From a Building to Relationships

As we have built on this land, we have also built relationships. Our staff has done a beautiful job developing trust and friendship with the neighboring farmers. They are already working together and sharing things (water, power, etc.) in order to bless one another. Having the farmers like us will help in keeping our kids safe. So we will continue to work on those relationships. Perhaps the kids can even help with harvesting and get some of the crops in exchange. It could be very fun for them, as well as a blessing to have that fresh food. We are excited to see what comes of these relationships.

One really special moment was in January when a team was visiting the land. The neighbors requested that we come and pray over them and their land. These neighbors are Hindu. So they accept many gods. But they have seen the power of our God through the blessings He has given us with this land and this home. They believe our God has power and they want His blessings to fall on them as well. It was sweet to be welcomed to lay our hands on them and pray blessings over them. We boldly asked that they come to know the Lord through the home and the kids. After we prayed, they were excited to offer us gifts of the food they are growing. They were so proud to be able to share it with us. And they should be. They are working hard to produce some delicious food. These relationships are a blessing and it was exciting to see them. Please pray for continued blessing in relationship. 

From Land to a Building

Well, it's been a little while since there's been a post here. We apologize for not keeping this blog updated. That will change starting now. We are so grateful for all of you who support our ministry and care about the work we are doing. We want to share it all with you. Sometimes it can be hard to find the words to communicate all that has happened, but we will try our best.

The first thing we can update you on is the home we shared about in the last post. It has been a slow process, but it is coming along! We are very excited  about the progress we have seen. We had our first party inside the building in January. It may not look like this would be possible, but it was! It was very exciting to celebrate what God has done. There were many smiles, and laughter filled the building. It felt like a big family was together for a very special reason. 

The home is on the outskirts of the city in the countryside and it is a beautiful area. The kids will be able to run and play outside. What a blessing this will be! They will also have a garden. It will be a better place for kids to spend their time than in the city. We have developed good relationships with the neighbors and anticipate that being a blessing as well. We can't wait to see this building finished! 

Thank you to those of you who have made this building possible. We are so grateful. It will make a huge difference for the ministry. It has brought so much hope for the future. Thank you.

Our Work in India Today

All the children and staff of Project Father Heart are standing over the footprint of where the new home will be built.  We were so excited to pray over each corner of the home!

“He gave us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning; a garment of praise instead of despair.  So they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified”!             Isaiah 61:3

 

I just returned from India, and I wanted to share an update with you!  My first few days there were spent buying fall/holiday merchandise with Ricci Harke (my daughter).  We found beautiful fabrics in scarves, fresh pieces of silver, adorable purses, and inexpensive fun jewelry.   I will be coming to Illinois to attend TRI Socials with all the new items in November.  Hope to see you there! (All proceeds will go to Christmas gifts for the children of Project Father Heart and Zion Childrens home in India). 

BUT BETTER YET, we have a wonderful PRAISE report!

We have all the money for the 3 story “safe home” pledged to Child Restoration!   In November (just next month), we are praying to break ground on this home.  The children are all doing well scattered here and there, but we all realize how much our hearts ache to be under one roof again.  David, in particular, dreams about “all of us living in a home and dancing together on the rooftop again!”  It seems that our faithful God is fulfilling his prophetic vision right before our eyes.

We (Project Father Heart trustees and myself) approved a building that satisfies the requirements of the government, while still “feeling” like a home!  It has been a huge effort with many sacrificial hours and financial resources given  (especially by the Project Father Heart leaders and within the Oaks Community of Galesburg, IL).  We have renewed hope for the children’s future in that “land of milk and honey” God has given us.  It will be a center of discipleship where all who come are loved deeply and challenged to fulfill the call of God on their lives.  We are praying to have at least two floors finished before the monsoons (June, 2016)!

Now, we need to raise the funding for the beds and bedding , playground, tables and chairs, as well as other outdoor spaces.  If you or anyone you know is interested in helping with any of these projects, please contact me and I will give you specifics!  (All contributions to Child Restoration/U-Turn, Inc. are tax-deductible).  Plus, we now have a DONATE button on our website.

God has been and always will be faithful.   It is to Him that we give all the glory for these wonderful blessings; “grace upon grace…we have all received”!

This letter comes with much love and gratefulness to all of you who continue to stand with us for these children!

For the cause of Christ,

Brenda Lewis