20 kids living in the Children’s Home, 9 Missionary and Staff kids, and 22 Day Program kids!
Early in 2012 we had a couple and a recent college graduate who each spent a couple of months here working with our kids and doing some much-needed construction and maintenance projects. Then over the summer we had 5 interns who spent a month to 6 weeks with us. Also during the summer months we hosted 6 teams who represented 8 different churches from 4 different states. The teams were a huge blessing, bringing in backpacks with school supplies for all our kids, a great supply of Pull-Ups and baby wipes, new toys for our Preschool and play rooms, and all kinds of gifts and goodies for the children. They came in prepared for sports camps and VBS as well as countless hours of work projects—painting bedrooms, constructing bunk beds, building and outside dish-washing area, painting the classrooms and main entry wall to our facility, bathroom repairs, and so much more! Most importantly, they showered our children with love and attention.
At the beginning of the school year we made changes to our school program, so now two of our teachers give classes in the morning and again in the afternoon, while the teachers for the younger students come only in the afternoon. We have kids who go to the public school and study here on their “off” session. We have others who only study here because they never had the opportunity to attend school before coming to us. For example, we have quite a few teens that are just now learning to write their name, form letters and numbers, and do basic addition and subtraction.
Now, as we’re entering 2013 we’re praying for God to bless us with his spirit of wisdom and understanding…as new children come and seek a home, as we parent the 51 kids we currently have, as we need to hire new staff, as we deal with the every-day comings and goings in the Children’s Home. As God brings us to your mind, please make this your prayer as well—for us to be filled with His spirit of wisdom and understanding.
*This program exists because there is no such thing as day care or after-school care here, so single parents who work have nowhere to send their kids. Many rely on neighbors or family members to care for their children, while others resort to locking their kids in their home to keep them “safe.”
Jeanne Sisco
Bless you always in all ways!
Chuck Gallo
Keep up the good work! You guys are an inspiration.
carol whitman
I’m so amazed by all you are doing. You are such a blessing to the children. Thank God for your faithfulness. I miss you guys.
Wanda Johnson
Thanks for the update! Dwight and I enjoy hearing about your ministry! Thank you for all you do for these precious children! I am still amazed that God brought you, Melissa, to a Kid’s Crusade I conducted where you and your sisters gave your hearts to God…. then allowed us to be your family’s pastor and wife so we could watch you grow and mature in Him…and now look at you!! WOW…God is so good!! Love yall and praying for you!