The Call

The Call, written by Regina Spektor for the movie Prince Caspian is a stirring anthem played at the end of the movie when the Pevensie children leave Narnia, some for the last time. Others though, leave knowing they shall return, eventually.

Interestingly, Spektor’s reference to battle and the war in her song is possibly a metaphor expressing the inner conflict between leaving a place of familiarity and entering a world you always longed for or desired. This desire, described in the opening verse begins as a feeling, grows into a hope, turns into thought, and then turns into a quiet word which ultimately grows louder and louder, ‘til it becomes a battle cry. In other words, the call to Narnia (and relationship with Aslan) becomes so strong it cannot be ignored only obeyed.

In our travels and speaking engagements, many have asked about our call to missions. Personally, I have never had a call to missions or to a particular country, per say. Rather, I describe my call as a call to obedience; Jesus said, “Come follow me,” and so I did, to the best of my ability. Hence, Stuart and I obeyed God’s call and four years ago, we followed Jesus to Jamaica.

Last year, when our family parted with our New Vision family we tried not to say “Goodbye,” but rather “We’ll be back as soon as we can.” However, Stuart and I have been in holding pattern, waiting for the call to return to Jamaica. Waiting is often not an easy discipline, but since it is our desire to complete what we began in Jamaica by serving the children and students of New Vision City of Refuge and the Assemblies of God Bible College we wait. We are confident that the Lord is the only one in control of our lives and the timing of our return.

In the meanwhile, we consider the words of Spektor’s song, especially the final verse.

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
'Til they're before your eyes
You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say goodbye

First Honors

Dorothy Sayers’ observations on the presence of women in Jesus’ life and ministry are insightful and accurate. “Perhaps it is no wonder that the women were first at the Cradle and last at the Cross. They had never known a man like this Man - there has never been such another. A prophet and teacher who never nagged at them; never flattered or coaxed or patronized; who never made arch jokes about them . . .

“Who took their questions and arguments seriously; who never mapped out their sphere for them; never urged them to be feminine or jeered at them for being female; who had no axe to grind and no uneasy male dignity to defend; who took them as he found them and was completely unselfconscious.”

Correspondingly, the Gospel writers portray Jesus as unusually compassionate and sensitive towards women. Indeed, the incarnate Christ validated and respected women; never treating them as inferior or unfairly. We find in the Bible, a God who entrusts women with great responsibility and bestows on them the honor of many firsts.

Women were first at the cradle of Jesus. When confronted by the angel with the promise of the Christ-child, Mary believes the word of the Lord and humbly accepts this responsibility. This is no small matter. The Sovereign Lord could have chosen to allow the incarnate Christ to appear out of nowhere. Yet instead he chose to entrust a young Jewish girl with carrying his Son the Messiah, and raising him as well.

Later in life, Jesus travels through Samaria. Resting at a well he initiates a conversation with a woman in the middle of the day. Notably, the spiritual content of the dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is no less weighty than Jesus’ conversation with the rabbinically trained Nicodemas the chapter before. For her part the Samaritan woman asks some very spiritually perceptive questions and Jesus responds thoughtfully.

Jesus deems the Samaritan woman capable of comprehending and assimilating deep spiritual truths. Truths that prompt her to tell those in her town about Jesus and subsequently many believe. A Samaritan woman is her country’s first evangelist.

Women were also the first to arrive at Jesus’ tomb. They were the first to witness the resurrection, the first commissioned to go and tell, “He is not here, he has risen!”What a great honor God bestowed on women by commanding them to be the first preachers of the resurrection.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus modeled for us how to respect and value women for he knows their worth.

Why is it then that domestic violence affects 25% of the female population worldwide? Why is it then that 80% of Jamaica’s children are born out of wedlock? Why is it then that 3 million girls are at risk each year for female genital mutilation? Why is it then that human trafficking is the third most profitable criminal activity around the globe? Church, this should not be.

The value and worth God places on women is undeniable. But let me be perfectly clear, to validate and respect women is not to invalidate or disrespect men. Women and men together reflect the image of God, and in Christ, we share an immeasurable inheritance. All I ask Church is that we continue to do what Jesus began. For I believe how we treat women is a reflection of our relationship with and our understanding of God.

At New Vision City of Refuge we strive to model for and teach our young girls their value and worth in God’s eyes. Many have been abused and deal with the effects of abandonment. But with the healing power of the Holy Spirit, and your prayers and support, we can open their eyes to their God-given value and worth.

Imagine their potential.

Fasting and Freedom

Lent is a season of prayer and intentional fasting. As we know, fasting is a discipline that well--takes discipline. For those of us who enjoy three meals a day and a few snacks whenever we please, then fasting can be a disruption to a pleasant and desirable routine. Nevertheless, the fruit of fasting is rewarding in numerous ways.

The people of Isaiah’s day also fasted and anticipated God’s appropriate response to their self-denial. However, the Lord seemed ambivalent and inattentive to their actions. Why have we fasted and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves and you have not noticed?

Contrary to their belief, God did notice but was displeased at their display, for their fasting opposed God’s purposes. On the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers . . . your fasting ends in quarreling and strife . . . is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Their actions incurred an indictment instead of a reward, because their spiritual discipline did not connect their faith with their works.

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the bonds of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him? -Isaiah 58:6-7

God is pleased with fasting that provides a home for the homeless, shares food with the hungry, and sets the captive free! When we fast, truly fast, we become aware not only of our own need but also of the needs of the suffering and desolate around us. Furthermore, the fruit of fasting causes us to do something about it. Our faith must determine our work.

Officials estimate that there are 14,000 homeless children on the small island of Jamaica. Many of these children left home because of abuse. Most will beg or scrounge for food to survive today, and many do not have an extra change of clothes. As we fast this Lenten season, let us remember with compassion the displaced children of Jamaica, for only when we choose to recognize the suffering will we also participate in relieving it.

At New Vision City of Refuge Children’s Home, we have not only considered the plight of the mistreated, we are doing something about it. Please prayerfully consider a financial gift to the home or become a sponsor of a child on a monthly basis so that together we may put our faith to work and loose the chains of injustice.

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he well say: Here am I. -Isaiah 58:8-9

A Good Investment

The economic conditions of today have forced many to evaluate and reconsider the way they spend, save, and invest their resources. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The Lord is our source and provider of our means, therefore it is our Christian responsibility to review our spending habits and judge the appropriateness of our purchases and investments. However, even in these tough economic times, we believe our ministry is a good investment.

The Mission of New Vision City of Refuge is simple: We strive to provide a home for needy children in a loving, Christ-centered, disciplined environment. We desire to witness the evidence of transformed lives through training, nurturing, and mentoring. Finally, we endeavor to raise up a generation of productive citizens for the community, the nation, and the church.

The return on this investment is immeasurable.

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 per child that can give $25/month. Of course, a monthly commitment of any amount is appreciated and if you desire, you may give more.

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.

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 simply click Sponsor a Child under the links section to the right or follow this link: http://www.thecityofrefugechildrenshome.org/Christiana/sponsor.html

To give a one-time donation click here: https://secure1.ag.org/contributions/detail.cfm?LedgerID=1e00cfa8-7a1f-49e7-b126-cd547e73026d be sure to note New Vision in the comments section.

Always Remember

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. Psalm 143:5

Our mind is a wondrous and yet mysterious thing. The scent of a particular perfume or a glance at an aged photo can nudge even the most stubborn memories from exile. We all hold dear certain tangible reminders of a special event -a ticket stub from our first concert, a coin from a foreign country, or the petals of a corsage.

But why do we save such seemingly inconsequential items?

Because we don’t want to forget. Additionally, the apparently insignificant token we cherish enhances the memory, as seasonings enhance the flavors of a culinary dish.

For each of my children, I filled a small shoe-sized boxed with novelties from their childhood. In each, I saved the front page of the paper from the day of their birth, some baby clothes, a stuffed toy, a silver spoon, and various notes and cards.

Recently, we opened those boxes and wondered at items we haven’t seen in about four years. We laughed at the pictures, recalled almost-forgotten events, and marveled at the growth and maturity of our children. Every item was like a locket holding a secret picture; when opened it released its hidden memory and consequently, the next generation learned and cherished the stories of long ago.

I believe we learn to treasure memories from God himself. Throughout the Scripture, God continually calls his people to remember, his Holy Spirit aids our memory, and the Lord even gives instructions on how to remember. His people have built altars after glorious victories, enjoyed yearly feasts and festivals, and even now, eat and drink at his table, all in remembrance of him.

If you are a sponsor at New Vision City of Refuge, you have a photo of your sponsored child. I know many of you display these pictures in prominent places to remind you to pray. Some of you look at these pictures and remember the missions trip to New Vision City of Refuge and the significant ministry you provided. Others may know your sponsored child only through their letters and pictures in our newsletter or blog. However, I am confident you cherish these photos as we cherish your faithfulness and support.

If you would like to invest in the life of a child at New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home please look to the links section to the right and click on Sponsor a Child to get started.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.