Ministry Update - June, 2025
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you well. I want to sincerely thank you for your continued support. Through this letter, I’d like to share some meaningful updates about the Pneuma Project, the youth involved, and a bit about my personal journey as well.
Personal Updates and Professional Engagements
On a personal note, I continue to work as a psychotherapist alongside other professionals in a private practice, which I also manage. In addition, I've been collaborating with staff at orphanages, helping train them in how to use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT. These tools are helping them stay more organized and bring new ideas into their work with children and teens.
I was also recently invited by the organization Word of Life to teach classes from our Transformation Academy program (by BlessBack ministries) to a group of 15 people, including missionaries and educators. These sessions cover topics such as:
● Identity and self-discovery
● Life and career preparation
● Effective communication
● Personal motivation
● Emotional and spiritual balance
● Resilience
● Active listening
● Counseling
The goal is to help them identify their strengths, understand their boundaries, and grow in their roles within ministry work.
At the same time, I'm training as a volunteer in a program focused on the prevention and early detection of child sexual abuse. My role as a therapist will help support the team through professional tools in observation and listening.
Amid all of this, I make it a priority to maintain balance in my own life through regular physical activity, personal time, and spiritual care.
Updates on the Young Men at Pneuma Project
Now, about the young men in our home — Fredi, Fernando, José, and Gabriel — each of them remains committed to their daily responsibilities. They all have part-time jobs and are making steady progress in the Transformation Academy. So far, we've explored topics like:
● Spiritual gifts
● Personal strengths
● Vocational interests
● Personality types
● Emotional intelligence
● Self-management
● Resilience
It’s been amazing to witness how each of them is beginning to discover their identity and set clear goals for their future. For example:
● Fredi has shown a strong interest in public speaking.
● José is drawn to social work and wants to pursue entrepreneurship.
● Fernando, with a logical and analytical mindset, has chosen to study programming.
● Gabriel is aware of his personal limitations and prefers to serve in a support role rather than a leadership position.
We’ve now completed over 70% of the course, covering topics like goal setting, creative thinking, critical analysis, decision-making, problem-solving, and time and productivity management. We’re already seeing positive changes: increased self-awareness, clearer goals, and a more focused, persistent, and empowered attitude in each of them.
Thank you again for walking with us on this journey. Your support makes transformation possible.
Young Men of the Pneuma Project: Individual Spotlights
Here are more in-depth stories of the young men benefiting from your support:
Fernando Trujillo
● Brief Personal Story: Fernando, now 18 years old, grew up in orphanages, including “Hogar de Sueños” and “Ágape.” He joined Pneuma upon turning 18, committed to shaping his future through education and disciplined living.
● Interests and Strengths: Fernando has a strong passion for technology, particularly web and video game development. He’s known for being reflective, logical, and a natural leader among peers.
● Recent Progress: He is currently studying Systems Engineering, part of the Transformation Academy program, and maintaining weekend employment as a waiter. Fernando has shown notable emotional maturity and responsibility.
● Current Challenges or Goals: Fernando aims to deepen his technical skills in programming and continue growing his confidence and social interactions.
José Ayala
● Brief Personal Story: José, now 19 years old, has successfully transitioned out of institutional life from the "Ágape" orphanage. After completing his high school education, José is committed to building an independent and meaningful life.
● Interests and Strengths: José is particularly interested in learning languages, especially English. He has a deep passion for psychology, social work, and charitable activities, displaying notable empathy, discipline, and reflective thoughtfulness.
● Recent Progress: Having already graduated from high school, José is currently focusing on improving his language skills and actively participating in social and community-based projects, where he consistently demonstrates maturity and responsibility.
● Current Challenges or Goals: José’s immediate goal is to enhance his proficiency in English and explore opportunities in psychology or humanitarian fields. His challenge remains developing clear professional pathways aligned with his passion for helping others.
Gabriel Suárez Quinteros
● Brief Personal Story: Gabriel, 23, has spent most of his life in institutional care due to complete family abandonment. He joined Pneuma after graduating from high school at CEA Cochabamba (Night school), to build an independent and meaningful life.
● Interests and Strengths: Gabriel is quiet, cooperative, and respectful. He enjoys cooking, baking, technology, and creating video content. Despite a mild intellectual disability, Gabriel demonstrates resilience, patience, and a strong work ethic.
● Recent Progress: Gabriel works part-time at a local diner with Fernando and continues developing personal independence and life skills. He’s actively learning to manage his daily routine with greater autonomy.
● Current Challenges or Goals: Gabriel’s current challenge is enhancing his social skills and overcoming emotional and communicational barriers. His goal is to eventually produce and share online content to express his creativity.
Fredi Vegamonte
● Brief Personal Story: Fredi, now 19, faced difficult circumstances during his adolescence, including time spent in the COMETA juvenile facility. He joined Pneuma in May 2024, aiming for stability and personal growth.
● Interests and Strengths: Fredi is creative and sociable, with interests in music, graphic design, and arts. He’s known for his resourcefulness and friendly demeanor.
● Recent Progress: Currently, Fredi is finishing his final year at a night school. He has significantly improved his habits around punctuality, responsibility, and self-discipline, positively influencing those around him.
● Current Challenges or Goals: Fredi aims to graduate soon and is currently exploring different career pathways, including design and digital media, to establish a clear direction for his professional future.
Fabricio Rocha (Graduate)
● Brief Personal Story: Fabricio was among the first residents at Pneuma, transitioning smoothly into independent living. He currently resides outside the home, thriving in his chosen career path.
● Interests and Strengths: Fabricio is passionate about culinary arts. He is independent and effectively manages both work and studies, maintaining stability.
● Recent Progress: Fabricio is in his second year at INSUR Culinary Institute. He also maintains stable employment at a local pizza restaurant, financially sustaining himself independently.
● Current Challenges or Goals: Fabricio’s primary goal is completing his culinary studies and potentially starting his own business. His current challenge is balancing academic responsibilities and a demanding work schedule.