FHF - Surviving and Thriving Healthy Families Event

Finally Home Foundation launched in Colorado this past weekend. 23 families were supported and encouraged in their journey of foster care and adoption. There is nothing like sitting across the table from someone who can relate to your every day struggles in parenting children who have been hurt. The relief was evident in the shared stories, laughter and a few tears.

61 kids were cared for by our amazing volunteers who dedicated their time to "Make their Day".

The statements below are powerful!!! These were given by parents who attended the event this past weekend.

"It was great just to be able to talk with other parents with kids with problems just to know you're not alone!"

The topic found most beneficial was:
* The need to focus on our marriage.

* The practice on listening to our our spouse.

* The adult relationship piece because the couple has to be the strongest link in the family for the kids to be healthy.

This event filled up quickly! Finally Home Foundation is planning to offer another Surviving and Thriving Family Wellness Event the end of February 2012 in Northern Colorado.

http://www.finallyhomefoundation.net/

Perspectives Promo - Igniting Missional Living

*Perspectives is the most significant tool for any church to mobilize people to live missionally.

*Perspectives is not just for missionaries or for those who feel drawn to missions. We are all called to the Great Commission on some level.

*Perspectives is not just about world missions - it is also an urban missions class.

A 15 week commitment can seem a little intimidating in our already busy lives. When God calls us into a deeper relationship and knowledge of Him - who He is - what He cares about, it often requires a commitment and sacrifice of our time. I always approach these opportunities with a mixture of excitement and fear. Excitement to learn more, to hear more and to grow. And fear because God holds us accountable for what we know and how we respond to that knowledge. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to knowing God's Heart!

Perspectives Class will start on Monday, January 16th at Timberline Church, 6-9pm.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

God will equip and lead us. :)

You can register today at:

http://class.perspectives.org/Class/Class_Home_Page.aspx?ClassId=421164

For more information contact:

Glenn Gilbert - glenn.perspectives@gmail.com

Stan Myers -samyers7@gmail.com

U Count - Dedication of Project Rescue Home of Hope Center

From the moment you walked through the gate, the air was filled with giggles, laughter, joy and excitement. After four years of fundraising efforts, the day finally arrived for the opening of the Project Rescue Home of Hope Center and Sarah Elizabeth Girl's Home.

The center is surrounded by a lush tropical landscape. Flowers, palm trees and shrubs abound, giving it an oasis type feel. Each building has four apartments, each apartment has four spacious bedrooms, and each bedroom will house four-giving capacity for 64 women and 64 girls. All apartments have their own bathrooms and balconies for drying clothes. Solar panels and an elaborate filter system to recycle rainwater help to make the facility energy efficient.

During the program, there were few dry eyes as former victims of sexual exploitation, ages 3 and above, danced in joy, praise and freedom. As bicycles were presented amidst shrieks of joy, I was overwhelmed with the sense that, at this beautiful place, children whose harsh realities in the brothels had deprived them of a childhood, now have the opportunity to be a child once more.

To Timberline Church and all who gave to this wonderful cause - thank you. Through the opportunities now available, you have given these women and girls priceless treasures - safety, identity, dignity and self-respect.

Bonnie

This is what happens when you follow through with something that God puts on your heart. If Bonnie had never responded with obedience to an idea that God placed in her heart and mind, we at Timberline Church would not have been part of watching lives transformed by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ in these womens' and childrens' lives. Thank you to our U Count team for your hard work and perseverance. :)

You can have an impact in the lives of these women by purchasing items that they have made. Shipping is free in the Continental US.

http://www.ucountcampaign.org/ucountcampaign_rev005/shop/

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS - IS A FAMILY!!!!

Oh my goodness - These siblings are absolutely precious. They are waiting for YOU!!

Okay, no pressure really. Please pray for Delfino (5 years old), Serenity (4 years old) and Jacob (almost 2) as they wait!!! Share their information with your family and friends. You just might be the connection they need to finding their family. :)

Here is a brief profile that their case worker wrote about them:

Meet this wonderful sibling group! There is Delfino, who is the big brother; Serenity, the middle child; and Jacob, the youngest. Delfino has tons of energy. He has made a lot of progress since coming into care. Playing with other kids and trusting adults are two things he has been learning. Talkative and curious, Delfino needs reinforcement from parental figures and would be very happy to have two parents who love him. This little guy loves to eat spicy foods. Serenityis also progressing well. She can be very charming and follows directions with ease. Active and talkative, this lass loves her baby dolls and giving hugs. Jacob, youngest of the group, is an appealing, active child. He is happy being held and wants plenty of attention. Jacob needs patient and structured parents who can help him reach his potential. He is a very curious and strong-willed toddler.

You can contact the Adoption Exchange for more information. 303-755-4756

Their case numbers are:
9745, 9746, 9747

Thankful for where God has led us this year!!

I am Thankful!!!

God has allowed Welcome Child and Timberline Church to be a part of something we could never imagine. In fact it is not something we would have went looking for. When we met with Children's Hopechest, we asked to be partnered with a pastor on the ground in Haiti that was ministering to orphans.

Our intent was to come alongside what God was calling him and his community to do in Haiti. As we began to take teams to this orphanage on a regular basis we began to notice inconsistencies in the food that we were having delivered, the items that were donated disappeared, we began to see signs of abuse and the children began opening up to us and other organizations that were at the orphanage frequently. We began documenting these things, not realizing that God was going to use this documentation to set these kids free from the situation that they were in.

The spiritual warfare that we have experienced personally and as a team has been unlike anything any of us has ever experienced. While we didn't go looking to be partnered with an orphanage such as this, we are so thankful that God led us there. We have learned more about God's heart for justice - we have learned more about God's power and authority - we have learned that the power of prayer is POWERFUL INDEED!!! Not for just those that were directly involved, but to call others to join in the battle through prayer and fasting.

We have seen multiple miracles and mountains moved in the last few months:

- organizations working diligently together to be one voice for these children.

- meetings that we were told would never happen:

* with judges and magistrates

* direct contact with President and First Lady Martelly

- favor for our teams as they took each step in obedience here in the US and in Haiti

- closing of Son of God Orphanage

- new person placed in position at the head of IBESR

- our teams connecting with these kids in their new homes.

One of the most precious miracles is the extention of Katia's story. After we shared with the panel of organizations about Katia's serious risk of dying in the care of those at Son of God Orphanage, she disappeared the next day (see post on November 3). We were heart broken. After a diligent search by authorities in Haiti we were told to presume that Katia had died. It was devestating to all who had heard Katia's story. Her life made God's word come alive in people's hearts. Their hearts rose in justice to advocate for children who are at risk like Katia.

Two weeks ago we heard that Katia and another missing little girl from Son of God had been found and brought into care. They are both at the girls home in Port au Prince with all of the other girls from Son of God. I cannot even describe how precious it was to me to pick up and love on this little girl that I thought had died and had mourned for.

She is happy - she has gained weight - she is smiling - she is laughing and I heard her talk for the first time. She has always been so sick that I have never heard her say anything. I saw her taking care of the little ones. Katia's life is a MIRACLE! Not only did God sustain her through the time that she was missing and on her own - she flourished. Is it possible that God was with her the whole time and that his angels were loving and feeding her? I believe it is!!!

You can tell by the pictures below that Katia is doing exceedingly well. When Tiffany and I were in Haiti a few weeks ago, Tiffany taught the kids how to sign I love you and touch your signed fingers together. After scooping Katia up in my arms I signed "I love you" to her and her face lite up in rememberence. She quickly signed I love you and reached her signed hand to touch mine.

Dear God - Thank you for allowing us to share in this amazing journey for these children. We are grateful that you have allowed our heart to feel a portion of your heart's cry for children just like Katia. You oh God - cry out for justice and mercy in such a powerful way that you call us to be your hands and feet here on this earth. We love you Lord and are thankful that you led us to advocate for these children. In your precious name we pray - Amen.

He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

As you celebrate Thanksgiving with your family - take time to Thank God for this miracle!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you - May your time with family and friends be sweet!! :)

-

Adoption Poem

ADOPTION CREED

Not flesh of my flesh,

Nor bone of my bone,

But still miraculously my own:

Never forget for a single minute -

You didn't grow under my heart,

But in it.

HAPPY ADOPTION DAY!!!

Today we celebrated 3 finalization hearings!!!

Congratulations to the Branchflower and Alverson Families! Your persistence, patience and prayers shined through in this much anticipated day. :)