Both Mary and I have had some doctor-ordered down time for the month of February. Mary had pneumonia and I had a bronchial infection. We were instructed to stay home and rest. Having such a restriction does have its upside. It gave us time to think.
So, over the past few weeks we have looked back at these almost 9 years and have marveled at how our mission, our work, and our very lives, have been sustained by a whole lotta love.
Spanning over 3100 days, four addresses in two different countries, and a total makeover of our purpose here, so many wonderful people have made it possible… through love.
Thank you falls short of showing our appreciation. The best way to show our gratitude is to do the best job possible with the gifts we have been given.
So, to all of you who have supported us in the past or present. To all of you who will support us in the future. For every gift of prayer. For every encouraging card, email, or letter. For every act of caring, regardless of size or shape… here is what you’ve helped to accomplish in Serbia:
- Two Camps for underprivileged children. Time where they had the chance to just be kids in a safe environment. Time where they had the opportunity to hear of the love of Jesus, possibly for the first time.
- An Education Camp where over 70 kids had a blast without ever realizing…they were learning stuff!!!
- You loved on the Middle Eastern refugees as they passed through Serbia at the height of the crisis. You helped to distribute food, shoes, and personal hygiene items to people literally fleeing for their lives. You also helped to provide medical help right along the dirt roads they tread on their way to Croatia and Hungary.
- Two free medical clinics in Roma villages. Over 150 men, women, and children were poked, prodded, and otherwise checked out by a team of doctors and nurses. Many of these check ups were routine, two ended up being life savers. (One man was diagnosed with cancer, another had blood sugar and blood pressure so high he was in stroke territory. Neither knew they were ill)
- Some Extreme Makeovers, where we were able to make repairs, clean, and paint. It looked like DIY kinda stuff, but the recipients knew it was an expression of your love.
- Over 60 families had warmer winters because of firewood deliveries. When you cannot afford electricity, and someone has torn the radiators and pipes out of the house to sell as scrap, firewood is your only other choice to keep from freezing.
- Six families completed “Launchpad”, the pre-school prep program. The second series of workshops had started in early February but has been on hold until we get the green light from our doctor to go back out into the world. (Which we hope is this week!!)
- 27 kids in school through our sponsorship program. Our first graduate has been working for almost 2 years now as a chef! This year we have another high-school grad and our first student to complete university.
We may have missed some things, but the picture is quite clear. You’ve been doing a great job! Keep up the good work. Be blessed. Be a blessing.
Paul and Mary
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
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