Aroni: Our lovable, gracious new addition

By Amber Foster

-ARONI IS NOW SPONSORED FOR BEACH CHRISTMAS!-

21-year-old Aroni is a new addition to our family. We heard about her through some other missionary friends who had been a big part of her life as a teenager in their ministry. Aroni had transitioned home, but the situation was not good and when her family found out she was pregnant it became quickly necessary for her to find new living arrangements.  

Aroni stayed in our facility for the last 3 months of her pregnancy, then moved into my home to have her precious baby boy. She has proven to be pure joy around the house and a very dedicated mother to 1-month-old baby Ian. He is never far from her side even as she strives daily to contribute to our household.  

She will often shyly say, “Ma, I’m so grateful for this opportunity. What can I do to show my gratitude?” Rosie adores her, and she’s pretty close to my heart already as well. She is eager to find a job and provide for her little family. She strives to live her life in a way that she believes will make her son and her God proud.  

I am so blessed to be a small part of the journey she is on and to watch her blossom into a wonderful young mother. Please help us show this precious girl that love does not mean pain and that opening up once again is worth the effort.

Allison: Overcoming obstacles with a smile

Allison (right) with her sister, Jennifer (left)

By Amber Foster

-Allison is now sponsored for Beach Christmas!-

Seven-year-old Allison is a fighter. No child should have to face crippling tumors at the age of four, but Allison did. She fought hard to complete her treatment and then to regain the loss of the use of one side of her body. And she did it all with a smile.  

It is such a joy to watch her running around with her friends after church after so much time of watching her struggle just to walk. I love whenever she runs up to me to say hello, looking up at me from her big, sweet eyes shadowed behind her glasses - one of the few remnants of her battles.

She and her little sister are cohorts in giggles, adventures and driving their mama crazy, just as any little girl should be. This shy, precious girl is now thriving in first grade and eager to make up for lost time. Help us share in the joy that is her life at Beach Christmas this year.

Francois: Exuding love and life

By Amber Foster

-Francois is sponsored for Beach Christmas!-

Five-year-old Francois is the youngest of one of the sweetest families we have the honor of working with. I love seeing him ride into church on the back of his daddy’s motorcycle beaming with pride and carrying a helmet that’s bigger than he is. There is no question that he adores his father, or that the feeling is mutual.

Francois’s tiny body holds a big heart that is eager to learn and quick with a smile. He takes painfully awkward posed pictures but the most adorable candid shots you can imagine. He lives life all in with a look of joy and wonder on his face almost constantly.  

Francois is studying hard in kindergarten this year and loves school. He’s a polite little boy who is loved by all who meet him. Help us share our Christmas adventure with a boy who will truly squeeze every ounce of fun out of the experience.

Michel: Our shy little school lover

By Michael Carson

-MICHEL IS NOW SPONSORED FOR BEACH CHRISTMAS!-

Oh Michel, my little namesake – how we love your sweet face. Michel is the baby of the Silva clan, and she doesn’t exactly speak unless she’s decided you’re worth it. Let’s just say most of us aren’t worth it in her eyes.

This little one is just a beauty, but it’s hilarious watching her around the school yard. She screams at the other kids, but as soon as an adult speaks to her, she falls silent, losing any motivation to speak. I would say she’ll probably grow out of it, but most of her siblings are just a grownup version of this. But, wow, does she love school! She was so excited to start school this year and show off her backpack and lunch box to everyone who would look but not speak to her hopefully.

We’re looking forward to seeing the future of this shy, little one. We hope she finds her voice in whatever way means success for her. Please consider blessing little Michel by sponsoring her Christmas trip to the beach with her whole family!

Escarlen: Fighting for a better future

By Michael Carson

-ESCARLEN IS NOW SPONSORED FOR BEACH CHRISTMAS!-

When Escarlen graduates, I’m going to feel like I’m graduating all over again. But we’re going to make it with God’s everlasting grace…somehow.

Escarlen is a part of our original group of students we began in bilingual school five years ago. She has a beautiful heart and love for others. She isn’t a bookworm. She loves school, but she has to fight to make good grades. And she comes from a family who isn’t highly motivated in the schooling area. Neither of her parents ever learned how to read or write. So, most of her motivation comes from within. And as you can imagine, sometimes that's hard to find as a 12-year-old.

So, Escarlen and I have talk after talk after talk, or at least that’s what it feels like sometimes, to keep her motivated. Sometimes, I play bad cop. Sometimes I play good cop. Sometimes I enlist another team member. No matter what we make sure Escarlen knows we believe in her. We push her because she's worth it. We push her parents to push her. God’s grace is abundant, and we believe all of our children, young adults and parents deserve those second, third and fiftieth chances. They need only ask for it.

Please reward Escarlen’s fighting spirit with a trip to the beach with her Breaking Chains family!            

Juan: A proud papa

By Michael Carson

Juan is one of the quieter dads in the education program, and that’s saying a lot to tell the truth. He’s incredibly humble. When we asked him what he wanted for Christmas, he said, “Whatever you would like to get will be a blessing.”

Juan is quiet, but he loves his family fiercely. Any time his girls Allison and Jennifer have an event at school, he is so proud to watch them perform whatever it is. He just sits there in the audience and beams. Then when it’s over, he praises them so sweetly.

Although he continually struggles to find work, Juan is always searching for a way to provide for his family. He never gives up searching when he’s without work and works hard to keep the job when he does. Juan is a man of few words, but we’re proud to know his gentle, hard-working spirit.

Please consider giving this man the break with his family he deserves, and sponsor him for Beach Christmas 2016!

-If you are interested in sponsoring Juan, please click on the blog title and leave a reply in the comments section. The full sponsorship cost is $150. You can donate online via the donate page of our website. You can also send check contributions to P.O. Box 20454 Oklahoma City, OK 73156.