Students International

As we move through 2024, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Men's Social Work ministry site led by Ge**er Lopez. Ge**er has been with SI for 8 years but he is now leading a brand new ministry site in Guatemala! This site is dedicated to serving those at risk, such as the elderly and individuals struggling with alcoholism. Through prayer, discipleship, and fellowship, we have the opportunity to present the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, offering dignity and reflecting the love of Christ in our actions. In addition, we are committed to equipping and encouraging pastors through regular breakfasts, where we challenge them to keep sharing God's word, foster unity, listen to their ministry experiences, and pray for their needs. We are also reaching out to government employees in the community, visiting them in their workplaces, praying with them, and sharing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

One story that stands out is that of Enriqueta and Teresa Motta, two sisters who regularly attend our weekly gatherings for the elderly at the municipal hall in Magdalena Milpas Altas. Enriqueta, who has embraced Jesus as her Savior, now seeks our prayers for herself and her family. Her faith has grown stronger with each discipleship meeting. Recently, she experienced a severe fall at home, which left her bedridden for two months. Thankfully, her health has improved, and I’ve been able to visit her at home and accompany her to the health center for checkups. Without a vehicle, her family faced challenges in transporting her, but this situation has provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate God's love and the plans He has for her life.

Her sister Teresa, while always smiling, has been more resistant to the gospel. However, through persistence and God's grace, she has become more open. She now welcomes me into her home in Buena Vista, where she lives with her family, and regularly asks for prayer. This has allowed me to share the love of Christ with her. Although deeply rooted in ancestral Catholic beliefs, Teresa is gradually drawing closer to knowing the Lord Jesus. We ask for your prayers as she journeys toward a true relationship with Christ.

There are countless other stories I could share—like Jorge, a former alcoholic who now has a job, or the police officer who, through tears, asked for prayer and counsel due to a difficult family situation. Or the elderly woman who needed surgery but has been healed by God and now faithfully attends our discipleship meetings. Even the participants from our various teams, who, through their work at the site, have discovered their true calling to social service and evangelism. May God continue to work through the Men's Social Work site, bringing transformation to the community of Magdalena.

| Health Care — Quinigua
Dominican Republic (Santiago) |

The health care site operates in a clinic that is located in the community of Quinigua. In addition to regularly scheduled medical clinics, the site also helps to educate people on healthcare, nutrition, baby care, personal hygiene, and other health related issues. Students can expect to participate and plan presentations alongside the site leader for the medical clinics. Students will also have many opportunities to experience the Dominican culture through home and community visits.

Join the by donating $10 to this site at https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f216

| Education — Tutoring Center - El Callejon
Dominican Republic (Jarabacoa) |

The Tutoring Center is located in El Callejón, a rural community on the outskirts of Jarabacoa. Our goal is to develop the literacy and math skills of students participating in the program. Children receive Bible instruction through different age-appropriate activities. Our hope is to see a generation that can read, understand, and share God's word with others. Participants can get involved in all the activities we develop: teaching, games and literacy activities, reading stories, making crafts, helping in the projects of the facilities and making visits to the families of the students to know their environment.

Join the by donating $10 to this site! Donate at https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f10

| Sports — Women's Health & Fitness
Costa Rica |

Participants in the Women's Health and Fitness site will help run a Women's "Boot-Camp" with ladies in the community of Los Guido. Grettel continues to build quality relationships with the women and families in the community through the Health and Fitness classes, lessons on nutrition, and weekly Bible studies. Participants will be asked to help and participate at the level with which they are comfortable. The main goal for participants is to be an encouragement, have fun, and hang out with the individuals that attend the site on a weekly basis.

To donate to this site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f224

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What year did you do the GB?
2020-2022

Where are you living? Are you in your “home” state or somewhere new?
Currently living in Indiana, but preparing to move to the Dominican Republic.

Married? Kids? What are you doing for work?
I am going to be the media site leader in Santiago, DR for Students International. I’m not married and don’t have kids.

What was the highlight of the GB for you?
The highlight of my Global Bridge experience for me was the community. With the national community members as well as with other Students International staff, interns, and students. God has brought an amazing group of people together in the communities we work in! His love is evident everywhere you look.

How has the GB experience impacted your life?

The Global Bridge program has impacted my life in countless ways. It’s helped me grow as a person and helped me deepen my relationship with Christ. It’s also helped me discover God’s calling for my life!

| Physical Therapy
Nicaragua |

Jaeline and Paul are happy to be serving the communities of Masaya, Nicaragua through physical therapy. They strive to not only help their patients physically but also spiritually, emotionally, and socially. For this reason, they have other activities outside of the clinic, such as aquatic therapy, pilates group for women, and excursions. Each activity starts with a short Bible study to encourage community members in the different areas of their lives.

To donate to this site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f222

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| Physical Therapy
Guatemala |

The Physical Therapy site is committed to connecting with the community through activities that enhance physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being, with the aim of discovering the gospel and life purpose. This is achieved through group exercises, personalized patient care, educational sessions emphasizing the importance of physical activity, and home visits. Our dedication extends to providing professional services at a low cost, aiming to raise awareness within the community about the numerous benefits associated with regular physical activity.

To donate to this site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f243

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| Health Care — Cienfuegos
Dominican Republic (Santiago) |

The health care site operates in a clinic that is in the barrio of Cienfuegos. In addition to regularly scheduled medical clinics, the site also helps to educate people on healthcare, nutrition, baby care, personal hygiene, and other health related issues. Students can expect to participate and plan presentations alongside the site leader for the medical clinics. Students will also have many opportunities to experience the Dominican culture through home and community visits.

To donate to this site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f172

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What year did you do the GB?
2018-2020

Where are you living? Are you in your “home” state or somewhere new?
Texas, Home State

Married? Kids? What are you doing for work?
Working, Bank Analyst

What was the highlight of the GB for you?
Multiple impactful relationships I still have today.

How has the GB experience impacted your life?
Given me skills that I could not have grown without growing in God and with the community Global Bridge and The Dominican Republic gave me.

Hi, my name is Mikayla. This is my second year here in the DR, and I was at La Joya Women’s Social Work. I will start by reading a verse from 1 John 1:7: "But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."

I feel this verse connects a lot with some of the lessons I learned at La Joya. Coming into La Joya, I wasn’t really sure what my purpose would be there. I was younger, so I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in with the older women there. But little did I know, Daisy and God had a very special plan.

On the second day I was there, Daisy asked me to help a young boy named Juan learn how to read. Truth be told, I was terrified because I am not qualified to teach someone how to read, and while I know some Spanish, it's definitely not enough to teach someone. But immediately, I saw the Lord pour out through both of us. Even with the language barrier, we were connecting in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without the Lord. Each new day, Juan became better at reading, and our connection grew deeper. Through this, I learned a very important lesson: even though I am a broken and sinful person who doesn’t have all the tools, as long as I have a willing and servant's heart, God can and will equip me with all the tools necessary to bring his kingdom here and share the gospel.

I also learned how God often shows up in the little moments. From playing with little kids on their patio to making shadow puppets on a projector screen, God showed me you don’t have to use big words or actions to show His love. It is an everyday surrender to him and an everyday goal to put others before yourself.

Lastly, I learned my most important lesson from my site leaders, Daisy and Noella. These two women are the most God-fearing and humble women I have ever encountered. They taught me how to surrender and study the word of Christ thoroughly and how to be intentional with each person I meet so that the gospel of Christ touches them.

Just remember, you don’t have to be the biggest or most knowledgeable person—just have a willing and humble heart that is ready to listen.

| Education Mata Gorda - Jarabacoa |

Students International preschool at Mata Gorda is located in a poor farming community with a beautiful view of the mountains. Generations of families without a relationship with God have produced drug and alcohol problems and fractured family structures. Our school exists to help shape the next generation of families by providing education and the knowledge of who God is. Our teachers focus on creating an environment that encourages learning, and sharing the truth of God’s word to the kids at a young age. Participants help with daily school activities as well as tutoring in the afternoons.

Join the by donating $10 to this site at https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f23

| Sports and Recreation - Costa Rica |

The Sports and Recreation ministry in Costa Rica works with children and youth in Los Guido. This site incorporates a variety of recreational activities with the goal of teaching and mentoring, and ultimately seeing the lives of young people changed for Christ. The most popular sport is soccer, but we also integrate everything from team handball, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and general fitness to Ping-Pong! Outreach participants will build relationships while playing sports, assisting in coaching exercises, and participating in devotionals with the various groups of children and youth.

To donate to this site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f116

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| Healthcare - Nicaragua |

Dr. Celia serves patients at the clinic in the S.I. ministry center, El Faro. We work primarily with support groups for chronic patients and offer open consultation hours once a week. We run a nutrition group for malnourished and undernourished children. Home visits are a staple and we will be starting women’s health education soon as well. There is time spent addressing physical needs and also the emotional and spiritual needs of many.

To donate to this site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f136

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What year did you do the GB?
2021-2023

Where are you living? Are you in your “home” state or somewhere new?
I am in my home state living with my parents.

Married? Kids? What are you doing for work?
I currently work at a pregnancy center as the Clients Services Intern.

What was the highlight of the GB for you?
Working with Dominican missionaries and traveling to new places

How has the GB experience impacted your life?
I have grown in my faith and developed a new perspective on God and the world, I can now communicate in Spanish, and I have lasting friendships with people who can relate to me like no one else can.

Here’s what has happened in Santiago in the last month and what’s to come!

We are thrilled to share with you the latest developments in our base to better manage resources and make a positive impact in our community.

Firstly, we would like to express our gratitude to all of our donors and volunteers who have continued to support us. Your generosity and dedication have allowed us to keep our sites running smoothly and effectively.

In terms of our recent activities, we have successfully installed a solar panel system, which will allow us to save approximately 700 USD per month in our base electricity bill.

We are also excited to announce that we will be hosting a pregnancy prevention camp for girls and adolescents in the fall. This event is a fun and interactive way to start a mentoring program.

In that order women of our staff have begun training in the areas of psychology and mentoring. This training has been a great blessing for our staff with valuable knowledge both to apply with their interpersonal relationships and with the girls of our community who will attend this camp.

What year did you do the Global Bridge?
2020-2022

Where are you living? Are you in your “home” state or somewhere new?
I am currently in Jarabacoa as a summer intern. This fall, I’ll be going to Grand Canyon University to finish my elementary education degree.

Married? Kids? What are you doing for work?
I have worked at a public elementary school for the past two years. I was an ESL paraprofessional working primarily with Spanish-speaking students.

What was the highlight of the GB for you?
Learning Spanish and growing in my relationship with the Lord in community.

How has the GB experience impacted your life?
It completely changed my life! God really opened my eyes to His global church, how to serve the poor, & deepened my desire to live missions out in my everyday life.

Last August, I got to know Katherine, a 27-year-old participant in our cooking course. She shared her struggles with depression during a home visit. The root cause? A diagnosis of polycystic ovaries, hindering her dreams of motherhood. She also opened up about her challenging relationship with her mother, who had left when Katherine and her sister were still teenagers, leaving them without parental guidance. We offered her our prayers and support. Noticing that Katherine was married, I invited her and her husband to join my church's small group for married couples. They graciously accepted and started attending church, eventually welcoming Jesus into their lives.

Gabriela, Katherine's sister, was another member of our cooking course. Her past was marked by familial turmoil and struggles. Initially, she refused to join my marriage group due to her partner's Jehovah's witness faith. However, after attending church services with Katherine, she too embraced Jesus. We maintain regular contact and last December, the sisters, along with their mother who journeyed from Nicaragua, attended a women's retreat at our church. It was a time of healing, demonstrating God's ongoing work in restoring their relationships.

In a heartwarming twist, Katherine became pregnant a few months after praying for a miracle. Her and her husband's commitment to the church and our small group has grown, their faith shining brighter each day. In line with our mission to support personal growth, we taught Katherine baking, which inspired her to start selling her own cakes and desserts, allowing her to express her passion and strengthen her ties with our community.

No longer alone, she now walks hand-in-hand with her partner to church, a testament to their shared faith. They're also part of our intimate marital group, fostering connections and growing together. But there's more! Inspired by newfound dreams, Gabriela has reignited her academic passion and returned to college.

We celebrate the progress of both Gabriela and Katherine's families, heartened by their stories of hope and resilience.

| Microfinance Guatemala |

Our Microfinance Ministry is dedicated to fostering local economic development by offering financial education and access to credit for aspiring entrepreneurs and skilled professionals seeking to establish businesses. Beyond financial support, our aim is to facilitate spiritual growth through discipleship, Bible studies, and outreach efforts, including home and business visits to share the gospel with beneficiaries in Magdalena Milpas Altas and neighboring areas. Participants actively are involved in the businesses supported by our microfinance site, leveraging their financial knowledge and digital skills. They contribute ideas for new ventures, propose innovative strategies for existing businesses, conduct research, analyze socioeconomic factors, and formulate proposals, among other activities. Together, we strive to empower individuals not only economically but also spiritually, fostering holistic growth and transformation within our community.

To donate to this site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f100

| Education — Tutoring and Music Education
Dominican Republic (Santiago) |

The purpose of the Tutoring site is to develop students' literacy and math skills in the program. Children receive Bible instruction through different age-appropriate activities. Our hope is to see a generation that can read, understand, and share God's word with others. Participants can get involved in all the activities we develop: teaching, games and literacy activities, reading stories, making crafts, helping in the projects of the facilities, and visiting the students' families to know their environment.

To donate to this ministry site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f248

| Education — Los Higos
Dominican Republic (Jarabacoa) |

The preschool in Los Higos is located in a small farming village in a mountainous community just outside of Jarabacoa. Kids in this school are taught basic educational skills and our staff have the opportunity to begin planting the seeds of the gospel in the students lives. In the afternoons the teachers also offer English,music classes to a variety of ages. Participants assist the teachers in daily activities including classes, tutoring, and visiting with local families.

To donate to this ministry site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f107

What year did you do the GB?
2022-2023

Where are you living? Are you in your “home” state or somewhere new?
California

Married? Kids? What are you doing for work?
Continuing with the GB Advanced in Guatemala this coming fall

What was the highlight of the GB for you?
Making a community of lifelong friends, and knowing God more through the blessings and the challenges

How has the GB experience impacted your life?
It has affirmed my calling to ministry and has changed my perspective on ministry; that it is all about relationships and it is everywhere. It has also helped me know God in a whole new way and see His heart for the impoverished.

Imagine the journey of David Luna, a 40-year-old entrepreneur visiting our Physical Therapy Site weekly for five months. His battle isn't just with Plantar Fasciitis. David's narrative extends beyond physical discomfort, painting a picture of resilience as he confronts personal loss, family health issues, and professional obstacles.

David's journey at the Physical therapy Site is a tale of tranquility amidst chaos. His gratitude towards the Lord for bringing such committed and empathetic professionals into his life is heartwarming. The site pulsates with a unique spirit of love and passion, personified in the faces of the participants and Gaby. It's a sanctuary where music and harmony aren't just sounds but the essence of the atmosphere. David's experiences, from bearing the weight of his struggles to finding revival in the touch of the Holy Spirit, illustrate the transformative power of the therapy.

David's journey to improved health has been remarkable, thanks to the Physical therapy Site. He's seen notable progress in his condition since he began his therapy. He expresses his gratitude, acknowledging how other similar services can be pricey and distant. This site has been nothing short of a miracle for David and his community, making necessary therapy accessible and affordable.

| Education — Tutoring Center Costa Rica |

Children come to receive help with their homework and to study for exams at the Tutoring Center, located in the community of Los Guido. In addition to homework help, kids can come for art classes, baking, library time, and a discipleship time for 4th-6th grade boys and girls. Woven into the make up of the Tutoring Center is a strong desire to teach kids that God has dreams and good plans for their lives. Outreach participants will assist in all of the activities of the Center. They will have opportunities to work with school age children to develop their learning abilities and their knowledge of God. They will demonstrate Christ’s love by their patience and attentiveness.

To donate to this site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f109

| Girls Club - Guatemala |

The Girls Club site is dedicated to working with teenage girls and young single mothers in Magdalena, El Gorrión, and San Miguel. Our program provides a range of beauty and macramé classes, equipping girls with practical skills while also sharing the transformative message of the Gospel. Our goal is to nurture confidence in the girls, helping them embrace their identity as crafted by God, and fostering growth in wisdom and maturity. At this site, the Girls Club operates weekly, welcoming school-aged girls from the community to engage in devotions, games, crafts, and community-building activities.

To donate to this site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f0

| Education - Nicaragua |

We currently offer tutoring in two communities at our ministry center, El Faro. We are trying to help elementary age children master basic tasks such as reading and math. We also serve as a resource to the local school in providing follow up with the children and finding ways to be helpful at the school. During the activities time we share bible stories and crafts that reinforce both biblical and academic principles. Through the academic interaction we are able to visit the children in their homes and establish relationships with their parents in order to share the gospel at every level.

To donate to this ministry site, visit https://stint.com/donate5/donation/?id=f165

What year did you do the GB?
2015

Where are you living? Are you in your “home” state or somewhere new?
I moved from California to Arizona back in 2017 and have stayed out here ever since.

Married? Kids? What are you doing for work?
I just got married this year and am loving every second of married life! I work for a non-profit network of charter schools as a Development Officer of Events.

What was the highlight of the GB for you?
Looking back, I can’t just pick one highlight. But I am very grateful for the opportunity to have learned another language, build relationships, and grow as a young adult and Christian. Also, sleeping on an active volcano is still one of my “Two-truths-and-a-lie”. There are so many more memories and highlights I have but these are the most impactful.

How has the GB experience impacted your life?
Living in another culture, getting outside of my comfort zone and embracing the difficulties of communication while learning how to be an adult was priceless. I wouldn’t change my Global Bridge experience for anything!

She’s 5, I imagine her sitting at their kitchen table with a braid in her dark hair, eating beans and eggs for breakfast - her mom praying over her before she sends her off to kindergarten. Her deep brown eyes are filled with hope and anticipation as she thinks about what it will be like to start school. I suppose her dad has already left the house to go work at his job on the coffee plantation or possibly the brussel sprout farm. He’s up before the sun, doing all he can to provide for his little family and ailing, aging parents, who also share a home with them. The anticipation of finally starting school is really amazing because a few months ago, they weren’t sure how they were going to be able to send her - with no money for required uniforms and school supplies, but Students International let them know that her school expenses had been covered indefinitely and her education would be provided for.

2000 miles away… she’s 4, sitting at the kitchen barstool, with two french braids in her sun bleached hair from a summer of outdoor fun, eating her waffles, eggs and fruit - her mom praying over her as she starts pre-k, the longest days they’ve ever been apart. Her light brown eyes are filled with excitement as she has been looking forward to having this teacher and testing out her independence at the little preschool she’s attended the last few years. Her dad is leaving for work soon and kisses all his girls on the forehead and tells them he’ll pray for their day and that he can’t wait to see them that night. Her education options are many and her parents continue to pray for wisdom for where to send her to school, something they take for granted.

“Mom, when can we go meet her? I really think we would be friends.” My 10 year old and I sit in the kitchen with her sister after breakfast reading a letter that just came in the mail. We read about a little sister and how science is her favorite subject in school. She asks for prayers for her grandpa who is sick and talks about how her parents are her biggest supporters.

I wonder at how these are the same things my daughter would write back a few days later - that she too loves animals and science, that she has a little sister and that her parents are her biggest fans. She’s been praying for grandpa who had a surgery and says she knows what it feels like to worry about him when he’s not feeling good.

Since my oldest daughter was 4 - that little girl with french braids eating waffles - we have been sending $36 a month to Guatemala to help a girl named Sheni with her education. For six years, we’ve been talking about and praying for a girl in Guatemala, just one year older than my daughter. For six years, we’ve been getting consistent letters and updated pictures of her. In our house, our conversation has started to shift from things like, “She lives so far away, I wonder what her life is like,” to things like, “I would really love to meet her and see where she lives. I want to be her friend in real life.” These are conversations we always knew were coming and meeting her is something we’ve had planned all along. This is one of the reasons we chose to sponsor a child with Students International where we knew we could build a real relationship with her that would eventually make it possible to meet her. We weren’t sure when our kids would start asking, nor when we’d have the time and means to take them to Guatemala, but we’ve known since the day we started sponsoring her that this was our desire.

We took a step of faith last month and put a trip on the calendar for next summer. At that point, our kids will be 11 and almost 9 and Sheni will be 12. After 7 years, the girls will finally get to meet. We’ve cleared the calendar and started brainstorming fundraising ideas. Last summer, we went to the DR to serve as a family and while that experience was so great for all of us, there’s bound to be something special about the 7-year anticipation of a meeting. The small donation we make each month seems the tiniest sacrifice for the benefit of knowing we can help lift the burden for Sheni’s family, but also knowing the benefit our kids will get from a cross-cultural friendship and making a true connection with a girl I’m confident they’ll find is not so different from them.

Isn’t that how it works when we decide to engage in relationships out of our comfort zone? When we are uncomfortable, we grow. There’s always a risk and the discomfort that comes with the unknown, but in our experience, cross-cultural relationships and the richness they bring to our lives are worth the sacrifice. I truly better understand the heart of God, his design in creation and his desire for unity because of the friendship I have with my cross-cultural colleagues through SI. It continually helps me fight against my biases and cultural norms. It gives me perspective on someone else’s life and gives us the language of, “it’s not wrong, it’s just different.” It’s enriched my life to have friends who speak different languages and live in different countries. Personally, growing up in a cross-cultural community had many benefits on my understanding of the world, second language learners and a whole other way of life. Unfortunately for my kids, they aren’t growing up with that same experience, so I see it as our job to give our kids that gift - the gift of seeing more clearly a God who speaks all languages and crosses all borders. He’s a God whose love for us is the same as his love for our brothers and sisters in other cultures and if we claim to believe in the beautiful, sacrificial, powerful life of Jesus, then it’s our job to live as people who break down language barriers and seek to understand one another.

Our prayer is that through our continued “yes”, God would give our kids compassionate, humble hearts on fire for HIS kingdom and his big world, not just their limited world. I will always be grateful for the opportunities provided by Students International to help fortify cross-cultural relationships. Be on the lookout for some happy girls next summer when they finally get to meet their Guatemalan friend. Until then - keep finding ways to seek growth over comfort and seek Jesus above all else.