The Journey Continues

BREAKING NEWS

2012-02-01T18:25:00.001-08:00

We just received word a few hours ago that the young man who had been lost in Kyrygzstan has been found. VISIT www.lambinternational.blogspot.com for all the details of Slavic's return!

LAMb Team Spread Around the World

2012-01-06T18:23:00.000-08:00

When I think of the exciting things ahead for the LAMb team, it is awesome to see how God has lead us in ministry and work opportunities around the world. In this coming year, our team members will be in Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, possibly Africa and South America. As the evening closes this night, the Wrights are preparing to leave Kyrygzstan after a whirlwind 8 days of ministering to orphans and widows. To catch their excitement, visit their blog at http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/

Ruby and Lynn Johnston, our team founders will be making many trips to Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan this spring and also putting together a mission's team for April. Check out their blog at http://www.lambinternational.blogspot.com/

This evening, David and I are preparing to leave for a new opportunity - adoption and trauma training in Belarus. We leave Saturday morning and will spend next week with adoption workers in Minsk. We covet your prayers. This isn't a trip with ministry focus, but a work/training trip. However, we strongly desire God's presence to be felt though us and touch lives in ways maybe they don't expect and we can't imagine.

AHEAD IN THE NEW YEAR
While David and I will be home a tad more in 2012, we will still be very busy in ministry. David officially joined the staff of The Shelter Community Church as Pastoral Care Minister. He spends many, many hours a week in counseling and being connected to The Shelter this way is a real blessing.

In January, we are beginning a brand new project - a pilot research study project with Butler County Children Services and social work students at Wheelock College (on the east coast) We are excited about the potential and will share more of that later.

In March, we have the opportunity to share in a DVD training video project with CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network.) Becoming Family: Hope and Healing for the Adoptive and Foster Care Family, is a project dedicated to serving and supporting families caring for children with a history of trauma. This is an outgrowth of our newest book, Wounded Children, Healing Homes. The series will also highlight the work of Dr. Karyn Purvis,(The Connected Child) Michael and Amy Monroe, and Dr. Wendy Flowers. More about that later, as well.

Also, in late March, we return to Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan for several weeks of ministry.

David and I know that the opportunities we have are gifts from God and we are so deeply thankful and simply desire for Him to place us where He wants to use us. We also want to thank you for your continued support and encouragement. It is always fun to run into our friends while out and about...May your new year be one of incredible growth in the Lord and exciting adventures.

LAMb Planning Spring Missions Trip

2012-01-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

It is official. LAMb is planning their spring missions trip to Kyrgyzstan. It is from April 28 until May 11, 2012. If you might be interested in joining the LAMb Team, visit the LAMb blog for information on this life changing event!!!!

http://www.lambinternational.blogspot.com/

Some of the faces of those waiting to meet you this spring.

Also, feel free to contact us with your interest as well.
jayeschool@aol.com

WATCH DAILY

2011-12-28T07:18:00.001-08:00

We are excited for the LAMb team now on the ground in Kyrgyzstan.....please visit the Wright's blog daily for the next eight days...it will warm you heart and blow your socks off!!!

http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/

Candles Give Hope to Orphaned Children - Thank you, Jen

2011-12-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

Very quietly and humbly, Jen Hauk spent many, many hours over the busy holidays creating candles for one single purpose - to raise resources for our family resource center, Dayspring, in Kyrgyzstan. We are excited to announce that through her efforts (and I am sure the help of her family), she raised at just about $1,200. These resources will be used to provide loving care to the children God sends to us.

THANK YOU, JEN

Make your own thank you

I don't think I will ever forget the words of Mother Theresa - paraphrased - " It is not the great big things always that make an impact for God , but it is the little things that God multiplies and uses." It is one candle made that makes a difference for one child at a time!

The True Gifts of Christmas

2011-12-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

With Christmas just a few short days away, we have been concentrating on the true gifts of Christmas - love, joy,and the peace that comes from knowing Christ and His purposes for our lives.

There is never a day that goes by that we don't think about our precious friends - especially the children - in Kyrgyzstan. Although for this short season we are working here as God leads, we look forward to returning there in the spring.

As I was thinking about why we go, it truly has to do with those gifts of Christmas - we hope to share love, joy, and the peace of Christ as we speak into the lives of those God brings before us.

This little presentation is In honor of our precious, precious friends, who we miss greatly. May each one of them experience Christ's love in a new way this season.

Special note: John, Julie, Emma and Bekah Wright will be spending Christmas there. Watch for regular updates on their incredible Christmas experiences.

Make your own free digital greeting

Trauma Informed Workshop Series Begins in Ukraine

2011-11-25T19:39:00.000-08:00

Last week, Lynn and Ruby, joined their team on the ground in Ukraine to launch a brand new training series - How Trauma Impacts Children. The opening session featured our newest book, Wounded Children, Healing Homes, just recently translated into Russian. We are so excited to see the work expanded like this.

Here are some pictures from the training last week:

Ruby Johnston and Oleg, the executive director of ILDC, introduce the workshop series.

From the LAMb blog:

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE NEW TRAUMA SERIES HAS STARTED IN UKRAINE. We just completed Step 1 of the series and had 32 participants - ending the day with extremely eager participants to enroll in Step 2.

Step 1 - Over view of Trauma - Wounded Children Healing Homes
Step 2 - Trauma Toolkit
Step 3 - Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
Step 4 - Advanced Trauma Modules

We are so grateful to our partner and team member Jayne Schooler and to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network for their contributions to this series. Step 1 - we present the book - Wounded Children Healing Homes by Jayne Schooler and Betsy Smalley and do a foundation training to Child Traumatic Stress In Step 2 and 3 we have been granted permission from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to translate and train their standardized comprehensive materials for those in the Russian speaking countries.Step 4 will be materials offered by experts in the area of Trauma - advance and ending our series for certification of participants of the entire Trauma Series. Next event will be Step 1(2nd time) in January with training for 12 participants at an NGO requesting this training for their team. We are training trainers in this event and will soon have a compliment of national trainers - delivering this across Ukraine.

What a beginning. ILDC (LAMb co-founded and registered this organization in Ukraine) is on the move.

WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO OUR SPONSOR - WHO STARTED THIS - WHO GAVE US THE FUNDS TO TRANSLATE AND PUBLISH THE BOOK - WOUNDED CHILDREN HEALING HOMES

Today Made A Difference

2011-11-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

Coming from many, many places...some driving over four hours, the first faith-based adoption conference held in the Miami Valley was a tremendous success. Hearing numerous thank-yous and comments, we want to thank Phillip and Heather Bench,the Salem Church of God for organizing and financially supporting this event and the workshop speakers who gave of their time and energy. Over 200+ foster and adoptive parents walked through the doors early this morning.

This was a great start to, what we hope will be an on-going event. A year ago August, Heather and I sat at the Panera Bread by the Dayton Mall and started dreaming about what could be. We thank God for His direction and for what happened today.

Here are the conference highlights in pictures:

Heather Forbes, author of Beyond Consequences,
Logic and Control was the keynote.

It was so exciting to see the gymnasium fill up!

Pastor Ken and Jackie Day and the praise band from
Dayspring Ministries provided the music.

David and Phillip Bench conducted a workshop just for dads.
We heard so many good things about it!

Pastors and laymen gather to talk about orphan care ministry.

Heather speaks to the moms.

Dr. Wendy Flowers discusses a child's developmental issues.

Ruby Johnston, from LAMb, talks about parental expectations.

Betsy Smalley shares on parental self-care.

Our creative trio from the Shelter Community Church
manned the support group table and helped wherever they could.

Randy and Kim Gebele, representing LAMb International
had many opportunities to share about the ministry.

After the conference, many came up to us saying "today made a difference in my life." One mom told me that in one workshop, she had more insight into her son's issues than years of therapy.

What now? We will step into the next planning stage for the development of faith-based adoption support groups in this area and hope to support churches in this area who want to start adoption or foster care ministries.

Watch for news on the date for 2012!

Wounded Children, Healing Homes Now In Ukraine

2011-11-09T18:29:00.000-08:00

We just learned today that the Russian translation of Wounded Children, Healing Homes is now completed. We are so indebted to the International Leadership and Development Center of Ukraine, founded by Lynn and Ruby Johnston, for their work in this as well as many other projects that will assist children and families in Ukraine.

God has touched our hearts, David and mine, with incredible love for the people of Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan and it is a privilege beyond description to be able to serve them in this way.

To learn more about ILDC and the truly amazing work throughout Ukraine, visit

http://www.ildcua.blogspot.com and

http://homeforeveryorphan.org

The Candles Are Coming

2011-11-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

A Word From The Candlemaker

Hello!

I wanted to take a moment and thank you for helping in making a difference in the lives of God’s children. The Dayspring mission touches my heart in a personal manner as I am a child of adoption. I was blessed to have been adopted by a loving family at the age of 3 weeks. The children of Dayspring are looking at different circumstances all together. Being older, they are all too aware of what is occurring…losing the security of their familiar lives for multitudes of reasons. Our hopes and prayers are that through the Dayspring Family Life Resource Center, these children will have their sense of hope and security restored by the love of Christ.

Starwick Candles emerged four years ago with two friends making candles for Christmas gifts that evolved into dreaming of having our own business. Little did we know that with the Lord’s leading, doors would be opened to this awesome opportunity to help support Dayspring. It wasn’t by chance that this kindled a passion within me for vulnerable children of the world. I am excited to pursue this passion and with your help take action in making a difference in the Kingdom of Christ one candle at a time!

Thank you for your time and effort!
Blessings,

Jennifer Hauk & Starwick Candles

TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN PURCHASE CANDLES FOR CHRISTMAS GFTS OR BECOME A TEAM LEADER TO HELP SELL THE CANDLES....visit http://lamplighterorphancare.blogspot.com/

What Good Would It Do?

2011-10-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

What good would it do to throw a pie in Rick Matheson's face?

Isn't this face anyone could.......throw at pie AT!

It could help provide Christmas and much more to over 2,000 children living in orphanages across Kyrgyzstan.

Here’s the deal: Rick Matheson needs to raise just $500 for LAMb’s Christmas orphan outreach. As soon as he reaches that goal, someone, somewhere – a prearranged celebration, will get to throw a pie in his face! For every $10 Rick raises, a child will experience a day they will long remember, receive a special gift plus be provided with a year’s vitamin supply. We are hoping for $500!

If you want to help get that pie thrown in Rick’s face there are two ways:

1. Go to http://actofkindness.blogspot.com/p/pie-in-face-for-orphans.html and hit the US paypal button. BE SURE TO INDICATE WHO you are sponsoring to receive a pie. You should put that information in the special instructions memo box that will appear while on the donation screen.

OR

2. You can send a check made out to LAMb International to LAMb International USA, P.O. Box 24688, Huber Heights, OH 45424

WON’T YOU HELP MAKE THIS A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER!

Rick Matheson is David and Jayne Schooler’s son-in-law, married to their daughter, Kristy.

LAMb International is the mission organization under whom the Schooler’s serve. www.lambinternational.blogspot.com

For complete information, visit this link

http://actofkindness.blogspot.com/p/pie-in-face-for-orphans.html

Exciting News about Wounded Children, Healing Homes

2011-10-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

Not only speaking to the heart of adoptive parents,
but equipping them for the journey.

In just over two weeks, the Russian translation of Wounded Children, Healing Homes: How Traumatized Children Impact Adoptive and Foster Parents, will be released in Ukraine.

We are so deeply appreciative of Lynn and Ruby Johnston, and the International Leadership and Development Center of Ukraine ( http://www.ildcua.org/) who have championed the translation of this and another book project, Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Children.

Ruby just yesterday posted this on their blog:

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HELPING SEVERAL COUNTRIES? There are children suffering all over the former Soviet Union - children who have been in orphanages and have not had the healthy beginnings they need to develop physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally or spiritually. We can make a difference. Here is a GREAT opportunity to impact several nations. We have translated, edited and published 1000 copies of Jayne Schooler's book - (our team member) on Wounded Children Healing Homes. This book was originally published in the United States by Navigator Press. It is a HOT item that helps anyone who is working or living with a child who has been wounded by trauma in their lives. For example, loss, abuse, violence.

This book comes off the Press in Ukraine in just two weeks! We need more copies and we have found that we can print 1000 more copies for just $1500. A small cost for such an impact. It is in Russian - and will be distributed for free. The cost for the first 1000 was $5000 (which included the translation, editing, design layout and printing.)

This is a BARGAIN....$1500 AND WE ARE DISTRIBUTING FREE MATERIALS TO HELP UKRAINE, BELARUS, RUSSIA, AND KYRGYZSTAN.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR A TRAUMATIZED CHILD? LET US
KNOW! lambinternational@gmail.com or jayeschool@aol.com

Your gift to this book ministry can help prepare parents to be a permanent family for a child who comes from a very hard place..

Dayspring - A Healing Place

2011-10-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Why the door when we are talking about Dayspring? It is our hope that this is exactly what Dayspring will be to the children who pass through the doors of this family resource home - a healing place. It will be a journey for all of us.

This past week marked a historic event for Dayspring – the Family Resource Home in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan. Our first little girl, Dasha moved in. From now on, when we think back to the early days of Dayspring, we will always remember Dasha, age 8, as our very first one.

Natalia, our country director and Dasha

We don’t know a lot about Dasha, except, like many children living in difficult circumstances, we must journey alongside of her leading her to healing and wholeness.

Dayspring's Needs

The financial needs of Dayspring continue as we anticipate more children arriving soon. In mid-October we will be announcing the 2nd annual Dayspring Candle sale. More about that to come. If you would be interested in sponsoring a child at Dayspring, please let us know. We are hoping to have three sponsors for every one of the children who will call Dayspring their home.

Thank you for caring enough to stop by our blog....blessings

Winter is Coming and the Needs Continue

2011-09-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Many of you who regularly follow our bog have seen these faces before. They are the faces of men who will spend the rest of their lives, most likely shortened, at the home for disabled men. Most of these men began their lives in orphanages for disabled children, moving through those orphanages to finally “graduate” to Iskra. It is a heart-breaking place. LAMb has been very involved in the work at Iskra, with the hope of restoring some level of hope and dignity.

They told us they fear that winter will come. The statement almost sounded as if with hoping for a miracle,
that winter wouldn't come. But it will. What is ahead of them is something most of us have never faced.

On our most recent visit earlier this month, we toured the facilities again. When we walked into the dining facility we were disheartened at what we saw. It has been totally torn up. We are not sure who did it, why it was done, but now, without intervention from the outside, it will remain that way. Everything is in need of major repair.

The floor in the dining room.

The walls of the dining room.

What We See as the Greatest Need

Of our greatest concern, however, is the heating in the dining area. From what we understand now and didn’t know before, it hasn’t worked in a number of years. Once winter arrives, over 280 men will eat three meals a day in an area with no heat. It could be a room where the men can gather during the day as well for warmth not available in other parts of the building.

This is what is left of the heating system in the dining area for the men.

Each evening, as David and I end the day praying together, we tell the Lord that we don’t have the financial ability to meet the many needs we see while in Kyrgyzstan. They are overwhelming. We know the men at Iskra are important to God and He has a way. All we can do is let the need be known.

If you would have any interest in helping with the $2400 cost of putting heat in, please go to www.lambinternational.blogspot.com or contact us. On the right is the US donation button. Thank you for helping us carry this burden for those who are invisible to the outside world.

Our LAMb Team In Kyrgyzstan

2011-09-17T01:22:00.000-07:00

Although we only had two and half weeks in country this time, I had many opportunities to spend quality time with the LAMb national team. We were together a total of five times, planning for the future with some training mixed in. I shared with them a key task and one core principle that we hope they will develop for the kids in Dayspring.

Key task: That they grow, study and learn what it means to be a trauma-competent healing presence in the life of the children of Dayspring. We spent a number of hours talking about what that meant and have a plan of study for them with materials that Ruby will be bringing next week. They were so tuned in and enthusiastic about learning these new things.

The Core Principle: Although there are, of course, many principles to be put in placed while dealing with a traumatized child, I asked the group to make this one their theme: Connect before you correct. This foundation concept from the work of Dr. Karyn Purvis is key to healing for a traumatized child. We did several role plays to demonstrate what this means and I told them it would be a skill that would need development. We will continue communicating with them while home, giving them assignments and discussion.

LAMb staff: Larisa, Natlia, Madlin, Zuhar, Emma, Acel and baby Emma, of course.
We were finishing up the renovation list for the Iskra men's home.

With little notice, we also were asked to train a group of social workers from Tokmok. I was glad to do so and wondered how many of them I would remember. On Wednesday morning, we arrived at one of the government buildings to a room full and I recognized most of them. One even asked me about how our dog was doing...because way back in the spring of 2008, I had mentioned to them I was concerned about him. It was fun to reconnect with these folks and share with them some of the new things we have been researching and studying. They asked great questions and asked for more.

Part of the work LAMb does, and we share as part of the team, is training in the area of child welfare. I really appreciated the opportunity to do that this month.

Winding Down and Heading Home

2011-09-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

It is 8:30 pm and in about four hours the van will come to pick us up and take us to the airport. Saying good-bye is always difficult and perhaps even more so this time. We were much more personally involved in one-to-one conversations and ministry and felt deeply connected to many people - Mercy Foundation folks and the students. Also, we are uncertain as to when we will be back. That makes saying good-bye a bit different this time.

However, I wanted to capture our last few days here so as to not forget them.

IUCA Students for Dinner
Celebrating a job well done, we had a number of the IUCA students over for dinner. What we were celebrating is the completion of their summer work in the US and how much they have learned and experienced. Four of the young people worked in Alaska at a center for the developmentally disabled. Others worked in fast food restaurants, amusement parks and other opportunities. We are so proud of them for giving their best.

Aihan, (Ohio), Ulan, Eliza, Mahabat (Alaska), Daliya(Ill) and Altynai, (Alaska)....
most of them are planning a return trip next summer.

Genyia - my life can make a difference in someone else's
A number of our friends had the opportunity to meet both of the visiting students from Kyrgyzstan that were living in families on our area. Genyia stayed the summer with John and Robin Wientge and family - neither party will ever be the same.

Last weekend we met Genyia in Bishkek.

We had the privilege of having lunch with Genyia when we first arrived. We talked with her about a number of things, but David asked her a very important question. "How do you see yourself as changed? She answer, "I now understand that my life can make a difference in someone else's." She told us that she wanted to do some volunteer work and of course, we were excited about that. Today, she met us again to make a very important connection.

A Serious Conversation
Genyia had the opportunity to meet Christy Wall, who serves with a work to disabled children and families in this area of the country. She works in orphanages, helps families parenting disabled children, works in a children's hospital..and much more. She shared many opportunities with Geniya today.

Geniya looks extremely serious in this photo, but she is really excited about the many things
Christy shared with her . As we left, we overhead them making plans to visit the
children's hospital after Geniya's classes on Tuesday.
"My life can make a difference in another."

We have been involved in some way in Kyrygzstan since the fall of 2007. We love the people here and are committed to them. We are looking to God for direction and how He desires to use the love He has put in us to serve these beautiful, warm and loving people of this hurting and broken country.

All in a Day

2011-09-14T03:20:00.000-07:00

It is late Wednesday afternoon and in a few hours about 13 IUCA students will be coming for dinner. However, I didn't want to let the events from yesterday slip by without recording them.

Mid-Morning Tuesday
Right after morning devotions at Mercy Foundation, the LAMb team went to the bazaar for a buying trip for the Men's Home and the Kemin Senior's Home....quick trip though the bazaar, a stop at the wholesale ice cream store for ice cream, and stopping back at the Foundation to pick up some more folks to go with us and off we went.

We arrived at the men's home to the always waiting crowd. When I think of them waiting...it is all they have to do...waiting for someone to come to see them, to know that they are there. As I looked around at the men there, what I really saw were little boys. Although their bodies grew, they remain little boys on the inside - stuck in what feels to us, a hopeless place. There are many needs here and in a future blog I will share them. One of our translators told us yesterday that the men are afraid that winter might come. It was like they hoped there was a way to avoid that reality....Reality is that it will. Two winters ago over 70 men died there from the cold (inside the building) and starvation. They have no heat in their dining area..but that is another blog to come.

Here are the pictures from yesterday at the men's home....

The visiting crew - Mercy Foundation staff are seeing the men's home
as a ministry outreach.

Ludmila is making her second delivery of over 1,000 eggs

Peaches, peaches and more peaches

Ice cream, ice cream and more ice cream

This gentleman is in charge of the art room where many projects are created
and sold to help resupply the art room.
This is part of LAMb's mission to restore dignity by rehabilitation and development.

After we finished delivery, we visited some of the project needs in the building, which we will talk about at a later time.

Off to the Senior's Home
LAMb has been involved in the senior's home from the very beginning and every time we visit there we see improvement. This home was established for homeless elderly. It started with 8 grandmother and grandfathers and now is home to 25. The greatest need here for them is coal for winter!

We lovingly now call Ludmilla the "egg lady" because she is on a mission!
She is bringing scores of eggs to the senior's home as well.
This is her first trip here, but I know won't be her last.

Visiting with Katya...

Lydia really misses Ruby..she asked for her. A number of months ago, Lydia was able to return home to live with her only daughter. However, a number of weeks ago, her daughter died unexpectedly and she again was homeless. She is also going blind....."please tell Ruby to come," she said.

Praying with Katya

Touring more renovation on the second floor....

Stopping for tea before heading back to Tokmok.

A Wonderful Conclusion to the Day
Aihan, a student from IUCA, spent the summer in Waynesville with Ruby's sister, Caroline and her family. We had the privilege last night of having dinner in her home. It was such an honor to be asked and it was a wonderful, wonderful dinner. Aihan and her mother gave us a tour of their spacious, beautiful home, garden and "mini" farm. It was so special to us to see Aihan in her home as she has visited with us in America.

Aihan's mom prepared a wonderful meal for us.

Aihan and her mom....her brother wasn't home yet
and her younger sister is studying in Bishkek.

What a surprise and treasured gift!

Aibek came home after his football game for a quick dinner before taking us back to Tokmok.
He is an incredible young man as well.

Our very short 17 days here ends very early Saturday morning, but it has been a joy to be here...regretting that we are not staying longer this trip

What We See Almost Everyday

2011-09-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Almost every day we have been here this trip, we have been on the campus of the International University of Central Asia (IUCA). This infant university is transforming the lives of its students and we see it every day. These dynamic young people have a dream to impact their country in their chosen professions. Most have the character and integrity to do just that.

But, also what we see most everyday is the nearly crippling financial need of most of the students. Raising tuition $100 or $200 a year for us at home is really nothing, but raising it here could make the difference between a student even entering the university as costs rise. Just today, the student we sponsor wanted to go to Bishkek to a conference tomorrow, but literally didn't have the 100 soms ($2.00) need for transportation and lunch. Of course, he is going tomorrow...we couldn't let him miss this opportunity.

David and I carry the deep concern for these precious young people. We don't have the knowledge or skill on how to help raise funds for scholarships, etc. Our friend, John Wright has come up with a wonderful plan, and we want to help him get the word out, but feel so inadequate to do even that.

Let me briefly share what the plan is and it sounds so simple. We need 20 churches across the world who would say..."we will support the scholarship fund for 12 students." That would be $50 a month per student. When he proposed that to us, it sounded perfect, but how do we even get that word out?

Maybe some of you reading this have done something like this and can offer help and assistance to us. John has created a wonderful website about the scholarship fund and students are pictured there. Here is the website: http://www.iucascholarshipfund.com/

If you have ideas about how to help us get the word out...please let us know. I just wish you could see what we see in the lives of these awesome young people.

Sunday's Happenings

2011-09-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

Just like at home, we are "enjoying" near 100 degree temperatures...David's favorite thing...However, that didn't stop the activity for today, of course.

Whenever we go to the Chinese church, hear what we hear and experience what we do, we are reminded again of how big God is and just how many people He calls His own around the globe. Today, a beautiful group of students from Hong Kong shared in the services. They are here scouting out mission opportunities for themselves.

These young people have such a beautiful spirit and a desire to serve God.

After lunch, we went over to the Mercy Foundation gym for the afternoon teen and youth services. David had an opportunity to share and also pray with many of the young people there. It was so good to see the familiar faces of young people we know. Everyone of these young people have hopes and dreams for the future and it was wonderful to be able to speak life into them today

This young man and his family escaped the chaos and rioting in Osh a year and a half ago
and are making a new life in Tokmok.

Many young people came forward to pray for loved ones, themselves, school..the list continued.

Couldn't help but get this picture....aren't they beautiful.

Our time here is quite different as there are no international team members here from LAMb, with the exception of Emma and we haven't seen her yet....and almost all of the administration of Mercy Foundation, including Elder Yang, the founder and John and Christa, left yesterday. Our Natalia arrives home tomorrow from a vacation and we will be so glad to see her! The busy schedule begins tomorrow...

Getting Down to Business

2011-09-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

After a two day postponement of our trip due to the hurricane, we arrived without incident on Wednesday morning. With only two and half short weeks here, we are busy right away.

The Board discusses the exciting things happening at IUCA
and the challenges ahead.

On Thursday, the International University of Central Asia Board met for their fall meeting. David is serving as chairman of the board and Ruby, although thousands of miles away and in the middle of the night, joined the meeting by Skype.

Classes have resumed on campus and it was wonderful to see so many of the returning students that we knew from last year.

We love IUCA and are committed to helping this most important institution grow and continue to transform the lives of students there.

Our Special Dear Friends at Mercy Foundation
This morning, we joined the staff at Mercy Foundation for their morning devotions. We have grown to love these people over the 3.5 years we have been coming here and simply desire to support and encourage them. As we hear their stories, our hearts are broken for the tremendous struggles they have and the mountain of personal challenges they live through every day. Please join us in praying for these precious folks. David has a very important role in ministering and counseling with a number of them.

Sharing together at morning devotions...

Up Next Week
As Lynn often says....it is too soon to know....and we are seeking God's direction for our time here...wanting to show up where He would have us be. What we anticipate is that David will be extremely busy with the administration of IUCA, counseling Mercy Foundation folks, meeting with students with whom he worked with last week...and the list continues. I plan to spend a lot of time with the LAMb staff here, meeting with Larisa to plan renovation projects for the men's home, visiting the senior's home and much is unknown.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and caring about the people for whom we also care very much!

Transforming a Life- Transforming a Generation

2011-08-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

For the last three and a half years, we have been involved in the development of the International University of Central Asia in Tokmok, Kyrygzstan. It is an amazing place with the most amazing students and faculty. BUT, IUCA has a tremendous need. Before we share that, may I share a word from David, who is now the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IUCA.

I was there before Mercy Foundation opened the academic doors the fall of 2008. It has been my privilege to not only teach several classes there, but, I have had the opportunity to come to know many of the students personally. They are incredible young people who are getting an education in order to change their lives, the lives of their families, and the condition of their country. A vast majority of them could not be there without outside financial help.

When I think of IUCA three words come to mind.

The first is TRANSFORMATIONAL. Students are not just getting an outstanding education, they are experiencing transformation of how they think, dream and hope. It is nothing short of a miracle.

The second word is UNIQUE. Most of the universities in Kyrgyzstan are located in the capitol of Bishkek which means that a lot of students cannot go due to finances and distances. Therefore, many of the villages and small towns are left out. IUCA is not in Bishkek, but it is in a smaller city about one hour’s drive. Most of our students come from villages and rural areas.

The third word is EXCELLENCE. Some of the finest administrators and faculty are gathered on the campus to provide competent, honest and challenging academics supported by a strong social and moral context. IUCA is truly one of a kind in Kyrgyzstan.
I ask that you join me and my wife and a host of others to see to it that no student who wants not only an education, but a new life, is not turned away because of finances. Thank you.

DR. DAVID L. SCHOOLER

Chairman, Board of Trustees, International University of Central Asia

NOW THE NEED

This year IUCA will have hundreds of students who require assistance. The brightest minds in the country, yet with out our help , they may not be able to complete their study. The problem is a big one... over two hundred thousand dollars BIG . But we have an idea ..
Did you know that if just 30 people around the world committed to find us just 12 sponsors of just $50 a month, we could guarantee that the doors of IUCA continue to be open to the least of these, for years to come....

If you are interested in being a LAMb sponsorship rep in your area, please contact (John Wright) sunmasterjohn@aol.com or us jayeschooler@aol.com and we will send you everything that you need to make a real difference... video's, photo's, brochures and posters, even testimonials from current IUCA Students . Everything that you need to get started

WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO BE ONE OF 30 PEOPLE TO FIND 12 SPONSORS?

YOUR HELP IN FINDING SPONSORS WILL TRANSFORM A LIFE AND A GENERATION!

Emergency Need MET in Ukraine

2011-08-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, we posted a need in Ukraine.....within a few hours, this is the response we received from Pastor Chad Current...

A few hours ago I asked you to pray for our orphans in Ukraine. In just hours not only did you pray but God answered the prayer. People from our church family have responded to God’s leading and given the $8000 needed. Thank you to those who have been willing. Please bring your check this Sunday made out to Living Hope with “Ukraine Home” in the memo. We will send the money on Monday. Hallelujah! Three little girls now have their home secured thanks to you! Praise God again! Hallelujah! See you Sunday when we will celebrate!

God's people are truly amazing when they allow God to divinely ruin them!

Emergency Need in Ukraine

2011-08-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

One of our local churches, Living Hope, has been "captured" by the passion and call of orphan ministry. They actively support an orphanage in Ukraine, its children, communicate with them and just recently completed two trips to support them with renovation needs. Just this morning, we received this urgent request from their pastor, Chad Current:

Please pray with me for a financial miracle in two weeks.

The present children’s center is out of room (which is why we are working with them to get the new one finished), so three families have become foster home families for new orphans under World Light Foundation. One family has a one room apartment and took in three orphans (story is awful…they have been through so much). While we were the three orphan girls they have in their home accepted Christ. The government told them that their apartment is too small to continue housing the three orphans. The state said if they do not find a new place in two weeks it will mean the three orphans will be taken to a state orphanage—friends, that is bad and scary news—the state orphanages are not safe places. Can you pray with me that God will send them $8000 US dollars so they can purchase a home in town that will allow them to keep the orphans?

Think about that…for just $8000 they can purchase a home along with the sale of their apartment which they own. Kimbelry and I are willing to send $1000. So, now we need to pray for $7000 in two weeks. All I am asking of you, is that you pray with me for this need. “For nothing is impossible with God!”

For more information about how you might help, please contact Chad at pastor@elivinghope.com or his phone - 937-602-4787.

A Special Birthday Evening - A Russian Restaurant Discovery

2011-07-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

Amidst all the difficult things we share on our blog, it is good to share wonderful things as well, of course.

Tonight, we had the privlege of sharing Aihan's birthday with her host family - the Grewall's and Zhenya, the other young lady from Kyrgzystan. John Grewall went on the search for the perfect Russian resturant and he found it not too far from us. It was a delightful evening and I think the food, which tasted just like home to the girls, brought that touch of home to them in special way. We are planning a return event in a couple of weeks.

Here's the crowd.....

Zhenya, me, Aikhan, Caroline and John Grewall and David. We even danced a little to Central Asian music afterwards, but you won't see those pictures!

We will be returning for a very short term trip in about four weeks, but although the time we have there is short this time, the list of needs continues. We will be sharing the needs of the seniors home, men's home and Dayspring in the coming weeks.

Update on Events

2011-07-30T11:08:00.001-07:00

Ruby has been in Kyrgyzstan for the last week and a half during ministry training and a million other things....please visit the LAMb blog to catch up....

http://www.lambinternational.blogspot.com/

Slavik's Journey

2011-07-23T16:31:00.001-07:00

Ruby is now in Krygzstan...much is happening there with ministry training, work at the Kemin Senior's Home and the Home for Men in Iskra.

Also, she is seuthly working on locating young Slavik.....to follow the situation, please visit the LAMb blog....

http://www.lambinternational.blogspot.com/

The Candy Shop - A Sobering Experience

2011-07-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today was not a usual day at our church in Dayton, Ohio. Our church, along with a number of others in this area are focusing on the most devastating of human problems - child sex trafficking. We all know it goes on, but I didn't the full scope of it - even right here in Ohio.

Our pastor, Ryan Riddall, shared a video with the congregation today. If you watch this....you will never be the same. It says so much in a short 28 minutes.

Here is the link to the Candy Shop. Warning: you will be changed....

http://player.vimeo.com/video/20833462?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0

I don't know how to tell anyone how to respond to what you will see here other than to listen to how God may be speaking to you. He allows us to become of aware of things for a reason.

The Problem Now Has A Face

2011-07-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was somewhat of a jolting reminder of conditions overseas. We have heard about child trafficking. We have been horrified and grieved, of course. But until yesterday,child slavery never had a face. Today, it does. We know this child.

This update is from John's blog....

I was talking to Emma a few hours ago. She had spent the day with Sergey and Anya today. They were traveling around checking up on the different projects that we are involved with . One of the stops brought them to a small village where we help with a young boy we knew from one of the orphanages. The orphanage closed, so he went to live with his Grandmother.

Today when they stopped in to see him. he was not there .. they did some asking around and found out some terrible news.. From what we can gather, the Grandmother had a stroke, and our young friend went to live with relatives that were drinkers... They decided to sell him to a family that took him to Kazakhstan to work for them.. He was sold for 100 som..thats about $2.25 . What do you do with that ?

We are now trying to get any information we can about where he was taken and any information we might be able to use to find him, but there is not a good history with cooperation from the Kazakh government, and this is a common thing. As soon as we can find any thing, we will figure out what to do next, but we can't just leave him there...

This inhumane tragedy has a face of a 11 year old boy, who before all of this happened, suffered from pretty serious tramua-related events. We saw it in his drawings and his behavior. We can only wonder now what more is happening to him.

JUST IN.....visit the Wright blog for an update http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/

Our Working Students from Kyrgyzstan

2011-07-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that we have been home a month already. Time goes so quickly and we haven't posted. During this month, our young Kyrgz students have been getting acclimated to America, meeting many new people and working hard at their jobs. We are so proud of them on how they have adjusted and how they approach their jobs - with a very strong work ethic.

I stopped in their work places last Friday just to check on them....thought the pictures would be fun to see.

Aikhan, one of our university students (on the right), is doing "great" according to her boss, Cary, in the center. We feel so bless to have him work with her as he has had much experience working with international students.

Thought she looked quite official in her uniform. Aikhan loves her job and now reports she is very fast at sandwich making.

Zhenya, on the right, is learning some things about make-up from Bethany Koch at the salon where she is working. She is also working for the Wientge family on their car lot and loves that too.

This weekend, David and I are heading to Canada for a planning meeting with our team. Just today, we learned of two tragic events involving orphanage children we love and care for. If appropriate, we will share more as we learn details.

We are currently planning to return to Kyrgyzstan in late August for a targeted training trip and university work. Although we are here, we miss there and when we are with our young students,we realize how very much we love the people of that country.

Our journey continues

Home, but the Needs are Not Forgotten

2011-06-04T04:58:00.000-07:00

We arrived home very late on Thursday night and are getting reacclimated. It always takes me a few days, David less time. Although we are home and focusing now on responsibilities here, our friends and the needs of Kyrgyzstan are never far from our thoughts.

Please visit John and Julie's blog: www.actofkindness.blogspot.com. They will be there until Tuesday, but as you see, the needs don't go away.

Thank you for sharing our journey this spring...as it continues...

Stepping Away from the Work Here For A Moment - Open Doors

2011-05-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

Greetings, and thank all of you for following our journey. Jayne is the one that usually writes our blogs as I do not know how to do it and she is so much better at such matters anyway. I am writing this on Word Document and when I have finished, I am going to ask her to post it on the blog. The reason I am doing it this way is because I would like to share a few things that Jayne would never tell you. We are excited for these open doors.
1. She has been asked by Terry Meeuwsen of CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) to write and develop a 10-session DVD Series on the subject of her latest book, WOUNDED CHILDREN, HEALING HOMES. CBN will be producing it and distributing it around the country in connection with NAVPRESS. Jayne, along with some of the best adoption experts in the country will be writing and appearing on each on the DVDs. Taping will be in February, 2012, and the release will be in May at the Christian Alliance for Orphans conference.

2. Her latest book, with co-authors Betsy Smalley and Tim Callahan, is being translated into Russian for use in Ukraine and other Russian speaking countries. This is due to the major efforts of friend and co-worker, Ruby Johnston. This is the second book to be translated into Russian, the first being TELLING THE TRUTH TO YOUR ADOPTIVE AND FOSTER CHILDREN which was released in Ukraine about a year ago. Thank-you, Ruby.

Jayne's unique passon and dream has been to minister to adoptive and foster families from a faith-based - sharing biblical prinicples to strengthen families. The CBN project will open the doors to this dream.
There, I have said what she would not have not told you. We thank God and so many people with whom she works who are not just co-workers—but friends.

Blessings and see you soon as we return next Thursday.... David

The Wright Recipe: How To (Divinely) Ruin Your Daughters

2011-05-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

John Wright is a chef. He is gifted at creating the most delicious meals. I don’t think he follows a recipe, he doesn’t need to. It is always a masterpiece.

Well, I was thinking today about another recipe he has – and he probably doesn’t have it written down anywhere either. Julie helps him with this one. This recipe: How to Divinely Ruin Your Daughters.

Initial Ingredients:

A call by God to Central Asia
Two parents committed to spending their lives serving God and people in Central Asia
Two teenage daughters -14 and 16 of age (three years ago – this recipe grows better over time - now 17 and 20)
A vision to restore hope and dignity to children, families and the elderly in a 3rd world country
Four airplane tickets
Hundreds of supporters around the world who believe in the mission and vision

Add:

Six months of working many days a week in orphanages in 2008 and seeing the heartbreaking needs
Six months of visiting the dump in 2008 where families struggle to survive every day
Six months of meeting and learning to love ten special children whose lives were harder than they had ever experienced
Six months of exposure to hard time, heartbreak, poverty, child abandonment
Six month of living with “sometimes no water, sometimes no electricity”

Add some seasoning

Three more months in 2009 of exposure to hard time, heartbreak, poverty, child abandonment
Three more months in 2009 – returning to those places and beginning to see hope restored
Three more months in 2009 – meeting more orphans, seeing more sad, tragic need, yet having the opportunity to bring hope
Three more months in 2009 of living with “sometimes no water, sometimes no electricity”

Top it off with….

Three more months in 2010 and more in 2011 – meeting more orphans, seeing more sad, tragic need, meeting university students who, amidst incredible trials exhibit joy, teaching English to young people devastated by riots in Osh, revisiting everything listed above and seeing more hope restored

The Result
Two incredibly beautiful and talented teenagers who would much rather live in Kyrgyzstan – forget the ease of living in Canada and pour themselves out to the children and families of this beautiful yet devastated country. Emma and Bekah Wright have been divinely ruined for the life they knew in Canada. “Ruined” is a permanent reality. David reminded me when we were talking about this sometime ago that once something is ruined, it cannot be restored.

The Wright family

Emma

John and Julie have dreams for their daughters and God has the recipe – and His are always masterpieces.

They will never be the same again.

Video created after our first trip to Kyrygyzstan in 2008. Now, seven trips later for us and it is still true today and for the entire LAMb team.

Graduation is Historic Event for IUCA

2011-05-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

The class of 2011 is now in the history books. Wednesday marked the first graduation for the International University of Central Asia...and it was an exciting day.

For one to fully appreciate the significance of this university and this day, one must understand that most of the students who attend IUCA come from homes that are at or below the poverty level. For most students, it is not thinking about the next music video to buy, or outfit to purchase - it is thinking about having enough money for lunch the next day We have come to love these students...they bring us incredible joy with their enthusiasm and joy, even amidst challenging times.

We had the privilege yesterday attending the graduation. Here are some pictures of this historic event:

With us, Krgyz and Russian teacher, Damaria, behind her the Chinese teacher and business administration department head in front of David.

Natalia is head of the education faculty, and she is joined by the head of IT and Chinese.

Tatyana is head of the linguistics faculty - we met her our very first week in the country in April, 2008. Nuria is the head of international relations and new vice president and the registrar is next to her.

David is waiting to be introduced as the new chairman of the board, next to him is John, president of Mercy Foundation and James, out-going chairman of the board.

Part of the crowd..it threatened rain all day, but stayed away until later in the evening.

Ulan and Sonya, the first IUCA graduates. I have had both of them in class and they are outstanding young people with a bright future. When I asked Sonya what she wanted to do after graduation, she said, "Serve my country." She will spend the next two years in Taiwan getting her masters in public health and returning to this country. Ulan plans to work in a university in Bishkek in the international relations area after getting his masters.

Elder Yang, founder of Mercy Foundation and IUCA. He will be 85 his next birthday and continues to serve God throughout Central Asia.

David addresses the gathering as the new board chairman.

Camilla is the university president.

The coveted diploma

Off on a new journey
After the ceremony, we enjoyed a concert and dancing from local students. We love the richness of this culture.

Playing the Komuz.

Dancers from Bishkek

Now....how does the board president say no when the university president asks him to dance.....well, you don't!!!

David was caught off guard when Camilla got up and walked over and asked him to dance --- just the two of them in front of everybody. All you who know David can only imagine what he is thinking at that moment. We loved joining in the celebrations.

After the evening's activites, a beautiful young lady, the one who told us she prayed for us everyday, walked over to David and said to him, " I love our university. May God bless this university."

This is Acel...when she began singing, everyone stopped. She was amazing and gifted by God.

That is our prayer, too. We love this university - we love the students who have come across our lives. May God's hand rest on this very special place. May it make a life-changing impact on the young people who come. May these young people change the course of their country and their generation.

Our Special Friends Were Honored

2011-05-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

Central Asia has been the second home to the Wright family since 2005...maybe longer. They have worked in difficult places, horrific orphanages and homes for the disabled. There are not many places that they will not venture with the purpose of restoring hope and dignity. John cannot talk about it without crying. God has used this family in a tremendous way.

Yesterday, the mayor's office of Tokmok extended a tremendous honor with the Hononary Social certificates....I think it is very close to being made honorary citizens of Tokmok.

The Wrights are special friends. We share a common passion and vision. David and I just love watching them think through challenges and always come up with an answer. It is our joy to call them friends.

Here are some pictures from yesterday....

Getting ready to walk into the cermony at the mayor's office.

The mayor thanking John and his family for their contributions to the community and the welfare of its citizens.

After the ceremony....it was a special, special occasion.

For more fun pictures of the event...visit their blog: http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/

An Evening with the Journalism Staff

2011-05-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

During dinner the very first night we arrived last March, we were sitting with the Wrights and some of their friends from Canada. I was thinking about my journalism class starting the next day and a thought came - we are not going to do a newspaper - we are going to do a yearbook - in seven weeks.

The next morning, ten young people greeted me at the 8:00 hour and I told them our plan. Most of them had never heard or seen a yearbook. Well, it is finished. The students and faculty alike are thrilled. We celebrated tonight with dinner at our home.

Here are our incredible young journalists:

Bekah Wright helped us tremendously and we couldn't have done ut without her. Azamat is a gifted young man. He will be spending next year in America.

Jibek was one of my most committed students....she is helping to serve dinner to Lumila.

Aida (l) is a quiet spoken and extremely competent student as is Zalina. About three weeks ago, Zalina came to class and asked if she could help with the project and we, course said yes!

These beautiful young ladies all have incredible talents and enthusiasm. L to R - Altynai, Jibek, Nellie and Ludmila.

Eliza (l) and Aijan have been in a number of our classes and are delightful, dedicated students. Eliza, along with Altynai will spend the summer in Alaska

Nurisa worked extremely hard...plus she was the light of the class...with her humor and smile.

This is the yearbook cover, designed by Altynai and Bekah.

We are now just a week away from flying home. We look forward to seeing family and friends soon, but will be leaving some precious friends here....to see them again as the Lord allows...thank you for your interest and support as this journey continues..

Coming with Us

2011-05-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Last fall seems far away when I think about getting an email from Aihan, one of our students at IUCA. "Would you help me find a job in Ohio?" Would we? Of course. I first contacted some friends of ours, Ron and Caroline Grewall (Ruby's sister) to see if they would be willing to host a college student for the summer from Krygyzstan. They immediately replied "yes." The second step was a job and I wrote a note on facebook with the need and within just a few short hours, Aihan had a job at McDonald's in Lebanon. We were excited. (Note: Aihan's father was an accidental fatal shooting victim duirng the revolution last year.)

Aihan and her mother - we had the privilege of meeting her today.

Then, along came another request....there is another girl who wants to come and work in Ohio. Short story - Zhenya is coming and she will be living with John and Robin Wientge for the summer and working in two family businesses.

Zhenya and her mom and dad. Both mothers (and dad, of course) felt much better after meeting us and hearing more about where their daughters would be spending the summer.

On June 2, these beautiful young ladies will leave with us on our very early flight home arriving in Ohio at 10:30 pm after traveling for about 30 hours. It will be a life changing adventure for them in every way...and also for us and the families whose lives they will touch.

The gentleman in the center is in charge of the work/travel program for college students.

If you live in the Lebanon area- visit McDonald's and you might get to meet Aihan!

THE BIG SUSPENSE - DID THEY GET THEIR VISAS?

2011-05-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

Last September, a medical team from Alaska visited Kyrgyzstan and the university. They shared about a program, called Hope Alaska, a program caring for the needs of developmentally disabled young adults. The Alaska team shared the vision of coming to Alaska to work and it caught the eye of four of our students. They began to have a dream – Alaska to volunteer for the summer.

Mahabat, Altynai, Eliza and Ulan keep us in suspense - Did they get their visas?

With dreams come potential barriers and these young people had them. We just found out about three weeks ago that they were floundering in the preparation to go. No visas, no clear cut way of financing the plane tickets, no medical tests, etc…the list was lengthy. The biggest barrier was getting the visas in enough time to buy airline tickets at the lowest possible cost this late in the process.

The students’ visas appointments were not scheduled until late next week. Each day the cost of the ticket was going higher and they had to be there no later than June 20. David and I and John and Julie Wright made this a matter of continued prayer asking God’s favor. I won’t go into details, but working through the proper channels, their appointments were miraculously moved up a whole week (which doesn’t happen) . These beautiful young people, with visas in hand are Alaskan bound!

YES!

David and I have had all four of them in class. They are young people of incredible integrity, vision and dreams. We wish them Godspeed…

Their journey begins....as ours continues....

Learning to Earn repost

2011-05-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

Picture 1: The orphanage director displays the komuz. Two were delivered secretly late this afternoon so the children wouldn't see them until it was time.

Picture 2: Emma Wright created this "work plan". Each name of the six children learning to earn is on the chart and what they did to accomplish each smiley is written there.

Picture 3: We wanted to see who were the children that worked so hard this week for their reward.

Picture 4: Waiting, waiting, waiting!!!

Picture 5: The instruments are on the way

Picture 6: They promised us a concert in the fall.

"I am taking komuz lessons," Janelle told me," but I don't have one. ( It is the traditional musical instrument of Kyrgyzstan.) Those words came from a precious 13 year old living in a local orphanage. My normal reaction would have been, "we will get you one right away." However, her request set me to thinking and offering an entirely different response.

Just before we left for Kyrgyzstan, my daughter, Kristy, recommended a book to us. When Helping Hurts has transformed my thinking. We are thinking differently in what we are doing, what we are saying, how we are giving and supporting. Are we helping when we "just hand-out?" or are we ultimately hurting another's self –worth? Are we being culturally sensitive or do we believe that the North American way of doing things is always best?

What does this paradigm shift have to do with a 13 year old orphanage youngster and a komuz? As I looked at Janelle that evening she told me about her need, I asked her a question. "Do you want to work for it?" I explained my plan (created on the spot that night J), that it would be so good to "learn to earn." She told me five other children also went to lessons with her and wanted an instrument with which to practice. So we came up with a plan.

The following week, I went to the orphanage director with our "learn to earn" plan and explained it to her. She loved it. Emma Wright, who translated for me and works a lot in this orphanage, created a musical staff whose notes could be filled in with smileys for extra work being done, good school grades, being kind to another child, etc. The six children learning this traditional Kyrgz instrument would only have to "work" for a week and then they would have one – actually two.

Today, the children received their reward. I hope that they feel differently about it because it was something that they earned. It wasn't a hand-out. It really wasn't a gift. It was the result of working hard and reaping the reward of a job well done.

Learning to Earn

2011-05-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

(Note: due to the fact we cannot blog as normal, I am trying an experiment with pictures. If they appear to small, I will repost. This is a fun story and we wanted you to capture the joy of it along with us.

Just before we left for Kyrgyzstan, my daughter, Kristy, recommended a book to us. When Helping Hurts has transformed my thinking. We are thinking differently about what we are doing, what we are saying, how we are giving and supporting. Are we helping when we "just hand-out?" or are we ultimately hurting another's self –worth? Are we being culturally sensitive or do we believe that the North American way of doing things is always best?

The Most Likely….

2011-05-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Do you remember when you were in high school or college – some students were chosen as the most likely to succeed, etc. Well, a first came to the college campus today as our journalism students awarded certificates for the most likely…in many categories. About two weeks ago, my students created the ballot, managed the voting, created the certificates and planned the "award ceremony." Bekah Wright, who has been assisting me in class, devised a special "gift " for each winner. For example, the one with the best smile won a tube of toothpaste!

Today was the day and it was a great time. Laughing a lot is a good thing. I don't know all the winners by name, but some of these pictures capture the story. There were 16 winners in all.

1. Most likely to win the Olympics

2. Most overachiever – Michael – I have had in a number of classes and I agree

3. Most likely to become a superhero

4. Most likely to become a secret agent – Ibragim – had him, too and he often would slip into class late hoping I wouldn't notice..just practicing his slinking skills

5. Most likely to marry a famous actor – Nurisa – I have her now and she is a dynamic young lady. I didn't know the actor they all are in love with, but she did and won the prize!

6. Most likely to be late for everything

7. Thanking the students

8. Some of the winners

Exams begin next week, so today was my last official class with the journalism students. I have developed very special relationships with them. We will spend this weekend putting together the university's first yearbook - a new concept here and the students and faculty alike are excited about it. Our students worked hard to accomplish a yearbook in only 7 weeks!

As we prepare to say good-bye to these young people for the summer, I thank God for the opportunity to share this moment of time with them.

Catching Up on Happenings Here

2011-05-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

Catching Up on Happenings Here

(Due to limited access to our blog site, we are posting through a difficult portal. We are not able to label pictures, just insert them and not sure if they will land in order :)

About two weeks ago, a doctor and social worker arrived from the US and it has been a wonderful time being with them, watching them teach at the university and train social workers. Dr. Jordan Greenbaum, is a child abuse expert from Georgia and Peggy Woodard is a child abuse specialist also from Georgia. They came to Kyrgyzstan to share knowledge that is often unavailable here.

During their first week, they taught in David's sociology class at the University. They participated in a the three day training of trainers in Bishkek sponsored by the Minister of Labor and Social Services and conducted by Ruby. (This is an amazing opportunity for LAMb to impact the entire country in child welfare – see Lynn and Ruby's blog – www.lambinternational.blogspot.com) They also trained in a number of different child welfare settings and at the Humanities University. The final day of training was held at Dayspring and was attended by orphanage caregivers from 4 different orphanages in the area. It has been a busy schedule for them, but they have definitely made an impact. They leave Tuesday morning, but not without making a difference at each place they went.

We are heading into our final three weeks here. University classes are over on the 13^th followed by 10 days of exams. We have enjoyed being with the students and actually, I think, David has been adopted by another one as his spiritual father. This young man comes to our door regularly just to talk to David. He told David recently that he has no idea how to be a man or how to be a good husband. I would say this is another one that we have been led to stop in front of…to listen to and to encourage.

We are excited to be escorting two young women back to Ohio with us. Aihan and Zhenya will be living with two families in the Lebanon area and working in two local businesses. This will be a life changing experience for all of them. More about these young ladies in a future blog.

Each time we have been here, it has been different. This time has been a time of learning some valuable things. For me personally, a particular scripture has come alive. I have known it cognitively, but now experienced it. Sometimes, things that I don't want to do are just the things that are placed in front of me. Maybe you can relate. This happened a couple of weeks ago. As I was preparing to leave to do this thing I didn't want to do, the Lord simply told me –"Do it as unto me." Wow…what a life lesson. The task was so much easier and the words made the difference for the entire day as they kept returning to me… "Do it as unto me." May it continue to make a living difference everyday.

Our journey continues…..

Beauty from Ashes

2011-04-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

A number of weeks ago, an elderly woman here, lost her husband. Forty days later, her apartment burned. John and Julie Wright, as part of LAMb received word about this double tragedy and stepped into help.

We posted about this siutation and our friends from the BridgeBuilders group at Countryside Nazarene Church also stepped and helped to finance the repairs and furniture. THANK YOU!

John captured it all coming together today....PLEASE visit his blog for a tremendous story....

http://actofkindness.blogspot.com/

A Powerful Touch

2011-04-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

A number of days ago, as David was walking off campus toward home, a beautiful young student approached him. She simply said to him, "Mr. Schooler, I pray for you every day." David was so taken aback that he didn't ask her name.

Yesterday, this student approached him and handed him a card. It read...

This morning, I, too, had the privilege of meeting this young lady. I was able to tell her how very powerful her words were to David. She mentioned that she prayed for both of us. Our mystery is how she knew to do that.

Both of us spend a lot of time at the university and have grown to love these students. It is one of the most meaningful assignments we feel God has entrusted to us.

We had hoped that we would be able to speak into their lives.

Little did we know, they would speak so dramatically into ours.

Our journey continues....

Catching Up on Last Weekend - An Orphan Weekend

2011-04-20T19:46:00.001-07:00

It is Thursday already. Time goes so quickly here. Last Saturday and Sunday we had the privilege of joining the Wright family and the Vilardo family from Ohio in a full and fun-packed weekend. On Saturday, we took 14 children to the capital for movie and dinner. They had so much fun and for a number of them, I am guessing it was there first experience. Students from the university joined us as well to act as translators for the group.

After the movie, we drove another 1.5 hours to another orphanage where a number of the children we know were moved last year. We visited briefly on Saturday night, joined them on Sunday morning and later that day, we met them at an ice skating rink. Listening to their laughter and screams of delight made the weekend so meaningful. Most of the children had never been on skates, but did they learn quickly.

Here is the link to get a glimpse of the weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo-2EJXIhlg

The next five weeks will be full with concentration on the work at IUCA, training the Dayspring staff and many other unknowns. David's new position as Chairman of the Board is requiring a lot of time there talking with leadership as plans are being formulated for new school year.

Something is happening stateside which is an incredible gift from God and we will share it soon in a future blog. It has to do with an expanded role in orphan care ministries and adoption.

The journey continues....

Busy Thursday and Friday

2011-04-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY

Who would have thought that 3 years ago when we first step foot in the home for invalid men that we would be where we were this past Thursday. Ten men had the "water experience" after a decision they made and we had the privlege as the LAMb team to share it in.

After the "water experience" the men enjoyed an incredible shaslick lunch...something they do not get very often.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON AT IUCA

On campus there is a small group of incredibly talented musicians and artists. We were invited to a concert and the fun was that the IUCA students also invited students from the local orphanage to perform as well. It was a delightful afternoon. We are always amazed at the depth of talent in young people that we encounter here.

Azamat, one of our students, introduces the concert program.

Temirlan Sadybakasov is an incredibly gifted classical guitarist. We were totally amazed at this gift as he played many differnent types of music - all of which he learned by ear. He has taken professional lessons for 8 years and plays both the piano and the Kyrgyz national instrument - the komuz.
Young talent from a local orphanage also shared their talents.

Part of the fans of the Creative Club...

After the Concert - the Children from the local orphanage and students from the university shared a meal and time together. We think it is awesome that these IUCA's students are choosing to invest in the lives of these children.

It is late Sunday evening, and we just returned from a weekend with two different orphanages. It was so much fun, but it will take a day or so to post all the exciting pictures. Thank you John and Julie Wright and Robert and Juile Vilardo and family (from Ohio) for organizing this great memory maker for the children.

Dayspring Grand Opening in Pictures

2011-04-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

It was with great excitement that the LAMb team gathered today to await the arrival of many guests for the Dayspring Open House. One of the key guests was the Minister of Labor and Child Protection, a presidential cabinet person, whose job it is to oversee the conditions of child. Her endorsement and support of the project lends major credibility to the project in the eyes of the national and local government. Other important guests were the Tokmok mayor, the Director of Child Protection, the President of the Social Work Association and the head of the Social Work Department at the Humanitarian University.

Here is a snapshot of the day...

Melodie and Davina, children of the resource parents, await guests.

The Cake Buffet.....

These beautiful teens are from one of Mercy Foundation's Christian Schools.

Kim, daughter of Ruby with teens in costume.

Gulsana has been a faithful friend of our team for a number of years. She knows everyone and has been key in getting us into governmental offices.

The Minister of Labor and Child Protection

Lynn, welcoming the crowd

Ribbon cutting

Acel, resource mom with Melodie

The Mayor of Tokmok addresses the crowded room.

Vera, President of the National Social Workers Association

Ken and Jackie Day give the blessing for the opening of Dayspring.

Cutting the cake...the Mayor and Minister of Labor

We ended today with a dinner at the Wright's house. Reflecting on the day, yes, we had the opportunity to meet high governmental officials today. But we also know that Dayspring's very existence is due to the faithful and trusted gifts of hundreds of supporters - as David said last night - those who made candles - those who sold candles - those that gave sacrificially. We thank you.

GRAND OPENING TODAY

2011-04-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

With much preparation for today, Dayspring Family Resource Center will open its door to the children of Kyrgyzstan today. There is much excitement for the entire team here. Check tomorrow for all the pictures of this exciting day!

Today – A Day of Ministry in Many Places

2011-04-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

For a number of months, the team from Dayspring Church in Beavercreek, Ohio has been praying about and preparing for today – the Men’s and Women’s Conference. Lynn, Ken Day, Randy Gebele, and David went one direction and Ruby, Jackie Day, Kim Gebele and I went another.

Twenty-nine women from two different churches attended the daylong conference, held in the conference room of Dayspring Family Resource Center. This was a first. Following the morning of different speakers, the ladies finished the day with a wonderful lunch, prepared for by Arugula, a woman (and family) who has experienced much healing and restoration.

Here’s a glimpse of the day…

Ruby opens the session with prayer and song.

Julie spoke on our identify in Christ.

My topic was taken from Cynthia Herald's awesome study on "Becoming a Woman of Simpliticity."

Kim Gebele, Ruby's daughter shared from the Beatitudes.

Jackie Day, pastor's wife from Beavercreek, talked to the women on Proverbs 31.

After shopping for some more furniture to complete Dayspring, this evening the entire team of LAMb, our guest team, and intreptors went to the Iskra Home for Invalid men. Ken played the key board and sang, and the men watched Max Lacado’s short video – You’re Special, translated into Russian. HOWEVER, before the serious stuff, we had some fun with the men.

As a fun warm-up with the men, this motley crew...Ruby, John, Kayat and David are leading "Head, Shoulders, Knee's and Toes....etc.....

That is one way to teach English.....the next song was ....I let you guess.............yes, you are right..."Put your right foot in, etc...." We went there to simply have fun with these men and let them have an evening of laughter.

Ruby and Natalia explain what's ahead for the evening.

The men await what's next.

Ken Day lead the group in worship and although these men couldn't understand the words, many of them understood the Spirit.

David prayers for the men before ice cream and the movie.

We experienced a lot today meeting many new people and greeting ones we have known for awhile. It is late here and we are preparing to end the day. Tomorrow, David will be preaching at the Chinese Church as the rest of the team ministers in another...the journey continues...

Giving a Cup of Cold Water...An Honest Reflection

2011-04-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

I was hungry and you fed me,

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

I was sick and you stopped to visit,

I was in prison and you came to me.'

I have been thinking a lot about those words this week. We talk about what ministry should be...to minister to those described about. It is not as easy as it sounds for some and I include myself in that "some."

Earlier this week we were at the Kemin's seniors home. Although much better than it used to be, it is still a difficult place to visit for me. I really don't do well in those places. If allowed to be honest, there are times I don't want to go. After that we stopped at the Iska home for invalid men. Again, although better than it used to better, it is a heart-breaking place to visit.

What I came away with from those places is the reality that sometimes visiting the sick, or those in prison (like the invalid home), is a challenging call. Flowery words easily spoken give way to harsh, stark realities...like giving hand massages on dirty, blistered hands or managing nausating smells in a building hallway or attempting to engage in conversation with a severely disabled man or critically ill senior.

I am in the midst of learning some powerful life lessons while on this trip. One of those lessons, I think I am understanding now at at more experiential level is how to look beyond the conditions to the individual God has placed in front of me.

Today, that one lesson was reinforced as we spent the day with seven disabled men from the home. It was a sight-seeing trip for them to a historic monument and then on to a picnic at the waterfall. We are getting to know them by name and a little of their stories (if a translator is around). None of the men with us today had every experienced what these pictures will show....

These men were excited to be hitting the road for the drive to the waterfall.

Before heading into the Barana Tower area, we wanted a picture of the whole group.

Ruby tells the men what they are going to see.

Standing in front of an ancient marker. Jackie Day, pastor's wife from Beavercreek stands next to David.

Pastor Ken shares about the water experience these men will have next week as they move forward in their spiritual lives.

What I can say now....our journey definitely continues...God is moving us to a new place in our lives...just not sure what yet.

An Exciting Day for LAMb - New Staff Join the Team

2011-04-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Meeting the Staff - Bloopers and Blunders

Have you ever been in front of a video and forgot your name - or your job. Then you know how our staff felt when the camera was on them.

Thank you to the staff for allowing us a little humor. Everyone of our staff, those who have been with us since 2008, (Natalia) and the new ones that just just us are incredible people with a heart for the ministry of LAMb. They know their job, their calling and are committed to serving alongside of us.

On a More Serious Note
On Sunday afternoon, the entire LAMb team gathered for the official ceremony inviting three new workers to join the team. The team on the ground here has expanded by three.

From John's Blog:
It was a powerful moment.. something I had not expected, but to feel the incredible power of HOPE that was generated in the room was very moving... One of the first contracts signed was with Larisa. She is now officially under the LAMb umbrella, and as such, she will have a salary.. this is something that we have all been praying for for her for some time now.. Her duties are to KEEP DOING WHAT SHE IS DOING !.. We are not looking to give her more work or different work, but to give her more tools and resources to take what she does, and bring it up a notch... if that's possible...

Lynn and Ruby welcome Larisa on board.

The next was Acel signing as the DaySpring "Mother" .. Although she has been preparing and working for LAMb since October, we are getting everything in order for the Grand opening next week. It was so moving that when it came time for her to speak, she was a little overwhelmed, and could not talk.. by that point I was not doing much better.. She did share with us afterword what she had wanted to say, but choked up... She was going to share how back in 2008, we had discussed with her a plan to open a home and have her and Talant be the house parents, but at the time we did not have the support and finances in place for such a project, but she knew that one day this would come to pass. When she and Talant were asked by LAMb if they would take on this roll, they knew that they had already been prepared for this day in their hearts, and this was just the world catching up with the plans that they knew their Father had for them.

Next up was Emma .. If I was not already a mess , this was the clincher. All along Emma has felt a strong desire to come along Acel and Talant in this process, and has even had a "position"in her mind, before it was a position... so when the opportunity came up she was very excited.. until she heard the Job title.. "Life skills Director"... titles are not her thing...hahaha. but what is her thing is a strong desire to stand beside her friends and bring love and stability into the lives of precious children.. To pour into their lives and to be an example of HOPE and PEACE to them in the midst of their turmoil.. and HER hope is that each end every child that is in her care will see and feel that love and support, and to know that they know, that they know, that they are special in Gods eyes..

The next to sign was Madlin.. Madlin has had years of experience as a child advocate, and is well respected in government circles, She knows the the laws and she knows the children's rights.. but more then that she has a heart of compassion for the kids, and that will make her a great child advocate. We are so glad that she is on OUR team, and look forward to working with her in the months and years ahead.

Zukra is no stranger to LAMb, and we are so blessed to have her on board as the assistant in country director of LAMb. She will help Natasha keep on top of things as LAMb's interests continue to grow here in Kyrgyzstan. She has done everything from record keeping to visa`s and everything in between in her former position as the assistant to the former chairman of the University. She to is a great addition to the team.

With these key positions all filled and in place, we are ready to move forward with the Dayspring official opening in just over a week.

Here Lynn is holding up a banner for the opening.

Exciting days are ahead for the LAMb team. We all are involved in various ministries from the Kemin's seniors home to the students at the University. I am particularly excited for David's involvement at the university. Just yesterday, four students stood in line after class to talk with him regarding serious matters to them. What a blessings to be there at this time.

Dayspring's Open House is April 12. Stay tuned.

Two Worlds Connected Today

2011-03-31T02:24:00.000-07:00

While we are here, sometimes we feel that we are in two different worlds. There is the world of orphanages, seniors' home for homeless elderly, the invalid home –those encased in hopelessness. And , there is the other world, our university world, where we are with awesome young people weekly who dream of a productive future and are motivated by hope. Two vastly different worlds for us connected today!

The Wish and The Need
While in Kyrgyzstan last September, we met with one of the faculty members at IUCA. We had a wish and Natalia Tsukanova had a plan. Our wish was to teach English to children living in orphanages. Natalia, the teaching methods professor, needed a place to create a practicum for her education students. Today my wish came true and her need was fulfilled. Seven students from IUCA traveled a very short distance to a local orphanage to meet the director and make plans for an eight week practicum.

From left to right: Elimara, the orphanage director, the IUCA students and far right is Natalia Tsukanova, the IUCA professor.

It would be my guess that most of these students didn’t even know that there was an orphanage within 15 minutes (walking) from their campus. It would be my guess that most of these students have not had any contact with children who have suffered abuse and neglect and are permanently separated from families. It is my absolute certainty that these young people will be changed by what they experience in the coming weeks.

As the students and children introduced themselves to each other and the children showed off their art work and sang a song, I noticed a number of them tearing up. As we walked out, I said to one of them, you will grow to love these children. She responded, “I already do.”

IUCA students and children from this local orphanage met today in preparation for their English classes to begin this weekend.

Both my professor friend, Natalia and I look forward to what will happen in the lives of these students One of the students asked me if she could come and visit the children on her school break. It is awesome to know that IUCA is touching the lives of wounded children in this community as these two worlds connect!

Meeting New Staff and Training Begins

2011-03-31T02:09:00.000-07:00

Just this week, LAMb has grown. Two new staff personnel were added to the team – Medlen, our child advocate and Zukhar, our new translator. So who is all here now in Kyrgyzstan with us...Lynn and Ruby, John, Julie, Emma and Bekah Wright, Natalia, our country director,Talent, Acel and 3 children – Resource Parents,Medlen, new child advocate,Zukhar, our new translator. Our team has GROWN!

Our staff - (l-r) Medlen, child advocate, Natalia, our country director and Zukhar, our new translator.

Last night, we had the privilege of sitting down at Dayspring for the first staff training in the new training room. LAMb is committed to doing as much as possible to prepare the resource family and the rest of LAMb staff for the challenges ahead.

Lynn shares the vision of Dayspring with the new staff. Our resource parents, Talent and Acel are sitting to his right. The focus of our discussion last night was preparing this new young family for the many challenges ahead for them and their children. We were very impressed with their wisdom and understanding already.

A team from Ohio arrives early Sunday morning – Randy and Kim Gebele (daughter and son-in-law of Lynn and Ruby) and Pastor Ken Day and his wife, Jackie from Dayspring Church in Beavercreek, Ohio. (Did anyone tell them our rule is “you can sleep when you get home?)

Much is planned for them while they’re here. I think the most exciting thing in which they will participate will be the grand opening of Dayspring Family Resource Center on April 12. More news coming soon.

the journey continues

An Unexpected Request and Opportunity

2011-03-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

David and I have been very much a part of the new university - the International University of Central Asia since it’s beginnings nearly 4 years ago. We saw the campus before renovations began, watched it come to life, helped clean the campus to get ready for the new incoming students and now we both have the privilege of teaching there.

Last Friday, while attending the IUCA board meeting, of which he is a trustee, David was asked a totally unexpected question. “Would you consider assuming the Chairmanship of the Board of Trustees?” As the idea has had time to settle in, we both are realizing the awesome opportunity this provides for David. We also know that this is an grave responsibility as well.

During the remaining weeks here, David will be spending much time getting to know the inner workings of the school, to know its faculty and staff better and to prepare to lead beginning in July. Although, we will be home by then, David will keep in regular contact with the President and Vice-President through email and skype calls. He will return for a period of time in the fall for further consultation and university participation.

David's 8:00 am sociology class. These young people are eager to learn. They take volumious notes and ask alot of questions.

My 8:00 am journalism class is tackling a major project to complete in 7 weeks - the first IUCA yearbook. From the excitement of the students, although it will be hard work, it will be great fun.

Many Have Asked – How Can We Help?

2011-03-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

In the last several days, a number of friends have emailed us or sent facebook messages with the same question. How can we help?

One of the most effective ways is to watch our blog, and those of LAMb and the Wrights as they post humanitarian needs almost every day. The needs here are overwhelming. We know that we cannot meet them all and trust and pray we are paying attention to what God wants us to do.

If God speaks to you about a need, go to the Canada Helps button on the right, click it and it will walk you through the process. Put in the memo specifically where you would like your gift to go. (i.e. senior’s home, invalid home, Dayspring)

Current emergency needs on John’s Blog – http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com

1. Renovation for a woman attempting to survive – micro financing

2. New floor for invalid home (scroll down on John's blog for the story)

3. Renovation for a widow whose husband died and 40 days later her apartment burned

This elderly woman's apartment burned forty days after the death of her husband.

She is living with friends for now. LAMb team was made aware of this situation and is moving in to help. Funds are needs for renovation costs of about $1,700. About $500 still is needed.

These are just three emergency needs of many.

Ongoing needs from (Lynn and Ruby) LAMb blog: http://lambinternational.blogspot.com

1. Dayspring Family Life Resource Center – family type foster home opening in two weeks

2. Needs at Kemin’s senior home

3. Financing of training material in both Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan

4. Many needs around sustainable funding for projects

5. MAD Money - making a difference as the need arises

A need we learned of today:

Today, David and I sat down with the vice president of the new university in Tokmok founded by Mercy Foundation. It is the International University of Central Asia. In the midst of our conversation, we learned that many of the students at the university are on scholarship – without sponsors. In other words, the university allows a student to come in spite of his inability to pay. As Dr. Clark said to us today, “ How can I turn down a worthy student for a life changing education because he has no money.”

This has put a tremendous financial strain on this unique university. If IUCA was not here, these young people from neighboring villages would never have the opportunity to further their education and look forward to a brighter future. Sponsors for students are desperately needed.

We are committed to IUCA. We teach there. We know many of the students by name and their story. We don’t know at this point, what we will do with what we learned about today….but something.

Amina and Aihan represent the dynamic young people of IUCA. Aihan will be spending the summer with Ruby's sister and brother-in-law in Ohio and working at a McDonalds. This is a great opportunity for her and for all of us.

He Knows Their Names

2011-03-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today, David and I joined the Wrights and Lynn on our first visit to the men’s invalid home. The assignment – teach English to a group of 10 men. As we went, I wondered about how effective this time would be with these men, all who have had no schooling or education for years, even decades. Many of them, because of extreme neglect and even harsh treatment were emotionally more like children.

When we arrived at the invalid home, a lot more than 10 men were waiting for the Wright’s class to begin. Of course, we anticipated that. Julie gathered the men around the desks and began class with an overflow crowd and more coming. The class lesson today was “My name is_________”- how to learn to say that in English. As they worked through their projects, and we joined them, getting to know at least their names, I sensed God telling me a number of things.

Julie shares with the men about their first assignment. Emma, their daughter is translating for her mom. It was great to see and hear her.

I was checking up on my Russian spelling as Sergae was writing "my name is..." in Russian.

First, as we sat with the men and helped them to learn to say “my name is_____” and write it, too, I realized that isn’t about the English, of course I knew that, but was reminded again. It is about relationship. These men live in a place that most are afraid to visit. Their lives are hard, difficult and hopeless. As the LAMb team continues to go in – assisting in renovation projects, setting up art projects, sewing projects and now English, these men are experiencing relationship with people who have come to love them and see them how God sees them. Those who most discard, God has placed in front of us.

Lynn and David assist Sergae

As Julie, Emma, Bekah, John, Lynn, David and I worked on trying to know their names, I felt God quietly whisper, “I already do. Tell them that.” Next week, we will .

Bekah helps Anwar.
As we heard the cheering when each one told us their name, and saw the faces of these men, I quietly thanked God for the heart-opening experience today.

Anwar proudly share his name on the "cookie" cell phone.

The English Club at the Invalid's Home

After the Invalid Home – An Orphanage

Later today, the Wrights invited us to join them at one of the small local orphanages.

This small orphanage is one where we have visited many, many times. It is about a ten minute walk from our apartment.

The plan for today was finger painting. I couldn’t stay long due to another mid-afternoon meeting, but I was there long enough to see the children and learn some of their names. I told the director that I had forgotten the feeling of love I had for these children in the busyness of my work back home. It was good to feel it again.

Finger-Painting - A First for All of Them

If you have never finger painted- you would probably listen intensely as well!

Sasha has been in the orphange with his two sisters since February. He was all ears listening to Julie.

It didn't take long to get the idea....

This director is deeply commited to the well-being of the 14 children who live here.

As we were talking, we learned from the director that this orphanage has been without water for three months. Her cries for help went unheeded. What a joy it was to know that due to gifts we have received from friends and brought with us, we could quickly respond. “What do you need to get water back into this orphanage?” we asked. “$100.00," she said. Just think, just for the lack of $100.00 these children and caregivers have been without running water, forced to gather it from nearby houses. On Monday, she will be able to get the plumbing fixed and water running again.

It is good to be here…We were reminded again today that God brings into our lives those He desires us to stop in front of...so that through us He can touch, encourage and heal no matter the age or circumstance. He already knows their names.

Stopping for the One In Front of You

2011-03-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

David and I have only been here three days, but with John, Julie and family and Lynn and Ruby here two weeks, many connections and much ministry is happening. I am always totally amazed with the sensitivity and skill of our LAMb team as God leads them to certain ones.

This is from John's blog posted today:

I do my best not to get "religious" here on the blog, but every now and then I think I need to share my belief in more then just deeds, but make it clear with words... Words are often difficult to find for us here.. But what comes to mind on days like today. are these words....

" Pure religion that is pleasing to God our father is this ... To visit the widows and orphans in their distress and to keep yourself unspoiled by the world" Sometimes that is a tall order, but I believe that it has to be at the core of what we are doing here.

Today we went to visit a Widow in her distress... She invited us into the burned out shell of her home.

Here is her story...
.

She has been working at the Invalid home for over 40 years. It is a very poor paying job, about $80 a month, but she continues to do it because they are so short staffed, and can not find a new generation of workers willing to work for so little , and she is concerned about the men. A couple months ago, her husband died, leaving her a widow. At the 40 day mark after a death it is customary to have a funeral. For her it was a more significant day then she ever could have imagined.

She pulled together what money she had, got dressed up and went off to the gathering place for the service.. leaving her home, she had no idea that fire would destroy everything that she had left.. The cause was a cheep faulty DVD player.. After spending what resources she had on the funeral, she returned home to an apartment engulfed in flames.

We walked around in her home today .. you could still smell the smoke despite the repairs that have been started.. The neighbours have rounded up a small loan for her that has helped to get most of the cleanup started, and some plastering and primer painting done. Someone has lent her a front door until she can get one. They have done what they can to help her, and in fact we were surprised that so much has been done, but the simple fact is that she is at the end...

I have found myself wondering how many times our heart can be broken here, and if we will ever become desensitised to what we see.. I have watched the effect situations have had on teams like the Snarrs that were just here.. and thought that maybe I am becoming a little hard.. then today I stand in the center of despair, and realize that once again my heart is broken...

There are situations that have been caused by our own foolishness, there are situations that are a result of cruelty from others, and then there are situations like this that have no fault... I can remember one time, actually it was in the invalid home the first time I was their that I came away questioning God.. I asked my friend Ron "Where is God in this?" his response was simple

" The fact that you are there to ask such a question is proof that He is there"
That actually made sense to me.. because I know that God works through people , and that is why he desires that we visit the widow in her distress, so that He will be seen in the situation... but what kind of obligation does that leave me, and in turn, what kind of obligation does that leave those of you who have had a part of sending us...
A friend of ours wrote a song that speaks about " We are His hands extended " so realizing this, this is what these hands need to do ...

We began today by bringing her new clothes and shoes..

1. We need to help her to replace her passport, documents and confirm ownership of the apartment $200

2. Get the Gas hocked back up so she can cook $100

3. Paint the walls again and put down new floors $300

4. Replace all the windows and doors $400

5. New electrical outlets and fixtures $200

6. Replace bed and other furniture $500

That comes in at about $1700 a lot of money to put her life back together .. Then I get this thought .. That is a lot of money, and there are so many other needs here.. should we be helping her?

I think of something that was told to me a few weeks ago by one of our sponsors... "We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others " and I realize the we have all been blessed sooooo much, and this is a lady that lives her life to be a blessing to others..

so yes I will make the calls today and aim to start the work on Monday, Please join me on this one...as we stop for the one in front of us..

A Reflection Before Coming

2011-03-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Our last Sunday night at our home in Lebanon,(February 27) we had the privilege of hosting 54 friends of like mind and heart regarding missions. It was an incredile evening of sharing. As I looked around the room, I realized most of the folks there were close to our age and were now moving into a different stage in life - the 2nd half. What a dynamic as they shared how God was calling them out to serve Him in places around our community, our nation, and around the world.

A dear friend of ours, Robin Wientge, wrote a note to us the next day that so speaks to what we had hoped the evening to mean.

John and I just wanted to say thanks for inviting us to your gathering last night. It really is a "boost" to be reminded that it is God who plans the grand design of our lives and we just need to be paying attention. Takes the pressure off! I was looking around the room last night at all the different ages and life circumstances represented and asked myself what we all have in common. I think that it is that we live a life of "response". Missions is not about packing up and going so much as seeing a need and responding - whatever that might mean. Does a child in Central Asia need a surgery? We send the funds because we can. Does a young man in Honduras need an education to get out of poverty?We set up a scholarship for him because we can. Do my friends need funds to meet specific needs for specific families? We sell candles. Does the family across the street from me need food? We drop off groceries.

What am I responding from? The pouring out from God into my own life. Response FROM thankfulness TO a need........this is mission work, I think! A life of response.

We couldn't let Robin's powerful words slip away without sharing them! Blessings, John and Robin

Time is Close - Part of the Team is on the Ground

2011-03-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks for us have ben richly blessed with a lot of training work - both in and out of state, a mission event hosting 54 folks of like-mind and a move to our new home. Now that is almost all behind us, David and I can begin to think about packing and preparing for our return to Kyrgyzstan in 9 days...we are getting excited. I can remember the first time we went in the spring of 2008. I started packing 30 days ahead of time. Nine days out and I think I know where the suitcases are...somewhere.

Two-thirds of the team are now on the ground - Lynn and Ruby arrived on Monday and the Wrights arrived just a few hours ago. To keep up with the news and excitement, please visit their blogs. (I told them I wouldn't read their blogs because I would have jealously issues). But I will and they know we can't resist!

Here are their addresses:
http://www.lambinternational.blogspot.com/

and the Wrights

http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/

Much is happening already!

The Weekend is Coming

2011-02-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

We are excited as this weekend, members of the LAMb team will be gathering in Lebanon. The Wrights arrive Saturday morning. Ruby (we will miss Lynn) and Natalia, our translator, will be joining us in church on Sunday. We would love to connect with all of you.

Here is the plan:

SATURDAY NIGHT
LaRosa's Pizzeria Lebanon
1871 Deerfield Rd, Lebanon, Ohio
for more info , contact
Jayne
Phone: 513-228-2303 JayESchool@aol.com

SUNDAY -The team will be visiting ...
The Shelter Community Church
1541 John Glenn Rd
Dayton, OH 45410
Service time 11:15

David will be speaking in the morning service and will introduce them.

Just a sidenote, many of you have known for the last two years, we have wanted to downsize from our beautiful home in Lebanon to something that would enable us to come and go with no maintenance worries, etc. We had given up on selling the home, however, God hadn't. We sold it ten days ago and will begin moving to a small condo in Springboro, Ohio - about 20 minutes from our current home on Monday. We are excited that God has made a way for this. We leave March 18th for almost three months in Kyrgyzstan and are so looking forward to reconnecting with our special loved friends.
We deeply appreciate your care, concern and support as the journey continues for all of us.

The Passing of A Special Friend

2011-02-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

He was a highlight of each trip to the seniors' home at Kemin. He played wooden spoons and entertained us all. We knew him as the radio man, because of all his tinkering around radios and electronics, but his name was Anatole. We received word today that Anatole passed into the presence of the Lord a few days. He will be missed.

Our radio man,who was mostly deaf, created his own huge hearing aid (notice the hearing aid on the right side.). He attached this hearing aid to the television set in the seniors home so he could hear.

One of my funniest memories with this special man was the time I talked with him and asked him a lot of questions. I leaned down so that he could hear me and spoke loudly - in English! He looked at me and then Natalia, our translator that one afternoon and all three of us had a great laugh! He speaks only Russian.

As with each of us, this precious man had a story and we had the privilege one day to sit and talk with him about it. We learned that he had grown up in an orphanage in Ukraine. Around the age of 14, he was a in field that contained land mines. One exploded near him, stealing his ability to hear. He later married and had one son, who died at the age of 16. About 20 years ago, his wife died leaving him alone and eventually homeless. Somehow he was placed in the home for invalid men, a place he did not need to go. Catching the attention of Larisa, one of our colleagues on the ground there, Anatole was moved to the seniors home in Kemin - to a place where he was loved and cared for.

As I thought about the passing of this very special man, with a kind heart and a warm smile I thought 'how sad". He began his life alone- being placed in an orphanage. And now this poor man ended his life the same way, But that isn't true. Anatole slipped from this life to the next, surrounded with the knowledge that people loved him and he was special in the heart of God. That is his legacy.

It is because of the gifts of many friends of LAMb that contributed to the needs of the seniors' home that Antalole had such a place to come to so that his final days would be some of his best days. Thank-you.

Every Day A New Thing

2011-01-12T18:01:00.000-08:00

Everyday, David and I experience a God-sighting. Sometimes it is a small thing, other days it is totally amazing.

Recently, our God-sighting has been to watch our local church come alive with the call of God to reach out beyond the church walls into the lives of hurting and broken people. Our pastor, Ryan Riddell is into his second full week on the streets of downtown Dayton - homeless. His goal is to bring awareness to the plight of teens aging out of foster care. http://www.30dayshomeless.wordpress.com/

Our local church, The Shelter Community Church of the Nazarene has organized an new outreach - Lamplighters Orphan Care Ministries. They are reaching out for guidance and support. Just today, I received an email from one of the coordinators - Jen Hauk -

Wanted to let you know that I just received the acceptance letter for Shelter as being part of the Christian Alliance for Orphans. Yeah! I have been praying for what Lamplighters is to do next...anxious for the Aging Out Project to get rolling :)

I was so excited with her news and went on the website to see if we were listed yet and....YES. Let us encourage you to look into how your church can partner with Christian Alliance for Orphans.

Our journey continues.....

Ryan on FOX 45

2011-01-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

The local media is helping to spread the news regarding the homeless situation of teens aging out of foster care.

Check out this local newscast...

http://fox.daytonsnewssource.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wkef_vid_5247.shtml

In a few weeks, we will have some very exciting news to share....stay tuned....

Every Day Something New

2011-01-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

Please keep checking in on our Pastor, who is homeless on the streets in Dayton, Ohio. He is raising awareness and funds to help those teens who are aging out of foster care.

Ryan's blog: http://30dayshomeless.wordpress.com/

Christmas celebrations for orphans, disabled children, destitute families continues in Kyrgyzstan.

Visit the Wright blog: http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/

What God Has Done

2011-01-04T04:24:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to learn today the Lord has prospered LAMb far exceeding the $25,000 match challenge.

This is from Lynn and Ruby's blog... http://www.lambinternational.blogspot.com/

$59,644.39 RAISED - ADD THE MATCH - $25,000 -$84,644.39!

Watch the blog for how the funds will be used. Bringing HOPE and DIGNITY to many whom we serve. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIVING FOR THE WORK OF LAMb INTERNATIONAL!

We thank God for this incredible outpouring and thank all of you for your support and continued prayers.

It is Happening Right Here

2011-01-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hearts are being changed and ministry focus is expanding as the orphan care ministry call reaches the local churches. We are so excited about the involvment of a number of local churches who are responding to a specific call - the plight of local youth aging out of foster care.

Responding to the need right here in our local community of Dayton, Ohio, our church, the Shelter Community Church has joined the Salem Church of God and 10 other churches who are coming together to ask and answer a question - what can we do to help teenagers aging out of foster care who have to where to go and no one to go to?

For the next 30 days, our pastor, Ryan Riddell and two others will live homeless on the streets of Dayton. Their goal is singluar - raise awareness of the plight of foster teens and raise funding to provide homes for those aging out of foster care with no where to go and no one to go to.

A homeless youth on a city street somewhere in the United States...This should never be!
Here is a brief summary of what Ryan has written

I cannot help but believe I have to do something. When anywhere from 20 to 45% of kids who “Age Out” of the system go homeless, I am drawn to act. For 30 days in January, with God’s help, I will be homeless. I plan on living downtown in Dayton, sleeping out of a van. I will not report to work, and spend as much time possible touching those who are without.

By the way, I would not be doing this if Beth, my wife did not share in this burden… She is with my boys who I will see different times through the week while on the journey… the hardest part about this, is not being with them… I pray this will be a testimony to my boys that Faith without works is dead.

My mission is simple:
1. Raise awareness by giving an inside vantage point of what it is like to live without a home.
2. Bring renewal to my own spiritual life, and to the lives of those who follow.
3. Raise support for New Family Tree Ministries who are providing and furnishing housing for kids who are “AGING OUT” of the system and have no where to call home.

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? James 2:15-16

I am asking people to give and support this effort by contributing as much as they possible can in order to bring relief to this issue.

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Each year thousands of vulnerable youth across the nation turn 18 and "age out" of the foster care system. While their peers look forward to prom night, graduation, furthering their education and have hope for the future, the "aging out kids" are faced with a harsh reality. They are now alone and solely responsible for determining where they will live, what they will eat and how they will survive in the world.

www.30dayshomeless.tv needs everyone to help get the word out so we can help bring relief to children in our backyard who have no family, home, or way to transistion from a foster care into the real world.

THE SHELTER CHURCH and the SYNERGY NETWORK want to do something to fill the HOLE in "OUR" Gospel.

I LOVE MY FAMILY AND MY CHURCH. May God bless this and may we see God do a mighty work in our midst.

Ryan

For more information about this effort - you can visit www.facebook.com/pages/30-Days-Homeless/132614696797310

Ryan's journey will be updated daily and their is information also on how to support this life sustaining, God called effort.

Blessing the Children of Kyrgyzstan

2011-01-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

Throughout the past week and into the new year, the team on the ground in Kyrygzstan has been and will continue to take Christmas and God's love to many children and families. The actual Christmas time over there is January 7 and they celebrate their new year like Christmas here.

The Wright's for the last several years have organized a "pie in the face" challenge. To anyone who raises $500, their friends can throw a pie in their face. Just think what kind of Christmas one can give for over $10,000 raised this Christmas. That is alot of pie in the face. The joy is being spread from one end of the country to another. The vision of the Wrights is totally amazing. They see and think of things no one else does!

Here is just one picture of the many celebrations that have taken place throughout the country. This is a picture of the children we know well and see when we are there. Many of them lived in our community until they were moved 2.5 hours away last year. What a blessing to see them.

To see the entire impact of this year's "pie in the face" challenge, please visit John and Julie's blog:
http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/

Our journey continues as we are seeking God's heart and direction for us in the new year. Thank you all for taking the time to stop by our blog....you are important to us.

When You See It On Paper

2010-12-26T18:58:00.000-08:00

Everyday we are amazed at what we see God doing. When we are in Kyrgyzstan, our days and many nights are filled with being with people of all ages, most with overwhelming needs. Lynn and Ruby just wrote their final journal for 2010 and we are truly amazed and thankful for the many open doors to us. When we saw it on paper, it was hard to believe.

Ruby purchasing supplies for the home for invalid men

Here is from the LAMb Journal for 2010:

December 23, 2010

GREETINGS
We wish you the best for next year - that your family will be blessed and filled with joy, peace and that you will have a year that meets your passion and allows you to serve one another. We thank you for your continued support and prayers. We are blessed to have you as a supporter and a friend.

CLOSING DOWN 2010

As we write this, it is two days before Christmas. We are in Brazil with family – enjoying four grandchildren whom we have not seen for two years. It is both a blessing and a joy to be here to spend time with this section of our family. And of course we continue in ministry here as well – looking closely at how we might serve and continue to carry out the mission and goals of LAMb International.

Had the pleasure of sharing the ministry of LAMb with the English speaking section of the church here in Uberlandia.
Will be sharing with the Brazilian church on January 2, 2011 – the work of LAMb in Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan.
Will be preaching the service to the Brazilian church here in Uberlandia on January 2, 2011.
Checking out the child welfare system of Brazil – introducing them to the Field Guide to Child Welfare.
Reviewing how the churches here work in orphan ministry and of course we will check out the local orphanage.

LOOKING BACK ON 2010 AND FORWARD TO 2011

What an amazing thought – looking over the past year and seeing all that has occurred. We stand in awe and wonder and feel humbled by what has been. We cannot begin to list all that occurred over the last year, yet we recall so many blessings, and moments that took our breath away:

Emma (r) with three young ladies from the Kara Balta orphanage.

The miracle of getting a new eye lense for Medina
The makeover for Jessica’s family in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan
The purchase, renovation and furnishing of Dayspring Family Life Resource Center
Starting the art department at the Home for Disabled Men in Iskra, Kyrgyzstan
Lecture series established and completed for Bishkek Humanitarian University
Completing the upstairs heating for the senior home at the Kemin Senior Home
Bringing new furnishings into Kemin
Hiring a family to serve at Dayspring
The surgery support for Asimba’s heart – as well as other surgeries
Teams joining us in Kyrgyzstan to help us
The miracle of getting the team safely out of Kyrgyzstan when the revolution broke out – seeing God’s hand at work getting us through a crowd of hundreds
Seeing Adopt Ukraine getting families back home safely and other children into adoptive homes and churches motivated to help find adoptive homes

More of 2010

Bekah (r) with Anya at the Kara Balta orphanage. Anya will be aging out of the orphanage in two years with no plans after that.

More of 2010

Conducting the first ever Christian conference in Ukraine for adoptive parents
Partnership with Alliance for Ukraine Without Orphans
Promoting both Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan without orphans as a passionate focus for next year
Bringing a team from Kyrgyzstan to Ukraine to learn more about alternatives to orphanages
Working with US partner Institute for Human Services to bring best practice written materials and training to both Kyrgyzstan and to Ukraine
Bringing two doctors to Kyrgyzstan to teach and work with nationals in the area of disabilities and child abuse

More of 2010

Serving churches through teaching, cell groups in our apartment, preaching and sharing the love of Jesus to all
Bringing humanitarian aid to many – food, clothing and supplies needed for survival
Team members, Pastor David and Jayne Schooler who are teaching at the International University of Central Asia, ministering to young adults and church members who seek counsel on many issues
Teaching and training in the area of child welfare in Ukraine and in Kyrgyzstan
Consulting to NGO’s who are growing, struggling or in need of help as they work to develop their ministry
Approval of our charitable status in the beginning of the year – allowing us to formalize our work
Adding John and Julie Wright to our LAMb team along with their daughters Bekah and Emma
Distribution of hundreds of sets of the Field Guide to Child Welfare in both Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine
Continued teaching of the Life Skills Curriculum – in both Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan and sending it out to other countries for use
Translation, distribution of Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child – written by Jayne Schooler and Betsy Keefer

John with three dynamic young people - two of these children were rescued from a future in a orphanage and now are with their birth mother and doing very well.

David with these beautiful children on the Dayspring cleaning day.

More of 2010

Training of all the adoptive government leaders in Ukraine
Ministering to families one on one in both Ukraine and in Kyrgyzstan
Pastor David and Jayne ministering in Poland and New Zealand
Seeing the miracles of service of our co-founders while handling one medical issue after another – yet never missing a moment of LAMb service
Experiencing the commitment of others wanting to support and help the ministry of LAMb
The dedication of those who have embraced the vision of LAMb
The diligence and endurance of our prayer partners
The growing support in team members and financial support of LAMb International
The anonymous donor of the matched funds of $25,000 and the subsequent LAMb INTERNATIONAL gifting of our sponsors for over $50,000

Dayspring Cleaning Day - Julie and I are often behind the camera, so I had to look hard to find one of her. Julie is in the center back row with a black sweater....this was an unforgettable day!

OPENING THE NEXT DOOR

So what is next for LAMb? Continued work teaching and training in the former Soviet Union – bringing hope and dignity to those we serve. Sharing the love of Jesus, through words and actions as outlined in James 1:27. Stopping for the one God places in front of us and encouraging others to join a mission team, work alongside of us and share personal gifts and talents to carry out the GREAT COMMISSION “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt.29:19,20 NASV, emphasis added)

We serve an AWESOME GOD. We thank Him everyday for the privilege we have of serving Him. We look forward to an exciting new year. We feel God is preparing us to continue our work in Central Asia and also perhaps a new thing. Thank you for your prayers. We will keep you posted.

Saying Thanks for So Many

2010-12-23T18:31:00.000-08:00

This season of Christmas brings warm memories of many people. As I reflect on the many friends we have, my mind goes to many people who sacrificed their time in supporting Dayspring Family Resource Center in Kyrgyzstan. Whenever one tries to thank people for their contribution, there is always the risk of leaving someone out. Please forgive us for that.

We want to thank the following people for their work in selling many candles each and thank you care and concern for the work overseas.

Sarah Stansberry, Mark Huber, Melinda Murphy, Chris Albee, Crystal Johnson, Ken Snelling, Sue Burchwell, Andy Combs, Claudia Brown, Kim Gebele, and Linda Rosser.

Many friends also bought candles for their families and friends and we thank you as well.

We are looking forward to the opening of Dayspring in the new year and will keep all of you posted!

May you have a blessed Christmas and incredible New Year.

The journey continues for all of us….

It Is Christmas Everyday for a While In Krygyzstan

2010-12-23T05:04:00.000-08:00

If you want to experience an incredible blessing, please visit the blog of our partners, John, Julie, Emma and Bekah. Your heart will be warmed, we are sure. Seeing these pictures has made us pretty homesick for over there.

Here is his link:
http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/

Have a blessed Christmas...David and Jayne

Making a Difference One Candle at a Time

2010-12-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

What can the light of one candle do? Dispel the darkness. What can the light of over 729 candles do? Just imagine.

In early October we announced the incredible gift of StarwickCandles - all the profits from the candles sold that month would go into the work of the Dayspring Family Resource Center in Krygyzstan.

Jen Hauk and Carrie Combs caught the vision and spent hours and hours of work getting the candles made and shipped. Jen, who is the owner of Starwick Candles, and Carrie, are a key part of the newly formed Lamplight Orphan Care Ministry in our church - The Shelter Community Church in Dayton, Ohio.

We are so excited to announce what happen! Over $2,800 dollars has been given to the ministry of Dayspring. With the matching gift promise that really means $5,600. Now coats, shoes, boots, clothes, school supplies, nutritional items, etc...will fill the cabinets of the new foster family home.

All that will happen because our friend, Jen, made 729 candles. Jen and her dear friend, Carrie, spent countless hours in preparing the orders, making contacts, making the candles, getting them shipped out....and a thousand things we don't even know about.

These candles will light the homes of hundreds of familes and friends across the US. They also light hope into the lives of abused and neglected children in Tokmok, Krgyzstan.

THANK YOU JEN AND CARRIE and the many, many who helped you! What an incredible blessing you are in our lives.

Medina's Story - New Hope for a Brighter Future

2010-12-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

“Medina was so happy today I have never seen her like that!” These words, sent to us from our team member, Natalia, describe a life-changing event for a precious 12 year old in Krygyzstan.

The journey with Medina and her family began 18 months ago when we first saw her, and her younger sister and brother. Our team, joined by social workers from Cleveland, was visiting in a children’s park. As a special treat, the team had planned an afternoon lunch for the orphanage children who were brought there to play. As the group of orphanage children made their way into the little house for lunch, three little children, standing aside from the group, caught Lynn’s eye. He knew right away that these children needed help and the most immediate need was something to eat. He scooped them up and took them into the luncheon with the other children.

The first day we met Medina and her siblings. This was a kingdom moment - one to yet be fully revealed.

That gesture – stopping for ones that God placed in front of us – began a journey with this family, we call Jessica’s family. Jessica, a social worker on that visiting team was captured by the pressing need of the family and became involved with intervention work with them right away. Thus the name - Jessica's family.

Over the past 18 months, LAMb with the help of many sponsors has provided humanitarian aid to this family, including a complete apartment makeover last April. However, one particular challenge confronted us every time we visited the family. Little Medina, due to an accident, was blind in one eye and her appearance was greatly impacted by it. We wondered could something be done. The answer came months later - YES!

You can just imagine how very self conscious this beautiful young girl felt everyday of her life.

Medina's life changed with the events of last week. Here is the note from Natalia:

I took Medina and Ainura –her mother to eye hospital. Today Medina got her new eye lense. The doctor taught Medina and her mother how to put the eye lense in and out and how to keep it clean.

Medina was so happy today I have never seen her like that. Her mother said so many warm words to you and the people who are involved in that. They both were so appreciative and grateful.

Medina's smile speaks volumes.

The doctor, Medina and her mother.

David and I are learning experientially more and more all the time that life changing ministry happens in small things – a hand extended in love, a gift of encouragement, hope given for the future. All of these are wrapped in this gift of restoration for beautiful Medina from a couple in West Chester, Ohio who wanted to make a difference.

Thank you all who have given to the on-going ministry of LAMb International. Your gifts open doors just like this one.

WOW We Are Almost There!

2010-12-08T18:21:00.001-08:00

From November 1 - December 31, we have a matched fund donor who will match up to $25,000 - giving LAMB International $50,000.

We are almost there...to see how close we are, visit..... http://www.lambinternational.blogspot.com/

He is the Reason for the Season

2010-12-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

If you are needing a spiritual uplifting this Christmas season, visit this link. It is awesome. Thank you Karen H. for sending it us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

A Different Type of Gift Catalog

2010-11-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

When one thinks of a gift catalog, it is generally with personal interest. Christmas time and Sears catalogs are part of warm memories as I remember many hours pouring over the toy section each year as a child. Now I look at more advanced "toys" like cell phones, ipods, and laptop computers. However, a catalog I saw today wasn't about me...thankfully.

This morning at The Shelter Church where David and I attend church, I picked up a gift catalog, but it wasn't anything like I had ever seen. It was a catalog of humanitarian needs and places where resources and time could go. I was fascinated by the idea and so very proud of our church family as we see a deepening and widening of ministry there.

This catalog got me to thinking about not only the humanitarian needs listed in our church gift catalog, but so many others....so here is another gift catalog to prayfully look over.

For more information about this catalog gift visit this website: http://www.achildshopeintl.org/KidsAgainstHunger.html

For more information on this "gift selection" visit: http://www.actofkindness.blogspot.com/

For more information on the following needs, please visit lambinternational.blogspot.com. On the left of the blog is information about how to give to these specific needs - the Canada Helps button. All financial gifts to LAMb International will be matched until December 31st up to $25,000.

The following are local "gift selections" of time and one's presence.

Contact information to deliver coats and blankets to local bins contact: shawnadkins1972@yahoo.com

Contact information to share in this gift of your presence,
contact Brad Colwell - 937-272-7236

Other Gift Suggestions from The Shelter today...

Coin Up Laundry Minister - Give away quarters in laundry mats as random acts of kindness..helping a family with their laundry.
Write a note of encouragement to someone who may be experiencing his/her first holiday without a loved one.
Create your own family project...open the eyes of your heart to the people around you. Find a need and meet it in your local community this holiday season..

We really like this gift catalog the best over anything we have ever seen!

Have a blessed Christmas season as we know that He is the Reason...for this Blessed Season.

UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS - CATCH THE VISION

2010-11-21T15:39:00.000-08:00

EVENT THAT WE NEVER WILL FORGET!!!

ONE OF THOSE GREAT MOMENTS WE WAITED FOR SO LONG.

by Maxim Slivka - Director of Marketing and Development (ILDC Ukraine)

This was not just an event. I would say it was historical event that may bring great change in the lives of many children in Ukraine.

Over 500 people gathered together at a conference in Kiev all committed to seeing a Ukraine Without Orphans in 2015. Hard to think or even imagine of this could have been possible, but many believe it is. We believe and hope that Ukraine can lead the former USSR in showing others how to divert children from orphanages

This great event was not just a conference but rather a challenge for churches, NGO’s and parents to get involved and take on the heart of the orphan. Today we share the hope and the passion to see a mobilized partnership of NGO's joining together and creating a NEW REALITY for children waiting for families - for children who would otherwise be quickly placed into an orphanage.

ILDC is the child welfare arm of LAMb International. For more information, visit their blog:

http://www.ildcua.blogspot.com/

A Vision for Poland

2010-11-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

What an incredible and motivated group of people! These were our thoughts as we worked with the Adoption Centre key workers in Wroclaw, Poland this past week. On Monday and Tuesday during the day, we met with a group of government workers, non-government agencies and adoptive parents as we fashioned a vision for a new training program in the country. Currently, once a family adopts, they have no post adoption training or support and the Adoption Centre wants to change all that.

This is the work team looking to bring post finalization adoption training to families in Poland.

While the plans are still in the early stages, we hope to hear soon that they have received a grant which would fund the development of this post adoption training program. This program will be modeled after the program written by the Institute of Human Services and the Ohio Child Welfare training program and be the first of its kind in Poland.. How fun is this!

During the evening, we had the privlege of once again speaking with adoptive families. Last spring, during our first visit there, we met so many committed families. It was good to renew acquaintances with them and to meet many more.

David shares with adoptive families on Monday evening.

These participants are both adoptive parents and adoption workers.

While there, Andrei, an adoptive father and our host while in Poland shared a video from a national TV news broadcast that was filmed last spring during our visit. We wanted to add this to our "scrapbook" of memories, so I have posted it below.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Andrzej, Kasha and their daughter, Maya. This young couple is a real force in pursing support and education for adoption parents.

The Spring Video

We returned on Wednesday evening to Kiev, Ukraine to spend our last two days here working with the incredible staff of the International Leadership and Development Center. We look forward to returning home over the weekend to family and friends. This has been a God-given incredible adventure and we hope, somewhere along the way, we have helped someone.

Thank you for checking in with us on our blog.....the journey continues

Hope for Orphans - Ukraine without Orphans by 2015

2010-11-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

They came from many different towns and villages. Some traveled for hours - others just across town. What brought the over 500 people together this weekend in Kiev was an emerging vision. Empowered with the call of God's word to take care of orphans, dreamers came with a dream - Ukraine without Orphans by 2015

Christian organizations, church leaders, Christian family centers and foster and adoptive parents came together for the first Alliance National Conference. The goal of this conference was to issue the call for churches to step up and care for the thousands of children living without parental care in one of the 88 orphanages scattered throughout Ukraine or in other devastating life circumstances.

Much like sister movements in the United States (i.e. Christian Alliance for Orphans) this Ukrainan movement could very well change the face of child welfare in this country. It was an incredible privilege to be part of this remarkable movement. It is hoped that the Alliance in Ukraine will be a model to other countries on how the church can impact the lives of orphans.

Ruby Johnston, co-founder of ILDC, told us of this adoptive father's incredible story of child rescue.

Coffee break time between workshops.

Ruby, along with staff member and translator, Anya, challenged the groupto consider the power of networking.

Our book. "Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child" has been translated into Russian. We were asked to do a book signing on Friday evening and had the opportunity to present an adoption workshop on Saturday. What a gift we have been given to serve here.

The ILDC staff in Ukraine, l to r - Max, Oleg, Anya and Vika are pictured with the leaders of Co-Mission, an incredible resource organization located in Ukraine, Russia and the US.

We leave Sunday afternoon for our final work week overseas and will be joining our family just in time for Thanksgiving.

A Great Day with Ukrainian Social Workers and Foster Families

2010-11-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

This week finds us in a different place, so different from Krygzstan, but in many ways the people are the same...kind, gracious and open. We have been training at the ILDC headquarters in Kiev, Ukraine. ILDC, the International Leadership and Develpment Center was born out of the work of LAMb International and its initiative is to impact the system of child welfare in this country.

Today, we started a two day training called, "Wounded Children, Healing Homes:How Traumatized Children Impact Adoptive and Foster Families." It is adapted from our book by the same title. We find that foster parents and adoptive parents struggle with many of the same issues around the world and it is our hope, that in one small way, we will encourage them and help them.

Today was almost too much fun...thought we would share a glimpse of the day...please click on this link to see the fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D228Ogi7OCE

At the end of this week, we have the privilege of attending and speaking at the "Ukraine Without Orphans" Alliance National Conference. Church leaders and laymen are gathering from all over the country are stepping up to their responsibility to James 1:27..taking care of orphans....It will be an awesome event.

The journey continues...home in 10 days...eager to see family and friends

Saying Good-bye for Now

2010-11-07T07:05:00.000-08:00

Saying good-bye to our very special friends in Krygyzstan is always difficult. On Friday evening, we all gathered at Lynn and Ruby's apartment for a dinner together. They are already gone and it wasn't the same without them.

Pictured here: The Wright family, Talent and Acel and family, (our foster family for Dayspring), Natalia and her friend, Sergai and some extra young people. We missed our team leaders, Lynn and Ruby as they had already left two weeks ago for work in Ukraine.

It is Sunday evening, and we are sitting in an apartment in Kiev. We are here for three days of training and then an incredible adoption conference, put together by the church leaders in this country. We are excited to be a part of it.

Our journey continues...

A Krgyz Moment - Visiting a Foster Home and Meeting Asimba

2010-11-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

We turned off a main road today in Bishkek onto a back street full of huge potholes, trash strewn everywhere and crumpled buildings standing next to crumpling homes. Not the most likely place to go to visit what we planned. Then we turned again, down another side road and into a drive way. We had arrived at one of the very few family type foster homes in the entire country. With a population of 5 million, there are now, we believe, only 8 are in operation scattered throughout the country. Dayspring will be the newest one in early spring.

Greeting us, Vera, the single foster mom, ushered us into the living room to enjoy tea, Krygz style – sitting on the floor. It was then we learned of her God –given passion and love for children, rescuing some right from the street, others comes from a local orphanage, still others are brought by parents who can no longer care for them. She enjoys the respect of the government, and her local and regional community. When we hear stories like today, we are again humbled at the sacrificial lives of so many who, having very little themselves, give it all away. We learned much from her today. Probably, the most profound lesson for David and me is that we need to listen more and learn from the people God has put in front of us. We don’t have all the answers for them – but they have many for us.

Vera has much to teach us and our new foster family. We talked about working together in the spring as she helps us learn more about how to take care of the children of her country.

Christine, a humanitarian worker from Norway has been working with Vera since 1996. We heard Vera's call to the work of saving children and left humbled by her loving sacrifice.

Two of the beautiful children we met today.

More children....

The whole crew, minus a sick one....

While we were there, we, of course, met the children. One child, Asimba, came to our attention. Here is her story. Before we left, we prayed for Asimba and the other children who were sick.

Should you be interested in helping cover the medical costs for Asimba, you can donate on the Canada Helps button and designate funds for Asimba.

We will be back to get to know our newest friend, Vera in the spring. I look forward to learning from her.

Very early Saturday morning (2:30 am), we leave for the airport and onto Kiev, Ukraine and Poland. Our time here has been rich and meaningful and we look forward to our spring return.

A Fabulous, Marvelous, Amazing Opportunity

2010-11-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

The heartbeat of LAMb International is servanthood to the people of Ukraine, Krygzstan, Poland and more just on the horizon. When the team is on the ground together in Krygyzstan, there are ten of us - Lynn and Ruby, the Wright family of five, Natalia, our in-country director, and David and me. Back in the states, we have a team of four – Don and Johanna, Kim and Randy, who share equally in the vision of servanthood. We all have been led down different paths of ministering, teaching, preaching, supporting, intervening….the words, actually are endless. We see incredible needs everywhere, everyday, in every place we go.

Let me share our incredible news, and you will understand why we are excited. It isn’t about us….but it is about the people whose lives intersect with ours everyday. It is about the people.

Fabulous Opportunity

ANONYMOUS DONOR FOR $25,000

We have a unique opportunity – an anonymous donor has made an amazing offer. From November 1 – to December 31 this donor will:

MATCH ALL FUNDS – up to $25,000.

This means – if we can raise $25,000 in these two months – it will be matched and give LAMb International...

$50,000 to start 2011.

Please email us – jayeschool@aol.com with any questions. If you are interested in joining this month’s incredible opportunity, you may donate through the Canada Helps button on the right and designate it for matched gift. You now can see why we are just downright excited!

A Krygz Moment Today - Visiting Arafat

2010-10-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

We had visited a number of times in a small village during our time here in 2008, but we never saw him. It wasn't until a visit to that village in the spring of 2009, that we met Arafat, a toddler with a severe cleft palette. He had been kept hidden from the outside world because of his problem. One afternoon, his parents cautiously brought him out for us to see...and the rest is history. We posted the need for his surgery on our blog. Within a few hours, finances came into cover his first surgery and the aftercare. First surgery was completed successfully.

Now this fall, our young friend is having his second surgery, which will begin the work on closing the pallete. On Wednesday, the day before his procedure, we stopped in the hospital to see him and his beautiful young mom. Dad planned to come for the day of the surgery as he was home with a younger brother.

Here is our Krgyz Moment Today - Visiting Arafat

Making a Lasting Impact

2010-10-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

For the last two weeks, a medical team from Hope Community Services in Alaska has visited Krygyzstan – Dr. William Browner, Dr. Eileen Lally (social worker) and Joanne Sullivan, a nurse. Their mission was to explore future work opportunities in the area of working with children with developmental disabilities. Every day was a new adventure for them – visiting in and teaching at a parent’s group for disabled children, a Children’s Hospital, the home for invalid men, a school for disabled children, a mental hospital and more. It is amazing what can be packed into two weeks.

Today was their last day as they leave early in the morning. They had the opportunity to teach a packed room of social workers and psychology students at the Humanitarian University in Bishkek, sharing with them on various issues around developmental disabilities.

Dr. Browner, Eileen and Joanne wholeheartedly gave of themselves these past two weeks and will leave a lasting impact. We have been told that the head doctor at the largest Children’s Hospital here has directed that their work, specifically, their developmental assessment work, be immediately implemented at his hospital. Translation of materials the team left began immediately.

Following a farewell lunch at a Russian restaurant this afternoon, we said good-bye to our very special friends. It was just a reminder to us that in just one week, we will be saying good-bye here, as well.

Dr Lally, (in pink) and Joanne share with three of the preschool teachers from the school for disabled children.

Joanne speaks to the Humanitarian University students.

Dr. Lally shares about their program in Alaska for student volunteers.

The room was packed for this presentation.

A Krgyz Moment Today - Thank You

2010-10-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

Late last week, we were notified of a significant gift to the work here. It was anonymous, so we do not know who to thank for this incredible outpouring to the ministry. We wanted to let our unknown friend know just a couple of things that were done with the gift and money left over to share with whomever God brings onto our path. We also wanted to let Lori, our afghan maker, know that they are in place in the Dayspring home.

Here is a Krgyz Moment Today - Thank you

Our journey here continues for two more weeks..

A Krygz Moment Today- Speaking into Their Young Lives

2010-10-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

A snowy morning greeted us last Thursday as we drove to the capital city. David had the rich opportunity to speak to a class of third and fourth year students at the Humanitarian University. Everywhere we go, we encounter the beautiful young people of this country.

David's topic for the morning was the the power of toxic emotions. We were extremely impressed with how responsive these young adults were to us. After the class, a number of students stayed to talk with us, many of them asking for help. That is the hard part about this work is that the needs are so many and the time is so limited. We will be seeing this group again next week as we will visit the class with another colleague.

Here is A Krygz Moment Today - The Humanitarian Class

Our days are usually very full, leaving early in the morning and getting home late. The experiences are so varied. Just yesterday, we had an early morning meeting with our Dayspring foster mom, helped complete a grant that if received, will provide an English program for a group of teens at the orphanage, had a meeting with the univeristy president on a summer work program overseas, met with the journalism staff for planning, We ended the day with a quiet dinner with our Alaskan friends.

It is Saturday morning and we woke up to realize that we only have this Saturday and next before heading to Ukraine, Poland and then home. We are asking God to clearly direct our steps in these last few days here as we want to be doing His work to the best of our abilility.

The Coal Has Arrived

2010-10-17T23:03:00.001-07:00

Due to the sacrificial giving of a number of friends of ours in Lebanon, Ohio, coal has been provided for the seniors' home, Dayspring Foster Family Home and a local pastor and family. Exciting news over the weekend was that additional funds were given to put pipes in on the second floor of the seniors' home so that the men who sleep up there will be warm throughout the night.

We can express our appreciation enough for the many of you who have picked up this need and responded.

Thank you....

Our journey here continues....

getting the whole picture

2010-10-15T19:22:00.001-07:00

Our schedules are often busy from early morning until late in the evening, we don't always have time to do the blogging and video creation we would like to.

Soon coming will be a video of the beginning of the historic partnership between the Institute of Human Services, Tomsk University in Russia, the Humanitarian University here and our organization, ILDC (International Learning and Development Center).

Also, we plan some delightful videos of the student initiation at IUCA, the 10 year celebration of the first Christian school and finally, and extremely important, a video of the blessing gathering at Dayspring.

I mentioned all that to say this: Please visit the blogs of our partners to get the whole picture as we all are involved in a variety of ministry.

www.actofkindness.blogspot.com

www.lambinternational.blogspot.com

Stay tuned for more....the journey continues

What Can a Ham and Bean Dinner and Auction Do?

2010-10-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

We are so privileged to have friends at home sharing in the ministry with us here in Krygyzstan. Last weekend was a very special event, that in reality, will have life-sustaining results.

Hope you enjoy this thank you video to our friends at the Countryside Community Church in Lebanon, Ohio.

Here is the link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IplPU7dMND8

Thanks to all of you...our journey continues....