’s plan for their lives. Daniela, another participant who attended both Faith & Finances and Job Readiness, shared how these teachings transformed her life. “Participating in the classes that STCH Ministries offers has helped me in many ways; I followed everything they said, step by step. I dressed, spoke, acted and did everything just as they taught in the steps to follow in the class, and the day after my interview, I got the job! I also improved my resume, the right way it is done here in the United States. I highly recommend any course or class offered by STCH Ministries. Their teaching is effective and truly enhances your daily life. I hope it works for everyone as well as it did for me. Also, many thanks to Family Hope for the opportunity to obtain this knowledge through STCH Ministries.” 

River Bend Baptist Church has been instrumental in God’s work through this partnership. When Family Hope needed a facility to host the Faith & Finances class, River Bend Baptist Church answered the call, opening its doors to support this God-driven initiative. This collaboration provided a tremendous opportunity for the church to further its mission of serving the community in God’s name. Beyond providing a venue, River Bend Baptist Church has been actively engaged in food drives and other initiatives to support Family Hope’s efforts. Working together in God’s service, River Bend Baptist Church, Family Hope and STCH Ministries have built a strong support network, making a tangible difference in the lives they serve. 

STCH Ministries Faith & Finances and Faith & Work classes have a profound impact under God’s guidance. For many participants, these classes serve as a turning point, offering them the tools and confidence they need to build a better future for themselves and their families with God’s help. Through the Faith & Finances class, participants learn to manage their money wisely, set financial goals and make informed decisions that will lead to long-term stability—all while keeping God at the center. 

Faith & Work – Job Readiness equips them with the skills they need to succeed in the job market, helping them overcome barriers through faith. 

This author, also the instructor of these Spanish courses, witnessed the transformation in participants who took part in both classes. They arrived as strangers, feeling hopeless and isolated in a new country, seeking community. By the end, they recognized the value of their abilities to the USA and found a path to a fulfilling life here. 

As STCH Ministries continues to expand its reach through partnerships like the one with Family Hope, the potential for God’s impact is limitless. By addressing the community’s immediate needs—such as financial literacy and job readiness—while nurturing spiritual growth, STCH Ministries is creating a lasting legacy of transformation in God’s name. The collaboration between STCH Ministries, Family Hope and River Bend Baptist Church serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared vision of God’s compassion and service. As they continue to offer life skills classes and other vital services, they are not just changing lives—they are building a stronger, healthier community for generations to come, all to the glory of God. For those involved in these efforts, the rewards are immeasurable. Each success story, each life transformed, is a testament to the power of God working through their faith, education and community support. As STCH Ministries and its partners continue their work, they expect to see many more lives changed for the better, all in God’s perfect timing. 

The full Faith & Work course will be offered through Family Hope in the spring. Like the other classes, it will also be available in Spanish, ensuring that even more lives can be touched by God’s guidance and provision. 

If you are interested in a Faith & Work or Faith & Finances class, please visit, www.STCHM.org/fw for more information and class schedules.