When Chris, a student at South Texas Children’s Home Ministries’ Boothe Campus, traveled to Hawaii in December, it marked the culmination of months of preparation, fundraising and anticipation.
Chris, an All-American cheerleader, was invited to perform in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Waikiki.
He considered the trip a remarkable opportunity to honor history, experience a new culture and witness God’s handiwork in his life.
His journey to Hawaii began with a dream and an unrelenting determination to make it happen.
“As soon as I decided to make this trip a reality, I started searching for fundraising ideas everywhere,” he said.
With the support of STCH Ministries, his community, teachers, house parents and even his boss, Chris launched multiple fundraisers—selling kolaches, creating a unique Tic-Tac-Toe donation board on social media and other fun ideas.
‘Showed relentless drive’
His efforts were so successful, he even helped cover a portion of the expenses for his chaperone on the trip, Benjamin Brewer, student ministries coordinator at STCH Ministries.
“Watching Chris’s hard work come to life was inspiring,” Brewer said. “Many kids start with enthusiasm but lose momentum. Not Chris.
“He showed relentless drive, organizing fundraiser after fundraiser for months without giving up. It was amazing to witness his dedication and determination.”
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The trip itself was filled with moments of awe and gratitude. As Chris stepped onto the island, he was struck by the natural beauty that surrounded him and God’s goodness in bringing him there.
“The landscapes, the water and the sky—it all felt like a reflection of God’s incredible creation,” he said. “It hit me that this entire experience was possible because he wanted me to be here.”
The highlight of the trip was the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade on Dec. 7, held in honor of the veterans and in remembrance of the Pearl Harbor attack.
Chris joined cheerleaders from across the country, many of whom he had befriended online, in a unique performance that brought the community together.
“When the music started, and I lined up for the parade, it finally sank in. I was about to cheer in front of everyone,” Chris recalled. “It was an unforgettable mix of excitement and pride.”
For Brewer, the parade was equally powerful.
“Seeing the crowd’s reaction, especially to the military members, was incredible. One of the last Pearl Harbor survivors, over 100 years old, was in the parade,” he said. “It reminded us of the significance of this event and the lives it represents.”
Beyond the parade, Chris and Brewer immersed themselves in the Hawaiian experience. They visited the USS Missouri, toured the Pearl Harbor memorial, attended a traditional luau and hiked two miles up a mountain to enjoy breathtaking views.
Growth and resilience
Throughout the trip, they observed, God’s faithfulness and provision shined through every moment.
Brewer, who has known Chris since he was 4 years old, reflected on his growth and resilience.
“Chris has faced so much in his life—losing his mom at a young age, his dad’s absence and the challenges of growing up on the Boothe Campus,” he said.
“Yet, he hasn’t let those hardships define him. He has grown into a young man with a deep faith and incredible determination. It’s a testament to how God has worked in his life through the love and care of our ministry.”
Chris shared his gratitude for the role STCH Ministries and the larger community played in making this trip possible.
“There are so many people I want to thank for making this opportunity possible. Knowing I had so many people supporting me every step of the way meant the world to me,” he said. “Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for their encouragement and belief in me.”
Reflecting on his time at STCH Ministries, Chris added: “They’ve helped shape me into a more effective leader, someone who values responsibility, kindness and thoughtfulness. I’ve also learned to be genuinely grateful for everything I have.”
Brewer also reflected on the meaningful experience.
“We preach normalcy all the time in our office. We want our kids to feel normal—not to be treated abnormally,” he said. “Trips like this help reinforce that idea—showing them they can have experiences just like anyone else, that they are loved and cared for, and that they are part of something bigger.”
Chris described the trip as life-changing.
“I had such a great time and made so many new friends. Cheering in that parade was such a unique and unforgettable experience,” he said. “It’s a feeling I’ll carry with me forever.”
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