Open Doors = ...

Open doors = opportunity.  
Opportunity = a set of circumstances that make it possible to do something. 

Opportunity for us = the mission:
  • to serve the least among us.
  • to walk alongside those fathering the fatherless and share the widows' burdens. 
  • to treat others as Jesus' image bearer, and teach the supremacy of Christ in all things.  
  • to equip believers to care for orphans and widows in their country and help them prevent generational patterns of oppression, prostitution and slavery. 

 Opportunity for this little boy = to live:
  •  meet Jesus and learn about God's unconditional love.
  •  attend school. 
  •  regularly eat nutritious food. 
  •  daily drink clean water.
  •  avoid the orphanage and stay with his mom.

Yes, asante sana for your kindness.
It has opened many doors of opportunity!

hugs from the haugers Ooo0o 
Field Directors, Among the Least
PO Box 3543 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Church Today

What to wear to church in Kenya 
when the property is flooded?

  Sunday best, of course.  
Just roll up the pants.


What to do as a pastor when hooligans and 
thugs show up at church with machetes and rip 
                     down fences, destroy buildings and threaten the people?
                                         Worship the Lord, of course.
                                     And know He who calls is faithful.


How was church today for you?

Eternal Gifts

Your gifts helped us bring the good news of Living Water and potable water to a village and widowed mamas.

 
Your gifts helped us teach healthy transition and attachment 
practices and to orphan caregivers, reminding them that 
Heavenly Father adopted them when they were abandoned in sin.

Your gifts helped us minister to single and widowed mamas who are neglected and victimized in this developing society.  These mamas learn who they are in Christ and who Christ is in them. 

Your gifts helped us feed and care for forgotten children, showing them God's love.

Your gifts help us carry the gospel of God's kingdom to the poor in Jesus name.

Remembering each prayer, encouragement and support that's helped us be God's messengers of grace here in Kenya... 

We offer our simple gift of thanks.

May the Lord bless you for your kindness.

hugs from the haugers Ooo0o


Change



Change.

Everything that grows changes.

As the not-for-profit CARE grows, it experiences changes.

Let me tell you about a BIG change… but first, a little background  -

Mark and I have been a big part of CARE from its inception in 2000 (along with some AWESOME adoptive families). It started as a small adoption support/advocacy group and has grown to a remarkable organization that awards grants to adoptive families, participates in an annual River Run for Orphans, facilitates adoption trainings and acts as a clearinghouse for adoption resources and education.

The work CARE does in Kenya, as CARE4Nations, affects the core of orphan prevention by helping mamas raise their children instead of abandoning them to orphanages. The ministry assists widowed/single mamas with discipleship and biblical business practices - learning to serve Jesus and earn an honest wage. By God's grace we also started a school for neglected children, provide bio-sand filters through evangelistic outreach to places needing potable water, work at an orphanage and a boarding school for physically challenged kids.



You donations labor hard through volunteer efforts 
to bring vulnerable children the support they need to grow in families.
 
There’s that word again - grow. We’re happy to see CARE grow and experience change. Our new board members and their fresh creativity have introduced an innovative change... 

CARE has been re-branded as Among the Least.

This name change more accurately reveals the vision, work and growth of the ministry.  We are now Field Directors of Among the Least.

Finally, you might have noticed on your tax receipt that CARE’s exempt status was  re-evaluated by the IRS. We’re pleased to report (CARE) Among the Least has been reinstated retroactively.
Your donations can be sent to:
 Among the Least
 PO Box 3543, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
or
 thru paypal at amongtheleast.org
or 
Restoration Fellowship
PO Box 2757
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
A huge "asante sana" to all who partner with us 
through support, prayers and encouragement. 
Your giving make an eternal difference in the lives of widows and orphans.

Feel free to google tiltingbalance.blogspot.com to read amazing stories of God’s grace in Kenya and look for our new blog commonbecomesholy.com coming soon.

Find more information about the organization at amongtheleast.org.
 
Blessed to be a blessing,
mark and ~lisa hauger
Field Directors for Among the Least, Kenya
+254705707339

Strong Courage

As I post this, Taleah has finished school and is practicing the violin.  Mark just got in from taking Henry back to the orphanage and is helping get dinner on the table.  I spent my day with women - praying, planning, organizing the future.  Only a week ago we were laughing with friends in Pagosa... Now's the time we reflect and appreciate everyone who loved on us so well.  Thank you for your help, support, listening ears, wise advice and encouragement.  Below is my first journal entry this time around. God's calling us to be brave.  What about you?  What's God calling you to?

Here we are again, on the other side of the world, trading quiet, crisp Colorado daybreak with humid city sounds. 


Sunrise from Lisa's sister's home in Pagosa Springs, CO
The morning air drips wet and warm and I sip milky Kenyan brew from a tin cup, listening… birds’ song mixes with children’s laughter, traffic jostles with toots and rattles, women outside our bougainvillea fence chatter as they walk along, wood piled high on cloth-wrapped heads. 
  
But I hear more then this African life teaming around me.  I hear God.  He speaks to my heart in a familiar rhythm, with ancient words,  

“Be strong and courageous.” 

You would think by now I’d be used to moving into the unknown…
As a wild teen living on my own, to a wife with little strength, with children adopted from difficult places, to living among the least in a culture far from my own, to adopting another…

“Be strong and courageous.”

I have no grid for the next move… the one where we leave behind a son to gain another.  It’s not like we ignore the tall 16 year old, grown from a forgotten seed into a stout sapling whose roots need water – lots of water to continue flourishing.  Yet, we also can’t overlook the small one waiting for something he needs that he never knew existed – a family.


“Be strong and courageous.”

If that’s not enough… ministry surrounds us on every side. 
  • We want to send a shipping container full of useful donated items to empower the local church to minister to the poor.  The container would then serve as a resource building on the church property.
  • We desire to help develop a curriculum that trains both orphan caregivers and short-term missions teams to understand healthy attachment practices.
  • We need to advance the already existing programs - pure water evangelism and micro-finance discipleship - to become completely sustainable. 
  • We long to love the Lord and others and share joy unspeakable and full of His glory.
“Be strong and courageous.”

So amidst the noisy busyness enveloping me, vying for attention, constantly knocking for more, I listen for His voice. I hear His Word guiding us through the unknown, providing wisdom, nurturing encouragement. In the shadow of giants, He teaches us... 
“Be strong and courageous." 
Joshua 1:9

Looming storm in Summitville, CO.
Taleah being brave floating into Niagara Falls (free day ride).
Tavin being strong and courageous in CO (Notice Africa...)

 

Watch for our new blog coming soon...  


 
Kumshukuru Mungu kwa ajili yenu!
(Thanking God for you!)

the haugers Ooo0o

Being REAL

   Ever try to take a family photo and it seems like nobody will cooperate?

  And when they FINALLY decide to gather together, silliness happens?

The photo may never be "perfect." but then, 
what is "perfect" but just pretending?
Thanks for letting us be REAL...
for helping us share our hearts, 
caring for our vision and being kind to our dreams.  
We're grateful for your prayers, encouragement and support. 

Our plans to travel back to minister in Kenya - November 13th. 
First, we visit family in Ohio and New York, 
participate in a short term mission conference and 
continue the conversation of serving the fatherless.
Psalm 82:3-4, James 1:27
  

Donations can be made to: Restoration Fellowship 
and attach a sticky note: "for haugers."
Mail to PO Box 3543
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
 

Beautiful Scratching


We’ve been back in Pagosa for 3 weeks now. The early mornings find me on my sister’s patio watching the sun peak over the San Juan Mountains.

Quiet time.
Seriously quiet compared to noises clamoring for attention outside our compound in Kisumu, Kenya - a city of almost 2 million. “Tuk, tuk, tuk” rattles, beeping horns, buzzing motor bikes, and voices exchanging business in Luo and Swahili while children's sing-song repetition of numbers carries from the small tent school across the road.
Now, enjoying the slightly crisp air of Colorado, I feel more than I hear. A soft breeze stirs. Sun streaks across pages of my bible and hits my face with warmth. Aspens’ slight tinge of fall dance on slender boughs.




 
Yes, it’s quiet. 
I’ve been quiet. Not writing, not “unloading” the thoughts that churn my mind in the slums of Kisumu among the broken. For a few weeks I silently watch graceful trees stretch strong into the end of summer. The mountain peaks, a skyline scratching across enormous blue.

I realize I know that strong stretching, a beautiful scratching.

Weathered-white bark enduring seasons of change. Rocky peaks rising from the ground and scratch their rough edges against the heavenly expanse without leaving scars.

I know that beautiful scratching.

For me, it’s about a love that outlasts pain…



His course little black head sweating against my chest, and I cuddle his small body. Praying. He wiggles down, scraping my arms with rough hair - unkept, unwashed, ringworm patches hidden under moist tight curls. That evening the scratches on my arm’s tender part raise angry red.

Painful.
Loving sometimes does that.



Remembering, experiences flood me and thoughts of charcoal-black mamas embracing hungry babies, wide-eyed and unresponsive with suffering that bites their hearts yet carries hope that keeps looking. Crippled children ignore their oozing sores, crawling along chipped cement because they see us coming and their longing for a touch, a smile will come true that day, even if it’s just for a day.

The lavish cost of loving includes the scratching, the scraping, the grating, the aching wounds.





Why?

Because it’s worth it.

It’s worth taking a risk, to be hurt, to live hard so others might live free. I don’t think people were made to stay comfortable, and I wonder if we resist suffering at the expense of loosing our ability to truly care.

Love in it’s purest form is raw, and real and firm, not wavering because He, LOVE made flesh, might take my hand and move me to search in the ugliness of life to find beauty.

Jesus loved.

Without reserve.

He, who could have walked in the cushioned kingdoms of men, chose to live within empty painful places, filled with lost, lonely people. His love stretched strong across the expanse of humanity. He accepted the sore scratching, knowing in the end His wounds would let us love without enduring eternal scars.

That’s how we share a horrible crisis like death, enter unimaginable struggles with children, travel into darkness to bring light. We do it with grace and pervading peace because it’s not the throbbing sting that lasts, it’s His LOVE.

In my quiet, I’ve see this, in the mountain crests surrounding me, like carving a message in a tree that grows high with boughs that can carry the weight.
A beautiful scratching.




Requesting Prayer

Yes, as a good friend said well - our little guy who's waiting is the "E." 
Lisa? Well, she's the photographer.

Habari ako dear Friends.
 

First, I want to thank the many who responded to my (Lisa) last post with gracious words of encouragement.  The experiences this last year have tried us - from months of political upheaval that sporadically fueled riots, tear gas, automatic weapon fire and death, to consistent relationship challenges among those we serve; gossip, jealousy and greed - reduced communication to unwanted confrontations. But thank GOD, whose love covers us; those with repentant hearts grew stronger. Ministry among the least calls for commitment and integrity. Where the enemy holds tight straps of bondage, our Father’s amazing grace releases freedom. We refuse to give up; we’ve seen those who sit in darkness embrace His redeeming light. Hope matters.

As we prepare to travel stateside, we know prayer will help us stay focused. Below are some requests. We would sooooooo appreciate knowing you are lifting us up before His throne room.


1.  Praise God! We finally had our long awaited home study. After months of praying, waiting and numerous cancellations (actually no-shows) we hosted a children’s department representative for all of 20 minutes. We’re tentatively “approved,” pending some unexplained requirements where she’ll “get back to us.”  The little guy we long to take as our son was abandoned in a tea field.  He manages mild cerebral palsy. I can’t even write how much he’s a part of us, how difficult it is to leave him behind. Please pray for him to know the Father’s comfort while we’re separated. (Immigration requirements forbid him to travel.) 

2.  Please pray for traveling mercies, smooth flights, easy connections and  maybe some unexpected blessing to overtake us. We could use an uncomplicated journey. 

3.  Please pray for those managing the ministry while we’re away – Carolyne, David, George, Mary and Gaudencia. 

4.  Please pray for the widowed mamas and their families. 

5.  Please pray for the children at Joyland School for the Disabled and the orphans at New Life Home (where our little guy lives). 

6.  Please pray for our family to make healthy transitions, knowing that God - the Maker of all destinies - is at work in our lives.



Asante sana for the kindness you’ve shown to us. We want to also pray for you.   Send your requests. We’ve got plenty of “airport time” to intercede!  Feel free to contact us if you would like to catch up. We’re excited to know whatGod is doing in your lives and share more about what God is doing in Kisumu,Kenya. We’ll give contact information when were in Pagosa on August 10th.
 
Mungu akubariki Rafikis.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0o

My Truth About Tired

Once again, it's been a while since I've posted; I really don't know why... Trying to put my finger on the reason I currently avoid a task I yearned for - writing about all God does in the lives we share in Kenya. Maybe my aversion to posting is due to the fact that we're winding down another year here, and it's time to take Tavin back to Pagoga to enroll him in 10th grade; I'm engaging in an "ignorant-bliss-thought-pattern" concerning the inevitable of leaving my son on the other side of the world.  Maybe I've not written because the constant influx of visitors, whom we LOVE, absorb our attention. Instead of writing posts, we spend our time watching them see God in the faces of the forgotten. Maybe I don't post because I constantly forget I use a wheelchair, that my muscles are tired. I'm tired. The reality is - chosen comforts allude those who cry out for the fatherless.

Yes, I'm tired; but, it's a content tired - the tired that knows I put in a good day. The connecting with widowed mamas and seeing them engage in ministry. The sweet closing of my eyes and seeing interns from stateside colleges and universities embrace the challenge of loving the unlovable. Knowing the peaceful certainty that God is moving in the miracle realm - not the miracles that happen in seconds, but the miracles God preforms over lifetimes - interconnecting passions, destinies with hopes that don't disappoint. Just speaking of these things makes me want to curl up under my mosquito net and slip into gentle thoughts of mercy and graceful justice, remembering daily experiences of wounded ones being restored.

I will never tire of the joys of hugging children rescued from pit latrines and lonely tea fields. Imagine watching the needs of those neglected - silent with crippled limbs and empty days - enjoy books and colors so they can learn about God's great glories of friendship and belonging. Helping widowed mamas know their ability to raise their children. Sharing with Kenyan churches about missions and adoption. These things inspire me to know that even in my weariness, Jesus carries me. All I am, all I do belongs to Him.

I think I haven't written because I've come to a place where words don't work. I can't find the way to bring you here on paper; so, I leave the keyboard quiet and embrace the work God set before me. I'm grateful for that honor, that privilege. Thank you, Dear Ones, for helping us love the least of these.









 

 
 
 

 


 
 
Asante sana for your encouragement, support and prayers.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0

Library Day: Starting From Scratch


Today, children who opportunity doesn't see, found books for joy.

It was a day that started years ago...

A small mountain town on the other side of earth collected books long forgotten.
These treasures waited in storage, cocooned in closets. Then shipping crates, traveling countries and oceans, landed in this neglected place. 

Today, these treasures opened in hands that rarely hold, to eyes that hardly ever see the glory of pictures, and in ears that long to hear stories.

Imaginations unfolded. 

Today, a young Somali boy shared Anne Frank's journey. Another imagined adventures with Louis L'Mour. Some colored the continent of their birth - a map they've never known.  Still more lost themselves in puzzles and images making the empty day full of learning. The world of knowledge - so familiar we might have forgotten it's deep value if not for today - Library Day at Joyland.













Aro camano Kiki and Carolyne 
for helping to organize and catalog these paper treasures.
Asante sana Casey for sharing this beautiful experience with us.



Bwana asafiwe.

with grateful hearts,
hugs from the haugers Ooo0

We've Been Lost!

Aye! As I look at the last time we posted I realize we've been lost! That's what they say here in Kenya when you've not been seen around; "You've been lost." That usually follows with a story as to why. Well, here's our story...

 We had visitors. Not just anyone visitors (although we had those too) but family and friends from our Pagosa town.  Loved ones who've traveled this mission journey with us through encouragement and support came to share our lives among the poor and experience God's rich blessings.  We've learned some things hosting these great people like the awesome, Silas Thompson; my amazing sister, Vicki Hujus; sweet Shea Johnson; and our "long-timer" return intern, the passionate Casey Crow. The lessons follow in photo form:

 
Silas reminded us that life is never dull. When opportunity presents new friendships, embrace them and always finds ways to express kindness. He made us laugh. He experimented with food and fun. Ministry flowed from him with ease and comfortable conversation never seemed to end. Plans for next summer are in the making. We're pretty sure he'll bring USA friends to meet his Kenyan friends. That's just what Silas does.
 






















Shea showed us that first time short term missions trippers can jump in and be useful regardless of the situation. We saw Shea participate with joy. Her humor lightened the burden of neglected children. She kept us aware of prayers for Pagosa, especially the wild fire crisis near South Fork. We also know now that Skype and Ritz crackers are daily staples. We hope Shea follows her desire to come see Kisumu's children again.

 
Having Kiki, Lisa's sister, with us made dreams come true.  Ever since Kiki was a little girl she wanted to travel to Africa, and ever since Lisa followed her call to Kenya, she wanted Kiki to come. But that's not all. We learned that Kiki's thoughtful diligence to service changed teachers, mamas and orphaned children. She kept us smiling as she touch lives with her welcoming ways. Of course we stayed up too late, laughed till we cried, and prayed we minister together again on Kenyan soil. Soon.

 
Casey's back to Kisumu this summer continuing to show us that passion for justice will not be extinguished. Her knowledge, dedication, and willingness to stay teachable reminds us that nothing is impossible with God. Casey's vision to make the voice of those forgotten to be heard is big, but she knows Jesus is bigger. We're grateful to welcome her into our family again. We know our Kenyan friends are delighted to see her  too.


Our time with these precious visitors was full but fast. Their presence created warm connections. Their hard work lightened our load. We're grateful for their service and sacrifice. Mungu awabariki Rafikis. 

































Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement!
Hugs form the haugers Ooo0


The Single Mama and the Soap

The mamas brought her to us early last Saturday. 
The sad story escaped slightly, in hushed tones with worried faces.

“Husband abandoned… Floods washed away home… 
gave 10 year old daughter to a pastor for food… 
he won’t give her back… using her… 
she has nothing… please…”

She held her baby close. 
 

The Bible says God shows Himself strong on behalf of the destitute 
who cry out to Him.  He called us to Kenya for this (Psalm 82:3).   
Surely He wants to bring redemption. 
But how did He want to help this young mama who suffered so much? 


We served tea and waited to hear Him speak.

“Soap.” came the Quiet Voice.

“What?” we questioned. 

“Soap.”

The thought settled.

“Ok.” We shrugged and followed, not knowing where, but knowing Who.

We planned to host a liquid soap making training so - then and there - we did. 


She watched…


She got involved…

  
She laughed…


She opened up… sharing struggles, answering questions, revealing hope.
Together, our prayers went before the throne room of Grace.   
We asked for help in time of need.

While Taleah played with the baby, they experimented with the new product. 
Ahh! 
An idea clearly exposed.

                                              


Like the widow with the oil in the Old Testament, (2 Kings 4:1-7) 
we collected jugs and filled them… with soap. 


That rainy evening we sent the women home (dressed like “chocolate smurfs”) 
trusting she could sell the soap to help her family. 

 

She sold the soap. 
She earned enough money to travel to her rural home 
where she can start a small business selling, of course,
 soap.


Please pray as the authorities approach the pastor to release the 
young girl back to her mother.  Please pray he will obey the voice 
of the Lord and act justly. May truth prevail. 

God does so much with so little. He simply asks  - "what do you have?" 
Like the small boy with the fish and bread, like the widow with a jar of oil, 
our tiny possession can be used to bring hope, sustenance, life. 
What can you give God today? 

Asante sana for you prayers, support and encouragement.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0







"Same-same"

Processing life in Kenya, as we live among the least, needs God's wisdom.  
Yes, we minister daily - teaching Bible, facilitating scripture-based trainings, 
hosting skills classes, playing and praying with orphaned children. 
Yet... absorbing how life works here, the nuances, the perceptions, the 
cultures of Kenya's 23 tribes hesitantly mixing, brings us to the feet of 
Jesus. Seems we've set up camp at the foot of His merciful throne, 
receiving help in our continuous times of need.

These last couple of months truly tried us: living like itinerant ministers 
for two weeks in Nairobi during the tenuous elections, traveling from 
or to Kisumu (always a "hair-raising" adventure) and getting the news 
that Mark's dad died; our friend here died that same week. We 
battled constant sicknesses, negotiated peace between arguing 
mamas, and confronted a manipulative pastor. 
Lisa's chair broke, which really crimped our schedule. 
Another "hair-raising" trip back to Nairobi to barter for a new one. 

Then, the bizarre experience at a wedding we attended in the slums: 
unpredicted post election violence broke out with automatic weapon fire, 
tear gas and screaming.  The colorful celebration of happy hearts ended 
with us all huddled in the church. Under the cover of darkness, we convoyed 
home. The next morning, while we made pancakes and poured fresh juice, 
the news came - 6 people were killed, 10 wounded.  

For us - raised safe and secure, with healthy families, enjoying pleasures of 
food choices, good education and comfortable homes - participating in
 African life forces us to understand the responsibility to love God with all our hearts, minds and strength and to love our neighbor as our self. We don't 
know why God moved us all the way to Kenya to teach this simple truth.
Maybe to show us the world is our neighbor. That boundaries, prejudice, 
and apathy shouldn't separate His resources, His concern for every heart, 
and His desire to fulfill destinies.

Frequently, the full sense of gratefulness overwhelms us, like at those 
"milestone" moments - a baby's birth, a child's graduation, the time your 
children come to you and say thanks, not for a gift or permission to do 
something, but because they realize love is unconditional, and they've
 been blessed to receive it.   
We're blessed to receive love, from God, from you - our friends and family. 
We're blessed to share that, as Kenyans say,  
"same-same" love with those who are among the least.

Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.
Hugs for the haugers  Ooo0

Overcome

In light of the trials and tragedies these last couple months - ones we've encountered personally, some challenging our calling, others rocking the nations like the Boston Marathon bombing - we bring you a short video clip.  
These kiddos, our little orphaned friends, rescued from death in the slum, 
sing praises to Jesus. 
Makes me wanta keep fighting injustice.
Romans 12:21.
                                         
Overcome.

Asante sana for your prayers, encouragement and support.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0

"Waiters' Serve"

  As we 
"wait" 
for the results of Monday's 
presidential elections to be tallied and announced, we 
"serve" 
 children who were orphaned by violence 
during the last political elections. 
Praying for peace in Kenya - for the sake of the innocent.

 
Welcome the morning with porridge, ugali and prayer.
 
 
Grateful for simple food.
 
  
1st lesson of the day - math with Uno cards.

 2nd lesson - phonics bingo using groundnuts. 
"BINGO!" = eat the ground nuts!

 Face painting fun!
 
 
Roaring for Jesus!

 Can you say, "SMILE?"
 
 Lessons with Mark.

 Art therapy.

 Bible teaching.
 
 Receiving prayer from children who need so much.

 Testimony time.

 Surrounded by God's mercy and grace.

Asante sana for your support, encouragement and prayers.
hugs from the haugers

Giving Back

Sustainable sewing gives back.
It’s learning to create with excellence.
It’s redeeming wounded self-worth.
It knows quality matters,
because all is done for the glory of God.
It’s doing an everyday mundane task
and finding how God wants to use it
to bless another.
It’s not waiting for the some sweet day
when you have something to give away.
It’s giving without getting.
It’s living faith now.

Widowed mamas learn to sew –
measure, mark, pin, thread, stitch. 

Result – 
Fluffy, bright pillows for handicapped, orphaned children. 
BEAUTIFUL! 
 
 Our friend, and seamstress extraordinaire, 
        teaches with humor and expects the best. 
  
  
 
The widowed mamas learn to sew by hand, 
on electric and manual machines.  
 
 A four-legged visitor
interrupts the class.
Pillow delivery = JOY!
 

This project helped six widowed mamas to learn a skill and use it to bless someone else, before they used it to benefit themselves. The project can continue but needs your help.  
  •  $200 will buy another manuel sewing machine. (The electric one was barrowed. The manual and sewing supplies were generously provided. Thanks!)
  • Dontions will purchase material - cotton katanga at about $2.oo per yard.
 With these items we could teach weekly,
 improving the mamas' skill base and blessing those in need.

Check the paypal bar on the right
Or
Send donation payable to CARE
PO Box 3543, Pagosa Sp. CO 81147
with a sticky note - "CARE4Nations. Sewing."


Asante sana!
Mungu akubariki.
hugs form the haugers Ooo0

in Jesus name...

Omondi’s hand grips the hammer, using it like a chisel; 
he scraps away unwanted wood. 
A perfect joint exposed, 
ready to fit the next altered cedar pole. 
He flips his tool and pounds down 4-inch nails 
to fix them together.
Metal straps secure the bond. 
His creation will support screening to protect tender vegetables from thieving birds.
Like the Master Carpenter in the lives of His disciples, 
Holy Spirit forms us by cutting away unuseful parts 
so we work in unison - God's creation,
bound by cords of love,
to bring hope to a wounded world 
in Jesus name.


 Mid October we planted a garden against hunger – tomatoes, kale, lettuce, onions, and carrots. 
Our harvest began in earnest. Joy to share fresh produce 
with the hungry encouraged our efforts. 
But then – the birds! 
Thanks to a specific donation 
from an organization that promotes sustainability, 
we gather materials for a screen house. Soon, we’ll be feeding the hungry again 
in Jesus name. 

 DIGGS training encounters a new group of zealous students – some starting churches, some beginning schools, preaching and teaching 
in Jesus name.


The widowed mamas grow in helps by learning to sew. This project will serve handicapped orphaned children. Women, who were once victims, learn to give back 
in Jesus name. 
(Can’t wait to show you the finished product, delivered with a smile tomorrow!
Special thanks to our dear friend from New Zealand, Joan!)


Encouraged by young ones touching a hungry world 
with John 3:16
in Jesus name.


"From Him the whole body, joined and held together 
by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself 
up in love, as each part does its work."
Ephesians 4:16

Asante sana for joining us in support so we work together 
caring for widows and orphans 
in Jesus name. 
James 1:27.

hugs from the haugers 0oo0

DELIVERANCE!

I was hoping the title would catch your attention. Yes, this post is about deliverance.  Not the dramatic exorcism of casting out demons, although scripture reveals such, and we've experienced it here in Kenya.  We’ve seen demons literally manifest as serpents in human bodies, slithering their way through a person crawling toward the alter on all four appendages, bent in unexplainable angles. We’ve seen young women squirm and vomit when the name of Jesus is spoken, but submit to His Lordship when confronted with the choice. I know such deliverance exists, but this post is not about that. It is about the comprehensive definition of deliverance – one that welcomes friendship in Christ, regardless of denomination, social status or ethnicity 
for the glory of His kingdom.

There are 37 words in the Bible that refer to deliverance. These words have 4 related but distinctly different meanings.

"To deliver out of the hands of, to escape." Exodus 18:8-11.
Like the Israelites’ exodus out of Egypt, 
we walk with horribly wounded women, those familiar with neglect and abuse, into the wild wilderness of unknowns. 
There, God leads them in supernatural ways. 
The snare of the slavery is broken and they escape.

"Drawing someone to one's self." Jeremiah 31:3.
The Lord draws these vulnerable mamas with cords 
of loving-kindness.  His power to snatch them out of the grip of evil is not complete without placing them into safety – a place to feed on His Word, to receive prayer sown in tears and wise counsel laced with laughter. 
God huddles us under the shadow of His wing 
for the purpose of loving Him and each other.

"To deliver into the hands of for the purpose of judgment." 
Col 1:13.
Yes. Judgment. The Bible says if we judge ourselves, we will not be judged. Finding our faults, sins, offenses need not separate or condemn.  Deliverance shares burdens, offers forgiveness, produce fruit of His Spirit that builds strong relationships. We’ve rubbed the ugly underbelly of widow’s fear, our presumption, and the threat of manipulation. 
When we fulfill our obedience towards each other, 
God punishes the enemy’s disobedience.

"To have ample space between oneself and one's enemies."  Psalm 31:8.
Jointly fit - this strange family of young, old, dark, light, African, American, rich, poor, weak, strong - we find unity in our differences. God’s vast image embraces us, settles us, and we find choosing His goodness overcomes evil.  
Although wickedness encamps around us, 
security and peace makes our abode.

Deliverance for us?  God formed freedom that creates holy bonding and stands against injustice. Whether we see a demon come out of someone or not, we believe the life of a wounded one must change because Jesus is Lord.

How bout you? Do you walk with those who only know the power of darkness? Do you believe wickedness of the world must bow to the name of Jesus? Do you trust Jesus’ love shines brighter, and victory comes by His cross? 
Don’t give up.
Sacrifice only what the flesh loves. 
Be truth. 
Be freedom. 
Live your deliverance.

Asante sana for your prayers, encouragement and support.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0
 

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