Greetings!
Well, after what seemed a very short visit home, we are back in Sibiu. We were so glad to be able to be home for Christmas with our families. God is so gracious with us and we are thankful for His constant provision for all of our needs- physical, emotional, and spiritual!
 
The first residents have come to Rescue House, the women's shelter in Sibiu. A young woman, age 20, and her daughter, age 3, came last week. They were living without electricity, gas, or running water. The mother had no job and lived off a small government allowance and begging. Her husband is in prison. Though she is well acquainted with abuse and lack, we are praying that God will heal her heart and bring her and her daughter to a place of dependency on Him. Only God is able to heal a broken heart. Please pray with us that this young mother will be delivered from the life of despair that she has known and choose to follow the Lord with her whole heart instead of returning to her old life.
Please pray for Mimi as she directs Rescue House. There is so much to learn in working with these needy women. Please pray for Mimi to be confident in the Lord's ability to lead and provide for her as she moves in His plan.
Luke's Lighthouse for Children, the new orphanage in South Asia named for Leslie's nephew that went to be with Jesus last year, is i n the final stages of preparation before receiving children. We are excited to be a part of God's plan to change the lives of some very poor and hopeless children in South Asia. Through learning the love of Jesus, education, discipline, and nutrition, these children can have a bright future instead of repeating the cycle of poverty they have known in their families for generations.
The following is an excerpt from the biography of one of the children that will be coming to Luke's Lighthouse:
"Nagamani is an eight year old girl and the only child to her parents. The family belongs to dalit community, practices Hindu religion and lives in ------- village. She lost her father two years ago who died due to kidney failure because of the excessive consumption of alcohol. Her only hope is her mother who is now suffering with T.B. The mother is now in a pathetic condition because of her health condition and not in a position to take care of her dear daughter Nagamani. They presently live in a small hut in dalit community. The family used to migrate often in search of livelihood, which left Nagamani out of school and now she is a school dropout and helping her mother at home. When we approached the family the mother is willing to send her daughter to children home. We want to help this child to continue her studies and give her good shelter and shape her future in the Lord. So please uphold her in your prayers and be part in shaping this child as God's child." The harvest truly is plentiful among the dalits of South Asia (see "The Untouchables" video in quick links). What a privilege it is to partner with indigenous ministers around the world to build the kingdom of God! Whether in Romania or South Asia, or anywhere else, we know that we are blessed to be able to join in where God is working. As many of you may know, I (Stephanie) have been struggling for some years now with health issues that have been rather vague but often severe. Things have gotten progressively worse, to the point of really limiting my ability to work normally. Right now, I am focused on rest and proper nutrition to rebuild what has been broken down. Leslie is being my nurse and carrying the weight of ministry responsibilities, too. Please pray for us during this time. I need to practice listening to the Lord like never before. Leslie needs strength and patience to deal with me! Thank you for your continued love and support as we seek to minister to those in need. We desire to support the leaders in these new ministries, but often feel inadequate. Thank you for standing with us to see God work in communities, nations, and throughout the world! Going for Him,
Stephanie and Leslie
Love Through Me International Ministries
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