FALL/WINTER 2017 VOLUME 26
Care for today. Hope for tomorrow.
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
In August, I visited India. The Back2Back Suzuki Samuel Campus is home to just over thirty orphans and vulnerable children. The children live in family units of no more than ten, with each home having two primary caregivers who work tirelessly. There’s something about this campus that’s restorative for me. I always leave with a sense it’s all worth it.
This fall was no exception, my “picture of the day” happened while I was running one morning in the rural agricultural area surrounding the campus. I was on my way back down the road when a motorcycle approached me with two riders. On the back of the bike was 15year old, Goutham, a boy who lives on the campus. As he passed me, we high-fived, and I shouted for him to ‘study hard today.’ He grinned ear to ear and shook his head at me as if promising that very thing. When I came back on campus, I asked why he goes earlier than the rest of the children, who would ride on the Back2Back bus forty minutes later? I was told Goutham goes in early to work extra on school work. It’s what he needs to be successful, so it’s what the staff work hard to make happen for him: individual needs, individual care. This is what being seen and known and de-institutionalizing toward family-based care looks like. It means special meals for someone’s birthday, allergy shots for a suffering child, music lessons for someone showing those gifts, or additional steps taken at bedtime to make a new child feel safe. I could not be more proud to work alongside the 250 Back2Back staff and countless caregivers, who go the extra mile to meet the specific needs of children every day. As Back2Back celebrates its 20th year, you’ll see on T-shirts and in our resolve, we are committing to this kind of care “Until Every Child is Known and Loved.” It’s undoubtedly a challenge, but there’s a sense inside
me when I see Goutham whisked away to school, that making him feel known and loved is worth it. When Beth and I moved to Monterrey the summer of 1997, we had no idea where God would lead us. Countless individuals ask, “20 years ago, did you envision this?” The answer is twenty years ago, we didn’t even envision the next month, let alone what would unfold decades later. However naive we started, God has led us all on an incredible journey. He has asked us repeatedly to listen and obey and what’s been written since has always been more in His plan than it ever was in ours. My favorite part of the last 20 years has been the journey of learning. God has directed us many times to course correct, expand our thinking, collaborate with others, or incorporate new research. It’s hard and humbling to admit what we have been doing could be done with more excellence and then stretch to reach those goals. Holistically caring for orphaned and vulnerable children is not in any text book.What we know for sure though is it always requires relationship, and always requires God’s love working through us. Celebrate with me as we reflect back on page 11 some of those lessons learned, and pray with me as we anticipate what God has yet planned for us all.
Todd Guckenberger, Back2Back Ministries, Executive Director
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Each Next Small Step 19 Finding Healing through Relationship
C I N C I N N A T I
VISION
We desire for every orphan and vulnerable child to have the opportunity for success through “Care for today and Hope for tomorrow�. Our goal is that each child would experience restoration to a life of purpose in which they can become fulfilled and mature Christian adults.
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Taking the Future into her Hands
MISSION
Back2Back Ministries is an international Christian non-profit organization that is dedicated to being a voice for orphans. We exist to love and care for orphans and vulnerable children, by meeting their spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social needs so they may overcome their life circumstances and break free from the cycle of generational poverty.
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Greater Things To Come 15
Returning Home
We would like to thank Quality Printing for partnering with Back2Back by offering us high-quality printing.
by Beth Guckenberger, Back2Back Ministries Co-Executive Director
Twenty years ago, in the fall of 1997, we had been in Monterrey for a couple of months and were surprised by several things: we were pregnant, we had hosted over fifty people in our home, and between the two of us, had finally learned five hundred words of Spanish. Those were humble beginnings, and today, we can’t even begin to express how grateful we are to see what God has built. He’s inspired over 30,000 of you to travel to a site and play with a child whose language you don’t speak. He’s encouraged over 2,000 of you to sponsor a child and make a lasting impact in their story. He’s stirred over 16,000 hearts to donate millions of dollars, investing in staff, capital projects, and children’s needs. It’s breathtaking. But this year hasn’t just been about looking back, it’s also been a lot of looking forward. We aren’t just thinking about the strategic plan for next year, or vision planning for the next three to five years, we are dreaming and hoping for the season of 20 going on 40.
We already know some things that make the next 20 years easier to imagine: • We know God is who does the healing in the hearts of kids.
• We are tackling sustainability plans that take into account tough economies.
• We know God has a plan for every giver and goer, as well as the children we serve.
• We watch house parents grow alongside of the Hope graduates as we refine transition plans.
• We know no matter what plans we put on paper, He will have His way.
• We are in awe of staff learning about special needs orphans and ministering to them in best practice ways.
• We know committing to prayer is the most powerful preparation we can do in leadership. • We know having a healthy culture creates space for strategies to flourish. • We are encouraged by how the staff is leaning into hard circumstances, not shying away from challenging governmental requirements, but coming alongside the government.
• We are championing the at-risk mom and reunifying kids to families that should have never been apart. • We are crazy about the trauma training we now offer to over 1,800 people in 54 countries around the world.
These are subjects we could have never dreamt of 20 years ago, but will be in the fabric of the next 20 years. This foundation allows us to consider new programs, and new ways of providing care because the vision remains clear: we want orphaned and vulnerable children to know they are loved by their Savior, who sent His church to give them that message. Recently, Todd and I were talking about the vast need and relentless work required to meet those needs. How much? How long? How wide? How hard? These are questions we face daily and don’t always know the answers. So we listen and trust, asking staff and this community to come alongside, together interceding for direction and provision. Research shows the presence of a significant adult in the life of a vulnerable child makes a lasting impact. So in response to those questions, we say: We, the Church, this community, we will carry on…until every child is known and loved.
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1997 2017 20 YEARS OF
2,000 CHILD SPONSORS WHO ARE GENEROUSLY SPONSORING CHILDREN
BEING THE DIFFERENCE FOR ONE
AT ONE OF THE SIX BACK2BACK SITES
FROM 1997 IN MONTERREY, MEXICO TO SIX SITES AROUND THE WORLD
16,000 PEOPLE
HAVE GIVEN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OVER 20 YEARS
MEXICO
NIGERIA
HAITI
INDIA
30,000 MISSION GUESTS
TRAVELED TO BACK2BACK SITES AROUND THE WORLD
"This foundation allows us to consider new ways of providing care because the vision remains clear: we want orphaned and vulnerable children to know they are loved by their Savior, who sent His church to give them that message."
131,569
CHILDREN IMPACTED THROUGH TRAUMA TRAINING
BACK2BACK TRAUMA COMPETENT TRAINING HAS BEEN OFFERED AROUND THE WORLD TO
1848 PEOPLE IN 54 COUNTRIES
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Q & A
Greater Things to Come
In 2011, Shannen entered the Hope Program as a seventeen-year old. In July of 2017, she graduated from nursing school as a young woman confident in her abilities. Recently, we sat down with her as she shared what she hopes for and how she believes the Lord has never left her.
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How would you describe yourself entering the Hope Program versus now?
How did you overcome moments when you wanted to give up?
I was really insecure in the beginning. I cared about what others thought of me – I was concerned with being liked. Throughout my time I made plenty of mistakes, but when I saw people still loved me, I realized I couldn’t earn people’s love by what I did or did not do. This changed me.
There was a time I felt I constantly had battles in my mind, because of poor choices I was making. But I had to remind myself I don’t battle with people – I battle in the spiritual realm. I told myself it is more important to focus on developing my spiritual life than controlling my behavior. So anytime I found myself thinking I couldn’t do it anymore, I would seek refuge in God. I trusted Him and He picked me up, giving me the strength to keep going.
So you are graduating. How do you feel about completing this part of your story? (laughs) I honestly can’t believe I’m graduating and everything is falling into place – I know it was God who got me to this point; I am still thinking through what is next for me, but I know whatever it is, God will carry me on to the next thing. I don’t think I’ll be able to fully know how I feel about graduation, until I am actually walking across the stage. I just can’t believe it’s here.
What would you say to current Hope Program students? I would tell them to seek God, but specifically to seek His promises. I would encourage them to put their lives completely in God’s hands - not to think they have to be perfect and then God will do what they want. Instead to believe, ‘God loves me, the simple fact He loves me means He will fulfill His promises in my life.’ In my own life, one promise He is restoring, is relationship with my parents. I went
18 years without seeing my father. I have been praying for a long time to share God with him. A year ago, my dad reached out to me via Facebook and shared he had gotten a hold of his addictions, and was in relationship with the Lord. I had always imagined I would be in a hospital, sharing God with my dad, begging him to accept Him into his life. When I read the message, I couldn’t do much more than sit there with my mouth hanging open. This is just one of many ways God is fulfilling promises over my life. I would share this with Hope students and tell them to hang on and allow Him access to their hopes and dreams. You’ll turn 23 soon. How do you see yourself at 24? Twenty-four-year-old Shannen will be learning more in school – I’d like to go into a specialty. I am in a time of my life where God is taking a lot away – there have been things, relationships, that have held me back and kept me from growing with God. He’s removing those obstacles, and I feel confident this next year will be good. I will be more mature and will have grown a lot.
On July 10th, dressed in a black cap and gown, Shannen Brown crossed the stage and accepted her college diploma. Shannen has learned to keep God at the front of each of her days and every decision she makes. A short documentary, 1/163,000,000, was made highlighting Shannen’s story. At the end she said, “. . . if [sons and daughters of God] decide to follow Him, He will do greater things – I know I don’t deserve it and I understand it is not because of me, it is only because of His love.” We will all be watching these greater things unfold in her life, grateful for a God who redeems.
Fifteen years from now, what does an almost 40-year old Shannen look like? What is life like for her? I see a big clinic with a little church next to it. A lot of sick people will come who need help and I, along with a big team of people, will take care of them and then we will go to the church next door so we can share God with them. I would also like to have a family who also serves God right alongside me.
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She was just not born to be a mom.
EACH
NEXT
SMALL
STEP As told to Steph Duff by Gennie and Jorge Castro, Hope Program House Parents
I remember the first time I heard the words spoken. I couldn’t have known then just how much they would build up walls between my life and God’s plan. In that moment, I simply felt hurt, but it was only the beginning of spiritual attack. I became a mother at nineteen and insecurity has followed on and off since then. At twentyone I had two babies, and I was doing the best I could, but I always felt like I was falling short. Those nine words spoken by another person slowly took life over my motherhood – feelings of inadequacy constantly had me feeling as if I had to prove to everyone, and myself; I was a decent mother and was capable. I needed healing from the lie that I couldn’t possibly be a good mother – a healing I wasn’t able to offer to myself. ___________________ The first time I volunteered at Salvation Army Children’s Home was because of our daughter, Ale. She had been going once a week to help serve. I went to the home to pick her up
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when the Captain of the home, Matt Metzger, said, “Thank you so much for offering to volunteer tomorrow!” Ale had volunteered my husband and I to help at a Christmas party for the home being thrown by Samaritan’s Purse. After my first time there, I began going every week to help with tutoring. A couple of the girls living at the home at the time didn’t have families to go home and visit on weekends, so my husband, Jorge, and I began inviting them to spend time with us, watching movies, eating tacos, bringing them into the fold of our family story. At this time, I was involved in several other ministries in Mazatlán. Shortly after I began tutoring at the children’s home, I felt God clearly asking me to leave all other serving opportunities. “I need your hands open, Gennie.” His command was clear; I began to serve solely at Salvation Army Children’s Home and waited for His next call. ___________________
We were sitting at church when Back2Back representatives stood up and shared the vision for a Hope Program in Mazatlán. “Please pray for a loving, married couple to be called to serve as Hope Parents to students.” Jorge leaned over and asked me, “What about the girls?” The two teens who had been spending time with us on weekends would eventually be in the Hope Program.What I realize now is Jorge was whispering his yes, but I committed only to pray over “that” couple who would eventually be Hope Program parents. In the season before our involvement with Salvation Army, God did a mighty work of healing in my and Jorge’s marriage. Where fractures of a union once lay, we were seeing redemption and growth. As we leaned into God more and continually sought healing together and as individuals, He taught me that He is in control, He will provide, and He will heal. I began to understand I would never be the world’s greatest mother, but with God’s guidance, I would be the mother He’s called me to be. As I continued to pray for the couple who would be called to serve as house parents,
Jorge felt the Lord calling he and I into the role. Again, I felt familiar fears of motherhood creep into my thoughts and beliefs. Questions raced through my mind. How can we afford this? Will I be sacrificing my own kids? How can I be a mother to children who aren’t mine? I remember asking the Lord, why are you asking me to step back into this? You helped me overcome the doubts and lies of being a bad mother, why does it feel like You’re asking me to move backward? But God, as He always does, stayed consistent in the pull on our hearts and with that, we boarded a plane to Monterrey. ___________________ Traveling to Back2Back Monterrey was twofold; we were observing the current Hope Program and also testing to see if we would be a good fit as house parents. I spent most of the flight to Monterrey hoping this is an Abraham (Genesis 22) moment. We said yes in obedience, but perhaps God, upon our arrival, would say, “Thank you for your obedi-
ence, but now is not the time.” I felt confident God would offer us another avenue; what He offered instead was grace. I will never be the perfect mom, but His grace is sufficient. Jorge and I will never be able to do it all well, but His grace is sufficient. With this assurance from God and renewed trust in His plans, we began to say yes to the next small step, trusting He would tell us when to stop when He saw fit. We have yet to hear no. ___________________ In May of 2015, we welcomed six girls into our home and we have spent the last two years becoming family.We have learned grace-giving and grace-receiving is a lifestyle. We have learned we cannot possibly mess up so much we’re outside the bounds of resurrection. We have learned we serve a God who will heal the lives of each girl and it is a privilege for Him to want to use us with each next small step for His story.
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TAKING THE FUTURE
into her hands She walks shyly out of her room in a grey dress, looking at her feet more than at the people waiting for her. She sits down, a soft smile brightening her face. The audience coos over her dress, praising her workmanship.
“I know God is the only one who gives gifts. I talk to my God, I ask Him for help, and He answers.”
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She touches clothing on the table softly, drawing her finger along the seam she carefully sewed. Wideline (wid-LEEN) looks over her work and then picks up her current project – a child’s skirt with colorful stripes. She takes a deep breath and begins to sew. Eighteen-year old Wideline has lived at Jesus Name Children’s Home since the 2010 earthquake devastated Port au Prince, Haiti. Isaiah, the home’s director, founded Jesus Name when 16 of the 17 children currently living there were orphaned as a result of the unexpected natural disaster.
Wideline, although shy, has always been a natural leader among the children in the home. She is the oldest girl and consistently looks out for others. She is quick to assist caregivers and, as she grows more confident in herself, has begun to consider her future and talks to the other children about theirs. _____________________ Village life in Haiti can be difficult to navigate and strenuous when considering beyond the immediate future. Children often leave school in 9th grade, hoping
to find work and help their families with household expenses. The support of staff at Jesus Name, caregivers, and sponsors has given Wideline, and girls like her, freedom to truly consider their future. It was a year and a half ago when Wideline first asked about sewing lessons. “When I see people with nice clothes, I recognize how beautiful they are and I think, ‘I could learn how to sew and make beautiful things myself!’” shares Wideline. Isaiah and Back2Back Haiti director, Jeff Hickman, were excited at Wideline’s expressed interest. “I was thrilled she wanted to learn a practical skill,” shares Jeff. “This was a need we could meet and were happy to facilitate.” A local seamstress began coming to the home every Saturday. Wideline was taught the basics of sewing. “I started with just my hands, needle, and thread,” shares Wideline. “We’ve recently added a machine, but I feel more comfortable using my hands for now.” She spoke softly, but animated, across
the table. Moving her hands quickly, she explained the process of creating clothing, “We start by sketching the outfit, then we cut the cloth, and then we sew.” Wideline has made a grey, sleeveless dress, a skirt, and a top. The young girl, still learning how to create quality clothing, exudes a confidence, as she explains the process and shows her work to visiting guests. As she improves her sewing skills, the people around her can see a future blossom in light of her interest. “Cultivating this craft – and continuing to do so – will help her develop a skillset employable in Haiti,” shares Jeff Hickman. “Whether she does her own work or does it for someone else, sewing is a valuable skill.” The Haiti school system requires each student to wear a uniform in order to attend school. A skill like sewing will create opportunity to earn money and forge exciting ventures in Wideline’s future. _____________________ Wideline puts the skirt down on the table and takes a breath. “I am excited at the
HEAR MORE ABOUT WIDELINE'S STORY: back2back.org/Wideline
possibility of meeting people’s needs.When I think about my future, I hope to open my own shop; I would love to be able to make clothes for men, women, and children. I want to be able to say, when people ask me to make something, ‘I will do it. I will be proud to do it.’ I know God is the only one who gives gifts. I talk to my God, I ask Him for help, and He answers.” Wideline gets up from the table and walks to her room.As she holds the clothing she’s made in her hands, all can see a future take form. They see a future with intention and goals for a young girl who had the courage to step forward and name a dream. _____________________ It is with great pleasure and excitement Back2Back shares that Wideline has been accepted to GoEx Transitions Academy. This two-year program will allow her to perfect her sewing craft, as well as take classes in math, French, English, and Bible. Please join us in praise and prayer as Wideline takes the next step toward her future.
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TWENTY
LESSONS LEARNED IN TWENTY YEARS Over 20 years, Back2Back has learned thousands of lessons, each day bringing new insight and conviction. Some lessons stick out more than others, and we’ve gathered a few of them here to share with you. The reasons these made the top 20 each come with a story. However and whenever we learned them, we sensed each conviction coming straight from the heart of God - humbling us, inspiring us, and giving us the courage to keep going. In 2012, at the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit, the ministry prepared to share cautionary tales and best practices with others who yearned to grow and become even more effective. Information was prepared as hopes were whispered for 25 people who might join the discussion. The doors swung open and over 400 people walked in. In a turning point for the entire organization, we committed to giving away anything we could - for free! God has been generous in filling us up as we have emptied ourselves for others. Lesson #20 learned - You can’t out-give God. 11
History teaches us the story of the Pony Express, in the old West horses died after a single cross-country delivery, having riding so hard delivering the mail. We didn’t want the staff to feel the same way, working so hard they had nothing left to offer. Lesson #11 - We can’t be the Pony Express. Working at capacity doesn’t mean working without margin. So many lessons learned and we know many are still ahead (see Lesson #5). God has taught us about leadership development, living and working in community, and working with orphans is a not a quick fix, but “long play.” We find ourselves most grateful for lesson #1 - God has been and is always at work on behalf of the orphan. We’re humbled and inspired to work with partners just like you. We want to hear the lessons you learned as you’ve grown alongside of us. Together, we won’t stop joining Him in His work until every orphan is known and loved!
2019181716 God can do more than we imagine. Don’t limit our plans and prayers. Just listen and step as He directs.
A Team is Better with Diversity.
There’s room for many different gifts and perspectives. God brings the right people to accomplish His will.
God already has provided what is needed for his will to be done. Our job is to be a bridge and communicate the needs as they unfold.
You Can’t Out-give God. We’ve come to understand how critical sharing resources openhandedly is to the orphancare movement. Being kingdom minded is everything.
We are on the same side.
We have to respect each other’s culture. Our way of doing things from where we come from does not always mean it is the best way in another place.
1514131211 The story isn’t over yet.
Don’t be discouraged by a particular situation on any given day, God is always victorious, and is always at work.
“No” doesn’t mean “never."
Through the start of the Hope Program, we learned timing is as important as strategy. Press on.
Community is friction.
Community is built when we inconvenience ourselves for another. Look outside what’s comfortable to experience genuine relationships. Resolve conflict. Be inclusive.
Collaboration is the goal, not dictatorship. We need to collaborate and come alongside ministry partners, not make plans they don’t want.
We Can’t Be the Pony Express.
It’s important for staff to work at capacity, but with margin in mind.
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10 9 8 7 6 This work is a long play.
We are not a relief, but a development organization. This might mean the best fruit is born after we leave the story.
Authority is not a title. Authority is earned through experience and knowledge. Give authority where authority is due.
The Six C’s.
Developing the ministry and its leaders through clarity, communication, collaboration, capacity, competency, community.
Do it right, or do it over. Have a standard of excellence in every area of service.
The Lord is responsible for the outcomes.
We are only responsible for our calling and walking it out in obedience.
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Maybe What We’re Doing isn’t Good Enough.
We need to be students and learn. Through this we created the Spectrum of Care, the 5-Point Child Development Plan and Trauma Competent Care training. We can't stop learning. 13
Hard Things Happen.
There is an enemy and learning how to fight him is invaluable. There will be setbacks and heartbreak. We will face opposition.
Take Risks. Anything worth doing will always be work, not easy.
Whether starting new initatives/ ministry sites, adding new staff, or starting programs like sponsorship, foster care, strong families, etc…
Relationship is king.
Ministry donors, staff, volunteers, mission trip guests and partners are all a critical part of the vision and execution of the calling. Relationships are to be protected, not transactional.
God has been and is always at work on behalf the orphan.
Join His work not invite Him into ours. This requires trust in the calling, especially when it gets hard.
UNTIL EVERY CHILD IS KNOWN AND LOVED
What's happening behind these walls might surprise you... A family reunited, a marriage intact and moving forward – nothing is exempt from resurrection.
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Juan Carlos walks into his family’s new kitchen and places the wooden cross on the wall. He steps back and looks at it quietly. As he takes a breath and walks back outside, a team of people, his wife Milca, and his three children are waiting for him. He walks over to Milca, and they press their hands together as the visiting missions team circles around them in prayer.
Today Juan Carlos and Milca's twin girls, Sofia and Chabe, will return home. Milca's smile is welcoming. She is standing in the middle of a bustling crew of people using team work and manpower to build a chicken coop, attach shelves, and decorate the rooms for her children. She looks around taking in the hands and feet turning her house into a home, and she catches sight of Chabe sitting on the ground. A pink cowboy hat rests on her long, dark hair as she paints a small shelf white. Milca smiles, “I feel hope here.” Sofia and Chabe have been separated from their parents for almost a decade. Marital strain and economic misfortune fractured the family’s hope of being together. Over time, regular visits wore on this mother until compelled, she fought for the girls to come home. A visiting missions team, including Sofia and Chabe’s sponsors, worked hard in July to put finishing touches on the family’s home. The once outdoor kitchen was given a roof, running water was brought to the home, and the girls have a brand new bedroom to share. In the back, a picnic table is nestled, ready for family meals, and shelves hold herbs and flowers planted by Milca. Rooms were painted, decorations were hung, and the roof was stabilized. A house once missing two vibrant twins is now becoming a home for a family of five. ____________________ The reunification process for Sofia and Chabe and their family began about a year ago when Milca went to Back2Back Cancun Co-Directors, Julie and Erick Mowery. “She came to us, desperate to have her girls back in their home,” shared Julie. “When we first began discussing the possibility of it, Milca said, ‘I will do whatever I need in order to have my girls back.’” Together, the family and Back2Back staff began taking small steps in the direction of reunification. “It is a wonderful experience to know a family truly wants to be with their children – to be a part of making it a reality is a dream come true,” shared Darlene Ruiz, Back2Back caseworker. “Watching a family trust God together and seeing His provision has been a blessing.” The process began when Back2Back staff met with Juan Carlos and Milca with a proposal of expectations and hopes for the family. “Milca and Juan Carlos have worked very hard, cleaning, moving rocks, and pulling up a tree to help prepare the home,” shared Darlene. “Milca has also worked diligently with the twins on 17
the integration process. When she is with them she will say, ‘when you come home we can play board games together, we can go to the market together; in the mornings I will wake you up and walk you to school.’ The emotional support Milca is receiving from the people in her life is helping her to emotionally support her twins through this transition.” The family will continue to have the support of sponsors and Back2Back staff as they learn to live together again, growing in healthy ways.
The visiting team watches Juan Carlos step out of his kitchen and walk towards his wife. They clasp each other’s hands, and the team gathers around them and their children. Erick and Julie read blessings over the family and their home, Hebrews 3:4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God, and gift the family with the cross Juan Carlos hung. It serves as a reminder to the family that God unites them and blesses them. Each room of the home is prayed over by a small group of people from the visiting team, prayers for hope and protection, assurance and unity over the family. Tears race down Milca’s face as her dream is finally within reach. Final prayers are lifted for peace and safety. In some ways, the real work begins now, as the family learns to live together and communicate their needs with one another. Sofia and Chabe race off to their room to complete finishing touches. Milca steps into her kitchen and Juan Carlos stands back, taking it all in, a smile playing over his face. As the girls point out something new with complete glee, he lights up with pride. A family reunited, a marriage intact and moving forward – nothing is exempt from resurrection.
The once outdoor kitchen was given a roof, running water was brought to the home, and the girls have a brand new bedroom to share.
TAKE A TOUR WITH MILCA OF HER NEW HOME: back2back.org/milca 18
finding
healing through relationship 73
Sathwik’s cry pierced the quiet night.The
small boy ran for the door, but Rajini, his caregiver, patted his back softly, comforting the young boy’s unknown hurts. As his loud cries turned to small hiccups, Rajini led Sathwik back to his bed, praying he would find comfort and connection in his new home. In July of 2016, four-year old Sathwik came to live on the India Hope Campus. “He was a very traumatized little boy when we first met him,” shared Casey Foreman, Back2Back staff. “His first few weeks were comprised largely of regular emotional breakdowns. Early in the morning and late in the evening, Sathwik’s cry could be heard. Comforting him was a difficult feat.” He arrived physically as a four-year old, but emotionally, was more like a 1½ year old. Back2Back staff went back to the basics of their Trauma Competent Care training. Sathwik resisted being held or making eye contact, he wanted to be left alone. Attempting to run out of the home, he was leery of connecting with female caregivers. “When we considered his emotional age we asked ourselves, ‘what does a 1½year old need?’ and the answer was, in his frightened state, to be held in the arms of a safe, loving adult,” shared Dan Belue, Back2Back staff.“We needed to provide for him a safe place to create attachment to a primary caregiver.”
points to instill a sense of calm and help them refocus. Sathwik, the same boy who was difficult to console only a year ago, now displays growth through this simple suggestion for Rajini. Back2Back staff members are trained in Trauma Competent Care early on in their work with the ministry. Classes educate on the painful backgrounds of the children and instill best practices on soothing and care. Back2Back strives to teach each boy and girl that, while trauma may be a part of their past, it does not define their future. Simple tactics like magic mustache give children the necessary tools to calm down in the face of panic or frustration. Qualified staff lead Nurture Groups with the children as a safe space to talk freely of their hopes and hurts. Sathwik laughs loudly. He sprints towards Chandu, another boy who lives on campus. As he gets closer, he jumps into Chandu’s arms for a hug. Both boys giggle uncontrollably. In just one year, he has shown immense growth. He is making connections and attaching to safe adults as he becomes familiar with family. Sathwik may have come to the campus more fearful than friendly, but consistency and proper training has allowed his healing to begin.
Sathwik may have come to the campus more fearful than friendly, but consistency and proper caregiver training has allowed his healing to begin.
______________________ Dan sat on the front steps of Suzuki Home, where the boys live. He watched a group of children play volleyball, while another group kicked the soccer ball back and forth. Sathwik sauntered over to Dan, his big, brown eyes looking towards the home where his caregiver was inside cooking. “Poor Rajini. . .,” he whispered. Chuckling, Dan asked, “Why poor Rajini?!” “She is inside cooking all alone while everyone else plays. She needs to do magic mustache!” His face broke out in a smile, as a giggle escaped. Magic Mustache is a self-regulating technique Sathwik and the other children are learning. A part of trauma competent care, children press their index finger to the top of their upper lip, pushing against pressure 20
It was during staff prayer that one woman's visit to Nigeria turned into a medical mission trip.
Kids with a Vision Foundation Children's Home in Jos, Nigeria
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Peace sat on the ground running her fingers through the grass. She took in the soccer match happening in front of her – watching children running and laughing, chasing the ball and shooting goals. She breathed a deep sigh and put her hand on the small of her back. As one of her friends made a goal, she cheered loudly from her seat.
group activities. She felt the most relief when lying down.
The Back2Back Nigeria staff sat together and prayed for a young girl experiencing neck pain. Kali, sister of staff member Dori McCormick, listened and wondered why a girl so young would be experiencing pain? As the prayer came to an end, Kali leaned toward her sister and whispered, “If they want me to examine the young girl, I might be able to help determine what’s causing her pain.” It was in this moment Kali’s trip went from a family visit to a medical mission.
Peace finally opened up to Kali sharing how much her day-to-day life was effected. Kali recommended medication to treat an infection and the gratitude overwhelmed Peace's face.
Kali, a physician’s assistant, went to Nigeria with the intent of seeing her sister and brother-in-law’s new home. Once staff members found out her medical background, and her desire to help where and when she could, they began naming children who needed medical attention. Kali’s remaining visit was scheduled for time in the homes and schools of the children who needed assistance. _________ Fifteen-year old Peace had been experiencing chronic back and belly pain for most of her time at Kids with a Vision Foundation Children’s Home. “Peace has had to sit out on a lot of fun activities with the other children due to her pain,” shared Godwin Ondoma, Back2Back staff member. “A lack of doctors to treat Peace meant she maintained a regime of medication to help ease the pain.” The young girl grew tired easily and was unable to play soccer or actively participate in
When Peace initially sat down with Kali, she seemed reluctant to complain. “When I first met her, I had to pry a bit before she admitted her level of pain,” shared Kali. “My heart broke for her and I wanted to help her immediately.”
“I could tell she was extremely grateful to receive a solution for the pain.” Kali’s trip came to an end and she returned to her work in the United States, but Peace’s well-being never left her thoughts. Dori often called Kali, updating her on Peace and any lingering pain she was experiencing. Kali recommended updated medication for Peace on a couple of occasions and Dori ensured the young girl would receive them. “A few months after my trip, Dori called and explained Peace had some further complications and would need surgery,” shared Kali. “When I heard how much the surgery would be and what the procedure was, it was a no-brainer for me to help Peace.” _________ Peace underwent surgery shortly thereafter. She has recovered fully and is able to play and enjoy fun as every fifteen-year old should. A few months later, Kali received a letter from Peace thanking her for her help. “I keep her letter on my refrigerator so I can see it every day and continually have Peace and her wellbeing on my heart. It was shortly after receiving her letter, I sponsored Peace. I felt impacted by her story and grateful to have been able to meet her.”
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As One21 resources emerging generations to live like Jesus, we have become constant learners. One of our most recent and influential lessons came from a story of discipleship. An older Hope program student had just finished sharing a transparent testimony about his past trauma and God’s work in his life. A younger boy from a children’s home cut through the crowd, grabbed the Hope student’s arm, and whispered, “Can we talk?” What followed became a discipleship relationship. What if every student in every crowd could see a version of themselves as a leader? How do we build upon that? We are a community longing to sustain deep relationships with everyone from neighbors and friends, to strangers and enemies. Romans 15 teaches, May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.Therefore welcome one anther as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Cultivating community cannot be conceptual. It must demonstrate itself through practice. Living out the value of “everyone belongs” isn’t new for One21, but has proven to be urgent in 2017. Diversity in gender, race, experience, and age has always been important as we invite fresh voices to speak and lead. 2016 helped us see that, while the One21 volunteer community reflected diversity, the leadership did not. A high school girl might identify with the female worship leaders on our team, but they would struggle to find anyone else on stage. And while the leadership team held a healthy balance of international and local
leaders from diverse racial backgrounds, we didn’t reflect the diversity prevalent in local youth culture. We concluded until diversity is exemplified in our leadership, it wouldn’t be reflected in our communities. So the team began to pray. We prayed for God to rise up women who wanted to teach. We prayed for diversity in main stage speakers, worship leaders, small group guides, and the leadership team. We knew authentic community could not be forced. We also knew to pursue something as a half-heartedly goes against God’s design. We prayed and we waited. By the summer of 2017, God had illustrated the beauty of his Kingdom in the ministry. Worship bands were diverse in race, gender, style, and age. In the spring, we met Markel Creston, a young black man who had a passion for emerging generations, and a gift to teach. His theological and relational contributions to the One21 community are still being felt. Hannah, a One21 intern, emerged as a gifted and dynamic speaker over the summer season. The team has been transformed. Leading generations not only to “come” into this Kingdom, but to “come as you are” has created a community without Baby Boomer, Gen X, and Millennial labels. We have become a community filled with passionate leaders. We considered questions like “How often do we invite new people to join us?” and “How are we making it a priority to listen to those whose beliefs, lifestyle, race or gender is different than ours?” and the result is both in and out of One21, we can live as citizens in a multi-ethnic and multigenerational Kingdom.
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It is a beautiful day in Monterrey, Mexico. The atmosphere at the Back2Back Campus is busy, Hope Program students playing soccer on the field, staff members gathering for a recap of the day, and visiting mission guests finishing up dinner. The bustle of the campus is pierced with the sound of a ringing bell. Everyone stops, looking up to see who is celebrating. They know when the bell rings, it’s a story of hope. It could be a student graduating, celebrating years of perseverance and commitment. It might be a teen accepting Christ, with the people most important to him gathered. It might simply be a set goal accomplished, understood best by the one ringing the bell and those surrounding him. Whatever is being celebrated, the campus understands their role is to cheer alongside, lifting up the bell-ringer in prayer, reminding the celebrant and all who listen that life lived in community was always God’s design. Together they recognize success is possible with a team of support and love.
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"This year hasn’t just been about looking back, it’s also been a lot of looking forward. We are dreaming and hoping for the season of 20 going on 40." READ MORE FROM BETH GUCKENBERGER
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