I just want to say anyone would loves this awsome couple! I had a privilege to be ther friends.... I also was Involved in a ministry down the road from them and the people they are also blessed my life at one time or anther financially, emotionally, and spiritually..... I can't say enough about them they rock for Jesus....... Another thing about them is they are GREAT PARENTS, I hope one day I can imitate ther way of parenting!!
This is a great program for the youth!! Love u guys!!
P's they're the best white folk south of the boarder. .....
As a parent I guess one could say I'm prejudiced and that would be true. From the very beginning I saw in Doug and Carrie; an awareness of a need, a burden, prayer, vision, passion, seeking and waiting upon the Lord....I've seen both Doug and Carrie grow, sacrificial living to obedience to what God wanted them to do. It has been a real testimony of faith as well as action.
With faithfulness to their call, hours spent developing curriculum, personal sacrifice, great demand from each other, as well as their two boys, I saw the positive fruits of their labors In many lives of young people who have been graduates of Ventana Ministries. The postiive fruits are students going back to their home churches as leaders and servants to their churches. Others who have gone on to college or other ministry service. I see hearts and action in care for others instead of selfish "For me attitude".
Yes, Doug and Carrie, you have reached the vision and goal the Lord laid on your lives because we see it in the lives of many of the graduates of Ventana.
Ventana absolutely changes lives. A non-profit to me should be measured by its overall impact on society and cultures. Ventana does exactly this. Providing ways for youth and young adult to be transformed and overcome their past while being launched into mind molding and influencing roles within cities and University campuses. The impact of Ventana (the people) touching people has created a multiplying effect on the results and power of this ministry. I was a student within Ventana's discipleship program in 2007-2008 and I don't know how I would be where I am today with having gone through the laughs, tears and fears that I came out on top of after Ventana. This Non-profit is not for the weak in heart. If you believe in the impact but don't want to jump in full time it encourage you to give, give money, time, give in someway what you have to improving and expanding the influence of Ventana. If you have the resources, desire etc. to be directly involved by giving a part of your life to this Non-Profit, you'll come out of it extremely sharpened and refined. I encourage you because the return on your investment is worth more than you know. Let Ventana be your extension to the frontline of this broken and needy world. Reach out today and find the need you can help fill.
Ventana was a unique experience that I would not have received anywhere else! Being a part of the program drastically changed how I view Christian ministry. It gave me a chance to practically apply what I was learning about God and how He wants His love to be shown to His children. My experience with Ventana was a spring-board to my willingness to yield to God's plan for me to go into ministry abroad.
Similar to what the other reviews have said, we are so blessed by Ventana Ministries. My husband was Carrie's Wood Shop teacher in Middle School, so we go WAY back. God has done incredible things in and through Carrie, Doug and their children. We take families to Porvenir for our annual family mission trip. They warmly welcome 2.5 year olds and even 56 year olds! They are so flexible, encouraging and professional, always with love and grace. Our experience in similar ministries for over 15 years helps us to review them with a different perspective than most. Ventana reminds us so much of our 'early days' in orphan care ministry. They truly go above and beyond! We look forward to watching God continue to work through them, and what the future holds for this precious family and their passion for ministry.
I have been in the Christian ministry for 50 years, as a pastor in local churches, missionary to Brazil and for the last 17 years in administration of a mission agency and now in international leadership training that presently has alumni in 106 countries. When Doug and Carrie began to sense a call for some direct action to help Christian young people truly discover what it meant to be a Christian in the bigger world I supported them. The need to help graduating seniors to establish a living faith was obvious and the vehicle of Ventana was a practical way to be encourage this to happen. Through their own experiences and vibrant Christian lives young people actually experienced being Christian in the real world and lives have been changed.
Ventana is a great ministry that changes lives. I have known several students that have participated in Ventana and it was life changing for them. They grew and matured in ways that they would no have by not being exposed to a cross culture experiemces.
Ventana Ministries offers the kind of program I wish had been around when I was a teenager. It helps kids grow up, understand a third-world culture, develop an attitude of service, and learn the practical side of living away from parents.
Ventana has been one of the most positive experiences in my life. I am constantly looking back to my time in the class of 2008-2009 and seeing how my life's trajectory has changed and morphed into a more Christ-like journey. I learned essential lessons about how God interacts with His people. I met the Holy Spirit during my nine months in this program and I realized for the first time the depth of God's overarching love for the world. It is a REAL experience. You don't just sit in a room with other Christians and talk about theories (though this is a part of the experience). You go out and live life with people from a different culture, with different opinions and outlooks. It is incredibly challenging and stretching and beneficial. You can't grow with out being challenged. You can' move forward if you aren't open to these new and foreign experiences. My worldview is expanded, my ideas formed in Sunday School have been examined and the truths have been pinpointed. i learned how to actually read my Bible, how to choose and get involved in church, how to determine what is Biblical doctrine and how to serve. I think that participating in Ventana was one of the best decisions of my life. It may not have been a cake walk, but I would do it over again in a heart beat. My cousin is doing it this year and she is having a similar reaction. Our experiences are very different, but both have the same result. i love Christ more because of my experience here.
Great ministry. I wish more students would grasp the ideals that make this ministry strong. They need to get out of their comfort zones, learn about other cultures, and gain their own religious values away from their parents. They need a worldview that is kingdom focused and not focused on just their family or country.
Great leadership that is serious about the work but loves people! Cant recommend Ventana enough. Watching the students serve in a hands on manner was very impacting.
This is an incredible ministry. There really are no other words than that! The changes they make on others lives is powerful and evident. My nine-months there were incredible and I walked away a different and better person. I have recommended this ministry to anyone and everyone!
Ventana is a powerful ministry! Today more than ever, young people need preparation to shape their worldview and equip them with real life skills so that they can be confident of who God is, of who they are, and of their mission to make a difference for Christ. Ventana provides this in a unique and challenging environment. Doug and Carrie are phenomenal leaders and I can't recommend this ministry enough!
We were hesisitant at first when our daughter told us about wanting to go to Ventana for a 'gap year'. But we are SO GLAD we did. It was the perfect place for her. She grew in her understanding of what Christian Ministry truly is and just in general as a person. I would say it set in place what her life goals truly are. It was the perfect place for her to go before moving on to college. The experience was great in so many ways and I recommend it to everyone who asks if it is a 'place to send their HS graduate'. Thank you Doug and Carrie for following thru with this wonderful ministry!
What an awesome ministry! With four of our children in the college age group, we are so aware of how critical this "window" of time is in solidifying faith. We watched as we saw God say "Go" to Doug, and Carrie and as they responded in obedience we watched as God blessed and grew this ministry. We are senders from Temecula. Although we don't personally go to Mexico, we have seen the fruit in a number of our local young adults. They have returned with maturity, excitement for future ministry and are fired up for God. We are happy to be a part of this In any way we can!
I am very blessed by this Family and Ventana Ministries. It is very unique amidst the ministries I have been a part of especially in the fact that they are partnering with the local church in their region and seeking to join hands in sharing christ with the surrounding community; this is beautiful because they are not seeking to establish their own kingdom or just spread some denomination, they are partnering with Mexican believers to continue building God's Kingdom for His Glory. I was so very surprised by how my time down visiting with them has transformed my perception of missions, from a materialistic view just focused on giving handouts to one of meeting the other forms of poverty such as spiritual poverty and need for healthy relationships/community. On a personal basis I was deeply encouraged to hear of How God called this family to move down to Mexico and begin serving in their region, as well as blessed by their hospitality and willingness to make our group feel completely at home. The staff and students were extremely helpful and engaging with our group. By far the most impactful mission trip I have ever been on. All I can say is I would be extremely honored to visit again either short term or long term if God allows.
Sincerely,
Anonymous
Doug and Carrie are very special people. They come from very special families. Their hearts are totally committed to the ministry of Ventana. They have built this ministry from scratch and have grown it steadily each year to where today it has become a significant outreach to many. They communicate very well with donors and prayer partners. Lively, digital news from Ventana is something we always look forward to receiving. God is doing a marvelous work through Ventana. Thank you Doug and Carrie and all of their staff. Praise God!
Words cannot express this life changing event for anyone obidient enough to stretch themselves and serve alongside Ventana. Going into this small willage and sacrificing blood, sweat and tears in the name of Jesus will change your life in ways that you can only understand if your willing to step out! In my opinion every young believer should go and be a part of Ventan or something similar!
My children are still young - but I certainly do hope that when they come of age that Ventana Ministries is still around. Having visited and witnessed the work they do I've come to respect their approach to immersing young people in culture, a different language and the whole idea of service! And all the while they are getting biblical training . . . invaluable!
I don't know of another ministry quite like this one. I believe this is a ministry that teaches young people about what it is to and serve God, and HOW they can reach out and meet a need - and shows a whole new world outside their own. It's exactly where I want my kids in the future - thinking outside of themselves, outside of their culture. Loving others with the service of their life - Yup. Invaluable.
I have had the privilege to see Ventana grow from its inception to the thriving ministry that it is today and I I got to work with Ventana for one year. One thing has remained constant: Doug and Carrie's passion for impacting the lives of American teens by taking them out of their comfort zone and serving others. I have seen the lives of American teens changed and locals blessed numerous time through the student's hard work. I have seen barriers come down and bonds formed between youth of two very different worlds as Ventaneros and local church kids work, play, and pray together.
Ventana is a great experience for youth. The kids work hard, yet have a wonderful time, and make a beautiful difference in the lives of the people they touch.
GET OUTSIDE YOUR ZIPCODE! and yourself! Doug and Carrie AND OUR GOD have provided young people with an incredible opportunity to put their faith in action. This vibrant ministry puts hands and feet on the Gospel and the students learn to love and serve in Jesus' Name. We have supported the ministry since the beginning and count it a privilege to have front row seats to His excellent plan in and through Ventana Ministries. We can't wait for our young children to grow up so they can become Ventanites!
Everything about Ventana is amazing!! Do yourself a favor a either pray for this ministry or financial support would also be wonderful. Ventana is a blessing!!
My daughter spent a gap year at Ventana. Her experiences changed her life. Exposure to other people and a different culture was eye-opening for her. Since her 9 months at Ventana, she has continued in the missions field. She is a changed person. Much more empathetic than before and much more Christian. Doug and Carrie and their boys are a blessing in our lives. Their love of God shows through in everything they do.
I attended Ventana ministries as a student and then worked there for 2 years. Doug and Carrie have really sought out the Lord in this ministry and let the Holy Spirit take control. I have been able to see many people go through Ventana and be changed for the better. It helped me grow spirituality by exposing me to many classes, people, and experiences. If you want to get outside your comfort zone, as well as your zip code, then Ventana Ministries is the ministry for you!
I visited this program in Mexico and was very impressed with their work with students and the surrounding community.
Where do I begin? My family has been praying for this ministry since it's inception and I have been a staff member for the past two years. I have seen personal growth in me beyond words and exponential growth in some of the students that amazes me still. God is working here in the lives of everyone involved. Maybe not every day, but in the big picture I can see how Ventana Ministries has been a game changer in missions and people's lives. Thank you for being so impactful in mine!
Doug and Carrie, the founders of Ventana Ministries, are friends and co-workers in the mission of God. I count it a privilege to recommend their program to young people everywhere, including my youngest daughter. Ventana partners with Global Recordings Network Mexico, and our staff at GRN USA takes great joy in hearing from them and hearing about how their gap year program changes lives.