Greetings friends!
Today is September 8th - the day Queen Elizabeth passed from this world to the next. Though (obviously!!) I didn't know her personally, like so many around the world - the news still saddens me greatly. As she is remembered I've already heard words like: Grace, Character, Strength, Dignity, Valor, Inspiration, Service and Loyalty being used over and over again to describe this beloved monarch. But you know - most of CHl's best friends from the past, those whom God used nearly SO years ago to come alongside the Mendoza's & plant the seeds for what we now know as CHI - can be described with exactly those same words, they're from this same incredible generation! What's even more amazing is that many of our present day "sustaining donors" fall into this "Special People Group"! Yes, they're in their upper 80's & 90's, but still believe in doing what they can to help needy children in Mexico have better lives
and hope or the future. If you are in this prestigious group - please know how much of a difference you have made & how inspired we are by your love, faithfulness & generosity. If you're not in that group ... I'm sure you share that sentiment, all of you are children, "Grands" or even "Great Grands" of these folks. We're so thankful you have inherited or developed a love for others less fortunate that's so deep it would move you to support this Ministry. We pray the Lord will allow us to partner together for many more decades as well!
I find myself quite emotional at the moment - thinking of so many dear friends of CHI that have had to leave the RGV or recently passed, like dear Cal Oss. He & his wife, Mary Lou - AKA "The Mop Lady", were some of CHl's most devoted volunteers in 1996 when Randall and I first began volunteering here. They served faithfully each WT season until their health no longer allowed them to come down from Minnesota - but their love & support continued even across the miles - just like so, so many of you! Cal & I were able to keep in contact, in fact he called me quite often after the passing of his sweet Mary Lou. I got to thank him & let him know how important their contributions had been - and that's exactly what I want you to know now - you are a blessing to each & every one of the children that God allows to call CHI home and to many other complete families through our school ministry! Your financial gifts, your prayers, and your support make a huge difference. I hope you'll never doubt that & I hope that these monthly "Receipt/Thank-you letters" are able to convey how appreciative we are of your partnership & hear about some of the difference you are helping us make - for now & most importantly, we pray for eternity.
Those of you that made a contribution in August may recall me sharing that the HOME had an even 100 residents last month, well... now we are up to 106 -18 House-parents, 15 staff children & 73 RIN kiddos! Though most Casas were already closer to 12 than to 8 RIN Kiddos and we'd hope to get everybody settled into their school routines before taking in any additional children, God had other plans and brought us children from 2 families that
are the definition of why CHI continues to be a relevant, necessary, life-saving, life transforming ministry.
On the evening of August 26th, Tio Juan got a call from DIF (Mexican Social Services) saying that they needed us to do an emergency placement for Hector Miguel (2) and his siblings ages 3,4,6 & 8. Upon arrival it was evident they had been badly neglected and had been living in extreme poverty for quite some time. They were dirty, barely clothed, weak from hunger & all had stomachs protruding from parasites. They didn't cry or even seem scared. When offered food, they scarfed down 2 bowls of cereal each in no time flat, they seemed anxious and thankful to get a bath and all slept soundly through the night. The top right photo of Hector was taken yesterday, less than 2 weeks after his arrival - he is not the same child, none of them are. God has already begun His transforming work in their lives - isn't it amazing?! And you my friends are some of the instruments He is using.
Well, obviously it took a little shuffling around to be able to accommodate so many young, young children without placing too much of a burden on any one of our Tias. The timing was somewhat of a challenge too - since everyone was just adapting to their "new families" in addition to all the added work of getting ready for classes to begin the following week - but our wonderful Tios & Tias welcomed them with open arms!
Four days later, God blessed us with child #88 - Carlos Enrique. This sweet young boy has gone through terrible abuse in his eight short years, most recently at the hands of his mother, whom before kicking him out on the street, in addition to beating him, had been making him kneel for hours at a time on bottle caps as punishment for being naughty. He too was brought to us by DIF, which at least guarantees his mother can't take him back on a whim. How blessed we are to open our doors to "the least of these" - knowing what we do for them we are doing for the Lord. never seem to have enough space to say all I want to - but let me get one more THANKS in here! May God bless and reward you for all your support - we truly need it now more than ever. In Christ's Service, Betsy Chacon
CHILDREN'S HAVEN
"Providing loving Christian care for needy children"
Got questions about Children's Haven International? Please contact:
Jon Kornelsen | Youth Pastor - jkornelsen@centralcommunity.ca
Crystal Stulp | Children & Family Care Pastor - crystal@centralcommunity.ca