A Christmas Memory

His name was Raymond A. Mitchell but everyone called him Pop-pop. He was my grandfather. Christmas was memorable at my grandparent's home not only because of the gifts we received (a handmade item from my grandmother like a Raggedy Ann or Andy doll, and a stocking filled with treats that included candy, nuts, apples and oranges) but because of the love that abounded.
A quiet and gentle man, Pop-pop possessed an inner strength that I admired. At church he graciously greeted guests, dutifully checked attendance and was a favorite with all the children (his coat pockets were always filled with little goodies like zebra-striped gum which he handed out liberally).
In 1979, when I was fifteen, Pop-pop was diagnosed with colon cancer. Although weakened in body my grandfather remained a strong presence in my life. One morning as I and my siblings were headed off to school, the phone rang; Pop-pop had died. It was December 21.
Calling hours were that evening at our house. As family gathered to comfort one another and friends came to pay their condolences, sadness lingered among the Christmas lights and holiday trimmings. And then our minister, Father Jeff Rawthorn, arrived. He shook the snow off his coat, walked directly over to my grandmother and taking her hand in his he gently said, "Imagine, spending Christmas with Jesus."
Of all the words spoken that night those few captured my attention and spoke life into my heart and hope into my spirit. It was true, we were not able to be with Pop-pop that Christmas but Pop-pop was with the one whose birth we were to celebrate in just a few days.
Christmas, although a little more somber that year was not without joy. Memories were shared, gifts were exchanged and the peace that passes all understanding was present that day because of a simple reminder from a wise Episcopal priest; "Imagine, spending Christmas with Jesus."

All I Want for Christmas

“It is good to be children some times, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself”-Charles Dickens
What are you hoping for this Christmas? Here are some Christmas wishes from Olivia, Wesley and Sophia.
In Jamaica there is no such thing as one stop shopping. You usually have to go to many stores to find every item on your shopping list. With that in mind Olivia wishes that Jamaica had a Wal-mart.
Although football is popular in Jamaica it's not the same sport we're used to in the States. Wesley has been following the Indianapolis Colts on the web and wishes their season would end as well as it began.
The warm weather in Jamaica has its advantages but Sophia still wishes it would snow for Christmas. That and a puppy would really make her day.
All of us, though, want to wish our friends, families and sponsors a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

A Hug from Home

Our home church, Fort Wayne First Assembly, blessed us recently with an all ladies team led by Chris Cormany and Nancy Williams. This wonderful group of women hosted some special projects and events for us at New Vision City of Refuge. As you can see in this photo, Sophia enjoyed the pleasant and relaxing Spa Day where we were pampered and treated to a special lunch and other goodies. A beautiful girls' tea was also enjoyed by all the girls at New Vision in which they received, among other things, their very own tea cup; as precious and as fragile as they. The Bible College students and staff were blessed by their chapel presentation and my three children were in for a special surprise as this ladies team did a wonderful make-over of their rooms. Thank you Fort Wayne First Assembly, we love you!

My Old Kentucky Home

New Vision City of Refuge student volunteer, Amanda Hacker and our daughter Olivia hang out together with Merlene.
Although the Kentucky District is not our home district when a missions team visited with us here recently it was like getting together at a family reunion. This wonderful group, led by Pastor Terry Moore and Pastor Gerald Hogan made a lot of headway on our new boys' dorm. Windows were installed, screens put in place, tile laid down and rooms were painted. Devotions, crafts and children's church also kept the kids happily occupied. We shared a lot of laughs and good meals but our sing along time, well, let's just say none of us will be joining the choir any time soon. Thank you Kentucky District for joining us on the field and partnering with us in ministry. Ya'll come back now, ya' here!

It's Round Up Time!

Howdy, partners.
We’re not on a cattle drive but we are rounding up sponsors for New Vision City of Refuge. You can sponsor the home or sponsor a child starting at $25 a month. Just make out and send your offerings to AGWM 1445 North Boonville Avenue Springfield, Missouri 65802 and put “New Vision” and the account number 6825046(42) in the memo line. You can also do this by clicking on the link “Support New Vision” or “Sponsor a Child.”
Each month you will receive a sponsor newsletter, which is also available when you join My Yahoo Groups-Jesus Loves Jamaica. Your sponsorship helps us to provide daily neccesities for every child; food, clothing, education and spiritual training. We have so much we want to do at New Vision City of Refuge to make it the best children's home in Jamaica but right now our efforts are hindered because of lack of funds. We appreciate your careful consideration in this matter.

Wha' Gwan, Flat Stanley?!

What's going on, Flat Stanley?!
Flat Stanley is a long distance visitor from New Jersey sent to us by school teacher Beth Zimmerman. Flat Stanley will have a short stay with us and then he will be returned to tell of his tales in Jamaica. He's lived with us at New Vision City of Refuge Home for a little while now visiting all the kids and accompanying us in children's church. We took him to YS Falls which was a fun place to swim and see the sights. You can't come to Jamaica and not do a bit of shopping so here is a picture of Flat Stanley picking up some suntan lotion and preparing for a day outdoors.

We Dig Light House Assembly

Pastor Kelvin Johnston and his team from Light House Assembly in Richmond, Indiana dug right in and got to work recently at New Vision City of Refuge. Tile was laid, windows frames were constructed and a whole lot of dirt was moved during the week they were here. The children enjoyed a birthday party hosted by the team and movie night which featured tons of popcorn was also a big hit.
Thank you Light House Assembly for lighting up our week once again!

Proud as a Prefect

Meet the honorable Andre and Saoul. This year they were granted the priviledge and responsibility of being Prefects at Christiana High School. Andre and Saoul are in their final year of High School and are looking forward to graduating in the Spring. We appreciate all their hard work and celebrate this honor with them. Both students are available to be sponsored if you would like to invest in their lives through prayer and financial support. Click on the link Sponsor a Child to the right if you would like to sponsor either young man.

Progress

As you can see much progress has been made on the retaining wall these last few weeks. We are very pleased with the local crew who have done such a wonderful job. Many of you have already emailed us and let us know offerings have been sent to pay for this retaining wall. If you would like to contribute to offset the cost please make out and send contributions to:
Assemblies of God World Missions 1445 N Boonville Ave Springfield, MO 65802. In the memo line put project #8768.

What's in a Name

Sophia and friend Merlene.
Many of the conveniences we have in the States are simply not available here in Jamaica. We live in a very rural community and Cable TV is not an option. But when I found out that high speed internet was available I jumped at the opportunity. Now among other things my family and I could listen to our home town Christian radio station in Fort Wayne, IN- Star88.3.
Today, while we were listening it was time for the Family Name Game. That's when a name is highlighted and if your child has the same name you have a chance to call in and win. Well, when the name Sophia was called out today my oldest daughter Olivia excitedly handed me the phone and told me to call. I thought there was no way I would win. But surprise, surprise I did! How fun it was to talk with Melissa Montana, general manager of Star88.3 and speak about my youngest daughter Sophia!
Thank you Star88.3 for making our day.

Never Smile At A Crocodile

Wesley offers his hand in friendship to a local resident.
We recently took a safari up Jamaica's longest river, the Black River. So named because of the darkness of the river bed that has been lined with thick layers of decomposing vegetation.
Our family was greeted by more than a few "friendly Jamaican" crocs on our ride. The tour guide coaxed them with chicken parts and a whistle call that mimiced a local bird. Margaret, the crocodile shown here, was found sunning herself on the bank; her mouth wide open not to catch prey but to cool herself as crocs don't have sweat glands. Although we were invited to swim with the crocodiles (seriously) no one was feeling quite that adventurous that day.

The Great Wall

We have an urgent need here at New Vision City of Refuge; to finish building a retaining wall before the rainy season begins in September. As you can see, heavy rains this past Spring caused landslides between the new dorm and the building that we reside in. We estimate that it will cost about $7000 to finish constructing this wall. That means we need 7 churches/individuduals to partner with us at $1000 each or 14 churches/individuals to partner with us at $500 each or 28 churches/ individuals to partner with us at $250 or 56 churches/ individuals to partner with us at $125.
Please send all offerings to Assemblies of God World Missions 1445 Boonville Ave Springfield, MO 65802. In the memo line put Project #8768-Retaining Wall.
Please prayerfully consider what you or your church can do. Thanks to everyone who have participated already. We appreciate your support.

Illuminated by the Lighthouse

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Psalm 37:5-6
A wonderful group of people from Lighthouse Assembly in Richmond, Indiana brightened our home with their presence this past week. The work team, led by Angie McCormick and Brenda Tudor and the ministry team, led by Keilah and Josh Holdeman were a force to be reckoned with as they worked and played hard to get so much accomplished. Bookshelves were built, the library was organized, equipment was repaired, the medical clinic was cleaned, our water heater was installed (yeah), rocks were moved, dirt was shoveled, and so on and so on. Everyday the kids enjoyed Vacation Bible School with games, videos and crafts to keep them occupied and challenged. Thank you Lighthouse Assembly for an illuminating week!

Simply Sachse

New Vision City of Refuge welcomed Pastor Gary Ellison and his young adult team from Sachse Assembly this past week. With hearts as big as the Lone Star State they hailed from, this group of young men and women ministered in a variety of ways. Testimonies were shared, skits were performed, children's church was presented and candy abounded all during their stay. A relay race, which challenged even the most multi-talented of our children, will not soon be forgotten. On the pratical side, a much needed wardrobe was also constructed to place in the boys' dorm. Thank you Sachse Assembly for a wonderful week.

The Century Mark

Transforming students into passionate believers who live their purpose by the power of God -Evolv: Student Ministries Mission Statement Pastor Dave Novak and 9 students from Evolv: Ministries @ Century Assembly in Lodi, California came and left their mark this past week at New Vision City of Refuge. The days were spent sprucing up New Vision and playing with the kids and the nights were filled with worship and testimonies. What a loving and fantastic group of students. Our hearts were touched by their eagerness to serve and their desire to be a Christlike example to all of us. You can visit Pastor Dave's website at http://www.evolvsm.com/.

Experiencing Life

"And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:16
New life was breathed into New Vision this past week as a team from Community Life Center in Port Charlotte, Florida came to minister at our children's home. Led by student ministries pastor, Sam Lopez and children's pastor, Kiley Callaway, the team ministered in a variety of ways. Our medical clinic is now brightly painted and the rest of the girls' dorm received a fresh coat of paint. Throughout the week Pastor Sam and Pastor Kiley led the children to the Lord through exciting worship, meaningful prayer, and heartfelt preaching of the Word. Desiring to set an example to the children in the way of Christ the team served a wonderful meal at week's end and finished off with a special communion service.
Thank you, Pastor Mark Coffey, for sending such a wonderfully gifted team to New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home.

Mushy Marshmallow Madness

Pastor Kiley Callaway, children's pastor at Community Life Center in Port Charlotte, Florida encourages Lorna and Sheldon to do their best imitation of a hefty hare (otherwise known as the chubby bunny contest).

Double Bubble Trouble

Pastor Sam Lopez, student ministries pastor of Third Degree Uth at Community Life Center in Port Charlotte, Florida, oversees brother and sister duo, Delius and Stephanie, who are bursting at the seams with fun!
Visit Pastor Sam's website at www.3duth.com.

The Curacao Connection

"I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Matthew 25:36
Recently a medical team led by Dr Mike Collins (pictured left, standing) and Dr Rich Montgomery ministered at the New Vision City of Refuge Clinic. Usually Dr Mike brings a medical student with him but this time he was unable to do so. God though, was prepared to fill in the gap in an unusual way. It just so happened that that very week we were hosting two other work teams, one led by missionary to Curacao, Rich Smallie, who brought a second year medical student with him. Jeffrey (pictured sitting) is studying in Curacao but is orignally from Cameroon. The team was able to minister to over 200 people in the community and even did a few housecalls. Jeffrey had no idea, and neither did we, that this opportunity would be available to him. Dr Mike and Dr Rich graciously shared their knowledge and expertise and Jeffrey benefited greatly from the experience.

On A Hill Too Far Away

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff'ring and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain. -George Bernard
Two thousand years ago on a hill called Calvary our Savior willingly died on a rough wooden cross. In his book, On a Hill Too Far Away, John Fischer presents the cross of Christ in all its trueness and begs the question, is the cross obsolete; is it simply a decoration on the wall of our churches or an ornament around our necks, or is it more?
John Fischer writes of a particular cross in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. It is 10 feet tall, made of rough, untreated wood and it is bolted to the floor inside the sanctuary right in front of the platform. This cross is no mere decoration, it is an obstruction. The pastor can't preach without acknowledging the cross and the congregation can't gather at the altar without accommodating the cross. It's big, it's ugly, it's rough and it's in the way.
But maybe that's the way it should be.
Have you ever heard someone complain about the cross they bear? Usually they are talking about a person; an obnoxious boss or an uncooperative spouse. After complaining a little about how awful their lives are, they roll their eyes, let out a sigh and exclaim, "I guess that is the cross I have to bear."
No, it isn't.
Christ didn't call us to pick up a person and follow him, he commanded us to pick up our cross and follow him. The cross is not a problem I bear, it is the place where I die. "Simply put," John Fischer says, "the cross does for us what it did for Christ. It kills us."
And if you haven't noticed, dying does not appear to be fun. In fact, it looks like it hurts. Especially if we are talking about death on a cross. And that is exactly what we are talking about.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). We must bow at the old rugged cross to find life, we must cling to the old rugged cross to nourish our life, and we must pick up our own rugged cross to make our life's journey with Christ.

Here's to Your Health!

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 2
Thirty active children with fiesty personalities means that we deal with a lot of bumps and bruises and colds and flu. So we invited our friend and fellow missionary, Peggy Pyatt, a Registered Nurse, to join us yesterday to teach a First Aid Training Clinic for the staff of New Vision City of Refuge.
More Jamaicans per year die of AIDS than cancer, heart disease or murder. In the Caribbean HIV/AIDS is growing at a staggering rate (the secondest fastest rate in the world) so Peggy and her husband Gary led an HIV/AIDS Awareness class for the staff and teen-agers. They have done similar awareness training at PTAs, public schools and churches all around the island.
Gary and Peggy are the LACC co-ordinators in Jamaica and you can visit their website at www.jamaicachildcare.com.

Jammin' in Jamaica with Chi Alpha

We will reconcile students to Christ, transforming the university, the marketplace and the world. We will accomplish this by creating a Spirit-empowered community reflecting our philosophy of ministry and core values. -Chi Alpha Missions Statement
A fantastic group of students led by Stefanie Chappell, Potomac District Chi Alpha Director, from American University in Washington, D.C. was jammin' in Jamaica this past week at New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home.
Each day was filled with fun and excitement as the students played sports, did crafts and led devotions for the 30 children here. New Vision City of Refuge is continuing to be beautified as the students also painted the dining hall, our office and our son Wesley's bedroom.
We hope you are supporting your local Chi Alpha missionaries as they are ministering not only on college campuses but literally around the world through the love of Christ!

Evangel University Brings Joy to Jamaica

"Got a whale of a tale to tell ya, lads/A whale of a tale or two/'Bout the flappin' fish and the girls I've loved/On nights like this with the moon above/A whale of a tale and it's all true/I swear by my tattoo"
Sixteen gifted students from Evangel University with Resident Director Amy Gros spent their Spring Break at New Vision this week spreading love, joy and laughter to everyone.
The team, led by Leah May and Kristy Phillips ministered through music, puppets, crafts, drawing and beautifying the New Vision Home. They ministered through a human video at Christiana Tabernacle Church and then Academic Dean, Margaret Mills, of the local Assemblies of God Bible College also invited the students to their chapel for another opportunity to minister.
We had a delightful week with these wonderful, joyous bunch of students. Many thanks to Evangel University for sending us such quality young men and women.

Having Fun with Indy Calvary Temple

Merlene gets stuffed and Roland gets popped!
Indianapolis Calvary Temple visited New Vision Children's Home this week. The kids had a ton of fun with balloons, relay races, and paint cans! The New Vision children ministered to our guests with cultural and worship songs at the end of their stay.
Many thanks to Pastor Mel and Chris Keaton, Pastor Phil and Sandra Meade and their 22 team members who painted two more of our buildings and built a retaining wall. Wow! Things are really looking great around here.

The Perfect Cup of Tea

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enought to suit me." C.S. Lewis
Start with English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Earl Grey or Irish Breakfast. Steep 3-5 minutes. Serve with caffeine intact and with real milk and sugar.
Next sit down with a good book or a good friend. Enjoy your solitude or your conversation. Like a good cup of tea neither is rushed.
Jesus not only knew the importance of rest he modeled it. Although it is doubtful he sat down with his disciples over a steaming cup of tea the scriptures declare he sat around a fire eating fish with his friends. Personally I prefer tea. But it’s not the menu but the company that counts; it’s not the setting but who you’re sitting with.
It is easy to fill our days with the work and sometimes the worry that inevitably accompanies it. But if we don’t intentionally take a break or as Jesus says “take his yoke” then we will not find the rest that is required of us.
Rest is a command and a gift from the Lord. God rested on the seventh day after creation and commands his creation to do the same. Jesus says, “Come to me... and I will give you rest.” We honor the Lord with our work and with our rest.
At New Vision City of Refuge we are modeling for our kids the necessity of hard work but also the importance of rest. There is a time to do school work and chores and there is a time to relax and hang out.
Alas, the hour grows late, the kettle is whistling, and it’s time for me to take my own advice. So grab yourself a cup of tea, call a friend and do what Jesus did. Rest.

Visit Exciting Lard Bay

It was a long day at MoBay!
The Spanish word manteca refers to the first Spanish commerce in what is now known as Montego Bay. Manteca or lard was extracted from wild pigs and prepared for export at the now popular tourist attraction. Early maps clearly identify the port as Lard Bay. Although Montego Bay or “MoBay” as it is known here, became a major shipping center for sugar and bananas, the name stuck.
–the Jamaica Handbook

Hear Their Cry

“Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.” Ex 22:22, 23
When I was a new mom I worried when my daughter would cry. Was she hungry, uncomfortable, wet? What could I do to relieve her discomfort?
When I was a new mom I worried when my daughter didn’t cry. I’d lie awake at night straining to hear any sigh, gurgle, or noise that would relieve my fear and let me know she was all right.
When I became a new mom to 31 more children I heard a different cry; the cry of orphan children and I noticed their voices had a different pitch.
Can you hear their cry? God does. If you don’t, lean a little closer, close your eyes and concentrate, and listen with your heart. It’s the sound of loneliness, homelessness, hunger, and pain.
A good parent hears the cry of their children and responds appropriately. When a child has no parent God calls on his family, to hear their cry and care for them. We appreciate your prayers and support and thank you for partnering with us to hear their cry.

I Dared to Call Him Father

“…but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry ‘Abba, Father’” Romans 8:15
The above declaration is the title of a compelling book by Bilquis Sheikh, a Muslim who encounters Christ through the startling revelation that God is her Father.
As a woman in Pakistan it is unthinkable for her to consider God as someone as intimate and personal as her father. But indeed he is.
“In order to understand the relentless tenderness and passionate love of Jesus Christ we must always return to his Abba experience,” says Brennan Manning in his book, The Signature of Jesus. “He experienced God as tender and loving, courteous and kind, compassionate and forgiving. Abba, best translated Papa or Daddy, opened up the possibility of undreamed-of, unheard-of intimacy with God.”
“Lord, teach us to pray,” plea the disciples. “Our Father in heaven,” replies Jesus. The Lord sets the tone for our relationship with the Divine. “Abba, Father,” he cries out in agony from the Garden. “Father, forgive them,” he speaks compassionately on the cross. “He who loves me will be loved by my Father,” promises Jesus.
Our hope and prayer is that the children of New Vision City of Refuge would not miss out on this “undreamed-of, unheard-of intimacy with God.” May we all experience God’s “relentless tenderness and passionate love” and dare to call him, Father.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Not really.
But we tried.
Icicle lights were hung on the eaves with care as we wore shorts and t-shirts.
Snowmen decorations and Santa sleighs were displayed as a soft breeze blew through opened windows.
No chill in the air; no snow on the ground; no chestnuts roasting on an open fire, no Jack Frost nipping at your nose.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...in Jamaica.
Yes, Christmas looks different this year, but the Savior we serve remains the same. He is faithful when we are frustrated, full of peace when we feel the pinch, and ever present no matter where we may find ourselves.
So, friends, where ever you might find yourself this year (no matter how it looks outside) may it look a lot like Christmas in your heart as you celebrate the birth of the Savior with the ones you love.