Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026
Another great year at the mission has come and gone! This year marked several milestones for both the education and ministry programs:
Four students graduated from the English program after 2.5 years of hard work
Twelve people were baptized as part of La Viña San Ramón’s anniversary celebration
A new literacy program for 6-8 year olds and volunteer-led Bible club began
Six mission teams visited to learn from, grow with, and support the community
None of this would be possible without our dedicated staff.
They are not only employees; it really is a calling. The work they do is emotional and spiritual, drawing from every part of themselves to support the overall vision of FSM: to improve the physical, educational, and spiritual health of those we serve.
As we reflect on the past year, we want to share a few stories about the staff—the people who make FSM what it is.
Our Administrator, Jafeth, returned to work after a year-long medical leave, and one of his responsibilities is translating letters for the Child Sponsorship Program. He has the privilege of seeing the kids’ faces light up when he delivers your photos and updates! The love they receive from people across the world provides light and hope in their darkness, as the heavy burdens of their daily life are set aside while they remember they matter to someone like you. For Jafeth, this joy is contagious, and he is encouraged, too.
Our head teacher, Jenny, recently implemented a volunteer program with several moms in the community, giving them a place to serve and belong. As these mothers have seen their kids be transformed by the love they receive from mission staff and visiting mission teams, they are inspired to give back. These moms help by checking kids in, assisting the children with their daily reading, and giving them a snack. Jenny has continued to foster a place of belonging and connection not only for kids, but for these women as well.
Our English teacher, Johan, was recently baptized after embracing faith in Jesus. Seeing the staff, volunteers, and visiting short-term mission teams be the hands and feet of Jesus–while translating their testimonies and sermons–gave him a new understanding of who God is. He has seen the impact of the mission in the community, and has begun mentoring some of the young men in the program, encouraging them to dream and make decisions for their future.
Our math teacher, Giordano, not only pioneered a new literacy program for 1st-2nd graders, but is building deep relationships with the kids. Walk around the mission on a regular afternoon and you'll hear his name called loud and often, "Giordano, come play!" Between tutoring students, he's actively engaged on the playground and in the soccer field, making a difference both in and out of the classroom.
The stories we tell could go on and on!
From full-time staff to volunteers, from church leaders to security guards, and everyone else who has a hand in the running of the mission. We celebrate the life-change within our staff! We celebrate their dedication and commitment to the community.
As we look forward to 2026, we are actively developing new partnerships and excited for how these partners will support our staff in new ways! Join us in praying for another year of lives being transformed by the grace of God through Faithful Servant Missions.
