I am sorry that the last depressing news post stayed at the top for so long. We have been running around like crazy making plans to ensure that we do not have the same thing happen again and actually got a call that there is a baby in one of the far south villages waiting for us. Lale is working out the details right now to go and pick this child up.
It was very sad and devastating for all of us who are involved with this project to loose three children like that, at the same time we realize that we just need to work that much harder at being ready and capable of making a rescue when we hear about a child.
We did have one piece of news this week that was both exciting and I have to admit a bit overwhelming. Lale had the chance to sit down with the head of the department in the government that makes the decisions about children and their placement. (Sort of like the Social Services back home) He said that the meeting lasted more than four hours and in the end we were selected as the governments primary recipient of children who are “mingi”. Its a huge deal as we are now officially set up to receive children who would have otherwise ended up in a government orphanage (not a good place to be). This is both very exciting but at the same time a bit scary, when Lale and I spoke about this I asked him what this could mean in terms of numbers and he said that its entirely possible that we have more than 50 kids come in over the next 6 months. My stomach just about dropped out onto the floor when he said that… I have no idea how we are going to do this but its likely that we have a lot more kids coming through very soon and we are not going to be able to turn them away.
We are still working through the process with the local government to get more land so that we can build a new orphanage and bible training center for the tribes. They are sounding very positive about the land and we are just working out the details right now. More on that topic soon.
Its funny, we keep coming to these places where we have to just put our heads down and plow ahead, we have no idea how its going to all work out, but looking back we did not plan all that we have accomplished so far and have by the grace of God gotten this far. Its by his Grace that we will climb this next mountain as well!
Levi
ana f.
January 27th, 2010
How wonderful that the government is starting support the work that you are doing. Will pray for the additional resources that you will be needing. God will provide.
Dawn Hall
January 27th, 2010
This is very exciting, especially on the heals of such heart wrenching news. I am praying every day for God to spread news of the work going on so that more support comes in. We are in the process of moving into a smaller house so we can have a lower cost of living and give more. I cannot wait until that happens for us, b/c Drawn from Water is at the top of my list to increase giving. My heart aches that I cannot give more, but that is changing for us. Just always remember His yoke is easy and his burden is light. Let Him carry this for your guys, so that you will continue to have the strength to move forward, otherwise burnout and discouragement waits to leap upon you and devour you.
All my love and prayer.
Dawn
annie
January 27th, 2010
What amazing news!!! Congratulations
Anne and Bruce
January 27th, 2010
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generatons for ever and ever. Amen!” God has set this plan in motion and He will see it through. Praying for all of you!
MaryKay Niedermeyer
January 27th, 2010
God is so Good! I am praising Him for how he is using your project!!!!! “Jesus loves the little children…all the children of the world..”
Andrea
January 27th, 2010
That’s awesome! So great to watch what God is doing with you all. Prayers continued for God to provide all that you need.
Blessings