Thomas Cribbs

Homes of Life in Central America

April 2012


In This Issue
Tim's Personal Easter Reflection
Hogar de Vida Top Rated in Costa Rica
Child Literacy Update
Chili-Cookoff Raises $5,000
Prayer Requests

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Tim's Personal Easter Reflection
Tim Close The Lord gave me a word on April 11th, 1989.  That Easter Sunday was the 7th anniversary of the motorcycle accident that left me paralyzed. 

 

As I was praying and thinking with the Lord, and reflecting about Easter, I asked a question of the Lord.  My train of thought was something like, "The crucifixion made Friday a bad day, and the resurrection made Sunday a good day."  With that in mind, I said, "Lord, why did my accident happen on Sunday rather than say a Friday?"  The Lord spoke deeply into my heart and said, "On Easter Sunday, I arose, and April 11th, 1982 - I arose in you!"

 

I let that settle in to my heart, and ended up praising Him and thanking Him for breaking Tim down so that Jesus could take His rightful spot in me as Lord of my life!

 

May that reflection be a blessing to you and your family this Easter.

 

Peace,

Tim

Hogar de Vida:
Top-Rated in Costa Rica 

Patronato Nacional de la Infancia (PANI) is the equivalent of the US Department of Health and Human Services for Children.  PANI recently achieved ISO9000 certification, which insures that international standards for quality management are being met.  As part of the certification process, PANI had to choose model organizations from among approximately 350 non-profits they oversee who provide services to children. 

 

We are delighted to announce that Hogar de Vida was among the six model organizations chosen.  It's interesting to note that 5 of the 6 models are Christian organizations.  We are also delighted to share this recognition with you our ministry partners because of your essential role in all good things that God is doing at Hogar de Vida.

Update: Enthusiasm for Child Literacy and Books Program 

We have had several exciting responses to the March article about early literacy in Costa Rica. In answer to a long-standing prayer Helen Smith reports that finally the Child Literacry and Books Program is taking off.

 

·         "Christy Hepner, the preschool teacher just wrote, "In the escuelita . . . the kids are LOVING the books!  The small kids are looking at books almost daily when they first arrive!  It's what they WANT to do!  I'mReading to Baby excited to see their growing excitement.  And, they shout to me what they're seeing!  Just awesome!  I read a book daily to the kindergarteners, and I can see that they are listening to the stories more as time goes by.  The expression on their faces shows me that they're really into the stories, and they're sitting and captivated for the time I'm reading."

·         36 additional books have been delivered to Costa Rica (via short term missionary from Virginia) to the delight of the children.

·         Another short term team from Texas took additional books in March.  A team member read to children each afternoon.  This team plans to take additional books this summer.

·         Vickie Sutton who already had it on her heart to start a literacy program in Guatemala, plans to start a similar program in Guatemala using the same training and resources as Costa Rica.

·         A short term mission team from Nebraska plans to take many of the same books to Guatemala this summer to get the program off the ground.

·         A retired teacher plans to send her collection of Spanish children's books with Tom and me in September.

 

People are asking how to contribute to this program!  Children of Promise has opened two accounts for Child Literacy and Books, one for Costa Rica and another for Guatemala.  Now you can send tax deductible donations directly to Children of Promise to continue developing the programs in both countries.  PLEASE BE SURE TO DESIGNATE: "Child Literacy and Books" and either Guatemala or Costa Rica on a separate note accompanying your check, or when you use a credit card ,or EFT.  See giving link on the left.  Thanks so much for partnering!

 

Linda Cribbs, Child Literacy Coordinator

LindaCribbs@rochester.rr.com 

5th Annual Atenas

Chili Cook-Off Raises $5,000

Chili Cook-off Winners
Winning Head Cooks 

The 5th Annual Atenas Chili Cook-off on Feb. 12 (www.atenaschilicookoff.com) raised $5,000 to benefit Hogar de Vida in Costa Rica.  A few years ago, Tom and Kay Costello created the idea and for a couple years now a professional team along with 80 volunteers, mostly North American ex-pats, have coordinated a community Chili-tasting competition with great prizes.  The day also includes live music, raffle, prizes, contests and games, hot dogs, wings, pies, cakes and other goodies.  

 

We thank God for the support of the Atenas community.

Prayer Requests

Nancy is assuming leadership of House #2.  Pray for her as she assumes this greater level of responsibility.

 

Pray for more Christian Tias to join our staff and for more sponsors for these wonderful caregivers.  We need an additional $500 per month in sponsorships.

 

We had a big "graduation" recently as four siblings were recently returned to their mother after being with us for six months." She has a strong extended family support system, with many family members visiting the children frequently. Pray for the mother, children and other family members as they go forward as a re-united family.

 

Give thanks for the new Child Literacy and Books program and the many ministry partners who are supporting it in a variety of ways.

 

Pray for our school kids.  We need them to do well in their studies.  Noemy (House 1) helps them with their homework.

 

Pray for Olga on her one year sabbatical away from Hogar after being here 16 years.  She needs healing following recent eye surgery, and healing for other health problems as well.

 

Pray for Vanessa (our cook) who broke her arm.  Having a central kitchen leaves more time for the houses to spend with their children.  We need our cook!

 

We have several children that suffer from asthma.  We need healing for them!

 

Thanks for great staff, for great kids and a great opportunity to serve the Lord!

Tell Your Friends

One of the most valuable things you can do as a partner in our ministry is to tell your friends about the Homes of Life. It's easy to just click the Forward email link below to the left to forward this email and share your own thoughts. 

Disclaimer

Children of Promise International does not provide goods or services in consideration, in whole or in part except where noted, for contributions received. Children of Promise International, Inc. is organized exclusively for religious purposes and the only benefit provided to you is an intangible religious benefit. Upon receipt of a donation, a receipt letter is sent and should be retained for income tax purposes. Children of Promise International may direct contributions where deemed necessary for ministry purposes.

 

All contributions are income tax deductible in the United States of America and are made with the understanding that Children of Promise has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.