Hello, many of you have been wondering, “What’s happening with Cristian?” I know I have taken a long time to give you updates about my personal life and the service I do at Ancla de Amor. To be honest, time has flown by so quickly that I hadn’t realized we are about to end another year. There’s so much to tell you and share; so many things have happened this year in the Ministry. I can’t believe we are already in October. I feel like I’m running at 200 km per hour. This month, I felt in my heart that it was time to give you updates about my personal life as well as the ministry. I pray and hope it will be a blessing for you.
I think and I think about how to summarize everything that has happened this year, and I have reflected on God’s word about all that He has done in my life and how He continues to work in the ministry.
This past month has been an indescribable blessing for my family. The birth of our daughter Sarah was a true miracle and a direct answer to our prayers. For those who didn’t know, several people, including some doctors, told us it would be impossible for my wife, Belén, to have a natural birth. Her first pregnancy, with our son Mateo, ended in a c-section for health reasons, and in Mexico, most doctors prefer not to take risks and opt for a second c-section. But we had firm faith that God would guide us. We knew He would put us on the right path and with the right doctor.
During Belen’s pregnancy, there were moments of great uncertainty. I remember at the appointments in which the doctors, with the best intentions, suggested we opt for a scheduled birth, a second c-section. They didn’t want us to take any risks. Belén took great care during the pregnancy; we could see that our baby was developing healthily, Belén felt very well, and yet the doctors did not give us a logical explanation, at least to try it, but in the midst of those conversations, Belén and I felt an indescribable peace. We knew that God was with us and that He would open the way. Belén and I had many conversations, asking God to guide us in every decision. Finally, we found a doctor who shared our faith that a natural birth was possible, and that’s how our little Sarah was born—a direct answer to our prayers.
Against the odds and forecasts, Belén was able to have a natural birth. It was a moment of joy and deep gratitude. Seeing our daughter born this way reminded me of the power of prayer and faith in divine guidance. God is faithful in fulfilling His promises, and Sarah is the living testimony of His love and power. I had the great privilege and blessing of being by Belén’s side during labor, and today I love my wife even more. It was an indescribable experience and something that not many Mexican men can experience because in most hospitals, husbands are not allowed to be in the delivery room; they have to wait many hours to meet their new baby. I am a proud husband for the effort she made and the dedication she had before the birth. Now, it is my turn to be a dad to two little disciples that God has entrusted to me and my wife. WELCOME SARAH !!
While my family has experienced this beautiful blessing, I have also witnessed significant advances at Ancla de Amor. Over the past few months, we have been able to achieve several goals that seemed unattainable at first (Brian will likely share more details about these achievements over time, as he will provide a better explanation of what has been worked on in the last six years at Ancla’s offices. I take this opportunity to deeply thank Brian and Clarissa Kahn for the continuous trust they place in me and the work I do in the office). Every step has reaffirmed that even when doubt arises, God continues to work through us to fulfill His purpose.
One of the moments I remember most was when we started the support project to train caregivers and hire more staff. At first, doubts overwhelmed me: Will we have the resources? How much longer should we wait to find the right people for this crucial position at Ancla? Is there an adequate course to strengthen the work that the caregivers do at Ancla? (since Clarissa and I could not keep up with the number of children we have at Ancla and did not have time to train the caregivers that God would provide); but time and again, God showed us that He is the provider. Finally, God has sent this support, and we are deeply grateful because today we have a great team of staff. We saw how resources gradually arrived, and more importantly, we saw the change in the children. Their smiles, their hope, their desire to move forward, fill me with immense gratitude. We knew we were being instruments in God’s hands.
However, I must be honest. There have been moments of spiritual struggle in my journey. There were weeks when I questioned whether I was really doing what God had called me to do at Ancla de Amor. The trials and difficulties made me doubt whether I was the right person to carry this ministry forward. But God, in His infinite grace, was reminding me little by little that He is with me every step of the way, even when I cannot see it clearly. In addition to this, every month we receive applications for children who need a home at the orphanage. These are children who have been abandoned, who have been victims of the violence that unfortunately plagues our local community, and we cannot accept them because we do not have the space and staff. Knowing that there are so many little ones suffering and that we cannot do more breaks my heart. These are moments when I can only trust that God will open larger doors in His time, so we can provide shelter for more children in need.
Furthermore, the violence in our community is another burden I carry with me daily. When I go to the city to carry out tasks for Ancla, I often encounter children on the street and situations that reflect the harsh reality of our society. Seeing so much pain and suffering around me deeply affects me. I constantly pray for God to bring peace and restoration to our land, and that through our ministry, we can be a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
During this season of doubts, challenges, and pain, I found great comfort and direction in the words of Ephesians 6:5-8:
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slaves or free.”
This passage reminded me that my work at Ancla de Amor is not just for people (men), but for the Lord. Every task, every responsibility, every obstacle I face, I do with the certainty that it is for His glory. My enthusiasm and dedication do not depend on human approval, but on serving God, and that truth has given me a new perspective on my calling.
Sometimes, working in the ministry can be exhausting, and in moments of weakness, it’s easy to think that immediate results are what matters most. But this verse reminds me that I do not work for the approval of men, but for God. Every day, I try to apply this teaching in my life. Whether in a meeting, an administrative task, or a difficult conversation, I remember that I do it for Him. This perspective has renewed my enthusiasm and changed the way I approach each challenge. It drives me to give my best, knowing that the Lord is the one who will ultimately reward every effort. (my reward is to be His son).
Today, I feel more strengthened than ever to continue the work at Ancla de Amor, with the confidence that God is working in my life and in this ministry. My prayer is that, through this testimony, others may also find encouragement amid their own challenges and remember that God always fulfills His promises.
I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to my brothers in Christ who support me with prayer and financially, who believe in me and my calling, for being attentive to me, for giving me the opportunity to provide for my home, and for allowing me to serve at Ancla. Thank you very much to everyone who sent financial support for the medical expenses of my wife Belén and our baby Sarah; I will never forget, I praise the Lord for that.
Thank you so much to Hope Thrift Store for their great support to Ancla’s staff and volunteers and for giving me the opportunity to receive a salary.
I also thank everyone for the advice, tips, and for walking with us during Belén’s pregnancy. You are a great blessing in our lives.
You are in my heart and in my prayers; Big hug from us!
May God open doors of blessings in your lives and may His light shine in your hearts.
