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.