A Full Circle Moment at Casa Bernabé

Our Casa Bernabé team recently returned from Guatemala with hearts full after a meaningful time of ministry, service, and connection. The team consisted of 7 people from the States and 7 from Guatemala. Hear from team member Jelbin Garcia as he shares about his time on the trip.  

Jelbin Garcia has been a part of the Saving Susan family since 2018. He came from House of Hope Zacapa, graduated from high school, and is now in law school. Jelbin is also a staff member for our Advocate Kids program. He joined our Casa Bernabé team in Guatemala for a week of serving at the children’s home. Read more to hear his experience during the trip!

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“Our trip to the Casa Bernabé was a truly meaningful experience. Throughout the week, our team helped organize and clean the school’s storage room, sorting supplies and materials so they would be easier to use. We also spent time assisting with the preschool children, helping in their classrooms, supporting the art classes with the teenagers, and playing sports and games with the kids. Every activity gave us the opportunity to serve in practical ways while building relationships with the children.

What made the trip especially meaningful to me was the time we spent with the kids. I genuinely enjoyed getting to know them, laughing with them, and simply being present with them. The fellowship was warm, joyful, and something I will always remember.

This trip was also deeply personal. Years ago, I was one of the children who was visited and encouraged by this ministry. This time, instead of being the one receiving, I had the privilege of serving as part of the Saving Susan Ministry team. During our farewell, I found myself sitting where the team members once sat, watching the children say goodbye and hand us letters. I realized that I was experiencing the same moment from the other side the side of those who came to serve. That was incredibly emotional because I remembered being one of the children doing exactly the same thing.

Being able to give back what was once given to me meant more than I can fully express. Serving these children allowed me to share the same love, kindness, and encouragement that I once received. I am deeply grateful to Saving Susan Ministry and, above all, to God for giving me this opportunity. It was a blessing to be part of something that has had such a lasting impact on my own life, and I hope I was able to make even a small difference in the lives of the children we served.”

God at Work in Guatemala: Team Highlights from Casa Bernabé

We're officially halfway through an amazing week at Casa Bernabé, and God has already given us more stories than we could possibly fit into one email! From meaningful conversations and lots of laughter to unforgettable moments with the kids, our team has experienced so much already. We asked each team member to share a favorite highlight from the week so far, and we hope these snapshots encourage you as much as they've encouraged us. Thank you for praying for our team and for the children we're privileged to serve. We covet your prayers for the final few days of our trip.

“This has been a great experience. One thing that truly has blessed my heart is the moment I realized I was communicating with the children without using words! The universal language is Jesus, love, compassion, patience, and care!” -Crystal Cooper

“For me, working in the preschool the last couple days has been super fun. I’ve loved trying to speak Spanish with the kids and laughing with them and playing with them!” - Abigail Amos

“Being able to spend time with kids has been awesome and a blessing, either if it’s being in the houses doing activities or in the preschool doing schoolwork, it has been great getting to know them and their personalities.” -Samantha Huerta

“In this trip God has given us the opportunity to, in small ways, fulfill His word in ‘bringing good news to the poor, comforting the broken-hearted, proclaiming captives will be set free.’ Not in an obvious way, but with the small things, like a smile, a hug, an art project reflecting on hope, building things together, playing games together, being present.” -Keren Salguero

“I enjoy being part of the Saving Susan team and being the loving hand of God to the people of Casa Bernabé. My best moment was to share a cup of coffee with the parents in charge of the houses and to hear their stories, encourage them, and pray for them for new grace and strength to continue taking care of many kids.” -Wesslye Salguero

“My highlight was soccer practice. The way we both barely spoke each other’s languages but tried to communicate with what we knew in each other’s language was something that was really special. Even the kids during soccer and art who tried to help me speak better Spanish - even the smaller kids tried to use smaller words to help me understand. Overall, I enjoyed the wholesome experiences.” -Marlon May

“I've really enjoyed getting to meet all the kids and the house staff at Casa Bernabe. I have only gotten to see photos of them and texted with some of the house staff these past few months, so seeing them this week has made it feel very real.” -Katie Andrews

“I have really enjoyed spending time with the little kids and playing soccer with the older kids and helping out in different projects.” -John Salguero

“I enjoyed working with the girls on projects. They were excited to assemble bracelets, heart boxes, and the soccer goal game. They were confident and had a feeling of accomplishment. It was an opportunity for them to use their creative skills. I thank all the donors who made it possible for me to experience this special journey at Casa Bernabe.” -Frances Broughton

“One of the highlights of my trip was spending time at a children’s home. I love sharing moments with the kids and, at some point, I realized I could understand them, not just their words but their joy, kindness, and resilience. Their smiles made this experience truly unforgettable.” -Jelbin Garcia

“As I was fixing one of the new classrooms, it showed me how each of us has unique creativity. And made me think how each one of us, even the orphaned have been created in a unique and special way. So I would encourage you to find that special creativity and use it for the glory of God.” -Millie Salguero

“One of my favorite moments this week was our art therapy project centered on the theme of hope. As we talked with the kids, something really stood out to me: several of them described hope as "opportunity." I love that perspective. Hope isn't just wishful thinking—it opens doors, creates possibilities, and gives these children a reason to believe that their future can be different. It was a beautiful reminder of the life-changing impact that hope can have.” - Adam Reiley

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Saving Susan Ministry | Q2 2026 Impact Report

Midyear Update

Atlanta, GA — July 8th, 2026 

The year may be halfway done, but God isn't done moving. Saving Susan Ministry and all of our champions continue to make a big impact. We have many more exciting things on the horizon.

Here are some exciting updates and opportunities ahead:

Emotional Care Program

Earlier in the year we started our partnership with Hope for the Heart! This collaboration strengthens our Emotional Care Program, equipping us with biblically grounded resources to better serve vulnerable children who have experienced trauma. 

In April, we launched small-group topical studies with our students, creating safe spaces for deeper emotional and spiritual growth. Each group began with the topic of Hope. The groups all reported meaningful and successful conversations. One advocate shared that she was “surprised by how deeply they wanted to engage
with the topic.”

Our team trip to Guatemala allowed us to implement some of the tools Hope for the Heart gave us and to do a therapeutic art project with the students centered on the theme of hope. Each child created a scrapbook-style poster highlighting what they were grateful for, what they hope for, and the things they enjoy. It was a beautiful experience to see their creativity come to life through Scripture verses, meaningful images, personal dreams, and simple everyday blessings that bring them joy.

Kids from Manos show off their art projects they did with the team.

Manos de Compasión Trip

The Manos team being commissioned at Mars Hill Community Church

Our first team trip went to Guatemala in June to serve at Manos de Compasión. This was a group of diverse ages from all over the US who used their different gifts to serve the kids and caregivers at Manos during the week. The team led an art therapy project, played sports, cooked a meal for the house parents, and had a lake day with the kids.

Oliver Returns to Cambodia

The Music Academy is a vital expression of our mission, and we couldn't do the work in Cambodia without our music director Oliver. He returned to Cambodia in May to teach the students at Bileg and Imparting Smiles. The kids are growing in their skills, learning new instruments, diving into music theory and the musical history of Cambodia, and using their skills during Sunday services.

Oliver working hard with the students as they practice and perform during Sunday service worship.

Impacting Lives

At Saving Susan Ministry, we believe caring for vulnerable children sometimes means standing in the gap for their families, too. One family of children were reunited with their mother, and thanks to their faithful Parent Partners, they continue to be known, loved, and supported through our Advocate Program.

Their mother who is their sole provider, urgently needed surgery after years of worsening health that has left her unable to work. The children's Parent Partners were able to help fund her surgery and aftercare so she can now recover and have a better quality of life to continue providing for her children.

Save the Date: Rally for Susan 

August 13, 2026
Marietta Country Club

Our annual ladies-only Tennis & Pickleball fundraiser is back!

•Open to all skill levels

•Includes a luncheon open to everyone (fan passes available!)

Together, we will:

• Play

• Gather

• Be inspired

• Encounter God

• Help orphaned children experience the love of family and a brighter future

2026 Championship Ball Gala 

This year’s annual Gala—our “Championship Ball”—will be hosted at Truist Park November 12th.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as we come together to celebrate the impact of Saving Susan Ministry and rally around the children we serve. What began with one life—Susan—has grown into a mission reaching hundreds of orphaned and vulnerable children, and this night is all about stepping up to the plate to do even more.

Thank you

None of this is possible without you—your prayers, your generosity, and your heart for vulnerable children around the world.

Together, we are bringing healing, restoring identity, and sharing the love of Christ—one child at a time.

We’re excited to see what God still has planned for the rest of 2026.

María Learns How to Dream

Our Manos de Compasión team recently returned from Guatemala with hearts full after a meaningful time of ministry, service, and connection. Among the most impactful moments were the personal stories we were privileged to be part of. Hear from team member and Parent Partner Rafael as he shares the story of María, a young girl who left a lasting impression on our team.  

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“Back then, I didn’t even know how to read or write my own name,” María says.  “It made me feel very sad.  I would often drink because I would hang out with bad company.”

That was almost six years ago, when she arrived at Esther House, one of three homes in rural Guatemala run by Manos de Compasión (Hands of Compassion), a ministry devoted to helping abandoned or orphaned children and supported by Saving Susan Ministry, a Christ-centered, Atlanta-based, non-profit organization dedicated to connecting children with loving families.

Maria, a member of the Esther House at Manos de Compasión.

During a recent mission trip by a Saving Susan team of volunteers to the Manos de Compasión ministry, María, now 18 years old, said that she has learned how to read and write.  Her house parents, Yessi and Darwin, and the staff and school at Manos de Compasión have been instrumental in her growth and confidence, from teaching her the ABC’s to how to become a young woman. And she says she now feels confident enough to allow herself to have dreams.  “I want to be a chef and a missionary when I grow up,” she said.

Through Saving Susan Ministry, María has been partnered for several years with Julia Adenaike, a parent partner in the United States.  She says that knowing there’s someone who cares enough for her to make a financial commitment and give her spiritual guidance has helped her improve her sense of self-worth, even when she still struggles with shyness and believing in herself.

Maria and her mother, Yessi; Maria opening gifts from her Parent Partners; Maria getting her nails done by Saving Susan trip member, Mac.

María was born in San Juan Sacatepéquez, a city of 155,000 located 30 kilometers northwest of Guatemala City, in the country’s central highlands.  “Sometimes I feel very frustrated with myself because I’m not confident enough to talk to other people.  Sometimes I feel like they don’t like me because I’m so shy.  I grew up feeling isolated and was constantly rejected by the foster families I lived with,” María said.

Thanks to Chris Gatti, one of the Saving Susan Ministry volunteers on the mission trip, María has already taken her first step towards her dream of becoming a chef.  Under Gatti’s direction, María and other volunteers worked together to prepare a meal honoring the house parents that manage the three Manos de Compasión homes and take care of their children, starting with going to the nearby market to buy the ingredients and preparing them, to cooking the meal and serving it.

Maria helping Chris prepare a meal for the house parents at Manos.

“I learned how to communicate with others,” María said.  “I was still shy about it but was able to work with the team.”

María says that Julia, her Saving Susan Parent Partner, has helped her focus on things that matter even more than her dreams.  “The main purpose of being on earth is serving God.  My first love is God and then people because God made me and knows the plans he has for me.”

Confident that she’s loved and supported, María now says she’s really looking forward to her 19th birthday on December 6.

“Saving Susan Ministry has helped me move forward and has also helped me develop a love for God’s word.  I love reading the Scriptures.  Sometimes I feel like I’m still weak in my faith, but I know that I must press on and never forget that God helps me and sustains me,” she said.

María reading her “ABC’s” in 2022. She credits “Mami Yesi” with teaching her and giving her a foundation of faith.

Manos Footprint

Written by Allyson Overstreet

The Power of Moments. . . Several years ago, my niece recommended this book to me. I read it. I realized my whole adult life had been spent giving people the opportunity to experience a moment that could change their lives. I married a youth pastor, and for 48 years we have been in ministry together. Over the years, we have interacted with people who would recall moments that had forever changed their lives.

I believe that mission trips create those moments. This week, our team has had a unique opportunity. Not only are we serving in Guatemala at Manos de Compasion, but every adult member of our team has a family member with them.

I have the privilege this week of having my granddaughter with me. She lives many miles away, and this is an opportunity for me to make a moment with her. Serving together with her is a privilege I do not take lightly.

Our team is unique because it is multigenerational. Our youngest team member is 11, and I’m the oldest; I’ll be 70 in July.

Raising up a new generation of believers has been my ministry mission statement for over 40 years. It is a privilege to be a part of a team that values youth. Saving Susan knows the value of the next generation and has come alongside of vulnerable children in Cambodia and Guatemala through relational partnerships for over 10 years.

Pray for us as we continue the opportunity that God has given us and do not grow weary in well doing.

(Galatians 6:9)