Shown above: Elim Home building progress in Myanmar.
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Dear Praying Friends,
It has been a few days since my last update. I wish I had good news about Myanmar; unfortunately, the situation continues to be extremely dangerous, with many people being killed. I read today that it is likely a very violent civil war will begin soon. The good news I do have is that our children and care-givers are still safe They are so thankful for the prayer from all our friends and churches.
I will again summarize the situation each of our Yangon, Myanmar partners is experiencing.
“T” I have updated “T”’s online prayer journal at: Myanmar Prayer Diary. I did hear from him yesterday. His board has voted to build a temporary, emergency shelter. The children are not doing very well hearing the gunfire so close to their home. This partner owns a rice paddy more in the country. They are selling part of their campus property to raise funds for a basic boy’s dorm. They also want to build a girl’s dorm, kitchen, and eating area. We have loving supporters who have offered to redirect one of their gifts to fund the new buildings. Thank God. Their gift had been to replace a home in Myanmar that was in poor condition. Because we do not know how long this fighting in Myanmar will last, their gift will build the remaining buildings. I will communicate with T to learn more. I do not know if they will take the children’s beds, belongings, and kitchen cookware with them. I am very thankful that they are taking this step of safety. It will take some time to build it all, but when the children are all moved it will hopefully keep them safe – physically and emotionally. Please keep praying. Here is an excerpt from T’s latest diary:
Our Urgent Plan for Our Hope Children Home Moving.
Because of the Military Coup’s Persecution, we thought that it will be wise to move our Hope Children Home location as soon as possible. From the present Hope Children Home building, our children see soldiers’ activities every day, psychologically they have been hurt, they are full of fear, and so the Board decided to sell a piece of land of 60 feet by 40 feet, and build new buildings in our paddy field which is a little bit outside of the city of Y. There is a Christian lady who is ready to buy that piece of land. In our paddy field, we need to build two simple buildings: one for a boys’ dorm, and one for a girls’ dorm; between the two, there will be a kitchen and dining hall. Since Hope Children Home is a faith ministry, prayer is our instrument. We have started praying for the $ 10000.00 needed funds for a boys’ dorm, and so I would like to challenge you to pray with us for that project. Because of the situation and circumstances, we will begin the construction work tomorrow.
God is able and we believe in prayer.
Yours in His vineyard, T
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Grace Grace and I continue to be in regular/frequent communication. This, along with assurance of your prayer, gives her hope and comfort. On Saturday, April 10, she texted me:
“Dear sis and all respected ones. Thanks for your prayers, please do continue to pray for our country and for our safety till to End. On our street they are again (shooting). We can’t go out today.”
Yesterday they were able to go out and buy some dry noodles as you can see in the picture.
Last week we sent funds for fans and mosquito nets, which were greatly needed. The children were being bitten by mosquitos all night long. That is both uncomfortable and a health risk. Also, at night they close all the windows for safety. It gets very hot, and their fans were all broken. After purchasing the fans and nets, they had enough money left over to buy each child a cold vitamin water. You can see from their faces how happy they are. Even though the country is at war, our children appear happy and safe. That is a blessing and a tribute to their wonderful care-givers and our prayer partners.
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Shown from left: Grace Home boys with fans and drinks; Dry noodles from a recent shopping trip
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At this point, Grace is the only one of our three partners in Y who does not seek to move the children to an emergency shelter. Joseph lives near her, and he is willing to transport all of them to his shelter when it is built. At this time, that is not the route she wishes to take. But it is good to know this is an option for them should they need it.
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Joseph Joseph sent me this text on Monday,
“Because of God and BCH, we are able to continue our ministry. We continue our daily activities and Sunday service. Yesterday, two of our neighbors told to me that our singing voices are very sweet and feel peace to them, even though they did not understand the meaning of the song. Thank God for giving us good neighbors.” They also had a celebration: “We celebrated with a birthday party for March, April birthdays. My wife gave some small gift to each one of them and bought birthday cake for them. We are happy and at peace in Christ.”
I hope that the portions of texts that I have shared from each partner give you a sense of how God’s grace is sufficient for them during these incredible times. Their faith continues to bless me. It is an honor to serve beside them. Although they thank me, the thanks truly go to God and to you. I gratefully accept their thanks on your behalf.
Thank you for your prayer, gifts, emails, notes, and phone calls. Thank you for sharing these updates with your friends and on social media. People all over the world are praying for our children and partners. I cannot express how much it means to know that you are with us during these challenging times. May we all remain, as Joseph says, “Happy and at peace in Christ.”
Linda Brooks
President
I love to hear from you:
219.202.8627
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354 West St., Suite 1
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 462 – 4111
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