Birthday

Happy Birthday, Matante

And here she is receiving a token of our love and appreciation as we celebrated her 74th birthday.  Matante is the matriarch of the ESPWA family and has been an inspiration to us all.

May God bless you, Matante, with health and happiness. 

Good News

The abducted boy is back with his relieved and happy mother.  The police called last night at 12:30 and wanted the mother to go pick up her son at the police station.  The boy is fine and was not really aware of the situation.
At least four people have been arrested.  It is a sad and horrific story that ended well.  Your prayers and support were instrumental and we are grateful.
Today is Matante's birthday and she said that God could not have given her a more precious gift than this child's safe return home.

Abduction Update

The police have made some headway in the abduction case of the child of one of our employees.  Don't want to divulge too much but have to say that the police and the UN folks assisting them have been working this case hard.  They are optimistic that things will be resolved very soon.  The mother has been through the gamut of emotions as you can imagine but has received lots of local support.  Your prayers are very much appreciated.  

Georgia

We have visitors from Georgia with us this week.  Some are helping in the clinic and others with small jobs around the place.  Here's a shot from this afternoon of some of them playing soccer with our little guys.  Fun was had by all.

URGENT REQUEST

Please pray for the son of one of our employees who was abducted this afternoon.  The kidnapper called the mother with a demand for an exaggerated amount of money which she simply does not have.  Please, please ask all your family and friends to pray for a peaceful solution.  This is unbelievably difficult for the mom and, I'm sure, for the boy.  The staff and children here are shocked and need prayers, too.

Evenson

Here's Evenson receiving physical therapy on the leg which was severely damaged in the motorcycle accident.  The doctors had to cut his thigh (he'll have a long scar to remind him of this time) to release the accumulated blood or he could have lost his leg.  Amy and Gemma (above) are ER nurses from PA and they are here helping us this week.  What a Godsend!

Tough economic times

Here's a photo of Anne Netty, our Human Resources Director, speaking to a gathering of our employees.  We met with them to announce the negative impact of the worldwide economic crisis and what this means for us.  Because our revenues from donations are down we have to eliminate jobs, cut back on services and focus exclusively on the care of the children.  Employees are scared as most are the single providers for their families.  This is a tough time for us and we appreciate your support and prayers.  

Outreach

Evens, Senat, Lifaite and Ecclesias

The four above along with Mackentoche prepared a day of reflection, play and food for the children of a small village near Camp-Perrin.  Most of the parents are illiterate and the kids are destined to follow in their footsteps.  Our older boys have been working with these youngsters and we are very proud of their efforts and success.  This program was funded by Pastor Lori and friends.  Our young men were interviewed by a local radio host who congratulated them for their altruism.  One responded by saying that it is only natural to want to share something of value with others.

Sometimes folks ask me if we have any success stories.  Well, if this doesn't qualify, what does?

Parachute

Friends from SoCal are here and they spent time this afternoon with some of our boys playing various parachute games.  The boys preferred running underneath the parachute no matter which game was being played.  End result: fun for all.

Castin

Say "Hello" to Castin, one of our little guys, who was out having a blast with our visitors this afternoon.