After the death of Gerson in October 2005, I spent many days at the village trying to access the situation in the village to try and understand their needs. The village has no church, no school, no clinic. Nothing but destitute people with no work and no hope. Children that run around all day with no structure and nothing to do. Prostitution, alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Unemployed and uneducated parents that spend their days figuring out where they are going to get dinner. Of course corruption and crime is everywhere. I remember at one point I started judging these people wondering why they didn't do more to help themselves. But then I realized that before I judged these people I had to ask myself what would I do and who would I be if I had been born into the same situation.

 A few months before Gerson's death I had unexpectedly received a sum of money. When I received the money I knew it was a gift from God and that I would spend it in his service. At the time I just didn’t know how, where or for what purpose the money might be used. While in the Dominican with a heavy heart, the vision became perfectly clear and all the doors were opened. The villagers offered land to build a community facility. The men and women were willing to work for lunch and whatever pesos could be given. Gerson’s death united this village to work together for a better future.

 A church was already being constructed by a group of missionaries from Costa Rica, so our focus was on building a school with a small clinic. After careful consideration and prayer, I decided to step out in faith and we began construction in December of 2005.   All the doors were opened, all the people and skills needed were provided.  The construction went very smoothly. (Click here to read more about the construction of the school) It was an example of His faithfullness to us.  He put all the pieces of the puzzle together. The building was completed the end of August 2006. 

A feeding program has begun, feeding 60 - 100 children every day.  They are fed once a day a meal consisting of fresh bread, meat and cheese sandwich and as much milk as they can drink! They love it and it is a joy to watch them eat. They all eat the same way, cheese first, meat second and then thirdly dip the bread in the milk.  The children are also taught how to use a toilet as they have none at home.

The community comes for relief and aid when sick. We have a room designated as a clinic. We pray each day and there is always opportunities to learn about the Lord. 

As the construction was moving forward, I always felt the building would be turned over to an existing agency. I had stepped out in faith and did what I thought I'd been called to do, which was to use the gift I'd received by furthering God's kingdom and those in need. Discussions progressed with several different NGO's (non-government organizations). However, due to lack of funds, no one could take on another building.  So it seems that I am supposed to stay involved for awhile longer. The USA Board of Directors is hard at work developing an infrastructure that will sustain the organization once I've reached the other side! I don't worry, I pray, I trust everything will work out according to His wonderful plans.

Love from your sister in Christ, Brenda Backes, Founder, Evergreen Ministries.

Founded in
March 2005,
Evergreen Ministries/
Evergreen4Kids
is a State of Oregon, Non-Profit organization.

The registry number is # 276265-97
Evergreen Ministries/
Evergreen4Kids is a Federal 501(c)3
non-profit organization

Federal Employer ID # 20-252-4553