Feast of Saint Stephen

Good King Wenceslas looked out

On the feast of Stephen

When the snow lay round about

Deep and crisp and even

Brightly shone the moon that night

Though the frost was cruel

When a poor man came in sight

Gath'ring winter fuel

"Hither, page, and stand by me

If thou know'st it, telling

Yonder peasant, who is he?

Where and what his dwelling?"

"Sire, he lives a good league hence

Underneath the mountain

Right against the forest fence

By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine

Bring me pine logs hither

Thou and I will see him dine

When we bear him thither."

Page and monarch forth they went

Forth they went together

Through the rude wind's wild lament

And the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now

And the wind blows stronger

Fails my heart, I know not how,

I can go no longer."

"Mark my footsteps, my good page

Tread thou in them boldly

Thou shalt find the winter's rage

Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod

Where the snow lay dinted

Heat was in the very sod

Which the Saint had printed

Therefore, Christian men, be sure

Wealth or rank possessing

Ye who now will bless the poor

Shall yourselves find blessing

Light the Christ Candle

Lesson: Light all previous candles plus the white candle. The white candle is the Christ candle. Today we recognize that Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, is born.

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Prayer: Most Holy Lord, today you have given us the Christ Child, born of Mary, he is the hope of the earth and the joy of heaven. As we celebrate this day with carols and prayers, gifts and feasting, may we open our hearts to receive your Son. Come Incarnate Love, and rejuvenate us in body, mind, and spirit. Amen.

Hymn: Joy to the World

Have a blessed Christmas. Dona nobis pacem.

Light Four Advent Candles

(Sorry for the delay in posting. Our power was out on Sunday and internet has been intermittent because of winter storms.)

Lesson: Light three purple and one pink candle. This is the Angel's candle or the candle of hope. As we light this candle we anticipate Christ's second advent and focus on his salvation.

Scripture: Luke 2:13-14

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal. Amen.

Hymn: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Light Three Advent Candles

Lesson: Light three purple candles or two purple candles and one pink candle, depending on your tradition. This is the Shepherd's candle; it reminds us that we, like the shepherds must come to Christ, believe in him, and tell the good news of Jesus' advent to others.

Scripture: Luke 2: 8-12

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Prayer: Lord God, we light this candle to thank you for your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. We who have sat in darkness have seen a great light, the light of Jesus Christ, our salvation. Amen

Hymn: O Come All Ye Faithful

Twelve Days of Christmas

Light Two Advent Candles

Lesson: On this second Sunday of Advent we light two purple candles. This second candle is the Bethlehem candle; it points to the wondrous mystery of the incarnation. That is, of Christ becoming a man in Bethlehem.

Scripture: Luke 2:4-7

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem

The Advent Conspiracy

Open a Door on an Advent Calendar

Follow this link to open a door on an Advent Calendar.
http://fullhomelydivinity.org/articles/Advent%20Calendar/advent%20calendar.htm

Listen to an Advent Devotion

Here is a link to daily Advent devotions by Pastor Ken Klaus.
http://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions.asp

Sing an Advent Hymn

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

(Refrain)Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave.

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of peace.
Public domain

Light an Advent Candle

Lesson: Today is the first Sunday in Advent. In this season of expectation, we anticipate the birth of the Christ child by lighting candles of symbolic significance. Today we light one purple candle, also known as the prophecy candle in our advent wreath. The candle is a reminder that God lovingly revealed Christ’s advent through the prophets hundreds of years before he was born. The color purple symbolizes penitence and royalty to remind us to prepare our hearts to receive our King.

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Hymn: O Come O Come Emmanuel

Sing Praises to His Name

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Remember that hymn? (See previous post.) Just listening to the tune translates me back to my grade-school auditorium and its accompanying holiday program.

Initially, We Gather Together was a folk song written during the time the Dutch were engaged in a war of national liberation against Spain. Notice the first few words of the song—we gather together. Seemingly innocuous, these three words expressed potent dissent and protest; they resonated in the ears of King Phillip II of Spain who forbad the Dutch Protestants to gather for worship. Thankfully, the Dutch brought this song with them to the New World and this hymn of praise has become an American favorite especially during the Thanksgiving holiday.
I have heard that Thanksgiving is the most traveled weekend of the year. From near and far, we gather together with friends and family, around an abundant feast, offering thanks to God for his many blessings.

When I was growing up, we gathered with my father’s side of the family for the Thanksgiving holiday. With six children in his family, their respective spouses, and over a dozen grandchildren, the brood became too large for my grandparent’s home. Therefore, my grandfather made reservations at a local restaurant. We had our own private dining area and we still ate turkey and the normal fare. I enjoyed our different style of Thanksgiving and still have fond memories of sharing a table with my cousins at The Royal Footman Restaurant because it’s not about where you eat, it is about who you are with.

Thanksgiving is not a holiday in Jamaica, but all the missionaries gather at a central location to celebrate it regardless. We are still Americans after all! The turkey costs twice as much, fried onions are hard to come by, and the only pumpkin in Jamaica is green, but we make do because it’s not about what you eat, it’s about who you are giving thanks to.

And there are many things to be thankful for. We are thankful for the call of God on our lives. We are thankful for the children he has placed in our care. We are thankful for family, friends, and co- workers. We are thankful for God’s abundant provision. Lastly, we are thankful for our supporters and sponsors who help make what we do possible.

We are blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We Gather Together

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;

He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.

Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,

Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;

So from the beginning the fight we were winning;

Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,

And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.

Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;

Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

A Surprise Guest

Squirrels have been loping all around our yard in recent weeks storing their winter provision of food. This one enjoyed a feast of birdseeds in a pumpkin tureen.

Romans 13:1

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Please visit the Assemblies of God website to view a Post Election Statement, from our General Superintendent, Dr. George O. Wood. http://www.ag.org/

Missionettes Jamaica Night

Stuart and I enjoyed Jamaica night with the First Assembly of God Missionettes in Fort Wayne, recently. The girls just finished their Latin America/Caribbean studies and invited us to join them to celebrate. The night began with dominoes—a national past time and then we feasted on Jamaican jerk-barbeque chicken, fruit salad, and bread pudding. Stuart and I fielded some insightful questions and the evening ended with a rousing game of limbo. Thanks Missionettes, for a night of Jamaican fun.

For more pictures see the photo album links in the righthand column.

The Wittenberg Door

The following piece was written by Rev. J. Thomas Shelley, STS. The full article appears here: http://www.missionstclare.com/english/people/oct31.html

On the Eve of All Saints' Day, October 31, 1517, Doctor Martin Luther, professor of Scripture at the University of Wittenberg, Germany posted an invitation to debate on the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral. The invitation to debate contained ninety-five points, or theses, concerning the sale of indulgences.

Luther chose this date for posting his theses because the coming holy day would bring many of the community to services, ensuring that his statements would receive wide exposure.

In the preceding months Albert, Archbishop of Mainz had authorized Dominican Friar Johann Tetzel to sell indulgences (a paper declaring that the deceased person for whom it had been purchased had received total forgiveness of sins and therefore a release from Purgatory) in order to finance the construction of St. Peter's basilica. Tetzel is alleged to have declared "as soon as the coin in the coffer clings, the soul from Purgatory springs."

At the same time, Luther had been engaged in intensive study of the scriptures in search of his own spiritual peace. He found tremendous relief in the just shall live by faith. This principle of justification by faith became the positive argument underlying the ninety-five theses.

Because the theses were a direct challenge to the Papacy the reaction was swift and severe. The Pope initiated proceedings to have Luther tried for heresy; proceedings that very likely would have led to his execution. Luther, with the support of the Wittenberg faculty, appealed to elector Frederick III of Saxony for protection.

Although Luther did not intend to begin a separate Church, such was the unavoidable consequence of his challenge. By 1530 Germany was divided between communities loyal to the Pope and those following the reforms initiated by Luther.

[However] on Reformation Day 1999, the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification between the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church was publicly signed in Wittenberg. Together we declare: by faith alone is the centerpiece of this expression of ecumenical convergence.

The appointed lessons for the day point not only to the historical situation but also to the Church's constant need for ongoing renewal. Jeremiah 31:31-34 tells of the coming New Covenant where God will write His law on every human heart. Romans 3:19-28 declares the central tenet of the Reformation we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. John 8:31-36 enjoins us to be constant in the Word in order to be freed by the One who is Truth.

And since the law is not yet perfectly inscribed on every heart and all are not yet fully devoted to the Word, the task of Reformation is not yet complete.

Ecclesia semper Reformata--the Church is always reforming.

A translation of Luther's 95 theses:

http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/web/ninetyfive.html

It Ain't the Sistine Chapel

But face painting is still an art form. Olivia had fun volunteering at Fort Wayne First Assembly's Harvest Party this past weekend with over 1500 kids enjoying our autumn alternative. That is a lot of faces to paint!

For an insightful article by Kenneth Samples on The Tricky Topic of Halloween, please follow this link: http://www.reasons.org/resources/fff/2002issue11/index.shtml#the_tricky_topic_of_halloween

Peaceful Dwellings

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. -Isaiah 32:17

Quietness is a virtue I can appreciate -especially when surrounded by 25+ kids. However quietness is more than just the absence of sound, it is a state of being. Isaiah speaks of a time when a king will reign and his righteousness will ripple through his kingdom emanating calm assurance or peaceful trust upon all the people.

When praying for the children at New Vision City of Refuge I often pray for God to quiet their souls. Many of our children grapple with abandonment issues, loneliness, doubt, and learning disabilities. This at times leads to undesirable behavior even they do not always understand. In other words, their souls are restless and troubled.

But the Lord says, My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. -Isaiah 32:18

We strive at New Vision City of Refuge to give our children a sense of security, peace, and worth. We protect, provide, and prepare them through devoted caregivers, wholesome food, pleasant surroundings, and solid academic and spiritual training. However, quietness and confidence will only come when they allow the righteous King to reign in the kingdoms of their hearts.

Please pray for our faithful staff at New Vision City of Refuge to nurture these children effectively. Pray for our wonderful missionary team, the Bushhorns and the Yoders as they sacrificially fill in the gap during our absence. And of course, pray for our children to know the quietness and confidence of God’s eternal presence.

Thank you for your continued support.

Out With the Old

Thanks to the Caring Connection crew from Fort Wayne First Assembly who came and tore down our rickety shed today. We love all the wonderful people at our church who bless us continually with their generosity and love.

If you are ever in our area, come and visit the best church in the midwest! http://www.firstassemblyfw.org/

Hooray!

Just last week I requested a day for prayer and fasting for our missionary associates Paul and Dulcie Bushhorn (center). They have been waiting for weeks for their work permits to go through. Well, praise the Lord we just got word it finally arrived! This is a wonderful answer to prayer. The permit will be Fed-exed to them tomorrow, then they will go to Chicago to get their visas stamped in their passport.

Thanks so much for appealing to the Lord on their behalf. This is a great relief to everyone at New Vision City of Refuge Children’s Home.

Swing, Climb, Slide

Pastor Todd Neveu and his team from Calvary Assembly in Irwin, Pennsylvania visited us once again this summer and constructed this great new playground. The kids love it and are already making plans to expand!

Visit Pastor Todd online at: http://www.calvaryirwin.com/

Big Enough

Just last week, while going on my daily walk I looked up to the sky and pleaded with the Lord, "God, you need to remind me just how big you really are." We had been going through a stressful time and our problems were bigger than we could handle. But God is bigger still.

I was reminded of Job, how he consistently called on the Lord, pleading for mercy and understanding. Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm.

"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?"

In essence, the Lord was reminding Job that if he is big enough to create the universe and all that is in it, he is big enough to trust even when Job didn't understand.

Today we are fasting and praying for Paul and Dulcie Bushhorn and their family. The Bushhorns are the Missionary Associates at New Vision City of Refuge in Christiana, Jamaica. Unfortunately, they have been stranded in Ohio waiting for their work permits to go through. They are anxious to return to Jamaica to resume their responsibilities as interim directors while we are itinerating.

This hold-up affects everyone, especially the kids and staff at the City of Refuge in Christiana. It has been a tumultuous summer; full of changes and challenges. However, the Lord is bigger than all of this and we will trust him no matter what.

I Love my Mummy

Sophia worked hard on this project for Social Studies. She learned all about mummies, mummy cases, and how ancient Egyptians prepared for the afterlife. She did a great job!

Here I Am

Here I Am by Downhere

HERE I AM

Sometimes your calling, comes in dream
Sometimes it comes in the Spirit's breeze,
You reach for the deepest hope in me,
And call out for the things of eternity.
But I'm a man, of dust and stains,
You move in me, so I can say,

CHORUS:
Here I am, Lord send me,
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me,
Somehow my story, Is part of your plan,
Here I am

When setbacks and failures, and upset plans,
Test my faith and leave me with empty hands,
Are you not the closest when it's hardest to stand?
I know that you will finish what you began.

These broken parts you redeem,
Become the song, that I can sing (chorus)

Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness,
And the fear that I'll fail you in the end,
In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces,
I can't put this together but you can.

To Seek and Save

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10

Have you seen the movie August Rush? It’s the story of a child prodigy who is inadvertently abandoned by his parents at birth. However, years of growing up in the system doesn’t dim August’s dream of finding his parents. Eventually, he runs away to seek what he has lost. In the course of his journey, he meets Wizard who recognizes August’s special gift and seeks to capitalize on it.

Wizard asks him, “What do you want to be in the world? I mean the whole world. What do you want to be? Close your eyes and think about it.” In a blink August replies, “Found.”

It’s a scary thing to be lost. Jesus taught at least three parables concerning the importance and necessity of searching for what is lost, because what is lost is highly valuable. Friend, there are at least 12,000 lost children in Jamaica; they are homeless, abandoned, and often abused and they need to be found.

Please consider supporting the City of Refuge Children’s Home in Christiana, Jamaica. Help us to find what is lost but highly valuable, to bring them safely back to the Father’s arms.

To make an on-line donation or a monthly commitment to the City of Refuge Home in Christiana, look to the Partner with us in Ministry sectiton to the right, and click on the appropriate link.

Them Are Fighting Words

Any church that is not seriously involved in helping fulfill the Great Commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist. -Oswald J. Smith (1889-1986)

And I wholeheartedly agree. What do you think?

In 1928, Oswald J. Smith started the People's Church for the expressed purpose to send out missionaries. He also instituted faith promise missions giving to facilitate the preaching of the Gospel around the world. To learn more about Oswald J. Smith or the People's Church please visit the following links: http://www.swordofthelord.com/biographies/SmithOswaldJ.htm; http://www.thepeopleschurch.ca/default.asp

A Challenging Proposition

Visitors to the City of Refuge in Christiana desire a life changing experience; spiritually, mentally, and physically. In essence, they want a challenge. On our fun day many brave the 930' zip line over YS Falls (like Sophia, pictured here) and testify of the exhilarating experience.

Itineration is definitely a challenge as well (spiritually, mentally, and physically). However, it can also be an exhilarating experience especially when faithful people brave the challenge with you.

For example, a businessman in our church feels so strongly about our ministry to the orphans in Jamaica, he has offered to match any new monthly commitment towards our missionary support dollar for dollar. That means if twenty churches commit to give $50 per month he will match it with a $1000 monthly pledge!

Are you up to the challenge?

Please consider braving the challenge with us by making a monthly commitment to our ministry. Your financial commitment combined with this wonderful opportunity, will in essence double your monthly support.

***To make a monthly commitment to our missionary account, simply click on the link Support the Brown Family -Online Commitment Form in the section to the right.***

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

"The skies proclaim the work of his hand." Psalm 19:1

I recall looking up into a brilliant Jamaican sky one evening after a storm blew through. In the absence of unnatural light, God’s splendid galaxy overwhelmed us. Constellations usually hidden by light pollution, now shimmered with clarity. We were in awe. Indeed the heavens do declare the glory of God.

I felt the same way recently after I read Creation and Evolution by Alan Hayward. In his book, Dr Hayward, a Christian physicist, affirms God’s handiwork while at the same time disputing evolution. Interesting enough he accomplishes this in part by presenting evidence from non-Christian researchers.

The record of nature and the revelation of God’s word concur; all of creation has been magnificently fashioned by a divine engineer. That is why our creedal statements confess, “I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth,” and our hymnals melodically declare, “This is my Father’s world.” Our world is a wonder to behold, and our God is the Creator to be adored.

Even There

In Psalm 139, David poignantly expresses his wonder at the all-knowing, ever-present God: Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

The psalmist exemplifies the truth that we can never move beyond God’s scrutiny, provision, or care. In other words, we are never beyond God’s reach.

It was difficult for the staff, the children, and our family when we left the Christiana City of Refuge for our year of itineration. However, this separation has a purpose; and I am not just talking about raising funds. This is a learning experience for all of us that God is our source; because it’s not about our presence, it’s about his.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast.

Although we may find ourselves on distant corners of the earth, God takes notice of our every need, every step, every prayer and he is there to lead and lend a hand. Pray for the Christiana City of Refuge and us this year, that we may discern God’s sovereign presence and provision as we seek to do his will.

Thank you for your continued support.

Happy Father's Day

Although, Stuart and I have many responsibilities at New Vision City of Refuge, we feel that, our primary focus is to model what a healthy, Christian family looks like. Admittedly, we are far from perfect, but Stuart and I are committed to one another and to our children. We didn’t realize the extent of our influence though until just recently.

Brianna* is a quiet, teen-aged girl, with a pretty smile. By her own admission though, she has no close friends and she doesn’t trust anyone, especially adults. It isn’t difficult to figure out why; Brianna bears the scars and physical disabilities that evidence previous abuse.

Over the years, Stuart has been a reliable, trustworthy, father figure to all the kids at New Vision. Being an affectionate person, he gives fatherly hugs and expresses his love openly. At first Brianna, although not resistant to affection, did not readily respond to it. Rather she seemed simply to endure it. Undaunted, Stuart continued to tell Brianna how much she is loved and that he was praying for her.

The day our family left Jamaica, it was a tearful parting as final goodbyes and prayers were expressed. Then a miracle happened: Stuart hugged Brianna and Brianna hugged back.

And Brianna wouldn’t let go.

We are not letting go either. For a season, we must be parted from our family at New Vision City of Refuge in order to raise funds and gather more sponsors. However, you can facilitate our reunion through your continued prayers and financial support. Thanks for being a part of the City of Refuge family.

*not her real name

Happy Father's Day!

Welcome to the Family

“Just because everything is different doesn't mean that everything has changed.” Irene Peter

As parents, we know change with its accompanying growing pains is inevitable, but ultimately rewarding. Our family prepares for yet another change as we return to the States in June for a time of missionary renewal and itineration. Anticipating this transitional year, we have welcomed two couples qualified and called of God to fill in the gap at New Vision City of Refuge.

Paul and Dulcie Bushhorn will act as interim directors at New Vision City of Refuge. The Bushhorn family ministered at another children’s home in Jamaica a couple of years ago and are eagerly anticipating their return to Jamaica. Their love for children, years of ministry experience, and humble hearts will be a welcome asset to New Vision City of Refuge.

Jordan and Becky Yoder will also lend their expertise at New Vision City of Refuge. Graduates of University of Missouri, Jordan earned a degree in Plant Science and Becky is a registered nurse. Jordan will oversee our sprawling farm and care for our growing animal family. Becky will assist our medical teams and oversee the children’s health needs.

Life is full of changes and transitions, but the Lord remains faithful and his foundations firm. We are confident the children and staff at New Vision City of Refuge are in very capable hands.

"The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:11

To Mom

Happy Mother's Day!
Love, Wendy

Check Out Our Chicks

New Vision City of Refuge is raising more then kids these days, we got chicks as well! Last fall, a team from King of Kings Lutheran Church built our chicken coop and just recently we were able to put on the finishing touches. Another blessing is our new missionary associates, Jordan and Becky Yoder. Jordan grew up on a farm and has a degree in Plant Science, so our 159 chicks will be well cared for.

Check out a video of our new chicks by clickng on the link in the right-hand column under Photo Albums.

We AIM to Please

Pastor Jimmy Johnston brought a great bunch of kids from Kentucky recently on an Ambassadors in Missions (AIM) team. Worship, sports clinics, games, and devotions were the order of the day. Our kids found the joy of the Lord in everything that they did. Local high schools also benefited from their ministry during morning devotions and wanted them to return.

The team painted the wall at the top of the property and inside the girls dorm as well. A registered nurse on the team stocked our shelves with medicines and advised our staff concerning normal childhood illnesses and boo-boos.

Thank you, Joe Girdler (KY district superintendent), Brian Neugent (KY district youth director), Pastor Jimmy, and everyone for a great week in Jamaica.

Check out the web album and videos of the team in the right-hand column.

Speed the Light of the Gospel

Everywhere, is the Speed the Light theme for 2007-2008. Speed the Light (STL) is the Assemblies of God, student-initiated program that raises funds to provide equipment and vehicles to missionaries so that we can speed the light of the gospel to a world in darkness.

As missionaries, we have gone everywhere in Jamaica with our STL vehicle. Although we live on an island that is about the size of Connecticut, Jamaica’s terrain proves challenging; a 50-mile trek through the mountains can take over 2 hours to travel. We use our STL vehicle to take the New Vision children to school, the hospital, doctor’s appointments, field trips, and other special outings. We are grateful to the Indiana District youth who personally sacrificed and helped raise funds for this necessary means of transportation.

Thankfully, New Vision City of Refuge has been approved to receive a STL, 15-passenger seat van. Anyone who has visited us knows how desperately New Vision City of Refuge needs this vehicle. Unfortunately the needed funds are not yet available (New Vision has been waiting 2 years).

We are not alone in our wait; many missionaries are facing the same dilemma. Please, help speed the light to a world in darkness. Talk to your pastor or youth pastor today to see how you can give. Visit Speed the Light on the web at http://speedthelight.ag.org/.

New Vision City of Refuge STL project number: F27379

We have the Victory

A wonderful team from Victory Christian Center, Terre Haute, Indiana visited New Vision City of Refuge this past week. Pastor Dana Coverstone and his youth pastor Shawn Riggs are shown here refereeing Bible Quiz. The Buzz Box was a gift from the church and a big hit with the kids.

This versatile team hosted an excellent Children and Youth Worker Training seminar at our local assembly. They imparted vision and taught about prayer, object lessons, puppets, and Bible Quiz. Keilah (Dana and Jennifer Coverstone's 10 year old daughter) took on the Assemblies of God Bible College in a Bible Quiz showdown. Everyone was impressed with Keilah's expertise. Each church in attendance happily received a Bible Quiz Fact Pack and an instruction booklet, complements of Victory Christian Assembly.

Two licensed child therapists on the team encouraged and enlightened our staff about the special needs of our kids. Pastor Dana also presented a very generous check to finish the first floor of the new boys dorm. Thanks, Victory Christian for a great week!

Pictures and video of the team are available under the Photo Album heading in the right-hand column.

Christ, the Lord, is Risen Today

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
All creation joins to say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, O heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now your sting? Alleluia!
Dying once, He all doth save, Alleluia!
Where your victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

http://media.songsandhymns.org/mp3/ChristTheLordIsRisenToday.mp3

The Road to Emmaus

The Gospel of Luke tells the story of two disheartened friends traveling on the road to Emmaus. A stranger greets them on the way and compassionately inquires about their troubles. The disciples speak to him about Jesus and his untimely death. “But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel,” they inform the traveler, dejectedly.

But we had hoped. It is what we all say on the road to Emmaus when life interrupts our plans. In our walk with the Lord, we have certain expectations, and when they are not met, we become disillusioned.

The Jews expected a triumphant Messiah, one who would usher in the Kingdom, and free them from foreign rule. What they got was a crucified would-be Christ (so they thought), and Rome was still in power. But we had hoped.

A word of advice for Emmaus-bound travelers, do not walk alone. Remember, there were two disciples traveling on the road that day. “Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” the apostle declares. Do not travel alone, disciples and do not let others walk alone either. Troubled travelers may not feel God–but they will feel your presence as you walk with them on the road to Emmaus.

A word of encouragement, sojourners to Emmaus, you do not walk alone. Jesus joins you in your travels. Although the Lord’s felt presence might elude you, he is closer than you think. Our despairing disciples did not expect Jesus to die, but neither did they expect to meet him on the road to Emmaus.

Lastly, enlightenment awaits you at journey’s end. Reaching Emmaus, the disciples encourage the stranger to remain, and he accepts their invitation. The visitor joins them at their table, and gives thanks for the bread. After he breaks it, he presents it to them and “then their eyes were opened, and they recognized [the risen Christ].” On the road to Emmaus, we often do not understand why we had to travel that way. However, God makes himself known to us in a way we would never have known before had we not traveled on the road to Emmaus.

After recognizing Jesus, the disciples hurried back to Jerusalem to testify, "It is true! The Lord has risen."

He is risen, indeed.

Sports Day

Relay competitions and potato races pitted the red team against the yellow team at New City of Refuge sports day. View photos of this fun filled event under the albums section in the right-hand column.

Happy Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday and I am reminiscing about my great grandmother. Christened Almirinda Proscino, my great grandmother was born in the United States but returned to Italy as a young girl with her parents. Later in life, she married my great grandfather, Ciro Fiondella, boarded a ship to cross the Atlantic, and returned to her birthplace. (I never thought about it before, but my nonni (nawn-nee) was a TCK –a Third Culture Kid. That is, a child who grows up in a country that is not their passport country, like a Missionary Kid.) In Hamden, Connecticut, the Fiondella family raised their five children, one of which was my grandfather, George (my mother Carol’s father).

I remember Nonni today on Palm Sunday because we celebrated the holiday at her home each year. Palm Sunday in Connecticut is celebrated like nowhere else that I have lived (Florida, Indiana, Jamaica). I don’t know if it’s an Italian thing, a Catholic thing, or a New England thing, but Palm Sunday in Hamden was special.

Our large extended family arrived at Nonni’s abode after church on Palm Sunday. It’s difficult to describe how many people descended upon her humble home, think ala My Big Fat Greek Wedding and you’ll get the picture. Nonni had a huge garden in her backyard (huge from my childhood perspective anyway) where she grew eggplant, squash, tomatoes, etc. A trellis of grapes framed her back entrance, and wine fermented in the cellar (Communal wine, I’m sure).

The din of chatter, and laughter, greeted you at the door, and with the melody of All Glory, Laud, and Honor still ringing in your ears, strips of palms were fashioned into crosses and exchanged with loved ones. The smell of delectable treats tempted your taste buds. On Palm Sunday you had your choice of tea, coffee, soda, and assorted homemade delights: anginetti, angel wings, pignolli, ricotta pie, cannoli (oh, how I miss the food from my hometown). But it was the love that oozed out of every crevice of my great grandmother's being and home that I remember most. It was in every hug, in every kiss, in every tin of cookies, and in every dollar bill secretly crunched into your hand.

In many churches, Palm Sunday is a second-rate holiday, a precursor to Easter and not much more. But to me Palm Sunday is special. So wave your palms, give thanks to the Christ who rode triumphantly into the city, and bless your family on this special day.

Happy Palm Sunday.

Oink

Our sow had pigs last night and then promptly died. I guess the thought of raising 9 piglets was too much for her. So, here we are feeding our little orphan pigs. But where will they sleep tonight? I suggested they would feel at home in the teen-boys room.

Check out the link to the photo album and video in the right-hand column.

Amazing Grace

In this scene from Amazing Grace, William Wilberforce exposes the ugly reality of the slave trade to the members of Parliment and their wives, and at the same time gives us a glimpse into Jamaican history.

Lenten Lands

“What are you giving up?” I heard that phrase every year while growing up in New England, in anticipation of Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. Lent is the observance of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting, in preparation for his earthly ministry. Christians choose to give up or fast something during this time to identify with Jesus’ humility and suffering. I may not have understood all the nuances of Lent as a child but the practice has stayed with me all these years.

Although a Christian can fast at any time, Lent is an occasion when we as the Body of Christ fast together to prepare for the holiest day on the Christian calendar. Fasting is the act of refraining from a particular food or activity to feast on the Lord. There are many forms fasting can take; the Daniel fast (no meat), the chocolate fast (no sweets), or the TV fast (no trash). Most fasts are deliberate and intentional but some are not.

In Jamaica, some American foods are not available, like brown sugar. Jamaica has raw sugar (which they call brown sugar) but they do not have the kind you need to make chocolate chip cookies(!). We had been in Jamaica for over a year before I was able to make apple crisp (a family favorite). I had forgotten how good the simple dessert was and was amazed at the taste sensation when I finally had that first bite. Fasting helped me to appreciate the gift of brown sugar.

Lest you think giving up something for Lent is like making a New Year’s resolution; it is not. Most resolutions take the form of giving up something for good for the purpose of self-improvement but fasting is giving up something for a time for soul-improvement. Through this period of self-denial, we learn to identify with the Lord and appreciate his provision.

During this season of Lent, I pose a challenge: while you are giving up for God, pray the children at New Vision City of Refuge would give in to him. Pray for others to understand what true religion is and become sponsors. Lastly, pray for the local church in Jamaica to continue to give to their orphans through the ministry of the City of Refuge.

Pressing through, in these Lenten lands.

Ode to Sammy 2006-08

We said goodbye this week to Sophia's hamster, Sam. He lived a long full life (for a rodent). Gifted to Sophia on her 10th birthday, Sam was showing his age in recent months -losing his hair (I didn't know hamsters could do that), and generally slowing down. Some would say that Sam was more than a hamster, that he was a . . . uh . . . well . . . he was a Jamaican hamster. But he was fine Jamaican hamster and he will be missed. Goodbye, Sam.

NY Giants 17, NE Patriots 14

Enough said.

Sixteen Candles

Olivia celebrated her 16th birthday on January 26. We gathered at the famous Rick's Cafe in Negril along with the rest of the missionary family in Jamaica for this special occasion. As we dined, we watched the cliff divers leap into the ocean from incredible heights. The sunset was beautiful and we all enjoyed ourselves greatly.

Happy Birthday Olivia!

Happy Birthday Sophia

Thanks For Flying With Us

Have you heard of the FlyLady? No, she is not a high school science experiment gone awry but rather a real woman named Marla Cilley whose website http://www.flylady.net/ is dedicated to helping people fly from CHAOS (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome). Her “toolbox” is full of sage advice, words of encouragement, and heartening testimonies to get novice flutterers organized and flying in the right direction.

New Vision City of Refuge has a similar toolbox full of items to help our children learn to fly from the chaos in their lives. Members of numerous missions and medical teams thoughout the year have delved into our toolbox to join us in the process.

Sponsorship is one such tool. As sponsors you have helped our children fly by praying for them to be free of the emotional baggage many carry because of abuse and abandonment. Another tool for flying is your encouraging letters; it raises the children’s spirits to know someone is thinking of them. Lastly, your continued financial support provides food, clothing, school materials, and all the basic necessities of life which helps New Vision City of Refuge fly and meet our monthly budget.

We know you have many other opportunities to choose from when it comes to serving in ministry; so we at New Vision City of Refuge would like to extend our thanks for flying with us.

The Mom Song

www.anitarenfroe.com