Greetings, Friends!
I am excited to write these updates to you.
The new safe home looks amazing! Doreen is through the roof excited about this dream come true. And she has you to thank for it! I hope one day for you to meet Doreen face to face so she can express how grateful she is to you. The girls moved into the home on Wednesday, May 29th!! Hopefully, by the next newsletter, the video of the girls at the new home will be ready to share. For now, please enjoy a few photos of the property & this video of some of the property renovations (and, as previously mentioned, if you’d like to see more photos and updates, join us on Facebook).
Happenings & Musings
Parents’ Meeting
The staff at Lupins recently held a meeting with the parents of children who are beneficiaries of Lupins’. The meeting was a turning point for many of the families. This change in mindset was largely driven by Doreen’s testimony. She told how, while living in the slums of Naguru, God chose her, out of thousands of children, to be the beneficiary of the life-changing work of Compassion International. Doreen expressed her desire to minister to others because of those who had ministered to her. Many of the parents found Doreen later, expressing their shock that she grew up so impoverished. In the words of one parent, “I thought you were just another organization, making money off of the poor.” We are hopeful this meeting will bear much fruit as we work together with the parents to bring life-long safety and opportunity for each girl and her family.
Parents’ Meeting (at the new safe home):
A Tightly Balled Paper
Lillian was recently rescued by Lupins. “I feel like a tightly balled piece of paper. And, even if I could open up, I would still be wrinkled everywhere.” These were the wise, but heart-wrenching, words spoken to Doreen by sweet, soft-spoken Lillian. She then asked if Doreen would be able to iron her flat.
How would you respond to this?
Read the full story here
Mini Updates:
- Future property plans: Doreen has many noteworthy plans for the new property. I will update you about these in future newsletters.
- Employer donation matching: You can help the girls’ by going here to see if your employer will match donations to Lupins.
Pray:
- A visit from Doreen: Doreen is still waiting for her visa appointment. Please continue to pray that she will receive the visa so she can visit the U.S. in September.
- Parenting Training & Ministry: There is a significant need for parenting workshops in Bulamu, an impoverished community, as alcoholism among mothers is common & parents are severely neglecting their children. For example, an eight-year-old girl in Bulamu grew so distraught living with her alcoholic mother that she left home and began sleeping in public bathrooms. She wasn’t discovered for two weeks and the mother apparently didn’t notice her daughter was gone (Doreen is currently working to bring this little girl to the Lupins safe home). Because of these problems, four Lupins staff members will hold a parenting workshop in Bulamu at the end of June. Through the workshop, parents will acquire practical parenting skills. They will also be made aware of their responsibilities as parents (and, along with that, the rights of their children). Pastor Charles will teach from God’s Word and provide an opportunity to respond to the Good News of Jesus. Doreen is also hoping to partner with Mercy for Mamas to give out kits for new mothers. Please pray for a fruitful workshop.
With love,
Kristen
P.S. I want you to know how thankful I am to you for taking the time to send me notes of encouragement and for letting me know how much you care about the girls. This brings me so much joy.
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