Live Resolved

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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. 

God’s Beautiful Masterpiece

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SOMETIMES, LIFE CAN FEEL LIKE A PAINTING, each moment a brushstroke from God. The brushstrokes may seem thick and harsh during difficult times, while the pleasant moments appear light and airy. Yet, as a whole, the artwork remains unique and beautiful. One STCH Ministries Boothe Campus student, Sam, described his life as a painting from God, each moment perfectly planned. 

In July 2022, Sam and his brother Lane moved to Boothe Campus – a place their stepmom had learned about over 15 years earlier but had not considered regularly. One night, as their stepmom prayed for a safe place for the boys, God placed STCH Ministries on her heart. Shortly after, their family began the process of moving the boys to the campus. 

“I was struggling to get through life,” Sam shared. “But God got me here. After being on the waiting list and finally getting here, I felt protected, safe and happy, and God has been here for me ever since.” 

Upon arriving on campus, the brothers were placed in separate cottages. Lane moved into Love Cottage, while Sam lived in Youker Cottage. Although Sam did not enjoy living away from his brother, God knew he needed to spend time in Youker Cottage before moving. Sam quickly became close with his housepop, Jesse, who showed Sam around the campus and helped him understand how everything worked. Little did Jesse know that he was showing Sam something much more valuable. 

“Every day, I would see him wake up, get ready, make breakfast – all with the biggest smile,” Sam recalled. “He would talk about Jesus and devotions and just be so excited.” Even though Sam was young (only in 5th grade at the time), he noticed something different in Jesse, something he had witnessed when attending church with his grandmother when he was younger. He saw both a fire and peace in him and began to ask questions. 

A month after arriving on the Boothe Campus, everything changed for Sam. “One day, Mr. Jesse shared about how God loves him and God loves me,” Sam shared. “After he told me that, I got so happy, and my heart felt different. I went from feeling sad deep down to being filled with happiness, and I felt butterflies. That night, I talked with Mr. Jesse and on August 22, 2022, I got saved.” From that moment, Sam began noticing a difference in himself. He felt happier, started trusting God’s plan for his life and accepting where he was. 

Shortly after having this life-changing moment with Jesse, Sam moved to Love Cottage to be closer to his brother. However, he recognized the time spent in Youker with Jesse was an integral part of God’s painting of his life. Over the next two years, Sam’s life illustrated 1 Timothy 4:12 daily, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” He used every moment to be an example for the other children and adults on the campus. On July 14, 2023, Sam and his brother Lane were baptized together in the Boothe Campus pool. Sam loved the opportunity to make an outward profession for the whole campus to witness. He wanted them to see how God had changed him – and that God could change them too. 

Sam did not stop there, though. He wanted to learn how to speak and share the good news – he wanted to preach a sermon. He started to talk with a caseworker on staff who also preached at a local church. The caseworker agreed to work with him and allowed Sam to preach at his church. Sam knew immediately what verse he wanted to focus on: 

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

This verse helped Sam through difficult times, and he held it in his heart as his life’s verse. 

Sam and the caseworker spent weeks preparing for the sermon. Sam struggled with the anxiety of speaking in front of a room of people, understandably, as he was only 12 years old. One day, they went into the Boothe Campus chapel so Sam could practice. He felt like he had only been speaking for two minutes when the caseworker told him he had been up there for 15 minutes. At that moment, Sam felt he was ready. On Thursday, August 15, 2024, he went to Normanna Baptist Church and preached his first sermon. Now, he cannot wait to preach his next and feels he is called to be a pastor. 

From a young age, Sam faced difficult times that helped shape him into the young man he is today, but his age and his past do not define him. He has allowed God to shape him into a leader for those around him. When asked what his favorite part about being at Homes for Children is, he responded with a smile on his face, “Getting to know Jesus and His plan for my life. Getting saved, being baptized and getting to preach my first sermon!” The staff on the Boothe Campus shared how they have seen Sam grow and what his life has meant to them. 

“Sam is a great kid, and I remember the day he gave his life to Jesus. We were sitting together talking and he said he was ready to be a Christian. We both prayed and I’m sure we both shed a few tears. He has grown in his faith since that day, and he is not ashamed to tell people about the big change in his life. It was a joy to share this experience with him.” – Jesse, housepop – Youker Cottage 

“Sam is a constant reminder of what it means to live with unwavering purpose and steadfast faith. Every time I see him rise to the challenge, I’m compelled to grow deeper in my own walk with Christ. His faith is a powerful example, and the way he leads by his actions stirs me to be a better follower and a stronger disciple.” – Benjamin, Student Ministries Coordinator 

“Despite the many obstacles that Sam has had to overcome, he manages to always remain a kind and caring person. Getting to see his walk with Christ has truly been a blessing and I know that I will cherish the memories of his baptism and first sermon for the rest of my life. I am so very proud and honored to be a part of his life, and I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for him.” – Melissa, housemom – Love Cottage 

“You can visibly see the man within the boy that is Sam. His maturity sometimes conflicts with his youth, but with each step, he moves towards a stronger relationship with our Lord.” – CJ, housepop – Love Cottage 

God is not finished with Sam’s painting, He has only just begun. While Sam knows he will face trials and tribulations in life, he also knows that God will be by his side every step of the way, using every moment, every brushstroke to create a beautifully unique painting. 

From Battleground to Breakthrough

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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. 

Joy in Doing Good

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Joy IN DOING GOOD 

IMAGINE A PLANNING MEETING between angels (God’s messengers) in the throne room of Heaven. “How can we bring joy to our earthly family?” God asks. A chorus of ideas follows: “Bigger cars and homes? More power, more leisure, more Instagram followers?” “No. Through the ages, they have received those things, yet they are still restless – seeking something new, something else.” They conclude, “Joy comes from doing good for others – loving, sacrificing, giving and serving.”

Joy in doing good for others creates a sense of personal fulfillment and happiness. It crescendos into a chorus of gratitude and thanksgiving for all we have received from our good Heavenly Father. It is the primary motivation for mission trips – a sacrifice of time, hours of preparation, planning, shopping, packing and a significant investment of money and resources to personally love and serve in His name. What are some of the joyful moments that result? 

JOY IN GIVING THANKS

In El Salvador, a small team of “newbies” from Bear Creek Church in Katy arrived at the El Riel school and church. A brilliant rainbow of promise painted on their new computer science building formed the backdrop for welcoming children. Older girls danced, younger children sang and accompanied with rhythmic clapping while the littlest boys beat their drums – all garbed in traditional Salvadoran clothes. Let the joy begin!

The children led the way to their new worship center, rising up in the midst of poverty as a monument to faith-filled donations and hard work. Loud and robust praise music filled that small temple with the joy of the Lord. Then, a drama group of third graders seated missions pastor, Danny Quintanilla in a lone chair facing the congregation. Vaguely familiar music began, soon recognized as the Spanish version of “Thank you for giving to the Lord…I am a life that was changed.” Children, costumed in various occupations, gathered one by one as the song continued: “Sacrifices made, unnoticed on the earth, in heaven now proclaimed.” Two angel-garbed children escorted another child dressed in a white robe with a crimson sash. There was not a dry eye as the children placed a shiny gold crown on Pastor Danny’s head. It was only paper, but the crown of God’s blessing shone brighter than any 14k metal it represented. 

JOY IN CELEBRATING 

Makeshift instruments and a raucous chorus of “Feliz Navidad” greeted the mission team upon their arrival in the Dominican Republic. They came prepared to share Christmas joy with over 300 sponsored children. Christmas a la Dominicana included crafts, games, a picture booth and lots of traditional holiday snacks – empanadas, quipe and cake heaped with icing. A Dominican Christmas also included sudden tropical rainstorms!

Costumed actors, puppets and an elaborate stage were assembled, then quickly scurried away as dark clouds signaled imminent rain. With squeals and shouted directions, everyone scrambled to cover the cake, crafts and puppet stage. In a short time, after the clouds worked their mischief and everything was drenched and dripping, the sun began shining again. Seemingly rehearsed and choreographed, all the components re-emerged, and the celebration of Jesus’ birth continued. First in English, then in Spanish, they dramatized the familiar story of a virgin mother, a stable, shepherds and angels. Bright eyes shone with joy as they responded to the newborn baby who came to save us from our sins. With hugs all around, each child departed with a small gift bag containing a toothbrush and their favorite treat – American chocolates of all kinds!

JOY IN PARTNERSHIP

The foundation of STCH Ministries International Ministries is partnership with faith ministries that prioritize children and families – existing churches, schools and orphanage ministries led by competent local leaders called by God. Believing that God can equip individuals in every country to reach their own people, STCH Ministries seeks to identify these ministries and determine how a partnership can help fulfill the calling and vision that God has given them. 

Usually, this means an American-based church team partners with a Dominican or Salvadoran ministry to offer training, support, construction and resources. Recently, a unique partnership was formed between our Dominican workers and Salvadoran ministries to help construct missionary housing and provide the training needed to host additional mission teams. 

Russell Jerez, our Dominican Director of Construction, flew together with two young helpers and spent over two weeks helping transform an old building into mission-team housing. Later, a second team including Russell, Maria Maggallenes and our Dominican head cook, Ondina, came to help train Salvadoran ladies in the art of cooking for Americans and continue construction work. Ondina had never been out of her country before, but she thoroughly enjoyed sharing an important part of the Dominican mission history – recipes handed down to her from missionary Dorretta Brown. One night, Ondina, the Salvadoran cooks and mission participants joined their talents to make an international meal – pupusas, Dominican chicken, plantains and yucca fritters.

JOY IN TRAINING

There is no greater joy than to experience how God multiplies our “widow’s mite” or our inadequate offerings of loaves and fishes when we offer our talents to train others in another country, in another language. 

Opportunities are many and varied and have included:

A presentation on communication in marriage for couples and additional moms who attended without their partners.

ESL classes that help translators and teachers practice and improve their own skills, as well as develop effective strategies to teach the children in their schools.

A college student shared coping strategies for anxiety with teen girls, many acquired from her own experiences. Using real-life examples shared by the Dominican girls, they paired stressors with Scriptures written on paper swords to confront and overcome the effects of anxiety.

Language development, using principles from speech therapy and early learning methods, provoked “aha” moments and lively discussions with the directors and staff from the Christian schools.

JOY IN OUTREACH TO NEW MINISTRIES

In Ciudad Arce, children greeted the team with personalized posters declaring their Bienvenida/Welcome, followed by the opening prayer and the reading of Psalm 100, both led by six-year-old children. The ministry includes early childhood grades, English and computer classes for adults and an open-air church that meets on the patio. Formerly the headquarters of an infamous gang with a painted skull at the entrance, today a fledgling church visibly proclaims the power of the Gospel to transform.

A special joy accompanies the privilege of assisting partnering local churches to accomplish the vision God has given them. Tromping up, down and around ruts and cow patties, the team followed the Salvadoran leaders to the Escalon village to view a rough lean-to, the site of a new church plant. Earlier, a local resident begged the Peniel church at Zaragoza, “Come over and help us.” Although economic circumstances have severely limited their resources, the Peniel churches share a strong calling to reach their people for Christ. Stretched beyond capacity in their own churches, they asked our mission team, “Would we be willing to come and see?” The answer had to be yes! We saw and participated in a service and now we wait on God to fulfill His promises: “My God will meet all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” We ask for your prayers.

JOY IN SATISFYING NEEDS OF THE HUNGRY

Solomon promises that sharing our bread with the poor will be blessed. Each STCH Ministries mission trip schedules time for participants to purchase groceries and make personal visits to the homes of identified families with a high level of need. The shopping list contains no snacks or pre-prepared foods common in United States culture. We avoid perishables and items they can grow themselves. The list includes many unfamiliar items, such as Munne chocolate bars, canned or powdered milk, cornmeal and brown sugar (white sugar is considered unhealthy). There are lots of sardines, tuna and canned vegetables, along with three-foot-long rolls of salami and large cans of tomato paste. Toothpaste, bars of soap and toilet paper are also included. 

There is an air of excitement mixed with unfamiliarity as the shopping team divides into groups of two and competes to see who can finish their list first. As each bright yellow cart is filled and passed through the checkout, the grocery bags are numbered to identify the family who will receive the food offering. A Dominican translator accompanies each delivery group. Stark empty cupboards give mute evidence to the shy confession, mixed with relief and gratitude: “We had no food. We prayed God would see our need. My children didn’t go to school because we had no breakfast and nothing for their lunch bag either.” Givers and receivers bond as prayer needs are shared. A special joy accompanies the delivery to each home. With new awareness of our blessings, we are challenged to live more responsibly with the resources God has granted us. 

Much of the work of a mission week occurs before the group arrives. The joy of anticipation accompanies Zoom meetings between the team leaders and STCH Ministries staff in both countries, making lists and checking them not just twice, but multiple times. Boots-on-the-ground prepare the rooms, reserve transportation, and plan menus, special music and activities. Lumber is purchased and prepared for participants to build beds for children and tables for a school. Yes, we could send money and supplies, but the joy of presence far outweighs the sacrifice and efforts invested. 

Jeremiah records God’s words: “I will find joy in doing good for them…” God finds joy in doing good things for us, His children. Later in Hebrews, we read, “For the joy that was set before Him, Christ endured the cross.” It was joy that motivated the cross. What an amazing thought! Made in His image, created on purpose for a purpose. Sent to love in His name, sent to give, sent to sacrifice. Joy is our motivation, and joy is our heritage as we serve and do good for others. 

Redemption’s Light

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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. 

Art, Auction and Community Support

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If you have ever visited Piper Children’s Center on the Boothe Campus, you have probably seen framed Christmas artwork in the hallway with a short biography below it. These framed pieces represent STCH Ministries’ annual Christmas card dating back to 2000, a meaningful recognition for the children. In addition to the framed pieces in Piper Children’s Center, the same artwork has been auctioned off at the Live Oak County Beefmaster Breeders Association bull sale for over 20 years. 

Each year, children from our Campus Ministries and International Ministries submit artwork for the Christmas card and the STCH Ministries calendar. Although hundreds of pieces are submitted, eleven are selected for the calendar, and one is chosen for the card. 

This year, Jada, a 14-year-old on the Boothe Campus, had her artwork selected for the Christmas card. On Saturday, January 11, Jada and others from the Boothe Campus attended the Beefmasters auction and watched as her artwork sold for $5,000, which goes to support STCH Ministries. The experience is one the kids always remember. For many, this is their first time attending an auction, and their eyes widen as they listen to the auctioneer. 

Jada shared her experience: “I was surprised mixed with happiness. It was surprising and also a little overwhelming how much money it made. There were so many nice people. I liked talking to them all. I smiled so much that day!” 

We thank Anthony Mihalski and the Live Oak County Beefmasters Association for their continued support of STCH Ministries and the children whose artwork is selected.