January 2018 Newsletter

GROUNDBREAKING NEWS

THE JUAN CHRISTIANSEN ACADEMY IS EXPANDING!

In these times of severe economic collapse in Venezuela, God is working mightily through you, our supporters, and the incredible staff and families at our Christian school in Rubio.

Our existing school has outgrown the building we’re in. Currently we serve K-7th grade. On beautiful land acquired with the help of local government, a new school will be built to accommodate an expanded range of students. We plan to add a new grade each year so that students attend from Kindergarten through High School.

Be on the lookout for progress reports as our building takes shape and we welcome more students to get an education at what is being recognized as the best Christian school in the state of Tachira. We appreciate your support through prayer as we seek God’s guidance for smooth progress and to meet the financial needs for this new building.

STEWARDSHIP MATTERS

The Board of Directors for Andean Aid is based in a suburb of Chicago and meets bi-monthly with an agenda set around these priorities:

Establish policy and procedure for all aspects of the organization
Review current status of Help and Hope Center activities
Discuss individual situations regarding the children that require special attention
Monitor financial state of the organization and spearhead fundraising activities
Consider new projects and direct next steps for such projects

Through its Budget and Finance Committee consisting solely of financial professionals, the Board is committed to strict oversight of operations and financial resources. We believe in accountability that meets or exceeds legal requirements as well as God’s standards for responsible stewardship of that which He has given us through our supporters.

To learn more about our Board of Directors, visit http://andeanaid.org/andean-aid-board/

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

STUDENTS AT BEN LIPPEN SCHOOL
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

We love it when our donors tell friends and family about Andean Aid. Last month we introduced you to Katelyn Smith, a supporter for many years who lived in Venezuela and attended the original Christiansen Academy.

Katelyn’s sister, Jennifer Pilpe, attended school there, too. Recently, Jennifer visited geography classes at Ben Lippen School in Columbia, South Carolina, and shared about Venezuela, where she, too, once lived. The Ben Lippen students were touched as they learned about the many difficulties people in Venezuela, especially children, face. And they wanted to help.

The students decided to have a “change war.” They saved and brought in their spare change for the children at our Help & Hope Centers. Together, they saved $559.57.

Thank you, students of Ben Lippen School, for learning that you can help children in need, no matter where in the world they live.

INSPIRED BY THE STUDENTS AT BEN LIPPEN? DONATE HERE.

“PLEASE DON’T FORGET US”
by Executive Director Gaby Andrade

Mardheilis Cuardro, 11, had always dreamed of having the kinds of toys and clothes many children had, but her parents could only afford basics like food and shelter for their six children. Living in a poor village in the Andes mountains of Venezuela, there have been many hardships.

There was something else Mardheilis lacked. At age 10, she still didn’t know how to read.

When Mardheilis and her siblings began attending the Florida 2000 Help & Hope Center four years ago, she arrived with a bad attitude that put her at odds with other children. She told me, “I understood that my rudeness was because other people had things I didn’t. I dreamed not only of having nice things, but also of becoming a doctor. The more I believed I wouldn’t achieve my dreams, the worse my behavior became.”

At the Help & Hope Center, Mardheilis noticed the pastor’s son, a student at Juan Christiansen Academy. “He knew much more than I did, was good at math and read very well. And he spoke English and French! I prayed that one day I could study there, too.”

Mardheilis kept her eye on her dream, and last year, thanks to Andean Aid, she received a scholarship to the school. “I began asking God to change my attitude. I also asked Him to give me the things I wished for, but only when He knew I was ready for these blessings.”

Since then, Mardheilis has worked hard and improved her outlook. God, she says, “has sent many blessings to me and my family. I am asking God to help me handle these blessings.

My mother used to prepare a little bit of food for us and have none left for herself. I wanted to throw up as I watched her go hungry and heard my parents fighting. Now, we’re all eating because of the meals Andean Aid is serving at the Help & Hope Centers. Because my siblings and I help distribute the food, we get to take some home to our parents.

I ask for your prayers that I can fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor. Pray for my sisters and brothers; every day they ask me to tell them what I learned at Juan Christiansen School. Thank you for opening Andean Aid. My family situation is hard, but when I see how God is helping us, I can realize God loves me. Please don’t forget us. We love you.”