My Old Kentucky Home

New Vision City of Refuge student volunteer, Amanda Hacker and our daughter Olivia hang out together with Merlene.
Although the Kentucky District is not our home district when a missions team visited with us here recently it was like getting together at a family reunion. This wonderful group, led by Pastor Terry Moore and Pastor Gerald Hogan made a lot of headway on our new boys' dorm. Windows were installed, screens put in place, tile laid down and rooms were painted. Devotions, crafts and children's church also kept the kids happily occupied. We shared a lot of laughs and good meals but our sing along time, well, let's just say none of us will be joining the choir any time soon. Thank you Kentucky District for joining us on the field and partnering with us in ministry. Ya'll come back now, ya' here!

It's Round Up Time!

Howdy, partners.
We’re not on a cattle drive but we are rounding up sponsors for New Vision City of Refuge. You can sponsor the home or sponsor a child starting at $25 a month. Just make out and send your offerings to AGWM 1445 North Boonville Avenue Springfield, Missouri 65802 and put “New Vision” and the account number 6825046(42) in the memo line. You can also do this by clicking on the link “Support New Vision” or “Sponsor a Child.”
Each month you will receive a sponsor newsletter, which is also available when you join My Yahoo Groups-Jesus Loves Jamaica. Your sponsorship helps us to provide daily neccesities for every child; food, clothing, education and spiritual training. We have so much we want to do at New Vision City of Refuge to make it the best children's home in Jamaica but right now our efforts are hindered because of lack of funds. We appreciate your careful consideration in this matter.

Wha' Gwan, Flat Stanley?!

What's going on, Flat Stanley?!
Flat Stanley is a long distance visitor from New Jersey sent to us by school teacher Beth Zimmerman. Flat Stanley will have a short stay with us and then he will be returned to tell of his tales in Jamaica. He's lived with us at New Vision City of Refuge Home for a little while now visiting all the kids and accompanying us in children's church. We took him to YS Falls which was a fun place to swim and see the sights. You can't come to Jamaica and not do a bit of shopping so here is a picture of Flat Stanley picking up some suntan lotion and preparing for a day outdoors.

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!