Meadow blanketed with wild flowers at the Stenis Tract in Spring 2024

Dear friend of A Rocha USA,

June is a transition month in Central Texas. The pleasant temperatures and abundant spring rains are replaced by the hot and dry conditions that characterize summer days. I can see nature changing its colors and rhythms and people moving into summer routines. However, my heart is still set on the abundant blessings of the spring, which come suddenly and are quickly gone. They transform into new things before your eyes. They are full of life and hope. I wish I could hold on to them for a bit longer. 

I experienced many blessings and small miracles this spring. One was my time with the interns, Michaela, Madeline, and Noah. I am grateful for their dedication to A Rocha USA and the projects in Central Texas and for letting me be a small part of their story. They challenged and inspired us to continue bringing God's Kingdom to the land and people of Central Texas. I invite you to read about their time with us in this issue and join us in prayer for God’s protection and wisdom as they take their next steps. 

Another blessing worth sharing was the record season of native wildflowers. They covered our parks, yards, and roadsides with bright shades of purples, reds, oranges, yellows, and whites. With their showy shapes and colors, and blooms overflowing with pollen and nectar, they invited people and wildlife to partake in the season's abundance by offering shelter, food, and incomparable beauty. Native plants are vital to sustaining pollinators and the human communities that depend on them. Please take a few minutes to read about the A Rocha international family of beekeepers highlighted in this issue. 

Transitions can be challenging, but also full of hope and anticipation. They require us to let go so that we can have open hands and hearts for the new things to come. As I say goodbye to the special people and creatures that brightened my spring in Central Texas, I wait patiently and expectantly to receive the summer blessings. I invite you to do the same. 

For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord;

 I sing for joy at what your hands have done.

Psalm 92:4 (NIV)

Peace and hope,

Verónica Godoy, Ph.D                                                              
Texas Conservation Project Director                                                                                          A Rocha USA                                                                                                    

Act Locally

Farewell Interns

The changing of seasons can symbolize new beginnings. That is certainly the case for our latest Conservation Internship cohort, for whom the start of summer brings a close to their nine-month residency. Learn more about their next steps below!

Think Globally

Beyond honey: beekeeping’s impact on biodiversity and livelihoods

It is estimated that about one-third of the food we eat relies on bee pollination. As bees visit flowers in search of nectar and pollen, they transfer pollen between plants, enabling plants to reproduce and produce fruits and seeds. This vital ecological service not only supports biodiversity but also sustains food production for humans and wildlife.  

Get Involved: A Rocha opportunities

A Rocha Forum Festival

On June 19 & 20, you are invited to gather for devotions, 'Big Questions', workshops, film screenings and a drop-in time for prayer and conversation. The Forum Festival is open to everyone!  To learn more, access the link below. We hope to see you on the screen!

Monthly Church EarthKeepers Meet-Up

Are you mobilizing your church to care for creation? Do you wish more people shared your interest? Then join like-minded folks for a Church Earthkeepers Meet-Up. At these monthly sessions we’ll learn from each other by swapping stories as a way to encourage and equip us to catalyze earthkeeping at church. Come prepared to share your ideas and to hear what works for others as we build a network of regular people working to care for creation within a local church setting.

These online gatherings will take place virtually on the last Tuesday of every month, June 25 this month, at 5 PM – 6 PM Pacific Time (8 PM – 9 PM Eastern Time).

Wild Wonder: VBS-style curriculum

Wild Wonder invites children to delight in God as creator, redeemer, and sustainer of all things by immersing them in the wonders of the created world. A Rocha has produced four years of curriculum, which are available for sale at the link below.

We are also excited to offer Creación Maravillosa (Wild Wonder in Spanish)! We're currently looking for Spanish-speaking groups and churches who are interested in implementing the curriculum and giving us feedback. The best part is that they will receive the curriculum for free! Are you or a church you know eager to take part? Email veronica.godoy@arocha.org to learn more.