The Value of Life

Simon at the school festival

Alex dressed as David Livingston with his friend Tono

Gabriela

We just finished putting together our ministry's calendar for next month. It was with much surprise that we put in the date November. What happened to October? Another month gone in a blur.

The highlights for this month have been:

• Alex getting a few excellent's in his school report card and passing every subject.
• Simon becoming more and more outgoing at school- his teacher says that he is doing great with working out what is English and what is Spanish.
• A visit from a fellow Kiwi for a week.
• The news that the grant we had requested for repairs for the homes of the ministry children was approved. Also a matching grant for the purchase of the drop in centre of US $25,000 was approved.
• The amazing news that some people who wish to be anonymous are going to buy us a car.
  

Prayers:

• Thank you for praying for our protection. This was evident when Carlos was robbed at gunpoint a few nights ago. He escaped without being harmed. Please keep praying for protection for us, Carlos' family and the kids and volunteers we work with. The crime rate rises sharply as Christmas gets closer.
• The fact that for some Colombians life has no value has been highlighted yet again. The city register of missing people for this year is more than 2000. It has come to light that at least 8 of these people from poor slum areas have been convinced to leave to supposedly better their lives. Without telling family they leave planning to send back money. The next news that their families have is that their bodies have been identified from dead in a common grave. Their death a result of a supposedly guerrilla and government military battle. Why a fake battle and a body count? It seems that soldiers (who are not well treated or paid here) get a few days leave for each guerrilla killed in battle. Take a persons life in exchange for a few days leave!!!. Gods presence is definitely needed here.
• Gabirela- is growing well, no more accidents, she is continuing to say more words in both English and Spanish.
• Carlos- To find the cause of his allergies and the right treatment.
• Ministry- The work we need to do to get the government licenses given for the farm houses. The adaptation of a staff house to be a children's transition house and the right staff to work in it.
• Thank God for another book for Carlos to translate. The book is titled “No Fear”- very appropriate with recent events.

With love,

Carlos & Katrina