Saturday, December 31, 2011

DAYSPRING - 2011


HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. We are honoured by you over and over again. This year DAYSPRING really became a reality with children running around Acel's feet. She is busy now with five children and enjoying her days being mother to all. We are so blessed by the giving and sharing of both her and Talant, her husband.

DAYSPRING is growing - and we have all of you to thank for supporting the project. We are looking forward to building a new playground in the spring, thanks to a generous donation. We have support for one child to attend School of Blessing - thanks to a supporter. We are building this project little by little and will keep you informed of the needs later. Today we just want to thank you and tell you from Dayspring....

HAPPY NEW YEAR. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU..

THE LAMb Team

Friday, December 30, 2011

BROTHER TO BROTHER - CULTURES APART



JAMES WEENING - from here in Barrie, Ontario is one of our team members in Kyrgyzstan getting the amazing opportunity to share in the Christmas Blessing. He is here with Jenish from Bishkek, Kygyzstan. Jenish is a committed servant of God. He leads so many different project - most specifically the work being done at Teen Challenge. Right now he is the "buddy" for James in our Christmas Blessing. This blessing is the creation of our on the ground team the Wrights. Christmas Blessing 2011 is serving over 2,000 orphans, elderly and disabled.

You cannot imagine the mark it is making - bringing Hope and Dignity to all. The BEST JESUS CELEBRATION you would ever find in Kyrgyzstan!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GENEROUS FINANCIAL SUPPORT, PRAYERS AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AS WE CARRY FORTH.

THE LAMb Team

Thursday, December 29, 2011

CHRISTMAS BLESSING - CATCH THE BLOG TO BE IN THE KNOW!


John and Julie are in full gear...the parties have begun! We are thrilled to have a NEW LAMb "explorer" there with our on the ground team - the Wrights. James Weening from Barrie is there too - scouting out and helping out. Go James! We are praying for you and for your time serving our dear friends, children, elderly and disabled.

Check the blog:

www.actofkindness.blogspot.com

THE LAMb Team

ISKRA, KYRGYZSTAN UPDATE ON MEN'S HOME



WOW..Larissa just sent this picture of the completed ceilings in the Iskra Men's Home - (Jordan! look at this!). We are so excited to see in this picture three MAJOR renovations - the heating system is DONE, the ceilings are DONE, and the new windows are DONE!

Now, our team on the ground right now will be bringing new track suites, socks and under ware for ALL 250 men! Watch this happen. Thank you all for the donations for the heat, windows and the ceilings. Walls and floors are next...then tables and chairs and new eating utensils.

WHAT A BLESSING FOR THESE FORGOTTEN AND ABANDONED MEN! HOPE AND DIGNITY BEING RESTORED.

THE LAMb Team..

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

9 SMILING FACES ARE LANDING IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN



THEY SMILE SO HARD IT HURTS - BUT IT IS OH SO GOOD! Our LAMb Team is arriving into Bishkek as I type this blog. They have traveled over 30 hours and have been sitting, sitting and sitting some more getting ready for this GRAND ENTRY into Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Our 9 team members are being led by LAMB Search and Rescue leaders - John and Julie Wright. The Wrights are critical to the work that is being done on the ground in Kyrgyzstan - most specifically this trip for the CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS.

As they deliver food, clothing, gifts, vitamins and have lots of parties with the children (orphans), the elderly and the disabled, they bring HOPE AND DIGNITY once again into the lives - bringing SMILES AND MORE SMILES.

Thank you for all your generous support in funds and prayers to make this possible.

THE LAMb Team

Sunday, December 25, 2011

SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM ON THE MOVE TOMORROW MORNING




WHEN THE LAMb SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM GOES TO WORK - LOOK OUT! Things happen! Our prayers are with you team - as you journey tomorrow to Kyrgyzstan to carry forth the Christmas Blessing. We are behind you with prayers, encouragement and love!

The LAMb Team

KYRGYZSTAN CHRISTMAS - BLESSINGS TO CONTINUE TO SO MANY






TEAM LEAVES TOMORROW.

We are so excited to know our team is leaving tomorrow early in the morning. One of our team members is a young man from our home church who wants very much to know more about the people of Kyrgyzstan. In addition, we have hundreds of pounds of vitamins going and some fabulous blessings for our dear orphans, seniors and disabled.

Our team leaders John and Julie Wright are ready and loaded with the resources to make a real difference in the lives of many. The schedule is packed full, and will compliment the work already being done by our team on the ground in Kyrgyzstan. Already, there have been food drops, orphanages blessed, children taken to parties and so much more.

JUST WAIT TO SEE THE BLOGS AND TO READ THE RESULTS. Imagine with us for just a minute:

1. You are 8 years old - you have a mother that cannot properly care for you and you are about to see the love of strangers give you, your mother and your family food, a dinner together in a restaurant, vitamins for a year and lots of love.
2. You were a homeless senior - now living in a safe and warm home that has been supported and visited by LAMb teams over and over again - and now they are going to show up to bless you with Christmas gifts, a special meal and some great fellowship and sharing. Giving of time is one of the most precious gifts of all time.
3. You are living in a home for disabled adults - same routine day after day and now the team is showing up AGAIN - the team that brings joy, surprises, food, and oh so much love. Yes, there is JOY, HOPE AND DIGNITY that flows from the hearts of the team to the lives of those in the disabled home.


ARE WE EXCITED? YES, WE ARE MORE THAN EXCITED. WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU WHO HAVE MADE THIS POSSIBLE. We do NOTHING but show up and stop for the one in front of us. YOU make this possible.

Thank you,

The LAMb Team

Thursday, December 22, 2011

TOMORROW IS THE DAY...VITAMINS WILL ARRIVE FOR KYRGYZSTAN




WE ARE EXCITED TO KNOW SOMEWHERE AROUND 2000#'S of vitamins will arrive tomorrow. They will be distributed to our team going to Kyrgyzstan on the 26th of December. 10 people will travel with two suitcases each - one carrying 50#'s of vitamins and the other just a few pieces of clothing and another 30-40#'s of vitamin. Just think - this trip that will make about 900 #'s. We are distributing vitamins for a year for those getting the vitamins. We will have an organized and efficient system to ensure these vitamins are into the hands of orphans, elderly and our seniors who are disabled. The next team will be taking the next shipment over.

John and Julie Wright will lead the team. They are our true "search and rescue" team. However, this trip rather than a "search and rescue" it will be return and restore. Potatoes, carrots, rice, vitamins, gifts and lots of love will be in store for our dear friends in Kemin, Iskra and in the different orphanages. Stay tuned for lots of stories and lots of ways you can pray and support our team in the future. We are so excited for the members of the team joining us...some from Quebec, some from around Norwood/Stirling and another team member from here in Barrie. Lives will be changed both here and there!

We are so thankful for your generous gifts this Christmas to make this truly a CHRISTMAS BLESSING for over 2000 dear friends in Kyrgyzstan!

Spacibo! (Russian for thank you!) THE LAMb Team

Monday, December 19, 2011

VITAMINS FOR KYRGYZSTAN



WE ARE SOOOOOO BLESSED TO HAVE THE VITAMINS BEING DELIVERED AGAIN - NOW SOMEWHERE OVER 2000#'S

We need all your prayers for Grace and Mercy as Randy and Kim bring these vitamins over the border into Canada for the team to take to Kyrgyzstan. It is a HUGE shipment of vitamins and street value HUGE. They were donated to LAMb International for the needs in Kyrgyzstan. We are prepared with the documents for this - have sent the appropriate letters, have the documents from the donor and just want to have the Grace and Mercy at the border for an easy crossing.

PLEASE PLEASE JOIN US AND PRAY FOR THIS. Randy and Kim have rented a huge van to bring them up - we have the teams gathering 20 large suitcases for carrying them. All our "ducks are in a row" we just need the shipment to arrive safe and sound in order to get it into the bags for the flight on the 26th of December!

Merry Christmas to you ALL and thank you for all your support.

The LAMb Team

Sunday, December 18, 2011

WHEN A FIVE YEAR OLD UNDERSTANDS



SHE KNOWS WHERE KYRGYZSTAN IS LOCATED, UNDERSTANDS CHILDREN SOMETIMES ARE SENT TO ORPHANAGES, SHE ASKS QUESTIONS AND MORE QUESTIONS.... Her name is Evie and she is my great niece. I was amazed by the questions and by her knowledge of Kyrygzstan and the plight of the orphans. She asked about their families, "were they sad they did not have a mommy and daddy?", "how do they live?", "do they have enough to eat, warm boots?" And she wanted to look at picture after picture of the children, the people, the grandma and grandpas. She told me what she knew about Kyrgyzstan and she was accurate.

Her curiosity was first sparked by a project she did for her Kindergarden class - a report on Kyrygzstan and the work of LAMb International with the orphans. But it did not end there - she asked me - if she could please go with us to see the children and help. While other children were playing with toys from Christmas giving - she sat close to me and wanted to know more and more.

It so brought to mind the responsibility we adults have to grow children in the way they should go - to understand and be thankful for their blessings and to be sensitive and caring for those in need. Little Evie will keep in contact via email, she will follow the blog (and she knows how - as she helped me work through some computer challenges!) and she will grow to get questions answered. One question she asked again and again...."How old do I have to be to go with you to help?" I suggested to her maybe 12. Not perhaps the answer her parents wanted - but for sure - we will take that question up again and again. How this child opened my eyes once again of how important the work our team does - the Christmas Blessing that is started and ongoing for the next several weeks -how critical it is for us to SHOW UP AND STOP FOR THE ONE IN FRONT OF US...and how we must continue to spread the word to those who will follow us in helping others - even a five year old who is right now learning how!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Tis the season


Maybe it's just me? Maybe? Seems wherever I go I hear "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" and when I respond with Merry Christmas I seem to get that look. Not exactly sure what that look is, but it's something akin to 'get with it buddy'. Maybe it's just me getting a little older.
When I was looking for gift bags in a large retail store, 99% of them said happy holidays. One just had the word merry repeated again and again. As I began to reflect a bit, I wondered if somehow business and people had forgotten why there is a holiday coming up at this time of year. Or what is the significance of "seasons greetings"? Do we say seasons greetings when spring arrives or any other season for that reason. No, the reason for this season is special. Of course not everyone may believe in or participate in Christmas, but that does not change the fact that this season originates from and revolves around the birth of Jesus Christ. For me the greeting remains "Merry Christmas".

Lynn - who's calendar still says Christmas on December 25th.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Blessings bigger than your door


Most of you who follow this blog know that we were involved with the 'pie in the face' challenge. The idea was that each one who let their name stand would 'receive' a pie in the face if they raised $500. Again most of you know we not only met that target but exceeded it. The goal was to be able to have a Jesus party for over 2000 orphans, to give each of them a small gift and a years' supply of vitamins.

So far so good. Well some of the vitamins arrived today. Six out of eight boxes arrived. We still don't know what UPS did with the other two. We had some feeble idea of picking up this boxes and bringing them home with us to Canada next week. Then transferring them to the team of nine that is leaving for Kyrgyzstan on Dec. 26th.

Guess what? Each box weighs one hundred and fifty pounds. Yes, 150 lbs!! Times six, actually eight when we find the other two. That's 1,200 pounds. Just barely will a box go thru a doorway, let alone into my truck or backseat. Oh for the days when I had a Yukon XL, but those days are gone replaced with a 6 cylinder gas sipper.

My thought is this. When we ask God to bless us, we better make sure our door is big enough to hold His blessing. Praise Him for His abundance.

By the way, arrangments are in the works to ensure these vitamins reach their destination. We want to thank all of you who were/are involved. Thanks on behalf of every orphan, senior and disabled person who will receive this gift.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

GEARING UP FOR THE KYRGYZSTAN CHRISTMAS BLESSING



WE ARE THRILLED AND EXCITED....LIKE THE SONG...I'm so excited....

Why? Soon our team will be arriving into the Bishkek airport geared up for the Christmas Blessing of a life time for 2000 of our dear Kyrgyzstan friends. Orphans, elderly and the disabled will be the subject of this blessing. Each will receive a small gift, vitamins for a year, and a Jesus Party to celebrate Christmas together.

The fundraising was a HUGE success - raising over $30,000 for the blessing. The project is patterned after Ed Dickson Ministry McJoyful Christmas in Ukraine where Ed takes thousands of kids to Mc Donalds for Christmas. They also get vitamins, and a gift. We have always loved this and have witnessed first hand the joy of taking an orphanage to Mc Donalds and seeing the excitement as they get their "happy meals." Well, first, Kyrgyzstan does not have Mc Donalds and second, we need to have a coordinator for this and that is where John steps up.

Last year was the first event in Kyrgyzstan - blessing 1,000 orphans. This was funded through the creative Pie in the Face contest, where volunteers step forward to get a pie in the face by raising $500 each. We had 40 plus volunteers this year. The Wrights will be leading a team - leaving Canada on December 6th - to head for Kyrgyzstan to carry out the wonderful event of blessing 2,000.

What ever you do - stay tuned for the updates and pictures as they conduct the Kyrgyzstan Christmas Blessing.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SPONSORSHIP AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH OF YOU.

THE LAMb TEAM

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Y.A.C.


In football there is a term called YAC. It means Yards After Contact. It refers to how far the player, who receives the ball, goes after being hit or tackled. It is term which is relevant to our lives and the lives of others. How far do you get after being 'hit'?

My case in point refers to Don, one of the co-founders of LAMb International. He is ever faithful and ever serving. Once again, a few short weeks ago, he was hit with what turned out to be septic. Needless to say it was touch and go for awhile. The good news is that early next week he should be able to return home.

Nonetheless he is hard at it while still in hospital. Yesterday, in his intensive care isolation unit, we had a LAMb US Board meeting. Today after visiting with him for over four hours he wanted his computer set up. It is voice activated and he is busy with the LAMb newsletter that is to be sent out in the next day or so. Check out the photo. As we were leaving to come home, he was suiting up to work.

What a testimony to YAC. Yards Achieved thru Christ. There are those who might have counted him down and out. But just as Don is a faithful servant, so also is our Lord faithful. Don is back in play, gaining more Kingdom ground. A lesson in persistence and faith demonstrated for each of us.

Thank you Don.

P.S. I know Don would want me to thank each of you for your prayers. Thank you.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

AUCTION SUCCESS AND THE PIES HAVE BEEN TOSSED!

THE EVENT IS OVER AND IT WAS FABULOUS! Ian and Arlene along with their daughter Hannajoy put on one fabulous silent auctioN. Many will be blessed by the support raised on this day. The final totals are not in yet, but we will keep you posted when we learn the numbers.

One of the highlights of the day was the Pie in the Face being given to both Lynn and myself. The contest raised over $30,000 for those orphans, elderly and disabled in Kyrgyzstan. John, Julie and Bekah will be leaving with a team on December 26th to have one of the most exciting of times - delivering BLESSINGS GALORE. Gifts, food, vitamins and the JESUS PARTY THAT WILL BE WAY OVER THE TOP!

WE THANK YO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON THIS INCREDIBLE EVENT - THANK YOU FOR CARING and working with us to bring Hope and Dignity to many.

Be Blessed in this wonderful Christmas Season!

Merry Christmas! 7

Friday, December 2, 2011

LAMb SILENT AUCTION TOMORROW


TOMORROW IS THE DAY....AND OF COURSE YOU ARE INVITED - YOU WILL WITNESS LYNN AND RUBY GETTING THEIR PIE IN THE FACE AND:

1. SILENT AUCTION WITH SOME GREAT CHRISTMAS IDEAS
2. SALE OF LOVELY CRAFTS MADE BY ORPHANS IN KYRGYZSTAN
3. DISPLAYS OF THE WORK OF LAMB
4. DOOR PRIZES
5. GREAT DONATION IDEAS
6. OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A PHILANTHROPIST!

MAPLEVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH
1-4PM
BARRIE, ONTARIO - CANADA

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

SUNDAY SERVICE AT MAPLEVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH

IT WAS SUCH AN HONOR TO BE SHARING AT OUR HOME CHURCH ON SUNDAY. HERE IS A LITTLE VIDEO WE MADE FOR THE END OF THE SERVICE.

ON Saturday, December 3rd we invite you to come to the event at our church in Barrie, Ontario - It is a fundraiser for the work of LAMb International. There will be an awesome silent auction with some real great Christmas idea:

- Round Trip tickets for two to Alaska
- Week at a lake cottage that sleeps 9 - with use of the canoe
- Lots of certificates for dinner out
- Photography sessions for the family portrait
- Oil changes
- Massages
- Facial treatments
- Leather hand bag
- Desserts for a year
- Gift Baskets
- Certificates for different services
- Tutoring
- Tax preparation services
- Cottage weekend
- 10 hours of long distance phone time
- on and on and on..

JOIN US: 1pm to 4pm. at Mapleview Community Church in Barrie, Ontario.

Lynn and Ruby will be getting their pie in the face at 3:45pm. This is in direct response to the raising of the funds to bless 2,000 in Kyrgyzstan this year. Orphans, elderly, and disabled will benefit from the $20,000 raised for the Christmas Blessing in Kyrgyzstan. Our team leaves on December 26th for the event - right now around 9 people will be going to make this one fabulous Christmas treat for 2,000. Vitamins for a year for each, a Christmas gift and the party of a lifetime!

BE BLESSED....we are so honoured to part of Mapleview Community Church, LAMb International, IHS, and ILDC and to be serving an awesome God.

THE LAMb Team..

LEADERSHIP TRAINING - IT CAN BE FUN!


LAMb International trainer - Lynn Johnston - joining in the fun!

The leadership series - Level 1 now completed!

Many serious moments to discover strengths and needs.

Our Executive Director of ILDC - Oleg joins in the fun!


ILDC MAKES A MARK IN TRAINING - WHO SAID TRAINING COULDN'T BE FUN.

Keeping in mind "most" adults are just babies in big bodies, the ending of our leadership series in Ukraine demonstrated how 11 exceptional leaders could have fun while learning. The series ended with the participants creating a summary of their 10 days of training. There were skits, pantomimes, poems and some great stories.

11 leaders were given certificates of completion for the series. There were five two-day modules in the series:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Leadership
Module 2: Conflict, Communication and Change
Module 3: Helping Staff Improve Performance
Module 4: Professional Development
Module 5: Collaboration and Teamwork

Leaders were from many different organizations; government services, Father's House, SOS Family Strengthening Project, Christian Broadcasting Network of Ukraine, Alliance Ukraine Without Orphans, One Hope, and other individuals wanting to strengthen their leadership skills.

This was Level 1 leadership - next of course is Level 2. The request has been made for other leaders wanting Level 1. ILDC is once again on the move!

Monday, November 28, 2011

CHRISTMAS IN KYRGYZSTAN - 2,000 TO BE BLESSED


OUR TEAM IS LEAVING THE 26TH OF DECEMBER AND HEADING TO KYRGYZSTAN

WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE the Kyrgyzstan PIE IN THE FACE is over and we have reached our goal of $20,000! Every person will get a pie in the face (THOSE WHO RAISED THE FUNDS!) and every one on the KYRGYZSTAN list will be blessed. 2,000 in all. ORPHANS, WIDOWS AND THE DISABLED.

Vitamins for a year, a gift, a party and lots of love.

The PIE IN THE FACE event is a brainstorm of our team members the Wrights. Last year 1,000 were blessed and this year that will be doubled. We thank you all for helping us reach this goal. The Wrights, and the LAMb Team are so excited about this Christmas Blessing!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

TRAUMA SERIES STARTED IN UKRAINE






WE ARE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE NEW TRAUMA SERIES HAS STARTED IN UKRAINE. We just completed Step 1 of the series and had 32 participants - ending the day with extremely eager participants to enrol in Step 2.

Step 1 - Over view of Trauma - Wounded Children Healing Homes
Step 2 - Trauma Toolkit
Step 3 - Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
Step 4 - Advanced Trauma Modules

We are so grateful to our partner and team member Jayne Schooler and to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network for their contributions to this series. Step 1 - we present the book - Wounded Children Healing Homes by Jayne Schooler and Betsy Smalley and do a foundation training to Child Traumatic Stress In Step 2 and 3 we have been granted permission from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to translate and train their standardized comprehensive materials for those in the Russian speaking countries.
Step 4 will be materials offered by experts in the area of Trauma - advance and ending our series for certification of participants of the entire Trauma Series.

Next event will be Step 1(2nd time) in January with training for 12 participants at an NGO requesting this training for their team. We are training trainers in this event and will soon have a compliment of national trainers - delivering this across Ukraine.

What a beginning. ILDC (LAMb co-founded and registered this organization in Ukraine) is on the move.

WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO OUR SPONSOR - WHO STARTED THIS - WHO GAVE US THE FUNDS TO TRANSLATE AND PUBLISH THE BOOK - WOUNDED CHILDREN HEALING HOMES.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

UPCOMING EVENT - TO BRING HOPE AND DIGNITY




YOU ARE INVITED to A SILENT AUCTION AND INFORMATION EVENT....We are pleased to announce this upcoming event. Ian and Arlene Forsyth are hosting this event for LAMb International. There are over 100 items at this SILENT AUCTION - SUCH AS:

2 Round Trip Tickets to Alaska
1 Week in July at a cottage for up to 9 people
Lots of gift certificates for meals, spa treatments, etc.
Tax preparation
Personal trainer time
ON AND ON....

Orphan Care - WE WILL HAVE LOTS OF ITEMS MADE BY ORPHANS WHO ARE LIVING IN KYRGYZSTAN - THESE ITEMS WILL BE GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND ARE FOR SALE. ALL PROCEEDS FOR THESE GO DIRECTLY BACK INTO ORPHAN CARE!

FINALLY in addition - Lynn will GET HIS PIE IN THE FACE AT 3:45PM


DETAILS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
1PM - 4PM
MAPLEVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH
BARRIE, ONTARIO CANADA

CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS....SEE YOU THERE!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

UKRAINE - NEXT WEEK...



EXCITING TIMES - JUST FINISHED THE ADOPTION CONFERENCE IN OHIO - NEXT WEEK OFF TO UKRAINE

When you love this city and you love these streets......these are words from one of our favourite songs by Robin Mark. The song is called Revival and we sing it often when we are in Ukraine or Kyrgyzstan. It speaks so loudly of how we feel.

BUT THIS IS AN UPDATE FOR YOU.....

1. OHIO - Completed the conference in Ohio - what a success. Our team member had a bright idea about a year ago. She (Jayne Schooler) wanted to offer the first ever faith based conference in Ohio for foster and adoptive parents. Yesterday was the completion of that conference. Over 240 participants - what a success. Key note speaker was Heather Forbes and she was AWESOME. So many people said it made a difference in how they would parent in the future.

2. UKRAINE - We are heading to Ukraine on Saturday - and we will have some announcements to make soon about some exciting activities there. We just want to say - stay tuned and know that the residents of Bari Ogli - are the focus of this attention. Bari Ogli has over 200 disabled men and women. Krivoy Rog has many volunteers that have been involved with the institution and they are ready for a TIME SUCH AS THIS - to make a difference, take a risk and see how we together can bring HOPE AND DIGNITY to many. Stay tuned.

3. UKRAINE - We are completing the leadership series next week - leaders from several different NGO's, churches, etc. This will be session five and the final session.

4. DAYSPRING - It is Candle Time - How about ordering some of the most exciting candles you would ever hope to light? We are blessed by the Lamplighter Orphan Care Ministry to be conducting their second annual fundraiser for Dayspring - Candles just in time for Christmas. Soy candles that are amazing. Contact us and we will tell you how to get these amazing candles in time for Christmas. $6 each. And EVERY DOLLAR GOES TO DAYSPRING. I am taking orders and will deliver the candles to you the week of December 19th.

5. PIE IN THE FACE CONTEST - Lynn has raised his $500 and gets his pie on December 3, 2011 at the Event for LAMb which is to be held at Mapleview Community Church in Barrie, Ontario. The question was asked - recently by one of our daughters. "Who gets the second pie if he raises another $500?" The answer HE gave was - "well of course Ruby." Now, I have to say - I did not say that - BUT FOR 50 MORE ORPHANS TO BE BLESSED - YOU BETTER BELIEVE I WILL TAKE A PIE!

ALL FOR NOW.......LET US KNOW HOW MANY CANDLES YOU WANT.....

Saturday, November 5, 2011

BRINGING SOMEONE ALONG - DECEMBER 3RD EVENT


LAMb International will have an event on December 3RD, 2011 at Mapleview Community Church in BARRIE, ONTARIO. The event is a fundraiser, silent auction, information time. Being organized by Ian and Arlene Forsyth, this event will feature the different work of LAMb. There will be stations set up to help others see what is happening in both Ukraine and in Kyrgyzstan. The event will run from 1pm to 4pm in the afternoon.

Here is what you will see:
1. Videos - OF LAMb activities
2. Silent Auction items for Christmas - lots of great things
3. Auction of one week at a beautiful lake cottage in Ontario
4. Auction of round trip airline tickets to Alaska - FOR TWO PERSONS
5. Pick up a Gift Card - for Christmas to send to a friend - with a specific donation/purchase
6. Lots of visuals.
7. Lots of items made in Kyrgyzstan for sale.
8. AND SO MUCH MORE.....


AND MOST IMPORTANT - LYNN WILL TAKE HIS PIE IN THE FACE AT 4PM AT THE END OF THE EVENT....THE FUNDS THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED FOR THIS PIE IN THE FACE - GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING THAT IS BEING CONDUCTED BY LAMb INTERNATIONAL IN KYRGYZSTAN OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.....2,000 orphans will receive a party, gift bag and one year's supply of vitamins.

JOIN THE FUN.....

Friday, October 28, 2011

100 COUPLES - ALL NATIONALS WHO HAVE ADOPTED!



OUR ILDC DIRECTOR AND HIS FAMILY: Oleg and Rya adopted their daughter when she was 17 years old...rushing to get the adoption finalized before she turned 18.


AWESOME DAY OF PLANNING....A CONFERENCE IN MARCH THAT WILL BE FOR UKRAINIAN ADOPTIVE FAMILIES. Yes, we are getting ready for our second conference which we are co-sponsoring with CBN, Alliance and our organization in Ukraine ILDC. LAMb International is committed to bringing quality education and training to these families. Christian families from all over Ukraine will come to Kiev for a special weekend. Our guest speakers are all adoptive parents, national and international experts in the field of child welfare as well. We will feature our own Pastor David Schooler and wife Jayne Schooler. Jayne is an expert in adoption and has authored seven different books on the topic.

We will give every attendee one of Jayne's books, she will give a key-note speech and both she and David will conduct workshops for parents. (STAY TUNED FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OTHER KEY NOTE SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS)

Yesterday - the President of Ukraine announced that it is time for orphanage reform and that children need families not orphanages.

You can join the movement - attend an Orphan Sunday service - support the effort - here or at your local church that has taken on this commitment to do whatever one can to make a difference and see A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS.

WE BELIEVE!

THE LAMb Team

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

THE DISABLED - HURTING AND ALONE NO MORE





BARI OGLI

Our time in Ukraine for the last many years has been divided between many different activities - cities, towns, villages and people. We have laughed, cried and even sometimes felt exhausted to the point of woundering if we had the energy to continue. Yet, God has given us strength and energy that only can be explained by giving credit to divine intervention. We are in our Winter Years.

Yet - our hearts are broken over and over again when we see the conditions for "living" that our dear disabled children and adults are given both here and in our beloved Kyrgyzstan. We have watched hope and dignity start to return to our men at Iksra, Kyrgyzstan Home for Disabled Men. We see the renovation happening piece by piece, step by step. And we see the progress. But most of all we see the HOPE that is coming into the eyes of our dear friends - the men of Iskra.

In Ukraine, Bari Oglie is outside of the city of Krivoy Rog, where we have spent a great deal of time over the last years. At Bari Oglie, unlike Iskra there are both men and women and like Iska - over 200 persons living at the institution outside of the city. With the help of the local church in Krivoy Rog, Bari Oglie has received visiting teams who have grown to love the men and women and have offered to help in any way they might be of service. We have watched improvement happen here and again step by step, piece by piece, improvements and HOPE are lighting up the hallways. Local volunteers grow in both countries - and what a difference they make - residents inspired to step out and work along side of the volunteers to make their "home" a better place in which to live.

We see men and women making gardens and national crafts. We hear music coming from talented players, hearts pouring out in song when a resident picks up a guitar to play for the group. There are smiles coming from faces when they see their beloved volunteers returning to visit, play or instruct. Staff welcome visitors where once they would "snarl" or frown when one would walk down the halls. Or they would quickly run ahead to lock and close certain doors. Oh how things are changing. Where we would be allowed only to visit some and where areas were perviously off limits to us - there is now an open door to the entire institution - every floor, every door, every person are now open to our volunteers and almost always to our teams. What a difference as there is no more hiding. Bari Oglie and Iskra are changing thanks to so many who care.

Yet, there is more to do - so much more. The buildings need so much renovation, it takes a great supply of items to keep crafts, sewing, and creating going on. Even buying guitar strings is a major purchase in these facilities. New guitars, garden tools, plants, balls, basketball courts, sand for the volley ball courts, fresh fruit and vegetables in off season - all are burdens for the homes. It takes outside help to make a difference. We have seen the benefit of those helping make a huge difference at Iskra and Bari Oglie. Two countries, two homes and two reasons to return over and over again. And now we want to go one step further....

ARE YOU READY?

Let's work to bring men and women into society - those functioning at a high level who are ready to learn, grow and move into the community. One person, two persons, three persons, learning life skills, practicing living outside of the institution and then perhaps really being ready and able to move into a home with others who are now part of society. This is called de-institutionalization. Do you believe? We do. The volunteers are ready - they are strong and they are committed. Yet, this will be a project that will require all of us - all of you who have the passion and desire to take a risk - step out and say clearly - YES, LET'S DO THIS!

WANT TO KNOW MORE - contact us.

THE LAMb Team

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

2000 ORPHANS CAN BENEFIT..BUT YOU MUST HURRY





LET US PUT A PIE IN HIS FACE - ALL FOR ORPHANS!!!!


WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO RAISE $20,000 BY US THANKSGIVING. WE WILL BE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH 2000 ORPHANS IN KYRGYZSTAN. HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Lynn has agreed to take a "pie in the face" if he can raise his part of the funds - his $500. So for each donation, specifically for the pie in the face contest - he will be that much closer to getting his PIE! He has also sent out the challenge - the person donating the most can actually be the one who gets to toss the pie! Now, if you live to far away - I (Ruby) will be glad to do the honours.

We have over 40 people willing to take a pie! This means if all get pies, we will have raised OVER $20,000 for this event. We need $20,000 for 2,000. Each child will get a party, a gift bag and a year's worth of vitamins!

LET'S GET ER DONE! HIT THE DONATE BUTTON AND IDENTIFY THE DONATION IF FOR LYNN'S PIE!!!!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

THE STREETS OF KYRGYZSTAN


WE WERE SO HAPPY TO SEE THIS MEDICAL TRUCK - bringing medical help to Tokmok. This aid has been there for two months, giving many a chance for the first time to get medical needs met. What a blessing.

Our next stop - Ukraine. We will be in Ukraine on Saturday. Watch the blog for our updates from Ukraine....some exciting new developments will be announced soon.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

LEAVING - ANOTHER CHUNK OF OUR HEARTS TORN OFF




Our partner - Christy from Crosslink - with our little darling at Dayspring - Dasha. We have her heart surgery sponsored and Christy is going to MAKE SURE IT HAPPENS! Thank you Ed Dickson, Loads of Love for sponsoring the surgery and Christy and Kyle from Crosslinks for coordinating the operation(s)! Great partnership.

HOW MANY PIECES CAN BE BROKEN OFF BEFORE YOU NO LONGER HAVE A HEART LEFT? We just thank God He continues to renew our hearts daily. Leaving Kyrgyzstan was very emotional - perhaps one of the most emotional for some time. We dug deep this trip and worked from dusk to dawn attempting to bring HOPE and DIGNITY to those forgotten and/or discarded.

Our dear seniors, the disabled and the children.

We have left with a great desire to return - to first go home and make the needs known - to share their stories - to pray for all - but most of all we return to North America to renew. We renew resources, strength and our hearts.

Saying good bye was difficult. But we answer the question with eager anticipation, "When will you be back?" - No longer do we hear "Will you come back?" THEY KNOW!

THANK YOU...

Friday, October 14, 2011

WHEN YOU LOVE THESE MEN










OH WHAT A PARTY....300 SAMSAS, 300 ICE CREAM CONES, 300 BOTTLES OF PEACHAIDE. Every man gets his own. Seven organizations in partnership showing up on the same day to celebrate the renovations of the dining room!

Crosslinks - Kyle and Christy
Military Band (missed their picture)
Prison Ministry coordinator and team - Nazira
Prison Mnistry musician
Iskra Men's Home - new director Juemadill
Teen Challenge - Jenish and his traveling musicians
LAMb International - Jodi, Gabriella, Madlin, Zukrah, Larissa, Tanya, Lynn and Ruby

It was an amazing time watching the men have a great time and the honour bestowed on them. To have Jenish to bring graduates from his rehabilitation centre to entertain, and to have the prison ministry group celebrate the men and their special day.

JUST AWESOME - and we have more plans - fix the basketball court - continue renovations of the dining room. Just continue - step by step.

AND ON ANOTHER NOTE - we started the renovations at the Bishkek Humanities University today - getting closer to having a fully functioning learning lab. Things are on a roll in Kyrgyzstan! Thanks to YOU!

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