2025 and Beyond
T“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
Once a year I take over this platform and share what has been accomplished and where we hope to go in the next year within the organization. I’m excited to get to do this again this year. Look for our 2024 annual report next month which will give more specifics on the status of the organization going into 2025.
In 2024, our focus was on completing the literacy project which began in 2023, supporting our current players in the US and making sure the message of faith and Jesus’ love was heard loudly by our kids and the entire community. We had two wonderful Impact Trips that effected the lives of those in our community and also the travelers. Our literacy teachers were given additional training and each kid has the lasting gift of having a book of their own. We also strengthened our Board of Directors by adding an exciting new members. The Mission House got a bit of a facelift and the kitchen received some necessary materials to make feeding the kids easier and more successful.
Phew, when you put it all down like that it was a good and powerful year!







Goals for 2025
2025 provides a new opportunity to plan for good things in Fondo Negro. Over the past eight years a lot of work has gone into building trust and strength with the organization. Communication between in-country staff and those of us working in the US has continued to improve and become easier. There is a better overall understanding of the ongoing needs of the community as well as the ability to respond more nimbly when we are needed. This allows us, as an organization, to have a greater more appropriate impact.
The best thing about this is it allows us to have big plans but also supplement them with ongoing support in ways we would not have been able to in the past. This means I get to lay out my big goals at the beginning of the year, while also allowing space to provide support on an ongoing basis.
So, here goes nothing:
- Continue to provide opportunities for the team to accept Christ.
- Expand the coaching staff to support the growing number of kids in the program. (*Disclaimer: this has already been accomplished! As of January 1, 2025, we have hired Edarvin as our new pitching coach, supplementing the coaching already being done by Coach Felix.)
- Improvements to the field including the field itself and painting/cleaning of the stadium in its entirety.
- Next steps in our literacy project. I don’t know what this looks like yet but we have a crack team of educators who are working on it and it’s exciting to think about where it’s going to go!
- Expand the board to replace members who have expiring terms.
It’s an exciting time to be part of J1Nine. We are on the edge of moving into a big next level and I’m anxious in all of the good and some less good ways to watch it take place. It feels like being at the top of a roller-coaster. You can see the drop ahead and you know it’s what you have been looking forward to but at the same time it’s scary and adrenaline filled to think about where you are about to go.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are interested in being part of this journey. We are always looking for people who can add passion and input to the program. We need others to help make all of these exciting things happen; from hands to do the painting, cleaning, teaching, loving, and more in the DR, to those praying for the organization or even stepping into leadership roles with the board as a board member or even a consultant/champion. Maybe that is where God is calling you this year? Will you step out?
With Strength and Courage (Fuerte y Valiente) until this time next year,
Kristin Thompson, President

Come learn more about these kids and support the mission!
IMPACT TRIPS ARE HAPPENING!
We have a big calendar of trips ahead of us for 2024. The only thing it is missing is you! Please reach out by clicking the blue box above or let someone in the organization know you are interested in meeting the people of Fondo Negro. They want to meet you too!
As always, we are thankful for you, our supporters. We pray you are happy, healthy and know the peace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. He’s got all of us in his hand, here and abroad, and for that we are forever thankful. Thank you for your prayers and ongoing support!
With deepest gratitude from the guys.