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| Greetings! |
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 You likely noticed that Hope for Home did not send out a newsletter during the month of January. This was not a planned omission, but resulted from some very unexpected events in our family that impacted our ministry.
On December 9th, our son, Joshua, had surgery to repair a tethered spinal cord in his lower back. After six days in the hospital and five days recuperating at home, we realized he had developed a spinal fluid leak. This resulted in emergency surgery on December 20th. We spent Christmas day in the ICU with Joshua limited to lying flat on his back. Then, on December 28th we realized that he was once again leaking fluid. Finally, on January 7th, he had a final surgery to repair the leak and install a lumbar shunt. We finally brought him home on January 11th and he is recovering well.
As a result of all these events, our priorities had to be rearranged. Ministry activities continued, but at a diminished volume. My office became a meal tray next to Joshua's bed as most of December and the early part of January became a blur. But that is what parents do. When your child is in crisis you rearrange your work, your sleeping schedule, and your entire life to be there for them and help them through. Every child deserves that kind of love and devotion.
Throughout this ordeal my thoughts frequently turned to what Joshua's life would have been like had he not been adopted. Living in the orphanage from which he came, it would have been highly unlikely that the symptoms of his tethered cord would have been recognized. If they were spotted it is unlikely the necessary surgery would have been performed. But even if it had been, he would have spent his days in the hospital facing his pain and fears alone.
On Sunday, Joshua celebrated his seventh birthday surrounded by his family. His new shunt seems to be working well. He has started walking and is now pain free. Physical therapy has begun to help him regain the strength he lost through his long recovery, including twice daily exercises led by his family. He is thriving. And as he takes each step of progress, he does so with a family that God uses as a source of encouragement, comfort, strength, and faith.
What a difference a family makes! | |
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| Another Ministry Team Prepares to Leave |
 On February 27th another ministry team will be heading to Guatemala to work with orphans. This time Hope for Home will be leading a team of 10 people, mostly college students, as they love and care for children in a variety of locations.
As always, the group will be working in Hermano Pedro where their care is much needed. In addition, they will spend time at a malnutrition home (Casa Jackson), a Christian orphanage (Amor del Nino), and a school for street children (The Scheel Center).
Please pray for the team as they travel and love children in Jesus' name. Pray that they will have opportunities to show and speak of the love of Christ and that lives will be changed. Pray also that the team will experience God and return with a greater focus and passion for Him and His calling.
We have another trip scheduled for June 19 - 27 and we would love for you to be a part of it. For more information and a registration form, please click here. |
| Haiti in Context |
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 For the last month we have been exposed to the horrible images that are coming out of Haiti following the earthquake on January 12th. It has been a horrible tragedy that has caused over 200,000 deaths according to the latest estimates. The developed world has responded quickly and generously to the need, and help in recovery and rebuilding is occuring as I write. It is good to see the world come together to help.
At the same time, it can be frustrating to see people so willingly and eagerly respond to one need while completely ignoring a far greater tragedy. Every day 26,500 children die of poverty -related issues such as malnutrition, preventable and treatable illnessess, and a lack of clean drinking water. That means that more children die every eight days than the total body count of the Haiti earthquake. And as it happens, no cameras roll, no celebrities raise money, and very few get involved in helping.
That is why we are challenging each of you to make a long-term difference. After you are finished helping to meet the immediate needs of Haiti, would you prayerfully consider giving, going, and praying to stop the ongoing tragedy? You can do so by donating and getting involved with Hope for Home's group home in Guatemala, or by assisting ministries such as Samaritan's Purse, World Vision International, Children International, or a host of other worthwhile ministries.
Let us not pretend that the world's needs are met once the cameras stop rolling. |
| An Update on Hogar de la Esperanza |
 We continue to make progress in establishing our group home in Guatemala for children with special needs. Currently we have raised almost $7,500 of the needed $10,000 start-up costs and we are making headway in preparing our family for the move.
The largest challenge we are facing is raising the $2,500 of monthly support. In the current economy people are hesitant to make long-term financial commitments. That is why we are asking families to make little sacrifices and commit the savings to Hogar de la Esperanza instead of adding to their financial obligations. Could you give up cable television, a family night out each month, or a daily habit such as pop or Starbucks coffee in order to save lives? I hope so. Your gift will go a long way in making a difference in Guatemala.
If you would like more information regarding Hogar de la Esperanza simply e-mail me at daryl@hopeforhome.org. We will send you a brochure and answer any questions you may have. Thanks for prayerfully considering ongoing sponsorship! |
| Schedule a Hope for Home Presentation |
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Hope for Home Ministries offers a variety of presentations for churches and would love to share with your congregation. We provide an engaging and challenging sermon at no charge that is designed to mobilize your congregation to make a difference in the world.
If we have never been to your church (or if has been a while since we were there) please click here or e-mail us at daryl@hopeforhome.org to receive a packet of information to share with your pastor and church leaders. |
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Pray for Wesley |
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Name: Wesley
Sex: Male
Age: 4 years
Country: China
Special need(s): Cerebral palsy, cognitive delay
Wesley was abandoned at the age of two, probably due to the fact that he was not developing normally. When he entered the orphanage, he had high muscle tension in his legs. While he could sit alone and stand while holding on to something, he was not walking. He was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy and mental development delay.
Currently, this child has developed his fine motor skills and can pick up small things. He is also walking steadily. He can climb stairs while holding onto the rails. He speaks some simple sentences, can count and knows many words. Like all toddlers, his favorite question is "Why?"
This precious little boy is outgoing, active, talkative, likes to play games and smile. He also likes to be clean and insists on taking a bath everyday. If you would like to receive more information, please click here. |
| Ministry Blogs |
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 Keep up with the details of our transition to Guatemala and other Hope for Home happenings on Daryl's blog at www.hopeforhome.blogspot.com.
While you are there, don't forget to check out some of the blogs that he follows and pray for those faithful workers in God's harvest! | |
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Daryl Fulp,
Director
Hope for Home Ministries
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