Some of you know the
difficult trail we’re enduring with our little guy who’s been living with
us for 9 months. To avoid lots of painful explanation, let’ simply say we’re in
the formal adoption process and since Kenyan law does not allow us to pre-select
a child, we had to return little guy to the orphanage till we’re legally
approved (yes, much tears shedding). It seems the powers that be
never followed up on foster placement paperwork that would have allowed him to
stay with us during the adoption process.
Although Mark ran the 11 flights of stairs regularly to check our foster
status, he never saw a social worker. Now,
it’s too late. According to the
orphanage, we didn’t do anything wrong. It’s a paperwork mistake on the authorities part that’s costing all involved significant heartache. Sounds
confusing, eh? Just imagine how baffled we are and how bewildered little guy is… If you want personal updates and ways you can pray for us concerning
this, please request them. It’s not information we want to generally share, but we would truly appreciate intercession on our family's behalf.
Now, because we’re
experiencing such hardship, many advise us to take a break from ministry.
On the contrary, we don’t do
ministry. We are ministers, and we can’t stop being who we are regardless of
life’s ups and downs. Being ministers to the poor in Kenya is our joy. The burdens that come with living here might
feel overwhelming, but God’s grace overflows, and it’s a divine distraction
from our pain to help others through theirs.
With that said, here’s our
update, praise reports and prayer requests…
The Women of Worth (WOW)
mamas have started a new project. With a
small donation of funds and resources, they will begin sewing washable sanitary
napkins for young girls. In many
developing nations, when a female student has her monthly cycle, she can’t attend
school because she does not have proper hygiene supplies. This constant isolation reflects in bad
attendance, weak grades and overall missed learning opportunities. We want to
bring a solution to that problem. After
making packages of 7 pads , including a bar of soap and a tract explaining the
love of God through Jesus Christ, WOW
mamas will distribute these gifts to needy girls. Bonus? The mama's receive a fair wage for their labor to help them pay school fees for their children.
Last month we helped
facilitate an amazing leadership conference that welcomed pastors from all over
Kenya, Uganda and Brundi. We assisted with everything from transport to
organizing intercession. It was
refreshing to share teaching on integrity and watch ministers respond to God’s
call for holiness.
Always good to make friends with security at a leadership conference. |
We also participated in a
solemn assembly of recognizing the gifts God has placed in the body of Christ
for leadership. The work we’ve done to
equip the church to care for the poor was appreciated – a humbling honor.
Finally, Taleah and Tavin are
good overall, exceling in school and joining the mock United Nations program
that will being this spring. Tavin was
sponsored to be in the Mater Hospital Heart Run and he came in FIRST! Yep, that lone runner behind the police
escort is Tavin! (2nd photo)
Praise the Lord with us for:
· Sustained good health for our Kenyan friends
and us.
· Protection from accidents and random acts of
violence.
· Fruitfulness in the lives of the widowed/single
mamas.
· Peace in the midst of spiritual storms.
Please pray with us for:
· Continued healing in all our hearts during this
transition time with little man.
· The adoption process moves forward, undaunted
by complications.
· The land issues surrounding the church will
keep on the path of complete resolution.
· The shipping container project – wisdom,
provision.
· The least among us will place their trust in
Jesus and find hope fulfilled in Him.
"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength... because I know
whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I
have entrusted to Him
until that day." 2 Tim.
Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.
May the Lord bless you for your kindness to us.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0o