Back2Back 2014 Fall Magazine

FALL/WINTER 2014 Volume 20

Care for today.

Hope for tomorrow.

LETTER from the Director children and came back changed. We are excited to share about the first lady of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, who visited the Monterrey campus to learn about how Back2Back is seeing success in the student’s lives (page 19). We pray that visit will multiply our efforts in the region.

by Todd Guckenberger, Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries

God is showing off His love for the fatherless, and it’s my privilege to cast the attention back onto Him.

Hallelujah! We hear this word spoken in every country Back2Back serves. It is a response to being encouraged by what God is doing in each site and through His people. Recently, through the story of Gideon, I was reminded how much God wants to show off. Gideon had an army of thousands to defeat the Midianites, but God asked Gideon to reduce the number to 300 men. He wanted to create a scenario where in victory only one would get the credit. The more I see God’s hand for the orphan around the world, the more I long for Him to be the only one who gets credit. We’ll be sharing some amazing stories in this magazine, but don’t for a minute assign glory to anyone else but Him. In the India Hope Program Home dedication message, I shared with the children, “Back2Back did not provide this home. Your caregivers did not provide this home. A donor did not provide this home. God alone is responsible for providing you with this home.” Read more about the development of Back2Back’s new campus in India on page 11.

In this issue, you will read how God has intervened on behalf of Back2Back staff, mission team guests, and advocates. On page 7, you will learn how Hope Education Program students from Monterrey traveled to Haiti to serve orphans and vulnerable

ON THE COVER

There are accounts of staff-initiated programs such as ‘Children and Families in Transition’ in Cancun, where we are working to see children re-unified with parents, who are training to once again care for their children. You will see how programs precede bricks and mortar and in the Cancun Community Center, although still under construction, we are hosting children’s programs for more than 50 children (page 13).

On page 15, learn how our passionate staff are engaging volunteers in Mazatlan to execute individual education plans, determining appropriate academic tracks for each child. There are now professional psychologists in Nigeria helping staff identify emotional needs of the children. The national team in Nigeria is making a difference (page 20).

We are elated to share about Back2Back’s new partnership in Haiti with Harvest Care Children’s Home and the impact on the children’s lives (page 9).

We place a high value on the power of students ministering to students. On page 27, learn how One21 works locally and internationally to serve the marginalized child.

There is a lot to catch up on. God is showing off His love for the fatherless, and it’s my privilege to cast the attention back onto Him.

Learn more about Luckson who has lived at Harvest Care Children’s Home in Haiti since he was three. back2back.exposure.co/meet-luckson

21 VISION We desire for every orphan and vulnerable child to have the opportunity for success through “care for today and hope for tomorrow�. The goal is that each child would experience restoration to a life of purpose in which they can become fulfilled and mature Christian adults.

MISSION

23

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

7

needs that they may overcome their life circumstances and break free from the cycle of generational poverty.

15

11

Quality logo here

We would like to thank Quality Printing for partnering with Back2Back by offering us high-quality printing. This partnership has been a tremendous blessing to the ministry allowing us to expand our communications. Thank you to Quality Printing for this generous gift.

Todayis A new Day Before I could stop myself, I ask, “I have to know, why are you smiling so much today?�

7

14

by Beth Guckenberger, Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries

This past spring, our family spent time in Nigeria, visiting the children Back2Back serves. There are many highlights from that trip, but one is meeting Barnabus on his first day in a children’s home.

Barnabus is an adolescent whose parents’ beliefs caused them to identify him as cursed. It could be for a variety of reasons (an animal died in his care, everyone in the family got sick except him, etc.), but as a result, they expelled him from the village and went as far as burying him alive.

Someone stumbled upon the shallow grave and realizing he was alive, called an ambulance. He spent months in the hospital, healing from many wounds inflicted upon him. Eventually a social worker brought him to Destiny Children’s Home where we, as a team, were working. I wrote about Barnabus (who I gave the pseudonym Moses) in my latest book, Tales of the Ones He Won’t Let Go. Here is an excerpt of my encounter with him.

Finally, the day arrives. Moses is checked out of the hospital, then Patience (his social worker), Moses and a driver climb into a government transport car. He has already said good-bye to the doctors, his favorite nurses and some of the patients he has gotten to know. Most didn’t know what to say, knowing he is heading to an orphanage, so they mumble how glad they are he is feeling healthy. He senses their sadness and forces himself to think positively.

“It’ll be ok. Don’t worry about me,” he assures everyone around him.

An hour later, they pull into the orphanage and immediately he notices there is a team of white people working on the building.

Moses doesn’t know what to think about that. He hasn’t ever seen a white person, except for a doctor once at the hospital.

He also notices kids in the yard and colorful signs on the wall outside and on the front porch where many were seated reading books.There is a lot to take in.

Moses stands next to Deborah. Sandra, the director of the home, approaches the car, and after learning who they are, she immediately reaches out to give him a hug. Moses relaxes when she embraces him. He realizes it’s been months since he’s had a real hug. He breaks into a smile and hugs her back. After Deborah and Sandra talk for a moment, Sandra invites Deborah into the office to do some paperwork.

“But, give me a minute, Deborah, will you? Let me show Moses around,” Sandra puts her arm protectively on Moses’ shoulder and walks him around the yard where kids are playing and people are working.

“Here is where we eat,” she point into a dining room area, complete with several long tables and benches. “Here is where we do homework…” She nods her head into a room lined with books. He is listening to her words, but was hearing something else. While her words were saying “This is going to be your bed” or “Here is where you keep your clothes,” he heard instead,

“You are welcome.”

“I see you.”

“I am glad you are here.”

Moses ventures out into the yard and picks up a ball. He looks around and sees one of the boys looking straight at him. He kicks the ball, and his new friend returns it.They play for a while, and I watch them from afar.

I had just heard from Sandra a bit about Moses’ story. I watch him, and I am curious why he is smiling so much. I have seen many young men dropped off at children’s homes in my lifetime and never have I seen what I am looking at now. He is engaged and engaging. He is smiling and now talking. I sit down against a wall to observe him.

Finally, he tires of passing the ball and comes over to where I am doing crafts with children. I speak slowly to him in English, curious if he knows any of that language.

Giggling, he responds back to me with fluid English (I later find out he learned in school), and I pass him a sticker book.

We speak about the images on the page and the markers he wants me to pass him. I confirm his name, and then he catches my eye and smiles.

Before I could stop myself, I ask, “Moses, I have to know, why are you smiling so much today?”

He lifts his marker off the page and closes his eyes, then opens them and settles on my face.

“I am smiling because today is a new day.”

Months have passed since I met Moses. I have corresponded with Sandra and asked her how he is doing. She told me he is learning about Jesus, and although he doesn’t know Him yet, he is curious about a God who literally lifted him up from a grave.

Will you join me in praying for children who face unspeakable pain and are curious about a God who sees them?

4

alternatives in orphan Care The question most asked in the international orphan care arena:

What is the best way to care for an orphaned and vulnerable child?

by Todd Guckenberger, Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries

When confronted with a choice to stay with an impoverished parent or move into an orphanage, every child Back2Back serves would choose to remain at home with their parent. However, many parents facing poverty would choose for their child to remain in an orphanage where there are enough resources to provide for their basic needs.The struggles impoverished families face can seem insurmountable. Many situations are not simply about poverty but are rather the result of addiction, neglect and abuse, adding complexity to the situation.

As a result, many orphaned and vulnerable children internationally are also victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment.

The question most asked in the international orphan care arena: What is the best way to care for an orphaned and vulnerable child? Commonly, most experts agree the ultimate goal for a child is to have a family and a sense of permanency, safety and an environment in which they thrive, as a lack of

God is working in beautifully powerful ways in

permanency can significantly delay child development. In a traditional story line,

Cancun, Mexico. In May 2013, Aurora, age 12, and

a child’s sense of permanency is fostered by living with one’s family of origin.

Elisa, age, 10, came to live at the San Jose Children’s

In the children’s homes, where Back2Back serves the majority of the time, we strive to deinstitutionalize and create a more “family-like” environment, where the individual needs of a child are identified and specifically addressed.

Additionally, through Back2Back’s Hope Education Program, now no longer

Home. Their mom, Wendi, had been struggling with depression and alcoholism.

Wendi recognized she was no longer able to provide a safe, loving home for her girls, so she brought them

only in Monterrey, orphaned and vulnerable children have the opportunity to

to San Jose. Over the past year, a combination of

live in a family setting and receive emotional and social help to address the

therapy, parenting classes, and job searching has

trauma they have experienced.

brought Wendi to a place where she can once again care for Aurora and Elisa. During a visit to Wendi’s

Additionally, Back2Back initiated and worked collaboratively with the Mexican government to legalize a faith-based foster care program in Mexico. In some scenarios, extended family can take care of the children. In other situations, Back2Back has watched children become grafted into new families through adoption, both locally and internationally. And in some cases, children can be reconciled with their family of origin.

home in early summer, my co-worker and I were talking with the girls’ mom. We asked if there was anything we could do to help with their transition home. Something hanging on the wall caught my eye, and I was touched beyond words to see two pictures of Aurora and Elisa with their sponsors adorning the

Our goal is to determine what is best for each individual child. Back2Back

walls of Wendi’s home. Wendi shared she prays for the

is developing alternatives, which offers a step toward permanency for each

sponsors each night. She is so thankful for the loving

individual situation. However, it is critical to always ask, what is best and what is

care the sponsors have given her children.

possible for the individual child.

After just over a year at San Jose, the girls returned

Recently, in Cancun, Anna Conrad developed a program called “Parents and

home in July. We are so thankful to be a part of the

Families in Transition”, designed to support and equip parents of children living

reunification process, as this is an overarching goal

in orphanages. Through training and ongoing support, several children have

of Back2Back’s work with orphans and vulnerable

been able to safely return to their homes to live with their parents. Back2Back

children. God is at work redeeming His children in

Cancun staff social worker, Sarah Nace, who has helped with the reunification

inconceivable ways – He is truly extraordinary.

process, shares about two little girls who transitioned home.

6

A Testimony for Generations to Come

by Priscila Salazar, Back2Back Monterrey, Mexico

A few months ago, I returned from Back2Back’s Haiti site after having led two mission trips there with the Hope Education Program students from Monterrey, Mexico. After a year and a half of fundraising and selling smoothies to the mission teams, they had earned the money required to make the journey. It was so special seeing each one of them have their own encounter with God, from the decision to go, and the faith required in the process, to the week they spent there confronting their own pasts.

It was a powerful experience for each of them to invest in the children of Port-au-Prince. Once we arrived, there was a specific focus in not just addressing the pain of their past (which came up), but choosing to live each of our days there in the holiness of the present. There are many stories I could share, and I feel so privileged to have eye-witnessed each of them, but there’s one very special encounter that greatly touched my heart.

This particular hot, hot day, we were working on building a bridge for the school-aged children in the community. I was taking a quick water break when I was joined by one of the Hope Program students who also needed to rest for a moment. He was excited to be able to serve other children, similar to him, living a life like he had lived. It stirred so much in him. He commented to me how much joy there was in giving away what he had received, but without expecting anything in return. He was overjoyed to see God’s plans for his life coming to fruition. During the trip, he could see in a fresh way how much God was speaking to him.

“Wow, Priscila!” he said to me, “I can hear the voice of God!” As he pushed through the emotion, he continued,“I don’t want my children to live a life like I lived. I am deciding the future generations of my family will not live in a children’s home. There will be no more drunk, abusive men in my family. It begins with me, and today I am declaring I am going to be a good husband and a good father!” Conviction shone in his eyes.

Glory to God! In that moment, I could sense from the Holy Spirit He was taking these words, and He would make them into a reality. This student would live out this proclamation for his family and would be a testimony for generations to come. “ The story doesn’t end here,” I told him. “Believing the truths of God is our everyday homework. Sometimes it is very difficult, but the victory is ours because our God is all-powerful, and He will win this battle on behalf of us all!”

7

It was so special seeing each one of the students have their own encounter with God, from the decision to go, and the faith required in the process, to the week they spent there confronting their own pasts.

8

Haiti

amazing Transformation

by Brent Fudge, Back2Back Haiti

In November 2013, I first met Kelly, the director of Harvest Care Children’s Home, which is situated about an hour from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. As Kelly walked me around the home, I could not help but notice the physical condition of the home lacked several fundamental necessities, including working toilets, showers, and a kitchen. At that time, Kelly was relying on going door-to-door to raise resources needed to provide for the 13 children in his care. One could easily see his commitment to the children, knowing he had tried everything he knew to try to meet the needs of the children.

Over the next few months, we developed a relationship and visiting mission teams began serving at Harvest Care in March 2014. Each team left behind a tangible and eternal imprint on the building and on the children who call it home. The transformation has been amazing.

One major need was improved plumbing, sanitation, and drainage. With working toilets and repaired plumbing lines, the

The transformation has been amazing.

Each misson team has left a tangible and eternal imprint on the building and on the children who call it home.

children no longer have to use a restroom outside. The children now use an indoor shower and can walk to a repaired well to wash their hands and food. In April 2014, a marshy breeding ground for mosquitos was transformed to a functioning play area. Now, the children enjoy playing soccer on the gravel surface and retreat to the sandbox when their legs are tired after a long game. Freshly spread topsoil provides a bed for newly purchased vegetable plants. The garden is already producing food for the children.

Today, the home is unrecognizable to those who have seen it just 12 months ago.

Each child has a personal bin to store his or her clothes and belongings. New wooden bunk beds replaced the single, metal-framed beds. Now, each child has their own bed dressed in new linens, pillows and mattresses. The warm-colored wood softens the

room, while freshly painted walls are accented with curtained windows. The raw, gray concrete walls in the kitchen have also been painted, serving as a bright backdrop to the new, fully equipped kitchen. Posters, paintings and decorations dot the walls to enhance the environment for the children.

All these physical changes have resulted in a visible transformation of Harvest Care Children’s Home. But, deeper change has also occurred as a result of relationships built with Back2Back staff and mission team guests. Pool parties, games, icebreaker activities and all the child-focused interactions have restored a piece of their childhood. The children are growing more content and secure. As we stand on the front-lines of change with Kelly and the children of Harvest Care, we are excited to see what God has planned next for this special home.

10

it’s moving day Creating a Back2Back designed Hope Program in Hyderabad, India allows for individualized family-based care for the children, rather than institutionalized orphan care.

11

by Todd Guckenberger, Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries On my recent trip to India, I won the lottery in regards to timing. Like all construction projects, deadlines are not a science, but a random uncertainty. I had the fortunate timing of arriving the very day the first India Hope Program home was completed and ready for move in on the new campus in Hyderabad, India.

Creating a Back2Back designed Hope Program in Hyderabad allows for individualized family-based care for the children, rather than traditional institutionalized orphan care.

Similar to the Hope Education Program in Monterrey, Mexico, we established this campus in order to provide a high standard of holistic orphan care for children who had no other options. Building a full-blown Hope Program campus with four homes and space for 10 children and 2 caregivers in each home outside of Hyderabad became the best possible solution to meet the needs of 30 children who were going to be turned away from an existing orphanage in the area.

The morning of the move, the children had woken up in temporary housing Back2Back provided until construction of the new home was complete. The children went to school with their belongings packed neatly on their beds hoping to return from school to their new home.

We worked quickly, packing an open-air truck with their mattresses, personal belongings, a stove, pots and pans, and other miscellaneous items. Truck filled to the brim, we arrived at the new campus alongside caregivers and a few extra hands to help move in. As we toured the newly completed building, we prayed out loud for Jesus to bless the home.

Like most moves, as we began unpacking the truck, we felt overwhelmed. As we unloaded and inserted the mattresses on the frames, life came to the bedrooms. V Bindu, who had stayed home sick with a bellyache, helped decide where each child would sleep.

We labeled the beds so each child’s personal belongings could be placed on the correct mattress, but what really brought the rooms to life is what happened at 4:00 p.m. when the children arrived home from school! The children were absolutely overjoyed, squealing and jumping up and down. The girls were giddy as they marveled at the personal details. Later that evening, the children were still so excited they could hardly sleep.

There are some programs in which bricks and mortar are optional for success, but the basic need for a sense of permanency and a home to belong is foundational in child development. With two strong schools in close proximity and a growing support staff team, the success factor for each child in the India Hope Program increases. In the next season, Back2Back will complete each home, and the children will move into smaller family-based groups. The Back2Back India staff has already developed individualized 5-point child development plans for each child, ensuring they will be on the right track for spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social growth. Such holistic care is critical for long-term sustainability. Please pray with us as we add additional qualified caregivers who understand trauma, and professional support staff to come alongside the program.

12

Offering Something New

by Erick Mowery, Back2Back Cancun, Mexico

What do Play-Doh, paint, watercolors, books, puzzles, English classes, soccer and shoes - lots of shoes have in common?

13

What do Play-Doh, paint, watercolors, books, puzzles, skills addressed foundational educational needs.

English classes, soccer, and shoes – lots of shoes - have Designing the activities to be fun but also to require in common? The answer can be found at Trés Reyes collaboration addressed the children’s social needs. The Community Center in Cancun, Mexico. This summer, children were just as excited to read and paint, as they with the help of eight mission teams from the U.S., these were to play soccer, exposed to new activities they have various elements were part of our never tried before. service to the people of Trés Reyes, One week this summer, we held our an underdeveloped community This is why God is first bazaar (large rummage sale) on the Back2Back serves. But outreach to the providing the resources community center property. Clothes, community started months before. bedding, socks, and about 500 pairs to build the community of shoes filled the tables. The Saturday Working out of a large, one-room structure serving as the interim before the bazaar all the children who center. He is offering community center, Back2Back Cancun attended VBS at the center were given staff knew strategic outreach could a ticket allowing them to pick out a free the community of not wait on the completion of the pair of shoes at the bazaar.

Trés Reyes something newly planned community center The day of the bazaar finally arrived, complex. We planned a diverse new - hope and ushered in by a line of about 200 people set of specific activities designed waiting for the gates to open. Children understanding of a to encompass Back2Back’s 5-Point with tickets hurried to the front of the Child Development Plan and were Savior who loves them line, as they were allowed to enter ready to start implementation. In first to choose a pair of shoes. One and has something January 2014, Back2Back volunteers unforgettable, little boy named Carlos began serving in Trés Reyes every much better to offer had a ticket. His excitement over new other Saturday, teaching mothers shoes set him apart in the crowd. The than new shoes. and their children Bible stories and search began, and Carlos and his mom holding VBS classes at the existing started looking for the perfect pair of building on the property. As a result shoes. After sorting through several of their consistency and the trust pair, Carlos stopped, pointed and burst out, “There built between the volunteers and the participants, a they are!” He had found exactly what he was looking regular group of children began attending each week. for – two-toned brown, lace up shoes for school. Carlos In February, we held the first medical outreach at the wasted no time putting them on and showing his new community center. Under canvas tents, a doctor and shoes to anyone who would look. As clean up started at three nurses served over 150 children and adults. When the end of the day, Carlos’ old shoes were found lying on construction is complete, the center will include a clinic the ground. He had left his old shoes behind and walked to meet medical and dental needs. away wearing something new.

Beginning in June 2014, Back2Back staff, volunteers When I saw the shoes lying there, all tattered and and mission teams drove out on Monday mornings to worn, it reminded me this is what God calls us to: to Trés Reyes to work, serve and love the children and their leave the old behind and walk into the new life He has parents who came to the community center. Each time, for us. We are excited to witness the story beginnings children would stop and ask what activities were planned God is writing in this community. This is why Back2Back and when they would start. The number of participants Cancun serves in Trés Reyes. God is providing the grew, as more children came with their moms and dads resources to build the community center. He is offering to the only place in Trés Reyes where they could try a the community of Trés Reyes something new - hope variety of activities they have never had the opportunity and understanding of a Savior who loves them and has to try before. Teaching English classes and utilizing the something much better to offer than new shoes.

Mobile Educational Resource Center (MERC) to expose the children to a variety of books to improve reading

cancun 14

Educational

Road Maps to Success

mazatlan 15

“We are only as good as we are deep” is a Back2Back value which resonates deeply within the staff in Mazatlan, Mexico. As parents ourselves, we understand each child is a unique creation who learns and matures in an individualized way. Back2Back’s desire is to provide more than shelter and food. To that end, we are working toward a focused and individualized Child Development Plan for each child served, meeting each child’s spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social needs. This individual care not only shows each child he is known and loved but it also allows staff to impact each child in a deeply holistic way.

atlan

As part of Back2Back’s goal to invest deeply in the children’s lives, Back2Back Mazatlan Director, Gabriel Velasco, knew it was time to develop Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) for each child. An IEP is an educational road map providing direction for a child’s learning. After identifying and measuring each child’s current learning levels, goals are set and weaker skills sets are identified for concentrated intervention and tutoring. Because education is the key to ending the cycle of poverty, Gabriel began searching for a local education specialist to assist with creating these plans.

Little did he know God would place such a person in his van.

Gabriel had offered to drive a group of local volunteers from an area church to a community event. During the drive, he mentioned Back2Back’s work with children in local orphanages.

When one passenger casually mentioned she was a 23-year veteran of the local school district and her specialty was creating IEP’s for disadvantaged children, Gabriel knew God was on the move.

“How can I help?” Olimpia asked.

Gabriel knew exactly how to respond, enlisting Olimpia, who was eager to offer her expertise.

Olimpia went to work right away, speaking with each child individually and listening to each story. Is there any wonder there would be educational gaps when a child has lived in three different homes with three different relatives in the last four years? Might there be some missing foundational skills when a nine-year-old boy stays at home instead of going to school, so he can care for his three younger siblings, while mom works two jobs to feed them? With a tender heart and years of experience, Olimpia carefully crafted plans to fill in the gaps and help each child develop the solid foundation they need to excel in school.

Working hand-in-hand with Olimpia, Back2Back Mazatlan staff member, Grant Keyes, a trained math teacher, serves as the coordinator of Back2Back Mazatlan’s education program. Grant worked with Olimpia to determine how Back2Back could serve as a bridge to connect the children to people who could help.

Once the plans were completed, volunteer tutors from a local church worked through the summer with all the children. Three days a week, they came to Salvation Army Children’s Home with IEP’s in hand, tutoring each child in the areas they needed the most help. Some children willingly gave up summer vacation activities to work with their tutors, so they could catch up to their peers in school. Every single child showed marked improvement by the time school began in August.

One sibling group of four children was so far behind, three days a week of volunteer-based tutoring would not be enough. Using resources provided through the child sponsorship program, we hired tutors to work individually with each child five days a week through the summer. The results were extraordinary! Jose Angel, a 13-year-old boy who missed school for more than two years to care for his three younger sisters, advanced an entire grade level. His nine-year-old sister America was going to have to repeat the first grade for the 3rd time. However, when returning to school in August, she tested out of first grade and is currently charging into second grade armed with confidence. Her teacher shared she could see the difference in America, and she is now thinking of ways America can help motivate the other children in her class to learn. The stories of change go on and on.

When we look into a child’s eyes and take a deep inventory of their life, their story and their needs, children are impacted in ways that defy measurement. Good grades are nice, but being seen, heard, valued and understood is priceless. In terms of measurement – the results speak for themselves.

16

A Day to Celebrate

THE FOSTER FAMILY

by Tere Garcia, Back2Back Monterrey, Mexico

In August 2013, after a process of assessments and training, seven families were certified by the Nuevo Leon state government.

A year later, this number has grown to 22, with 13 children currently placed in ten families.

With the goal of providing additional alternatives of care for children and adolescents in vulnerable situations, “Familias Solidarias,” a faith-based foster care program in Monterrey, Mexico, was initiated in April 2013. The program offers family-based care to children currently living in local government homes. The partnership between Back2Back and the government has laid the groundwork for future expansion, which will mean broader care options for children other than prolonged institutionalization. In August 2013, after a process of assessments and training, seven families were certified by the Nuevo Leon state government. A year later, this number has grown to 22, with 13 children currently placed in ten families.

The program recently celebrated its one year anniversary, and on July 20th, Back2Back gathered the foster families to celebrate with a picnic on the Back2Back Monterrey campus.

The day of respite and recreation included pool time, dinner and intentional ‘play with a purpose’ activities. For many of the children, this was their first experience spending a full day of fun with a family. The children learned to work together with others during game time, as the teams were mixed up to introduce the guests to one another.

During the day, we spoke to the families about the importance of Mexico embracing the program as a formal, government-supported solution for the orphan and vulnerable child.

Keeping the children in their community is an important goal of the program. We also highlighted the difference the families were making in the lives of the children. We encouraged them to not feel alone by describing how they were surrounded by supporting churches and individuals, both in Mexico and in the U.S. At the end of the day, we prayed for each family and the government team who supports their work. The families left motivated and reminded that they were part of a larger network.

Bringing the families together provided a sense of community, and we pray, created lasting connections that will help protect the families from feeling isolated. Most importantly, the families left hearing God has good plans to give a hopeful future to all children.

17

by Tere Garcia, Back2Back Monterrey, Mexico

A FOSTER FAMILY REFLECTS As foster parents, Maribel and Abiud, reflect on the past several months, they can see God’s faithfulness during each unexpected bump in the road. But in March 2014, they wondered if there would be a light at the end of their tunnel.

After having two biological children of their own, Maribel and Abiud were compelled to become trained foster parents. A series of 16-hours of classes facilitated by Back2Back prepared the couple for the reality of adding a child to their family. Six months later, they began the integration process with nine-year-old Genesis. After a month of family meetings, they welcomed Genesis into their home.

Often termed ‘the honeymoon period,’ Genesis seemed to adjust well to her new home. But after a month, her behavior worsened each day, leaving the couple desperate for a strategy to help her.

During training, Maribel and Abiud had learned the importance of connecting while correcting and the impact trust building has on lasting change. But, they knew they were at the end of themselves and could not do it alone.

Back2Back staff surrounded the family with support and encouragement. Maribel and Abiud were worried, fearful and frustrated. Working side-by-side with the family, staff coached them in setting expectations, while creating connection points to build relationship and meet Genesis’ needs. The family was reminded, The work you are doing does matter. You are making a difference. They were encouraged to pursue trust instead of fear, hope instead of despair, and connection instead of isolation.

God has been faithful in strengthening the family, Genesis and Back2Back staff. He has shown us each person grows in different ways. He provides hope, love and patience when it is most needed.

He provides wisdom to discern when someone needs stretching or protecting.

Today, Genesis is improving, while the family continues to concentrate on her need for healing. One warm, sunny day, Maribel and Abiud bring all the children outside. In hand, they have written notes about Genesis’ past struggles and challenges. One-by-one, they attach each note to a balloon handing them to Genesis. As the balloon slowly leaves her hand, she releases her struggles and watches them float to the heavens. She is on the road to deeper healing.

18

Joining Hands for Hope Mrs. Gretta Salinas de Medina, President of the Board of the State DIF (the National System for Integral Family Development) and wife of Nuevo Leon’s governor, Rodrigo Medina.

She visited the Monterrey, Mexico campus to see firsthand Back2Back’s programs for vulnerable children.

19

Back2Back was thrilled to welcome Mrs. Gretta Salinas de Medina, President of the Board of the State DIF (the National System for Integral Family Development) and wife of Nuevo Leon’s governor, Rodrigo Medina. She visited the Monterrey, Mexico campus to see firsthand Back2Back’s programs for vulnerable children.

Monterrey has always been at the heart of change for the country of Mexico. Often times initiatives, policy, and change originating in Monterrey will flow to other areas of the country. It was a privilege to receive a visit from the highest authority of the State of Nuevo León and discuss her interest in Back2Back’s holistic orphan care model.

One of her motivations for visiting Back2Back’s Monterrey campus was to witness the Hope Education Program in action. Through this program, now in existence for over ten years, adolescents from children’s homes have a place where they can live with a family, attend high school and college and form healthy, lasting relationships.

At the urging of her staff, Mrs. Medina planned a one-hour visit to tour the Hope Program and Monterrey, Mexico campus. Few Mexican organizations go in-depth in orphan care work. After meeting with Juan Porto, Back2Back Hope Education Program Director and Antonio Garcia, Back2Back Monterrey Director, Mrs. Medina was so impressed by Back2Back’s holistic care model, she extended her visit, staying for several hours, even meeting girls in the Hope Program and the psychologist on staff.

The visit concluded with the directors of Back2Back communicating the work they do in the children’s homes to support the overall growth of children and adolescents. It was a great visit with learning, feedback and commitments by both parties to continue working and supporting projects for the country’s most vulnerable children.

“As a result of the meeting, there is now momentum for Back2Back and other like-minded organizations to continue to partner with the government to pursue in-depth orphan care. Back2Back is honored to join hands with others in such a valuable work,” says Todd Guckenberger, Back2Back Ministries, Executive Director.

Please pray as Back2Back launches the Hope Education Program in Mazatlan in 2015.

CARING DEEPLY IN NIGERIA Depth of care is a core value at Back2Back.

It defines the approach to orphan care and drives methods of implementation.

In Nigeria, the staff has mapped out a trajectory that addresses the core developmental needs of each of the orphaned and vulnerable children we serve. As an example, through the addition of a staff psychologist, Patience, Back2Back Nigeria is now better equipped to meet each child’s emotional needs.

Almost every child in Destiny Children’s Home and the Rukuba House of Hope in Jos, Nigeria has been traumatized in some way. The children have all lost one or both parents, and they have been separated from their extended family.

Many of the children who live in the Kishayhip village community Back2Back serves have also experienced varied levels of trauma and neglect.

We believe children are healed in the context of relationship. To this end, Patience meets regularly with each child, providing them a safe place to sift through the trauma of their painful past. After Patience joined Back2Back staff, she began engaging with the children to develop relationships with them as quickly as possible, sometimes taking them out to a one-on-one lunch off campus. Warm and personable, the children have connected with Patience and respond to her encouragement to speak openly.

“I am thankful there have been other adult women in the lives of my own daughters - women they can turn to if they don’t feel they can talk to me. Patience is filling that roll for the girls we serve,” shares Leah Smart, Back2Back Nigeria staff member.

Patience has established weekly lunch talks with the older girls at Destiny Home. She visits the home and braids the hair of some of the girls, (a common social activity for Nigerian women and girls), which allows her to connect with the girls on a relational level. Patience makes a point to be at the Rukuba House of Hope and Back2Back’s Igmin Kibe Education Center at the Kishayhip Village, at least twice each week.

Patience is passionate about applying the latest research on counseling orphaned and vulnerable children, strategies that will enable children to experience healing from trauma. As a result of Patience’s efforts, children are now talking more openly about their past and are experiencing stronger relationships and improved social skills. We pray with time, this will result in a more hopeful outlook, as they face their future and one day form their own families.

Patience is passionate about applying the latest research on counseling orphaned and vulnerable children, strategies that will enable children to experience healing from trauma.

20

We strive to broaden the children’s horizons through field trips and social activities, ultimately helping to deepen their social development, a critical piece of holistic orphan care.

onthe tarmac

nigeria

byJason Munafo as told to Claire Rogers

The children from Rukuba Children’s Home in Jos, Nigeria were overjoyed for a chance to see an airplane in person for the first time.

“This trip is just one of many regularly scheduled field trips, designed to foster educational and social growth,” explains Back2Back Nigeria Director, Daniel Asama.

The children had received special permission to wait outside on the tarmac for the plane’s arrival. After traveling across the city to Jos, Nigeria’s only airport, the children were eager to see the only plane that would be arriving that day – a lone flight from nearby Lagos, Nigeria. It was scheduled to land any moment. Despite the unseasonably cold weather, the children waited quietly, too excited to talk amongst themselves. The anticipation grew. Minutes ticked by and still no sight of the airplane.

“The plane will be delayed several hours,” the tour guide announced.

Still, the children’s enthusiasm didn’t wane even in the face of the setback. Despite the long day, they waited patiently, listening closely as the tour guide shared about aircraft mechanics.

Their only experience with aircraft was seeing tiny airplanes against the bright blue sky overhead the orphanage. Imagine the children’s surprise when the jet finally began its descent, engine roaring, propellers spinning, rumbling toward them larger than life. At the sight of the plane, the children shrieked with joy, jumping up and down, screaming and clinging to whoever happened to be standing closest to them.

The engine quieted as the plane rolled to a stop. The children were shocked to watch as a pilot climbed out from the plane. They had no idea an actual person was responsible for maneuvering the planes they had seen overhead their children’s home.

The children were exuberant and chatted excitedly amongst themselves the rest of the day.

Weeks later, the children are still recounting the details of the trip.

Before the trip, when asked what they wanted to be when they grow up, most would mention carpentry or masonry, unaware of other options. Now, some of the children dream of being pilots.

Field trips such as this are critical to social development for the children we serve. When a child is raised in an institutional setting, such as an orphanage, they miss out on the critical dayto-day social interactions that occur when a child is in a family setting. It’s through simple yet vital experiences like running errands with a parent, shopping at the grocery store, visiting a museum or attending a sporting event that a child gains a foundational understanding of how the world functions and their place in it. These daily experiences (coupled with coaching from a parent) help shape a child’s foundational understanding of self, how they interact with others and possibilities for their future.

Before the field trip the children had no context for an airport or jet. After the trip, not only had they seen a plane up-close and walked the runway, but many of them were imagining new possibilities for their futures. Now, they are dreaming bigger dreams for themselves. To this end, we strive to broaden the children’s horizons through field trips and social activities, ultimately helping to deepen their social development, a critical piece of holistic orphan care.

22

We presented each girl with a bracelet, imprinted with the Spanish word “Amada� or Beloved, so that long after the weekend was over they would have a constant reminder

they are loved by God.

by Sarah Nace, Back2Back Cancun, Mexico

Life as a teenage girl is difficult. There is pressure to perform academically, help care for younger siblings and fit in socially. The list goes on and on. In addition, teenage girls are constantly bombarded by lies, messages like:

You are not pretty enough.

You will never amount to anything.

You are unlovable.

You need a boyfriend to fit in.

Recently, Back2Back Cancun staff spent a weekend with the girls we serve to specifically focus on combating these lies in their lives. With the help of psychologist Lorena Cavazos, teens were able to delve into hard topics like identity, emotions, relationships, dating and purity. Staff shared powerful spiritual truths to counter the lies the girls were wrestling with, proclaiming messages of hope and life:

You belong to God. You are strong.

You have been in His thoughts since before you were born.

God has a plan for your joys, hurts and relationships.

As staff shared these messages of truth, they observed a profound shift in the way the girls interacted with each other. Timid teens, who were normally too self-conscious to speak up, began running around the house giggling, forging new friendships and sharing their hearts with each other. The overarching purpose of the weekend was for the girls to understand they are deeply loved by God, a simple yet profound truth.We presented each girl with a bracelet, imprinted with the Spanish word “Amada” or beloved, so that long after the weekend was over they would have a constant reminder they are loved

by God. “So, what was your favorite part of the retreat?,” I asked as we drove home.

“Everything!,” the van full of girls chorused back.

“What would you change for next year?” I followed up.

They quickly responded, “Do it for three days! No, a week! How about two weeks?”

The retreat created a safe space to be open about hard topics and even now, weeks later, the girls continue to reminisce about the weekend that not only strengthened their community, but also helped them gain a glimpse of God’s great love for them.

Now, they are more confident and engaged. Girls who refused to participate in activities before the retreat are now smiling and answering questions. Two teens have begun regularly attending Back2Back-led classes at a local community center on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Girls who previously had trouble making friends are excitedly asking about when they get to see their new friends from the retreat again. I have no doubt God will use the seeds He planted in their hearts during the retreat to continue to grow their understanding of His love.

24 6

by Chris Cox, One21 Director

One Unforgettable Obeying God is hard. Sometimes we don’t know what He wants. At other times, we don’t want to do what He says. More often than not, we aren’t sure how He will accomplish what He promises because, from where we stand, it seems impossible.

This was a conversation the four of us had around midnight, on the first night of the One21 Experience. We were three youth pastors and an intern, sitting in the kitchen of a church camp (raiding the kitchen for anything edible), talking through the elements of the next morning. Under the theme of Obedience, we had constructed an element built around a hike to a remote location as the backdrop to the story of Abraham, Isaac, and God. The question to be posed for the students: “How far would we go for God’s blessing?” We are all struggling with the takeaway.

The plan is to invite students to sacrifice their lunch and wait on a reward - to fast, pray, and wait. Wait for what? What is the reward they are waiting for? How does this lesson have practical application? A better dinner than 25

those who didn’t fast seems silly. Root beer floats on a hot afternoon… trivial. The reward for waiting on God is much more significant than a trivial meal or confection. We talk, brainstorm, and wait...

Leo knows all about waiting on God. In the summer of 2013, he was invited to intern with Back2Back Ministries in Mazatlan, Mexico. No big deal, right? Except Leo represents a movement happening among some students connected to Back2Back through the Hope Education Program. He grew up in a children’s home, spent his teenage years in the Hope Program, and is now a college student, breaking the cycle of poverty in his family. His internship represents more than a summer on mission - it represents God’s story of redemption. Now, Leo is waiting on God again. He wants to return to Mazatlan as an intern for 2014, to serve and share the gospel with children who share a story like his. But, where are the resources to provide the internship funds for Leo? Where will the help come from?

A few forgettable meals became one unforgettable moment.

rgettable Moment “That’s it!,” I said to the group over our midnight meal.

I happen to know Leo. I know his story. I know Leo is waiting, ready to obey. What if we give up our lunches each day of this camp? What if we ask the camp to give us the money from lunch? What if we give the money to Leo for his internship? What if we wait on God, obey his invitation and He blesses someone else? What if we don’t tell the campers how long they are giving up their lunches? What if we don’t tell them about the blessing until the end?

The guys enthusiastically agree to the idea. The next morning, the camp director is pitched the idea, and he agrees whole-heartedly. For four days, 50 people come to the station of obedience, hear the story of Abraham and Isaac, and are challenged to give up their lunch and wait on God. Friday comes. I ask the campers this question, “How

many of you woke up this morning thinking, I should have eaten lunch yesterday?’”

No one. Why? Because they ate dinner, and, lunch was very forgettable. Giving up lunch, though, provided the resources to pay 100% of Leo’s intern costs for Back2Back. Sometimes, obedience leads to blessing in ways we can’t see yet. Leo obeyed God by applying for an internship, asked for support, and promised to share his story. The students obeyed by trusting their leaders, and learned that blessing follows obedience.

The leaders obeyed, inviting students to give up lunch and give away their resources.

Today, Leo is back in school after serving a month in Mazatlan sharing the Gospel with fatherless children.

He experienced God’s blessing through obedience and waiting. A few forgettable meals became one unforgettable moment.

Today, Leo is back in school after serving a month in Mazatlan sharing the Gospel with fatherless children. He experienced God’s blessing through obedience and waiting.

A few forgettable meals became one unforgettable moment.

26

missiontrip refl JOS, NIgeria

Elizabeth Adelsberger Mission Trip Participant I didn’t know what to expect, as I stepped off the plane this past June to serve alongside Back2Back Nigeria. As I interacted with Christian families in the village Back2Back serves, one thing became so clear to me: the families may not have a lot of resources, but with the little they did have, they trusted and depended on God like no one I had ever encountered.

Over the week, I wrestled with God and my desire to grow in my dependence on Him. Then, at the end of the week, I learned my grandfather had passed away back in the U.S. It was just God and me right then and there, and I know God was saying to me to let the loss of my grandfather serve as an opportunity to grow in my dependence on Him. My relationship with God changed because of the way He used the people I met to address an area I was deficient in. I am so thankful for such a life-changing trip.

Cancun, Mexico

Port-au-Prince, haiti

Geoffrey Turner Mission Trip Participant

Eric Schroeder Mission Trip Participant

We had high expectations when we traveled with a team from Abilene, Texas to Cancun, Mexico. However, our expectations were nowhere near all that God did in our team during our trip with Back2Back. We were so blessed to serve under the leadership of Back2Back staff for a week. I was deeply impacted by so many stories and experiences our team had while we were there, but if I had to break down our entire trip in one picture, it would be a singular snapshot of the day we spent with the children from an underdeveloped community called Trés Reyes. We took the children on a field trip to a local petting zoo and swimming pool. Any language barrier was non-existent above the constant squeals of laughter from children in the pool or playing soccer during free time. Our team was immensely blessed and encouraged because we believe deeply in the mission and vision of Back2Back.

One of my favorite moments from my week serving in Haiti was meeting the children at Harvest Care Children’s Home for the first time.

The younger children ran to greet us while the older ones seemed to hesitate. They looked at our team to choose a person to spend the next couple of days with, as if they were choosing teams for a backyard football game. The boy who ‘chose’ me just looked at me and nodded.

I nodded back and said the only word I knew in Creole, “bonjou.” He nodded, softly said “bonjou” and that sealed the deal.

The boy’s name was Ansouby, and he was my companion throughout the week. Really though, he was more than my companion. I briefly glimpsed what it was like to be a father to the fatherless. I love being a dad to my own children.

But until serving in Haiti, I don’t think I understood what it was like to be a father-figure for a 14-yearold boy for one short week, when he deserves – and needs – a dad every week of the year.

Saturday, November 8

a night of

Hope

Join us for Back2Back's biennial fundraising dinner to hear stories of children we serve around the world. The evening will feature Todd and Beth Guckenberger, Co-Executive Directors, along with students from the Hope Education Program in Mexico.

Watch Live via Simulcast www.back2back.org/live

lections

Listening intently, the children fixed their eyes squarely on Adan, hanging on every word he said. They knew Adan understood what they were living because he had lived it, too. He was one of them, and he shined the hope of Jesus into their lives. When he finished, one by one, the children slowly stood up and began to step forward to tell their stories and open up about their relationships with Christ. On that warm, Mazatlan night, I was privileged to witness a series of powerful and moving moments. At that moment, I had a vision set in the not too distant future - a vision of Adan preaching in his own church.

mazatlan, MeXico

HYderabad, India

Amy Tuell Mission Trip Participant

Lisa Taulbee Mission Trip Participant

I have traveled several times serving with Back2Back in Mexico, but this year was unique and special. Through Back2Back’s Child Sponsorship Program, I have formed a unique relationship with an impressive young man named Adan. Currently living at Casa Hogar Bethany in Monterrey, Mexico, Adan is finishing his second year of college. God is mightily moving in this young man’s life! In October 2013, I felt a nudge from God prompting me to invite Adan to join our trip to Mazatlan. And, so the conversation began. A few months later, the money for Adan’s trip started pouring in from many different sources including Back2Back, his other sponsor and my staff, as a Christmas present to me.

In June, we traveled to Mazatlan to serve together. Over the seven days, I was honored to work alongside Adan. The love of God flowed through Adan, as he connected with every person he came in contact with. His connection was especially strong with eight-year-old Alex on our mission team. Alex and Adan became buddies. Wherever you saw Adan, you saw Alex.

One night at Ranchos de los Niños, Adan agreed to share his testimony. He confided in me he was very nervous, and I told him to simply breathe and know that God would be with him. When he stood up to speak, he was steady and strong. Speaking with a solid voice, Adan shared about the difficult things he had lived through. But, then, he spoke of Jesus and how his entire life has changed since he invited Him into his heart. He now lives and breathes for Him!

Naomi Zacharias poignantly describes India in her book The Scent of Water, “The heart of India is it’s people, and it is a heart like no other. It is rich, not from what it owns, but from what it will offer to you, even while you are still a stranger. It will take you in, bring you into it’s own, cook a feast for you, provide a bed to rest, ask about your family, say that you are pretty, or ask why you have put on weight. It will take you through markets of fine silks and hand-stitched saris. It will show you dancing, jingling anklets and toe rings, and vibrant colors of red and pink and green and marigold because it likes to decorate and make things beautiful.”

Then, there are the children - the beautiful, joyful, amazing children. It’s what draws me back: their faces, their smiles, their laughter. I love them deeply. This was my second trip to India with Back2Back, and I’m already looking forward to my third. I encourage everyone I know to serve alongside Back2Back. Whether India or another ministry site, it’s an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the life of an orphaned child.

Monterrey, MeXico Keith Simmons Mission Trip Participant

This summer, I was fortunate to lead a group from my church to Monterrey, Mexico. It was the first time we have taken a team to partner with Back2Back. I have been going on mission trips for over 20 years with ministries all over the world, and I can honestly say this trip was one of the best I have ever participated in. Back2Back provided an environment to encounter God, while serving His children in Mexico.

The level of organization and preparation for our team was incredible! The staff had such a love and passion for Christ and the children we served. The most wonderful part of the trip was the devotion in the morning and the debrief time at night. It helped me to really connect with God and process what He was doing in those we were serving and also in my team and me. This trip wasn’t just another experience for me – I came home changed and armed with a plan of action. I’m grateful to Back2Back for the sacrifice, heart and passion to help others like me have an amazing experience serving others.

28

Not Yours to Carry 29

by Matt Cooper, Back2Back Mexico Director

This summer, I spent three weeks serving alongside the Back2Back staff team in Monterrey, Mexico. One morning, as I walked around the campus praying, God gave me a vision. As I was looking down at the gravel, I saw a picture of cupped hands, overflowing with rocks.

Then one by one, God began to remove the rocks saying, “These burdens aren’t yours to carry.” I spent the next few minutes confessing my own burdens – things I felt God wanted me to hand over to him. Deep down, I realized the vision was not just for me.

Following my prayer time, I left the Back2Back campus to serve at Douglas Children’s Home, alongside a visiting mission team. We had a great day of working in the home, playing with kids, and loving them in the name of Jesus. I spent the majority of that day hanging out with the older teenage boys. As interactions and conversations built upon one another throughout the day, God gave me the chance to connect in a very special way with a boy named Alex.

Towards the end of the day, Alex and I were sitting at a picnic table when he began to share about his past. He shared with me about how he came to live at the children’s home, how his mother had died when he was young, and how his father had abandoned the family. He shared with me about abuse and deep hurts he had suffered, how he had learned to not think, to not feel pain, to just be a survivor and how there were parts of his past he wished he could forever erase from his mind. His past was dark and his heart was heavy. He was carrying a lifetime of burdens. It was then I began to understand the vision God had given me earlier that morning was for Alex.

“Can I pray for you, Alex?” I asked him.

“Of course,” he replied.

“God wants me to show you something,” I explained.

“Cup your hands,” I instructed him. I reached down and began to scoop up rocks from the ground, filling his hands.

“These rocks represent the hard times of your past, the hurts you’ve lived, the abuse you’ve suffered, the things you wish you could just erase from your mind. And these burdens aren’t yours to carry. In fact, today, if you’ll let Him, God wants to take each and every one from you.”

One by one, I picked up each rock from his hands and tossed it to the ground, declaring freedom in the name of Jesus, “God is taking this one. God is taking abandonment.

God is taking fear. God is taking shame. God is taking bad memories. God is taking self-hate. God is taking nightmares.

God is taking unforgiveness,” and on and on until his hands were empty.

By the time I had thrown the second rock from his hands, his shoulders began to shake, and he burst into tears. When we finished praying, God had not only removed a multitude of burdens but He had begun to replace them with peace, hope and joy. What God did in Alex’s life that day was miraculous. God had begun to renew a mind that had been trapped in a place of darkness, allowing His light, His love, and His redemption to flood in.

I love that our God is constantly in the business of making all things new! I know He is not yet finished with Alex. I trust God has great plans for his life and that He will be faithful to complete the good work He’s begun in Alex.

What God did in Alex’s life that day was miraculous.

God had begun to renew a mind that had been trapped in a place of darkness, allowing His light, His love and His redemption to flood in.

30

P.O. Box 70 Mason, OH 45040

Back2Back’s gift catalog offers meaningful giving opportunities for special occasions all year.

Choose from dozens of gifts to meet the needs of orphans around the world. Celebrate birthdays, Mother’s Day and Christmas by giving a special gift in honor of a family member, friend or teacher! www.back2back.org/ giftcatalog