On February 7th of this year, God answered our prayers at the Trade School site by opening the door to teach domestic carpentry to women in the communities of Magdalena, Santo Tomás, and El Gorrión. We (Samuel and my wife, Yoselin) sent out invitations and began visiting women who expressed interest in learning this trade. To our amazement, many women signed up for the workshop, including Maybely, a woman from Santo Tomás who had many doubts.

Maybely initially believed that carpentry was a trade only for men. She was afraid to use the machines, fearful she might injure herself, and felt unsure if she could ever master the skills. In fact, she even considered dropping out altogether. But every Wednesday, Yoselin and I prayed for Maybely, asking the Lord to guide her through these challenges. Slowly, we saw a change in her. She grew more confident, more engaged, and more determined. Each class brought progress, both in her skills and her faith. She began to handle manual and electric tools with ease, and the devotionals we held each week started to resonate deeply with her.

At the time, Maybely wasn’t attending church, but God was at work in her heart. The devotionals encouraged her to keep pushing forward in the workshop and to explore her faith. She and her husband, Raúl, started attending a church in Magdalena, where they now regularly listen to sermons together. Today, Maybely is a completely transformed person—full of confidence and hope. She and Raúl are even praying about opening their own carpentry business.

Living in Colonia El Gorrión now, Maybely often shares with us how the devotionals and prayers at the Trade School have strengthened her faith. We are incredibly grateful to God for allowing us to walk alongside Maybely on this journey. It’s been a blessing to witness her growth, not only in carpentry but in her relationship with God. Every Wednesday, she arrives at the workshop full of motivation and joy, eager to learn more and do her work with excellence.

We have faith that Maybely will be a catalyst for positive change in her community, and we look forward to seeing her business thrive, bringing development and hope to those around her.