20191201 Newsletter

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas! When Jesus entered this world as an infant, He knew there was no turning back for Him. He was committed to us in love. I rest secure that He has the same commitment to us today.

As I look back over this past year, I’m reminded again and again of God’s love and grace that He poured out on me. Here are some of the highlights:

·         Watching with joy as my secondary students at KICS grew not only in English skills but in their relationship with Jesus Christ and with others. I remember the deep conversations, the joking, dancing and singing and especially the inquisitive minds.

·         The privilege I had of doing some teacher training in Burundi with East African teachers anxious to learn new skills.

·         Spending Christmas with the children and staff at Welcome Home. Seeing the delighted faces as they enjoyed balloons, balls, water activities, face painting, bubbles, songs, dancing, crafts, gifts and a field trip to a special place that has life-sized safari animal statues, playground equipment and overlooks the Nile River. Celebrating with staff who enjoyed a white elephant gift exchange, a special Christmas dinner and a game that brought a lot of fun and laughter into the home.

·         Training a local pastor to teach basic Bible lessons to Welcome Home staff. The staff love the new lessons and are enjoying deep conversations and discussions over God’s Word. For some it is the first time really looking into the Scriptures.

·         Training a local to teach English Language Learning (ELL) (helpful in a country where English is one of the official languages), and literacy so they can read the Bible for themselves. I’m really excited about this new venture because it involves 3 things I love dearly: African villages, teaching and Bible.

·         Teaching reading to the local church pastor and associate pastor so they can read the Bible on their own.

·         Opportunities God has given me to share the Gospel (people here are so receptive),

·         Sharing Scripture daily with Jose. Sometimes I have questions about the reading. He spells out his answers on the alphabet board so I am learning a lot!

·         Samuel, my son in the Lord is growing, reading Scripture daily and has found a church.

·         Victor, the English teacher is growing in teaching skills and wants to teach as a career. He is open minded and learns quickly.

God has truly blessed Welcome Home:

·         The 4 boys who came to us for help (their father tied their hands together and set them on fire for eating an egg) continue to receive therapy and are doing well.

·         Our “search and rescue” team (they go door to door in the village looking for vulnerable children that need immediate intervention) is in full operation now and has saved several lives.

·         The village medical clinic we have several times a year serves over 900 people who may not see a doctor otherwise.

·         The dental team who cleaned and fixed the teeth of Welcome Home children and staff.

I am so blessed! What can I say? Jesus loves us and continues to use us for His glory. You have blessed me by your prayers, love, giving, service.

Merry Christmas!

Janet Mulford

Please consider giving to the daily support of Welcome Home ministries, Africa (https://www.welcomehomeafrica.com) or to my personal ministry/living expenses (https://www.paypal.me/Mulford) for your end of the year giving.