Adriana and Itzel both grew up with difficult home lives but everything changed for them when they joined Trigo y Miel, Forward Edge’s program in Oaxaca, Mexico. As children, they didn’t have many material possessions, but because of the program they were privileged to hear about God’s love regularly. They also were given the opportunity to graduate high school and attend college. All while receiving letters of encouragement from their sponsors, reminding them of their value and God’s amazing plan for them. In short, they received the three elements of all Forward Edge programs that directly contribute to transforming the lives and futures of children.
Ever since she was little, Adriana had a very difficult life. Her father died in an accident when she was 7 years old, and she quickly became the caretaker for her sister and soon after another baby sister. Her mother was unable to care for them as she battled depression and was looking for a job.
At age 10, Adriana’s mom left a toxic relationship with a man, and the family moved to the community where Trigo y Miel is located. Here Adriana heard about God and began attending the youth meetings. She and her mother later accepted Jesus as their Savior!
She will begin college this August, and is the first woman in her family to study for a degree. She is planning to get her Bachelors of Education in hopes of becoming a teacher. “I want to be an example for my younger sisters,” Adriana explains. “That inspires me. In Trigo y Miel, Pastor Victor and Lety inspire me to succeed in my life.”
Itzel has been a part of the Trigo y Miel program for a long time. Her family used to live in a rented two-room house with an outdoor kitchen and bathroom, but thanks to Operation Enduring Homes (a ministry of Forward Edge), they now have their own home with indoor plumbing and running water.
Itzel’s father is a school teacher in a small village, and is often gone for weeks at a time. He has children from a previous relationship and half of his salary goes to support them. Itzel misses having him around.
She went through the scholarship program, and while there, received Jesus as her Savior and was baptized! She now attends the weekly discipleship program and is in her last semester of college studying to receive her Bachelors of Education.
Despite the hardships Adriana and Itzel have faced, it’s remarkable to see the joy they have as they serve and give back to their community. After being discipled and invested in, they now choose to be active and engaged in the community that poured so much into them.
Currently, Adriana is helping the Child Sponsorship Coordinator, Raquel, with her duties. They help the children write letters, update photos, complete assessments, and much more. Raquel shared, “Adriana is a very hard working girl. She is very responsible and tries to get things done she needs to do. Her help has been very good to me as she is very dedicated to getting the job done.”
Itzel is now a 1st grade teacher. The Director of Siloé School, Julian, shared: “She has had quite significant achievements as a teacher, as she has managed to get all her students to learn to read and write. Itzel not only teaches reading and writing, as a teacher she teaches all subjects, such as Spanish, Mathematics, Science and Values. Itzel can understand firsthand the importance of education for the children of Trigo y Miel and how it transforms people’s lives.”
What a delight to see these girls who were once in the sponsorship program now working at the program in different capacities. Having their lives changed by three important elements of Forward Edge programs—exposure to God’s love, education, and the support and encouragement of sponsors—they now want to equip and enrich the lives of those around them.
In what ways have our lives been transformed by God? How might He be calling us to invest back into the lives of others?
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sheri Stanley, our Director of Operations & Mobilization, to hear her Forward Edge Story. While what we spoke about was only a fraction of God’s incredible works in her life, these significant moments were an inspiration to me, and I hope they
One of Forward Edge’s most dearly held values is the importance of relationships. And what better way has God given us to bond with others than over a table of good food. Culture is often shared through food. Sharing meals isn’t just about filling our stomachs—it’s about connection over stories,
Many of us have seen profile photos of children in sponsorship programs; they are often solemn, sad and sometimes down-right angry looking. I know I have thought at times, “Wow, that poor child must be so unhappy!” But then I come across a video from the same organization in which
Villa Esperanza, Managua, Nicaragua My name is Medardo Sánchez. I am 19 years old and I am currently in the 4th year of high school. I want to tell you that before I met Village of Hope, I was thirteen years old and studying third grade of primary school. If
13 yrs. old
Entered the Program: February 2025
Jonathan lives with his adopted parents, sister, Jhade, and brother, Caleb (both also in the program) in a one-room adobe house with a tin roof, and concrete and dirt floors. The family shares a bedroom, except for Jonathan, who has his own, separate from the house. They cook with wood and get water from a hose on their property. The bathroom facilities are outdoors.
Jonathan is his adopted father, Santiago’s, nephew. Jonathan’s biological father abandoned the family when he was 5 years old. His mother remarried but his stepfather is abusive and Jonathan kept showing up at his uncle’s door crying and afraid to go home. Jonathan’s uncle and aunt took the matter to the village officials and they agreed to allow the family to adopt him.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
