Merry Christmas!
Four years ago our family began serving God through two ministries of Reverend Reuben Sambo in Zambia; Rivers of Joy Fellowship Church and Kakabalika Child Foundation, www.kakabalika.org, the boys home you all know. Thank you again for being a part of this work. We have been left speechless as we reflect on God’s work in our family and His work in Zambia over these past few years.
To celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary, Vicky, the children and I boarded a 747 jet liner to the USA for furlough. Our agenda was simply: rest. This time also included a missionary debriefing that revealed the depth of our exhaustion and will hopefully include seeing many of you. Finally, we are re-building financial support for our return trip to Zambia.
The children are now 10, 9, 7 and 5. GEM is counting down the minutes to becoming a teenager; a transitional age which is teaching all of us about growth. Gem is not only growing physically but God is truly expanding her heart of worship. Amber Leigh, our second born provides laughter, encouragement and optimism for every situation in the family. She and Salome are neck and neck in the competition for princess of the year. Salome (Sasa) is a vibrant and dynamic part of our family because she knows how to entertain herself, is hardly involved in sibling rivalry and knows how to make friends with everyone. Simi-boy can run and rough-house with the best of them, but at the same time is very thoughtful of others. They are growing so fast and we are delighted to be stewards of their young lives. God truly is amazing.
When Kakabalika Child Foundation opened its doors in November 2006 there were 15 boys from the streets. Since that time, almost 50 boys came through the center to experience the love and hope expressed through the outreach and care teams. The years produced tears and laughter, victory from pain, freedom from fear and addictions, and times of acceptance, significance and stability. At first, many of them struggled with English, now many confidently communicate, sing, write and read English. God so favors them! The 28 boys currently in residence are thriving mentally, physically and spiritually and are the joy of campus. Many of you who have visited know the boys are a fantastic blessing!
The school is a new addition at the KCF farm. For two and a half years it has been in progress and in May, the doors of the four room school house were opened! Literacy is one of the areas most lacking in the public schools.The KCF boys generally trail far behind their peers especially due to their life circumstances. The Kakabalika Trust School was created to provide quality, affordable and engaging education. There were three teachers employed as well as a volunteer PhD in English. The first term at Kakabalika Trust School produced story writers and tellers, poets, singers and actors. There were even those who memorized whole chapters from the Psalms! The greatest visible improvements were when reading levels jumped two to three grade levels in two short months. This is the realization of the national’s dream. Thank you for helping make this a reality!
We’ve seen God sustain and provide during times of need and given us enough to share in times of plenty. In Zambia, costs for many daily necessities are inflated, but our total living expenses comes out to $4000/month; that's $48,000/year for a family of six. In a couple months we will return to Zambia. Please continue or consider supporting our family. Whether a monthly contribution which helps us budget our finances or one-time gifts as you are led, all contribute equally to this work.
One-time donations will assist with the purchase of the following items:
· Car tires
· Refrigerator
· Clothes Dryer (this will help kill putsy fly larvae laid on clothing that likes imbedding into the skin)
· Lap Top
· Zambian Language Class
· Farming God’s Way Training
The Scriptures talk about David, when he went out to battle. There were also those who stayed behind to 'look after the home front', but David was always careful to share the spoils equally when he returned. Not everyone can go out to the mission field, but please share in this work and we will continue to share with you the victories God has won! God will bless you, and with all our love, we say, THANK YOU and may the grace, love and peace of the Lord be with you and yours all throughout 2012.
Please pray with us and for us:
· To hear and follow God no matter the cost
· To exercise continued faithfulness in and with the stewardship entrusted to us
· To joyfully serve Pastor Sambo, staff, KCF boys and the people of Zambia
· To have financial partners for each year of the next tour
· To experience good health, safety, God’s leading and protection
If you would like to partner with the Carr Family, please make checks to Times Square Church (Carr Family Zambia on the memo line or specific one time item) and mail to 1657 Broadway, 4th Fl., NY, NY 10019. You can also go to the Missions website at www.tscnyc.org/missions to get more information on how to give online. All donations sent are tax deductible. You can also get more information on giving to the Kakabalika Child Foundation at www.childcrynyc.org or at www.tscnyc.org/mission.
