Check It Out

The City of Refuge has a new look!
Just click on City of Refuge Homes to the right in the links section or click here http://www.thecityofrefugechildrenshome.org/to check out the new website. You'll find information on child sponsorship, building projects, photos and much more. Thanks goes out to Hannah Simpson for doing such a great job.

College Days

Stephanie and Krishana showcase their gifts at the ever popular talent show.

New Vision City of Refuge was visited by a wonderful group of students this past week. Evangel University once again blessed us with their presence for a week of ministry during their Spring Break. The 17 member team led by Ashley Higgins and Janelle Marengo with sponsors Virginia Sanders and Stephanie Barnes did a great job ministering to the children all week. They led devotions nightly at New Vision, did devos at a local high school twice and led the chapel service at the Assemblies of God Bible College here in Christiana. They worked hard painting our new dining room and just had a whole lot of fun with the children every day. We were blessed by their presence and their Godly influence will endure in the hearts of all they ministered to. Thanks, Evangel University for sending us your best!

Cooyah*

Jesus said to him, "Follow me!" Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "…what is that to you? You must follow me." John 21:19-22
When teaching children I’m constantly reminding them to focus on me so that they can follow my directions. Children are easily distracted. They are always concerned about what everybody else is doing and whether or not my instructions to them will be the same. “Focus,” I say, “and follow my instructions.”
Jesus tells Peter, “Follow me.” Distracted, Peter looks back and asks about John. Jesus’ answer is pointed, “What is that to you?” or as we might say, “Mind your own business.” John’s calling was not Peter’s concern; it was the Lord’s. In fact John was already doing what Jesus has now told Peter twice to do, “Follow me.” Peter needed to focus and follow.
Just like children and Peter, we are, at times, too easily distracted. Our attention must be on the Lord and the instructions he is giving us; not on what everybody else is doing. The next time we are tempted to question another’s calling, let’s remember what Jesus would say, “What is that to you?” Let’s just focus on Jesus and follow him.
*Cooyah is patois for "look here" or "pay attention."

TY:-)

Thank you. Pastor Gary Ellison and his wife Christy from Sachse Assembly of God in Texas joined us recently to present two new Toshiba laptops to the students at New Vision City of Refuge. Their young adult group worked hard and sacrificed all year to be able to purchase these computers. All our kids from kindergarten through high school will be able to benefit from their generous gift. Thank you Pastor Gary and Sachse Assembly of God for reaching out once again to the orphans of Jamaica.

Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

New Vision City of Refuge was visited by the students of the local Assemblies of God Bible College this week to help celebrate Valentine's day. The afternoon was spent playing cricket, football, baseball and other games. The night was capped off by a special dinner of Jerk chicken, rice and peas and wonderful treats like cupcakes and cookies. As Timon and Pumba crooned in the background the college students generously gave each child a small gift.
We appreciate the friendships that are being forged and the mentoring relationships being built between the college students and the New Vision kids. These college students are the future pastors and ministers of Jamaica and their hearts are already full of compassion for the orphans of their country. Praise God for their vision and insight!

Let Us Fix Our Eyes On Jesus

New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home was blessed recently by the ministry of Tom and Anne Davis. This couple, from Grace Assembly of God in New Whiteland, Indiana, provided free eye exams and glasses to those in need. Over 165 people were served including our children and staff, residents of the surrounding communities and the students and staff at the local Assembly of God Bible College. Thank you Pastor Wayne Murray for sending such a fine couple and partnering with us in ministry. If you would like to know more about Grace Assembly please visit their website at http://www.grace-assembly.org/index.php

A Worthy Investment

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.

Basking in the Son

Reflecting on a year gone by and looking forward to 2007; we're hoping your new year will be bright and sunny!

A Christmas Memory

His name was Raymond A. Mitchell but everyone called him Pop-pop. He was my grandfather. Christmas was memorable at my grandparent's home not only because of the gifts we received (a handmade item from my grandmother like a Raggedy Ann or Andy doll, and a stocking filled with treats that included candy, nuts, apples and oranges) but because of the love that abounded.
A quiet and gentle man, Pop-pop possessed an inner strength that I admired. At church he graciously greeted guests, dutifully checked attendance and was a favorite with all the children (his coat pockets were always filled with little goodies like zebra-striped gum which he handed out liberally).
In 1979, when I was fifteen, Pop-pop was diagnosed with colon cancer. Although weakened in body my grandfather remained a strong presence in my life. One morning as I and my siblings were headed off to school, the phone rang; Pop-pop had died. It was December 21.
Calling hours were that evening at our house. As family gathered to comfort one another and friends came to pay their condolences, sadness lingered among the Christmas lights and holiday trimmings. And then our minister, Father Jeff Rawthorn, arrived. He shook the snow off his coat, walked directly over to my grandmother and taking her hand in his he gently said, "Imagine, spending Christmas with Jesus."
Of all the words spoken that night those few captured my attention and spoke life into my heart and hope into my spirit. It was true, we were not able to be with Pop-pop that Christmas but Pop-pop was with the one whose birth we were to celebrate in just a few days.
Christmas, although a little more somber that year was not without joy. Memories were shared, gifts were exchanged and the peace that passes all understanding was present that day because of a simple reminder from a wise Episcopal priest; "Imagine, spending Christmas with Jesus."

All I Want for Christmas

“It is good to be children some times, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself”-Charles Dickens
What are you hoping for this Christmas? Here are some Christmas wishes from Olivia, Wesley and Sophia.
In Jamaica there is no such thing as one stop shopping. You usually have to go to many stores to find every item on your shopping list. With that in mind Olivia wishes that Jamaica had a Wal-mart.
Although football is popular in Jamaica it's not the same sport we're used to in the States. Wesley has been following the Indianapolis Colts on the web and wishes their season would end as well as it began.
The warm weather in Jamaica has its advantages but Sophia still wishes it would snow for Christmas. That and a puppy would really make her day.
All of us, though, want to wish our friends, families and sponsors a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!