Mary Agnes Villanueva
Simran
Philippines
“I was fortunate enough to match for internship at Brook Army Medical Center the fiscal year of the program. This is a competitive site that requires intent to join the U.S. army as officers and serve for at least four years. All these things would not be possible without your great support. I was able to nourish my brain so that I could focus on my studies and maintain my health so that I could qualify for my dream career as an Army Psychologist. Thank you so much for all you have done to touch my life and many others”.
India
“The pantry has been a big blessing to us. Moreover, as students we tend to neglect eating healthy. The bags always have a supply of fruits and vegetables enough for a week. This way, it not only benefits us financially, but also helps us stay healthy. Thanks to everyone involved in this organization for doing what you do for us. Please know that this service helps us in many ways so we say, thank you”.
Lesley Ann and Michael Nicholas
Rachel
Philippines
Dear Brother Gaspard,
“My husband and I are international students from the beautiful island of Trinidad and Tobago. We have been privileged to be recipients of the food ministry of the International Student Pantry (ISP) for the past three years. Your ministry has greatly supplemented what we as students are able to provide while faced with other financial constraints.
We are far away from home and it is comforting to know that there are people who care about the welfare of us student. We are thankful for the generosity and Commitment of all those who contributed toward ensuring that we as students, are taken care of. We pray that God continues to give you the strength and inspiration to be a blessing to us.
USA
My name is Rachel. I am a fourth-year pharmacy student. The International Student Pantry (ISP) has been such a blessing to me. I am truly grateful and thankful for the food that I received week after week. During my pharmacy studies, I became homeless and had no food to eat. This time was very stressful for me because I was not stable. Then by God’s providence, I encountered brother Gaspard who set me up with the International Student Pantry. I am very grateful for his concern about us as a student. He asked, “Did you have enough food to eat and was I able to make it to class?’
A lot of times students are in desperate need, do not ask for help because it is downright embarrassing. Students feel that they will be judged or shamed in some way. But now I have realized that I need help, I need to tell someone. I don’t need to feel ashamed for being hungry. Your theme states: “Together, Building a Better Tomorrow” means a lot to me. You see, without the ministry of “ISP”, I don’t know how I would have made it through the tough and difficult times. It is something when you are down and have no food to eat that someone takes the time to stop and find out if you have been eating. Wow! I am so glad that brother Gaspard asked. Again, I am thankful what God has done in this ministry to provide the students especially me at a time when all I could do was put gas in my car to go to class. Your support from this ministry will continue to provide the means necessary to help young aspiring health professionals and others.
Many blessings,