Well April has been unstructured and a little disorientating to say the least. What with school holidays and the Easter holidays running at different times, as well as the hall we usually use, being used for different courses, it has been somewhat difficult to follow a routine. So lets just leave it at… ‘a challenge’. ;0)
Prayer & Counseling
As mentioned, the hall we usually base ourselves in for prayer and morning coffee has been used by other organizations, therefore this specific aspect of the ministry has been somewhat slower this month. However we are very excited to announce that, what with the disruption of using the hall, ‘Lighthouse Ministries’ have been offered our very own container which will be made into an office just for us. A place where we can be based always, a place the community will hopefully come for support and prayer.
Tot’s Therapy
As with other aspects of the ministry, the lack of the hall’s use and all the holidays has also impacted Tot’s therapy. However with the difficulties I was facing with regards to ‘colours’, what I have asked Letti (head teacher) to focus on, is a themed colour week so we can explore each colour in detail. As soon as we are able to start therapy again, I will let you know how this experiment has gone… ;0)
Homework Club
With the holidays at least we have been able to collect the children’s reports and start putting together some rough learning objectives for them. We are happy to announce that some of the children have made improvements since last year. However, a good majority are really falling behind. We are currently praying how best to handle these severe F.A.S cases and are praying that God will help us provide alternative education choices for these children who really seem to battle in a main stream setting.
Friday Night Youth
Youth stops during the holidays but starting again this Friday. Kids have been asking all holiday…’when are we starting Youth’? Good sign.
Boy’s mentorship has been slow because of all the Easter holidays but in this time we have held the Holiday Clubs, Mini Olympics & videos. All the clubs have been focusing on Courage, & having the courage to stand up for what you believe in.
It’s been great to see some of the older boys who have dropped out of school attending the clubs instead of out & about causing trouble.
Girl’s Mentorship Club
This month we have focused on self-control and have been given an opportunity to talk rather frankly with the girls about controlling their impulses, specifically their tongues, and their bodies. We have two unwed teenage mom’s in our group and without placing judgment upon them, they were able to share with the other girls how difficult it can be to raise a child with no money, no education and no help.
May God remind them of the frank discussions we have had when they are in the decision of saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’!
Home Visits
Well, one good thing about all the holidays and having help looking after Seth, Daz and I have eventually been able to get to all the homes to pray over them and improve the relationships. With help from Gav, we managed to complete a computerized map of the area, numbers & who lives where. Only three or four houses left to connect with.
Adult Fitness
Winter has come, & then left, & then come again, bringing quite a lot of rain so Military Fitness has not taken place. Lees has been too pregnant to jump around with the ladies but we have designed an outdoor fitness track & hoping to get funding to complete this so the entire community will have permanent fitness apparatus, which will keep them fit & healthy. Watch this space.
Community
Under Uncle Neef who is a Committee member, the Klein Begin community is working together to clean up the areas around their houses. In doing so The Elgin Learning Foundation has empowered them by funding their efforts. In the 4 months we have been working in the area we have seen so much progress & a new lease on life. The Dutch students have donated money to fund a new jungle gym for the kids, built by ELF & the students themselves. This will be installed over the next three weeks. ELF has also donated 100 olive trees, which could be used as an income if maintained correctly…we will definitely make sure this happens & learn a bit about it as well.
Our News
We were also blessed with visits from a number of special people, from old friends from London, Tina and Rachel, Granny and Grandpa as well as a much awaited visit from Daz’s oldest friend in the world, Gav, along with his wife, Jude and their adorable baby girl, Layla.
Gav is currently helping us design a logo for the new Ministry. He is a qualified Graphic Designer with amazing talent so it should be on the next blog. Our Church Elders have advised that we start an official NPO, so that is the start of a whole new ball-game & looking forward to that.
Our Life Group that meets on a Wednesday evening is going well & we have a couple new faces which is great. Visiting from abroad, George & his wife Jo, have spoken into almost everyones lives with a Word of Knowledge & their time here has blessed us all.
Other than that we hope you are all well & look forward to hearing from you on a personal note.
May God keep and bless you all always
Love the Muirs
