TogetherBy working as a team, families are healed and reunited – page 4

Throughout history we have

dealt with what Mark Manson

refers to as scarcity. During the Industrial

Revolution the scarcity was labor, in the 20th

century it was knowledge, and the new scarcity

is attention. Attention has been referred to as the

allocation of limited processing resources, and

our attention is closely related to our distractions.

The word that we use to describe, in a positive

light, the enormous amount of distractions to our

attention is multitasking.

Did you know that your brain was not created

to multitask? The Bible and science tells us that

processing large amounts of abstract thoughts at

the same time is a recipe for disaster. I could go

into quantum physics and the science of thought

but I am sure you get the point. It is important to

note that we all face the challenge of distraction

and we all multitask at times to try and make sure

we take care of all our responsibilities. Eron Green, President and CEO

The area in which we need to spend more time is

singular focus. This singular focus is important for

us in all areas of life but especially when looking

at our relationships. Here at STCH Ministries we

see children and families that are living with

significant distractions as well. Many times these

distractions have torn the family fabric into pieces

that seem irreparable.

As you read through this Messenger I challenge

you to think of the singular focus that was needed

in the stories you read. The singular focus of

those we serve, our volunteers, and also our staff.

I encourage you to make an effort for singular

focus in your relationships as well!

Thank you for taking the time to hear and see how

God is working at STCH Ministries.

An Era of Distraction

STCHM is a Texas Baptist agency affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.2 Summer 2015

Family Counseling - Rockport 361.575.5151

Family Counseling - Stockdale 361.575.5151

Family Counseling - Victoria 361.575.5151

Jobs for Life - Corpus Christi 361.452.3046

International Ministry - Corpus Christi 361.994.0940

President’s Office and Development 361.375.2417

Homes for Children - Beeville 361.375.2101

Homes for Families - Goliad 361.575.5151

Family Counseling - Corpus Christi 361.991.8680

Family Counseling - Gonzales 361.575.5151

Join us on www.STCHM.org STCHM@stchm.org

CoMMuniTy RelaTionSHipS

Our Jobs for Life ministry puts in a

great effort to build relationships

with people in the community to

benefit our students. We want the

ladies we serve to have connections

with people that can help us ensure

their success after graduation. STCHM

staff are very diligent in developing

partnerships with area businesses and

community leaders that compliment

our ministry. Workforce Solutions

of the Coastal Bend is one of those

partnerships that just works. They

can offer our graduates service

resources, like childcare vouchers,

case management, and locating job

openings. Gino Vargas, Job Readiness

Leader at Workforce Solutions stated,

“We now have a partnership for life.”

As part of our mission at STCHM,

we enable others to join us in this

ministry, so now they are committed

to helping us impact a community

and restore the dignity of the families

in need of our help.

contentsSTCHM Snapshots

Jobs for Life

Bling BouTique

When students first graduate from

our Jobs for Life ministry, they are full

of encouragement and confidence.

As they step out armed with the

tools needed to be successful and

self-sufficient, there is one thing

that can cause them to pause. What

to wear to the interview? Our goal

at STCHM is to help prepare these

women with all the tools they need

to make the best first impression.

As our students approached

graduation, we accepted donations

of clothing that would be appropriate

for interviews. Thanks to generous

supporters, now we can offer our

students a Bling Boutique. The room

full of dresses, skirts, pants, and

blouses was debuted before the

graduation ceremony this past spring.

Volunteers had thought of everything!

Accessories were hung along the wall

with a mirror nearby. Shoes and purses

were lined up on racks. Everything was

organized and ready for shopping.

www.STCHM.org 3

ViSiT STCHM on FaCeBookConnect with us on Facebook for an up-to-date, as it happens, snapshot of what we are doing daily. There is always

something post-worthy. We encourage you to share what we are doing with your Facebook friends, so check us

out and tell others about us, www.facebook.com/stchm.

P3STCHM SnapSHoTS

P4TogeTHeR

P6TRapped By HeR FeelingS

P7paSSionaTe VolunTeeRS

P8ladieS FoR THe leaST

P9iT’S a STCHM FaMily THing!

P10lineTTe’S SToRy -

god FiRST

P11pRepaRing THe

FoundaTion

P12Two MiSSion TeaMS, SaMe

paSSion... SeRVing oTHeRS

P142015 gRaduaTeS

P15Two woRdS:

HuMBled and BleSSed

ince we first opened South Texas

Children’s Home Ministries (STCHM) in

1952, we have focused on working together to

serve hurting children and families. Laura Boothe

Overby heard God’s call to provide the land for an

orphanage and Reverend Jess Lunsford served as the

first administrator, together starting what is now the

largest, privately-funded Baptist affiliated children’s

home in the United States. As time has passed and

the needs of the children of South Texas have changed

our ministry has adapted, from orphanage to Homes

for Children.

Our purpose is to come alongside families and work

together to heal whatever it is that needs mending, not

to replace the family of the children we serve. Our Homes

for Children ministry is a beautiful reflection of God’s

commandment for us to love one another (John 13:34).

This ministry allows us the opportunity to not only care for

the day-to-day needs of children placed in our care, but

their spiritual needs as well. With that said, it is never just

about that child. It is about the family as a whole. As we

love each of these children as God loves us, we also love

their families; creating a

special relationship and a

lasting bond.

Each family’s need is

unique, but before we can

address their situation

the child’s placement must first be made.

This brings us to the most popular question

people ask. How do these children come into

our care? Some children are placed voluntarily

by parents or guardians, while others are placed by

Child Protective Services (CPS). Then there are the rare

occasions. Jennifer and her children, Allison and Cavin,

came into our care through a special relationship between

STCHM and CPS. Through the years, our organization has

worked with this state agency to care for children whose

home life is not ideal. With trust and understanding,

together we created a unique opportunity to help

families like Jennifer’s. She was doing the best she could

to take care of her children. There was no doubt that she

loved her children, but she was battling a drug addiction.

When CPS entered the picture, they realized that Jennifer

needed help as much as her children did. Instead of just

removing Allison and Cavin, they offered her a chance

to place them with STCHM voluntarily. This arrangement

would allow her time to deal with her addiction while

Allison and Cavin were kept together and taken care of.

Two years ago, when Allison and Cavin first came to

live at the Boothe Campus in Pettus, they were both

very quiet and withdrawn. Allison was intent to not let

anyone in at first, “I decided I was not going to talk to

anyone. I just wanted to go home.” Her Houseparents,

Terry and Virginia Wilkins, remember her being very

moody in the beginning and noticed she never talked

4 Summer 2015

“People here spoke to my potential, that allowed me to strive to be who He wants me to be.” Jennifer

TogetherS

healthy families and see them reunited together,

we work diligently to make this occur,” stated Eron

Green, President and CEO. Brenda Whitfield, Director

of Counseling Victoria and Karen Knowlton, Family

Therapist both provided counseling services for each

of the children, as well as for Jennifer. At first each

member of the family had their own personal session

and overtime they also met together. Galilee Bowden,

Caseworker for the children kept mom in the loop on

things and made sure the children kept appointments

and arranged home visits with mom. Jennifer expressed,

“STCHM has allowed my children to find their voice and

included me in everything.” She continued, “In one of Max

Lucado’s books, he references that there comes a time

when separation is

necessary to finish

the job. That is how

I felt. I wanted my

kids with me, but

I knew I needed

that time to heal.

Without this place, I

wouldn’t have been

able to take the

time I needed.”

The heart and

mission of South

Texas Children’s

Home Ministries is

to honor God, reach

hurting children

and families with

His love and truth,

and to enable

others to join us in

this ministry. That

is exactly what we

did and we did it…

together.

www.STCHM.org 5

about her home life. Virginia immediately started loving

on Allison, as she does with all the girls in Barnes

Cottage. Terry, on the other hand, realizes that most of

the children in his cottage either do not have a father in

the picture or not a very good example of one. So, he

patiently builds their trust and allows them to come to

him when they are ready. He was pleasantly surprised at

Allison’s comfortableness with him from almost the very

beginning. Allison recalled “It didn’t take long for me to

start opening up to the people in my cottage. I felt like I

was part of a family.”

Terry and Sheila Backen, Housparents at Foster Cottage,

welcomed Cavin into their home full of boys. Immediately

Sheila recognized some differences in Cavin’s behavior

compared to other boys who lived in the cottage. Cavin

wouldn’t look at anyone, he didn’t talk, his need for

personal space was very large, and he appeared very

anxious all the time. As time went on, Terry and Sheila

worked together patiently to understand Cavin’s needs

and how they could help him open up. It was discovered

that Cavin is on the autism spectrum and keeping things

consistent really helped him to feel more comfortable

and relaxed. Overtime, Cavin began to minimize his

personal space and was more open to talking, playing,

and interacting with other children.

For the two

years that

All ison and

Cavin called

the Boothe

Campus home,

our Homes for

Children staff

and our Family

C o u n s e l i n g

staff worked

together to

help reunite this family. “Allison, Cavin, and mother

Jennifer’s story is one filled with the power of working

together as a team and family. Our desire is to build

“Allison, Cavin, and mother

Jennifer’s story is one filled

with the power of working

together as a team and family.

Our desire is to build healthy

families and see them reunited

together, we work diligently to

make this occur”

“I feel stronger, happier than before because of STCHM and closer to my brother…and I am proud of my mom.” Allison

6 Summer 2015

FAMILY COUNSELING

divorced. She began

rebuilding her life and was

horrified to realize that

she was still attracting

“losers.” Counseling

helped her to distinguish

between acceptable and

unacceptable behaviors,

to set boundaries, and to

say no and mean it. She

also came to realize that

trust must be earned and forgiveness

is different from reconciliation.

It took a long time and consistent

practice for Maria Estella to get

comfortable with healthy boundaries

but eventually, God brought Craig

into her life. He was as different from

her past as her dark eyes and olive

skin were from his blond hair and

blue eyes…a man who loved God and

would cherish and care for her, a good

provider. They dated patiently and

sought wise counsel from their pastor

and even their Christian therapist

before they married. Now, fourteen

years later, they are happily married

with three beautiful children!

Maria Estella often shares her

experience as an encouragement to

others. One of her

favorite verses is

Proverbs 15:22:

Plans fail for lack

of counsel, but with many advisers

they succeed. Her life is a beautiful

testimony of this truth and of God’s

power to change and restore – no

matter how difficult the path has been.

Maria Estella was married to a drug addict. She was only 17 years old when she first met and fell

in love with D. He loved her too and passionately pursued her, even moving from Panama to be

with her. As she matured and grew in her faith, D also seemed to have the same goals. But staying

clean never lasted and the cycle continued–relapse, repentance, more promises…then relapse again.

ne period of sobriety lasted for

18 months, and in spite of Christian

counseling to the contrary, Maria

Estella thought it was safe to marry

him. After all, by this time he was

employed in a Christian ministry

position. Six months later he

relapsed again.

As a committed Christian, Maria Estella

had vowed she would never divorce.

As her husband’s addiction spiraled

out of control, she pleaded, cried,

trusted, got angry, and threatened to

leave. But confusion and her feelings

of love, guilt, and fear of the unknown

kept her trapped in the same cycle.

Mar ia Este l l a

continued to seek

Christian counseling.

“I made a chart with

facts on one side

and feelings on the

other,” she shared.

“As I journaled

over time I realized

that the facts stayed the same. I was

trapped by my feelings.”

When behaviors escalated to

violence, Maria Estella reluctantly

“As I journaled over time I

realized that the facts stayed the same. I was trapped by my

feelings.”

o

TRappedby Her Feelings

Maria Estella

advices, “Seek

spiritual counsel.”

Julianna, Joshua, and Jamie

by Joanna Berry

HOMES FOr FAMILIES

Passionate Volunteers

VolunTeeR youR TiMe and TalenTS!

omes for Families of South Texas Children’s Home

Ministries (STCHM) has created a warm, cocoon for

women and their children to heal, grow in their trust

and faith, and learn to become independent slowly. In

order to do this, we need to provide a safe environment

on our Marshall Ranch Campus, just outside of Goliad,

for families to live and to be encouraged in building

relationships with people in the community. We couldn’t

do this without the help of our passionate volunteers.

“Our volunteers make this program possible,” shared

Theresa Klacman, Program Coordinator. The campus is

very secluded which

provides a sense of

safety, but can feel

isolated at times. It is

important for us to

allow the families and

volunteers to come

and go, to reassure

them that this is their

home and they are

not stuck here. The

volunteers mostly

come from churches in

Goliad and Victoria to

fulfill different needs in

our ministry. Officially

we have volunteers for

Bible study, computer

and communication

classes, shopping, and

children’s activities. However, the hats each wear are

many and depend on their passion and skills.

The Bible teachers hold a lesson once a week and

facilitate a Bible study three times a week. Sometimes

it is one of our volunteers that introduce these women

to God’s word for the first time. “The ladies here are

hungry,” shared Diane Mulligan, current volunteer. “It is

such a blessing because how I reach out to them carries

over to their children and then the seed has been planted

in both.” Building their confidence and trust in God

and themselves is vital to each woman’s success. This

goes hand-in-hand with the other classes offered. The

computer, communication, and etiquette classes build

their self-esteem and job skills, allowing them to prepare

for life after they leave our ministry.

The additional volunteers fulfill roles of necessity. For

instance, they drive families to appointments, purchase

groceries, and provide children’s activities while the

mothers are taking classes. Irene Gutierrez, now on

staff started out as a volunteer by providing children’s

activities during the Bible study classes. “It is a beautiful

ministry to be a part of. To see the transformation in

the moms and the children first hand, see them build a

relationship with God. It is beautiful!”

“We want our volunteers to come alongside us, people

who can mentor these families through their journey,”

expressed Theresa. As our ministry grows, so does our

need for volunteers. In Galatians 5:13, Paul tells us that we

are to serve one another in love. If you have a servant’s

heart and are passionate about volunteering, then we

invite you to join us in our ministry.

www.STCHM.org 7

Thank you!Cathy Reeves – Grace Temple Church, Goliad

Diane Mulligan – First Baptist Church, Goliad

Doloras Garcia – Grace Temple Church, Goliad

Johnna Krawietz – Faith Family Church, Victoria

Laura Duprie – First Baptist Church, Goliad

Susan Nelson – Trailhead Cowboy Church, Goliad

H

Individuals and groups volunteer throughout the year at our Boothe and Marshall Ranch Campuses, Jobs for Life location, or by joining us on a mission trips.

Volunteer Today!

www.stchm.org/serve

t South Texas Children’s Home Ministries (STCHM) we

are dedicated to our mission to honor God, reach hurting

children and families with His love and truth, and to enable

others to join us in this ministry. In an effort to provide an

opportunity for others to join us in what we do, we invited

ladies out to our beautiful Boothe Campus just outside

Pettus for a special event, Ladies for the Least.

Ladies for the Least is a society of women who are

passionate about impacting children and families in need.

As the ladies gathered in the Lunsford Chapel on Saturday

morning, they were

greeted by STCHM

President and CEO,

Eron Green. Eron

welcomed the guests

and recognized each

of the Ladies for the

Least committee

members: Shelley

Green (Chair), Cara

Luke, Gina Sugarek,

Jodi Parker, Kathy Stockton, and Ruth Brewer.

Lil Abshier, who was one of the first children to come

into the care of STCHM back in 1952, was the mistress

of ceremonies for the day. Growing up on the Boothe

Campus, along with nine of her siblings, and serving on

staff from 1978 to 2014, she provided a unique insight of

our ministry. With the addition of Cindy Richey, Worship

Leader at Christian Worship Center in Beeville, we had a

beautiful and moving kick off to the event.

The keynote speaker was our

very own Jenny Broughton. At

age 11, Jenny and her siblings,

originally from Corpus Christi,

became orphans after a murder/suicide. It was 1963 and

even though there was a two year waiting list at the time,

God provided a way for her to come into the care of

STCHM. She Did What She Could was the message Jenny

brought to share with the ladies. She reminded us that God

knew each one of us and had a plan for us before we were

even born. All unique, we each have a purpose to fulfill.

Ladies were invited to have lunch on the lawn of our

Piper Children’s Center, followed by cottage tours given

by our Housemoms before heading back into the Chapel

for the most crucial part of the event. A project costing

an estimated $50,000 was presented from each of our

five ministries for the ladies who committed to become

members to vote on. Once the projects were reviewed,

the ladies cast their votes, and the project chosen was for

our International Ministry. The donations received through

this event will help our International Ministry assist with

building the new Betesda Orphanage for boys in the

Dominican Republic.

Our continued vision at South Texas Children’s Home

Ministries is to show the love of Christ to each and every

child and family we minister to each day. The Ladies for

the Least will help us grow our STCHM family which will in

result impact even

more families for

His Kingdom. “Truly

I tell you, whatever

you did for one of

the least of these

brothers and sisters

of mine, you did for

Me.” (NIV, Matthew

25:40)

8 Summer 2015

Ladies for the Least A

Jenny Broughton and L i l Abshier

Ladies for the Least committee members

Save the date The next Ladies for the Least event wi l l be on Saturday, Apr i l 16 , 2016.

During the program portion of the

day, all guests were blessed by the

STCHM Girls Choir performance led by

Galilee Bowden, Caseworker for our

Homes for Children ministry. Diane

Gryseels, former STCHM Director

of Social Services, served as the

keynote speaker. Diane spoke to the

alumni present about the importance

of family, “You are here because God

picked you up from where you were

and brought you here to be the person

He created you to be, not the person

you wanted to be.” Diane echoed the

theme of the day by stating, “Family

is not only blood, it is the ones who

want you in their lives. STCHM is a

family thing!”

Just before dinner was served, the

group took a moment to recognize

those who have passed and a few new

children to our STCHM family. Sisters,

Mary and Edna, were presented their

bricks that will be placed in front

he Boothe Campus of South Texas

Children’s Home Ministries (STCHM)

has been home to children since 1952.

Just like any family, we like to stay in

touch with our kids. Our 2015 STCHM

Family Reunion

was a beautiful

day of reminiscing

and catching up.

With 323 alumni

children and staff

in attendance, the

campus was full

of excitement.

Outside water-

slides were set up, the pool was

open, and the photo booth captured

treasured moments. Children enjoyed

fresh popcorn, snow cones, and

cotton candy. While the adults

gathered in a room full of scrapbooks,

yearbooks, and old photo albums…

tears flowed and laughter echoed

throughout the gym.

www.STCHM.org 9

of the chapel.

Each child that

comes into the

care of STCHM

receives a brick

with their first

name and year

that they came

into care. Once

the bricks arrive,

they are placed in the sidewalks

in front of the chapel and Piper

Children’s Center. As we continue

our ministry the number of bricks will

increase, along with the number of

children that will forever be a part of

our STCHM family.

Special thanks to Diane Gryseels and Sanay Lewis-Parker for organizing a special surprise for the kids currently living at the Boothe Campus. Thank you to all the STCHM Alumni who

brought school supplies for our kids!

never admitted he was wrong and now he was penniless

and very sick. He was still my husband.” Before they could

truly reconcile, Linette’s husband passed away. “I became

depressed. I asked God, ‘What did I do to deserve this?’”

For two years, Linette did what she could. However, she

only went deeper and deeper into despair. Until the day

she stumbled upon a brochure for South Texas Children’s

Home Ministries (STCHM), Jobs for Life. “All I had ever

done was in nursing. I decided to sign up for this program

because of the computer classes. I had completely missed

the part that this was a ministry,” Linette laughs. “I had

no faith, no love for God.” One morning, Pastor Mario

Quezada, Lead Pastor at CrossBridge Fellowship shared a

scripture from 2 Timothy for the God First devotional time.

“Linette was crying. Here she was, broken and alone. All

the people she had ever helped were not available.” Pastor

Mario continued, “She realized that in the end we will be

accountable for our own race.” In that moment, Linette was

ready to surrender.

“During the semester, we started

every day with God First. Now that

classes are over, I still start everyday

with God first.” Linette is focused

on God and being prepared for His

blessings. She gets up early every

morning and ready for work even

though she does not have a job…yet.

Linette has accepted that she may

never get to be a nurse again, but is

comforted that God has a plan for her.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I

have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown

of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will

award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all

who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV)

inette had been married for 25 years, had four beautiful

children and almost two dozen grandchildren when her

world came crashing down around her. Without warning

Linette’s husband announced he was leaving her for

another woman. Linette was a Licensed Vocational Nurse

(LVN) at the time and the “other woman” had no education

and lived in the projects. Linette was hurt, confused, and

over time she became angry.

Disappointments came one after another. Not long after

the separation Linette went to stay with her mother who

was very sick. Saddened by her current situation, she

decided to go out drinking with friends. Realizing she was

in over her head and intoxicated, she was desperate to

leave. Linette was pulled over and given a DUI, resulting

in her nursing license being revoked. Nursing had been

Linette’s dream and all she had ever done. Shortly after her

mother passed, leaving Linette completely heartbroken. “I

was so angry…angry with God! I was no longer a nurse, I

had lost my mother, and I felt like I had lost my husband.”

Just when Linette lost sight of her old life, her husband

asked to come home. However, he seemed to be more

worried about hurting the “other woman” than he was

concerned for Linette’s feelings. “I was confused, but

willing to forgive him and put it behind us even though he

10 Summer 2015

L

JOBS FOr LIFE

Linette’s Story -God First

“during the semester, we

started every day with God First.

now that classes are over, i still start everyday with god first.”

to love him. “I had real anger issues. I

got into fights all the time.” Schedules

and routines just made Tim even

angrier. “Chapel every Wednesday,

Church every Sunday…the staff just

kept loving on us and praying with us.

I remember Homer Hannah, Boothe

Campus Director at the time,

saying, ‘Oh God is working

in you!’” Homer, as well as

Mark Childs, Vice President

of Homes for Children had a

strong impact on Tim, “They

were the strongest male

role models for me, the way

they can love kids who are not their

own. They put up with my anger,

my resentment, my frustration with

God…they just held on to me.”

In the summer of 1983, Tim accepted

Christ and was baptized. Shortly after

he joined the worship team at church

and began pursuing worship music.

“By the time I was a senior, the cottage

I was in started to feel like a family

or at least what I imagined it would

be like. My Houseparents, John and

Patsy Freeman, as well as Homer and

Mark, taught me so much about being

a dad and a husband. STCHM also

helped me go to college.” Graduating

from Howard Payne University with

a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast

Journalism, Tim achieved his dreams

of becoming a TV newscaster. “When

I was in high school I wanted to be

ALUMNI UpdAtE

W hen Tim Glenn was only five years

old, his mother abandoned him and

his five siblings, never to be heard

from again. His father, who had been

very sick for some time, passed two

years later. Tim’s grandmother and

other relatives took care of them as

long as they could, but the burden

was too much. Looking back, Tim’s

biggest memory during that time

was from when he was 12,

“I didn’t want anything to

do with God. I had never

prayed before. I called out,

‘If you are real, kill me. I

don’t want to go on.’” Living

in Three Rivers, mostly in

government housing, Tim

had not been very far from

where he was about to call

home. “I was terrified as we drove

over the cattle guard,” remembers

Tim. “I honestly thought my family

was trying to scare me. I really didn’t

think they were going to leave me.”

Tim came to the Boothe Campus

of South Texas Children’s Home

Ministries (STCHM) in 1983, he was

15 years old and angry. Now he sees

things a little clearer, “They sent the

trouble makers,” laughed Tim. “Myself

and only two of my sisters were sent

to the Children’s Home. At that time

I was very angry, even mad at God.”

Tim fought against any kind of

structure and with anyone who tried

a news anchor like Walter Furley on

KIII during the week and a rock star

on the weekend.” Tim in fact became

an award-winning news anchor with

KRDO and a singer, songwriter of

progressive Christian rock music.

However, Tim realized he was sharing

only the bad things that were

happening, “It was turning

me into someone who

thrived on the negative. It

was hurting me as a believer.”

Immediately after resigning

from KRDO, Compassion

International called Tim.

“I went from reporting on the bad

things happening to working with

an organization that does something

about it.” Looking back, Tim can see

how God was laying the foundation

and preparing a way for him, all in His

time. “I grew up being a child in need

to helping children in need.”

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I

have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans

to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

“I grew up being a

child in need to helping children in

need.”

www.STCHM.org 11

FoundationPreparing theLinette’s Story -

God First

INtErNAtIONAL MINIStrY

he International Ministry of South Texas Children’s

Home Ministries (STCHM) offers a unique opportunity,

always focusing on the talent and strength

of each individual and most importantly on

the passion of the group as a whole. Bear

Creek Baptist Church from Katy, Texas has

some experience serving with STCHM in the

Dominican Republic, so this time they came

with a focused determination to use every

minute to minister…including their down time.

“Our group was so different,” shared Zeke

Avelar, leader of this diverse group of young

adults and Director of Student Ministries (Leadership &

Discipline) at Bear Creek. “Walking down the streets of

Santo Domingo, we attracted attention because here

we were walking side by side: a Philippine, a Mexican,

an Asian, American, and a Dominican, but we all are

common in purpose and in Christ. Our goal was to

spread the Gospel and people were intrigued by us.”

On the schedule

the group had each

morning devoted

to construction

projects, answering

the prayer for

several Santiago

orphanages with numerous picnic tables and toy boxes.

In the afternoons, they traveled to the Girasoles Church

to host a sports camp. The Dominican heat required

numerous breaks, but this energetic and enthusiastic

group of servants saw opportunities to minister and steer

conversations to Christ. They used simple games like wall

ball as analogies of how we should all look to Christ. They

even used a walk down the street to a corner store to

evangelize.

“Thanks to STCHM staff we knew what we were walking

into. We were prepared and felt at home since we landed

in the Dominican Republic,” stated Zeke. “This allowed

us to be fully engaged in our purpose. We gave of our

resources, our energy, our time, and of ourselves. What

we received in return was so much more and we get to

take that home with us.” Blown away by the openness of

the Dominican people and their willingness to hear about

the Gospel, Jose Luiz

echoed the feeling of

the group when he

expressed on their

last night, “When we

get home, I want to

live like a Dominican

in the United States!”

T

12 Summer 2015

Two MiSSion TeaMS, SaMe paSSion…ServinG OtherS

Bear Creek Baptist Church

www.STCHM.org 13

specialty of our International Ministry is to tailor

each trip to the interests, gifts, ages, and skills of the

people involved. As with First Baptist Church (FBC)

of Beeville who has a strong family oriented ministry

the passion of the group was to serve others with their

families while in the Dominican Republic. This group was

made up of husbands and wives, as well as, families of

grandparents to grandchildren.

This large group made it possible to take

on many different projects during the

week, including kids Bible classes, sewing

classes, medical clinics, and more. The

most intense projects were in construction!

The first construction project was at the

location of Glenys’ Bible classes. On a

previous trip, FBC had built an enramada

(tabernacle). The plan for this trip was to build her a

kitchen and bathroom. Glenys, who owns the property,

felt led to use the lot to minister to her community. She

had been praying to feed the children she serves as well,

but did not have the facilities to do it…until now.

The other large construction project is a first for STCHM,

solar panels. Brother Greg Traylor, pastor of FBC,

mentioned the idea to STCHM staff when he met with

Joanna Berry, Vice President of Family and International

Ministries and Russell Jerez, Projects Coordinator. Brother

Greg’s son, Caleb Traylor, recent Mechanical

Engineer graduate from Baylor University

has done this project in the mission field prior

to this trip with the group Engineers with a

Mission. The solar panels were installed on

top of the Children’s Ministry Building of

the Iglesia Bautista Quisqueyana site. “The goal is for this

system to be a test system of sorts, allowing Russell to

learn how the system operates and what maintenance

is required,” shared Caleb. “This project will allow for

electricity even when the city grid power goes down

and should decrease the electricity bill for the ministry.

Hopefully the next step would be to implement similar

systems at other sites.”

With both groups, a total of 56 participants serving

during this one week it was crucial that schedules were

meticulously laid out. This created a week of overwhelming

emotions for both Dominicans and Americans as they each

were impacted by the experience. The bonds that are

formed on trips like these are hard to comprehend. After

returning home Joanne Barris expressed, “It was exciting

to see our adult children and our precious grandchildren

working together each day to serve the Lord. They were

growing spiritually and

creating memories that

will last a lifetime.”

Two MiSSion TeaMS, SaMe paSSion…ServinG OtherS Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a

multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve

others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If

anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words

of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God

provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus

Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

(1 Peter 4:8-11 NIV)

aFirst Baptist Church

14 Summer 2015

HOMES FOr CHILdrEN

2015 GraduatesAnna, at STCHM 5 yearsWants to major in Biochemistry at

Texas A&M University

Marisol, 2 years at STCHMPlans to go to Tarleton State University

and major in Communications with an

emphasis in Radio Broadcasting

“I have had many opportunities through STCHM that I would not have gotten otherwise. People in this organization are full of love, care, and tenderness. The people that surround me have truly blessed me more than I can put into words. I am thankful for the opportunity to go to college and do what God has planned for me to.”

“I am so thankful for my Houseparents and my Caseworker because my life was completely changed when I came to STCHM.”

Mateo, 3 years at STCHMPlans to attend Blinn College and

then transfer to a university

“I am thankful to STCHM because they helped me overcome the obstacles I have been through and without them I wouldn’t’ be able to go to college.”

“I am thankful for STCHM because I wouldn’t have graduated if it wasn’t for them.”

“I am thankful for the help of my Houseparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee and for Galilee Bowden, my caseworker for helping me get where I am today.”

Jasmine, at STCHM 3 years

Plans to attend Blinn College and then

transfer to Texas A&M University to

major in Child Development, with an

emphasis on Equine Therapy

“I am thankful for STCHM because I have grown spiritually.”

Rhea, at STCHM for 2 yearsPlans to attend CBC, then transfer to

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Would like to be a Caseworker

“I am thankful for the Children’s Home because everybody wants a normal situation. When I came here it was so much better than normal. The Houseparents are full of love and it makes life enjoyable.”

Mia, at STCHM 3 yearsWants to study Cosmetology at

Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Texas.

Ray, 1 year at STCHMPlans to attend Coastal Bend

College and transfer to a university

the Marshall Ranch Campus in Goliad,

which was a working boy’s ranch. He

has seen the boy’s ranch transform

into our Homes for Families ministry

providing a safe home for mothers

and their children. John witnessed

the birth of our Jobs for Life (formally

Christian Women’s Job Corps) and

Family Counseling ministries. The

counseling ministry started with an

effort to prevent children from having

to come into our care. John shared,

“This is a tremendous ministry, we

provide a home for children once the

wheels come off and the counseling

ministry helps the family stay together

before the wheels fall off.”

As for our International Ministry in

the Dominican Republic, John felt it

was a natural fit. “We were incredibly

blessed to have an opportunity to

continue to grow our ministry.” With

part of our mission to invite others to

join us in our ministry, “This allowed

us to get STCHM out to a larger area

and no one does it better.” John has

been to the Dominican Republic

several times, visiting each school,

orphanage, and church where STCHM

is providing ministry and he cannot

wait to go again.

“The beauty of our ministry is that

in all areas we are dedicated to

children and their families. Each

program is equal and compliments

each other.” John is very passionate

as he compliments great leadership

and staff for the positive impact and

success STCHM has seen since the

ministry began in 1952. “We have

been blessed with the right people in

the right places

at the right time.

Each person

on staff has a

job, each has a

responsibi l i ty

that is important,

and they do it

with purpose.”

John continued,

“They all could

b e d o i n g

something else,

somewhere else.

The Lord has put them here and each

do their part beautifully. As a board

member, I am humbled and blessed

to be a part of it.”

ohn has the longest running service

record to date, totaling 28 years as a

board member and he’s not finished

yet. John is currently in between

terms as he has rotated off the board

a few times during his time of service,

always returning to serve again.

John has seen our ministry grow from

a Children’s Home to what you see

today. “I have seen the whole thing

and it has been a humbling experience

the entire time,” expressed John. At

the beginning of John’s service it was

STCH…South Texas Children’s Home.

At the time we had two campuses,

the Boothe Campus in Pettus and

J “the beauty of

our ministry is

that in all areas we

are dedicated to

children and their

families. each

program is equal

and compliments

each other.”

www.STCHM.org 15

Humbled and BlessedTwO wORDS:

If you ever get a chance to visit with John weber, former

STCHM Board Member, about his service with South Texas

Children’s Home Ministries (STCHM) you will hear two

words...“Humbled and blessed!”

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 3656San Antonio, TXP.O. Box 759

Beeville, Texas 78104-0759

Address Service Requested

golF ClaSSiC 2015

GOLFCLASS I C

2 0 1 5

Monday, oCToBeR 26, 2015 • 1 pM

la CanTeRa Hill CounTRy ReSoRT • San anTonio, TexaS

RegiSTRaTion deadline: TueSday, SepTeMBeR 18, 2015 • www.STCHM.oRg/golFClaSSiC

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