GUEST BLOGGER!

Hi!  This is Kim Gebele . . . a newly appointed board member of LAMb International!  I wanted to post this blog update for Mom and Lynn while they are on vacation - more like a workation but they are relaxing and getting the much needed respite!  God has GREAT things planned for the upcoming year and they will need this rest (and as a daughter, I am glad to see them get a little rest!).

Lying on Your Back Doesn't Mean You Can't Still Minister!

Many of you know that my Uncle Don is a quadriplegic and he along with my Aunt Johanna are part of the founding partners of LAMb.  Over the years Uncle Don has been in and out of the hospital and rehab centers recovering from surgeries, etc.  Each time he and my Aunt Johanna is a blessing to the hospital and rehab staff.  Sometimes, they see for themselves the miracle Uncle Don is as he leaves their care and returns home.  Sometimes (often) defying doctors expectations.  While in their care they bless them with their positive outlook on life and their ability to continue to Praise God for what He as done in my uncle's life and their family.

After all of these years of Uncle Don being a blessing to them (the hospital), they are returning in kind and blessing the work he is part of, blessing LAMb and those they serve.

Here's an email that we just received from Uncle Don!  Praise God!  Kindred staff . . . THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!

We recently received a donation of 100 stethoscopes!  Over the past 10 or 12 years Don has spent a considerable amount of time at a small local medical facility here in Tucson Arizona.  The administration and staff have been very kind and considerate to us during this time and we have established many friendly relationships.  We often share with them the activities of LAMb International.  They are usually very interested in the conditions, equipment, staff and patients of the hospitals and similar facilities we assist.  Last week, this hospital, Kindred Hospital, donated 100 (yes, 100!) brand-new stethoscopes to LAMb International USA to help the doctors, nurses and therapists at these facilities.  Many thanks to Kindred Hospital of Tucson Arizona and to Dr. Sunil Natrajan, Don pulmonologist who initiated the process.

Don & Johanna Buchman - LAMb International USA

You can be sure that the recipients of these stethoscopes will be blessed!  They will be getting something that isn't easily obtained in some of the countries that LAMb ministers in.  Some of the hospitals fight to barely survive to serve the needs of their loved ones, neighbors, and communities.  Sometimes with no supplies at all trying to nurse the sick (both children and adults) back to health.

This is indeed a blessing!!!

100 stethoscopes in more than three full boxes!

Steven, a Kindred Hospital staff member, delivering the stethoscopes!

BEDS FOR KEMIN, Kyrgyzstan - WORK CONTINUES NO MATTER

BEDS MEAN MORE SENIORS WILL SOON BE WARM, SAFE AND WELL CARED FOR AT KEMIN SENIOR HOME KYRGYZSTAN!

We might be on the first vacation we have had for many many years - we are so excited to share the work continues.  Our on the ground team made a deliver this week and it was received with lots of excitement.  Remember, we got a call that Kemin home for seniors that have been rescued from homelessness.  The director - Tanya said they had need of more beds so they could take more seniors into the home and care for them.  Well, YES OR COURSE WE WILL BUY MORE BEDS.

So our team - led by Natasha went on the hunt and rounded up 7 beds - all used but in GREAT SHAPE. She looked in the paper and found beds for sale and went around with a driver and gathered them up and had them delivered.

GOOD JOB TEAM - YOU DID REALLY GOOD.  Seniors will be safe, warm and well cared for by Tanya and Cola and soon we will see them and learn their names and hear their stories.

IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

The LAMb Team

A REMINDER OF HOW HELPING CAN REALLY MOTIVATE OTHERS TO HELP!

In Kyrgyzstan, they do not have what we consider as a GP. It is up to an individual and their family to navigate through the system on ...

CHECK OUT JOHN'S BLOG FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL STORY
www.actofkindness.blogspot.com

CAN YOU BELIEVE WITH US? A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS!

OUR PARTNERS SHARE IN THIS GREAT VIDEO - MADE IN UKRAINE

Karen, Steve, Christy, Rya, Oleg, and so many others speak here - 12 minutes of your time please!

 WE LEAVE HERE ON MARCH 17TH FOR UKRAINE AND THEN ON TO KYRGYZSTAN.  WE ARE BELIEVING IN A FUTURE OF:

UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS

KYRGYZSTAN WITHOUT ORPHANS

A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS

When you begin to understand the plight of what an orphan experiences, you cannot be silent.  Join us and do what ever you can to bring families to orphans.  We can do this - A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS - ONE COUNTRY AT A TIME

ISKRA, KYRGYZSTAN - PROGRESS CONTINUES

WE ARE SO PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE EVEN MORE PROGRESS AT THE ISKRA HOME FOR DISABLED MEN!

We are so encouraged to see the progress at Iskra.  At one time this place was a dark and unfriendly place.   It was a home for men who were not only disabled, but lacking any hope, dignity or joy.  The men tell us of how they were always fighting and how everyone was unfriendly.  

Now today, we hear and see some very different things.  Men are full of smiles, there are men working on crafts, borrowing books out of the recently placed library, working together to paint, fix things and make their home a place in which they not only live - but REALLY LIVE.  

The dismal dining room now sparkles with new lights and a new ceiling, new windows that let in beautiful natural light and with heater that really work.  No more sitting in the dining room and chilling as you eat.  The WALLS  are almost done completely.  And NEXT we will put down a new floor - one that is even and will allow them men to come in without fear of tripping over broken concrete.  

We just heard another group has "discovered" Iskra and we are so pleased to hear they are wanting to help in the dining room too.  There is some hope they might be able/willing to purchase tables and chairs for the men.  Of course the needs are GREAT - but we are so happy to see the progress and know the men are getting a chance to smile, laugh and begin to HOPE ONCE AGAIN.

Larissa said, "The men used to come in to eat with their heads down and just went to a table to eat.  Now they come in look up and smile.  They keep looking at their ceiling and smiling.  It is really good."

Thank you so much.

The LAMb Team

WHEN HELPING BRINGS HOPE

A WONDERFUL EMAIL FROM OUR COUNTRY DIRECTOR IN KYRGZSTAN- NATASHA

Let's identify when helping really helps.  

Our team delivering food and mattresses to the seniors at Kemin Senior Home

1.  He was abandoned in Kyrgyzstan in 1991 when the Soviet Union fell.  He was a fighter pilot from Ethiopia.  This week we hired him full time to work with us.  We love him dearly and he is a critical part of our team.  Welcome aboard Hymanot!

2.  The two young women are on our team - again more nationals; Madlin and Zukrah.  Each with critical roles for our team - Madlin as our Child Advocate and Zukrah as our Assistant Country Director.  

3.  The children - Jenya and Dasha - visiting the seniors at Kemin Senior Home for the homeless.  These children visit weekly with our team above.  They are going to put together a play for the seniors and the seniors are so excited and happy to have our little girls from Dayspring as frequent visitors.

4.  And the seniors - they are now offering hope to our little girls - love, relationship and an opportunity for them to serve as well.

So - children serving seniors and seniors serving children.  Pretty cool, eh?

ANNOUNCING A GIANT LEAP OF FAITH FOR OUR TEAM

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT OUR TEAM MEMBERS  - THE WRIGHTS HAVE TAKEN THE LEAP OF FAITH

Joy unspeakable joy!  John, Julie, Bekah and Emma will be out in the field of ministry full time.  Julie has officially resigned from her job.  We are behind them 100% and believe this is a very special day for all of us.  The Wrights have served Kyrgyzstan for many years - going back and forth - working jobs to help with expenses - doing fund raising and then heading back to build HOPE AND DIGNITY to the nationals of Kyrgyzstan.  Today - we announce FOCUS, COMMITMENT AND COURAGE.

NOW - WE NEED YOU TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE TO HELP THEM 

WE NEED MONTHLY SUPPORTERS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS  - THE WRIGHTS.  YOU CAN DO THIS BY CLICKING ON THE BUTTONS ABOVE AND IDENTIFYING THEM AS YOUR SUPPORT DESIGNATION.  ALL FUNDS WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THEIR SUPPORT.

Thank you so much!

The LAMb Team

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US IN APRIL

Short Term Mission: Kyrgyzstan from Mapleview Community Church on Vimeo.

JOIN US FOR THE MISSION TRIP THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER~

KYRGYZSTAN IS WAITING FOR YOU

REQUESTS THAT TOUCH THE HEART - we thank you!

THIS WEEK WE RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM KEMIN SENIOR HOME THAT TOUCHED OUR HEARTS - "We need more beds."  This has great meaning to us as it means there are more seniors coming to Kemin - senior rescued from the streets - rescued from conditions of abandonment, need and loss.  When we obey James 1:27 what joy comes to our heart. ...."...to look after orphans and widows in their distress...."

The request came to purchase more beds - about 7 - to accommodate more seniors into the home.  This home is serving the most vulnerable of society - the elderly.  We are honoured to be working with Cola and Tanya in their desire to help these seniors.  Over the years you  - our sponsors have installed a heating system, bought coal, food and clothing.  You have helped put flooring down, bring in furniture, new chairs in the dining room.  You have allowed us to divide rooms, make a nursing station, a craft area and a chapel - all in the home.

We are presently gathering funds to help complete a fence so they can have a garden.  You have helped bring slippers, coats and appliances.  Many changes are directly due to YOUR SUPPORT.  And now we need more beds.  WE SAID YES - YES - YES.  We want to help.  You can sponsor this - $500 and it is done!

NEW BEDS FOR KEMIN - ON THE WAY - WE KNOW IT WILL HAPPEN - AND WE ARE THRILLED.

Thanks from the LAMb Team

CHILDREN AND SENIORS

WHEN CHILDREN VISIT SENIORS - DIGNITY LIVES

We were thrilled to get the news from our staff in Kyrgyzstan about the joining together with a visit between our dear seniors and our little girls from Dayspring.  The staff go to Kemin Senior home each week to visit the seniors - spending time with the seniors, hearing their stories, taking them different little gifts and of course food.

Yesterday Natasha emailed us to let us know this week they took the little girls from Dayspring to visit the seniors - and guess who told stories this time?  The little girls.  They chatted non-stop with the seniors and the seniors were ECSTATIC.  Natasha said it was one of the best visits ever at Kemin Senior Home.

Just imagine the HOPE AND DIGNITY it brings the seniors to be honoured with the presence of little children who come for one purpose only - to visit THEM!

Good work team - just plain good work!

BRINGING HOPE AND DIGNITY TO NICARAGUA PASTORS

 Barnabas Group Update
Pastor Glen Pitts


LAMb Team Member is heading to Nicaragua!

If you saw ten men carrying a log – nine were at one end and only one was at the other, to which end would you go?  You would go to the end where there was only one man.  Right?  In many ways that’s exactly what I am feeling led to do, to the degree I can, among those called to ministry.

Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in Central and South America.  They are second only to Haiti in the western hemisphere.  Most pastors in this country live on next to nothing! That’s why to me they represent the “one” at the end of the log – struggling unfairly to carry the load.  And that’s why I feel compelled to help them. 

I have committed myself with God’s help to step up for three four-day conferences in 2012 (February, June & November) to help some of these amazing foot-soldiers.  Thirty-five pastors will be selected by the people on the ground in Nicaragua for this unique opportunity.

What we ask from them, beyond a token $5 per conference, is simply their fullest commitment to this training process and a personal openness to be used of God in greater ways to reach and disciple others for Jesus.

I am reaching out to a few in our circle of friends to ask for their prayers and generous help!

MIGHT YOU BE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO SERVE THOSE IN NICARAGUA?

You can do this by helping Glen Pitts our team leader!  He says, "I am praying that God will place it upon some to step up":

• Sponsor who can/will cover the cost of one entire conference - $5,250.  
• Sponsor one pastor:  $150 per conference or $450 for all three conferences. 
• Give what you can - even $10 will go a long way in this very poor country!

THE TEAM RETURNS - BUT REALLY WHERE IS HOME?

THE TEAM HAS RETURNED TO CANADA AND READY TO HEAD BACK TO CENTRAL ASIA AND UKRAINE IMMEDIATELY! 

Not surprising the team is ready to head back.  We all return soon, in fact the return begins in March with the Schoolers and Johnstons heading to Ukraine and then on to Kyrygzstan.  The Wrights will follow just a few weeks behind by arriving into Kyrgyzstan in April.

We will be joined by the Gebeles in April and then later by a team.  (YOU MIGHT WANT TO JOIN THIS TEAM - JUST CONTACT US TO SIGN UP!)

Emma Wright (pictured above) has served as our Life Skill Specialist for over a year at Dayspring.  She lived there and worked with the children.  She was a HUGE asset to the program.  We have loved her stories and her humbleness in all she contributed.  One story she just gave to us really touches our hearts:

She tells of Jenya's first days of going to school once she came to Dayspring.  Emma went to school to pick her up and students wanted to know who Emma was.  Jenya shared that Emma was in her family and that she (Jenya) was now a home girl.

You see - Jenya before coming to Dayspring, Jenya was a street girl, an orphan in her thinking - and she now saw herself as a home girl - a girl having a home, a family.  Oh how the tears flowed when we read Emma's report.

EMMA  - MAY YOU BE BLESSED FOR ALL YOU HAVE GIVEN, FOR BEING A PART OF THE FAMILY..... WE LOVE YOU DEARLY.  Your family will miss you. :(

THE LAMb Team

WHERE ARE THE TEAM MEMBERS FOR LAMB

GLEN PITTS IS IN CANADA - PREPARING TO LEAVE FOR NICARAGUA!

THE WRIGHTS ARE HEADING TO CANADA - HEADING BACK TO KYRYGZSTAN IN THE SPRING OR SUMMER!

THE SCHOOLERS ARE IN BELARUS - HEADING BACK TO UKRAINE AND KYRGYZSTAN IN MARCH!

THE JOHNSTONS ARE IN NORTH AMERICA - HEADING TO UKRAINE AND KYRGYZSTAN IN MARCH!

THE DON BUCHMANS ARE IN ARIZONA - AND STAYING PUT!

THE ADAM BUCHMANS ARE IN OHIO - AND SERVING FROM THE BUCKEYE STATE!

THE GEBELES ARE IN OHIO - HEADING TO KYRGYZSTAN IN APRIL!

Plus we have staff in Ukraine and in Kyrgyzsta. Thought you all might want to know.

SCHOOLER UPDATE - THE LAMb TEAM CONTINUES..

The Journey Continues: LAMb Team Spread Around the World: When I think of the exciting things ahead for the LAMb team, it is awesome to see how God has lead us in ministry and work opportunities aro...

VITAMINS BEING SORTED AND DELIVERED

OUR TEAM HEADS BACK TO CANADA TOMORROW, LED BY JOHN WRIGHT - THE TIME IN KYRGYZSTAN HAS BEEN A MAJOR SUCCESS. The Christmas Blessing continues even now without the team, as our on the ground volunteers and staff continue to carry out parties and deliver gifts to children. In addition, the vitamins have been sorted and are now being delivered. Vitamins will be delivered to the orphanage monthly to ensure children get the vitamins in an ongoing basis - one a day! Imagine what the benefit will be after a year of a consistent vitamin program. As the team returns, we are gearing up to return. We will be taking a team over this spring as well. If you might want to join us - to help and serve those we serve, please contact us. We need you.

Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country with beautiful people and they are WAITING! Join us! The LAMb Team

OUR BABUSHKAS GET HONORED

BABUSHKA VALENTINA

BABUSHKA VERA

WHAT A JOY TO SEE OUR ON THE GROUND TEAM HAS HONORED OUR BABUSHKAS....These dear ladies are so helpful and considerate of our foreign ways. The team took them to dinner and just look at the fun they had!

Babushka Vera and Babushka Valentina (picured) alone have on many occasions stepped into helping us - like when the police came to our door and were yelling about something - never did find out what. However our Babushka Valentina came hurrying down the steps and stepped in front of them - rambled on and on with them. She then tuned to Lynn and asked for his passport. She grabbed his passport - held it with an iron grip and put it in the faces of the police and what we were seeing is the police begin to "melt". She promptly told them to leave and away they went and so did she without another word.

When I left for a couple of weeks and headed to Ukraine - Babushka Vera showed up every day with a little dish of something to feed Lynn. He was well taken care of!

THAT'S OUR BABUSHKAS and the team blessed them today!

THANK YOU TEAM!

GATHERING THE TEAM FOR KYRGYZSTAN

SHORTH TERM MISSION TRIP TO KYRGYZSTAN - OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE...APRIL 28 - MAY 11, 2012. We are inviting you to join us in Kyrgyzstan for the opportunity to serve. If you have been thinking about this - now is the time. Just contact us and we will get you the details. This team will be building a playground at Dayspring, sharing and loving on homeless seniors, working with disabled adults and spending quality time with lots of orphans. We NEED you to extend His hands and feet in meeting needs and bringing HOPE AND DIGNITY to hundreds! LAMb International Short Term Mission Trip - April 28 - May 11, 2012. Contact us at: lambinternational@gmail.com The LAMb Team

THE TRIBUTE - TO OUR TEAM

OUR CHRISTMAS BLESSING HAS TURNED INTO A TRIBUTE TODAY....with bringing our on the ground volunteers and staff to a celebration of thanks. The team hosted a bowling day with all. It was a day of fun filled laughter and good tidings. We are so honoured to have such a great bunch of people who help us over and over again doing what is needed to bring HOPE AND DIGNITY to the hundreds/thousands who cross our path. Check out the rest of the pictures on John's blog: www.actofkindess.blogspot.com The LAMb Team

LYDIA AND HER STORIES

LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN

This new year gives each and everyone a chance to do things differently. I am reminded of something I was shown years ago: a billboard with the words; "RUBY, THINK DIFFERENTLY." I never understood how that billboard appeared and what it meant for others, but as I was driving in San Francisco and saw that, I felt it was specifically for me. Think differently. It can mean many things to many people.

Today, January 2, 2012 I want to encourage everyone to THINK DIFFERENTLY. ENGAGE YOUR LISTENING SKILLS! Find a senior and ask questions, give them time to tell their stories. They have them, they just need someone to listen. Visit a nursing home, a home for the disabled and ask questions - have them share their stories. You will be amazed at the wonderful history that will be revealed. And you will be blessed as you bless!

Lydia in the picture is with James Weening from Ontario - Lydia lives in Kemin Senior Home in Kemin, Kyrgyzstan. She was a teacher and has many stories she loves to tell. We love her dearly and love to listen to her share the different memories she has. Oh yes, some are sad stories too. Like the time her son-in-law kicked her out of the house; the loss of her daughter and her finding herself homeless without a place to live. And then she goes to her blessing - the rescue of her from the streets by Tanya and Cola - the directors at Kemin Senior Home and that she now has a place to live out her life. OH THE STORIES - JUST LISTEN AND LOVE! YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.

BLESSINGS THIS NEW YEAR

THE LAMb Team

OH FOR A PAIR OF BOOTS

THE DELIVERY WAS JUST MADE - TO A HOME FOR DISABLED ADULTS

You need to read the report from our son-in-law and daughter as they made the delivery. We loaded their truck as they left Ontario this week. It was full of very special items of clothing along with a great number of brand new t-shirts for this home where disabled and often forgotten persons live - in Ohio:

"What a blessing Friday to deliver the clothing & talk to some of the staff. Yesterday they went through the clothing and it was like Christmas again. The man who got the boots was so excited he slept in them last night and wouldn't take them off."

This was a very special delivery of clothing to a very special group of people we love and have the honour of visiting from time to time.

THANKS KIM AND RANDY FOR DELIVERING THE BLESSING!

THE LAMb Team!