We Dig Light House Assembly

Pastor Kelvin Johnston and his team from Light House Assembly in Richmond, Indiana dug right in and got to work recently at New Vision City of Refuge. Tile was laid, windows frames were constructed and a whole lot of dirt was moved during the week they were here. The children enjoyed a birthday party hosted by the team and movie night which featured tons of popcorn was also a big hit.
Thank you Light House Assembly for lighting up our week once again!

Proud as a Prefect

Meet the honorable Andre and Saoul. This year they were granted the priviledge and responsibility of being Prefects at Christiana High School. Andre and Saoul are in their final year of High School and are looking forward to graduating in the Spring. We appreciate all their hard work and celebrate this honor with them. Both students are available to be sponsored if you would like to invest in their lives through prayer and financial support. Click on the link Sponsor a Child to the right if you would like to sponsor either young man.

Progress

As you can see much progress has been made on the retaining wall these last few weeks. We are very pleased with the local crew who have done such a wonderful job. Many of you have already emailed us and let us know offerings have been sent to pay for this retaining wall. If you would like to contribute to offset the cost please make out and send contributions to:
Assemblies of God World Missions 1445 N Boonville Ave Springfield, MO 65802. In the memo line put project #8768.

What's in a Name

Sophia and friend Merlene.
Many of the conveniences we have in the States are simply not available here in Jamaica. We live in a very rural community and Cable TV is not an option. But when I found out that high speed internet was available I jumped at the opportunity. Now among other things my family and I could listen to our home town Christian radio station in Fort Wayne, IN- Star88.3.
Today, while we were listening it was time for the Family Name Game. That's when a name is highlighted and if your child has the same name you have a chance to call in and win. Well, when the name Sophia was called out today my oldest daughter Olivia excitedly handed me the phone and told me to call. I thought there was no way I would win. But surprise, surprise I did! How fun it was to talk with Melissa Montana, general manager of Star88.3 and speak about my youngest daughter Sophia!
Thank you Star88.3 for making our day.

Never Smile At A Crocodile

Wesley offers his hand in friendship to a local resident.
We recently took a safari up Jamaica's longest river, the Black River. So named because of the darkness of the river bed that has been lined with thick layers of decomposing vegetation.
Our family was greeted by more than a few "friendly Jamaican" crocs on our ride. The tour guide coaxed them with chicken parts and a whistle call that mimiced a local bird. Margaret, the crocodile shown here, was found sunning herself on the bank; her mouth wide open not to catch prey but to cool herself as crocs don't have sweat glands. Although we were invited to swim with the crocodiles (seriously) no one was feeling quite that adventurous that day.

The Great Wall

We have an urgent need here at New Vision City of Refuge; to finish building a retaining wall before the rainy season begins in September. As you can see, heavy rains this past Spring caused landslides between the new dorm and the building that we reside in. We estimate that it will cost about $7000 to finish constructing this wall. That means we need 7 churches/individuduals to partner with us at $1000 each or 14 churches/individuals to partner with us at $500 each or 28 churches/ individuals to partner with us at $250 or 56 churches/ individuals to partner with us at $125.
Please send all offerings to Assemblies of God World Missions 1445 Boonville Ave Springfield, MO 65802. In the memo line put Project #8768-Retaining Wall.
Please prayerfully consider what you or your church can do. Thanks to everyone who have participated already. We appreciate your support.

Illuminated by the Lighthouse

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Psalm 37:5-6
A wonderful group of people from Lighthouse Assembly in Richmond, Indiana brightened our home with their presence this past week. The work team, led by Angie McCormick and Brenda Tudor and the ministry team, led by Keilah and Josh Holdeman were a force to be reckoned with as they worked and played hard to get so much accomplished. Bookshelves were built, the library was organized, equipment was repaired, the medical clinic was cleaned, our water heater was installed (yeah), rocks were moved, dirt was shoveled, and so on and so on. Everyday the kids enjoyed Vacation Bible School with games, videos and crafts to keep them occupied and challenged. Thank you Lighthouse Assembly for an illuminating week!

Simply Sachse

New Vision City of Refuge welcomed Pastor Gary Ellison and his young adult team from Sachse Assembly this past week. With hearts as big as the Lone Star State they hailed from, this group of young men and women ministered in a variety of ways. Testimonies were shared, skits were performed, children's church was presented and candy abounded all during their stay. A relay race, which challenged even the most multi-talented of our children, will not soon be forgotten. On the pratical side, a much needed wardrobe was also constructed to place in the boys' dorm. Thank you Sachse Assembly for a wonderful week.

The Century Mark

Transforming students into passionate believers who live their purpose by the power of God -Evolv: Student Ministries Mission Statement Pastor Dave Novak and 9 students from Evolv: Ministries @ Century Assembly in Lodi, California came and left their mark this past week at New Vision City of Refuge. The days were spent sprucing up New Vision and playing with the kids and the nights were filled with worship and testimonies. What a loving and fantastic group of students. Our hearts were touched by their eagerness to serve and their desire to be a Christlike example to all of us. You can visit Pastor Dave's website at http://www.evolvsm.com/.

Experiencing Life

"And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:16
New life was breathed into New Vision this past week as a team from Community Life Center in Port Charlotte, Florida came to minister at our children's home. Led by student ministries pastor, Sam Lopez and children's pastor, Kiley Callaway, the team ministered in a variety of ways. Our medical clinic is now brightly painted and the rest of the girls' dorm received a fresh coat of paint. Throughout the week Pastor Sam and Pastor Kiley led the children to the Lord through exciting worship, meaningful prayer, and heartfelt preaching of the Word. Desiring to set an example to the children in the way of Christ the team served a wonderful meal at week's end and finished off with a special communion service.
Thank you, Pastor Mark Coffey, for sending such a wonderfully gifted team to New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home.