Just wanted to give an update that so far $1610 has come in donations for Christian’s GRACE fund – so almost half way there! THANK YOU to all of you who have given donations and to those who have been spreading the word!!!! We are still hoping to raise the full $4000 so that Christian’s forever family can get started on the court proceedings in Ghana. Once again, here is the donation information:
You can donate online by clicking here.
Once on the donation page you simply need to select “GRACE Fund” under the donation designation section and then write “Christian” in the blank spot below. You can also make a donation by phone by calling the AAI office and asking for Kathy and letting her know that the donation is for Christian in Ghana: 360-452-4777.
In case you need to be caught up to speed, here are some of my main posts about Christian that I have written in the past year (click on the blue titles to be linked to the posts):
March 22, 2011: (The first day I met Christian) My Experience in the Schoolyard
March 23, 2011: The Boy Named Christian
May 2, 2011: The Boy Named Christian – Update!
May 13, 2011: Adoption Update Regarding Christian!
June 3, 2011: The One who Heals the Blind
August 23, 2011: Familiar Faces
Waiting in joyful expectation to see what God will do......
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Christian's GRACE fund. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Christian's GRACE fund. Sort by date Show all posts
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Update 3: Christian's GRACE Fund
A few days ago on Thursday evening I received an exciting email that someone had donated $500 to Christian’s GRACE fund! I was dancing on the ceiling! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, whoever you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just checked with Kathy in the Adoption Advocates Int'l financial department this morning and the tally of the fund is up to $2922!!! We are getting soooooo close! We now need 54 people to donate $20 each and we will be rockin’ Christian’s case to court in Ghana! [For donation information click HERE and scroll down to bottom of post]
Today is Monday - the beginning of the work week. Were you planning on going out to lunch with your co-workers or significant other this week? Would you be willing to sacrifice your lunch just one day this week and give it instead to the Lord’s work in Christian’s life?
When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread to feed these people?" He said this to stretch Philip's faith. He already knew what he was going to do.
Philip answered, "Two hundred silver pieces wouldn't be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece."
One of the disciples—it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter—said, "There's a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that's a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this."
Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." There was a nice carpet of green grass in this place. They sat down, about five thousand of them. Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish.
All ate as much as they wanted. When the people had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted." They went to work and filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley loaves.
The people realized that God was at work among them in what Jesus had just done (John 6:5-15)....
It was just a sack lunch. Willingly given up, and placed in Jesus' hands. And a miracle happened. I wonder what God could do with your lunch money? :)
I just checked with Kathy in the Adoption Advocates Int'l financial department this morning and the tally of the fund is up to $2922!!! We are getting soooooo close! We now need 54 people to donate $20 each and we will be rockin’ Christian’s case to court in Ghana! [For donation information click HERE and scroll down to bottom of post]
Today is Monday - the beginning of the work week. Were you planning on going out to lunch with your co-workers or significant other this week? Would you be willing to sacrifice your lunch just one day this week and give it instead to the Lord’s work in Christian’s life?
When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread to feed these people?" He said this to stretch Philip's faith. He already knew what he was going to do.
Philip answered, "Two hundred silver pieces wouldn't be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece."
One of the disciples—it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter—said, "There's a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that's a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this."
Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." There was a nice carpet of green grass in this place. They sat down, about five thousand of them. Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish.
All ate as much as they wanted. When the people had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted." They went to work and filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley loaves.
The people realized that God was at work among them in what Jesus had just done (John 6:5-15)....
It was just a sack lunch. Willingly given up, and placed in Jesus' hands. And a miracle happened. I wonder what God could do with your lunch money? :)
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Almost Home
You can donate online by clicking HERE. Once on the donation page you will need to select GRACE fund, and type “Christian” in the donation designation text box below.
You can also mail a check to the Adoption Advocates International office – just specify “Christian’s GRACE fund” in the memo line. Here is the address:
Adoption Advocates International
709 S. Peabody St.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
If you would like to get caught up to speed on just who this Christian is, you can read many of the previous posts I’ve written on him HERE, although these are not arranged in order of date.
Praying him home...
Monday, August 6, 2012
INTRODUCING CHRISTIAN'S FOREVER FAMILY!!!!
Guess what?!?! I FOUND OUT ON FRIDAY THAT CHRISTIAN’S ADOPTION PASSED COURT IN GHANA !! AHHHHH!!!! WHOOOOO HOOOOO!! This means I can now finally introduce you to his forever family!!!!
When I first met Christian, the verse that God gave me to define his life in Ghana was this one ~ For my father and my mother have forsaken me, BUT the Lord will take me in. ~ Psalm 27:10. This family is how the Lord has taken him in. Surely Christian’s adoption is the evidence that the Lord was always right there, carrying him through his abandonment, and weaving together a perfect plan for his life. Christian’s forever family screams compassion and ACTION. Meet the Litzke’s, from Ohio….their family photo gives us all a glimpse of Jesus’ triumphant love for us….it’s a REDEEMING LOVE…
Bet you didn’t expect that did you?! The Litzke's have 15 children, 13 of them adopted from many different countries – and now Christian will be coming soon and will make 16!!! And oh just wait, there is so much more to their amazing story! First, some words from Mandy Litzke regarding their adoption of Christian passing court:
A huge, huge heartfelt THANK YOU to ALL who have "joined the journey" with us! So many have prayed, supported in raising funds and encouraged us! God has used every single effort and response to bring glory to Himself-- exactly where ALL the glory belongs. We are merely the broken vessels that get to be a part of this ride in this life we've been given. I say it often, but we truly almost feel selfish in that it brings such joy--- such joy into our own lives. Humbly and forever HIS!
And now, so cool, I HAVE A VIDEO OF MANDY SPEAKING AT AN ORPHAN SUMMIT! Watching this video is the perfect way to introduce you to the Litzke’s! Once you watch this and hear the own personal story of redemption in Mandy’s life, you will see how God has used her life path to give her and her husband such determination to care for orphans. The kicker: Mandy herself was as an orphan in the foster care system as a small child. You MUST watch this video and hear how the Lord protected her, revealed Himself to her, and gave her not a heart of bitterness but a heart of compassion for the motherless and fatherless. This video is about 30 minutes long so you’ll want to carve out some special time to take it all in....
Mandy and her husband also began Safe Harbor Adoption Ministry to help advocate for orphaned children and to share God’s heart for the orphan, widow, and the oppressed. You can check it out here: http://safeharbororphancare.org
Now that they have passed court, the Litzke’s will wait for their court documents to come in and then they can file their I-600 form. At this stage of the process the next big chunk due is another $4000 to finish out the rest of their adoption fees. They continue to trust that the Lord will provide a way for them, as he has done in the 13 adoptions before this one, and as He did to get them through court! If you feel led to contribute to the Litzke's adoption of Christian, his GRACE fund is still up and running – and it will be until the end of the process. You can make a tax-deductible donation online by clicking HERE. Once on the donation page you simply need to select “GRACE Fund” under the donation designation section and then write “Christian” in the blank spot below. You can also make a donation by phone by calling the AAI office and asking for Kathy and letting her know that the donation is for Christian: 360-452-4777. As always, you can also hand deliver or mail donations to Jake or I and we will get them to Christian’s fund.
One GIANT step closer to bringing you home buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I first met Christian, the verse that God gave me to define his life in Ghana was this one ~ For my father and my mother have forsaken me, BUT the Lord will take me in. ~ Psalm 27:10. This family is how the Lord has taken him in. Surely Christian’s adoption is the evidence that the Lord was always right there, carrying him through his abandonment, and weaving together a perfect plan for his life. Christian’s forever family screams compassion and ACTION. Meet the Litzke’s, from Ohio….their family photo gives us all a glimpse of Jesus’ triumphant love for us….it’s a REDEEMING LOVE…
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
Bet you didn’t expect that did you?! The Litzke's have 15 children, 13 of them adopted from many different countries – and now Christian will be coming soon and will make 16!!! And oh just wait, there is so much more to their amazing story! First, some words from Mandy Litzke regarding their adoption of Christian passing court:
A huge, huge heartfelt THANK YOU to ALL who have "joined the journey" with us! So many have prayed, supported in raising funds and encouraged us! God has used every single effort and response to bring glory to Himself-- exactly where ALL the glory belongs. We are merely the broken vessels that get to be a part of this ride in this life we've been given. I say it often, but we truly almost feel selfish in that it brings such joy--- such joy into our own lives. Humbly and forever HIS!
And now, so cool, I HAVE A VIDEO OF MANDY SPEAKING AT AN ORPHAN SUMMIT! Watching this video is the perfect way to introduce you to the Litzke’s! Once you watch this and hear the own personal story of redemption in Mandy’s life, you will see how God has used her life path to give her and her husband such determination to care for orphans. The kicker: Mandy herself was as an orphan in the foster care system as a small child. You MUST watch this video and hear how the Lord protected her, revealed Himself to her, and gave her not a heart of bitterness but a heart of compassion for the motherless and fatherless. This video is about 30 minutes long so you’ll want to carve out some special time to take it all in....
Mandy and her husband also began Safe Harbor Adoption Ministry to help advocate for orphaned children and to share God’s heart for the orphan, widow, and the oppressed. You can check it out here: http://safeharbororphancare.org
Now that they have passed court, the Litzke’s will wait for their court documents to come in and then they can file their I-600 form. At this stage of the process the next big chunk due is another $4000 to finish out the rest of their adoption fees. They continue to trust that the Lord will provide a way for them, as he has done in the 13 adoptions before this one, and as He did to get them through court! If you feel led to contribute to the Litzke's adoption of Christian, his GRACE fund is still up and running – and it will be until the end of the process. You can make a tax-deductible donation online by clicking HERE. Once on the donation page you simply need to select “GRACE Fund” under the donation designation section and then write “Christian” in the blank spot below. You can also make a donation by phone by calling the AAI office and asking for Kathy and letting her know that the donation is for Christian: 360-452-4777. As always, you can also hand deliver or mail donations to Jake or I and we will get them to Christian’s fund.
One GIANT step closer to bringing you home buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Christian's GRACE Fund: VICTORY!!!!!!!!
I’ll call nobodies and make them somebodies;
I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved.
In the place where they yelled out, “You’re nobody!”
They’re calling you “God’s living children.” (Romans 9:25-26)
That is adoption my friends. The unwanted become wanted. The oppressed are freed. Those wronged are covered in justice. Those brokenhearted are immersed in lovingkindness. Not because of anything they themselves have done. But because of God’s great mercy.
Through your generosity, we are in the midst of a story just like that. We are living - breathing - watching - part of - what God is doing for the boy named Christian.
Last night, I received an email that took us into sweet victory:
Another $500 donation for Christian just came in!!!!!
That means, we have reached our $4000 goal – and then some. The fund overflows and now Christian’s adoption case can be sent to court. Goosebumps. What a high to see God come through.
Some of you, after you donated online received an email thank you from AAI for your donation. Some words in the email really hit me…
The GRACE Fund (Generosity Results in Adoption for Children Everywhere) provides assistance to families who might not have the means to cover all the costs of adoption, with a special focus on placement of the longest waiting children, children with special needs, and children who might not otherwise be able to be placed.
Christian was estimated to be 14 years old and he is considered special needs because of his visual impairment. Already those two things put him in the category of unwanted in the adoption world - an older child with special needs. Usually these are the last ones taken, the last ones anyone wants to invite into their family. But, Jesus would whisper to Christian – “you are my beloved child”. He has not neglected to take up his cause.
Through a $5 donation here and a $20 donation there and a couple of $100 donations here and there and a few $500 donations to make up for the spaces – God has stirred in your hearts – and used you to set this child’s feet upon a rock. A child that’s only known mud and mire and a slimy pit. Now the Lord will give him a firm place to stand, and put a new song in his mouth.
Thank you friends, for being part of this adoption.
The Lord your God is with you,
He is mighty to save,
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved.
In the place where they yelled out, “You’re nobody!”
They’re calling you “God’s living children.” (Romans 9:25-26)
That is adoption my friends. The unwanted become wanted. The oppressed are freed. Those wronged are covered in justice. Those brokenhearted are immersed in lovingkindness. Not because of anything they themselves have done. But because of God’s great mercy.
Through your generosity, we are in the midst of a story just like that. We are living - breathing - watching - part of - what God is doing for the boy named Christian.
Last night, I received an email that took us into sweet victory:
Another $500 donation for Christian just came in!!!!!
That means, we have reached our $4000 goal – and then some. The fund overflows and now Christian’s adoption case can be sent to court. Goosebumps. What a high to see God come through.
Some of you, after you donated online received an email thank you from AAI for your donation. Some words in the email really hit me…
The GRACE Fund (Generosity Results in Adoption for Children Everywhere) provides assistance to families who might not have the means to cover all the costs of adoption, with a special focus on placement of the longest waiting children, children with special needs, and children who might not otherwise be able to be placed.
Christian was estimated to be 14 years old and he is considered special needs because of his visual impairment. Already those two things put him in the category of unwanted in the adoption world - an older child with special needs. Usually these are the last ones taken, the last ones anyone wants to invite into their family. But, Jesus would whisper to Christian – “you are my beloved child”. He has not neglected to take up his cause.
Through a $5 donation here and a $20 donation there and a couple of $100 donations here and there and a few $500 donations to make up for the spaces – God has stirred in your hearts – and used you to set this child’s feet upon a rock. A child that’s only known mud and mire and a slimy pit. Now the Lord will give him a firm place to stand, and put a new song in his mouth.
Thank you friends, for being part of this adoption.
The Lord your God is with you,
He is mighty to save,
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
For the Boy Named Christian ~ Please
On Monday of this week Jayla and I were on our way to the grocery store and I had one of my favorite playlists going on my ipod as we drove. The first song that came on in shuffle mode was ‘Albertine’ by Brooke Fraser. The lyrics in that song are a continual challenge to my heart and even after the song ended my mind was repeating the chorus,
“Now that I have seen, I am responsible, faith without deeds is dead.”
As we drove I started thinking on that line and the depth of what it means. It’s written off of two verses from scripture :
...once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act. ~Proverbs 24:12~
and
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ~James 2:14-17~
As I thought on these it was then that I started seeing little snapshots of faces flash through my head. Faces that God is holding me responsible for because of what He’s shown me. First I saw George. And I quickly realized that it had been weeks since I checked up on what was going on with his situation. Someone was supposed to go and investigate his situation – I had sent detailed directions to his house, and received a proposed date of when the investigation would start. But did it happen? I haven’t heard anything, but I am ashamed to say that I’ve gotten so busy with my life at home that I haven’t inquired. It took this song to remind me that I am responsible for this child. Who else is going to advocate for him? Nobody else has SEEN what I have about George. I am in a position where I can do something for him. I can be a voice for him. I am good at bugging people. I can bug and bug and bug on the investigators until they go and investigate. . Why is it so easy to forget George and get self-absorbed into my life?
I had just resolved in my mind that I would check up on George’s situation once we got back home, when another snapshot of a face went through my mind. Christian. For months now I’ve been able to rejoice in knowing that a family has stepped up to adopt Christian. I don’t know them personally – they in fact live states away from me. But I know many pieces of their story, I’ve seen pictures of their lovely family, and I have been in touch with Christian’s momma-in-waiting. They are a LARGE family, who has our same ‘open arms, open doors’ policy. I am telling you, as soon as you see even just a family photo of them, you are going to immediately get a glimpse of their beautiful, compassionate hearts. Not to mention the praises you will shout to God when you get to hear their own personal story of redemption. I. Can’t. Wait. to introduce you to them! So many of you have kept an interest in Christian’s story and wondered about updates on him. But there enters what has been weighing on my heart. I can’t introduce you to his family yet. Because in order to do that, they have to pass court in Ghana. Their dossier and documents for court are ready and waiting. But the dossier can’t be sent to Ghana. Because they don’t have the fees to send over for the court proceedings. And that is the way the adoption process works – if fees can’t be paid, the process can’t move forward. Everything is at a standstill until God shows up. And this family is trusting that He will. He’s shown up for them in the past, and they trust that He will again.
It would be easy for me to turn over responsibility of Christian to this family. Afterall, he’s going to be their son. But God reminded me on Monday that it’s not time to do that yet. There will be a time to turn him over to their care. But right now, God is holding me responsible for what I know and what I have seen. On Monday God planted a perspective in me that said, “Christian’s is your adoption. You fight tooth and nail, advocate loudly, and do everything you can to bring Christian home. You plead for him, just as you did for your girls. You do your part, and I’ll do Mine.”
So today, I will.
The need is $4000. This is needed IMMEDIATELY so that Christian can go to court. My posts here on the blog average about 200 viewers a day. That means if each one of you reading this donates just $20, we will have the dossier signed, sealed and delivered to Ghana and a court date can be scheduled. Can you do this for a child who has never known the love of a family? This is a boy who has been purposely abandoned – left fatherless and motherless, he’s been physically mistreated by others in an effort TO KILL HIM, he’s been subject to the darkest of evil, and lived 14 years of his life in suffering and vulnerability. And yet God has taken him up. He’s protected his emotions and kept his heart soft. God has given Christian a personality that exudes resilience and perseverance. And a smile through it all.
I have set up a GRACE fund for Christian through Adoption Advocates International in which you can make a tax-deductible donation towards Christian’s adoption. You can donate online by clicking HERE. Once on the donation page you simply need to select “Grace Fund” under the donation designation section and then write “Christian” in the blank spot below. You can also make a donation by phone by calling the AAI office and asking for Kathy and letting her know that the donation is for Christian: 360-452-4777. As always, you can also hand deliver or mail donations to Jake or I and we will get them to Christian’s fund.
**Please, pass news of Christian’s need on to others you know who may be able to contribute.**
Christian deserves to know the love and comfort of a family and his family is waiting anxiously to do just that. I can’t stand the thought that money is standing in the way of that happening. I am so ready for him to be able to start his new life in the United States. To start fresh and new, and to watch the chains of his past be broken.
“Now that I have seen, I am responsible, faith without deeds is dead.”
As we drove I started thinking on that line and the depth of what it means. It’s written off of two verses from scripture :
...once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act. ~Proverbs 24:12~
and
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ~James 2:14-17~
As I thought on these it was then that I started seeing little snapshots of faces flash through my head. Faces that God is holding me responsible for because of what He’s shown me. First I saw George. And I quickly realized that it had been weeks since I checked up on what was going on with his situation. Someone was supposed to go and investigate his situation – I had sent detailed directions to his house, and received a proposed date of when the investigation would start. But did it happen? I haven’t heard anything, but I am ashamed to say that I’ve gotten so busy with my life at home that I haven’t inquired. It took this song to remind me that I am responsible for this child. Who else is going to advocate for him? Nobody else has SEEN what I have about George. I am in a position where I can do something for him. I can be a voice for him. I am good at bugging people. I can bug and bug and bug on the investigators until they go and investigate. . Why is it so easy to forget George and get self-absorbed into my life?
I had just resolved in my mind that I would check up on George’s situation once we got back home, when another snapshot of a face went through my mind. Christian. For months now I’ve been able to rejoice in knowing that a family has stepped up to adopt Christian. I don’t know them personally – they in fact live states away from me. But I know many pieces of their story, I’ve seen pictures of their lovely family, and I have been in touch with Christian’s momma-in-waiting. They are a LARGE family, who has our same ‘open arms, open doors’ policy. I am telling you, as soon as you see even just a family photo of them, you are going to immediately get a glimpse of their beautiful, compassionate hearts. Not to mention the praises you will shout to God when you get to hear their own personal story of redemption. I. Can’t. Wait. to introduce you to them! So many of you have kept an interest in Christian’s story and wondered about updates on him. But there enters what has been weighing on my heart. I can’t introduce you to his family yet. Because in order to do that, they have to pass court in Ghana. Their dossier and documents for court are ready and waiting. But the dossier can’t be sent to Ghana. Because they don’t have the fees to send over for the court proceedings. And that is the way the adoption process works – if fees can’t be paid, the process can’t move forward. Everything is at a standstill until God shows up. And this family is trusting that He will. He’s shown up for them in the past, and they trust that He will again.
It would be easy for me to turn over responsibility of Christian to this family. Afterall, he’s going to be their son. But God reminded me on Monday that it’s not time to do that yet. There will be a time to turn him over to their care. But right now, God is holding me responsible for what I know and what I have seen. On Monday God planted a perspective in me that said, “Christian’s is your adoption. You fight tooth and nail, advocate loudly, and do everything you can to bring Christian home. You plead for him, just as you did for your girls. You do your part, and I’ll do Mine.”
So today, I will.
The need is $4000. This is needed IMMEDIATELY so that Christian can go to court. My posts here on the blog average about 200 viewers a day. That means if each one of you reading this donates just $20, we will have the dossier signed, sealed and delivered to Ghana and a court date can be scheduled. Can you do this for a child who has never known the love of a family? This is a boy who has been purposely abandoned – left fatherless and motherless, he’s been physically mistreated by others in an effort TO KILL HIM, he’s been subject to the darkest of evil, and lived 14 years of his life in suffering and vulnerability. And yet God has taken him up. He’s protected his emotions and kept his heart soft. God has given Christian a personality that exudes resilience and perseverance. And a smile through it all.
I have set up a GRACE fund for Christian through Adoption Advocates International in which you can make a tax-deductible donation towards Christian’s adoption. You can donate online by clicking HERE. Once on the donation page you simply need to select “Grace Fund” under the donation designation section and then write “Christian” in the blank spot below. You can also make a donation by phone by calling the AAI office and asking for Kathy and letting her know that the donation is for Christian: 360-452-4777. As always, you can also hand deliver or mail donations to Jake or I and we will get them to Christian’s fund.
**Please, pass news of Christian’s need on to others you know who may be able to contribute.**
Christian deserves to know the love and comfort of a family and his family is waiting anxiously to do just that. I can’t stand the thought that money is standing in the way of that happening. I am so ready for him to be able to start his new life in the United States. To start fresh and new, and to watch the chains of his past be broken.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Adoption of Christian: Update!
Almost 2 years ago now, on our March 2011 trip, I met a young boy in Asikuma named Christian.
Throughout the remainder of the trip God kept ‘bugging’ my heart about this boy, and as I soon found out, Christian was an orphan and had a very sad past of abuse and abandonment. Yet, what captured me about him was that in spite of his hard life, he had a light-hearted smile and an engaging spirit about him. Every time I was around him I felt God whispering to my heart that I should take action on his situation and find a way to help him. Once we got home from the trip, I decided to start with the obvious option of seeing if Christian was eligible for adoption, and go from there. As God would have it, over the next 6 months the social welfare investigation was completed on Christian, and he was indeed available to be adopted!
You can read the main posts I’ve written on Christian from our first meeting through his adoption process by following these links:
March 22, 2011: (The first day I met Christian) My Experience in the Schoolyard
March 23, 2011: The Boy Named Christian
May 2, 2011: The Boy Named Christian – Update!
May 13, 2011: Adoption Update Regarding Christian!
June 3, 2011: The One who Heals the Blind
August 23, 2011: Familiar Faces
June 7th, 2012: For the Boy Named Christian ~ Please
July 3, 2012: Christian’s GRACE fund: VICTORY!!!!!
At the same time that the social welfare investigations were going on to get Christian on the adoption track, God began hinting around to the U.S. family that He would eventually lead to adopt Christian. He began whispering that He had another child for them. And when I say ANOTHER, I mean another! We’re not talking a family of 5. Or 6. Or 7. Or 8. We’re talking this….
Did you count? That’s right, the Litzke’s from Ohio have 15 children – 13 adopted from various countries….and they obeyed the Lord’s prodding and stepped up to adopt Christian, which will make him the 16th addition to their family!!! I previously introduced you to the Litzke’s here. Just a few months ago in October, Momma Litzke ~ Mandy ~ traveled to Ghana to meet her son Christian for the first time, and also used that trip to complete the next step of the adoption - filing their I-600 form with the Embassy in Ghana. Since October was also the month that our girls ended up coming home, my blogging was a little sporadic, and I never got to share the sweet moments of Christian getting to MEET HIS MOTHER! I mean seriously. Just saying that puts a lump in my throat. The joy in my heart of knowing that Christian is going to have a FOREVER family that lavishes him in love, and teaches him about Jesus is seriously one of the coolest outcomes I’ve ever been a part of in my life. I’ve grabbed all of Mandy’s photos and posts off Facebook that she wrote during her Ghana trip to meet Christian and I’m sharing them below. I know you’ll be able to feel the JOY of the moments!!!! [Mandy’s husband stayed back with their other kids during the Oct trip, but he will be the one to travel and bring Christian home once the adoption is completed. One of Mandy’s friends, Sarah, was starting a travel agency specifically geared towards missions, so she accompanied Mandy on this trip to Ghana to gain insights on starting her business.]
Mandy’s trip in her words (except for a few of my inserts denoted in italics).....
October 9th, 2012
WE JUST MET CHRISTIAN!!!! Spent the entire evening with him. Can I just say---THANK YOU LORD. What an incredible, sweet, kind-hearted, gentle boy. After hugging me for 5 min and then again another 5 he smiled and said..."I AM SO EXCITED TO MEET YOU!" (And it was all in the dark--no electricity. LOL I am bursting from the seams with joy and rejoicing tonight.
Christian and Mom's first day together (pic taken literally in the dark w flashlights and candles! What a memory tonight will always be!)
October 10th, 2012:
Another huge thanks to all our friends and prayer warriors. You bless US! It's been another great day. Time is short this evening and internet is limited. I-600 aapointment went smooth and quick--answer to prayer. (NOW we pray SHORT duration for approval and on to visa!) We were met at the door by Christian who just about knocked me over with his huge, gigantic hugs! We took Christian to eat (boy after my own heart--loves CHOCOLATE). Christian read his letters from his brothers and sisters and he smiled with joy! He just keeps saying "I am so excited and happy to meet you" We also met with one of our local facilitators and her beautiful 4 foster children and shared some fun items donated and picked up for them. Their smiles truly make you melt. Definitely will be leaving another piece of my heart in Ghana with our new friends.
October 11th, 2012:
Another full day! Starting backwards---Christian got to skype with a few of his new siblings and it was indeed a treat and a treasure. He is so excited to meet them all!
Visited a children’s home. This family giving their lives so selflessly to care for 12 children in addition to their own when they barely have enough for themselves. YET, his words to me before we had an amazing time of prayer together—“God will always make a way when our hearts are true, He is faithful and we have His joy.” Their needs are so great yet their hearts so full! (Sweet time for Christian as he reunited with a friend).
From there we had lunch and were off to visit Christian’s school (the school he attends now while living with his foster family) and meet his teacher (Head Master-such a humble man of God) and the wonderful couple (Pastor and his wife) that started the school after feeling God was leading them to do so. Visited with the children and the teachers and ended in another anointed time of prayer with Pastor Lee. Their desire is to gather computers to enable the children maximum access of educational resources and opportunity. Next to knowing Jesus---EDUCATION is the key for hope of better life and provision for the future. And in addition they have purchased land to open a school especially for the special needs and truly “forgotten children”. Full day filled with an array of emotions. We visit Christian’s birth village tomorrow. Covet prayers.
The next day they visited Asikuma (Christian’s ‘hometown’) but Mandy’s update did not go through b/c of internet issues. We had really been covering this day in prayer, because Christian had not been back to Asikuma for almost a year. You may remember that he is in foster care with our Ghanaian friends, Nana and Esi, who live closer to the capital of Ghana – Accra. Having been removed from Asikuma for quite some time, we weren’t sure how his emotions would hold up of being reminded of the heartache and memories that Asikuma holds for him. However, Christian endured, and was distracted enough by introducing his mother to his old friends and the places he used to frequent each day. Some pictures from this day…
Christian with his cousin who he calls his ‘brother’. Christian lived with this cousin and his aunt (who has disabling health issues making it complicated for her to work and provide) for quite some time when he was in Asikuma.
Visiting Christian’s old school that he attended in Asikuma. In the background of this first picture is the schoolyard where I first met Christian – they are literally almost standing at the very spot where he first caught my attention!
Walking through the village of Asikuma…
Oct 13th, 2012:
Today we visited the Arts Center (Market) and picked up a few items as keepsakes and experienced "THE" African market. From there saw a friend from the States and said some goodbyes to new friends in Ghana. Christian is becoming more and more familiar and honestly, it feels he has always been part of the family. :-) He is such a gentlemen. Always opening doors for me and looking out for me. Love the experience and of course spending time with our son...but mama's ready to get home. MISSING home and family. Continue to lift us up in prayer. Saying goodbye to Christian on Monday will be so difficult. Must remind ourselves that it's for only a short time. Now we return home, wait for final paperwork and visa appt. Then, Dad will return to bring our boy HOME. Prayers please as we fundraise for return trip. It's sad here---such a community stricken with poverty, but expensive. One additional praise--we have seen fruit from seeds planted in lives around us. That is such a treasure for God to allow us to see.
October 14th, 2012:
An evening walk on the gulf. (Last request in Ghana...and our gracious driver made it happen-thank u Samson)
Yep we threw in a horse ride (I'll tell you ALL about being chased by the horse another time ;-)
Gulf of Guinea- beautiful sunset from this evening
October 14th, 2012:
Asking for prayer- tomorrow is our goodbyes and Christian has already told me he will be "missing mama so bad and crying". It will be one of the hardest things I've ever done leaving him here. You all will absolutely LOVE him. Now for some ice cream together. (Yes- comfort food and fun)
Hopefully you were able to catch some glimpses of Mandy’s character and Christian’s personality through those posts of their meeting! And now, for some exciting news since that trip!!!! Earlier this month the Litzke’s received their I-600 approval, which means they are now onto the final step of the adoption which is the visa process!!!! WHOOP WHOOP! And just this week I received news from Mandy that their visa interview has been scheduled for NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!! Once they get through the interview portion, a date will be set for Christian’s visa to be printed and then they can make their travel plans to bring him HOME! Many of you have previously been a part of the Litzke’s adoption journey of Christian by donating towards the cost of their adoption fees via his GRACE fund. The Litzke’s have fundraised the entire portion of what they’ve paid on the adoption so far (thanks to many of you!), and God has been so faithful to provide as they trusted He would. In the event that you feel led to donate towards the finish of this adoption, the Litzke’s are in need of funding the costs of their upcoming travel expenses to bring Christian home. If you would like to help in any way, here are the remaining costs they are looking at:
Mandy Litzke
10944 Darby Blvd. W.
Plain City, OH 43064
I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL I GET TO TELL YOU THAT CHRISTIAN GETS TO COME HOME!!!!
You can read the main posts I’ve written on Christian from our first meeting through his adoption process by following these links:
March 22, 2011: (The first day I met Christian) My Experience in the Schoolyard
March 23, 2011: The Boy Named Christian
May 2, 2011: The Boy Named Christian – Update!
May 13, 2011: Adoption Update Regarding Christian!
June 3, 2011: The One who Heals the Blind
August 23, 2011: Familiar Faces
June 7th, 2012: For the Boy Named Christian ~ Please
July 3, 2012: Christian’s GRACE fund: VICTORY!!!!!
At the same time that the social welfare investigations were going on to get Christian on the adoption track, God began hinting around to the U.S. family that He would eventually lead to adopt Christian. He began whispering that He had another child for them. And when I say ANOTHER, I mean another! We’re not talking a family of 5. Or 6. Or 7. Or 8. We’re talking this….
Mandy’s trip in her words (except for a few of my inserts denoted in italics).....
October 9th, 2012
WE JUST MET CHRISTIAN!!!! Spent the entire evening with him. Can I just say---THANK YOU LORD. What an incredible, sweet, kind-hearted, gentle boy. After hugging me for 5 min and then again another 5 he smiled and said..."I AM SO EXCITED TO MEET YOU!" (And it was all in the dark--no electricity. LOL I am bursting from the seams with joy and rejoicing tonight.
Christian and Mom's first day together (pic taken literally in the dark w flashlights and candles! What a memory tonight will always be!)
Another huge thanks to all our friends and prayer warriors. You bless US! It's been another great day. Time is short this evening and internet is limited. I-600 aapointment went smooth and quick--answer to prayer. (NOW we pray SHORT duration for approval and on to visa!) We were met at the door by Christian who just about knocked me over with his huge, gigantic hugs! We took Christian to eat (boy after my own heart--loves CHOCOLATE). Christian read his letters from his brothers and sisters and he smiled with joy! He just keeps saying "I am so excited and happy to meet you" We also met with one of our local facilitators and her beautiful 4 foster children and shared some fun items donated and picked up for them. Their smiles truly make you melt. Definitely will be leaving another piece of my heart in Ghana with our new friends.
October 11th, 2012:
Another full day! Starting backwards---Christian got to skype with a few of his new siblings and it was indeed a treat and a treasure. He is so excited to meet them all!
Visited a children’s home. This family giving their lives so selflessly to care for 12 children in addition to their own when they barely have enough for themselves. YET, his words to me before we had an amazing time of prayer together—“God will always make a way when our hearts are true, He is faithful and we have His joy.” Their needs are so great yet their hearts so full! (Sweet time for Christian as he reunited with a friend).
From there we had lunch and were off to visit Christian’s school (the school he attends now while living with his foster family) and meet his teacher (Head Master-such a humble man of God) and the wonderful couple (Pastor and his wife) that started the school after feeling God was leading them to do so. Visited with the children and the teachers and ended in another anointed time of prayer with Pastor Lee. Their desire is to gather computers to enable the children maximum access of educational resources and opportunity. Next to knowing Jesus---EDUCATION is the key for hope of better life and provision for the future. And in addition they have purchased land to open a school especially for the special needs and truly “forgotten children”. Full day filled with an array of emotions. We visit Christian’s birth village tomorrow. Covet prayers.
OH-IO. A new fan is born!
Christian with his cousin who he calls his ‘brother’. Christian lived with this cousin and his aunt (who has disabling health issues making it complicated for her to work and provide) for quite some time when he was in Asikuma.
Visiting Christian’s old school that he attended in Asikuma. In the background of this first picture is the schoolyard where I first met Christian – they are literally almost standing at the very spot where he first caught my attention!
Walking through the village of Asikuma…
Today we visited the Arts Center (Market) and picked up a few items as keepsakes and experienced "THE" African market. From there saw a friend from the States and said some goodbyes to new friends in Ghana. Christian is becoming more and more familiar and honestly, it feels he has always been part of the family. :-) He is such a gentlemen. Always opening doors for me and looking out for me. Love the experience and of course spending time with our son...but mama's ready to get home. MISSING home and family. Continue to lift us up in prayer. Saying goodbye to Christian on Monday will be so difficult. Must remind ourselves that it's for only a short time. Now we return home, wait for final paperwork and visa appt. Then, Dad will return to bring our boy HOME. Prayers please as we fundraise for return trip. It's sad here---such a community stricken with poverty, but expensive. One additional praise--we have seen fruit from seeds planted in lives around us. That is such a treasure for God to allow us to see.
October 14th, 2012:
An evening walk on the gulf. (Last request in Ghana...and our gracious driver made it happen-thank u Samson)
Yep we threw in a horse ride (I'll tell you ALL about being chased by the horse another time ;-)
Gulf of Guinea- beautiful sunset from this evening
Asking for prayer- tomorrow is our goodbyes and Christian has already told me he will be "missing mama so bad and crying". It will be one of the hardest things I've ever done leaving him here. You all will absolutely LOVE him. Now for some ice cream together. (Yes- comfort food and fun)
* * * * * * *
Hopefully you were able to catch some glimpses of Mandy’s character and Christian’s personality through those posts of their meeting! And now, for some exciting news since that trip!!!! Earlier this month the Litzke’s received their I-600 approval, which means they are now onto the final step of the adoption which is the visa process!!!! WHOOP WHOOP! And just this week I received news from Mandy that their visa interview has been scheduled for NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!! Once they get through the interview portion, a date will be set for Christian’s visa to be printed and then they can make their travel plans to bring him HOME! Many of you have previously been a part of the Litzke’s adoption journey of Christian by donating towards the cost of their adoption fees via his GRACE fund. The Litzke’s have fundraised the entire portion of what they’ve paid on the adoption so far (thanks to many of you!), and God has been so faithful to provide as they trusted He would. In the event that you feel led to donate towards the finish of this adoption, the Litzke’s are in need of funding the costs of their upcoming travel expenses to bring Christian home. If you would like to help in any way, here are the remaining costs they are looking at:
- $150 foster care fees for February
- $2500 in estimated flight tickets [for Dave (Mandy’s husband) who will travel to Ghana and Christian’s ONE-WAY ticket home]
- $100-$125 per night for hotel stay in Ghana (minimum -they think of 3 nights—but of course could turn into longer)
- miscellaneous expenses for food, driver, etc while in-country
Mandy Litzke
10944 Darby Blvd. W.
Plain City, OH 43064
I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL I GET TO TELL YOU THAT CHRISTIAN GETS TO COME HOME!!!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
She's back; Christian's fund; Sponsorships; Boy with Compound Fracture; Asikuma Library/Comp Center Updates
She's Back!
My mom arrived home from her trip to Tanzania a few days ago!!!!! She has just begun blogging about her trip…you can read her stories and see photos from her 2 ½ week adventure at her blog here: http://odlemountain.blogspot.com/
*************************************************************************************
Christian's GRACE Fund
Thanks to all of you who have so kindly donated to Christian’s GRACE (Generosity Results in Adoption for Children Everywhere) fund. The current tally is at $3702. [To see the original post with details click HERE.] God keeps telling me to hang on and we will eventually get to that $4000 mark! From here, I will no longer be doing tally updates, but will let you know once we reach the goal!
*************************************************************************************
Sponsorships
I had a handful of people contact me about wanting to be George (and family)’s sponsors! That was quite exciting! I ended up matching him with the family who contacted me first. For those of you who are interested in sponsorship, it is probable that more children like George will be identified on our trips, but we prefer to allow God to lead us to the individual cases. This is not going to be a quick/immediate program that we will set up (if it even becomes a ‘program’). It will take time. In the mean time, there are many children in Ghana in need of sponsorship who have already been identified and placed into an actual sponsorship program through our adoption agency - Adoption Advocates International. Our agency does adoptions, but their first priority in-country is family preservation which happens through humanitarian efforts. Adoption is always the last option. Keeping a family together is the first aim. Specifically, our Ghana program coordinator, Anita, has many children identified in Ghana who are *SO* in need of educational sponsorship (like George and his sister are). I cut and pasted a little excerpt below off of one of Anita’s recent/awesome/thought provoking blog posts:
Orphaned and vulnerable children need education in order to survive their circumstances. Period. You can give it. There's a million and one different organizations with sponsorship programs (of course I recommend Adoption Advocates International). Children in other countries don't take education for granted like our kids do. They cherish it as if it were gold. They beg for it. It's all they would want for Christmas (if it were their tradition to ask for anything for Christmas). I CONSTANTLY have people writing me from Ghana asking me if we can add more kids to our sponsorship program, but I can’t sponsor the ones I already have waiting…. [You can read the full blog post here]
These educational sponsorships through Adoption Advocates International are at $35 or $40 per month. If you can consider it, contact Anita for more information: anita@adoptionadvocates.org
*************************************************************************************
The Boy with the Bone Through His Arm: Update
Had a few people wondering about an update on the boy with the bone through his arm. Also, so I can stop referring to him as that, his name is Dotse. :) On June 5th we received this email from our in-country staff member, ‘K’:
Hello Jake,
Glory and honor be to the Ancient of Days. Yesterday, Dotse and I went to the hospital in Koforidua as planned. We went straight to Dr. Abdul Rahman, and after surfing through the boy's hospital folder, he gave us Friday, July 6th, as his admission date and might be operated in that first week of July. We could not meet Dr. Ofori-Atta in Koforidua, as he told me on phone to rather meet him with the boy today at 8:10 at Akosombo VRA hospital. He would like to check the severity of the case, and then advice Dr. Rahman as to what to do or how to go about the whole thing. It means that I am mailing you from the hospital right now and we have just got out of Dr. Ofori-Atta's office. He says he would communicate with all you guys about it.
Regards,
‘K’
Jake was not happy with that proposed admission date, and emailed the doctor directly:
Dr. Ofori-Atta,
‘K’ just informed me that the boy Dotse would not be able to have surgery until July 6th. Can I ask why it takes so long to get him for the surgery with such a severe fracture? I totally understand that things in Ghana work a little differently than in the United States, however, I am curious: If I personally lived in Ghana and my own biological son had a fractured arm, would it take that long to have a surgery to get it fixed? I am just trying to understand the process as God continues to lead us in helping as many youth as possible.
Thanks,
Jake Sullivan
From there the doctor and Jake exchanged a handful of brief emails, and Jake was told to have Dotse at the hospital instead on June 15th. ‘K’ got him there, only to be sent home because there were no available patient beds….the update from ‘K’ that day (June 15th)…..
Jake,
Dotse and I are just back home. There are still practically no free beds at the male ward to admit him. St Joseph hospital is the only of its kind here and thus the hotcake! Always full of patients. He carried out a review on Dotse and advised him to keep taking the drugs. On the way coming home, he claims to be feeling much much better now and the pains have increasingly reduced! We thank God in all things, Jake! In summary, Dr. Rahman is still referring us to the first week in July for a new appointment; for this reason that it is in that week many previously admitted patients would be released. It is also worth informing you that he says we have to pay a cash deposit of GHC 1000 on that appointment date before Dotse could be accepted. We count on the Lord for help and only he knows things we do not know.
Regards,
‘K’.
I always like to include the exact email communications so you can really see how things ‘work’ in Ghana. So, as of right now, Dotse is still scheduled to be admitted on July 6th, but even that sounds like it might not be the actual operating day. We were really hoping that we would have our adoption decree by now so that Jake could be in the country this first week in July (to file our I-600) and go with Dotse to the appointment (but we don’t have the decree yet). Dotse continues to need someone to stand up for him and be his voice. Otherwise, we fear that he will continue to get the run around. There is a praise surrounding Dotse’s situation and that is that two families who read of his situation felt led to contribute to his hospital fees. Right now the admission fee of 1000 Ghana cedis (which is $600 U.S.) has been covered, as well as the costs for his 'drugs' which is Osteocare - a bone strengthening supplement, the recent transportation costs for the hospital trips, and other small fees. We still don’t know how much the actual operation will cost. For right now, July 6th is the day to keep in mind for Dotse.
*************************************************************************************
Asikuma Governmental Primary School Enhancements
Finally, I wanted to include the following update on more progress with our Asikuma school enhancements and library project. I last left off here as I detailed what was accomplished on our recent March trip.
In order for the students in this primary school to pass the entrance exams into secondary school (to go to high school), they must be proficient with use of the computer. Until now, they had no running computers to practice/learn on (you may remember this post from a previous trip in which we observed that students in a school similar to Asikuma’s were learning the computer keys off the chalkboard). An exciting update from ‘K’….
Saturday, June 23rd:
Jake,
We constantly give glory to God, in whom we have the strength for every kind of good deed he is using us to do.
Here are a few exciting news for you :D. The six(6) computers are in since yesterday and I have sent them to my house for the mean time. This because Sampson hasn't finish with painting the inside of the rooms and I'm still waiting for him to do that. Also, that same yesterday, we erected the big sign for the school and all are looking really beautiful here - just so glad:D!!!
Next is that, the electrician I have got has succeeded in bringing the power in both the KCI-CYBERCAFE and the second room this afternoon. It is now left with Sampson to finish with the painting, then I send the computers in, as I'm already in contact with one ISP (internet service provider) that claim can get our computers connected. They asked me to call again on Monday for confirmation :D, then, they could send an engineer down maybe in the week to fix those.
‘K’
A few pictures....the sign...
The electrician at work. :)
The computers!
The computer center will double as an internet café and printing center (eventually) in which the public can pay a small fee to use. The internet café is a very typical service in the less rural parts of Ghana, but the first of its kind here in rural Asikuma! The computer center will also be opened up to neighboring schools to use for a small fee.
For those of you who donated to this development for the school back in February, it was only by your donations that we have been able to bring this computer center/internet café into reality. Your donations bought these computers, and your donations are what we have used to pay the electricians, Sampson, and numerous other workers who are completing this labor. Again, THANK YOU!
We are hoping that the computer center/internet café piece can get finished up in the next few weeks so that our team of August 2012 tripsters are able to officially stock the library shelves with the donated books! So far we’ve shipped a little less than half of the donations and they are ready and waiting in Ghana. However, we still have close to 5000 POUNDS (!) of school supplies and books that are packaged up and waiting in Jake’s office to be shipped. When gas prices went up, shipping for these tubs alone was estimated to be $12,000-$16,000. Good grief! We are looking into a couple of organizations who may be able to help us ship them for a fraction of that cost….still working on that.
*************************************************************************************
Christian's GRACE Fund
*************************************************************************************
Sponsorships
Orphaned and vulnerable children need education in order to survive their circumstances. Period. You can give it. There's a million and one different organizations with sponsorship programs (of course I recommend Adoption Advocates International). Children in other countries don't take education for granted like our kids do. They cherish it as if it were gold. They beg for it. It's all they would want for Christmas (if it were their tradition to ask for anything for Christmas). I CONSTANTLY have people writing me from Ghana asking me if we can add more kids to our sponsorship program, but I can’t sponsor the ones I already have waiting…. [You can read the full blog post here]
These educational sponsorships through Adoption Advocates International are at $35 or $40 per month. If you can consider it, contact Anita for more information: anita@adoptionadvocates.org
*************************************************************************************
The Boy with the Bone Through His Arm: Update
Hello Jake,
Glory and honor be to the Ancient of Days. Yesterday, Dotse and I went to the hospital in Koforidua as planned. We went straight to Dr. Abdul Rahman, and after surfing through the boy's hospital folder, he gave us Friday, July 6th, as his admission date and might be operated in that first week of July. We could not meet Dr. Ofori-Atta in Koforidua, as he told me on phone to rather meet him with the boy today at 8:10 at Akosombo VRA hospital. He would like to check the severity of the case, and then advice Dr. Rahman as to what to do or how to go about the whole thing. It means that I am mailing you from the hospital right now and we have just got out of Dr. Ofori-Atta's office. He says he would communicate with all you guys about it.
Regards,
‘K’
Jake was not happy with that proposed admission date, and emailed the doctor directly:
Dr. Ofori-Atta,
‘K’ just informed me that the boy Dotse would not be able to have surgery until July 6th. Can I ask why it takes so long to get him for the surgery with such a severe fracture? I totally understand that things in Ghana work a little differently than in the United States, however, I am curious: If I personally lived in Ghana and my own biological son had a fractured arm, would it take that long to have a surgery to get it fixed? I am just trying to understand the process as God continues to lead us in helping as many youth as possible.
Thanks,
Jake Sullivan
From there the doctor and Jake exchanged a handful of brief emails, and Jake was told to have Dotse at the hospital instead on June 15th. ‘K’ got him there, only to be sent home because there were no available patient beds….the update from ‘K’ that day (June 15th)…..
Jake,
Dotse and I are just back home. There are still practically no free beds at the male ward to admit him. St Joseph hospital is the only of its kind here and thus the hotcake! Always full of patients. He carried out a review on Dotse and advised him to keep taking the drugs. On the way coming home, he claims to be feeling much much better now and the pains have increasingly reduced! We thank God in all things, Jake! In summary, Dr. Rahman is still referring us to the first week in July for a new appointment; for this reason that it is in that week many previously admitted patients would be released. It is also worth informing you that he says we have to pay a cash deposit of GHC 1000 on that appointment date before Dotse could be accepted. We count on the Lord for help and only he knows things we do not know.
Regards,
‘K’.
I always like to include the exact email communications so you can really see how things ‘work’ in Ghana. So, as of right now, Dotse is still scheduled to be admitted on July 6th, but even that sounds like it might not be the actual operating day. We were really hoping that we would have our adoption decree by now so that Jake could be in the country this first week in July (to file our I-600) and go with Dotse to the appointment (but we don’t have the decree yet). Dotse continues to need someone to stand up for him and be his voice. Otherwise, we fear that he will continue to get the run around. There is a praise surrounding Dotse’s situation and that is that two families who read of his situation felt led to contribute to his hospital fees. Right now the admission fee of 1000 Ghana cedis (which is $600 U.S.) has been covered, as well as the costs for his 'drugs' which is Osteocare - a bone strengthening supplement, the recent transportation costs for the hospital trips, and other small fees. We still don’t know how much the actual operation will cost. For right now, July 6th is the day to keep in mind for Dotse.
*************************************************************************************
Asikuma Governmental Primary School Enhancements
Finally, I wanted to include the following update on more progress with our Asikuma school enhancements and library project. I last left off here as I detailed what was accomplished on our recent March trip.
In order for the students in this primary school to pass the entrance exams into secondary school (to go to high school), they must be proficient with use of the computer. Until now, they had no running computers to practice/learn on (you may remember this post from a previous trip in which we observed that students in a school similar to Asikuma’s were learning the computer keys off the chalkboard). An exciting update from ‘K’….
Saturday, June 23rd:
Jake,
We constantly give glory to God, in whom we have the strength for every kind of good deed he is using us to do.
Here are a few exciting news for you :D. The six(6) computers are in since yesterday and I have sent them to my house for the mean time. This because Sampson hasn't finish with painting the inside of the rooms and I'm still waiting for him to do that. Also, that same yesterday, we erected the big sign for the school and all are looking really beautiful here - just so glad:D!!!
Next is that, the electrician I have got has succeeded in bringing the power in both the KCI-CYBERCAFE and the second room this afternoon. It is now left with Sampson to finish with the painting, then I send the computers in, as I'm already in contact with one ISP (internet service provider) that claim can get our computers connected. They asked me to call again on Monday for confirmation :D, then, they could send an engineer down maybe in the week to fix those.
‘K’
A few pictures....the sign...
The electrician at work. :)
The computers!
For those of you who donated to this development for the school back in February, it was only by your donations that we have been able to bring this computer center/internet café into reality. Your donations bought these computers, and your donations are what we have used to pay the electricians, Sampson, and numerous other workers who are completing this labor. Again, THANK YOU!
We are hoping that the computer center/internet café piece can get finished up in the next few weeks so that our team of August 2012 tripsters are able to officially stock the library shelves with the donated books! So far we’ve shipped a little less than half of the donations and they are ready and waiting in Ghana. However, we still have close to 5000 POUNDS (!) of school supplies and books that are packaged up and waiting in Jake’s office to be shipped. When gas prices went up, shipping for these tubs alone was estimated to be $12,000-$16,000. Good grief! We are looking into a couple of organizations who may be able to help us ship them for a fraction of that cost….still working on that.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Christian's GRACE Fund: UPDATE!!!!!!!
Alright friends, we are ¼ of the way there! Just talked to Kathy, the head of financials over at the Adoption Advocates International office – as of this morning $1015 has come in for donations for Christian!!!!!!!!!! WAHOOOEY! That plus a $10 donation that was hand-delivered to me yesterday, and one more donation on the way that I know of in the mail! Thank you to all who have donated so far!!!!! PLEASE continue to spread the word about Christian’s need. Feel free to repost my post from yesterday on your blog, or to Facebook! Stress to your friends, family, whoever that NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL! The Lord can do amazing things even with just $5!!! If you haven’t donated yet, please, can YOU give even just $5? You may be surprised at how when you open your heart and your hands, and give, God will often bring blessings back to you, and sometimes gives you your money back in supernatural ways. Try it! See what happens!
This scripture challenged my heart this morning when I read it, and I pray that it stirs yours as well….
That's Luke 12:33-34. My application notes in my Bible say of these verses:
Money seen as an end in itself quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy. The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can use for God’s purposes, not how much we can accumulate for ourselves. Does God’s love touch your wallet? Does your money free you to help others? If so, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven. If your financial goals and possessions hinder you from giving generously, loving others, or serving God, sell what you must to bring your life into perspective.
This scripture challenged my heart this morning when I read it, and I pray that it stirs yours as well….
Money seen as an end in itself quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy. The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can use for God’s purposes, not how much we can accumulate for ourselves. Does God’s love touch your wallet? Does your money free you to help others? If so, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven. If your financial goals and possessions hinder you from giving generously, loving others, or serving God, sell what you must to bring your life into perspective.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Cue the Hallelujah Choir!
I was just contacted by a family who feels led to donate THE REST OF THE AMOUNT NEEDED TO REACH CHRISTIAN’S GRACE FUND GOAL!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! That is over a $2000 donation. Out of nowhere. My heart is racing so fast. Not only that, but I’ve received word from the Litzke’s that Christian’s visa can be picked up on THIS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!! God is on the move people. Christian. Is. Coming. Home.
Praise the LORD, my soul.
I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
~Psalm 146~
Praise the LORD, my soul.
I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
~Psalm 146~
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Christian's GRACE Fund Update!
Just received an update from the AAI office ~ 3 donations have come in for Christian totaling $575!!!! Whoop whoop! That takes care of March and April foster care fees ($300 total), with $275 to begin taking a crack at those plane tickets! Thank you to those who have donated so far! $2,925 to go!!!!!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)