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Published: February 18th 2009
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Ouch
Chicken pox don't heal quite as quickly for this little one that also is dealing with the AIDS virus. I always love the start of a new year…simply because it means I survived the previous one.
Kenya started 2008 with a bang…not the good kind. It was the explosion of gunfire and turmoil that made the start not so welcoming. Thankfully the end of the year was much more peaceful than its beginning.
Entering 2009 for Kenya and for myself has brought challenges but also blessings. Time is rolling by at such velocity that at moments I feel it will steam roll right over me in the process. My list is miles high but my vision stretches miles forward. I choose to tackle each chore with force while forging ahead one foot in front of the other.
I am blessed as I reflect on the path of blessings I have walked down…
International Treasure House Ministries
ITHM continues to evolve and grow. Twelve years ago we started with one little children’s home in Arad, Romania. Today my location is different and my position has progressed from taking care of a handful of children to one of assisting other organizations that take care of hundreds of kids of all ages.
It is only
Jen and baby Dani
Dani is the newest edition to HOREC. He came with his 3 older siblings after their mother died at Christmas. because of God’s grace and so many people’s generosity that I have been able to work full time on the mission field. I wouldn’t trade my job for anything. I would trade the lack of electricity, car problems, crazy roads, etc. but if it means leaving the work and the kids I love…I think I’ll stay.
I will stay because last year ITHM was able to make a difference. We assisted 5 teenage girls through a year of high school therefore enhancing their chance of a bright future, purchased livestock for a couple of the orphanages- providing milk for the kids, added mortar and muscle to the baby dorm at IAA- seeing it almost complete, provided food to hungry, clothing to those who were cold, shoes for little bare feet and some extras of sweets and treats for the kids. We brought the children on field trips and sleepovers all the while teaching them Christian values and morals. We hosted a number of volunteers that poured forth love from their hearts and hands. And we assisted directors and administrators with decision making and planning. There is much more but those are the highlights.
2009 Vision
choo
ITHM was able to give money to finish pouring a floor and plastering this bathroom for the children of HOREC. (This is the "pre-completion" photo). I have a few paths to walk down this year…one being an isle which will lead me to the path of marriage! My South African fiancé, Johnny Lawrence, and I will be married July 3rd in Texas. He is a man that loves God, loves me, children, missions and Kenya…truly an answer to prayer!
As I started in ministry my main scope was to get desperate orphans into loving and safe homes. That is happening now in various ways. Now, another goal that we work towards each year is to help feed these children. One of the most urgent needs for the homes is a consistent supply of food. Anyone with children knows where there are children there needs to be plenty of food.
With a lack of rain and resources here in Kenya there is a deficiency of crops. The absence of food creates a hunger like an angry beast that ravages men, women and children all around. Seeing hungry kids tears through my heart but I am sure the pain is not as great as the one that rips through their tummies on a daily basis.
For years I have raised money for food. I
want to continue to do that however I want to add an element to the approach. My goal is to raise funds not only for food and supplies for the children but also enough to lease land where we can grow crops for the orphanages. ITHM could help subsidize the quantity and quality of food to many orphanages, therefore improving the health and lives of the children.
The directors of the orphanages and a school we work with are thrilled at the idea of having someone committed to helping them feed their children.
We are looking carefully for land near water so that we can have an irrigation system. The thought of relieving the cries of the hungry makes me believe that this is a vision that can be fulfilled. Filling dinner tables and therefore satisfying tummies is a goal worth working towards!
Some of you may ask if I have suddenly become a farmer. The answer is no. Labor is the least expensive part of the equation. Incorporated into the plan is growing a portion of cash crops in order to sell in Nairobi. The profit will go back into paying the salary of someone to
HOREC
The new dorm at Horec, home to 25 children...pre yard work. work the land. Thus, we are also stimulating the local economy by providing employment. Ideally we would hire one of the young men that grew up in an orphanage as many of them not only have a hard time finding work once they leave an institution but they also have no home to go to. A job would provide an income for housing and food...priceless.
There is a mission statement that says, "Give a man a fish and you have fed him for today. Teach a man HOW to fish and he can feed himself for the rest of his life." I say, let’s lease the pond so there are plenty of fish to go around.
We will combine the skill of local farmers with our resources and as a team we will feed many!
How beautiful to take what is cracked and barren,
to mold with love and allow water and fresh air in.
How marvelous to watch the transformation of barely surviving to astonishingly thriving.
How wonderful to play a delicate part of feeding a belly and mending a heart.
How amazing that we get to play a role in saving a life and saving
a soul.
How fabulous that what grows from our little seeds can richly supply another’s needs.
Who we are and what we give can make a difference for how these children live.
If you would like to donate to any specific project or to donate towards land it will be greatly appreciated! Please earmark your check and mail to:
ITHM
23223 S. Warmstone Way
Katy, Texas 77494
I will be state-side February 9-March 23th if you have more questions or if you just want to chat!
Thank you greatly, tremendously and stupendously for your support!
Jennifer
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Jackie Ramsey
non-member comment
It was fun to see Roni and Jacquie in the pictures! Also Jen, to remember back 12 years in you starting ITHM here in Romania - gee how time flies when you are having fun! You grew up and I got old.