In Triumph has been dedicated to the commission of feeding, clothing, sheltering and displaying the gospel of Christ to homeless youth for over a year now. Since its inception, In Triumph has provided a sanctuary for troubled youth to begin the process of regeneration in their physical, emotional and spiritual lives. God has honored your prayers and support and recently we have seen the provision of a 30-acre ranch with facilities that we are renting for our students, who range between the ages of 17 and 24. In this rural setting, the students have an opportunity to separate from their dysfunctional, often violent surroundings and decompress, free from influences of destruction. Many of these young people have experienced tremendous personal tragedy; some of them have suffered because of foster care inadequacy and a severe dependence upon psychiatric medications. Others are victims of sexual abuse, emotional neglect, abandonment, even parental
murder or suicide – to name just a few. Yet, because of the powerful presence that Christ has always been to the least of these, the lost here at In Triumph have had a difficult time denying that the Son of Man could set them free.
In Triumph provides an extensive investigation of the Scriptures, which gives the young adults an opportunity to count the costs of Christianity and discipleship. This approach stirs the environment and creates a context for spiritual counseling and biblical guidance. Many times this has led to forgiveness and repentance in the young adult’s life.
In Triumph has engendered an additional program for those who are keen to learn more about their faith. Residents are given the opportunity to enroll in a leadership academy, and in this program students explore the depths of systematic theology and Christian apologetics. At the same time, the academy strives to foster the kind of entrepreneurial spirit we often see expressed in the world of creative arts. We are convinced that this practical and scholarly training will only reinforce the teaching of the Gospel in our communities.
We have accepted no government grants, nor have we asked anyone in our network for funding. For over a year now, God’s provision has been made manifest through the sacrifices of a few believers who have felt a spiritual responsibility to invest productively in the mission field of our own country. Occasionally our utilities have been disrupted for a short period of time due to lack of funds and last year we experienced an eviction. However, God has never let us down and we have seen the unique way in which he provides the perfect provision at the perfect time. His gracious hand has not only supplied our physical needs – it has also fanned the flame of faith throughout our household: we truly know that God still delivers His people!
Since the beginning of In Triumph, I have received a fair amount of advice about fundraising. I have been advised that appointing a board of directors could help to raise money, some of whom might be regular financial supporters of the project. I have also been told that I could gain exposure by emphasizing my former music career. But as I prayed this over and asked God for guidance I did not feel that this was the right path for me. I can now see that if I had taken matters into my own hands I might have been robbed of an amazing opportunity: the opportunity to see God take a mustard seed of faith and multiply it beyond our wildest dreams. He has used this time of waiting and trusting to build my faith, and I am excited to see how he will continue to build us all in faith in the coming years.
For those of you who have been apart contributing, thank you for being the hands that God has used to bless us and help us meet our most basic needs! To continue to contribute or to be involved with us for the first time, you can access In Triumph through our website. We are always so excited and grateful to have partners who share in our desire to see the youth of America brought to Christ. Please contact us at any time, we would love to hear from you!
In Christ & In Triumph,
Pete Orta
doulos
