Ileana has been in our Nicaragua children’s program for the last eight years. Our team has poured into her heart, spirit, and education, and she has blossomed into a beautiful young woman of God. Her life hasn’t been easy, but as you’ll read in her letter, she has learned to depend on Christ for her strength.
Our ultimate goal for all the children and adults impacted by our programs is that they learn their true worth and God-given purpose, and we love seeing how God has faithfully done that in Ileana’s life.
Hello to all the members of the Forward Edge Office!
The reason for my little letter is to thank each of you for allowing me to be accepted into the Villa program. Remembering a few years ago, my first days at the Villa were wonderful because the Villa was a huge paradise and full of great joy and happiness. I remember how my heart had come to the Villa full of pride, selfishness and fear, and even full of violence, and of wanting things for myself. But little by little, God was changing my life and shaping my heart according to His purpose. It was a painful process because I was already used to living that way. And when I agreed to change, I felt like I was taking nails out of my heart, and they were hurting me. But as time went on, it was the opposite of what I thought. It was God, through people, who was transforming heart. The Villa and you have been a precious gift from Jesus. So, thank you very much for your great work in my life.
My life changed resoundingly when I accepted Christ as my only lord and Savior, and He formed much of that beautiful process. My heart was insatiable before, but now it celebrates God’s grace and mercy in my life. Members of Forward Edge, thank you for making me a different girl full of great humility and love for the service of others. Thank you for the efforts you have made in my life, for my educational and spiritual development. Today, I am a great intensive care nurse and I thank God and each of you for your efforts.
Well, currently I have decided to leave the Villa program. It is sad for me, but I am going out freely and with great gratitude for all that the Villa and you saw in my life and in my family. With this act of leaving, I want to give opportunity to another girl who wants to be part of the Villa and wants God to work in her life as He did with me. God has done His work in my life; now it is my turn to do my part and move on. But one thing I am sure of is that I desire to follow the path of Jesus and I hope one day to be together celebrating a huge feast together with the great Creator.
I love you very much and this is not a goodbye, but a see you soon. My heart is happy because I know that you are angels to this world and God has put you in a very special place. I will always be praying for the ministry and you. Thank you for your friendship and the nice connection.
– Ileana
I leave this as part of what the Villa taught me:
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” –Micah 6:8
“Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” -John 7:39
The Verge is a caring and committed group of monthly givers pushing past the barriers of poverty to bring transformation to suffering children and communities around the world. It’s people like you, giving anything they can to prove that the Gospel + practical help can break the cycle of poverty, one person at a time.
Discover the heart behind every word of Forward Edge’s mission and vision. Learn how each phrase points to God’s call, guides our work around the world, and reflects our commitment to transforming lives through Christ-centered, holistic care.
2025 was filled with moments that reminded us why every story matters. From clean water in Uganda to a young woman’s graduation in Mexico, each glimpse reflects the hope God is building through our Forward Edge Family. Read on for just a few of the lives changed this year—thanks to your faithful support and partnership.
This blog is a part of an ongoing series on Forward Edge’s Pearl Partners. Check out our highlights on Cuba and Haiti and enjoy this interview with Jane Wathagana. 20 years ago, Jane Wathagana was a successful businesswoman in Kenya, the Director of Animal World Safaris and Elangata Luxury
“Don’t worry Mum, keep trusting in God. Who knows? Maybe next month we’ll be in our own home.” Joseph fervently prayed for God to provide a new home for his family, and encouraged his mother, Alice, to keep faith. A Dirt Floor for a Bed In a humble home in
5 yrs. old
Entered the program: May 2025
Melanie lives with her mother, great grandmother and little sister in a two-bedroom house made of stone. The home has electrical lighting and water is fetched from their well and is boiled for drinking. The family has an outdoor kitchen and use firewood for cooking; they also have a bathroom facility that is in good condition.
Melanie’s mother is in her 20’s and became an orphan at an early age after the death of her parents. She was infected with HIV from birth and her grandmother raised her. Melanie’s mother is unemployed and is a single parent; she struggles to provide for her children and to care for her grandmother who is now declining.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
