EVERYTHING LOST IN FIRE
On January 21, Herman and Maribell Krahn and their three children, aged 8 to 13, lost all their possessions when their rented home in Aylmer, Ontario was engulfed in fire at 2:30 AM on a wintry morning.  While the whole family escaped without injury, they lost virtually everything they owned.  Unfortunately the family did not have any insurance.                                                                                                                                

The Krahns are members of the Grace Community Evangelical Mennonite Church which has surrounded them with care and support. In spite of their loss, the Krahns are deeply thankful for the many offers of support and donations that have come their way.  They are particularly thankful for:

• The "two ladies from the Red Cross who came out to assist in the middle of the night from Iona" and provided an emergency cheque for $1,000 from victim services.
• The generous offering provided by their congregation on the first Sunday after the fire and the Share Fund Grant from MAX Canada Mutual Aid Ministries. 
• The generous farmer who has provided a fully furnished home, rent free, for two months until they can find other accommodation.

We invite your intercessory prayers for the Krahns as they make the many decisions necessary in finding another long-term rental home and face the daunting task of replacing the innumerable things they have lost.  Also pray for pastor Randy Fehr and their congregation as they minister to and care for the family in their journey to restoring normalcy and wholeness.
 
ANOTHER DEVASTATING FIRE
Another early morning fire in Leamington, Ontario severely damaged the home of MAX Canada members Abe and Mary Thiessen on January 31, 2009.  The fire, of unknown origin, started in the attic at one end of the house.  Due to the fire being in the attic, the fire/smoke detector did not activate until after the firemen arrived.  Fortunately Mary woke up to the sound of "crackling" and was able to alert the family. Thankfully Abe, Mary and their six children, aged 5-16, were able to escape safely.  Parts of the home have extensive water damage.  The family is grateful that a house has been made available for rent close to Leamington and close to their damaged home.  Abe is the principal of the Christian Academy, an Old Colony Mennonite school near Leamington.  We invite our readers to:

• Give thanks for the safety of the Thiessen family.
• Celebrate the availability of an adequate residence where the family can live while their home is repaired.
• Give thanks that the family has adequate insurance coverage to restore their home.
• Give thanks for a supportive community that is surrounding the family with emotional and spiritual support.

WONDERFUL SUPPORT FOR CANCER CARE
On February 5, the Junior Clippers Hockey team from Niverville Manitoba, provided MAX Canada members Jim and Helen Schapansky and Cancer Care Manitoba with a wonderful gift; a fundraiser in honour of 48 year old Jim who is struggling with a cancerous stage 4 brain tumour. (See Support Network emails from August 25 and November 12, 2008).   All funds from the event at the Niverville arena, exceeding $25,000 as of our last communication, have been donated to Cancer Care Manitoba. ( www.cancercare.mb.ca ).  More than 60 volunteers helped organize the event.  Fundraising, in addition to general donations included the team coach, manger and team members having their heads shaved for dollars, auctioning off the team captain's hair, a silent auction and a well-organized canteen.  Jim's wife Helen writes, "I was moved to tears when they wheeled Jim onto the ice and the crowd roared their applause.  It was so good to be there and to be part of a community that cares!" Jim was able to have his photo taken with the team and they gave him a special hockey jersey with the number "1" on it and his name on the back.
 
Let's give profound thanks when communities are able and willing to respond so generously to a loved and respected community member.  Let's give thanks for the generosity of the Niverville community and the surrounding area.  Continue to hold  Jim and wife Helen in your prayers as well as Jim's sister Val Belknap, a MAX agent from Kansas.  Jim is currently at Seven Oaks General Hospital continuing aggressive treatment for his condition.