How was your Christmas?

We had a wonderfully warm Christmas; hope yours was as well. Please check out the new photo album under the links section to see how Christmas was for all the kids here at New Vision City of Refuge. They started off their day opening up stockings and having a nice breakfast accompanied by hot chocolate. Then a little later they enjoyed Christmas cake and sorrel before opening up more gifts. For dinner they feasted on turkey and ham and an assortment of side dishes. We were thrilled with the generosity of our sponsors, local churches, school groups and businesses who gave of their time, money and gifts to make this such a special day. Blessings to you and your family in the new year!

Merry Christmas

Warm Christmas greetings from Jamaica. May the Lord's blessings be upon you for the new year!

Love,

Stuart, Wendy,

Olivia, Wesley and Sophia

The Great Debate

New Vision City of Refuge was honored to host a debate sponsored by the Child Develpment Agency (CDA) of Jamaica. These last few months four of our residents as well as children from Windsor Lodge and Hanbury Children's Homes (Salvation Army Ministries) diligently prepared and delivered their speeches at our respective homes on a rotating basis. This was a tremendous learning opportiunity for all those involved. Each participant received a certificate and first and second place trophies were awarded to the victors. Windsor Lodge was honored this year for their outstanding team. We look forwarded to more friendly competition and fellowship with our neighboring children's homes.

At Your Service

One of our own was recently honored at the National Women's Ministries Appreciation Banquet in Montego Bay. Doreen Christian is our head staff person. She had for many years served as Missionettes Director for the country of Jamaica. As her pastor, Reverend Charlton also attested she remains faithful in ministry and is a dedicated worker. We are fortunate at New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home to have such a wonderful, hard working person to be a part of our team as well. Congratulations Miss Doreen!

Cooped-up Cornhuskers

A wonderful team from King of Kings Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska visited with us this past week. Team leader Kevin Holdorf had a vision to build a chicken coop on our property and has been woking diligently these last couple of years to pursue this project. This generous team also had opportunity to do devotions and crafts with all the children, treat the staff to a spa day and visit our church and Bible College.
Thanks so much King of Kings Lutheran Church. We look forward to your next visit.

Spring Up O Well

The ancient city of Hierapolis was well known for its medicinal hot springs. This popular attraction promised healing relief for those who sought to soothe their aches and pains.

Another ancient city, Colosse did not have a hot springs but it did have a cold springs. People also trekked there to receive the invigorating and refreshing benefits of their water source.

Laodicea on the other hand did not have an adequate water supply which necessitated the construction of aqueducts to provide water for their city. As opposed to Hierapolis or Colosse the water at Laodicea was neither hot nor cold. People did not flock to Laodicea to receive the healing benefits of their hot water nor the refreshing benefits of their cold water because their water was lukewarm and good for nothing.

Jesus says, “I know your deeds, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were either one or the other!” (Revelation 3:15).

The sin of Laodicea was that they were irrelevant; they were of no spiritual or practical significance to anyone. Unlike their water-logged neighbors with their medicinal spas, Laodicea was neither hot nor cold. They did not provide healing for the spiritually infirmed or refreshment for the spiritually fatigued. They were lukewarm and useless.

We are fortunate at New Vision City of Refuge to have the opportunity to provide healing and refreshment to those who are physically, emotionally and spiritually in need. Because of your consistent prayers and financial support we can be both hot and cold to those seeking healing relief or refreshing respite. Together let us continue to be a source for the well-spring of life to all who are seeking assistance.

The Sun Shines on New Vision

Recently two churches from the Sunshine State came and ministered at New Vision City of Refuge. Page Pond and Bagdad Assembly of God along with their respective pastors, Bo Senterfitt and Rickey Tedder brought a wonderful group of people to Jamaica. They worked hard on the new boys dorm by laying tile, installing and varnishing doors and painting. The ladies also cleaned windows, sorted out the clothes in the storeroom and did crafts with the children. Each night we enjoyed singing and devotions together in the cool night air. Thanks so much Page Pond and Bagdad Assembly for shining down on New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home.

He is Our Peace

Anyone who has heard the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” knows how silly and untrue this aphorism is. We have personally seen how deep and real the pain is when our children at New Vision City of Refuge have been called “dashway pickneys” (a patois term meaning “throw away children”) by callous school mates.

Derogatory terms have the intention to separate: to make others feel less than worthy. Teasing and mocking is nothing new. Although, we may inwardly cheer when David calls Goliath an “uncircumcised Philistine,” we are at a loss in our contemporary setting to understand the contempt and disdain behind these words.

Jews in the Old Testament were chosen and marked by God to be the covenant people. This was evidenced by the sign of the covenant which of course was circumcision. All others not a part of the community of faith were referred to as “Gentiles” or “uncircumcised.” This term, “Gentiles” although a seemingly benign expression in our 21st century ears was actually a reprehensible and disparaging name meant to degrade and demean anyone who was not a part of the covenant people.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul enlightens us to a mystery previously hidden but now openly proclaimed; that Jew and Gentile are to be reconciled as one. The Apostle was not simply stating that Jew and Gentile should tolerate each other or do their best to get along. He was fervently preaching that Jew and Gentile are now one new man; united, joined together, complete in Christ. The Gentiles, formerly “separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship…foreigners to the covenant…without hope and without God…who once were far away have now been brought near through the blood of Christ”(Ephesians 2:12-13).

No longer “dashway pickneys” but members of God’s family, united with the covenant people.

At New Vision City of Refuge our children who once were abandoned, neglected and abused have now have been “brought near” and welcomed into a loving family environment where they share in its privileges and responsibilities. With your help, our hope and intention is that they realize their Heavenly Father guarantees the equivalent in his family as well.

He is our peace.

Deep calls to Deep

Jamaica has many beautiful places to visit including some breathtaking waterfalls. We have braved a few and although Dunn’s River Falls is more well-known and popular our family prefers the serene locale of YS Falls.

While in the States my family and I had the opportunity to spend a few days at Niagara Falls visiting my parents. We journeyed on the “Maid of the Mist” and felt the spray of the most powerful falls in North America as its rushing waters came crashing down within a few short feet of us. The sound was deafening but the experience was enlightening.

“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls,” pens the Psalmist. He creates for us a dramatic image of the outpouring of water which flows from God’s repository above to the earth below. As one who stands in the midst of this turbulence he continues by saying, “All your waves and breakers have swept over me.”

It is quite evident that the author’s life is flooded with despair and suffering yet in the center of this torrent there is a confession of hope, “By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me-a prayer to the God of my life.”

Experiencing the roar of the waterfall is not unique to this ancient writer; the cares of this life have swept violently over each of us. Even the children at New Vision City of Refuge have heard the deafening roar of the waterfall and have felt its turbulence. Through our ministry though, we are teaching them to hear God’s song through the uncertainties of life.

Your prayers, words of encouragement and financial assistance add to the melody of God’s song which reminds us of his presence and faithfulness even in the midst of turbulent times. Thank you for your continued support.

Assessing the Damage

Friend and fellow missionary Gary Pyatt sent some photos of the aftermath of Hurricane Dean in Jamaica. This particular photo is Windward Boulevard in Kingston on the way to the airport. Soon he will be putting up more photos on his website. You can access it here: www.jamaicachildcare.com
The kids and I are scheduled to leave on Thursday, August 23. We'll be arriving in Montego Bay at 2:05 pm CT. I appreciate you prayers because we still don't know the condition of the roads through the mountains into Montego Bay.
Again, I am so thankful for your prayers and provision through this time.

Heading Home NOT

Well I thought we were going home tomorrow but it doesn't look like that will be possible. My flight was cancelled and after talking with Stuart it might just be as well. He tried going to Christiana and telephone poles were down all over the place. Our friends in Kingston said the airport road was impassable.

Tomorrow I will call the travel agent and try to find another flight out at the end of the week.

I am so grateful to everyone who has prayed and offered to help us in our plight. I want to especially thank Shawn and Cheryl Small of Wonder Voyage who have generously put us up in a hotel while we wait to go home. God is good!

Heading Home

As Hurricane Dean heads towards Mexico we are heading home. Tomorrow morning our flight is still scheduled to fly. We will go to Miami and then into Kingston. Please pray for roads to be clear so Stuart won't have a problem picking us up.
Our City of Refuge in Christiana held up to some very strong winds; some of our trees were damaged and some roofing was blown off. The City of Refuge in Kingston suffered much worse damage; the chicken coop with 150 chickens is gone, the coffee crop is ruined and a few roofs were blown off.
Fortunately no one was hurt at either home.
After today I probably won't have internet service for a while. So until then, thanks for your prayers and I'll send an update as soon as I can.

The Approaching Storm

Hurrican Dean is poised to hit Jamaica on Sunday, August 19. Our family has been in the States for the last couple of weeks spending our last week in Texas for our Caribbean Retreat. That is where Wendy and the kids are right now. Stuart flew out this morning ahead of the storm to go back to New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home and help them prepare. At this point the government is only allowing citizens and those with work permits to enter Jamaica.

Please pray for us.

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed." Psalm 107:29

Down and Dirty

Trinity Episcopal Church from Belleville, Michigan recently sent a hardworking, fun-loving team to work and minister at New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home. Led by Shawn Small and Eric Neubauer of Wonder Voyage Missions, this group had the envious job of hauling rock and digging dirt to help build our septic system! They also took all our kids on a picnic to Gouri Cave and went spelunking with the teens. A visit to the town of Christiana and game night filled out our week together.

Thank you, Wonder Voyage and Trinity Episcopal for a memorable week!

Please visit their websites at http://www.wondervoyage.com/index.php and http://www.trinitybell.org/index_a.html

The Pittsburgh Healers

Recently a team from Calvary Assembly in Irwin, Pennsylvania (right outside of Pittsburgh) visited us at New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home. Pastor Todd and Sharon Neveu (classmates with us at Southeastern University of the Assemblies of God) led this wonderful group in work and ministry. They scraped, painted, cleaned, organized, did crafts and hosted a staff appreciation party. The staff was delighted with the hand crafted angel pins that the children made, the personalized gift bags, and all the generous items they received. The children especially enjoyed the bonfire and s'mores. Thank you Pastor Todd, Sharon, Nicoletta, Keziah, Courtney, Heather, Wendy and Phillip for your generous spirit and your kindness towards everyone at New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home.

You can visit Calvary Assembly at http://www.calvaryirwin.com/

Check out the Photo Album to the right under the links section.

Extended Family

The family at New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home is about to increase with the expected arrival of newly appointed Missionary Associates, Paul and Dulcie Bushhorn and their four children. The Bushhorns have valuable missions experience including serving as missionary interns in the summer of 2006, at another children’s home in Jamaica which helped solidify their call to the orphans of this island.

These Missionary Associates will be a great asset to New Vision City of Refuge not only to help facilitate the work load but to also ease our time of transition when we return to the States in June 2008, to begin our year of itineration. The sooner they arrive here, to learn the ministry and build a relationship with the children and staff, the better. The Bushhorns hope to join us as early as January 2008, but they need your help to expedite this process.

Please consider supporting the Bushhorn family on a monthly basis. You can send your contributions to:

Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM)
1445 N Boonville Ave
Springfield, MO 65802

Their account number is 2588663.

You can also use the Online Commitment Form located to the right under the links section.

Please contact Paul or Dulcie at pdjhal@hotmail.com to set up a service time or to meet with your missions board.

Let Freedom Ring

In The United States of America and Jamaica, summer is the season to celebrate our respective national independence days. The United States celebrated her independence on July 4, and Jamaica will commemorate hers on August 6.

In each of our histories there are notable persons who epitomize the fight for freedom and independence. Depending on the country you live in, we recall and honor the self-sacrificing actions or inspiring words of people like Patrick Henry or Alexander Bustamante, George Washington or Norman Washington Manley, Paul Revere or Paul Boggle.

Freedom though, is not simply a physical concern but a spiritual one. A person can not truly be liberated if his mind and soul are in captivity. The Psalmist declares, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” Although it may sound paradoxical, the way to true freedom is through obedience to God.

Many of our children gained physical freedom from abusive guardians or abject poverty when they were brought to New Vision City of Refuge Children’s Home. Although, we are thankful for the opportunity to love and care for them, there is a greater freedom we desire for them to experience; the freedom to know and love the Liberator of their souls.

But our common foe is an unmerciful opponent; and the battle rages on.

As a friend and sponsor of New Vision City of Refuge you have become our allies. Your prayers and financial assistance provide the necessary arms to fortify us in this sacred war. As patriots we stand under and salute our national flag to honor those who fought for our freedoms. As Christians, we stand together under the cross of Christ and continue to fight for the liberation of each child’s soul.

Let freedom ring.

Milestones

Two of our residents graduated from Christiana High School this past week. Saoul (pictured here with Stuart) and Andre walked the line on July 5, 2007. Saoul has a desire to be a teacher and Andre would like to become an electrician. They were also looking good as they attended their Graduation Banquet and Ball over the weekend.
These are but a few of the milestones we are honored to be able to share with the New Vision City of Refuge children. Those of you who sponsor these or other children also share in these special moments. If you are not already, please consider becoming a sponsor to one of our children. They need your loving support and financial assistance to be successful in life. Look under the Links section to the right and click on Sponsor a Child to get started.

You know it's summer in Jamaica when...

10. The rainy season ends and hurricane season begins.
9. You hear the sound of turkey neck sizzling on the grill.
8. You take down the Christmas lights.
7. The letters for the sign, “New Vision City of Refuge” are rearranged and read: “Nifty Novices Figure Woe”
6. The turtle pond begins to boil and the cook yells, “Soup’s on!”
5. The refreshment for the day is a cold glass of iced Milo*.
4. There are enough missions teams on the island to attend VBS for 60 days straight.
3. You celebrate Independence Day on August 6.
2. You break out the Rum ‘n Raisin ice cream.
1. You get to roast marshmallows on the exhaust pipe of the missionary’s Speed the Light vehicle.

*Milo is a hot drink served in Jamaica usually referred to as "tea."

Our Town

Christiana is located in the central part of Jamaica in the parish of Manchester. Our small agricultural town is high up in the hills (New Vision City of Refuge is at 3000' above sea level) and the main local crop is Irish potatoes (really!).

Check out the links section to the right and click on Video Clip: The Town of Christiana to get a glimpse of life here.

Also visit us at Google Earth. Copy and paste these co-ordinates into the Fly To tab: 18°12'8.94"N, 77°30'12.48"W and you can get a bird's eye view of the Children's Home.

http://earth.google.com/

A Warm Embrace

The children who make New Vision City of Refuge home come from a variety of backgrounds. For many, neglect, abuse or abandonment have been a part of their past. Fortunately, though, their future is much brighter because of people like you who desire to invest in the life of a child.

The Mission of New Vision City of Refuge

To provide a home for needy children in a loving, Christ-centered, disciplined environment.

To witness the evidence of transformed lives through training, nurturing, and mentoring.

To raise up a generation of productive citizens for the community, the nation, and the church.

You have an opportunity to. . .

Embrace a Child

A total of $150 is needed each month to take care of one child. Your support enables New Vision City of Refuge to provide benefits such as education, health care, housing, childcare, books, food and clothing. We are on a quest for six sponsors that can give $25/month. Of course, a monthly commitment of any amount is appreciated and if you desire, you may give more.

Ensure a Future

In addition to your financial support, your prayers will be of great value to ensure your sponsored child’s salvation and success in life. Please uphold them in prayer for their spiritual, emotional and physical needs.

Encourage a Life

Though not required for sponsorship, a letter to your sponsored child from time to time will be a welcome blessing! You can speak words of life to your sponsored child in the months to come that will guide them on the path to becoming a man or woman of God and an asset to His Kingdom! To get started click on the link Sponsor a Child to the right under the links section.

Victory in Jesus

Recently, we had a wonderful team from Victory Christian Center in Terre Haute, Indiana visit us at New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home. Led by Pastor Dana and Jennifer Coverstone, this team ministered to our family, the 24 resident children and our staff throughout their stay. Working hard every day they installed doors and windows in our new boys’ dorm, motion detector lights outside our apartment and organized our clothing storage closet, as well as many other practical tasks.

Each day the team creatively ministered to the children through devotions and introduced them to Bible Quiz. Our staff was touched by their heartfelt ministry and prayers. The schools in the area were blessed by their ministry as devotions were delivered at two high schools and one elementary school. In fact the elementary school implored them to return the following week. The team graciously switched their fun day for the opportunity to volunteer at our health clinic and about 65 patients were cared for that day.
On a personal note, the team was extremely generous and gracious towards our family. My children were blessed by their thoughtful gifts but even more so by the loving attention and friendship they offered. Thank you Pastor Dana and Victory Christian Center. We look forward to your return next year!

Check out their photo album in the Links section to the right.

Gifts to Remember

Most churches on Father's Day honor dads by giving them small tokens of appreciation on their special day. This same tradition is recognized here in Jamaica as well. Pictured to the right is what our church gave Stuart on Father's Day. Properly wrapped in cellophane, Stuart received aftershave cream, a can of Irish Moss (I read the ingredients but I still have no idea what it is), a bottle of Malta (it may look like beer but I assure you it is a non-alcoholic barley drink), and a can of Supligen (a vitamin fortified milk beverage). Coincidentally, Olivia, Wesley and Sophia bought Stuart one of those plastic, liquid filled mugs that you put in the freezer.

Praise God, Stuart will smell good and be sufficiently hydrated.

You the Man

Happy Father's Day to my dad, Marshall R Mitchell.
With love,
your favorite daughter :)
Wendy

Voyagers

Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World. -Christopher Columbus

In May of 1494, Christopher Columbus sailed west and came upon the region we now know as the West Indies. Recently our own young explorers visited Columbus Park in St Ann’s parish where this famous voyager landed. Lorraine Beaton, our school teacher and pastor’s wife, led our band of discoverers to their hideaway at Chatham’s Cottage in Montego Bay and then on to a variety of places including the airport, the beach, and of course KFC.

The children enjoyed themselves immensely and appreciated the fun and spiritual guidance they received on a retreat designed just for them (no big kids allowed!). This could not have been possible without the gifts and financial support we receive from you on a monthly basis. Many local pastors and businesses also gave generously and for that we are rejoicing.

We have a busy summer scheduled with the teens attending the Assemblies of God Youth Camp next month while other children will be enrolling in summer school. The cost is approximately $50 per child. Would you please consider an extra offering this month to send a child to camp or to summer school? Use the City of Refuge account number, 6825046(42) and simply designate your offering.

The voyage of Christopher Columbus was a costly one. He needed others not only to believe in his dream but to invest in his journey. When you pray and give financial support to New Vision City of Refuge you not only believe in the dream to help wayward travelers find the New World you are investing in the journey as well.

The expedition continues.

Thirteen Candles

Happy Birthday Wesley!

Going to the Birds

Recently we visited Rockland's Bird Sanctuary near Montego Bay. We successfully found this private abode after maneuvering past Sasquatch-size potholes and four-wheeling up a steep mountain road. The trip was well worth it though, as we were greeted by care-taker Fritz who supplied us each with a mini hummingbird feeder to hold and sprinkled bird seed on our knees and by our feet. It didn't take long for our flying friends to warm up to us and start feeding. We enjoyed the company of Jamaica's national bird, the Doctor Bird; a hummingbird with a long double tail that resembles a doctor's coat. Also, a Mango Hummingbird, a large Jamaica Oriole and a variety of others. We were then given a tour of the surrounding area and an education about the various plants and herbs.

Apply Your Heart To Instruction

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach." Romans 12:6-7
I am just finishing up my first year of teaching at the Assemblies of God Bible College in Christiana, Jamaica. My class of first year students is the largest class the Bible College has seen. They have been exceptional, vibrant and exciting students to teach. Thanks to the encouragement of the General Superintendent of Jamaica, Reverend Conrad Pitkin, education is getting the positive push it needs. Students from all over the island, including graduates of Teen Challenge and members of other denominations, are coming and receiving not only a great education but also ministerial experience in the Pentecostal tradition. In December, fellow missionaries Reverend Steve and Pam Livingston and Academic Dean Reverend Margaret Mills are hosting a missions team to Curacao and taking as many students that are able to go with them. Plans are also in the works to expand the Bible College to allow more students the opportunity to recieve a quality education. This is an exciting time for the Assemblies of God Bible College in Jamaica.

Of Chickens and Pigs

Someone once said that the difference between involvement and commitment is like an eggs and ham breakfast; the chicken is involved but the pig was committed.

The month of May turns our attention towards a different type of commitment celebrated every year in honor of mothers. Each child, in every family, is encouraged to show in their own creative way their appreciation for mom. Pictures are drawn, cards are created and breakfast is presented in bed for mom on her special day.
Although the act of giving birth technically makes someone a mother that is not what is actually being celebrated on Mother’s Day. The celebration is in honor of the wonderful privilege and awesome responsibility each mom accepts in her commitment to raising a child created in the image of God.
This same privilege and responsibility has also been entrusted to us at New Vision City of Refuge Children’s Home. Although other women may have given birth to our children, we are committed to raising them in a way that honors God. Motherhood is a noble endeavor and we give thanks to our friends and sponsors who by their prayers and financial support help us to honor our commitment.

Happy Mother’s Day.

He Knows My Name

A Sunday school teacher relates how a class of youngsters she once taught had some problems repeating the Lord's Prayer. What they lacked in memory skills they made up for in imagination. One child sincerely prayed, "Our Father, who art in heaven, how'd you know my name?"
A few years ago, Tommy Walker, a well known worship leader penned the words to a simple but profound song:

I have a Father, he calls me his own. He’ll never leave me, no matter where I go. He knows my name, he knows my every thought. He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.

If you were as fortunate as I to have an earthly father who exemplified the qualities of our heavenly father, then you know the above verse is true. But if you were not so fortunate, as so many of our children here at New Vision City of Refuge, you can rest in the truth that God is everything you have always hoped for in a dad.
When a child doesn’t have a family to call his own; then God calls on his family to fill in the gap. That is the heart and soul of our ministry at New Vision City of Refuge. This is the ministry you are a part of as well as you invest in the lives of these children through your prayers and financial support. Thank you so much for all you do.

As they say in the Church of the Holy Cabbage

Lettuce pray

This is our new dining hall and kitchen. Also included in the same building are accomodations for the boys and their house parents. Although a lot of progress has been made this year we still have a long way to go. We would love to be able to complete this first phase by the end of this summer.

It is estimated that it will cost $20,000 to finish the first floor. If 20 churches/individuals are willing to give $1000 each or 40 churches/individuals are willing to give $500 each we would be able to accomplish this task. Please pray and consider what you or your church is willing to give, keeping in mind, "Food is an important part of a balanced diet." (Fran Lebowitz)

All offerings can be made out and sent to:

AGWM

1445 N Boonville Ave

Springfield, MO 65802

In the memo put our account number 251128 and the project number 8768.

A parting thought from Miss Piggy, "Never eat more than you can lift."

Support Your Local Missionary

There is a new online commitment form for those who like the ease of doing everything on the web. Follow this link http://worldmissions.ag.org/agwm_commit_form.cfm or click on Online Commitment Form in the links section and you will be forwarded to Our World Ministries commitment form, on the AG website, to make a monthly commitment to our ministry. Our account number is 251128-5. This form is not to make payments but to signify your commitment to support our ministry on a monthly basis. To make an online payment click on Support the Brown Family in the links section. To support and make online payments for New Vision City of Refuge simply click on Support New Vision City of Refuge in the links section.

The Kingdom of God is Near

When you enter a town and you are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, "The Kingdom of God is near." Luke 10:8, 9

New Vision City of Refuge hosted a medical team this week to minister to the people of the surrounding community as well as to our children and staff.

Dr Charlie Sykes with the help of his wife Dottie, daughter Meredith, volunteer pharmacist Rebecca and our friend and fellow missionary, Nurse Peggy Pyatt (pictured) treated and dispensed medications to over 60 people per day.

Our daughter Olivia also helped out in the clinic, filling out forms and finding files for the patients. Each morning began with a worship song, prayer and a short devotion. Every patient remaining until lunch also received a Juicy Patti (Jamaican fast food). Young children were given a small toy to play with while they waited, prayer requests were taken, spiritual counsel was offered and free spiritiual literature was also handed out.

Brown & Bubbly

Samantha and her brother Bryan
The second annual Brown & Bubbly Awards were held recently at New Vision City of Refuge. High school students were awarded prizes according to how well they did in their respective subjects and grades. Samantha, grade 8, was awarded best overall average for all the grades represented. Bryan, grade 10, received honors for best grade in Math. Almost every high school student received some kind of recognition and all received encouragement to acheive their best in school.
Jamaica is a highly competive country when it comes to education. High school students must pass extensive tests in order to be even considered for college. Please pray for each of our students that they will take their education seriously and try their hardest to acheive the best grades possible.

The Love Connection

Olivia and Brittany participate in a team led devotion.
Carrie and Matt Love are fellow Assemblies of God missionaries currently on the itineration trail. They are raising their first term funds to go to the Dominican Republic to work with Latin America ChildCare. Please follow the link below to their website and view the video, "What is a Missionary?" I'm sure you'll get a kick out of it. http://thewaytheyshouldgo.org/media.htm

Aslan Is On The Move

Dermot looks forward to Spring.

As I’m sure many of you have now already seen Narnia, the epic movie adaptation of CS Lewis’ much loved book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe you are no doubt familiar with the quotation in the title above. Mr. Beaver, in his conversation with the Pevensie children, imparts to them a measure of hope and wonder with these few words, “Aslan is on the move.”

The presence of Aslan, the Christ figure in the Chronicles of Narnia series, in the frozen world of Narnia threatens the domination of the self proclaimed ice-matriarch and the world begins to thaw.
As many of us can testify, there once was a time in our lives when we lived in a frozen world similar to Narnia. A world where there was always winter but never Christmas. But then someone came to us with a message of hope, “Aslan is on the move.”

This week we will be celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; the one who came into our wintery world and brought to us the hope and wonder of spring. Our children at New Vision City of Refuge hear that message of hope constantly; through the encouraging letters of their sponsors, weekly in church, nightly at devotions and daily by us and our staff. Some are still choosing to live in winter but others are learning to experience the thaw. We are hopeful for the soon coming spring, keep praying; “Aslan is on the move.”

Check It Out

The City of Refuge has a new look!
Just click on City of Refuge Homes to the right in the links section or click here http://www.thecityofrefugechildrenshome.org/to check out the new website. You'll find information on child sponsorship, building projects, photos and much more. Thanks goes out to Hannah Simpson for doing such a great job.

College Days

Stephanie and Krishana showcase their gifts at the ever popular talent show.

New Vision City of Refuge was visited by a wonderful group of students this past week. Evangel University once again blessed us with their presence for a week of ministry during their Spring Break. The 17 member team led by Ashley Higgins and Janelle Marengo with sponsors Virginia Sanders and Stephanie Barnes did a great job ministering to the children all week. They led devotions nightly at New Vision, did devos at a local high school twice and led the chapel service at the Assemblies of God Bible College here in Christiana. They worked hard painting our new dining room and just had a whole lot of fun with the children every day. We were blessed by their presence and their Godly influence will endure in the hearts of all they ministered to. Thanks, Evangel University for sending us your best!

Cooyah*

Jesus said to him, "Follow me!" Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "…what is that to you? You must follow me." John 21:19-22
When teaching children I’m constantly reminding them to focus on me so that they can follow my directions. Children are easily distracted. They are always concerned about what everybody else is doing and whether or not my instructions to them will be the same. “Focus,” I say, “and follow my instructions.”
Jesus tells Peter, “Follow me.” Distracted, Peter looks back and asks about John. Jesus’ answer is pointed, “What is that to you?” or as we might say, “Mind your own business.” John’s calling was not Peter’s concern; it was the Lord’s. In fact John was already doing what Jesus has now told Peter twice to do, “Follow me.” Peter needed to focus and follow.
Just like children and Peter, we are, at times, too easily distracted. Our attention must be on the Lord and the instructions he is giving us; not on what everybody else is doing. The next time we are tempted to question another’s calling, let’s remember what Jesus would say, “What is that to you?” Let’s just focus on Jesus and follow him.
*Cooyah is patois for "look here" or "pay attention."

TY:-)

Thank you. Pastor Gary Ellison and his wife Christy from Sachse Assembly of God in Texas joined us recently to present two new Toshiba laptops to the students at New Vision City of Refuge. Their young adult group worked hard and sacrificed all year to be able to purchase these computers. All our kids from kindergarten through high school will be able to benefit from their generous gift. Thank you Pastor Gary and Sachse Assembly of God for reaching out once again to the orphans of Jamaica.

Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

New Vision City of Refuge was visited by the students of the local Assemblies of God Bible College this week to help celebrate Valentine's day. The afternoon was spent playing cricket, football, baseball and other games. The night was capped off by a special dinner of Jerk chicken, rice and peas and wonderful treats like cupcakes and cookies. As Timon and Pumba crooned in the background the college students generously gave each child a small gift.
We appreciate the friendships that are being forged and the mentoring relationships being built between the college students and the New Vision kids. These college students are the future pastors and ministers of Jamaica and their hearts are already full of compassion for the orphans of their country. Praise God for their vision and insight!

Let Us Fix Our Eyes On Jesus

New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home was blessed recently by the ministry of Tom and Anne Davis. This couple, from Grace Assembly of God in New Whiteland, Indiana, provided free eye exams and glasses to those in need. Over 165 people were served including our children and staff, residents of the surrounding communities and the students and staff at the local Assembly of God Bible College. Thank you Pastor Wayne Murray for sending such a fine couple and partnering with us in ministry. If you would like to know more about Grace Assembly please visit their website at http://www.grace-assembly.org/index.php

A Worthy Investment

The children who make New Vision City of Refuge home come from a variety of backgrounds. For many, neglect, abuse or abandonment have been a part of their past. Fortunately, though, their future is much brighter because of people like you who desire to invest in the life of a child.
The Mission of New Vision City of Refuge
To provide a home for needy children in a loving, Christ-centered, disciplined environment.
To witness the evidence of transformed lives through training, nurturing, and mentoring.
To raise up a generation of productive citizens for the community, the nation, and the church.
You have an opportunity to. . .
Embrace a Child
A total of $150 is needed each month to take care of one child. Your support enables New Vision City of Refuge to provide benefits such as education, health care, housing, childcare, books, food and clothing. We are on a quest for six sponsors that can give $25/month. Of course, a monthly commitment of any amount is appreciated and if you desire, you may give more.
Ensure a Future
In addition to your financial support, your prayers will be of great value to ensure your sponsored child’s salvation and success in life. Please uphold them in prayer for their spiritual, emotional and physical needs.
Encourage a Life
Though not required for sponsorship, a letter to your sponsored child from time to time will be a welcome blessing! You can speak words of life to your sponsored child in the months to come that will guide them on the path to becoming a man or woman of God and an asset to His Kingdom!
To get started click on the link Sponsor a Child to the right under the links section.

Basking in the Son

Reflecting on a year gone by and looking forward to 2007; we're hoping your new year will be bright and sunny!