The Salvation Army has opened a temporary overflow facility located close to the Center of Hope. All single women are there; the ladies with children are living at the permanent shelter. Recalling former years, it seems that this arrangement adds a special challenge to our Evangelistic Celebrations. There are many children, fewer mothers so the little ones are not comfortable sitting for any length of time. Concentration is difficult because distractions are many. Having the single ladies gives a larger ratio of adults to children and many more hands to care for the needs. This arrangement will likely be in place until the end of the summer.

As well, the Salvation Army has been aggressively trying to handle the bedbug issue. Yes, you’ve heard it said… “Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.” I have never known this to be an actual reality in today’s world. But…trust me it is! One of the dorms is shut down completely to tackle the issue. Please pray that this overwhelming challenge will be controlled very soon.

My husband did a wonderful job teaching a message about freedom. He chose to speak on points of the life of Nelson Mandela. His story of triumph over incredible odds is truly amazing. Michael correlated Dr. Mandela’s story to Jesus…Who was given for our freedom. Nelson Mandela is a remarkable man! However, even Dr. Mandela is not a close comparison to the life, works and sacrifice of our Heavenly Father. Nelson Mandela ended apartheid in South Africa and gave freedom to those whom were oppressed by evil. Jesus gave His life for spiritual freedom from sin for all mankind-to be reconciled with God the Father.

Most, if not all of the ladies who attended the meeting have already given their lives to Jesus. Please keep them in your prayers for strength to carry out their commitment.

At The Cross
All quotes appear exactly as written….this includes spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors.  I do this not to embarrass, I do so to protect the content of request.  For clarity, I may have personal comments italicized in parenthesis. For confidentiality purposes, first name initials will substitute any given names.”

“I love Gusus and God.” (A little one)

“Depression-Self-Control-Clean Heart” “V”

“I prayer to get to get full time job and get the house I want. I want prayer to help my daughter to leave the streets and leave this guy “C” alone. “M” needs prayer.” “M”

“A.H. GOD”

“I love God. I love Gusus.” “B” (This note is from the same little one as above)

“Keep believing in God! Never Stop Believing!”

“Pray for God, health and rightness to come in the fullness!”

 

Please pray for my new friend Laurie, her father is gravely ill and at this time does not know Jesus as Savior and Lord. She is a first generation Believer and is very concerned about her father’s spiritual welfare. Let us agree that the Holy Spirit will be sent to her father and that he will not leave this earth before knowing the love of God, expressed through Jesus, His Son. May we uplift Laurie at this very critical time. If you wish to send an email of encouragement, please send it to riversofnewhope@aol.com. I will be happy to forward it to her!

My Love,
Janelle