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."