Worthy

She feels the stares. She sees the looks of judgment. She hears the whispers behind her back, but no voice is as loud as the one in her head. Unworthy. 

She came to RETA’s Christmas Store in December. The vision of gifts under the tree was all but nonexistent for this mother of ten. Months earlier, they had been homeless and living out of a car. Now with a roof over their heads, life was better, but she and her husband could hardly make ends meet, let alone provide for Christmas. They left RETA that day with gifts for their children, but even better, a commitment to our mentorship program. 

Building trust-based relationships is at the heart of RETA’s Mentorship program. Vulnerable and humble, our mentors invite the mentees into their lives, sharing with them everyday things, and more importantly, sharing their faith and joy in knowing Christ. 

Today, this client’s teenage daughter baked cookies with her mentor. As they mixed, scooped, and baked, they seamlessly addressed so many nuances of adolescence while also exploring faith. Side by side, they created bonds. Side by side, they uncovered joy. 

Weekly, this client comes to us, sometimes with family members, sometimes alone. Weekly, we encourage and empower her while addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Weekly, she comes closer to realizing the truth about herself, the truth that in God’s eyes, she is WORTHY. 

Valued

Older than many of our clients, he comes to learn about our mentorship program. As he enters, he exclaims, “It sure does smell good in here!” That is because freshly brewed coffee sits on the entry table along with some cookies. When they are offered to him, he seems surprised. 

 His eyesight is compromised by diabetes, so one of us sits with him and fills out his intake form. Afterwards, he is greeted by Pastor Joel, his mentor. When sharing about his life, he reveals he is addicted to cigarettes, and one day, when he only had ten dollars in his pocket, he was set to go out and buy a pack. However, his daughter came to him needing money. He confesses, “Man, I wanted my smokes so bad, but that was my daughter! I had to give her the money.” 

 Pastor Joel connects this to the concept of sacrifice, and leaning in, asks our client if he is a man of faith. When he nods, Pastor conveys how sacrifice is the cornerstone of the Gospel, how Christ is the ultimate sacrifice.  

At the end of their session, this client seems confused. He asks, “How do I earn points for the Family Store? I haven’t watched a video.” A former coaching client, he is used to this transactional piece. When told he is welcome to take a few items to get him through the week and that points aren’t necessary, he blurts, “Ooh wee! Things sure are different around here.” Asked how that makes him feel, he answers with one word. 

“Valued.” 

Betty Knows

Long gray hair in a braid, hobbled gait, she enters our doors, and we smile. Betty’s here!  

Betty often stops by RETA on her trek from the library to her home, a home located a few blocks north of RETA, an impoverished area in Elkhart. A savant, Betty doesn’t read social cues and punctuates every sentence with a giggle, yet she never forgets a single detail of what she reads. Betty loves everything to do with Right to Life, and she excitedly shares the latest news, research, or items that might benefit RETA. One day it might be a clipped article she printed at the library; another day it might be a pack of flesh toned crayons of every skin color, so our clients’ children have crayons that match their skin. Not too long ago, Betty stopped by and gave RETA $90.00 from her savings. Such a significant amount! 

Richard Wurmbrand, in Alone with God, states, “I wish to be an ‘I’ no longer. I reject my ‘I.” My desire is to be a ‘He.’ ‘When He is revealed, we shall be like Him’ (1 John 3:2).” Christ, the perfect sacrifice, teaches us the purpose of surrendering. When we give everything over to God, we are blessed beyond imagination. Of this, I am sure... 

Betty knows. 

Abundant Hope

Makeup smudged by tears, she sits in our medical wing, her toe nervously tapping the floor. Seventeen weeks pregnant. Living conditions tenuous. Already a mother of a six- and thirteen-year-old. There is a quiet strength she exudes. 

A week later she returns for mentoring. She offers a tentative smile. Someone is here who will hear her story. A story of abandonment, of dropping out of high school, of addiction to meth. A story of sacrifice for her children, of fighting to stay clean, of wanting to move forward. When told she is street smart, she is skeptical. No one has ever referred to her as smart. A flicker of hope appears in her eyes.  

That flicker ignites the desire to study for the GED, and her mentor offers to walk alongside her on this journey. It begins with a small step, but a step toward pride, toward hope. Hope springs eternal when its source is in God, and it is this hope that opens the door to abundant life. 

RETA Welcomes New Executive Director, Stacey Gagnon

Roxana Konopinski has faithfully led RETA as Executive Director these past 18 years.  From two part-time employees (Roxana was one of them), to a staff of 15+ providing men’s and women’s coaching, abortion recovery support, family store supplies and medical services including pregnancy testing, first trimester ultrasound, abortion pill reversal, STD testing and treatment with more services soon to come!  Roxana retires after having led RETA’s journey into a beautiful new debt-free building in downtown Elkhart. 

We will remain eternally grateful to Roxana and her husband Tom’s commitment to honor Christ by honoring families and life.

We are excited to introduce our new Executive Director, Stacey Gagnon. 

Stacey and her husband Darren are Grace College graduates with 7 children, 5 of which are adopted.  They founded Lost Sparrows, a not-for-profit ministry as a result of working with foster children and adopting children with special needs in eastern Europe. 

Stacey and Darren are educators along with Stacey also being a Registered Nurse and national speaker at conferences with a focus on helping families understand the effects of trauma. 

Stacey and Darren have written a book to support families of special needs children entitled “Cowboy Joel and the Wild Wild West”.  They’ve appeared on the Today Show and Focus on the Family to share their adoption and family experiences. 

We are excited for Stacey’s heart and passion to lead RETA and can’t wait for you to meet her!

Couple Prepares for a Baby

In Couples’ Coaching we often serve young couples expecting their first child. A married couple due later this fall has been participating for about five months. Initially their levels of excitement about having a baby did not match, but things are on a positive trajectory. At home and at RETA they are having healthy conversations about concerns and hopes, their individual pasts and their future together. Their desire to connect here was due partly to the new and scary experience of pregnancy, and partly to talk about how to get on the same page.

They have been patient with each other and are asking good questions. She seems to be welcoming the role of mom and he is working hard to prepare the house and their property for the new seasons ahead—both in their family and with the weather. He admits to not always knowing how to communicate perfectly and has chosen an attitude of humble teachableness. He is working on being proactive and discerning her needs. As they navigate this new path, they are processing through how to appreciate the generous baby showers while developing healthy boundaries with family.

The love they have for each other and for this new life God is blessing them with is evident as we spend time together. Pray for continued health, a strengthened marriage, and a blessed, special delivery.

-Jeff Fater, Men’s Coaching Manager

A Father Learns and Makes Changes

A male client who has been involved in Men’s Coaching for about 15 months agreed to share about his experience at RETA.

The biggest learning lesson I have come away with is how to control my anger with my son. Whenever I received calls or was forced to leave work due to his behavior at school, I did not have the tools to display self-control. Since RETA, I have been able to focus my anger into constructive discipline.

Another area I have benefitted from RETA is how to be a better parent. RETA has provided me with the tools for discipline and relationship with my son. There have been many positive changes in our home since coming to RETA. Setting some rules has brought us more structure, even though I have a lot more to learn.

When I first came to RETA, my son had multiple complaints and issues at school. It improved last year and so far, this year there have been no complaints or issue with him at school. My son’s behavior has improved, and he is listening better to the teachers.

My personal communication with teachers and administrators has improved. I didn’t know how to interact with the school system here since I grew up in Haiti. The tools RETA provided allow me to have better discussions with staff and faculty, along with being able to understand my son’s report cards.

My Spiritual growth has increased. I am closer to God and feel I don’t neglect my relationship with God like before.

I have a greater hope for the future now that I know how to meet my goals.

Since coming to RETA, I have learned to be a better parent, and specifically raising a son. If he has children in the future, I feel more prepared to be a big part of my grandkids lives.

I am now more patient, and not the same as before. I am a different person.

For future clients, my advice is that RETA has given me the tools for growth to become a better man and father and a future spouse.

-Men’s Coaching Client

Taking Responsibility

This year has brought several clients into RETA to participate in our Risks & Boundaries program. The Risks & Boundaries program discusses sexual risk avoidance and promotes abstinence until marriage as the best strategy for avoiding the results and consequences of sex outside of marriage.

RETA has a team that goes into local schools to teach Risks & Boundaries for 2 days, as well as other staff and volunteers who meet with young men and women individually to teach and discuss Risks & Boundaries in depth over 8 sessions.

While RETA has had this program available for many years, this was the first year I have had the privilege to be involved in meeting with a few of those girls one-on-one. Some are court-ordered to participate in the program, and others come because they are wanting to become better equipped to make healthier choices for their future. We discuss possible consequences of sex outside of marriage, such having STIs (sexually transmitted infections), unplanned pregnancy, as well as social and emotional struggles. The difference between reducing verses avoiding your risk for these consequences is also talked about, as well as the importance of being proactive in setting healthy sexual and relational boundaries with others. Participants are encouraged to explore what their values are and are equipped to establish their boundaries for positive outcomes in their future.

Lilah* found out about the Risks & Boundaries program after receiving other services at RETA. She felt guilty about choices she had made in the past and didn’t want to continue to make similar mistakes. Throughout the weeks that I met with her, I could see a change in her as she accepted God’s forgiveness for her choices and embraced the truth about sexuality and continued in a deeper relationship with God. During the sessions she talked about examples of practical ways she had applied what she was learning and said that her confidence in setting healthy boundaries had grown.

When Felicia* began Risks & Boundaries, she had seen the consequences of poor decisions from the people around her and did not want to be in a similar situation. We talked about what practical steps to take to avoid those risks and encouraged her to say “no” or “not yet” to things in the present so she could say yes to better choices and rewards in the future. Felicia expressed how it was important for her to take responsibility of her own actions and to feel comfortable speaking up for herself in sticky situations.

Risks & Boundaries is a vital part of RETA because it educates our young people and helps them achieve better outcomes for their future. It provides an opportunity for them to hear truth and facts about sexual integrity that the culture around us does not promote.

- Melody Ellis

*Names changed for client confidentiality.

An Ectopic Pregnancy

I recently was involved in the care of a women who was pregnant.  Although she had not planned to be pregnant now, she and her significant other were planning on parenting. The client was hoping for an early ultrasound just to check on the pregnancy and make sure everything was as it should be. Her appointment was the last of the day on a Friday heading into the weekend. Her significant other did not attend the ultrasound.

Shortly after beginning the ultrasound, it was apparent that things were not as they should be. The nurse calmly and kindly conveyed that we were not seeing what we hoped to see, and we would contact our medical director to have the client’s ultrasound images read as soon as possible. The nurse checked in with the client every couple of hours throughout the evening until our medical director could read the ultrasound.  At around 9:00 in the evening, our medical director returned to the nurse stating it was an ectopic pregnancy and to send the client to the ER immediately.

The nurse who had been touching base with the client every couple of hours to check in on her and see if any symptoms had started, conveyed the message to the client. The client called her doctor and got the practice’s on-call-doctor only to be told that she was fine and to wait until Monday at her regular scheduled appointment. Through the RETA staff nurse's urging, the client decided to go to the ER anyways at her choice of hospital. 

While in the ER they did an additional ultrasound and immediately rushed the client to surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. The client’s fallopian tube had already ruptured, and she was beginning to bleed into her abdomen. As a side note, the early delivery of a baby due to an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency, is not an abortion. Abortion is the intentional destruction of a pre-born child.

When the nurse followed up with the client, the client was so thankful that we did an ultrasound and encouraged her to go into the ER despite not having many symptoms. The client relayed repeatedly that had it not been for RETA and the care she received that she may not have made it to Monday morning. We celebrate God’s provision of seeing this client early enough that her life was saved, while also mourning the loss of her little child and supporting her through that.

by Brittany, Clinic Director

A Moving Encounter

I met with a Spanish speaking client for a pregnancy test. My first impression of her was that she radiated joy when she walked into the room. As the appointment went on, she began to share her story with me.

She was violently abused by an ex-boyfriend many years ago.  When she became pregnant twice, he forced her to get both babies aborted. She went through life in a deep depression for many years. Eventually she was able to separate herself from him and he no longer remained in her life. During her depression she sought out help through therapy and depression medications.

Nothing was working.

She became desperate and wanted to end her life. She regretted what she had done in her past. Then something happened. She was introduced to Jesus Christ.

She says that Jesus saved her life! She no longer suffered from the negative thoughts of hurting herself or ending her life. She no longer needed the therapy and medications that were not helping anyway. She had Jesus! He healed her completely! He forgave her for her past. He forgave her for her abortions. She was set free by his blood.

She kept praising His name while she was sharing her story. At the end of the appointment the client and I had a sweet time of prayer. I asked her if I could pray for her. She agreed and then asked if she could pray for me. As I began praying for her, she began praying for me. We were lifting up our prayers together to our Lord at the same time. It was a powerful and reverent time basking in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

We were able to plug this client into mom’s coaching here at RETA so that she could have some tools and encouragement in raising her children.

-Amy, Nuse/Sonographer

Meet Jade, Our New Intern

My name is Jade Brooks, and I am the newest intern at RETA this semester! While I am interning here, my heart is to learn and serve anywhere I can. I will be working closely with Joni Bradberry, our Client Services Director, to gain a deeper understanding of what ministry looks like in a counseling setting.

I will also spend time with the medical team learning all about patient care in the office and the mobile clinic! I am currently attending my senior year at Northpoint College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts in Ministry Leadership with a minor in psychology, and I am so excited to be working with a ministry as multifaceted as RETA!

After I graduate I would like to be part of an organization working to end human trafficking domestically and internationally, and I am certain that RETA will play a huge role in preparing me for future opportunities!

Meet Adeline

If we haven’t shared too many stories from RETA’s Post-Abortion Support program, it’s because program coordinator Amber has been on maternity leave, celebrating the birth of her baby girl Adeline. Amber will be diving back in at RETA later this month, but she made a special trip to RETA’s office in late June.

The staff and a handful of volunteers were joined Amber, Adeline and her family, to throw a post-birth baby shower with books, gifts and lots of delicious food. We’re grateful for Amber and the amazing job she does helping post-abortive women find help, healing, freedom and hope in Christ!

Building Self-Worth

Al is a father and stepfather with limited access to his biological children. He grew up with a verbally abusive mom and without his father. In a recent session, he shared about his response to affirmations his wife had given him. He believes it is his job as husband and dad to give leadership, and to provide through his work and income. He knows what should be done and he does it; he has a good work ethic and fulfills his duties. He has a compassionate heart and thinks ahead to handle needs and potential problems. This is all part of what he is “supposed to do”.

When his wife offered thanks for how he was taking care of her and managing family issues, he felt he didn’t deserve it for just doing his job. He brushed it off and didn’t understand why she even said anything. She reiterated her appreciation, and he said he didn’t know why it mattered.

As he shared, I asked Al if he understood that she was offering a gift of affirmation, and that she needed him to take it. I suggested that his receiving of her gift may seem like a gift back to her. She wanted him to know he was appreciated, and she would feel heard when he received her gift. He said this was all strange to him.

We then talked about self-worth, which we had addressed in another session. We talked about how it can be hard for someone to receive thanks if—especially in childhood—they had been harshly criticized or otherwise been made to feel unworthy. If good gifts and encouragement have not been given regularly, it can feel unnatural when they are offered as an adult. He expressed that this was eye-opening and painful to consider. The conversation continued, and he decided he would make a greater effort to intentionally receive gifts of affirmation from his wife. He was also going to think through his own self-worth, and be willing to acknowledge his value to his family. Finally, he restated his commitment to show kindness. I am certain that moving forward, Al will work hard to speak lovingly to his family and to build their self-worth.

by Jeff, Men’s Coaching Manager

Paying it Forward

Martin is a married father actively parenting two young children. By his consistent involvement in Men’s Coaching he has earned his coach’s respect and multiple “Level Up” certificates and gift cards. Recently while attending another class nearby, Martin met a man in need and heard his story. There were a couple gift cards from RETA in his wallet, and he offered them. During their conversation, the man called the number on the back to see how much was left to spend. Turns out, Martin had spent the value of the cards but accidentally kept them. Martin encouraged the man to wait there while he drove home, where he had the exact amount of cash the cards had been worth. He returned as promised and handed the cash to his new friend. Martin told him, “I have been blessed by going to RETA. Now I want to bless you when you have a need.” He shared about RETA and encouraged him to get in touch.

We praise the Lord for Martin’s willingness to be generous! God always blesses his people so we can pass along his generosity and then point to him as the source. Abraham became a blessing to many nations. Paul and others received comfort in order that they might provide comfort to others. Joseph went through some tough times, gained wisdom, and gave advice to a powerful ruler which resulted in the people of a huge geographical region having food to eat during a famine. What have you received? How have you shared it? Pray with me that God will continue to bless dads, their families, and our community through Men’s Coaching.

by Jeff, Men’s Coaching Manager

A Student for Life | Summer Intern Kate

Hello! My name is Kate Sherwood, and I am a student currently studying at Bethel University. My passion to advocate for the unborn began at a fairly young age, earlier than I can even recall. I have been raised in a family that places high value on understanding and implementing the Word of God, so my initial resistance to the tragedy of abortion was strengthened and ultimately emboldened by them. Because of this, I began acquainting myself more and more with the pro-life movement and exploring what it looks like to preserve life as a whole. My first steps in doing so involved familiarizing myself with pro-life apologetics, organizing groups of students to attend several March for Life events, completing a communications internship at Voices for Life, and having difficult conversations with my peers. As I’ve moved into more of a young adult stage of life, I have challenged myself to put action behind my words and cultivate compassion for women contemplating abortion.  Growing up in the area, I have been familiar with who RETA is and what they do for quite some time. During my freshman year at Bethel, I became increasingly aware that I could dedicate my career to protecting the innocent. Upon this realization, I began searching for professional opportunities to fulfill this passion and RETA was the very first organization that came to mind. My values align perfectly with their mission, which is to provide life-affirming care while building Christ-centered families, so the choice to reach out was easy! I was immediately welcomed with open arms and enthusiasm by a team of committed, zealous, and Christ-like staff members who continuously pour their time and energy into the community. In the short time I’ve spent learning and observing here, it is clear that RETA remains faithful to the Lord and dedicated to the mission. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be an intern at such a God-honoring organization, and I look forward to supporting RETA for years to come!

Praying for Our Clients

Being grounded in faith and prayer is what has built RETA up over the years. It is a privilege to work in an environment where Biblical values are upheld and our core is to offer life-affirming services and build Christ-centered families.

We regularly meet with girls and women who feel in over their heads with the difficult circumstances in their lives. A few recent encounters stand out where the client had so many fears, anxieties, and obstacles spinning around in their minds, and the situations they were facing seemed impossible to them.

I had the opportunity to listen to a sweet, tender-spirited mom as she shared about some hurts and abuses she experienced from previous partners. She had very little support in the area, as family was distant and true friends were hard to find. She desired a closer relationship with God, but felt she had let distractions get in the way of a once close relationship.

Another mom I met with was overwhelmed at the prospect of adding another child to her toddler-filled home, and her partner was adamant that abortion was the only option he was wanting. The struggle of feeling the need to take responsibility for a child was clashing with the appeal of keeping life the way it was with the family she had now, and not adding to the stress and burden she felt.

Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, parties, and multiple partners were the main events in another client’s life. She was struggling hard to keep her head above water, and was not happy with where her choices were leading her. It was hard for her to fathom how she could get back on a better path.   

Another young client had been waning between getting an abortion or keeping her child as her boyfriend was hoping. When I met with her, she was accepting the idea that she would parent, and she had support from family. However, this was all so new for her and fears of being able to do this and concern about baby’s health were clouding her mind.  

With all of these clients, it was amazing to see how simply taking time in the midst of the appointment to pray with them made a big difference in their countenance. Relief and a sense of calm seemed to flood over them as we brought their concerns before the God who cares about them and created them. This opened up opportunity to talk further about what a relationship with God can look like and that there is hope for their future. We also discussed steps to take to start overcoming obstacles, and other ways that RETA can come along side them to provide support and care through the various programs we are able to offer. 

by Melody, Nurse/Sonographer

Adding a Nurse Practitioner at RETA

In July RETA will begin looking for a like-minded, pro-life nurse practitioner who will provide free gynecological exams for women.  These exams and basic testing will be at no cost to our clients.  Our hope in offering gynecological care is to help educate women about sexual health, provide more comprehensive STI testing and treatment, and promote overall health especially within our vulnerable population. 

Within 2 years of adding gynecological care for women we hope to extend our services to include prenatal care up to 20 weeks.  This would help pregnant women get early prenatal screening at no cost to them.  We would also be able to connect them with Healthy Babies who will help them navigate getting set up with Medicaid, so that we can get them plugged in to a provider.  All while having no delay in the prenatal care they need.  This helps remove a barrier women have when considering different life options for their pregnancies.

We believe both the immediate and short-term vision of adding a nurse practitioner helps support our mission of providing life affirming services, while building Christ centered families.  We will be able to come alongside these women at different stages of care and guide them in decision making.  This may be before they are pregnant by talking about sexual health and risk and boundaries while meeting their immediate needs. It may be during early pregnancy while they are faced with an unplanned pregnancy and the choices that come with parenting, adoption, or abortion. Lastly, after having a baby, they are still able to care for themselves while taking care of their children. Overall adding a nurse practitioner provides more holistic care to a woman and her baby and directly supports our mission here at RETA.

by Brittany, Clinic Director

Compare and Contrast | Couples' Coaching

A few new couples are coming for Coaching, and a few are expecting their first babies together. This is exciting for these dads and moms, because a new life is on its way! It is fun to walk with them on this path of discovery. It is also scary for these new dads and moms, because it will be different than babysitting other people’s kids.

To help you understand more about what these couples are like, here are some details about two of them: One couple is married, the other is unmarried; one couple shows maturity and the other does not; one couple is clearly committed to each other, and the other are not-quite-attached; one couple is working, the other is unemployed; one has housing stability, the other expects more change soon; one is close with their parents, the other comes from a legacy of pain.

Which couple do you think needs encouragement? Information? Compassion? Prayer? Support? Actually, both need all of those things and much more. Coming from a family and life of blessing is a wonderful thing, but expectant parents of all kinds experience emotional and practical challenges. Coming from a troubled past is difficult, but expectant parents of all kind experience respect, kindness, and opportunity at RETA. Please pray for these couples to engage fully with each other and our ministry. Pray that their needs would be met.

God wants life to win. God wants babies to be loved. God wants families to be strengthened. At RETA we do too and are doing our part. We are thankful for faithful supporters that make it possible to know and serve our clients.

by Jeff, Men’s Coaching Manager

Two Snapshots | Men's Coaching

One client has had a few problems dogging his steps. He is in the process of having his drivers’ license restored and has a low income, so our Family Store has been a major blessing to him, and each week he takes home items for his sons. For a few months, he was under a cloud of possible eviction due to conflict with the property manager and some unresolved disputes. When legal procedures were followed, my client found favor with the court, and maintaining his stable housing has brought him a sense of peace. He recently used his mechanical skills to help a friend repair a car, and was given money and a meal as thanks. He is excited about almost two years of personal sobriety, and is exercising great self-control in the midst of some tough situations. So far, he has achieved the first three Levels in Men’s Coaching, and was affirmed and rewarded as a “Role Model”, “Contender”, and “Hero”. Please pray for his continued progress and that he would become even more open to spiritual things.

Another client stated that he wanted to work on strengthening communication with his wife and young children. He is firm yet kind, and has high expectations but is realistic and flexible. He wants good things for his kids both now and for their future. He is willing to lead and does not want to be a bully. As we have discussed how to teach and correct misbehavior, he is trying to avoid nitpicking and overexplaining. We have connected health in marriage with demonstrating grace, love, and patience in communication. He is being intentional about time with each family member and about being the guy they all want to be around. Communication is always a two-way street, and in a recent session he highlighted the lesson piece he wants to stick on the refrigerator so he and his wife can practice together. He is taking responsibility for being proactively positive with his entire family. Please pray that his thoughtful efforts would result in his family knowing how much they mean to him.

As we reflect on what God is doing in people’s lives, we see that God wants people to be comfortable in their homes and with their families. God wants dads and kids to know each other well. God wants couples to speak truthfully, kindly, and openly with each other. God wants marriages to be stable and successful. God wants us to have clear minds and make good decisions. At RETA we do too and are doing our part. We are thankful for faithful supporters that make it possible to know and serve our clients.

by Jeff, Men’s Coaching Manager

Spanish-Speaking Services at RETA

We are excited to announce the addition of Spanish services to Moms’ Coaching this year. We welcome Gabriela Vazquez to our team as our bi-lingual Mom’s Coaching volunteer. She will be ready to accept clients for the parenting classes within the next few months.

Our current curriculum offers lessons in Spanish, so we are getting ready to purchase those lessons and to update our print materials.

We were blessed recently with a memorial donation from the Nila Mast family. Nila and her husband Paul were some of the founding members of RETA. Nila and Paul were missionaries to Brazil and had a heart for the Hispanic community. In honor of Nila, we will be using a portion of the memorial to cover the cost of the curriculum.

We are thankful we will soon be able to offer our quality programming to the Hispanic community.

by Joni, Client Services Director