March 2024 Newsletter
January and February Home Builds
March 2024 Newsletter
The most important commandment that Jesus gave us is to love God and love others. (Matthew 22:34-40)
Healthy relationships are so important that God didn’t just suggest we treat others well; He commanded it.
Hello Friends,
March is here, and I have to think, did we not just celebrate Christmas? The time just seems to get away from a person. We have had a very busy winter so far. The completion of four houses and two more are scheduled. Before you know it, we will be heading into the summer months.
This year has been a time of reunions and celebrations. Our first group of the year was able to visit with, and go see the house and the family they built for last year. When I tell people that the families will never forget you, it is something the group experienced this year. We went on a Sunday afternoon drive, and drove by the house they built the year before. The family was outside and saw us, and began to jump, run, and sprint towards the bus. Of course, I had to mess with them, and just kept on driving. Mistake: I got an ear full from the team. So we backed up, and were nearly run over by the family. These relationships will last a lifetime.
The second home was for a family that was so joyful all week, it was contagious! She would greet us every morning, and join us in prayer. She would stand with a smile from ear to ear, as she watched the progress. Of all the home builds, this lady had the most joy and thankful heart we have ever experienced.
Home three was for a young family from a local church we attend often. This was a reunion of relationships like no other. One of the team members got to reunite with one of our former students that has been fighting for his life. He has been receiving treatment for TB and is on the mend. The two of them got to spend several days conversing about the future, and also about the salvation Jesus has to offer. It was a great experience seeing two people who met 13 years ago, reunite. The family we built for had brought some of their friends to see the new place. As the young man got out of the car, I noticed him right away . A young man we had met 14 years ago, that we had lost track of, suddenly reappears into our lives.
Relationships…now and for eternity.
The 4th home we just finished is a new relationship that will continue to grow. The family was very appreciative of all the people who invaded their property, and then left them with a new home.
We have two more builds left for this winter season. We are excited to see what the Lord has planned for these families and teams.
Our last house build will be March 18-22, and we are still looking for a couple of talented hands, if you're interested.
The student ministry is growing and continues to be a blessing. Kelly and I have a couple who are helping with this part of the ministry, and they are doing a fantastic job of leading these young adults into the future. I could go on and on about these young adults, but I am just going to share a couple of highlights. One of our former graduates is working in a clinic as a nurse. She feels led to go back to study to be a Hospital Administrator. We were contacted and asked if that would be a possibility, and could we find her a sponsor? We made contact with her former sponsor, and were told they would be honored to help her further her career. The response from the sponsor was this,”The relationship I have had with this young lady, it feels like she is one of my daughters.” Relationships.
This past Sunday was one of our 6 week student meetings. Kelly was out of town and I was not able to attend. After the meeting, one of our graduates who attended the meeting wrote this advice to all the other students via group chat…
Between Andrea, Ivan, and I, we talked about our university experience. We shared our decisions, and gave advice for those who are about to begin their university career or are already on that path.
Key points:
· Be blessed with the support we have and be aware that our sponsors have us in mind from their home and daily life.
· Think carefully about what career to pursue and investigate where to practice your profession. Have it well defined what you want to do with your career.
· Prioritize your studies, not your work.
· Know yourself; your way of thinking and learning.
· Be careful who you hang out with. It sounds ugly, but the reality is that a position is obtained with leverage. Get along with your teachers and focus on friendships that benefit you and your career.
· Do not underestimate Professional Practices and their residencies. (This is where they secure a position to develop as professionals; either they start practicing from there or at least you get the experience to start somewhere else related to your career)
· Don't be complacent, and take advantage of everything. In question of their tasks, exhibitions, exams, etc.
This is from the mouth of one of our graduates. He gets it.
Wisdom and building each other up.
Relationships.
Prayer requests:
Endurance to get through the last of the builds.
Another couple to come alongside to help with the everyday tasks of the ministry.
Wisdom and Love for all our circumstances.
Love you all,
Curt and Kelly