Saturday was indeed a great day! We had the chance to tour the new children’s home and it is marvelous. It is so much improved from what these children have had it is like daylight and darkness. It is not quite complete but electricians got the lights wired in and on so out of town guests can sleep there during the lectures. They will fill the building sleeping in classrooms, auditorium, etc. through the week. Some will stay in homes of members here but there are just too many to accommodate. The new children’s home has a large study room for the children plus bathrooms, bedrooms and a room for the “warden.” Thats not a bad title here, it simply means director, houseparent or caretaker. The family who takes care of these children are real parents in the very best sense of that word. They really do a great job training, cooking, tutoring and loving these children.
The new building is bright and cheerful. It is equipped with plug-ins for computers and plenty of shelves for books, bedding, etc. No funds were available to them for hooking up computers so Elaine and I spent some of your money to get that done. Now we just have to find a few computers for their use. If they are to advance in this technological world of ours, they will be assisted greatly by being able to use a computer.
The church here has a young man coming Monday to go to work full time with the children’s home, a sort of “youth minister”. He will assist the warden and tutor the children. He has a degree in Education and plans are being made to start a school here for these children beginning next June. I have long felt that to be a vital thing to do. We have provided the funds to make the proper applications required by the government to begin that work. Your liberality in providing for our travel funds has allowed us to do so much more this time than just get here and speak.
The next door building is for sale and would be a wonderful situation to house such a school but things are very expensive here. I wish I knew some really wealthy person capable of providing the $250,000 to buy it, but I don’t. I know they are out there and some would be willing, and I would not be hesitant to ask, I just don’t have the acquaintance. I know God moves in the hearts and lives of His people so it may happen in spite of my lack of faith.
We preached in a remote village last night arriving back at the hotel about 11:15 PM. We have rested well and are prepared to preach at two services here today. This afternoon Elaine and I are to participate in the dedication services for this new children’s home and do the “ribbon Cutting” officially opening it. A similar “political” event is to be on Monday with many local dignitaries attending. Bro. Gootam says today we open it to the Glory of God and tomorrow we show it to the rest of the community. Today we give thanks to God, tomorrow we show His graciousness to the world.
It is a great facility and we are thankful to be allowed to have a small part in making it happen. So many of you individually, and numerous churches small and large, have made this happen. This work to the saving of souls is YOUR work! You are proven people of God and your contributions and sacrifices are the reason all this is being done. God bless us all in His service!
