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