JESSICA'S FAMILY AS WE LOVINGLY CALL THEM

WHAT A JOY IT IS TO SEE WHEN HELPING REALLY HELPS. Today we visited Jessica's family, and we took lots of goodies over for the children, oranges, bananas, peaches, popped corn, drinks, etc. They were not expecting us, but were overjoyed for us to be there. The children ran inside quickly to tell mom and dad we were there.

As many of you know - the father was given work by one of the men who does a great deal of work for our LAMb Team as a contractor. He worked all winter, but has not had work this summer - as the contractor did not have work. Yet, for the improvements he helped make other places - he improved things at home too!

1. They build a new brick heating unit in their living room (see picture.)
2. Now they have a new cupboard in the kitchen (see picture.)
3. AND PERHAPS BEST OF ALL - they now have water inside the home - (see picture.)
4. They built a little block building to keep wood and coal for their stove.

We were so pleased to visit with them, see their new kittens, and just enjoy the children.

After a short moment - our breath was taken away. Mother told us she has protected the toys we have given the children so they will alway remember us. At that point they ran to the bedroom and brought out an old suitcase (see picture) and opened it. Sure enough, there they were - stuffed animals, hot wheel cars - the entire lot of little toys. Oh my how humbling.

Once again - the common question and statement - "Please don't forget us."

DISTANCE, TIME AND SEPARATION - BUT FORGET - NEVER. THEIR EYES PIERCE OUR VERY BEING.

JESSICA'S FAMILY - RELIEF, RESTORATION, DEVELOPMENT IN ACTION

Little Medlin - coming out of the hospital after his surgery. He was a very brave little boy!


YOU KNOW THEM AS JESSICA'S FAMILY - named after one of our team members, the social worker (Jessica) from Cleveland, Ohio who found them at a park and followed up with finding out more about their family.

Today we see this family growing and developing...here is a brief recap of the involvement with them:

1. Found children hungry at the park, fed them and took them home.
2. Met with mother, father (who was drunk at the time)...took food to the home.
3. Kept in touch with the family - encouraging them and taking RELIEF from time to time.
4. Began to RESTORE the family, had another team from Canada with us and they did a renovation on their home - the family worked along side of us the entire day, painting, renovating and making their home a little safer. This RESTORATION included bringing new beds so each person had a bed to sleep in. It included bringing in a new rug, a table with stools.
5. Continued visiting the family - taking some RELIEF from time to time.
6. Mother decided to bring her children to the Chinese Church where we attend - where she NEVER knew we went there. She was delighted and continues to come to the church with her children and sometimes her husband. They also sometimes attend a little cell group.
7. Our team members John and Julie begin RESTORATION of a home for a widow who was burned out of her home. They hire our favorite contractor - Vlady and he needs a helper. We recall the good work of our father - from Jessica's family - and he is hired to work along side of Vlady and we learn he is DEVELOPING into a great worker. Vlady says he is talented in construction. Our father is not drinking and tells someone, "he cannot drink anymore because Lynn and Ruby will be really mad..."
8. Our family is now doing remodeling on their own home - using funds they have earned by the father working - DEVELOPMENT IN ACTION.
9. Madlen - the second youngest child needs a surgery on his knee and this is beyond the funds they have made or can make at one time. ENTER a sponsor from LAMb and the surgery is complete.

We just wanted you to know the story once again - what an example of RELIEF, RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT - something we are learning and attempting to apply. The book, When Helping Hurts has really made a mark on our team and the work we do for Kingdom Building! THANK YOU SPONSORS FOR HAVING FAITH IN OUR TEAM!

JESSICA'S FAMILY

VISIT TODAY TO TAKE SOME SUPPLIES turned out to be most disturbing. Irnura and her husband were very sad to show us the kitchen and the mold that came over the winter with the leaking roof and moisture that came into the walls.

Last year our Mapleview team did a renovation on the home - working with the family our team plastered the walls in the kitchen and we painted everything. Although the family is doing okay, the mold is causing illness and concern for them.

Father said he could clean and cover the walls with new heavier paint. What to do - we know the dangers of mold. Yet, he will do the work, and get the room once again in better shape. So, we will get him the required materials and this will be the course of action. The family would never be able to afford such materials. For now, they kept the kitchen door closed and kept the children out of that room.

You will remember Medina is the child who now has the new glass eye. She is doing fine and looks beautiful as you can see in the picture. She is their oldest child. The baby - Mealana is growing and is very cute.

This is our little family and we love them. Yet, it is so clear to see how the cruel winter and poverty conditions beats them down again and again. We took a bunch of food - will make a few nice meals - but the bigger picture is dim. Mold, poverty and difficulty finding work. Please pray for Jessica's Family. They are faithful and doing their very best.

IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR THIS FAMILY'S NEEDS - LET US KNOW. THANKS SO MUCH.

"JESSICA'S FAMILY"

JOY OH JOY....helping this little family. Father, mother and older daughter worked along side of our LAMb team all day. Corrie, Jim, Deb, Casaundra, Kristine, Karl, Jayne, David, John, Emma, Vlady, Lynn and Ruby - what a team. We are happy to say the little family is resting safely in their home tonight - amid the confusion outside with the many different riots. Thank you ALL who have helped support this little family. We had a wonderful time with them again and as we prayed for their future, they were just humbled and so greatful for these strangers in their land who brought grace, mercy, hope and dignity. We will return to them - they are our family now - they told us we are their sisters and brothers. WE ARE!