As an officer of the board of directors for VER International since its inception, I have been blessed and privileged to see how God has matured and refined the organization to be His hands and feet to the Honduran people. VER’s core values of validate, educate and restore resonated with me from the first time Kristen spoke them. One of the things I love the most about this organization is observing how Natán, Kristen and their team live out these values every single day with passion.
At every board meeting, I heard accounts of how VER was impacting the Honduran people through our various ministries. In May 2023, Jeff and I made a decision that we wanted to see the day-to-day operations, so that we could better support this ministry. I can honestly say that I have never been as impacted by a mission trip as I was this time.
Over the years, we have realized that relationships are crucial to building the trust and love that opens doors for people to listen to what we have to say about a relationship with Jesus. Natán, Kristen and the team have built so many relationships within individuals, families and community leaders. One of the most impactful visits to us was going to celebrate the 1st birthday of a child who most likely would not have lived had it not been for VER stepping in and getting the child the formula and medical care needed due to him not thriving when being breastfed. The relationship was the reason the mom and dad listened to Natán and Kristen when they addressed the issue with the baby.
The family also was living in a one room house that was not suitable for their family. In Honduras a couple thousand dollars can build a new home. That was hard for us to even fathom! VER stepped up and partnered with the husband to build a new home for the family. He was allowed to maintain his dignity by setting the pace for the build. VER worked alongside the family as they were building a new home.
The same family is also part of the backpack initiative, and without the supplies and uniforms, their children would not be able to attend school. At one point, the kids were not going to school, and Yeny, the office administrator, told them that if the kids didn’t go to school that all help from VER would stop immediately. I am very supportive and passionate about giving a hand-up versus a hand-out, and VER prescribes to the same philosophy.
Being both a financial partner and a volunteer for VER has grown my faith and has been so rewarding. It is so refreshing to be part of an organization that has their heart set on winning others to Christ and being very diligent to make sure every initiative they have opens doors for relationships to have those conversations.
When Alison was 26, she accepted Jesus as her Savior, and it was the best decision she had ever made. She and her husband Jeff, have been married for 31 years. They have 8 adult children (including daughter-in-laws and son-in-laws) and 5 grandkids. She loves to serve others through missions, as well as service through her church.