House Of Friends Newsletter Feb.2009

Volume 9 Issue 2

101 N. Zeysing · P O Box 228 · Alma, MO 64001 · 660.674.2222 · www.houseoffriends.org

In 2008, House of Friends donors helped provide funds to assist Hope City KC, our ministry partners in inner Kansas City, conduct an open air tent meeting. They took worship and intercession to the streets, along with grills. Roy and Lisa Stribling, directors of Hope City KC, reported Left—Lisa Stribling, Hope City director. that they saw people get Above—Tent meeting (John Gross, HOF founder in yellow) saved and delivered. “It was fun to see people come out of their homes or leave the liquor store across the street and come join us and hear the message of Jesus’ love. The altar was filled with men who wanted to give their lives to Jesus.” Another partner of Hope City, the Salvation Army, provided a spot for the tent meeting on their property. John Gross assists in ministry at Hope City’s Monday night gatherings in the inner city, which is growing in numbers, and other outreaches of the ministry. Several churches in Kansas City are also participating. It is a picture of the body of Christ working together. Hope City KC is a ministry that is “taking a message of prayer to a generation that won’t come unless we go…”

The skin fungus infection of the Abba House children, reported last month, is much improved after medication and your prayers. It was learned the children were sharing wash basins, the same jars of topical ointment and other things which enhanced the spreading of the fungus. We are working toward purchasing individual items for their use, as funds are available, so this will help alleviate another outbreak. Stacie Shaw of Harrisonville, Missouri and her friend, Rosie, are in Entebbe, Uganda on a mission trip. They are scouting the area for street children who may be orphaned or destitute and in need of care. Excitement was in the air recently when Stacie and Rosie showed up at Abba House with Pizza. The kids loved the surprise!

Board member, Dan Zacharias, is a meteorologist who not only sets his face like a flint to read weather patterns in the sky, but sets his heart on hearing the voice of God. He has found himself in many countries— earlier in life for personal reasons, but more recently as one sent on a mission by God. One such mission was to Mongolia last year, where this picture was taken. Dan says, “My number one passion in life is to know Him as I am known by Him; also to partner with Him and others to see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” Dan is called to intercessory prayer, prayer walking, and evangelism. At this time in life, he feels specifically called to intercede for Jerusalem. Over the past few years he has traveled many places to prayer walk, which includes two trips to Israel. As a board member of the House of Friends, Dan also helps to keep the Jewish thread in what we are doing—taking the Gospel back down the roads to Jerusalem from whence it came to us. Dan may appear all serious, but he is also full of joy and laughter. Dan, his wife Elizabeth, and two young daughters live in Grandview, Missouri.

We can never overestimate the power of prayer. This past month, funds had not come in for the children in Uganda to send our usual amount. God heard and simple prayer, and two checks arrived—one from a new donor and another from a faithful one who decided to change the direction of the funds to the children. At that time we didn’t know about the fungus situation. God did! These two checks, along with what had come in earlier, met the need—even before we knew about the whole need. He is faithful. We invite you to join us in prayer for House of Friends, the children we care for, the Native Americans, and all we need to accomplish in 2009. We have a 2009 Prayer Target brochure which will guide your prayers through each week. If you would like a copy, call the office at 660.674.2222 or contact Ruth at [email protected]. Your prayers are important to the work of the ministry!

The children being cared for in Abba House, Entebbe, Uganda are the delight of God’s heart. We are featuring them so you can relate to who they are and the joys and difficulties of their lives. My name is Tina. (EU009) I am 12. I love to dance and sing and am in the Abba House Children’s Choir. Math and Social studies are my favorite subjects. I want to become a lawyer. Tina’s parents are unemployed and cannot care for their 11 children. A sister is also in Abba House. My name is Solome. (EU027) I am 3. I like playing with my friends and with dolls. I would like to be a teacher. Solome’s father is deceased. Her mother is bedridden and will not live much longer. The aunt could not care for her and a sister as she has 6 of her own.

MEDICAL MISSION The Annual Meeting of the House of Friends Board met on January 24, 2009. As the Board reviewed the first year’s accomplishments, they praised God for His faithfulness. Plans were set for the coming year to include a home in Busia and Ethiopia. Wanda L-R Dale Ritter, Judy Lieser, Vicki Bennett, John Gross, Dan Porter of Kansas City was appointed Zacharias, Ruth Patterson, Don Patterson, Travis Kolder. to finish the term of Rev. Preston Miller, who passed away. Pam Plattner of Grand Pass, MO and Travis Kolder of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, were appointed for a new three-year term.

There are many boxes of medications, shoes, and toys headed for Uganda as the Medical team embarks for Busia in May. The team has an opening for one more doctor and dentist. The medications have been obtained; but now there is a need for funding to ship the medicines and other items, as well as secure transportation upon arrival to take the team from place to place. Your prayers and or help would be appreciated.