And the winner is....

Scott Couper knows who he is and what he believes. And I must admit he is secure enough in his manhood to let a few orphans beat him in an arm wrestling match. He may have lost the "match" but he was the ultimate winner. You always come out as a winner when you give yourself fully to James 1:27. Giddyup!

Report Sunday

Just this past Sunday (November 11th) the team held a Report Sunday at Bethel Church in Goderich. I heard it went well.
Once again...congrats to all those who partnered with this great group of people.

Turn up the heat!

I would imagine this building is now built as the pciture is from a 3-4 days ago. Once built, one half of this building will hold the furnace(boiler) for the orphanage in Orlofka and the other half will hold the winters supply of coal that will be used to heat the water. It is just another area that the resources impacted in and around that orphanage. Be blessed Goderich.

Shop 'til Ya Drop!

Growing up we did not have much money. I spent most of my elementary school days wearing second-hand clothes that were bought at the IODE sale in Sarnia, Ontario. At 44 I can still remember what a special day it was when I got to buy a new pair of jeans or running shoes. During this past trip you folks in Goderich partnered with the Children of Hope Sponsorship Program and were able to see each orphan in Orlofka go shopping with $50 to spend on new clothes/shoes.
Think about that for a minute. Seriously. Not only do you have $50 for "new" clothes but you actually get to go to the market and help buy the stuff. (which was a little crazy I hear with the older girls....halfway around the world and some things never change...lol)
Do you think there was some excitement? Oh yeah...the orphans were excited also! lol!
Missions is not only about construction, speaking in churches, or sharing stories about Jesus. It is about being "Jesus" to adults/children in a way that they are overcome by, and can recognize. On this trip some of that took place in a market overrun by people. There were new winter coats purchased....new shoes...new pants...new tops...socks...undergarments....whatever a child needed they received. Thank you for the "shopping" ministry. Do not kid yourselves....the old song says "and He walks with me and He talks with me"...He was there in the market speaking to hearts. That is where some of the special "deals" came from. C'mon!

All things are possible....

...to them that believe.
Who would have ever thought that a group of 12 average folks from a small Ontario town could make such a big difference?
Actually it was not just the twelve but the entire town and surrounding area....the church....c'mon!
But let me tell you a few things about these team members....
Marcel....you are the Mansion Man. Your total love of what you were doing was evident to all. Giddyup!
Peter...I love your heart to serve...way to go man. Remember, you are the salt of the earth and the......c'mon!
Steve...your heart for those kids was written all over your face...an inspiration to me. Who can forget the Outdoor Butcher Shop?
Dave...your whole-hearted work ethic with the garbage and the post holes was incredible. The Blue coveralls were the bomb!
Kate...I loved your quiet willingness to do whatever needed to be done. It did not go unnoticed.
Karen...your friend "Buttons" was a huge hit. Elder Yang raved about the "clowns". Now about the 2000+ pictures....lol.
Dan...dude! Watching you do balloon animals at Orlofka ministered to me greatly....seriously man. The kids were mesmerized!
Sandy....Herbie was a great addition. Thank him for me. Great job!
Lucas....loved the way you just "hung out" with the older orphans. Only somebody that oozed "hipness" could pull that off.
Connie...I just loved your attitude. Thanks for the "barf" blessing! C'mon now! Somebody shout "Jesus!".
Michelle...you just oozed "motherhood" everytime you walked on that property. Thanks.
Pastor Scott...my prayer is that Goderich Bethel fully recognizes the gift that they have been given. Your heart for people inspired me.
No better representatives could you have had on this trip. Enjoy the reports...pictures...videos and stories.

yellow blue bus sammy!.......Marshaka

Get Cracking!

Production has begun. The orphans would not have had options as far as eggs go in the past...but they do now. C'mon!