A special message from our Program Directors in Mexico, Victor and Lety Velasco:
Hola and Feliz Navidad from Forward Edge and our program down here in Oaxaca, Mexico.
We want to tell you a story of the impact you’re making.
One of the first families to join our program 10 years ago was The Santiago Lugo family. The parents had little education, they were very poor, and all six children were going hungry.
We began to provide them all with nutritious food, doctor visits, safe water to drink, spiritual discipleship, and our daily homework club for the children.
We were also able to offer Berenice’s mother a job as a cook to provide more for the family, and help them get the very first earth-block home through our partner ministry Operation Enduring Homes.
Most importantly, they learned about Jesus, and we were so excited as the whole family decided to get baptized!
She is the first in their family to ever go to college!
We praise God for the miracles He has done for this family, and thank Him for people like you who’ve given generously to make it possible. There are many more families like them in Oaxaca and in other Forward Edge programs around the world who still need your help.
For example, we have three children right now hoping to go to university like Berenice, one being her younger sister Audre.
We want to leave you with a quote from a letter Berenice recently wrote:
“Thanks to each of those who made possible one of my biggest dreams, a university career. But I am blessed for the best gift anyone could have ever given me…to know God and my savior Jesus Christ.”
This is what success looks like!
Victor and Lety VelascoCountry Directors – Oaxaca, MexicoForward Edge International
Have you ever experienced an offer of generosity from a family member, friend, or acquaintance that was well-intentioned, but…misplaced? Perhaps a friend making you a meal you’re allergic to or a parent buying you a piece of furniture you have no room for. Of course you say thank you, but
Someone Thought of Me? Did you know that a simple note can change the trajectory of a child’s life? It’s true! For children living in poverty, life is challenging and filled with hardships. They may feel overlooked, forgotten, and alone. But when they receive a note, it shows that they
Bold Obedience In life, some moments stand out as divine interventions, where God’s hand is unmistakably at work. Mission trips are often such moments, where lives intersect with purpose, and hearts are transformed in ways beyond measure. Jilese’s recent journey to Oaxaca, Mexico, serves as a testament to this truth.
Most families living in extreme poverty have very little opportunity to grow economically. Even if the will and grit to persue entrepeneurship is there, the start-up funds are not. Micro-lending is an increasingly integral part of international community development. Individuals wanting to start a small business are able to borrow
14 yrs. old
Entered the program: September 2023
Leona lives with her mother and brother in a one-bedroom apartment that they own. The family lived for many years in a rented apartment but the owner was always threatening to evict them as they couldn’t pay the rent regularly. Leona’s uncles and some cousins gathered enough money together to buy them the apartment they’re in now. Leona’s mom sleeps in the kitchen and she and her brother share the bedroom.
Leona's parents are divorced. Her dad visits sometimes and tries to bring food to help out. Leona’s mom tries to make some money sewing traditional clothing in the summer when there are tourists. She receives government assistance but it doesn’t even cover the utilities; her siblings try to help with money for food and firewood, and hand-me-down clothes for Leona and her brother.
Leona's brother, Theo, is also in the Corner Stone program.
