The Ministry Continues – Peace Like a River

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We hope you had a wonderfully blessed and thankful Thanksgiving! We know it may have looked a little different this year – but prayerfully you still remained grateful to the Lord for He is Good! 

“And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”
1 Chronicles 29:13

We are gratefully blessed because of you.
Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

 

HOMES FOR CHILDREN

Through your generous contributions, our students are able to participate in many different activities in school such as athletics, UIL, showing animals and so much more!

Recently two of our teen students, Laura and Seth, from our Homes for Children campus showed their steer and heifer in Cameron, TX.

We are so thankful for the opportunity our students are given to take part in 4H due to supporters like YOU!!

 

FAMILY COUNSELING

The impact God makes on our lives – when we invite God into our lives – is life-changing.

A client of Family Counseling recently shared an encouraging message with one of our counselors. The client expressed her thankfulness by explaining how God used the counselor’s words as a way for God to intervene and allow healing.

I just wanted to share with you that God spoke through you yesterday.
I really felt His “peace like a river” wash over me by the end of our session.
Thank you for allowing Him to use you.
This is why I feel so strongly that the spiritual aspect of counseling
cannot be left out, and am so grateful to be working with you.

This is a wonderful reminder that God intervenes and speaks by using others to do His Will. And when God intervenes, lives are impacted.

STCH Ministries would not be able to counsel and minister to those we serve, without the help of supporters like YOU!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


GIVING TUESDAY IS HERE!

The stories we share with you, and so many others – are a reminder of how God uses others to carry out His Will. 

STCH Ministries is thankful for you, your prayers and your support.

As the busy holiday season begins it’s easy to get consumed with shopping, traveling and year-end deadlines.

Will you please consider taking a moment today – out of your busy schedule – and share an act of HOPE? Today is the annual day of giving, #GivingTuesday.

 

Thank you again for your continued prayers, support and commitment to STCH Ministries and those we serve.

The impact you make changes lives, you are helping to share hope and heal hearts through your prayers, gifts, involvement and more!

Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

Chosen to Serve Through Technology

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As Covid-19 cases diminish in the Dominican Republic, the aftereffects send shock waves through the entire social, economic, and educational systems. The newly elected government threads their way between the needs of school children, panicked parents, unprepared teachers and administrators. They delayed the new school year to November, and mandated distance learning. Paper, pencil, chalkboards suddenly became inadequate tools. Computers, internet access, learning platforms—all inaccessible to impoverished teachers and children.

 

 







STCH Ministries donors became angels, (messengers sent by God). Within a few weeks more than 65 computers and notebooks were in the hands of the teachers, and available for children in the tutoring room and orphanages. Teachers worked to adapt to virtual lessons, and struggled with spotty internet signal, and limited band width when several computers were online at the same time.

 

At Raquel’s school, teachers were grateful for the computers, but definitely frustrated as they tried to meet the needs of their students. They moved around to hallways or perched on stair steps, sat on the floor, or crammed together in one room for best internet reception. 

 

Raquel, never one to stare at a problem for long, began to search for ways to improve the situation. She bought a device that was supposed to boost the signal—didn’t help. She considered a router, but couldn’t afford $35.00. Raquel prayed. She told the teachers that by the following Monday they would have a solution. Her daughter, Michell asked, “But, Mom, how are you going to do this?” More prayer.

In Austin, God was already answering those prayers. Marco Leal and Will Krauss, owner and president of the Loyal IT firm, and STCH Ministries staff boarded flights for the Dominican Republic. We hoped they could review and make suggestions to improve. However, Marco and Will came with two huge bags of equipment to RESOLVE, not just review. Much of the high-tech equipment was donated by Austin Retina Associates and Central Texas Eye Center, who also wanted to help. God never does anything halfway!

 

They toured and assessed the problems, while speaking a third language, besides English and Spanish…granular control, access points, 48 watts to 5.8 gigahertz, 8 Port, 12-Port, maybe a 24-port Switch, Packets, and TCIP/IP Transmission Control Protocol. Russell reported, “We installed outdoor-rated Network cable for durability, one Access Point on the second floor of the school, which will boost Wi-Fi signal to all of the second floor of the main building and some of the second building as well. This was the first of 3 Access points along with a switch that will manage the 3 Access Points. Plus another device that will grant us access to their Network via the Internet….with greater speeds of data transfer and a higher number of devices connected.”

Raquel may not have understood the words or the concepts. What she DID know was that God had answered her prayers. Tears welled up in her eyes, and rolled down her cheeks. Giddy with excitement, the next morning she shared in the teachers’ amazement when they turned on their computers and saw that they had internet access. In addition to the work at Raquel’s school, the team traveled to the school at Villa Altagracia to do similar work, and then returned to the headquarters area at the IBQ church to significantly improve the internet capacity there. We are grateful to Loyal IT and to all of our Ministry Partners in schools, churches and orphanages who do such amazing work for God. An old poem states, “God chooses whom He uses.” We are honored to serve with others whom God has chosen for this work.

 

 

 




 


Bendiciones,

Joanna Berry
Joanna Berry
Vice President of Family and International Ministries
STCH Ministries

The Ministry Continues – We’re Hiring!

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“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your
good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

STCH Ministries has a beautiful story with testaments of lives being impacted over the last 68+ years of history. This is only possible due to God’s Favor over our ministry and those He’s placed among the ministry to do His work.

Thank you for being part of our story! 


It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of former STCH Ministries President, Dr. A.J. “Jack” Green.

Dr. Green was born on August 3, 1931 and passed November 9, 2020. He served as a pastor for many years in churches throughout Texas.


STCH Ministries was blessed by the life and vision of Dr. Green, and his legacy will live on through the ministries he helped create and strengthen.

Dr. Green started working for STCH Ministries in 1973, only the 2nd President in the 21 years since its founding, and he went on to serve for 25 years.

The love and dedication that he had for the organization, the children, the families and God’s Will helped STCH Ministries grow and expand their reach to affect more lives. In the years after he left STCH Ministries, you could find him with a STCH Ministries cap on his head and a smile on his face. He continued to be a presence at STCH Ministries, going to Board Meetings, working with the ministries and praying for the future.

We are deeply saddened by the news but know that Dr. Green’s legacy will live on through the lives that he touched. Please continue to pray for his family. 


Have a Heart for Kids?

Do you and your spouse have a heart for ministry and a love for children? STCH Ministries Homes for Children is seeking special couples to serve as Houseparents on our beautiful campus located in the heart of South Texas.

Houseparents must understand and support the mission of STCH Ministries and its programs and faith tradition. Houseparents play a front-line role in this ministry.

To learn more about this opportunity click: more information.


‘Tis the Season to Smile!

The holiday season is upon us! If you’re looking for a safe and convenient way to stay away from crowds, but your Christmas and shopping lists continue to grow… Amazon is a great place to start!

When you shop through Amazon Smile, a portion of your sale will be donated back to STCH Ministries. So you can double the gifts you’re giving this year, without hitting the stores!

Click here to shop through AMAZON SMILE and STCH Ministries receives a portion.
(This is available all year long.)


Thank you again for your continued prayers, support and commitment to STCH Ministries and those we serve.

The impact you make changes lives, and there are so many different ways you can get connected and make an impact with STCH Ministries.

Our website has a great list of opportunities for you – click to see where God leads you: Connect Me!

Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

The Ministry Continues – Ministry Project Funded by Ladies for the Least

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As we begin a new month, November – also the month of Thanksgiving – it’s a great opportunity to express our gratitude and thankfulness, we pray these words over you and those we serve:

” The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
May His favor be upon you
Amen”

and excerpt from the song “The Blessing” by Elevation Worship

Celebrating Over 80 Years of Ministry!

We recently celebrated an amazing woman, Doretta Brown.

Ms. Doretta has been serving in missions since the 1940s with a large part of her and her husband’s service taking place in the Dominican Republic. She played a large part in helping STCH Ministries start our ministry in the Dominican Republic. She also trained the kitchen staff and made the menu that they still use today when feeding the mission groups.

We will never be able to thank her enough for her many years of service and ministry. She continues to show much wisdom, joy, laughs and be a servant for God’s glory. We have been blessed to see her impact on so many lives! Please join us in prayer as we celebrate her as she moves on to her next stage of life. 

Our team celebrates Ms. Doretta (centered in yellow)
with a time of fellowship and gratitude.


We have a special opportunity for YOU to go to the Dominican Republic!

As the Christmas season approaches in the midst of the lingering Covid-19 pandemic, many families may be wondering how to celebrate this year. One tradition that will continue is our International ministry will host the bi-annual Family Christmas Trip to the Dominican Republic from December 26 – January 2.Our team will share the Gospel, deliver food and Christmas packages to families and the boys at Higuey orphanage, dramatize the Christmas story, build furniture for a preschool expansion at Villa Altagracia, and more!

We will not be taking a large group, but we have room for a few families. Would you like to be part of this special trip, and share Christmas with needy children and families in the Dominican Republic? For more information click to email: Amanda Yanez or contact her or Joanna Berry at 361-994 0940.



Ladies for the Least Funds a Ministry Project!

Although our event was held virtually, we enjoyed seeing everyone. We heard an inspiring and honest testimony from one of our moms, Ashley Kaufman; while laughing along with our heart-warming speaker, Melissa Radke.

The women who participated in this event also voted to fund the Homes for Families ministry project of two vehicles. These vehicles will be used by our moms to help take care of their families’ needs such as: to go to work or attend college, take their children to school, medical appointments, buy groceries and many other errands that fill a mom’s life.

These vehicles will remain at Homes for Families, and moms will have accessibility to borrow and use the vehicles.

We received great feedback on the event this year:

   “I really enjoyed the event, it was the first time since May I have not been focused on the next round of chemo, next treatment, or next set of tests coming up. I put on my fancy pajamas, wrapped up in a warm blanket, kicked back on the couch and laughed until it hurt!”

   “Thank you for doing this! I know it was so different than we normally do, but it was just what I needed to see and hear today. I love this ministry so much and so grateful to be a part of it!”

   “I really enjoyed the event! The women who spoke were inspiring and their stories were very much needed. Hearing all that STCH Ministries does really ensures my trust and faith in the ministry – lives are truly being impacted and changed.”


The team which hosted Ladies for the Least.
L to R: Monica Wright, Melissa Radke (speaker),
Jeny Cortez, Shelley Green and Ashley Gordon

 

The Annual Golf Classic had another successful year in spite of COVID! 

Players gathered, played hard, and were excited to be a part of impacting lives through STCH Ministries. We had a record 39 registered teams participate!

Remy Huston, Sr. related the story of how his father had first gotten involved in STCH Ministries years ago. And now it has become a generational event. Remy introduced his son, Remy Huston Jr. who played in the tournament alongside him. The excitement generated by these men was contagious.

We also owe a debt of thanks to all our sponsors and players!

We love the way John Crisp of The Ranches of Echelon, our Title Sponsor expressed it, ”Let’s do everything we can to keep a smile on the children’s faces!”

One of the many golf teams who enjoyed playing
on a beautiful day while helping impact lives!


God sustains our ministry, and He uses people
to help accomplish His Will.Be part of our

Monthly Giving Program – Sign-Up Today!


Thank you again for your continued prayers, support and commitment to STCH Ministries and those we serve.

Our gratitude can not be expressed enough, you help sustain our ministries… the Ministry Continues through God’s Good Works and through you!

Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

The Ministry Continues – Family Counselors Helping Pastors and Their Families

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Because of the connections we have with you – our supporters all over Texas and beyond – we’re blessed to have opportunities to speak to groups and connect with communities. 

Speaking engagements provide the opportunity to spread awareness of STCH Ministries and the services we provide.

Connecting with communities provides STCH Ministries the opportunity to show the love of Christ to children and families.

This is only possible through the commitment of our supporters and God’s glory. God continues to sustain our ministry and we are grateful that He uses people to help carry out His mission. 

 

In San Antonio, our Family Counseling Regional Director, Dosely Antongiorgi, recently spoke at the Lydia Network Brunch. This group is hosted by the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) Church Health Initiative. 

The Lydia Network connects the wives of senior pastors in the San Antonio area. They work to help encourage each other as they minister in their workplace, home, family, community and church. 

 

In Houston, the Family Counseling Team spoke to area pastors at the Gulf Coast Baptist Association meeting. Our team of counselors addressed the importance of the mental and physical health of pastors, as well as providing resources pastors can utilize for themselves and their congregations.

Chuck Beem, Executive Director of the Association said, “Charny and the team did a great job. I have received a bunch of positive feedback – they delivered exactly what I was hoping for. I am very thankful for STCH Ministries and what you do for our pastors and churches. Thanks for being a great partner.”

 

Across the border in the Dominican Republic – STCH Ministries made a connection in 2015 with a school located in the small town of Villa Altagracia. The small school was in a crowded apartment with some classes being held outside.

During the visit, Pastor Rodney and his wife Nilsia showed us a piece of land they purchased by faith for a future school building. Our team left with a burden for this ministry and a vision for the future. 

Construction began that year with a donation by First Baptist Church – Corpus Christi. After two years and with additional contributions and the help of mission teams, God blessed abundantly – they grew to 316 children and were crowded again.

They recently purchased another plot of land behind the existing school to expand for more classes and reach more pre-school children. Construction is currently in progress. 

When God is for you, nothing can stop you! 

 

God sustains our ministry, and He uses people
to help accomplish His Will.
Be part of our Monthly Giving Program and sign-up today!

 

Thank you again for your continued prayers, support and commitment to STCH Ministries and those we serve.

If you know of any speaking or community outreach opportunities for STCH Ministries, please contact me for more information. 

Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

The Ministry Continues – Students Involved in FFA

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Our Ministry Continues by the steadfast faithful trust and hope which you continue to provide to us. We are grateful for your commitment to our ministry and those we serve.

The last several months have been challenging, yet God is greater than our circumstances. He continues to show His love and mercy. His faithfulness continues to change the lives of those we serve because YOU have continued to provide your support. We are joyful to have praises to share!  

“…to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” – Psalm 21:6 (NIV)

One of the extracurricular activities the students at Homes for Children on the Boothe Campus can participate in is showing animals. Some of our high school students join the Pettus High School Agriculture program, FFA. They raise animals with the goal to show at livestock shows.

This year seven of our students are raising and caring for animals.

We currently have 11 Boer show goats; a Charolais-cross steer; a Brahman heifer; two pigs, a Duroc pig; and a Hampshire pig.

One of our students, Laura, said she liked doing Stock Shows because of the reward at the end. She works hard so her animals are successfully trained and equipped to show well.  She also gains more patience and responsibility by raising and caring for the animals.

Each student is 100% responsible for caring for their own animal(s). They do all the work such as feeding, watering, exercising and training their animals.

Currently, our students are working towards the Bee County Livestock Show. Two students, Laura and Seth, will compete at the San Antonio major show with a heifer and several goats.

All these different aspects of raising show animals provide skills which not only help the students now – but also carry into their lives as they become independent adults. Students gain responsibility, accountability, confidence and many other skills as they care for their animals.


In early September we had a team return to the Dominican Republic with a Mercy Mission trip to bring backpacks and school supplies, along with many other items needed. As we visited with the directors of our Christian schools, they were grateful for the help they had been given.

During the trip, we learned that the schools faced another crisis. The Dominican government was requiring distance learning for all schools – which meant they needed technology.

Therefore, we asked for help from our supporters. We needed $25,000 to purchase computers, tablets, cameras, etc. so the schools and orphanages would be able to successfully teach and engage with their students.

And God’s people responded quickly! As the funds arrived, we were able to purchase the much-needed computers and other items. The teachers immediately began learning and practicing how to use them effectively for teaching. 

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 ES



God continues to sustain our ministry, and He uses people to help accomplish His Will. If you would like to continue to get involved with our ministry, we have several ways to start TODAY!

Thank you again for your continued prayers, support and commitment to STCH Ministries and those we serve.

As you are led, we ask for your continued participation in helping impact lives daily. If you have any questions about how to get involved, please let me know.

Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

The Ministry Continues – We Have a New Location

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Thank you for continuing to read our articles, share stories, volunteer and be a part of STCH Ministries. We are grateful for your commitment – ensuring our ministry continues! Each of you has a role in making an impact on a life. You have the opportunity to participate in a visible change in the lives of children and families all over the world. We are an action-based ministry that invites you to be the hands and feet of Christ.

God continues to work through STCH Ministries, and we are thankful you have a front-row seat!  We’d like to share a few things which have been happening around STCH Ministries.

We are excited to announce the opening of our newest office location in San Antonio, Texas. This office serves several of our STCH Ministries team members and ministries: Family Counseling, Faith & Finances, Faith & Work and Development.

It has been a worthwhile process to find the best location for our team and those we serve. We’re opening the doors to our staff, clients and students; and plan to schedule an Open House once the city has lifted restrictions. Here’s a sneak peek


We are continuing to monitor the status of our Family Counseling offices for re-opening for in-person sessions. We are diligently watching county restrictions, the COVID map, and the policy of individual locations.

When the respective county turns yellow or green we will access the option to re-open offices to see clients in-person. All our offices continue to provide distance counseling via ZOOM.

Our counselors are looking forward to seeing their clients in-person when it’s safe to do so.

If you or someone you know would like to receive counseling, please click here for more information: FAMILY COUNSELING


At our Faith & Finances – Houston location, we are excited to cross borders and offer Faith & Finances via ZOOM in Spanish taught by our bi-lingual Site Coordinator, Alisha Holt. This class will include participants in Houston as well as in Mexico, Venezuela and Columbia!

Additionally, in Houston, we are hosting our 3rd Community Network meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at 11:00 AM via Zoom. The purpose of The Bridge is: 

  • Introduce and expand awareness of STCH Ministries to Houston
  • Learn and celebrate what God is doing both locally and globally through various churches, businesses and non-profits across Houston
  • Discuss ways to leverage these available resources to people across the city   

If you’d like to join us for this networking opportunity – please click here: ALISHA HOLT


Our students on the Boothe Campus are now back to school in-person. We are so grateful for everyone who supported their needs! Please join us as we pray for a great school year!

There’s still time, if you’d like to help a student succeed click here: BACK TO SCHOOL

Thank you again for your continued prayers, support and commitment to STCH Ministries and those we serve.

As you are led, we ask for your continued participation in helping impact lives daily. If you have any questions about how to get involved, please let me know.Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

The Ministry Continues – Going Back to the Dominican Republic

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We are excited and blessed to have the love and support of so many who have a heart for our ministry. As you may know, we have nine ministries which provide support, resources, healing and hope to those in need. If you don’t know our nine ministries – click here to learn more: STCH Ministries.

This past week – a team of volunteers and staff went to the Dominican Republic to deliver school supplies, construct beds for children, host a teacher training, deliver food, and share the hope and encouragement of Jesus. This was our first group since March prior to the pandemic.

Below is a summary from one of our team members on the trip – she attended with her husband and 17-year old son.

As we prepared and departed for the trip, we knew we could potentially be exposed to COVID-19. We also knew there were challenges ahead that we may not know about until we arrived.

But we knew God called us all to go. The team came from different cities around Texas – the 10 of us felt the calling to “GO”. So we went with open hearts and open arms (from a distance), masks on, and the trust and faith that God will provide and protect us all.

We were all challenged by those around us who questioned “Why are you going now?” “Aren’t you scared?” “Don’t you know it’s not safe to go there?” and many other questionable remarks. But we stood together, challenged by the “world” – to do our part.

Our ministry partners in the Dominican Republic have endured the challenges, the ups and downs of stress, anxiety and restrictions placed on their lives and the community due to the pandemic. We were eager to encourage and support them.

Through these opportunities, we provided hope, encouragement and replenishment:

  • 20 teachers received training. They were comforted knowing they were not alone. They didn’t realize the teachers in America are also going through the uncertainties and struggles of how to teach students online and navigate through the pandemic.
  • 250+ students received backpacks. They are now prepared to go back to school. They LOVED receiving their backpacks and the supplies contained inside – they excitedly showed off to their moms and siblings.
  • 25 children have beds to sleep comfortably and safely. Some children share beds with other siblings or sleep on a dirt floor. We constructed these beds to provide the rest and security needed to grow and thrive.
  • Food was distributed to families who are in need and are struggling through the pandemic. We also witnessed to those who didn’t know Jesus. Knowing they have food for their family for the next few weeks gave them comfort, peace and trust God was providing for them.
  • So many other blessings were provided and witnessed during our trip.

Dr. Fransicso and his medical team continue to provide medical assistance in the medical van and community partner locations. The need for continued medical assistance is great. As Dr. Fransisco stated, “I took an oath.” He is not in fear of his life (or the virus) because of serving others. Fear won’t stop his service to help others.

Dr. Fransisco’s statement is the perfect way to summarize why we went on this trip. As Christians, we are to live in the world, but not be of the world – John 17:16.

I encourage you to be bold and faithful. Trusting God to fulfill His promises. When God calls you to “GO” you must go, and He’ll do the rest. He does the hard part, we just have to obey and listen. – Blessings, Jeny Cortez

Thank you again for your continued prayers, support and commitment to STCH Ministries and those we serve. Without your support, these blessings which occurred in the Dominican Republic, and throughout our ministry would not happen. YOU provide the resources to sustain the ministries which impact lives.

As you are led, we ask for your continued participation in helping impact lives daily. If you have any questions about how to get involved, please let me know.

Thank you for helping the Ministry Continue!

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.