Birthdays, Blessings and Chicken Pox

It has been a few days since the last post, but not because nothing is happening. Quite the opposite, just too much to do. We are preparing to enroll 21 children in school. And for various reasons, not all are going to the same school. Because of school, it necessitated the need for birth certificates and a search ensued. We found some of the new children were not the ages we thought. Patricia just turned 9, where as Katherin as of this weekend just turned 11. Lisa, as usual, made a way to have a nice birthday for her on very little, a Princess castle piñata and all. She was ecstatic and continued hugging and kissing into the next day saying thank you. Considering she now knows the date, it was her first real birthday.

We found from her records that others think the same as we do, she might be a little learning disabled…ie possibly a different school. Because of our low support level and the large group of children, we could no longer continue putting them in the Christian school in town. God’s mercy is anew each morning because, when one door closes in the LORD’s work another opens. He seems to have opened a receptive door in the small public school near the property for most of the children. After a meeting with the teacher she welcomed our ideas and help. We will be helping them acquire another teacher for the 100 children. Plus supply some of their curriculum and teach Bible classes, English classes and supplement in other areas. They need fans in the classrooms, playground equipment, someone to mow ect. Since the children’s Lighthouse is across the street it will be convenient in the future. But for now it will be costly getting new uniforms, shoes, books paying for an extra teacher (a Christian) ect ect. But less than the christian school. Just for good measure, a round of chicken pox has hit our new kids…and it seems a 2nd time for Jr. and just before school starts too….never a dull moment.

We finally had to let our grounds keeper go that came with the Lighthouse property, when purchased: for numerous reasons. He was a major help in construction, upkeep and security, but circumstances dictated the time to remove him. We have struggled financially since the beginning to keep him there for security and maintenance, which is ever needful. We overlooked many faults because of his strong work testimony and we are not living there. (still a ways to go). If it is not guarded things will disappear. In this he did well, but when one of the girls voiced privately with me she was scared to go to the property because of his actions toward her, the totality of it all could no longer be overlooked.(nothing bad happened, but prudence dictated if the door was open a little, it would be wider later). So now Lisa and I have separated. She stays with Jr and a few kids, then we rotate. We do need full time security and help on the property. (like everyplace here, even the pepsi delivery truck goes around with armed guards). If not Lisa or I will need to be onsite 24/7 even after moving there.

An armored truck was robbed last week here just moments after I was at the same atm. I had noticed some strange men hanging around the atm, but did not make the connection till driving back past 15 minutes later. A guard was killed during the robbery and later 3 thieves were killed just outside of town in a police shootout… Though I walk through the valley…. Your prayers are always in use here thank you…

We are also preparing for a church group to come and visit on the 14th of February for a week or so to help build on the lighthouse. We are prepping the building and building windows and doors for them to install while here. As well as maybe a little tile and bathroom work. The kitchen sink cement base was built and cement shelf and counters as well as stuccoing all the openings, the kitchen and office space. All in hopes to install them and secure at least part of the building…closer to moving in. Still need much to be done, more stucco, more doors, a security fence (more needful now), a well drilled, put up the transformer, more cement work, water drainage from buildings ect. Always in need of prayer. Please share this with church family and friends. If you know of a church one of the men volunteering to represent us could visit please let us know. The ministry is woefully under funded, as it grows and responsibilities grow, even more so. It is one of our greatest needs. More ministering saints to lighten the burden on all. Thank you to all those ministering saints for helping bear the load this far, the LORD has truly been good.

Unworthy servant to a Worthy Saviour,

Barry