About Us
Jubilee is a Christian school in Col. La Era, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
For at-risk children in an impoverished neighborhood.
In 2024, we currently have:
375 Prek -11th Graders.
45 Staff members.
+180 Students in After School Music, Athletics, Theater, and Dance
A church ministry that operates in the same space, sharing Christ with student’s entire families.
Why is Jubilee Important?
God’s Heart for Jubilee
“Years ago the Lord placed a vision and a calling on our hearts to begin Jubilee, but we marvel to know that Jubilee was in God’s heart before the beginning of time. We trust that the hundreds of children and families that have already been shaped and impacted with the power of the gospel and transformative education at Jubilee, this is only the beginning of what God has in store for Jubilee, our students, and families.”
—David & Emily Romero, Founders and Directors
Fulfilling Deep Needs
“Jubilee is fulfilling one of Honduras’ greatest needs—financially accessible, quality schooling with a Christian education, one of the greatest ways to transform, equip, and empower children and youth to be leaders in Christ’s Kingdom.”
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Together We are Jubilee
Get to Know Our Stories!
Jubilee goes beyond traditional education. Recently, our 10th-grade students, under the guidance of their Spanish teacher Wendy Elvir, hosted a Grammar Fair during The Dia del Español. This event showcased the fun side of learning Spanish and introduced students to exciting activities that blend education with entertainment. If you’ve ever been curious about Spanish or our approach to learning, keep reading!
One of the highlights of the Grammar Fair was a photoshoot frame of the iconic Don Quijote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza. Created by the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, these characters symbolize courage, imagination, and friendship. They remind us of the importance of pursuing dreams and cherishing friendships.
Fun and Educational Grammar Games
Our students engaged in a variety of enjoyable games that put their language skills to the test:
Word Twister: A Spanish twist on the classic game, challenging players to place their hands and feet on Spanish words.
Word Roulette: Students spun a roulette wheel to form sentences with the word where the wheel stopped.
Grammar Tic-Tac-Toe: A version of “tic-tac-toe” with Spanish words that students must conjugate correctly.
Snake Game (La Culebrita): A game where students wrote and learned basic Spanish concepts as they moved their “snake” across the board.
Fascinating Facts about Spanish
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world by native speakers.
If we consider the standard Spanish dictionary with around 90,000 words, and add idioms, Americanisms, and other regional expressions, we could be talking about approximately 200,000 words or more. though an average speaker uses only a fraction of them daily.
Spanish has been influenced by many languages, including Arabic, Greek, and indigenous languages from the Americas.
It’s spoken in more than 20 countries, each with its own variations and dialects.
Jubileo’s Grammar Fair was a success, demonstrating that learning Spanish can be fun and enriching. Join us on a mission trip to experience the magic of learning Spanish in a unique and exciting way. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant community!
If you’re inspired by what you’ve read and want to experience our unique approach to learning Spanish, we invite you to join us on a mission trip! A mission trip to Jubileo is an opportunity to immerse yourself in our educational and cultural activities. Whether you’re a student, educator, or language enthusiast, our mission trip offers something for everyone.
Join us in July 20-27 2024
Come and discover the joy of learning Spanish with us and see how we turn education into a celebration! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun. [...]
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In the heart of Jubilee’s students, a story of redemption and transformation is being written. Sixth grader, Moises, is a remarkable example of this transformation. Coming from a home marked by difficulties, Moises faces unique challenges because of the advanced age of his parents, who struggle to care for him amidst his overwhelming hyperactivity.
Forced by the violence of local gangs, Moises’ oldest sister (in her 30s) migrated to the United States and her absence has understandably caused deep pain and confusion for Moises. His emotions overflow, manifesting in explosive behavior and language laden with anger.
Each day was a battle, and Moises was trapped in a spiral of rage. But amidst the darkness, hope emerged thanks to the loving support of his teacher, Ms. Keyla. Despite the challenges, she never lost faith in Moises. With tireless love and dedication, she tried to guide him on the right path, even in the most difficult moments. However, her efforts seemed to bear no fruit, and hope began to fade.
Children’s Day 2023 arrived (September 10), a day that would change Moises’ life forever. In an act of humility and sincere repentance, Moises went to his teacher and asked for forgiveness from the heart. At that moment, the message of salvation resonated in his soul, and Moises found comfort and forgiveness in the arms of Jesus.
The miracle of transformation began to unfold before our eyes. Moses found peace in the presence of God, regularly attending church and practicing breathing exercises to control his anger. With each step taken in faith, his heart healed, and his spirit strengthened.
Today, Moises tells us with emotion how he has learned to channel his anger constructively. He no longer hurts others with his actions, but finds comfort in prayer and the love of God. And although he still faces challenges, he is determined to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and become the best version of himself.
In Luke 15:10, we find the promise that there is great joy in heaven when a sinner repents. Let us continue to pray for Moises, as his journey has only just begun. If you wish to be part of this wonderful process of transformation, we encourage you to consider sponsoring Moises and being part of his story of redemption and hope. Together, we can make a difference in the life of this brave child. [...]
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Meet Bessy, a vibrant 20-year-old alumnus of Jubilee, currently pursuing her second year of Psychology studies at the Honduran National Autonomous University in Tegucigalpa. Despite her young age, Bessy has already left a significant mark on Jubilee’s community.
Bessy’s journey with Jubilee began years ago when she was just a young student. She fondly reminisces about her time as part of Jubilee’s first graduating class of 6th graders back in 2016. This was before the school had expanded to include a middle school, and Bessy treasures the memories of those formative years.
Leaving Jubilee after graduation was undoubtedly a challenging transition for Bessy. However, the Lord had a beautiful surprise in store for her as she found herself back within the familiar halls, this time as a part-time Administrative Assistant. The opportunity to return to Jubilee filled Bessy with immense joy, and she describes Jubilee as her second family.
But Jubilee isn’t just a workplace for Bessy—it’s a place where she finds deep fulfillment and purpose. Raised in a devout Christian household, Bessy and her family are faithful members of Jubilee’s church. Her commitment to serving God has been evident since childhood, and she actively participated in church activities from a young age.
In Bessy words “Belonging to Jubilee is a great blessing for me, from the very beginning. I believe that when I arrived, it was not by chance but for a purpose of the Lord in my life and my family’s, in this place. Jubilee has helped me grow in faith and as a person in different ways, and I am very grateful”
One particular ministry holds a special place in Bessy’s heart—the dance ministry led by Jubilee teacher Ms. Lisbeth Flores. Through dance, Bessy not only expresses her creativity but also brings joy and inspiration to the community. Her passion for serving others shines brightly through her involvement in this ministry.
Bessy’s faith journey is beautifully encapsulated by Psalm 37:4, which reads, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” For Bessy, working at Jubilee isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. It’s a way for her to combine her professional skills with her passion for ministry, drawing closer to God through service.
As Bessy continues her studies and her work at Jubilee, she remains grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community that has shaped her into the person she is today. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, service, and belonging. [...]
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A Look into Our Recreation Day at Jubilee School
Last Friday, Jubilee’s School was alive with energy and excitement as we hosted a fun day of sports and entertainment for our students. From soccer games to movie screenings, it was a day filled with laughter and learning for all. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of recreation and sports in school education, as well as the positive impact it has on our students.
Importance of Recreation and Sports in Education:
Numerous studies support the idea that recreation plays a vital role in education by providing opportunities for the physical, mental, and emotional development of students. Here are some ways in which recreation benefits the educational process:
Physical Development: Participation in recreational activities such as sports, outdoor games, and physical exercises promotes students’ physical health and well-being. It helps develop motor skills, coordination, and endurance, contributing to an active and healthy lifestyle Our PE teacher, Mr. Bermudez, says “Sports are a fundamental tool in education, as it promotes values and physical activity in young people.“
Mental Development: Recreation offers opportunities for exploration, experimentation, and hands-on learning. Through playful and creative activities, students can develop cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Our Principal, Mrs. Osorio, mentioned that “I like to take these initiatives with our children, because I consider that when children run, de-stress, release a lot of energy, that we have healthy children, also with healthy minds” Recreation can also stimulate imagination and creativity, fostering an environment conducive to learning.
Emotional Development: Engaging in recreational activities can help students manage stress, improve mood, and promote a positive outlook on life. Recreation provides opportunities for socialization, building relationships, and developing social skills, which contribute to self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to work as a team.
In summary, recreation plays a fundamental role in education by promoting the holistic development of students. By providing opportunities for physical, mental, and emotional growth, recreation contributes to the formation of balanced, healthy, and well-adjusted individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world that we live in.
Sports and Christ: Athletes for Christ:
One of the most inspiring aspects of our activity was the focus on teaching Christian values through sports. Like prominent figures in Central America, such as Keylor Navas The Christian’s PSG goalkeeper, our students learn to follow God and honor Him through their athletics. Becoming “Athletes for Christ” not only teaches them athletic skills, but also instills values of integrity, teamwork, and resilience.
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In Jubilee, a community rooted in the faith and love of Christ, stories of hope flourish even in the darkest moments. In this blog, I want to share two inspiring testimonies of two young students from our school who have found comfort and strength in the light of faith despite adversity. They are both part of the PreK program.
Finding Love in God’s Arms.
Yesterday we visited Sofia Lagos in her classroom. Sofia is a sweet girl of just 4 years old. She lives with her mother, who works tirelessly to support the family. She is a single mom and she can only spend a couple of hours a day with her daughter, which leaves a very big gap in Sofia, who needs a consistent maternal figure. Mornings are often difficult for Sofia, as her mother’s absence plunges her into a small emotional crisis. But, as Philippians 4:6-7 teaches us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It is for this reason that every day we have devotionals in the classrooms, these moments of intimacy with God help Sofia greatly, as they allow her to experience Jesus’ inexhaustible love. Sofia’s teacher is Ms. Norma, who tells us, “With a calm heart after prayer, Sofia finds the strength to enjoy the day.” As time goes by, her attitude begins to change. Although at the beginning of the year she cried a lot, God’s strength has transformed her attitude. After school is done, Sofia spends the rest of the day with some church sisters who have become a network of female support for her. Together, they enjoy moments of play and laughter, and the sisters take care of her and love her as if she were their own daughter.” Jesus heals the wounds of all those who seek His presence; we must continue to pray for Sofia and her family.
Encounter of Hope in the Family
Johan Jacob, another brave student of Jubilee, has lived a story of struggle from an early age. Three years ago, he had to flee with his mother due to a threat of danger. But, as Psalm 34:17 reminds us, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” Johan was rescued by his grandmother (who works at Jubilee as a teacher assistant in 1st grade). She became a pillar of support for them. Although, still today, his mother is still missing, Johan finds comfort in the love and care of his family. His grandmother tells us with tears in her eyes how hard this situation is, in her words, “As his grandmother, I always tried to be there for them, even though our video calls never revealed the true situation they were in. It was only when someone alerted me that they were asking for money at a traffic light that I understood the gravity of the situation. I ran to rescue them, and since then, Johan and his brother have been under my care. I fondly remember one occasion when Johan said to his uncle: ‘You are my hero’, referring to the support and care he received during those difficult days.”
Remember! the kingdom of heaven belongs to Children
These stories, dear brothers and sisters of Jubilee, are living testimonies of the grace and mercy of our Lord. Through prayer, the support of the community, and the love of the family, Sofia and Johan find hope and comfort in the midst of adversity. May their testimonies inspire us to be lights of hope and love, bringing the light of Christ to those facing difficulties in their own lives. In Matthew 28:19-20 we find, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” At Jubilee, our way of fulfilling this mandate is by reaching the lives of these children.
If you want to help with this work, born in the heart of God, click here.
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Holy Week in Honduras is a time of deep religious and cultural tradition, but unfortunately, in many cases, it has been overshadowed by empty religiosity. While for some it remains a time of spiritual reflection and devotion, for others it has become an excuse for vacationing and enjoying the beach, completely forgetting the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. In this blog, we will explore this phenomenon and reflect on the importance of reclaiming the true meaning of Holy Week.
It is sad to observe how in many Honduran communities, Holy Week has become a superficial celebration, devoid of its true significance. Beyond this, it becomes an empty religious celebration in Honduras where activities such as making sawdust carpets decorated with religious motifs are celebrated, as well as participation in masses and special services, with religious images carried on the shoulders of devotees, who forget that Jesus is not found in the images, but in a relationship of close and deep prayer.
Amidst the festivities and vacations, it is easy to forget the true sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Holy Week should be a time to remember and reflect on Christ’s suffering and the meaning of His death and resurrection for our lives. However, many people prefer to ignore this spiritual aspect and immerse themselves in mundane activities, losing sight of the true reason for celebrating this time.
Holy Week in Honduras faces the challenge of empty religiosity, where the true spiritual significance is lost among distractions and worldly festivities. Let us remember what the scriptures tell us: “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” – Romans 12:5. Holy Week and Easter remind us of our unity as the body of Christ. They invite us to seek communion with our brothers and sisters in faith, sharing the love and grace we have received through Jesus Christ.
In this sacred season, may each of us be renewed in our understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice and the meaning of His resurrection. May our lives reflect the truth and beauty of the gospel, bringing the light and hope of Christ to a needy world. May Holy Week and Easter inspire us to live in love, grace, and mutual service, glorifying God in all that we do.
You can watch all the videos we did for this season:
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Here in Honduras, Father’s Day is celebrated each year on March 19th. As a school and church we celebrate our Heavenly Father’s deep love for us through the greatest example of the giving of His Son Jesus to us. We also celebrate our earthly dads with a special program and a big party at school!
Imagine this scene: our little students, full of excitement and nerves, getting ready to show their love for their dads. Their eyes sparkled with joy when they see their dads in the crowd, a presence that radiated security and affection, just like God’s love.
But amidst the celebration, we couldn’t forget those whose dads weren’t physically there. Their hearts longed for the hug and comfort only a dad can give. It was touching to see them find support from their friends’ dads, reminding us that family in Christ goes beyond blood ties.
We walked through the classrooms, witnessing every tender hug and display of love between dads and kids. Each gesture was a sweet melody in our hearts, reminding us of the importance of nurturing family bonds with care.
Pastor David guided us with wisdom, basing his teachings on sacred words from Proverbs 20:6-7, diving into the true essence of fatherhood: an unbreakable love that goes beyond surface definitions.
Two stories touched us deeply. One was the tale of the tree and the child, shared at the start of the celebration. This heartwarming story tells of the lifelong bond between a tree and a child. The tree, symbolizing a father figure, always supported the child through every stage of life, sacrificing its branches to provide sustenance and protection. It reminded us of the sacrificial love of a caring father, whose greatest achievement is to care for and support his children as they grow.
Another story that left a lasting impression was the tale dramatized by our teachers, showing redemption and love between a father and his daughter. In a town hosting a “Father Fair”, a girl searched desperately for a perfect father but couldn’t find one. Her own father, overwhelmed by adult pressures, couldn’t spend enough time with her or have the energy to connect with her in a meaningful way. However, seeing his daughter’s pain, he decided to change. He approached her and expressed his love and sincere desire to be a better father. Wise advice led him to seek guidance from the Bible, leading to a miraculous transformation in the family, strengthening their bonds and rediscovering the joy of renewed bonds.
These stories teach us that true fatherhood goes beyond blood ties and is rooted in love and sacrifice. They remind us that Christ is the ultimate example of paternal love, and through Him, we find the strength and wisdom to be loving and compassionate fathers.
On this special day, we remember the vital role of a father as protector and guide of his family. His presence is a beacon of unconditional love and security. There’s no greater comfort than feeling the embrace and presence of our father. And if your kids don’t feel that way, I encourage you to follow the advice from these stories: seek Christ, follow the guidance of the Bible, and be the father that God approves of. May your children call you blessed for your integrity and unwavering love. [...]
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In the vibrant setting of Jubilee, every new student brings a story of hope and great potential. This time, we have the pleasure of delving into the heartwarming story of Alejandra Gabriela Velázquez Rivera.
Alejandra is a first-time student at Jubilee Centers International, and her presence here marks her first year in this Christian community. In a revealing interview, Alejandra shared her unique and profound experience in Jubilee’s weekly devotionals.
When asked how she felt about being in Jubilee, Alejandra expressed “I feel very good and grateful with God because he has fulfilled a miracle of being in a Christian school and the truth is that I have never felt so happy in my life” She has a deep gratitude to God for this unique opportunity.
One of the most noticeable differences Alejandra has experienced between Jubilee and her previous school are the devotional times. Here, daily devotionals are an integral part of student life, where children enjoy singing praise and worship songs, receiving messages of salvation, and participating in activities that encourage reading the Bible and prayer.
During devotionals, Alejandra feels the presence of the Lord. She describes how praise and worship fill her with joy, and how she feels the Lord is always present, holding her hands and guiding her every step of the way.
Her enthusiasm for music leads her to express her desire to join Jubilee’s music program. For Alejandra, praising the Lord is a privilege and a source of great happiness.
At the end of the interview, Alejandra takes the opportunity to thank the friends in the United States who have visited Jubilee. She offers words of encouragement, reminding them that the Lord will always be with them and wishing them a blessed year.
Her inspiring testimony invites us to reflect on our own relationship with God and to find joy in moments of praise and worship.
Every soul has a story to tell, and Alejandra’s story show us the God’s kindness manifested in the lives of those who love Him with all their hearts. [...]
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Imagine a week that transforms your life forever, where every moment is an opportunity to serve, learn, and grow in love. This is exactly what Marla, Sandy, Kathy, Gail, Douglas, and Amy experienced during their time in a mission team at the Jubilee Centers Internacional. Would you like to live a similar experience? Keep reading and discover how this week became an incredible life-changing experience!
From the moment they arrived, these brave missionaries immersed themselves in activities aimed at making a difference in the lives of the children of Jubilee. They played, taught, and shared God’s love, leaving an indelible mark on every young heart. For Marla, Sandy, Kathy, Gail, Douglas, and Amy, every shared smile and hug was a blessing.
“Jubilee is a school on a Hill, and my thought all year long was you are a light on that hill,” said Marla. “You shine so brightly that those of us who have been here always remember that light, and that is Jesus through you.” Learn more about her experience of coming for the second time.
“It’s touching to see people who have so little, yet are so giving with what they have,” said Sandy. “I think we in the United States, especially, can learn a lot from the people here.” Discover more about her wonderful journey.
Kathy shared, “We do projects, crafts, and then we talk to the kids about Jesus and how deeply Jesus loves them. And looking at their faces and seeing how closely they are listening, there are no words to describe it.” Watch her complete experience.
One of the most significant parts of this experience was the opportunity to reunite with children they had known since childhood and see how they had grown and thrived. Additionally, they had the privilege of exploring the rich Honduran culture, trying lots of Honduran food, enjoying traditional folk dances, and participating in moments of praise and worship to God during devotionals and worship services.
But the week was not only about activities with the children. They also had the opportunity to share fun moments and relaxation with the teachers and the Jubilee team, participating in activities such as team building games and experiences. They were impressed by the kindness and spirit of service of the Honduran people, despite the difficulties they live.
Most importantly, all these moments were with the purpose of glorifying Christ. Every act of love and every word of encouragement were a tangible expression of God’s love for those they served.
At the end of the week, Marla, Sandy, Kathy, Gail, Douglas, and Amy left filled with the Holy Spirit, with hearts overflowing with gratitude and joy. As they returned home, they carried with them precious memories and a fervent desire to come back very soon.
If God is calling to serve in Jubilee, join us in July 20 – 27 Mission Trip and discover how you can make a difference in the lives of others while glorifying Christ in everything you do. You won’t regret living a week as a missionary in Jubilee!
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The Importance of Language Exchange for Children
At Jubilee Centers International, we believe in fostering connections across borders and cultures, and our recent language exchange activity exemplifies this commitment. In this exchange, sixth-grade students from Jubilee and the Grand Rapids Christian School share letters with each other, eagerly awaiting the chance to connect with the family of Christ across the globe.
For these children, sharing their language and way of life is not only an exciting experience but also a valuable opportunity for personal growth. As they eagerly await each exchange, they anticipate the chance to learn more about their counterparts’ lives and cultures. This mutual exchange of letters not only helps them improve their language skills but also fosters empathy, understanding, and appreciation for different ways of life.
In the Bible, Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Through these exchanges, children learn the value of friendship and collaboration, as they support and encourage each other across continents. Additionally, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 emphasizes the importance of companionship, stating, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
We’ve received heartwarming testimonials from children who participated in these exchanges:
Amy Flores says “I loved it because I enjoy getting to know the United States and learning more about it.” This sentiment reflects the curiosity and excitement children feel when learning about different countries and cultures. By engaging in language exchange activities, they expand their horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Eleazar Degrandez “I enjoyed it because we can share languages, and I can learn English better.”
Language exchange activities provide a unique opportunity for children to practice and improve their language skills in a fun and interactive way. By communicating with peers from different backgrounds, they gain confidence and fluency in a second language.
Josadac Hernandez says “I enjoyed it because I can share Bible verses with them.”
Building friendships based on shared faith is a beautiful aspect of these language exchanges. By sharing Bible verses and spiritual insights, children strengthen their bond as brothers and sisters in Christ, even across geographical distances.
These testimonials highlight the profound impact of language exchange activities on children’s lives. Through these exchanges, children not only learn about new languages and cultures, but also develop lifelong friendships and deepen their faith.
To learn more about Jubilee and hear from the children themselves, we invite you to watch the interviews on our Facebook video. Additionally, please visit our website to stay updated on future activity and ways be involve. Together, let’s continue fostering understanding, friendship, and love across borders.
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Jubilee student Amy just finished 5th grade on the honor roll, earning the 1st place medal in her class for academic excellence.
“My mother is a nurse assistant and works night shifts, so my grandmother and my aunt help take care of me and my little brother, Melvin. My father is dedicated to metal welding. Currently, my father does not live with us, but I am praying and believing that he will accept Christ and return home.
I have been part of Jubilee for six years and I am so impressed by how much the school has grown, all the beautiful new spaces to learn and enjoy. My favorite places are the new chapel, the courtyard, and the library.
Pastors David and Emily, Miss Gaby, Miss Nancy, all the teachers in general, along with my aunt María, my aunt Evelyn, and now my uncle Aníbal, who accepted the Lord Jesus a few months ago, are the people who have impacted my life and inspire me to continue seeking God.
“For me, the Te Buscare concert was very special because it was my first time singing in front of a large audience and we were the first to perform in our new Chapel. It was also fun to watch the joy on all the faces of the students and their parents as they arrived and saw this new space, this holy place with their own eyes.
It was also a special blessing to me personally, as my father and mother both attended the concert. This was the first time my father had ever attended church. He told me that everything was so beautiful and he could feel the presence of God. Also, my mother opened her heart to Jesus that day and accepted Him as her savior!
I remember during the pandemic what a difficult time it was for everyone. I felt like I was straying from God, from the church, but God was always with me calling me. The Lord used Jubilee to bless my family with food deliveries that helped us make it through.
Being part of Jubilee has changed my life. It has allowed me to learn about Jesus and accept Him into my heart. Learning about the Lord is part of our education and Jubilee is an excellent place to learn and grow. I wish that many more children could study and learn at Jubilee since it will change their lives completely because the presence of God is here.
For next year I hope that many new students can come to Jubilee to study and learn about the Lord Jesus and how He loves them. One of my prayer requests is for my mother, Yesenia, that she may persevere in God, and continue to serve Him, and that she will be faithful to attend church with me. I also pray that my father, Samir, will surrender his heart to God and that he and my mother can get along so he will return home and we can be a family again.” [...]
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In the last week of September, we celebrated Bible month here at Jubilee. We come together for special Biblical performances using creative costumes. We are grateful to God that we can have a Bible in every classroom!!
However, all year long, each classroom and each student regularly reads the Bible, studies it, enjoys it, and learns practical ways to put into practice the truths that they learn.
All the students, Pre-K through 10th grade, participated in a morning celebration. Each class prepared costumes from Biblical times. We enjoyed Biblical characters from Adam
and Eve, to Noah, to Moses reminding us of the importance of following the Ten Commandments!
They also demonstrated how to wear the full armor of God and how a good soldier of Christ perseveres in the path of the Lord. The students depicted the message of Salvation to encourage all to read and treasure our Bibles.
Oscar Cruz, 6th grader, who wore the Armor of God shared with us: “I liked it because we were able to learn about the armor of God and the evil schemes of the devil. The helmet of salvation was my favorite part since it protects us from bad thoughts. Celebrating Bible Day at school is very informative, fun and encourages us to seek God more.”
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We are very excited to be preparing for our end-of-the-year concert that we have called “I Will Seek You” that will take place on Oct 27 & 28. Our students and many staff members have been busy preparing for this greatly anticipated event.
And this year is very special, even more than years past, because for the first-time-ever we will be able to have our concert “in our own house, our new chapel. We are ready to receive each family and visitor.” Pastor David continues, “we will be inaugurating our chapel and using it for the very first time for our big concert. The completion of our chapel is a dream come true, a huge answer to years of prayers, and a fulfillment of a call and a promise that God placed in our hearts.” The chapel will seat up to 500 people!
Pastor David tells us that the main message that Jubilee wants to demonstrate this year is how powerfully we can make Him known through the arts and music. In the 21st century in which so many people are indifferent to hearing the gospel preached in traditional ways, the Arts are a very important and effective means of evangelism!
The concert will share a modern-day story of Noah’s Ark that goes back and forth from Noah in his times to Jesus and his preaching. The thrust of the story highlights, through drama, song, and dance, the need to seek God, to not contaminate ourselves with the evil surrounding us, but to come to Him as the only source of salvation.
Ms. Lysbeth and Mrs. Karol are preparing our young women for the different dances that will be presented throughout the event.“Our job with the dancers is to help encourage and motivate this young group to dedicate their time and talents wholeheartedly. The dances convey a very powerful message. Using their bodies to worship the Lord through dance, expressing the strong messages of the songs that are played to minister to the audience.”
“I hope this year is a wonderful blessing, leading people to salvation. That all who see the event will have a desire to seek and approach God. That this will touch their hearts and help them to give their lives to Christ Jesus.”
Mrs. Karol, “For this concert we want to reach more hearts for Christ. Reminding the audience that we are living in the last days. We have been preparing a choreography with the 5th through 9th grade students.
The 6th graders have been practicing for more than two months and are learning fast. I try to continually remind them that everything we are doing is to glorify the Lord, that we can help preach the gospel through our dance.”
Mr. Emil, our Music Director, shares with us that his job is to “help develop the students in Jubilees’ music program to not only focus on learning the technical skills musically, but it is also about developing their character as they learn any musical or vocal instrument. We strive to be excellent in our musical skills and presentation, but our mission is to not only train musicians, but also individuals to have a heart full of genuine praise and worship. Our desire is to develop our talents, that He alone has given us, to honor and worship Him.
As a teacher, my desire is to see our students excel in what they do, utilizing every resource provided to them, and having the ability to express themselves creatively in order to praise the Lord. As they develop their skills, their love for the Lord, and worship the one true God, this expression of their worship touches many hearts, leading some to Christ and others to a closer walk with the Lord, all to the glory of God.
Ms. Gaby Arévalo, our Theater Director, shares one of the lines in this year’s script which says: “Today God wants to speak to the heart of those who have not yet decided to give their lives to Christ. To those who think that time is not running out. They know the truth, but they have not committed to live in holiness to the Lord. God wants to speak to the hearts of everyone who is here today.” We are sure that God will speak and touch the hearts of many, for we prayed over our young people. Some have important roles to play like that of Jesus Christ. We pray that they may be used with power and authority.
Pastor David continues, “we must be prepared for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, living in holiness, passionate, seeking God daily, to be intentional in the search for communion with Christ. We want those who already know Christ to be able to recognize their need to serve, get involved, be part of, and regularly attend their churches, being part of the work and ministry where God calls you to. In the case of our students and their parents, we have a great opportunity to invite them to be members of the family of Christ. The purpose is that they find Christ, but also find a place where they can serve God and others with peace and joy.”
“Having this new chapel is like having your own house. It is a blessing filled with such great emotions. A place where we can grow and feel safe and protected, and loved, and all the privileges and blessings that come with it.”
Having our own chapel is the dream of every church, pastor, and ministry. A place to congregate and grow our vision and mission from God. To establish the ministry with the same values and character that Jubilee stands for, having our chapel within our own property is an enormous blessing. To worship together as a body of believers is the heart of Jubilee, as is the church, to the body of Christ and the communion of saints.” [...]
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Our beloved sister Belinda Andino has been the Administrative Secretary at Jubilee for 10 years. Her sisters told the pastors that Belinda was looking for work at the time. Since Pastor David had known Belinda for many years and was aware of her administrative and accounting experience, he called her right away for an interview. God had already planned for her to be a part of the Jubilee family!
“My family has received many blessings from Jubilee. Besides the daily bread that comes from my work, Jubilee has also helped me with my oldest daughter, who has been very rebellious. But I know that the Lord is working in her life, and I try to educate her, trusting the Lord is doing the work. I know that my children and my husband will be together in heaven on the day that the Lord comes.
“Her two younger children are in 5th and 6th grades at Jubilee while her oldest daughter, once a student here, now is in her first year at the University. Because of her job at Jubilee, Belinda shares that she and her husband have been able to purchase land in La Era and build a small home.
She shares that what most impacts her about Jubilee and that she enjoys being a part of it is that the gospel, the word of God, is preached, and this seed germinates and bears fruit in its time.
“I want to show love. From the moment someone comes into the office, I can express to them that they can trust me to tell me anything, whether good or bad, and they should not be afraid to tell me. I also want to be able to share the word of God with them.
We thank God for our sister Belinda. She is always smiling and affectionate with everyone, with a desire to help. Belinda is the most timely example of showing love, of being kind and benevolent to everyone, from the smallest of our students who come to her window to greet her every day, to the parents who come to talk about administrative matters. Our sister is always ready and willing to preach about Christ. She inspires us and encourages us to persevere in the Lord.
Her desire and prayer for the young people and children of Jubilee is that “they all surrender their hearts to the Lord, and above all else, guard their hearts for the Lord, because from him comes life, and if they have God in their hearts, they have everything. If they lack him, they lack everything.”
Her prayer request is “That the Lord give me the strength to carry out the work here in the ministry and also at home. There are days when I feel like I don’t want to come and stay home, but my greatest desire is to always work for Christ.
We are very grateful for the great heart, charisma, and dedication that Sister Belinda shows to everyone at Jubilee and to God, always to glorify the Lord! [...]
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Briana Isamar Duarte is a 4th-grade student, who is 9 years old. Although young, she is very dedicated to God and is an example for her classmates. When listening to Briana you quickly realize that God lives in her heart, she is always ready to help others and worship God in everything.
This is Briana’s first year at Jubilee. She shares, “It has been a very good experience, the teachers are very dedicated to their students, my classmates have treated me well and it’s been nice getting to know them. My favorite class is Mathematics. When I grow up, I would like to be a dressmaker, design clothes, and sew. One day I would like to have my own clothing brand and a store.” Her inspiration is her grandfather who is a dedicated tailor. Briana also has spiritual goals: “I want to always follow God; I don’t ever want to separate myself from Him. I want to fulfill the purpose He has for me.”
We also asked what she likes most about Jubilee: “What I enjoy the most about Jubilee is that we really worship God here!”
Briana is an only child, but she has 4 very close cousins who also attend Jubilee. In total, there are 11 relatives who live in a single house together with their grandmother. Their mother works on the side decorating for birthdays and other special events. Currently, she does not have a permanent job.
The grandparents work closely with a few pastors in the city of Choluteca. Each weekend they travel to help with the work of God and are helping to build a small church where the community can gather. Briana has always been in church, and she participates in dancing and singing. She also helps with the Sunday School children. She tells us that her favorite story is from 2 Kings 4:8-27 about the Shunammite’s son. “I identify with that story because it’s about a woman offering her house to the man of God. Always making room for the presence of the Lord. I always want the Lord to be welcome in my house and in my heart.”
Our little Briana is also part of the Music and Sports programs. She feels the Music program has taught her to strive to do things with excellence for God: “The music program does not just create musicians, but is training up true worshipers and ministers of praise.”
The Sports programs have taught her that playing handball is not only about learning a new sport but also about how to work as a team. “When I played on the field with my classmates and competed against other schools that we visited, I had fun and learned more about Handball, and we shared about the school.”
Jubilee has had such a great impact on me. At my previous school, they didn’t teach anything about God. At my old school there were 41 students in a very small classroom. At Jubilee, we have the space we need to have devotionals in the classroom, and every Tuesday during our student worship gatherings, we are reminded that it is necessary to always seek God. Jubilee has also united my family; my cousins and I are closer. Although it takes us almost an hour to get to school, it is worth it because we learn so much. For example, in English class, we are learning more, and in ways that help us remember what we learn.
Who has most impacted your life at Jubilee? “My 6th grade friend, Katherine, because she has always included me, taking me along to play at recess, she always has a smile, and she makes me laugh.
My teacher, Mrs. Nancy has also impacted my life. She has taught me a lot about the Bible and encourages me to memorize the verses each month.
My prayer request is that my grandfather is well when he travels and for my aunt who has liver cancer. Her liver is very damaged, and she already must breathe through a tube. I know that only God can heal her.
“Thank God for Jubilee, here I have learned so much about God, and if I must miss church, I learn about the Lord at Jubilee.”
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During Art class, taught by Mr. Emil, our students created amazing puppets and marionettes made with materials that were easy to find at home. We have been surprised by everyone’s creativity!
In addition to making puppets, students have used their imaginations to write great stories and scripts. The students then used their puppets to tell their wonderful stories.
Mr. Emil shares with us, “The use of puppets emerged to amuse and entertain. However, these have become a powerful educational resource because they have such a great impact on children. They also help develop cognitive processes such as thinking, imagination, creativity, concentration, and memory. They stimulate visual and auditory perception. Puppets are used in the development of skills for emotional education and they help improve self-esteem and build confidence.” Now that we have our own puppet theater and lots of homemade puppets, our students can create and share the greatest stories and tales!
Fifth grader Eliany says, “For me it was a very interesting experience because we could express the values taught in class through puppets. We enjoyed creating the scripts. It was very fun to make the puppets because we could use our hands and creativity.”
Daniela Soto, 4th grader shares, “It was a lot of fun using our talents and imaginations to create puppets and to work with them. I had great fun playing with my classmates during this time.” [...]
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Two weeks ago, we were so blessed to give each of our 7th to 10th-grade students a Youth Bible of their very own! It is our prayer to have our students read and learn daily from the Word of God. This was a great gift given by a number of brothers and sisters who desire to see our Middle and High School students grow in their study and love for the Word of God.
Skip and Jan Pylman helped organize this gift for our students and they also came to visit Jubilee in person for the first time in order to see our students in person and be a part of the Bible delivery. They shared the following: “Our visit to Jubilee was truly unforgettable. A highlight was meeting the students face to face and delivering each middle and high school student a Bible. The joy and excitement on their faces was heartwarming and encouraging. Our hope and prayer is that these Bibles will have an eternal impact on their lives. To God be the Glory!”
Several of our students share what it meant to them to receive this special gift:
Genesis Alvarado, 7th Grade “I am glad to have a Bible, I am grateful for such a beautiful gift! I know this will draw me closer to God, and help me to feel safe. When I get tired and do not want to read, I will ask the Lord to help me not to stray and that He guides my path always.”
Nazareth Gonzalez, 8th Grade “I am very happy and grateful to God and to Jubilee for giving me the privilege of having my own brand new Bible! I enjoy sharing with others and teaching them how beautiful the Word of God is. My favorite verse is Mark 12:30 “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength.” This is the main commandment and helps me to remember to love Him with all of my being and treasure His word.”
Jorge Danilo Cayetano, 9th Grade “When I received my very own, brand new Bible I knew that it was a very special gift. The Bible is so full of insight and wisdom that it makes you want to read it. I think about how many people would love this gift, so I will do my best to read, study, and cherish it.”
Josue Salgado, 10th Grade “I feel very happy to have such a beautiful Bible and I am so grateful to our American brother who delivered it! What a great blessing to have our own Bible that we can read whenever we want. This will encourage me to connect more with the Lord and read more of His word.”
Aaron Cortez, 10th grade (transfer student this month) “I am so thankful that on my first day of class at Jubilee I received such a wonderful gift, my own Bible. I am grateful to the Lord for the many doors He opened up to allow me to transfer to Jubilee. I already appreciate the directors, the teachers, and all the others who have welcomed me! This Bible will help me learn and obey God, it will improve my spiritual life and my relationship with the Lord. My dad is a pastor at a local church and told me that after school today we were going to go and purchase a Bible, but the Lord saw fit to give me one instead. Thank you very much!” [...]
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Each Tuesday we have the opportunity to have Student Worship Time (Chapel). We begin the morning with the PreK – 3rd graders, then we worship with our 4th – 6th graders, and lastly with our 7th – 10th graders. During each worship time our student band leads in singing and later our teachers and leadership staff take turns sharing the message in a creative way in order to capture the attention and hearts of our kids. Over the last several months we have been studying our way through the Ten Commandments and just recently started a study on the Heroes of the Faith (Hebrews 11).
These weekly worship times impact each of our lives, the Lord has given us many moments of peace, freedom, and salvation. From the beginning we have emphasized with all of the Jubilee staff that our student worship times are also for the staff to be active participants in worship and not just spectators or disciplinarians. When our students see our staff worshiping God with all their hearts, the desire to worship is contagious and spreads an atmosphere of genuine praise and thanksgiving.
Below are some of the reflections from our students about what the worship times mean to them:
Kevin Molina, 9th grade
“What has struck me the most during these times of worship, is that the hearts of many have submitted to draw near to God, to be one with Him. They have also taught us what we are worth to God, and the purpose we have in Christ. Because of this time that is set aside for the Lord, many have been able to return to the Lord and get out of bad situations. Through these chapel times, we learn how to put into practice Biblical truths.”
Joshua Garcia, 9th grade
“For me, chapel times have had a great impact and are very uplifting. I am a very impatient person, but during our devotional times, I sense the presence of the Lord and it gives me a lot of peace. I leave differently than when I first went in, I feel the peace of God. One of my favorite studies was on the commandments. This has been a guide for my life, I felt motivated and inspired through what I learned and now try to live by the truth of the Word of God.”
Emily Bonilla 8th grade
¨I find our devotional time very inspiring, and I enjoy the way everyone participates. I have attended church since I was young, but haven’t been able to attend recently due to health and time restrictions, so these devotionals help me stay connected to God.”
Eleazar 5th grade
¨We really like devotionals because we learn about God and more about the Bible, and the music always brings us closer to God, we feel that.”
Nahomy Galo 7th grade
“What I like most about the devotionals is to see the younger children worshiping God. They do it with all their hearts regardless of what others say. This has touched my heart and has challenged me to worship like them, to never be ashamed of my love for the Lord. This year I have taken time to adore the Lord, trying not to care what others think, because the attitude of love and adoration of the younger students has deeply impacted me.” [...]
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On our last day at Jubileo, we visited Mrs. Yorleny’s third grade classroom. Mrs. Yorleny asked if we could go into the courtyard, so that her class could pray for us. Her students formed a circle around us and extended their hands in prayer.
When they began praying, I felt the power of the Holy Spirit, and this opened my eyes to see the children as the prayer warriors our Heavenly Father is developing them into. I was so touched by God’s presence that I immediately kneeled. This was a holy moment in which we were standing on holy ground. The blood of Jesus truly covers Jubileo. It is a place of peace and the presence of God. Tears quietly rolled down my face as I agreed in my heart with what these young and mighty believers prayed. I had been worried about finding a job when I returned to the USA, and that was on my mind at that moment. One girl at that exact moment said in prayer, “We know God you are the God of the past and the present, but You are also the God of the future.” Those words spoke to my heart. I knew God was speaking to me through this little one. My heart was greatly comforted.
Our team visited Ms. Angelica’s first grade classroom sometime in the late morning. Teammates
, Brianna and Kathy spoke to them about the promises of God for their lives, their families, school, church and home. After a craft time, we transitioned into a time of worship. From the giddiness the class showed as they formed a circle, it was clear that this was what they had been waiting for. We had been told the worship song “Way Maker” was particularly special to them. This became obvious because they had all the words memorized and sang out with passion when they reached chorus and bridge. “Way Maker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness. My God this is who You Are!” Anyone passing by outside the classroom could hear them worshiping.. These children were not singing for the fun of it. They were singing to the One that, as the song says, “You never stop, you never stop working” on their behalf. This time of worship was giving me chills.
My boyfriend is battling cancer. We have faced setbacks, tears and unknowns. As I worshiped alongside the children, I took a moment just to be still. The Holy Spirit opened my heart to His gentle whisper. All at once, it seemed He was saying all these things to me, “Yes, I am working in your life. I am Your bodyguard. I am your rear guard. I am here for you. Not a single tear is wasted. I am who you have waited for. I do NOT disappoint. I will not delay when it is My time to move on your behalf.” I felt His goodness. I felt His blessing.
The first graders at Jubilee are hungry for the Lord. The words “I will seek You” are written on their wall from Jeremiah 29:12, and that is what the first graders are doing, seeking Him with all their hearts.
As an educator in the United States, my heart leaped in my chest being a Jubilee. Seeking God in every classroom seemed for lack of better words–normal. We were made to walk with God, so why not walk with Him through the hallways of school and sit with Him as we learn to read? I saw this at Jubilee. Their model for Christian education is exemplary.
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Our students always surprise us with their creativity representing the traditions and customs of Honduras.
Each grade represented a different department (state) of Honduras, with each grade also having a special “champa” (hut made of organic materials) to celebrate the traditional Honduran food and costumes of that region. Each hut was decorated with organic materials and/or traditional artisan work from each grade’s department. They also had “huts” to celebrate our national bird, the Macaw, and our national mammal, the White-tailed Deer.
These huts were decorated and prepared very early in the morning by many parents, who are always willing to help with our celebrations and activities. Students from each grade studied and helped find interesting facts about the department they represented, dressing in beautiful, colorful costumes that enriched the celebration greatly.
We enjoyed a runway of typical costumes made with traditional materials, couples of students paraded, and the qualifying jury chose a winning couple from each level, these students being chosen as ¨El Indio and La India Bonita.¨
The folkloric dance groups from our school delighted and moved us with typical Honduran dances, which make us remember and appreciate our roots.
Honduras celebrates its tradition, and culture, with color and flavor. In Honduras, we say that we are a “Five-Star Country” and we literally have five white stars in our flag! We enjoy teaching our students to learn about, appreciate, and represent with dignity the country of Honduras, the place where the Lord has allowed us to live and flourish.
Congratulations to our parents, students, and teachers on a job well done!
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During the week of July 22 – 29, we were blessed to host a mission team in which most of its members came from The Well International of Grand Rapids, Michigan. During our week together, they served alongside teachers and staff leading student devotion times, playing with students, going into classrooms with crafts and prayer times, accompanying us during home visits, and leading our class of 10th graders on a hike in La Tigra, a cloud forest in the mountains just outside of Tegucigalpa. Three of the team members share some of their reflections from our week together.
Nick, a High School Math teacher shared:
“I loved serving in Jubilee all week. In the past, I have struggled to open my heart up to my fellow christian family, but this trip has been life changing. I trusted God to lead me to do things that take me out of my comfort zone. Sharing God’s heart through messages, through playing soccer, through crafts, and through prayer have been the best part of my summer. Jubilee, your love has opened up my heart and has helped me heal from my past. I want to spend more of my life loving everyone at this school. I hope God has many more missions trips for me there!”
Evan, an Elementary/Middle School teacher/counselor shared:
“It’s so great to be able to visit Jubilee Centers International again and see more of what God’s doing in Honduras through their staff and students! I’m excited to see their big vision becoming a reality with the new buildings and new grade levels, I’m continually impressed by their academic excellence, and I’m in awe of the ways God is revealing Himself to the students and the staff. To visit Jubilee is a great privilege and I’m looking forward to the next time I’ll go.”
Brianna, a Special Education Elementary Teacher shared:
“When our team arrived and we met everyone at the Jubilee, I wasn’t just a visitor, they welcomed me as a family! It was inspiring to see how Jubilee’s staff is providing a voice and sparking dreams for the future generation in the community of La Era, Honduras. As a teacher myself, the staff already is trained well by Pastor David and Emily and the school Principal, Mrs. Yeni.. They have so much love for their students, staff, and the community.
One testimony was being able to encourage the students and staff in God’s promises. The first-grade classroom, including the Jubilee teachers and our team, sang the song “Waymaker” after making a rainbow craft and reading Genesis 9. The teamwork together opened up new ways for the Jubilee teachers to direct the students into praying over themselves and taking ownership of their own walk with God.”
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Nelson Ernesto Reyes Zelaya has belonged to our Jubilee family for 6 years. At the age of 9, he began as a 4th grader, and he is currently in the 9th grade. His favorite classes are Spanish and Social Studies.
When he grows up Nelson wants to be a lawyer or a psychologist. “I would like to defend those who need justice, but it is also easy for me to listen to others and help them with some encouraging advice.”
Nelson has always been a young man who likes to help and seek the well-being of others. His thought is: “Even though I know that the enemy will try to come against me, I will always seek to have a positive attitude and with God’s help I will not be defeated.”
He tells us that what he likes most about Jubilee is the opportunity he has to learn more about God along with his sister Zoe, a 4th-grade student. He also really enjoys the educational methods, activities, and devotionals that Jubilee provides.
Nelson has been part of our school’s theater program, participating in all our end-of-year productions. He also now practices Boxing at the Villa Olímpica Boxing Club. He is an excellent cartoonist, specializing in drawing faces.
One of my best experiences at Jubilee is Bible Class, because I knew that the Lord had a plan for my life, really hearing the voice of God during all the classes is one of my greatest blessings. It is also important to mention that participating in the end-of-year concerts is a tremendous experience. It is incredible to see so many of my classmates, myself included, who are often very quiet and shy, sharing our talents in front of others. This is the purpose of the theater program, to help develop and demonstrate the gifts and talents that God has given us. I Corinthians 12:1
“I thank God, he has transformed and changed me. I had many problems, many sins, and mistakes, but I have been completely forgiven. I have improved my attitude; I used to be a very bitter person, and I had issues and problems with others, but when I gave my life and burdens to the Lord, He improved my life, mentally and physically and more importantly spiritually. Now I have peace and love to help everyone who needs it, because the Father is in my heart, and I have a purpose that He has given me to fulfill.”
We pray for Nelson and the work that Christ is doing in his life. This might be Nelson’s last year with us at Jubilee since one year ago his father immigrated to the United States and his mother plans to try to get to the US next year.
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For the first time at Jubilee, we celebrated our Honduran pride with, An Artistic Cultural Festival. Even the older students performed folk dances, and as always we enjoyed the beautiful and colorful Honduran dresses represented by each of the grade levels, with the best dresses and costumes being awarded. Traditional songs were played on the flute accompanied by the voices of elementary school students. Also, in each of the classrooms, they enjoyed tasting a variety of traditional Honduran dishes.
A number of the partents were able to attend the performence as well, and like the students, they tremendously enjoyed the event. The objective of the cultural morning is to raise awareness of the importance of the Arts, and the valuable role they play in schools. We feel this is part of the comprehensive development of children and young people, learning to play an instrument, and obtaining the benefits that this brings. It also helps the students to learn to socialize and highlights Honduran traditions and culture; thereby, increasing their love for their country and Honduran traditions.
Valery Flores, a 9th-grade student, shares with us that participating in the cultural morning was a great experience for her since she was practicing folk dancing for the first time, “I felt happy wearing such a beautiful dress, I was able to see, appreciate, and love my Honduran culture even more!” [...]
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Our recent music recital was a fantastic display of the musical gifts and talents that Jubilee students are developing through the After School Music Program! Over 75 students at all levels of guitar, bass, piano, trumpet, drums, percussion, and voice shared their talents for the worship of His Great Name! We are very proud of our students, and our music instructors, and very grateful to everyone who helps make this program possible! To God be the glory!!
Mr Mejia, our Music teacher and After-School Music Academy Director shared the following: “Regarding the organization of the recital, thankfully I had previous experience with last year’s concert to help guide me. We have a wonderful working team and excellent logistical support. The biggest challenge was figuring out the best way to present three different bands, with each having complicated musical pieces to work on. Many of the students had never had the opportunity to play in a band, only individually, so that was also a challenge. They had to learn how to keep up with the tempo and learn a variety of musical arrangements. Jubilee is blessed with an excellent team of teachers whose contributions were of great value.”
The audience could feel the presence of the Lord through worship, music, and instruments. You could see the excitement on their faces, and that their expectations were being exceeded. As a teacher, I have to remember we are working with students who have not fully developed their God-given potential and my goal remains to help develop that talent.”
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In 2018, Josadac Hernández joined the Jubilee family as a kindergarten student. He has always shown himself as a leader in the classroom. He is very intelligent, and talented, and participates in all classroom activities. He stands out for his integrity and thoughtful personality.
His family believes in the Lord Jesus, his grandparents were pastors, and his mother has also been very influential in his walk with the Lord. He is also graduating from his church discipleship leadership program.Josadac is now in the fifth grade and his favorite classes are Math, Bible, and Science. When he grows up, he would love to be a soccer player and an engineer.
He has always been struck by the verse Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me because you will seek me with all your heart.” This same verse happens to be our theme verse for the 2023 school year. His parents feel that seeking God is to always be in prayer and faithfully reading your Bible.
Josadac has been a member of the music program since 2022, where he is learning to play the trumpet. He shared with us that being a part of the 2022 recital and the end-of-year concert was one of his best experiences at Jubilee.
“I love the trumpet because it makes such a beautiful melody. You can worship the Lord through music. It makes me think about what it will sound like when Jesus returns, how loud and beautiful the sound will be in heaven.
He continues “Jubilee has been such a blessing in my life, the school and its facilities are so nice and the teachers all love the Lord and teach us how to be true worshipers of God. I also love sharing the Good News with the brothers and sisters who visit Jubilee.”
His teacher, Ms. Keyla shares that “Josadac is a very responsible student. He turns in his homework assignments, has nice handwriting, and is always very organized in everything he does. I also appreciate that Josadac is very respectful to me. His mother is very active in helping him succeed, even though his father is absent and does not help in his upbringing. My prayer is that he will be a wonderful professional one day, a living testimony to all.”
Ms. Arévalo, Bible teacher shares that, “Josadac is a very intentional student,he is always enthusiastic in Bible class, he memorizes the verses and his notebooks are always very tidy. It is very evident that his family studies the word of God at home. His mother has shared with me that each evening they pray and read the Bible together as a family, and she has faith that each of her children will serve the Lord. As with any young person, there are times when his behavior reflects his age, but he is very easy to love. I dream of seeing him become a professional, and a servant of God who will play the trumpet with great skill.”
Without a doubt, Josadac is a true worshiper and uses his gifts and talents to exalt the name of Christ. We pray and trust that the Lord will continue to use him in even more powerful ways as he continues to grow and develop into an adult.
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For the last four years, we have been blessed to have Mrs. Alejandra Rosales as part of our teaching staff. Mrs. Alejandra teacher 7th – 10th grade Math at Jubilee. She believes that her students see her as a different kind of mathematics teacher. Her desire is for them to not only learn mathematics but also have an entrepreneurial spirit, to be curious about learning, and to excel.
You will always find Mrs. Alejandra with a sincere smile on her face, full of love, and always willing to help others. She is very interested in and concerned for the students at Jubilee. In October 2020, at the height of the pandemic in Honduras, she reached out to Jubilee with a pre-recorded video math class. A Jubilee staff member watched her video and we immediately contacted her to help provide math tutoring for our students in need.
Mrs. Alejandra has two children, one 11 years old and the other 2 and a half years old. Her husband is also a mathematics teacher and teaches at another private school. She considers Jubilee to be a home away from home that many are in need of, a place where they can let off a little steam, be encouraged by the staff and each other, and daily learn from the Word of God.
She tells us that she has had many good experiences, but briefly shares two of them. “I remember after one of the devotionals, as our class was returning to the classroom, one of the students told me that something about the message had really touched him. He felt that God was telling him that he needed to listen more, the message really made him stop, think, and reflect on many aspects of his life.
During another class, a student approached me and said, “You know Mrs. Alejandra, I used to hate math class but since you have been my teacher, it is now my favorite class and subject.” To God be the glory!
Mrs. Alejandra’s desire and prayer is that all Jubilee youth truly know the love of Christ, to be born again in Christ Jesus so that their lives can be instrumental in reaching their families for the Lord.
One of her personal prayer requests that she has is for her youngest son, who still has not been able to say his first words, as a mother she is worried and asks the Lord to keep her baby safe and grow and develop normally.
We are very grateful for her wonderful heart, charisma, and dedication that Mrs. Alejandra shows towards the youth of Jubilee, and towards God, her heart is always to glorify the Lord!
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Our students surprised us with their creativity, innovation, and scientific research. In recent days we held our annual Science Fair in which each grade level competed with their projects. Winners will go on to represent Jubilee at the district-level Science Fair along with other schools in the area.
Ms. Wendy Sauceda, our Middle/High School Science teacher, tells us that the primary objective of the Science Fair is to encourage and support all of the students in their scientific curiosity. The goal is to create a space for them to learn and feel safe to freely discuss their research projects with classmates and the school community, learning from each other and exchanging their experiences and ideas.
Keysi Salgado, and her group of ninth graders, winners of the first round, named their experiment, “Vibrant Liquid.” They shared with us: “It was a nice experience since it only happens once a year, and the fact that we got to go to theo the second round was very exciting. I also learned a lot and had fun preparing with my team. I hope to have the opportunity to participate in the Science Fair again next year.”
Lizzy Flore, 7th Grade, was another one of the participants, and she tells us: “The Science Fair was a very good experience. We learned a lot and felt we developed new skills and abilities, although my experiment was not perfect, I felt excited that I completed it. I was quite nervous when I saw several experiments that surpassed the one I created. But in the end, I did it!!”
Mrs. Cindy, academic administrator, was one of the qualifying judges at the Science Fair and she shared her experience with us: “It was awesome to see our students’ love and curiosity for science grow through their science experiments. Their effort and dedication were seen in each of the projects. I was amazed to see some of our shy and quiet students defending their projects, as their knowledge, talents, and abilities came to light.” We are very happy and proud of our students who will represent us in the Science Fair at the District level, we pray that they are also good representatives of Christ our Lord, the Creator of all wisdom and knowledge.
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Jubilee now enjoys one of the best and largest libraries of any of the communities around the school, public or private. The library began with a locker filled with books, and grew to a cozy space with more books, but now we have this beautiful new space to enjoy with more than 2,900 books. We are so thankful to the Lord and the donors who helped make this dream a reality.
10 th grader, Carlos David Soto, has been one of our biggest readers since he came to the Jubilee family. Thelibrary was one of his favorite places, even during the pandemic when our doors were closed Carlos was able toget books from our library. Carlos wanted to share his feelings with us on the new library space:
“I really love the new library! It is such a large, yet warm and inviting space that helps you to feel relaxed. I enjoygoing to the library in my spare time, during recess. The variety of books is so impressive. I have been findingsome very interesting books that I hope to read soon. I set aside my time to come and promote reading andalways try to bring a friend to see if they are interested in reading and commenting on the books.”
We are excited to see how the library is now one of the students’ favorite places to visit during their recess time,preferring to read or share a favorite book with friends, instead of other fun activities.
Fifth Grade students, Aylin Stefany and Rebeca Merary, shared how much they love the new library space, “It is soinviting, quiet and peaceful, it is easy to enjoy with such a new variety of books and furnishings.” This is now theirfavorite place to go during recess where they entertain themselves by reading together.
The students are not the only ones delighted to have a new, larger, and more comfortable library space, but ourteachers are also enjoying the space. They feel the same excitement arriving and having an entertaining place toenjoy reading.
Miss Gaby Arevalo shares, “I feel so happy and grateful to God for fulfilling one of my dreams for the students andJubilee come to fruition. To have such a large and beautiful space to receive the students. We pray over thisspace often that it will be a place of tranquility, of peace and where the presence of God abounds, just as it did inthe previous library. I am surprised and encouraged to see how everyone enjoys being in this space. I had never seen the school library visited as often as it is now.”
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My name is Luis Antonio Rodríguez Gaitán. I am 16 years old and in 9th grade. I live with my mother, my grandparents, and my two uncles. I have two younger brothers, one who is 9 and the other who is 8 years old. We are brothers, but have different fathers.
I was born in 2007, my father’s name was José Luis Rodríguez, but I have always lived with my mother. My father was a man inclined towards drugs and due to this, he attempted suicide. He came out alive from that attempt, God gave him a second chance. Despite this, he was a good father to me. My grandmother had a friend who lived across the street from her house, and whenever my father noticed that I was there, he tried to get to know me, and I felt he understood me. We would talk while having a cup of coffee or inviting me to share a meal with him. I lived with him for a short time at the age of 6, and it was great. Unfortunately, sometime later he attempted suicide again, this time he was successful.
A long time later my mother decided to rebuild her life and she met another man. He is the father of my two half-brothers and most importantly, he never treated me poorly even though I am not his son. He helped me in many ways throughout my life. One good example of this, when I broke my leg two different times and there was no one who could take me to hospital appointments or rehabilitation therapies for my leg. On both occasions, he was there to help and support me.
Sometime later his attitude changed, and he separated from my mom, but they kept in touch. A few years later he also passed away due to the lure of drugs. He consumed and sold them. As we all know, this is a very difficult issue in Honduras. My stepfather got involved in matters he shouldn’t have been, and he was murdered.
My mother met another man, who was also very kind to me and my brothers. He treated my mother and our family with excellence. But they had problems with their relationship and my mother ended up moving for a job.
In my daily life, I really enjoy my studies and am very thankful for the education that I receive at Jubilee. Coming to Jubilee was the best thing that could have happened to me. I really like Bible class, Computer Science, and Acting classes. However, the class I enjoy the most is Math class. Apart from my studies, I am a big fan of video games, but I also help my family with daily activities in our home. When I grow up, I would like to study to be a CPA since I really like mathematics and numbers. I feel this will be a good career path that will help me get ahead while enjoying what I do.
Currently, I do not attend church, but before I did have a youth meeting every Sunday where they taught us from the Word of God. My experience with God is seeing how He helps us and loves us. There is no way I can thank Him enough for getting me through these past several years and not letting me fall into bad situations. He was with me all the time!
I began attending Jubilee in the 3rd grade, and my greatest experience at Jubilee was meeting the Lord. There is no doubt this was the most important decision of my life. The Bible classes, the devotionals, and the celebrations. I learned so many things that I didn’t know about thanks to Jubilee.
I have been part of the theater group for several years now. I feel that without a doubt I found the right path. I wasn’t aware that I could perform in public proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ. Being part of the theater group gave me the opportunity to meet many different people, we help each other with schoolwork, projects, and our theater work. Over time we are improving more and more, developing the talent that the Lord gave us.
Last year was the most difficult since we returned from a long period of isolation due to the pandemic. In the beginning, we did not know how to interpret our lines, so we had to have help learning the process again. It was a big step that we had to learn to adapt to and thank God we developed in the best possible way. Our efforts and hard work paid off at the end of the year with a beautiful concert, in which God was glorified.
Now that the Theater group will be part of the afternoon programs at Jubilee, we will have more time to develop our talent and put on excellent productions. These productions draw a lot of attention in the media and the general public will attend.
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My name is Nazaret Danae Elvir Quezada, I am 9 years old, and I am in fifth grade at Jubilee. What I love the most is reading my Bible and playing with my little brother and sister. My little brother, Victor is 6 years old, he is in second grade here at Jubilee. My youngest sister, Genesis, is 1 year old. We live in La Era with my mom and dad. My mom helps with traffic and helps people across the street. My dad works in construction and is working on the new U.S. embassy.
One of the things I enjoy the most is reading the Bible. My favorite book is Genesis because it talks about how God created everything. This is one of the reasons that Bible class is my favorite class. I can hear from God each time I read my Bible. Last year, the Mission Team gave Bibles to my class. It’s a beautiful Bible, I have never owned one of my own and it made me very happy.
I have big dreams of being a doctor and a pastry chef. My mom has already taught me how to bake cakes. We attend the AGAPE church, where there are many children, and we can learn a lot in Sunday school. I would like to continue serving in the church in dance. I really enjoy dancing to the Lord, adoring him, and singing to Him.
I love attending a Christian school like Jubilee. We get to hear and learn about God, plus the teachers care about us and we have pastors, David & Emily. It is also a very joyful place to learn.
During the pandemic, my parents didn’t have enough to afford us or the school tuition. So, they decided to take us out of school and move to Spain to live. My uncle lives in Spain and told my dad and mom that he was going to help us with the passage. That he would purchase the tickets that he was going to pay for the whole family to go to Spain. When we arrived at the airport the woman from the airline told us that the reservations for Madrid were not enough. Then we found out that my uncle was now in another city in Spain. My mom and dad immediately called my uncle, but he was no longer answering the phone. After several hours, he answered the call and told us that He could no longer help us, his money was gone. We had to return home where we no longer had anything, not even a bed to sleep in. We had sold everything to be able to have the money to pay my uncle back for the loan for the plane tickets.
It was a very difficult time for our family, we cried a lot. My grandmother had lent us a couple of mattresses, but we prayed to the Lord to bring us food and things for the house. The school helped me and my brother with tuition and the Lord helped us recover some of the things needed for our home. I remembered what we had learned at school and tried to encourage my family that we should pray and then trust God and try to be happy because God would provide for us, and He did.
God has always helped us, even when we didn’t have food, I feel happy because God will always be by our side and will take care of us. I know it. This year I want to seek the Lord more and more and study His word. If there is someone going through the same situation that we were in, I would tell them to continue to move forward and not be afraid because God will help you, if you follow the path of the Lord. [...]
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