How Two Years in the Mission Field Can Change Your Life: A Journey with Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage

How Two Years in the Mission Field Changed My Life by Presbytera Faeli Karcher

A Personal Journey of Faith, Calling, and Transformation at Project Mexico

I sat cross legged on the cold, somewhat dusty, concrete floor of the pavilion. Tiny burrs were sticking to my clothing. Fr Nicholas Andruchow was speaking to the group of us gathered there for prayer after a long day of homebuilding. “I’m going to say something that might shock you,” he stuck out his pinky and it felt like he was pointing right at me, “every Orthodox Christian should spend two years—at least—in the mission field.”

At age sixteen, two years felt like half a lifetime. How could he say that so confidently? “Crazy, I know,” he chuckled, “but it’s true. This action is what cements our faith. Think about the concrete you’ve worked with this week. It’s the hardest part of your week, but it’s essential for the house. Your faith is the same, it needs that cement. Two years! Try it out, sometime.”

Little did I know that I would do just that, and that my feet would walk the smooth concrete of that pavilion floor on countless occasions. God opened a door that I stumbled blindly through, and during the peak and slow decline of the 2020 pandemic, I worked with the boys at St Innocent orphanage. Later on, I helped coordinate the 2023 homebuilding summer. Without intending to fulfil Padre Nicholas’ suggestion (though it came to feel more like a prophecy on my life) I experienced the “cementing” of my faith that he described.

My spiritual life and the deep, inward working parts of my faith now rest on a clear foundation: one that was formed from an odd yet sacred mixture of Mexican dust, fresh figs still warm from the sun, earwigs in my bed, salty tears, Spanish slang, the muddiest Pascha I’ve ever experienced, and many (likely failed) attempts at sincere prayer.

These years were not only my spiritual foundation, but the necessary precursor for the following open doors in my life. If it weren’t for my time at Project Mexico, I likely never would have attended Hellenic College Holy Cross. If I hadn’t attended HCHC when I did, I probably wouldn’t have met my husband. If I hadn’t met my husband, we wouldn’t have gotten married, he wouldn’t have become a priest, and our sweet 6 month old daughter wouldn’t be soundly asleep by my side as I write this.

I will echo those “shocking” words of Fr. Nicholas now. Every Orthodox Christian (that means you!) should spend at least two years in the mission field. For me, this happened when I least expected it, and God used it in countless ways to bless my life and further equip me to serve His Holy Church.

If you find yourself unable to pack your bags and walk out the door at this moment, there are other ways that you can serve the Lord our God until he calls you forth. Please give to Project Mexico and Saint Innocent Orphanage to support those who are doing the work of the Lord: caring for the most vulnerable among us and proclaiming the good news of Christ to the farthest, dustiest, and certainly most beautiful corners of the Earth.

Finding Strength Through Faith: A Summer Internship Experience with Project Mexico

Discover how a summer internship with Project Mexico taught lessons of humility, perseverance, and faith.

By Jasmine Hunter
Project Mexico Intern 2025

It was my last build week of the summer, and I was convinced that I was going to mix the whole concrete pad we build the house on with whatever strength I had left in my body. It was an ambitious goal, as up until that point, I’d spent most of my concrete days shoveling sand and carrying buckets. Over-confident and amped up on the sugar of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I grabbed a hoe.

An hour or two in, I was mixing in disbelief. I knew in my heart that it was not by my own strength that my muscles continued to pull beyond any capacity I’d known. God was surely there with me, giving me the strength to continue on. I was grateful for about half the pad, but as we neared completion, my thoughts turned towards how proud I’d be when sharing my accomplishments with my friends. 

God, in His loving kindness, didn’t leave me in my prideful temptation. A blister started to form on my left hand. I initially ignored it, but three-quarters of the way through the pad, it burned with a fury. In frustration and disappointment, I passed on the hoe and left to go nurse my wound. Reflecting later on, I couldn’t help but chuckle. It was as if God were telling me, “Remain humble. You think you are indestructible? I took you out with a mere blister!”

My last concrete day is an allegory for my whole experience as a Project Mexico intern this past summer. Coming down to serve in a different country with no experience in construction, I expected to struggle. There were several times when I felt that I’d pushed myself beyond my limits, and yet I held on to the mustard seed of faith that had brought me there. In every moment, I strove to give whatever minuscule strength or effort I could provide, trusting that God would provide the rest, and that through his strength, I could accomplish seemingly impossible things.

Growing with St. Innocent: Brandon Omar’s Journey of Faith, Hope, and Transformation

Hello, my name is Brandon Omar and I would like to share something that is important to me.

I came to Casa Hogar San Inocencio when I was just 9 years old, along with my brother. Back then, I was a very insecure child, with a lot of pent up anger, who felt alone and always had negative thoughts. I felt like I had no one else in my life besides my brother. However, everything started to change after I arrived.

Casa Hogar San Inocencio is not just an orphanage; it's a true home. It is a place where you feel at peace, cared for, and above all, loved. From the very beginning, I found people who worried about me, who listened to me, and who taught me how to trust again. The tutors and counselors have helped me grow, mature, and changed my outlook on life.

Thanks to them, I am no longer the same fearful and insecure child. Now I am a young man with goals, faith and hope. I have learned that I am not alone and that there are good people who are willing to help and support without asking for anything in return.

One of the greatest pillars in my life is Father Nicholas. He taught me that with God, everything is possible. That if you trust in Him, life can be transformed. He taught me that God does not abandon us, even if life sometimes seems difficult. Thanks to his guidance, my faith has grown and my spiritual life has become very important to me. Today I understand that church is not just a place, it is a family that supports you.

Over time, I have accomplished things that I could have never imagined. I flew in an airplane for the first time, I excelled in the sport that I love, and now I study in one of the best schools in Tijuana. Every accomplishment that I have, I value, because I know where I came from and how much it cost me to get to where I am now.

Thanks to God, Father Nicholas, my tutors, and everyone at Casa Hogar San Inocencio, I am a better person today. I am not perfect but I am someone that strives, who believes and who wants to succeed.

God's Image Gives Life by Father Nicholas Andruchow

Don’t we all wish that Christ will speak to us and say, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”? (Luke 23:43)

Project Mexico is a taste of Paradise, even though it started from humble beginnings.  In 1987, the founders, Greg and Margaret Yova, had few resources, limited experience working with orphans, and virtually no track record of running a multifaceted international Orthodox ministry.  But with ample faith and little resources, they accomplished so much.  Not having enough money to pay the mortgage, salaries or buy groceries made the ministry’s foundation precarious.  And these two young adults laid the foundation for the largest young adult short-term mission organization in the world.  From a little seed so much has grown.

I remember when I first arrived at Project Mexico in 1995.  I had no intention of committing my life to Christ in third-world conditions, but Jesus had other plans.  As a layman, I visited for two weeks, and it turned into three years.  After leaving in 1999, attending seminary and running a small church in Arizona for ten years, I returned to Mexico in 2011 with three children and a wife.  My bishop blessed me to leave parish life for two years with the intent to return to America.  Those two years have turned into 15 years of serving the Church via Project Mexico.  Both tours grew from a spark of dedication and were transformed into a tenure of service. God converted a humble leap of faith into close to two decades of laborers.  Jesus’ power changes the smallest effort into abundant success.

Recently, one of the boys commented that the St. Innocent Orphanage is a type of paradise.  He arrived only eight years old and had barely survived the terrors of Tijuana.  He ran away from home because of all the abuse and tried to avoid the Mexican government, knowing how unhealthy the state boys’ shelters are.  Eventually, the authorities found him and his brother homeless on the streets.  He always had faith that there was going to be something better, which is why he fled his horrible family life.  He found something so much better, the St. Innocent Orphanage.  Both he and his brother are safe, receiving a good education and feel the love of Jesus every day.  Their little faith has been turned into a life of Paradise.

Thousands of young adults from all Orthodox jurisdictions in America have come to Mexico to make a difference and build homes.  They believe in Jesus Christ and that has given them the courage to serve in stressful third-world conditions.  Their youthful faith has converted this missionary ministry into an ambitious labor that runs the only Orthodox Orphanage in the hemisphere.  Possibly these young volunteers are not seminary trained, nor are they international entrepreneurs or graduates of master's programs in anthropology, but they have faith.  Faith that is little, young and might seem minuscule has moved mountains.  Paradise has been planted.  Come and see this piece of paradise for yourself just south of the border in Tijuana.

Take the next step in faith. Contribute to our Matching Grant Campaign and transform lives with a doubled gift.

Project Mexico Launches $200,000 Matching Grant Campaign for 2025

Project Mexico Announces $200,000 Annual Matching Grant Campaign

Year-End Donations Will Be Doubled Through December 30, Supporting Homes and Hope for Families and Orphaned Children

Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage announced on November 1st the launch of its Annual Matching Grant Campaign, an opportunity for supporters to double the impact of their giving through a generous dollar-for-dollar match—up to $200,000—now through December 31, 2025.

For more than 35 years, Project Mexico has been dedicated to serving the most vulnerable through its longstanding homebuilding ministry and the nurturing environment of St. Innocent Orphanage. The Annual Matching Grant Campaign plays a critical role in sustaining these life-changing programs by allowing donors to stretch their support dollars further than at any other time of year.

“This matching grant is one of the most impactful opportunities for supporters to help us continue our mission,” said Executive Director Father Nicholas Andruchow. “Every dollar given effectively becomes two—directly supporting the boys in our care and helping families in need receive safe, secure housing.”

Donations made during the campaign will support:

• Safe, stable homes for families living in substandard conditions

• Daily care, education, and spiritual development for the boys at St. Innocent Orphanage

• Long-term sustainability of Project Mexico’s ministry and outreach efforts

With the rising need for support across the communities Project Mexico serves, the matching grant offers donors a powerful way to amplify their generosity and make a tangible difference.

Supporters are encouraged to make their contributions before December 30 to ensure their gifts are fully matched.

Project Mexico Online Auction 2025 Launches to Support Orphaned Children

San Diego, CA — October 31, 2025 — Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage are delighted to announce the launch of their 2025 Online Benefit Auction, now live through Saturday, November 22, 2025. This annual event provides supporters near and far with a meaningful way to help transform the lives of orphaned boys, infants, and families in need throughout Mexico.

The online auction features a variety of exciting items, including tickets to the World Famous San Diego Zoo, Indoor Skydiving, and tickets to a San Francisco 49ers game. Each experience has been donated by generous supporters, with all proceeds directly benefiting the children of St. Innocent Orphanage and Project Mexico’s mission to serve the poor through housing, education, and spiritual development.

“Each bid is an act of love that directly supports our mission,” said Fr. Nicholas Andruchow, Executive Director of Project Mexico. “Whether you join us in person or online, your participation helps bring stability, care, and faith to those who need it most.”

Supporters are encouraged to start bidding today and check back frequently, as new items will be added throughout the auction period. The online auction will conclude during the Project Mexico Benefit Dinner at Resurrection Orthodox Church in Castro Valley, CA, on Saturday, November 22 at 8:00 PM PST.

In addition to the auction, attendees of the Benefit Dinner will enjoy an inspiring evening of fellowship, live music, authentic Mexican cuisine, and updates from the mission field.

Event Details

📅 When: Auction open now through November 22, 2025
📍 Benefit Dinner: Saturday, November 22, 2025 – Resurrection Orthodox Church, Castro Valley, CA
💻 Auction Website: Start Bidding Here »

All proceeds from the auction and Benefit Dinner help sustain Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage’s year-round work—providing safe homes, education, and spiritual guidance to children and families in need.

To learn more about the auction, purchase Benefit Dinner tickets, or become a sponsor, please visit www.projectmexico.org/benefit-dinner.

Padre’s Fig Jam: A Taste of Love and Purpose

There’s something special about a product made by hand, grown with care, and rooted in love and faith. Padre’s Fig Jam isn’t just a delicious spread—it’s a taste of hope and compassion that reaches far beyond the kitchen table.

Harvested from sun-ripened figs grown on the grounds of St. Innocent Orphanage in Rosarito, Mexico, this small-batch jam is crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients. Every jar reflects the care of our community and the beauty of God’s creation. But what truly makes Padre’s Fig Jam unique is its purpose.

All proceeds directly support Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, helping us continue our mission of building homes for families in need and providing care for orphaned children. Each purchase helps us house, feed, and educate children while empowering volunteers to serve Christ through love and service.

Whether you spread it on warm bread, drizzle it over cheese, or gift it to a loved one, Padre’s Fig Jam brings sweetness with meaning. It’s more than a jar of jam—it’s a way to be part of something lasting, something that transforms lives.

Your support helps us grow not just fruit, but faith, hope, and opportunity.

Shop Padre’s Fig Jam today and savor the difference your generosity makes. Together, we can continue to build homes, nurture children, and spread love—one spoonful at a time.

Join Us for the Project Mexico Benefit Dinner in Castro Valley

We’re excited to invite you to a very special evening! On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage will host our Annual Benefit Dinner at Resurrection Parish in Castro Valley, California. This cherished event brings together friends, families, and community members with one shared purpose: to support vulnerable children and families in need across Mexico.

Why This Dinner Matters

Every year, your generosity makes a direct impact on the lives of orphaned boys, infants, and toddlers at St. Innocent Orphanage. Proceeds also support Project Mexico’s mission of building homes for families living in poverty, providing access to education, and offering opportunities for spiritual growth.

Father Nicholas Andruchow, our Executive Director, reminds us why this night is so meaningful:

“This dinner is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a chance to come together as a community and change lives. Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship secured directly supports children who deserve safe shelter, nurturing care, and the hope of a brighter future.”

What to Expect

The evening will feature:

• A warm and inspiring program

• Fellowship with friends and supporters

• Opportunities to make a lasting difference for children in our care

Event Details

📍 Where: Resurrection Parish, Castro Valley, CA
📅 When: Saturday, November 22, 2025
🎟 Tickets & Sponsorships: Available now

Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, offering both individuals and businesses a meaningful way to give back while being recognized for their support.

Be Part of the Impact

Your participation helps us continue our mission that began in 1988—building safe homes, offering loving care, and giving children a brighter future rooted in faith and compassion.

👉 Reserve your spot today at www.projectmexico.org/benefit-dinner.

Together, we can turn this evening into a celebration of hope and transformation. We can’t wait to see you there!

Finding God’s Will at Project Mexico By Wyatt West

Greetings! My name is Wyatt. I have a longish history with Project Mexico as a volunteer and as an intern. This Summer, I am returning to this amazing place for my 4th internship. It has been a struggle, as it is for many, to figure out what exactly it is I am supposed to be doing on earth and where I stand spiritually. Project Mexico relieves the confusion that both these struggles cause for me. I am able to concretely live out God’s Will and stop wondering what it is I am supposed to be doing with my life because I’m busy doing it.

I always want to have direct experiences with Saints and God. I mean direct. I want to see and hear them in front of me because, for some reason, I think that unless I see something, it’s not real. I’ll ask during prayers or while I’m out walking my dog in the morning, which is when I feel particularly brain dead, “God, where are You? What am I supposed to do? Why is life so hard? St. John (Maximovitch), help me!”

Well. Guess what, Mr. Wyatt. The answers are constantly surrounding me. Read the Bible, read and learn about the saints, pray, serve others, go to church, venerate the icons, and receive communion.

It’s not that hard.

The last two years, 2023-2025, have been particularly challenging, mentally and physically. I have a permanent health issue that bothers me on and off and since 2023, I’ve been mentally assaulted by very strong spiritual warfare. It’s been kind of wild, I’ve never been shaken quite like this before. I’ve had a lot of tricks played on me by demons, I think. I also may have gotten some non-tricks too, though, it’s hard for me to tell, even through talking with several priests and friends about it all.

Most of the spiritual warfare I have been hit with revolved around a girl. Classic. The number one way to mess with a man’s emotions and/or entire life is to place a woman in front of him. That or some good food. I never managed to obtain a date with this girl, but she gave me a lot of trouble, and the demons had some fun messing around in my head with the thought of her. I really thought that it was God’s Will for me to marry this girl. She’s not Orthodox, which was the big kicker because I’m a little bit dead set on marrying (if I can ever manage it) an Orthodox woman because to help build a strong family, I would say that the parents need to be on the same page, Faith-wise.

I was so upset that it wasn’t working out that it got really hard to do the little things in life, the little God’s Wills. I was stuck on the future, big picture, God’s Will, i.e., career path and how the heck am I going to marry this girl and had to fight extra hard to accomplish the small things. Project Mexico takes away the big picture and helps me focus on the little things. The little Wills.

All in all, Project Mexico tends to reveal my inner being. It helps me focus on God’s Will and shows me where my spiritual state lies. Through its simple living and intensely concentrated population of strong Orthodox Christians, it tends to show me if I’m on the right path. If I could put it into one short fictional, comedic yet serious sentence, it would be something like this: “testing testing, 123 how is your spirit? Do you still love Me, Wyatt? I still love you. Build a house.”

I can build a house.

What is the meaning of life for an Orthodox Christian? By Presbytera Merilynn Andruchow

This summer, 25 young adults will leave the comforts of their homes to travel to Tijuana, Mexico, where they will reside on the grounds of St Innocent Orphanage. They will assist over 600 visiting volunteers from the United States in constructing modest homes that will transform the lives of families forever. 

These young adults are embarking on an adventure to discover the true meaning of life, and their lives will be transformed forever. They will leave behind their secular lifestyles, characterized by anxiety and depression, in which they believe that life revolves around superficial measures such as physical appearance, financial success, and excessive drinking. They have come to view casual relationships as the norm, focusing on "what they do" rather than "who they are" as individuals. 

Once these young adults cross the border into Mexico, they will come to realize that life must encompass more than their current experiences. They will begin to ask themselves, "If I truly call myself an Orthodox Christian; how does God fit into the meaning of my life?" 

These young adults will embark on a transformative journey to shed the burdens of a secular lifestyle while living closely together in a country marked by poverty and corruption. They will engage with orphaned infants and boys, serve alongside over 600 volunteers, and, most importantly, immerse themselves in the sacramental life of the Church, seeking God's guidance and support. As they release the weight of their secular lifestyle, our merciful Lord will begin to bestow upon them the virtues of love, forgiveness, patience, faithfulness, kindness, and long-suffering—qualities that are becoming increasingly rare in our world.

They will come to realize that their previous way of life was a facade and that the true meaning of life is to walk side by side with God. By living a virtuous, God-fearing life filled with hope for something better, they will prepare themselves for eternal life with God when their time on this earth comes to an end. 

I have listed the 25 young adults who will be serving this summer, along with their respective states. Please keep them and the ministry of Project Mexico in your prayers. 

William Filanowski -CO 

Mark Stamoulis – MA 

Wyatt West – CA 

James Clohessy – IL 

Gabe Braskett - AZ 

Andoni Zervoglos – MA 

Zechariah Collins – CA 

Samuel Jenkins – PA 

Chalker Griffin – FL 

Franco Vitz – CA 

Petru Cojocaru – MA 

James Furman – NY 

Caleb Petker - Canada 

Anna Jackson – CA 

Julia Sheridan – LA 

Zelda Gilbert – NJ 

Yana Brinegar – NM 

Isabella Zamora – TX 

Iona West – CA 

Jasmine Hunter – TX 

Zoe Kasten – CO 

Hattie Sparks – IN 

Jean Zaur – PA 

Lucille Stobbe – Canada 

Raya Christiansen - AZ