Property Development | June 27, 2016

New Office Plans Property Development Casas por Cristo is looking towards the future. We have begun plans to construct a new headquarters on our property in order to reach more communities with the love of Christ. But, we need your help to complete these plans in a fiscally responsible manner. We are still seeking licensed or experienced contractors in the following areas so that we can assemble volunteer teams to accomplish these tasks. Please contact us if you would like to offer your skills pro bono or at a reduced rate to help us continue to grow and share the Gospel around the globe.

Needed Services Excavators Plumbers HVAC Technicians Electricians Contractors Painting Drywall Framing Stucco Concrete Millwork Landscaping Manufacturers/Distributors Doors Windows Building Materials Wood/Metal Studs Sheeting Doors/Windows/Hardware Insulation Landscape (Rock, Plants, Design Features) VOLUNTEER 915.778.0046 | tsanders@casasporcristo.org | casasporcristo.org

Family Spotlight June 2016 | Santiago, Dominican Republic

Osoky and his son Onerlene Meet Omelio, Charlene, and their son Onerlene (a combination of Omelio and Charlene). If you have been on a trip with us to the Dominican, there is a strong chance you have gotten to know our one and only Omelio, or as everyone likes to call him, Osoky. He is one of the group chauffeurs employed by Centro Cristiano. He is outgoing, fun, and takes great pride in helping our teams. Since the beginning, on top of driving our volunteer teams from point A to point B, Osoky has chosen to work right alongside our teams in the house building process. He considers it an honor and a privilege to help minister to his people while all along living in the same conditions as those he is helping.  Before Osoky became a God fearing leader in the community, he stood out in other ways. He was known for being the head of a local gang. In fact, at the house dedication, his mom claimed Osoky used to be one huge headache. Like many people in this world, he was only living for himself until God turned his life around. Osoky decided to begin chasing after the life God intended for him. Centro Cristiano chose to hire him because of his past and his knowledge of the local crime. What Satan once used for harm, God redeemed. Osoky now uses his past knowledge of crime to ensure the safety of our volunteer teams. Pastor Michell, Charlene, & Osoky When Osoky is not serving alongside groups, he works as a local motor taxi driver. His wife Charlene, on top of taking care of their son, is going to school to become a teacher for early childhood development. Onerlene is a ball of energy and, like his dad, is always the life of the party. When their family found out that they would be sponsored for a home, they were overjoyed. Charlene was so excited that she had their belongings packed in boxes two full weeks before Peace Lutheran Church of Eau Claire, Wisconsin arrived in February to build for them.  The entire build was a testimony to the man Osoky has become in Christ. The community rallied around their family, helping in any way possible. They helped pour concrete, level walls, nail siding, and even made sure Peace Church had their fill of fruit and coffee daily. This time, Osoky wasn't building for someone else. He was building a home for himself and for his family. At the dedication, he said, "I now understand in a completely new way what these families feel when receiving a home through Casas and how God is glorified in the process. I can now help share Christ and relate in a new and real way to the families that we will serve together."  Volunteer team from Peace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TRIP INFO DONATE

915.778.0046  |   questions@casasporcristo.org   |   casasporcristo.org

New Office Plans | Property Development

Casas por Cristo is looking towards the future. We have begun plans to construct a new headquarters on our property in order to reach more communities with the love of Christ. But, we need your help to complete these plans in a fiscally responsible manner. We are seeking licensed or experienced contractors in the following areas so that we can assemble volunteer teams to accomplish these tasks. Please contact us if you would like to offer your skills pro bono or at a reduced rate to help us continue to grow and share the Gospel around the globe.

Needed Services Excavators Plumbers HVAC Technicians Electricians Contractors Painting Drywall Framing Stucco Concrete Millwork Landscaping Manufacturers/Distributors Doors Windows Building Materials Wood/Metal Studs Sheeting Doors/Windows/Hardware Insulation Landscape (Rock, Plants, Design Features) VOLUNTEER 915.778.0046 | tsanders@casasporcristo.org | casasporcristo.org

Missionary Spotlight | Jake White

Meet Jake White, missionary with Casas por Cristo. Jake came on staff in 2015 as one of our Juárez Field Coordinators after serving with us for two summer internships. Jake helped to develop the new model house plans for our Acuña location, and he makes sure all of our tool kits and nail crates are ready to go for each build. INTERVIEW WITH JAKE 1. Tell a little bit about yourself and where you're from. Hello! My name is Jake White. I am 24 years old. I grew up in Northeast Ohio. I will always have a deep love for Akron/Cleveland and all sports teams from that area. A year ago, I graduated from the University of Akron with my Bachelor's in Construction Engineering. Like I said, I love Ohio, but I knew God was preparing me to be sent out. I like to get dirty, work with my hands, travel, and be outside. I am into martial arts, backpacking, and occasionally mountain biking. I enjoy reading and playing guitar to relax in my downtime. The thing I want most for my life is to be most effectively used by the Lord for His purposes. 2. What made you choose to serve at Casas por Cristo? I came on my first trip with Casas por Cristo back in 2012 and fell in love with missions. I was asked about signing up for the intern program and decided to take that leap of faith. I ended up spending a life-changing summer in Guatemala. It was there that God showed me I was created for missionary life. I came back for a second internship and spent the summer here in Juárez, México. It was here that God showed me the eternal effect this ministry has in the lives of the people we serve as well as those we serve with. I was so sure that God wanted me here that it was as if he spoke directly to me. Not with words, but with the Spirit guiding my life. I applied to join staff that summer and moved down six days after graduating college. Life has been a whirlwind ever since, but I have God to cling to through it all! 3. How have you seen God through your ministry at Casas por Cristo? The short answer is that I have seen him in every way. I have seen Him in my life, my coworkers' lives, in the lives of our volunteers, and especially in the people we are privileged to serve. It seems like everyday something happens, and I think to myself, "What a God thing!" He is so abundant in our ministry that I never question if we are aligned with the Spirit or not. There is something so simple yet amazing about the way we serve people. We work, sweat, and hurt with the families we serve. It's not glamorous, but that's why I love it. Jesus got dirty to love us, and that's how we want to reach out to people. 4. What has been your biggest challenge so far? It was definitely tough to leave behind life as I knew it to move here and serve. My biggest struggle has just been finding myself in the midst of a new lifestyle. I am constantly learning more and more about how God has created me and gifted me. It's been a crazy transition from being a college student in Ohio to serving as a full time missionary down here in Juárez. I'm trying to forge a new life here, and fundraising isn't always the easiest thing either. 5. What are some things people can pray for on your behalf? I would love prayer that God would use me to show His love to the world and to glorify Him. I would also appreciate prayer that our ministry would continue to grow and reach the world. Lastly, pray that I would figure out this new lifestyle and get connected with the generous people I need to be able to stay here long term. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!

DONATE SUBSCRIBE TO JAKE'S NEWSLETTER 915.778.0046 | questions@casasporcristo.org | casasporcristo.org