Measuring Time
Entering any new year finds us celebrating a change in time. We anticipate fresh beginnings and make well-intended resolutions, regardless of woes encountered just days before the proverbial “ball drops.” Measuring time makes change imaginable, like the universe is saying – “Here’s another chance. “
Among the Least Project SASA means Develop NOW. The measurement of time should not control when we decide to improve our lives and the lives of others. That choice is always with us, especially if faith is placed in a Savior who promises that “today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Jesus offers opportunities for His work to happen all the time. Every day is an occasion to experience Him working through people, situations, life.
As we reflect on how God’s hand moved in our measurement of time, gratefulness, in spite of hardship, overwhelms our hearts with joy. Just look and see His goodness:
1. Kenya: Coordinator, Carolyne, manages a sewing project DIGGS training. She’s also preparing an initial project to help keep young women in school. She continues meeting with women’s accountability groups for bible study, runs her GRACE shop, and sees hopeful futures for her two sons. Evangelism and discipleship continue to be her passions. Please pray as she identifies a young apprentice for sewing instruction and retail business.
AtL water project is undeveloped due to continued Covid restrictions. Our goal is to equip others to build and manage the product while sharing that Jesus is life-giving water.
Thanks to two recent donations, AtL is able to match the purchase of a new sewing machine, making the total 5! They will be loaned to women who have been discipled in work ethics and tailoring skills. We also received generous funds to designate toward SASA projects.
2. Stateside: AtL’s ethical adoption support blesses families in the process of adopting. Please pray as two families navigate journeys to welcome children home.
Thanks to churches and not-for-profits’ donations, AtL partners with an asylum hosting team called Xenia. The focus is to host and help integrate asylum seekers into community as they navigate their legal processes. Currently two guests have enjoyed the program’s benefits. The current guest is now employed and working on getting her driving license. She has a beautiful baby that everyone loves to hold.
Mark and Lisa, AtL’s Field directors, continue to administer projects along with serving in the immigration arena. After Lisa successfully completed World Relief’s 40 Hour Immigration Law training and maintains contact with Villanova’s VIISTA program, Lisa has assisted in submitting visa applications for human trafficking cases and prepared Afghan Evacuee asylum applications. As Lisa apprentices under a Denver-based attorney, she has pending plans to help with DACA renewals and unaccompanied minors crossing global borders. Of course, all this happens in conjunction with Mark’s muscles. He’s literally the right-hand man! The seriousness of scriptures concerning refugees in our midst compels them to keep serving the Lord in this space. Below is an excerpt from Lisa’s journal:
“Immigration ministry includes a consistent need to measure time and convert it. Starting with Ethiopian and Afghan calendars, that range from seven to thousands of years of differences from our Georgian calendar, this demands redating life events, sometimes from 1384 into 2022. The tedious task consumes valuable time, but is necessary for accurate petition submissions. Yet, regardless of the precision needed in calculations, I’m reminded that God measures time outside our spheres.
Walking with those who’ve escaped severe persecution and entered into a distressing immigration system, reveals that time is not only measured by filing deadlines, or mandatory dates. It’s more importantly measured in ‘its fullness,’ – when God became human to share reconciliation with us.
Who knows what any year might bring? What we do know is Jesus provides the measurement of time to carry redemption, to offer His reconciliation to a wounded world (Galatians 4:4-7, Ephesians 5:16, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21).”
As AtL Board members, we desire to faithfully give oversight to the programs of this organization. Our friendship and concerns are to compassionately serve the least among us. We send you many thanks for your kind support, and blessings for a new year measured by God’s abounding grace.
Dave Nasralla Chair
Becky Thompson Secretary
Vicki Hujus Treasurer
Carolyne Auma Kenya Coordinator
Mark and Lisa Hauger. Field Directors