Another month has flown by — and what a month it’s been!
We have so much to share with you, from deep personal challenges to unbelievable breakthroughs in ministry. Stick with us until the end — we have some incredible news you don’t want to miss!
Personal Update + a little story
First off, Maudilio’s hand is healing wonderfully! We were so blessed when a friend — who just so happens to be an occupational therapist specializing in hand recovery — reached out to offer her help. Talk about perfect timing! She walked us through some mobility exercises over a video call, and they’ve been incredibly effective. He’s making great progress and will soon be ready to move on to strength-building. We’re so encouraged by how far he’s come!
This past month has been another hard one. It felt like we were being hit from every direction — emotionally, spiritually, and even relationally. I (Taryn) want to be completely honest: much of August was marked by stress and discouragement. The weight of this ministry, the overwhelming spiritual needs in Aceituno, and the daily pressures of life all collided at once. It even caused tension in our marriage and home, leading to a few really tough weeks.
But God is faithful — and we’ve come through that valley and into a place of healing. While I’m still carrying some of the heaviness for this community, God continues to remind me of the name He gave this ministry: Aliento.
Many of you know the story behind that name, but I’d love to share it again — especially for those who are new to following our journey.
Back in 2019, just months after the feeding program began, I was praying about what to call this ministry. I felt completely overwhelmed — as if I had stepped into something far bigger than myself. Then God led me to Ezekiel 37, the vision of the valley of dry bones. As I read, I felt hope rise in my heart. If God can bring dry bones to life, He can breathe life into this town.
Still, I had no name. But then I read the passage in Spanish — and one word jumped off the page: Aliento.
“Aliento” means “breath” — the very breath that brought life into the dry bones. But even more beautifully, when used as an adjective, it also means “encouragement.” That revelation was life-giving for me. I knew then, this was what God was calling this ministry to be: a place where life is breathed into dry places, where hope rises again, and where encouragement flows.
So even now, in moments of despair, I hold onto that word. Aceituno is not too far gone. These bones can live again. And I pray that everyone who comes in contact with Aliento — whether physically or through stories like this — experiences the breath of God bringing life, hope, and renewal.
Feeding Program
The feeding program has never been busier! Each day we serve more people than ever before — so many, in fact, that we’ve run out of bowls, spoons, and seating space on a regular basis.
This week, I bought 50 more bowls thinking we’d finally be able to stop mid-meal dishwashing. But on Wednesday, even with the extra bowls, we still had to wash and reuse. We had about 150 people join us that day!
We’re also short on tables and stools, so people have been eating on cinder blocks, tree stumps, sitting on the ground, or even in our wheelbarrow! Our next goal is to buy more tables and stools to accommodate the growing crowd.
While this growth is exciting, it’s also overwhelming. Please continue praying for us as we navigate this beautiful — but stretching — season of expansion!
Building Project
Last month we shared about a financial need that threatened to halt construction. We needed $4,000 to finish the water room — and thanks to your generosity and God’s faithfulness, we not only met that need, we surpassed it!
With the extra funds, we will be able to install real windows in our kitchen (up until now it has just been wooden boards), finish our tool shed, and do all the finishing touches on both buildings.
We’re also getting ready to welcome a team coming the first week of October to build much-needed bathrooms on our property! This will be a huge help — not just for us, but for everyone who comes to share a meal with us each week. It’s a practical need that will make a big difference in the lives of so many. We’re incredibly grateful for this team and their willingness to serve the people of Aceituno with such generous hearts.
But here’s the part that left us completely speechless…
BIGGEST NEWS: A $25,000 Donation!
Yes, you read that right. Just yesterday, we received word of a $25,000 donation for the building project!
This means that immediately after the bathrooms are completed, we’ll be able to start construction on our new dining room! We’ve been praying that we wouldn’t need to pause construction once it began — and God has answered that prayer at every step. We are in awe.
God Carried Us — And You’ve Helped Sustain Us
This month has been a wild ride — from spiritual lows to miraculous provision. Through it all, God has carried us, and your prayers and encouragement have sustained us.
We are so grateful for each of you who supports us, not just financially, but through faithful intercession. We truly couldn’t do this without you. And we’d love to return the favor.
If you have any prayer requests, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be honored to add your name and needs to my personal prayer list.
Let’s keep breathing life into dry places — together!
