Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Missionary (10/19/06)
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TITLE: Letter Home | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Treharne
10/24/06 -
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So much has happened since I last wrote, and it’s going to be difficult to tell you about some of it. First - we are all well and pray that you are likewise. The weather is HOT as usual, and the government of Haiti is uncertain from week to week, but we are surviving both.
The kids are thriving at our new school - even with their mom teaching … that’s my version anyway. They may have another point of view to express in THEIR letters.
The church is thriving but not overflowing yet. I know it’s disappointing to Joel as it is to all of us, but we thank God every day for the progress we’ve made already in such a short period of time. His blessings abound and His faithfulness is beyond explaining.
Thank you again God. Your Word IS spreading.
After our VW was stolen this spring, yes - STOLEN! - we found an old truck which is serving us well for the moment - it’s actually touch-and-go with the brakes worn thin and the tires worse - but we’re not complaining. One thing’s for sure - we won’t have to worry about anyone stealing IT!
Praise God for His faithful provision of our needs.
I hesitate to mention this next incident, but I know I must as it is a perfect example of why we need your daily prayers.
A couple of months ago, the boys and I were home alone at night (Joel was at a meeting) when insurgents broke in brandishing rifles. They tied us up in the kitchen as they vandalized in search of weapons and money, food and clothes. Needless to say, we were extremely frightened. Thank God we had talked about things like this happening, so with the help of the Holy Spirit we handled ourselves far better than any of us could have hoped for and that possibly even saved our lives. You would have been so proud of your grandsons. I know I was.
How can I begin to thank you God?
The soldiers rummaged through the house taking what little money they could find, some of our food, and breaking furniture in their way. They also took blankets, socks and coats. As you would expect we prayed continually, but the amazing thing for me was that I found myself not only praying for our safety, but praying for the souls of those men and their families. I don’t take sides - in fact, it’s impossible because there are so many coups taking place we don’t have a chance to even learn about each group’s philosophy before another one takes its place.
Now don’t worry. I promise we were not hurt physically - only emotionally. Without our faith and God’s protection, it could have turned out to be quite a different story indeed. Jacob and Paul have rebounded without any obvious effects.
We praise your Holy name LORD. We love you and worship you always.
Well enough of the bad news, it’s time for smiles. The school we started has brought us in touch with many children who are learning English and whom we have grown to love already. Two sisters stand out in particular. Julauna and Solauna. Their parents both work and these 12 and 13-year-old girls study hard with much enthusiasm and are fortunate to be allowed to come to school at all. They leave every noon to work at home taking care of their garden (such as it is) and cooking and cleaning for their parents. God is working wonders with them as they grow in His Word, and they have already voiced a desire to be baptized. Praise Jesus!
And what is He is doing for us? He’s making us parents again.
Yes, parents. He put these girls on our hearts and the outcome was that we adopted them as sponsors. The main thing we are going to be able to do for them is to help provide them an education in the States after they graduate here. I know it sounds crazy. How can we possibly afford to send THEM to college when we have two of our own wanting to go - but God WILL provide
He is our never-ending hope in time of need.
That’s all for now. God’s missionaries ROCK!
I am joyfully picturing you both with smiles and tears. Thank you for your love and prayers.
Write soon!
Hugs, kisses and love always, Katie
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