August '25 Ministry Update: A Season of Change, Growth, and Gratitude

The past few months have brought both challenges and blessings for PM Orchards. This July marked a major transition for our ministry and family as we moved from our home in the beautiful mountain town of Samaipata to the bustling city of Santa Cruz.

This change came as a result of a significant drop in donations. While God has continued to provide in many ways, we recognized the need to make practical adjustments to ensure the ministry could continue moving forward. With much prayer and consideration, Tara accepted a full-time teaching position at the American school in Santa Cruz. Her salary now helps cover the ministry’s expenses and keeps the program stable while we work to rebuild a stronger base of monthly support.

Leaving Samaipata was not easy. The crisp mountain air, the slower pace of life, and the closeness of nature had become part of our rhythm and our sanctuary. We still miss our home there, the quiet mornings surrounded by birdsong, the cool evenings, and the community we built. Yet, in every change, God has a purpose. We are learning to embrace this new season, and we have already seen glimpses of His hand at work here in Santa Cruz.

Adjusting to the City and a New Season

Transitioning to the city has brought its own set of challenges. Traffic, noise, and the fast-paced lifestyle are all new to us after years in the mountains. But it has also opened unexpected doors of opportunity.

We have been able to reconnect with former students, meet new potential supporters, and develop new partnerships that were not possible from afar. The city also allows easier access to universities, trade schools, and job opportunities for our students, especially those in the early phases of our program who are taking their first steps toward independence.

Tara’s new position is truly a blessing. It provides a steady income that helps sustain the ministry during this transitional period. Still, her new role has come with a bittersweet tradeoff. It takes her away from the full-time ministry work she loves and limits her daily interaction with our students. Many of you know how deeply Tara pours into each young person, mentoring, guiding, listening, and loving them through the healing process. Her presence has always been at the heart of PMO’s ministry family.

Miguel continues to work full time in the ministry, doing his best to fill both roles, managing operations, mentoring students, and handling logistics and administrative responsibilities. It is a lot to carry, but God continues to give strength.

Our prayer and goal is that as regular donations increase again, Tara will be able to return to full-time ministry work. Her role is essential in helping our students not only succeed academically or vocationally but also grow emotionally and spiritually. If you feel led, we invite you to pray about becoming a monthly supporter or increasing your current giving. Every contribution makes a real and lasting difference in restoring that vital daily presence for our students.

Our Students: Growing and Thriving

Despite the transitions, our students are thriving and continuing to make us proud. The second semester has begun for our college students in both Argentina and Bolivia. They are pursuing diverse degrees such as nursing, psychology, dentistry, and aviation, and working hard to reach their goals.

One of our male students recently began aviation school and is now working toward his private pilot license, a lifelong dream finally taking flight. His perseverance and discipline inspire everyone around him.

Meanwhile, our Phase 1 students in Santa Cruz have all found jobs and are learning valuable life lessons about responsibility, financial management, and teamwork. Watching them navigate the working world, make responsible choices, and apply what they have learned through the program reminds us why PMO exists: to help young people transition successfully into independent, purpose-driven adulthood.

A New Church Family

One of the greatest blessings of this move has been finding an incredible new church community here in Santa Cruz. From our very first visit, the members welcomed us with open arms, wrapping us in warmth and genuine love like we have never experienced elsewhere in Bolivia.

This church family has brought a renewed sense of spiritual community, not only for us but for our students as well. Some of our students have begun attending small group meetings for young people, and others have joined the choir or helped lead song service. A few have also participated in retreats and fellowship meals, which have provided wonderful opportunities for spiritual growth and connection. These experiences are strengthening their faith and giving them a deeper sense of belonging that had been missing before.

It has been a beautiful reminder that ministry is not confined to a single location. It is about connection, discipleship, and the people God places in our path.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this season of change, we see God’s faithfulness written all over it. He has provided for every need, often in ways we did not expect. We continue to trust that He is shaping this ministry for even greater impact in the future.

Our vision remains the same: to help young men and women who come from backgrounds of trauma, abandonment, and abuse find healing, purpose, and independence through Christ. We are committed to walking with them through every phase of that journey, from emotional recovery to spiritual growth, from education to meaningful employment.

To each of you who pray for us, encourage us, and give sacrificially to sustain this work, thank you. Your support changes lives. Truly.

Please continue to keep PM Orchards in your prayers as we adjust to this new chapter. And if you feel impressed, consider partnering with us financially to help us strengthen our foundation so Tara can return to full-time ministry and we can continue expanding our reach to more young people in need of hope and opportunity.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this story.