(if you aren’t interested in the text, please scroll down to enjoy the pictures.)
Book Ministry—-We are excited about a new plan to distribute the Creation to Christ books through the Baptist Seminary in Uganda located about 5 hours from my house. Our plan is to travel about once a month to meet with pastors as they rotate in and out for their 3 week sessions. At the end of the year, we should be able to get books in the hands of over 500+ pastors from 5 countries–Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rawanda, Congo. Although I will have those long trips, I will cut back for now on the extensive travel we did in 2009. I will miss traveling to the villages and the bush–but this makes more sense at this time.
We will begin reprints of the first book–Creation.
The artist is working on the next drawings and I have developed a time-line for completion which I will go over with him in a meeting tomorrow—same with printer.
Orphanage—we had a great week with the children last week. On Wednesday the 3rd, we met for our first Bible lesson of the new year. (they are just beginning the new school term) We talked of God’s great love for us, as shown through the Creation Book, and His commandment that we “love one another.” We are hoping and praying to construct an all-purpose pavilion for meetings and dining, so we don’t have to always be on the dirt ground without protection from sun or rain. I will be teaching Sunday School there beginning this week, Wed. will still be Bible lesson and we will have an English/Bible lesson once a week for the older children–studying Luke.
Chicks—we had to do significant renovation to the chicken coop–adding windows, enlarging windows, adding a screen door. Hopefully, the increased ventilation and sunlight will improve the overall health of the chicks and aid in production of eggs. And now the children are all back to assist with the on-going daily work.
Gardens—we are ready to plant–just waiting for the rainy season to begin.
Piggery–at this time, the piggery project is on hold until we get the chick project manageable and profitable, but we are guarding your gifts and donations and will keep you informed.
Christmas in February— on Thursday we distributed gifts to the children–Teddy bears or Beanie baby, toothbrush, sponge, pencil. The children quietly waited their turn for their gifts and held it in their laps as we continued to distribute. They seemed very pleased and expressed their appreciation and thanks. Thanks to all of you who contributed to this–especially the Girl Scouts of Austin and members of Grace Church, Austin!
Milk–now that the children have returned we will make a plan for providing milk for them–straight from the cows–several times a week. Thanks for your contributions for that project.
Bible Study–we began a Bible study of Acts in my home last night. We will meet on Monday evenings. Last night was a great beginning with 6 present and lots of contribution and insight. Pray for the faithfulness of that group.
IAM meeting tonight with the 4 young men here who work in our ministry. Tonight will be a time of evaluation of 2009 successes and failures and challenges and course of action for 2010.
Thanks so much to Robin Cook who visited with us for two weeks–teaching, advising, participating,and loving all of us. We will miss her.
Great summary of a busy month!