Busy Start to to 2012
January has been a busy month for us as we work on several fronts:
- Building Program for the Daughters of Ruth (DOR) - We have installed a temporary electrical meter and are negotiating with several builders to form a work crew. Construction should begin on the new girls' dormitory by the end of January. Thanks to everyone who has given to make this possible! We will keep you updated.
- Financial stability for DOR - One of our goals is to help put DOR on a stable financial footing and make it more self sufficient. Pastor Boonlert, however, was forced to go into debt to keep DOR open after his funding collasped in 2010. We are providing financial counseling and working on a plan to help him retire his debt. Loan interest rates in Thailand are extremely high and make it difficult to find a way out debt. Please pray for us because this is vital for the longterm success of DOR.
- Child Protection Procedures for DOR - We have created a set of procedures to insure the protection of the girls residing at DOR. Although there have never been any instances of abuse or neglect at the home, we recognize the necessity to provide as much protection as possible. Please pray as we work with Pastor Boonlert and the staff to implement these steps.
- Prison Ministries - The Lord is drawing together an excellent team to minister together in the prisons. We have 3 Thai pastors who volunteer with us (Pastor Peechai, Sooradit, and Boonlert), and we all work well together. We have developed a plan to extend our reach into prisons and juvenile centers for 2012. Please pray as we implement this plan in January and February.
Pastor Peechai, Pastor Boonlert, Pastor Sooradit, Upha (Sooradit's wife in the purple jacket), Jim and Becky at the Chiang Mai Women's Priosn.
A Great Christmas!
Thank you for praying for our Christmas outreach activities. The meeting in the Chiang Mai women's prison was tremendous, and the Spirit was clearly present and at work. As a team, we were humbled and encouraged to worship with the "Church of Hope" as the believers call themselves. When you see an inmate bow in thanks before you as they take a simple gift bag, you only can thank God for the opportunity to serve. We also had a great time at Daughters of Ruth (DOR). We played games, sang carols, and presented the Christmas story through interactive activities. The girls had fun and the gifts were a great encouragement. The evening was a highlight of their year.
Christmas gift bags in the foreground during a time of worship at the Chiang Mai women's prison
Jim sharing a Christmas devotional at the Chiang Mai women's prison church
Girls at DOR discuss what it going on in scenes from the Christmas story
Christmas gifts for DOR
Daughters of Ruth (DOR) News
We want to let you know that the district office has approved our blueprints, and we now have a building permit. PTL! This was received in late December, and now we are trying to form a work crew to begin construction. Our small budget will require us to monitor labor and material costs closely, but we believe the Lord will guide our steps. Please pray for Jim and Boonlert as they try to get the building project up and running in the coming days.
Pumping water from the newly drilled well with a deisel engine. We hope to finish the holding tank and pumping system soon.
Fill Dirt being brought onto the building site to raise the foundation.
We have felt the Lord lead us to assist DOR. This girl's home was founded by our colleague, Pastor Boonlert, to stand in the gap and protect girls who have one or both parents in prison. They live on the margins of society and would be exploited by human traffickers or other criminal elements if DOR could not provide a place of refuge for them. At DOR, lives are turned around, and these girls on the margins become followers of Christ. Click here Daughters of Ruth or use the tab at the top of the page to read more about the DOR home.
Family News
We have jumped right back into our homeschool schedule and are trying to balance that with busy ministry activities. Becky is also teaching a science class at the homeschool co-op on Mondays which requires additional preparation. Please pray for us to have balance as a family. Somtimes we are stretched.
Swimming on New Year's Day 2012
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1) Electronically - Contributions can be made from a checking account, savings account or credit card on either a one time or recurring basis.
Click here to make a contribution online: www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php
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2) Checks - Contributions can be made by check and mailed to:
The Life Bridge Foundation, PO Box 51, Central City, NE 68826. Please make checks payable to The Life Bridge Foundation and enclose a note indicating, "Support for the Reynolds Family" or "DOR."
Checks can also be mailed to Community Bible Church, 403 F Ave, Central City, NE 68826. Please make checks payable to Community Bible Church and enclose a separate note indicating, "Support for the Reynolds Family" or "DOR."
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“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
Acts 20:24
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