Volume 14 Issue 2 P O Box 228 Alma, MO 64001 660.674.2222 www.houseoffriends.org

By Alexandria Bennett

Following the horrific January 2010 earthquake, many Haitian survivors crossed the border of the shared

island of Hispaniola. Desperate to escape the hell-like conditions of their own home, these refugees entered the

neighboring nation of the Dominican Republic.

For the past four years, many Haitian immigrants have worked to build new lives in the Spanish-speaking

D.R., including children orphaned by the natural disaster. More than fifty children landed in the central Do-

minican city of La Vega. These orphans had no paperwork, belongings, or supervision, nor did they speak

Spanish. They ran the streets of the city, and the mayor of La Vega swiftly labeled them a nuisance, reaching

out to non-profit organizations for help.

Enter Pastors Hector and Diana, a married Haitian couple who have been living in

the D.R. for the past 16 years. Hector and Diana have experienced their share of immi-

gration difficulties, as Haitians in the D.R. are oftentimes seen as illegals. Without pa-

perwork, they are subject to arbitrary deportation. Recent rulings in the Dominican

courts have tightened citizenship guidelines, further restricting Haitians from employ-

ment, education, and healthcare opportunities.

Seeking to build a refuge for his countrymen in the D.R., Hector has established a

Creole-speaking church and school on the edge of La Vega. House of Friends partnered

with Hector in 2010 to run a feeding program supporting families with adopted Haitian

children. Each month the pastors purchase food supplies for these families, which is a

great help as they raise the orphans in their own homes.

House of Friends missionaries John Gross, Paul Asjes, and Alex Bennett met the adoptive families this May. Visiting the rural community, the families homes are makeshift structures, piecemealed creations of tarp, tin, and wood. The only way to describe it is extreme poverty, Paul says. Most of the families make a living through small agricultural pursuits, like selling eggs or local produce grown in their yards.

Pastors Hector and Diana

The families greeted us with bonjour, shaking our hands and smiling with affection. One by one the Hai-tian children tumbled out to see us. They were smiling and receptive of new faces.

Many of the families include several biological children as well as one Haitian or-

phan. The adoptive mothers seem comfortable in their roles as the Haitian kids

wrap themselves around the womens limbs. As the kids warm up to us, they soon take us to see the kittens and dogs that live nearby.

Twelve Haitian orphans have been absorbed into this immigrant community

following the earthquake. They attend Hector and Dianas church as well as the school. These services allow them to live in a stable environment and to receive an

education despite their undocumented status.

From this community, Diana guides us to a family living further off the high-

way. We pull into the gravel driveway; white and color t-shirts hang loosely from

the clothesline. Conversing in Creole, Diana introduces us to the mother, father,

and five children who live here. She explains that the father was injured in an acci-

dent and has been unable to work. They are caretakers of the compound, which

provides them with a roof over their heads, but have no

other source of income. This family benefits from the

monthly feeding program. We werent sure how we would have food. I was praying, asking the Lord for a

miracle, the father explains. He raises his arms to the sky in an act of gratitude.

In addition to the feeding program, House of Friends

has partnered with Dominican Pastors Jesus and Mary. John and Dianna Gross

visited this couple in 2010, along with missionaries Joyce Johnson, Ronnie

Machado, and Pam Plattner. At the time, Jesus and Mary lived in what Gross de-

scribes as a shack one that leaked gallons during rainstorms. This was a prob-lem for the family, whose home served as the neighborhoods vibrant center. Understanding the need, House of Friends quickly raised funds for a new home for

the family. We were invited to an evening gathering in the new structure. It is still

small, approximately 10 by 20 feet. Dozens of neighbors and church members

passed through the front door to greet us. We sipped Coca-Cola, and Mary passed

around plates of cookies. A card game began, and Paul jumped in to play Tres y Dos, a Dominican game his students taught him in the South Bronx. The night was marked with laughter as children joined in the cards. Before it was over, a rainstorm

rolled through the city. The family members and visitors contin-

ued to smile; there wasnt a single leak in the new home. The need is still great for our contact families in La Vega.

Following the earthquakes devastation, further support is needed for those who have adopted Haitian children. The feed-

ing program eases their economic burden, allowing parents to

devote more time to raising the kids. The funding for this pro-

ject has a cut-off date, and more sponsors are needed to con-

tinue the good work. We are praying for increased support and

believe that those who refresh others will themselves be re-

freshed (Prov. 11:25).

Playing cards with drop-in neighbors of Jesus and Mary

Walking to the Haitian homes where the orphans live in

Dominican Republic

One of the orphan boys.

Some of the Haitian

children

Thanks to one major

donor, and others who gave

sacrificially as well, the

Abba House kitchen has

been blessed by a long-

awaited new top-of-the-line

Uganda cook stove and

stainless steel pots. There is

no more choking smoke, less firewood being used, and heavy-

duty pots to withstand hotter heat. We were also able to build

an oven for baking of breads, cakes etc. Thank you donors! The oven has ventilation pipes for each burner and the oven. The stove is made for the pots to sink in and be closer to the fire.

Steam from pot cooking.

Place for firewood

Oven

John Gross and Chad Spencer made a quick trip (July 26 to August 3) to Entebbe,

Uganda. Much was on the agenda to accomplish at Abba House in those few days and

they were successful. One unexpected turn was the ladder on grounds had broken and

time had to be taken to build a new ladder. Chad used it as an opportunity to train the

boys in some carpentry. In the top two pictures on the left you see the finished product. It

was used to climb up to install solar panels on the kitchen roof. The kitchen and dining

hall are now solar, so they have light at night.

A battery and other solar equipment was installed

in the missionary quarters so there will be electricity

in this area and boys house, where evening devotions

are held, when the electricity is periodically shut off

at night by the electric company. This unit is also

moveable and can be used in operating the pump that

pumps water to the garden tank, shown lower left.

An additional solar project was at the Kuwl Farm

near Luwero. This would provide the farm hand with

ability to have a radio whereby he could

keep in touch with the worldbeyond tak-ing care of the goats. It is a lonely place

with no one around to talk to but goats.

A new stove was installed in the kitchen

earlier in the summer, which required the

wood to be cut into

smaller pieces. A

saw and axe were

taken to the home

and the older boys

trained in the proper use. The older

girls asked to be trained as well.

Measures are being taken for the

safety of the children, including

secure storage.

Education was on the minds of

Chad and John while in Entebbe. The

children in Abba House have had dif-

ficulty in their studies and remedies were discussed with Grace Global Impact Min-

istries, our partners. Some funds were left to hire a tutor for the children as one

measure to help. Continued funding, however, will be required. Chad also shared

with them a teaching model called Classic Conversations which has been known to improve the thinking and learning processes. They were encouraged by this

model and want to implement it at New Life Center. When the Spencers arrive next

year, they will begin to introduce this method of teaching.

Chad and Sarah Spencer, our missionaries, have plans to permanently move to

Entebbe in the Spring of 2015 to start a boarding school in which they will utilize the Classic Conversations teaching model. The school will be for destitute and missionary children. They plan to begin small, first taking in

a few of the older Abba House children to give them opportunity to catch up by learning in this new way.

A radio and solar unit for the farm worker.

Have solar will travel.

Barb Decker and John Gross showing the solar powered pump workswater is coming out the hose.

Thank you to our donors and special pricing from Special Tees of Higginsville, Missouri, John Gross and Chad

Spencer, during their July mission trip, presented the children and staff with Abba House t-shirts.

Sean Hughley, a director of HOF Board from Grandview, Missouri,

lead a team of six to Uganda from June 15 to July 3. He was joined by

Angie Ginenthal, Mikiah Hulme, and Elaine Wittmeyer of the Kansas

City area and Joy Goodrich of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They were later

joined for 10 days by Luke Leaven of Cedar Rapids. Upon returning

home after a three-week mission, Hughley said, It was an amazing trip. The Lord was gracious to us. This team went with several things on the agenda. They were not only

going to bless the children at Abba House in Entebbe Uganda, but also

other orphanages, children, and people where they would travel, making

Abba House their home base.

The first orphanage to visit was My People, located near the Equator. Here there were over 300 children. The team of six was lead to take bags

of rice, sugar, and soap to the home. Little did they know that upon arrival they were an answer to prayer. When

supplies are low and needs are high, these children pray and God brings. They had been praying and fast-

ing three days for the very items that were giftedespecially the soap. This home was started and is operated by a pastor and his wife. The wife shared her

story, which influenced another leg of the teams mission. She was a poor street child and a missionary from the West went to the streets just to bless

people. The missionary came up to her on the street, sat down with her and

just loved on her. Her little heart was so impressed by this action that when she

grew up and married, she and her husband began taking in children just like

she used to be. When back in Entebbe, the team went to the streets to love on

people and along the way met a little girl named Bridget who received Jesus as

Savior. You can read the rest of the story shared by Mikiah Hulme below.

Relationship building is very important to House of Friends and Sean Hugh-

ley and his team made that their aim as they traveled to the Eddy Reber Memorial Home in Katogwe, Uganda,

HOF helped build this home and continues to supply funds toward the education of the children, thanks to donors.

House of Friends goal is to assist in helping homes become self-sufficient. This home is renting five acres on

which they plan to grow garden vegetables and other crops. In the future House of Friends are looking possibly

raising funds to purchase some farmland and helping start an entrepreneurial project on the land that would bring

in the income needed to sustain the home and children served.

A three-day conference was also held while the team was in Katogwe. Many pastors

attended. Everyone on the team either gave testimony or preached. God moved greatly

during this time. In Katogwe they hold a prayer meeting every morning at 4 a.m. Hugh-

ley said, The spirit of prayer is amazing. We were able to join them a couple of times. Giving was also on the agenda for Katogwe. Thanks to those who contributed funds

to team members for the trip, and Kansas City Christian Fellowship and other contribu-

tors from Kansas City area and Iowa, Bibles were given to pastors, and blankets, dance

shoes, clothing, and toys were given to the children. The team enjoyed playing soccer

with the children in the community and funds were donated to

the soccer team who travel and share the Gospel on their soc-

cer game trips.

Back at Abba House in Entebbe, a special time was held

for the children with a special meal and gift giving. Elaine Wittmeyer had made

dresses for the girls which she gave out and other clothing was given as well. They also

received warm blankets donated by Kansas City Christian Fellowship.

The team then took to the streets to share the Gospel

and love on people in the local community of Entebbe.

Ten families received rice, sugar, and soap. In addition an

outreach was done for the kids in a poor area of Entebbe.

Snacks were provided and skits were performed by the

team and the children did some little skits themselves. It

was a fun time for all.

The team also visited eight different schools sharing the

Gospel, doing skits and giving gifts. Mikiah Hulme used

her dance as a way in which to share about Je-

sus and Angie Ginenthal shared her testimony

about growing up which touched many. Joy Goodrich led skits. Volleyballs

and nets and soccer balls were given to the schools.

Joy Goodrich has a vision of establishing a birthing center in a remote area

of Uganda so she spent some time in scouting the area. Team members

joined her in visiting birthing centers in the area, searching for possible loca-

tions, and seeking other information needed to begin the planning stage of

her vision. Joy met with local pastors as well in order to cast her vision and

discuss the needs. The team also accompanied Joy to Prayer Mountain to

pray with her for clarity and the birthing of the vision God has given to her

for a birthing center, which will save the lives of

babies being born to those who do not have ac-

cess to doctors and hospitals.

While in Uganda, the female team members

enjoyed the comfort of the new missionary quar-

ters. The lack of water coming into the bath-

room and kitchen, however, made it more chal-

lenging than at home. While there, the team pro-

vided some painting supplies and painted the

walls in the quarters.

Sean Hughley said, There were days the team didnt feel they had much to give away, but they were faithful to step out and see what God

would do. He encourages others to consider, Just physically going, what will He pour out in my life. Just step out and see what God will do.

L-R: Sean Hughley, Angela Ginenthal, Mikiah Hulme, Joy Goodrich, and Elaine Wittmeyer were greeted by Barbara Decker (agricultural missionary) upon arrival.

Sean Hughley presented a Bible to Pastor Valelntine.

Thank you Kansas City

Christian Fellowship for

all of the warm blankets.

We love them! Angie with children on the street in the poor section of Entebbe.

Mikiah , above center, and Joy , to right, at one of the schools greeting the children.

Team members (sitting on right) enjoy neighbor-hood kids performing their skits.

Joy Goodrich

and Mikiah Hulme make

headway in painting.

Luke Leaven with other team members.

My People Orphanage children and Luke Leaven with a new friend.

Mikiah Hulme I miss Uganda. I love it. Mikiah tells that while ministering in a poor

section of Entebbe, a little girl,

Bridget, kept following them around.

Mikiah reached out to her wondering

if she had a need. Bridget took them

to her mother who ran a little shop.

The parents had separated and the

mother was caring for Bridget and

her baby alone. There was no money

to send Bridget to school The whole

team went to the school to leave

some funds for her education. It was

found the school situation was de-

plorable. Mikiahs heart went out to this child and she received permis-

sion from Bridgets mother to have her enter the New Life Center board-

ing school. Mikiah desires to help her

get an education.

Angie Ginenthal It was a cool experience. If God can use your witness, so be it. Angie began with a question in her heart

whether she should go to Uganda on

this second trip, but she had already

said yes to God and went. She said,

God carried me through. He met me in my brokenness and pain. I felt His

presence with me as never before. Angie encourages others by say-

ing, The Master gave talents. No matter the size of the talent, give. Team leader, Sean Hughley, shares

that while in Katogwe Angie did not

believe she had anything to give, but

she stepped up to the plate and began

to give her testimony. Several pas-

tors were present that day and many

were seen crying as she shared her

heart.

Wayne Stoll Wayne tells that the spiritual ma-

turity of the children at Abba House

really impressed him. He com-

mented, I loved how, during devo-tions, even the small children were

having their own private worship

time with our Lord and Savior Jesus

Christ. Secondly, the goals and aspirations of Pastor Kaaya and the

other missionaries were amazing to

me. Their faith in God and what God

had already done there was proof

enough to them that our God is all

powerful and he can do anything.

Finally another item that really en-

couraged me was how the ministry is

trying to not be so reliable on Amer-

ica for their finances. They are start-

ing a goat farm that will bring in

money to pay for some of the minis-

try operations.

Rick Aspegren Going to Uganda, and especially to the orphanage, impacted me greatly.

My sister adopted my niece from an

orphanage in Russia, so it was very

close to me. Seeing how the kids, and

really the people of Uganda, were on

fire for the Lord was so neat. Seeing

how little the people had, but still had

it all, was a real eye opener for me.

The people were so very grateful,

kind and happy?

Barbara Decker, agriculture missionary to Uganda, was overjoyed

when she received word that two farmers were coming to Uganda on

a work mission trip. And work they did do.

Wayne Stoll and Rick Aspegren of rural

Missouri had a desire in their heart to give of

themselves on a mission journey to Africa.

They worked hard, they played hard, and they

left a message behind for the local church.

As shown in the top three pictures, Rick and

Wayne and lots of little oneswork on and complete building a concrete form on which a

water collection tank was placed outside the mis-

sionary quarters between the kitchen and bath-

room. The tank will receive runoff rain water

that will be used in the missionary quarters to

refill the flush toilet and for the kitchen and

bathroom faucets. Those who have been there on

mission teams this summer will be excited about

this new addition. What has been done up to this

time is filling three jerry cans and hand filling

the flush tank every time the toilet was used.

Sometimes it did not get done because of empty

cans or forgetting, and frustration came to the

next individual using it. Once a gutter is put on

the roof, the water can be harvested and that

matter will be remedied.

With the new stove requiring firewood to be

cut in smaller pieces and the pile of firewood

looking overwhelming, as well as the need for

clearing of trees at the Kuwl Farm, Wayne and

Rick pooled their funds and bought a new chain

saw which would go to the farm. Before it went,

Rick and Wayne decided to whittle down the

chore of cutting the firewood and began buzzing

their way through the pile.

With all that work, these two farmers were

ready to take out time to play with the kids. The

young boys loved the guy contact of playfulness.

Oh what fun they all hadthe big guys too. A trip was made by Barbara Decker, Wayne,

Rick, Pastor Kaaya and his wife to the Kuwl

Farm near Luwero to see what could be done

there. That is when the new chain saw was put

hard to work, cutting down and clearing out

trees. Time and cir-

cumstances did not

allow for them to in-

stall the new chain link

fence provided by our

donors. Also this land

will be prepared to

seed so there will be

grazing ground for the

goats. The fence will

protect them from get-

ting out, especially the babies, who would be-

come prey for wild animals and snakes.

These farmers also put their hands to work-

ing up the garden and teaching how to plant in

rows. Barbara Decker has been doing this as

well, but the workers always fall back to the

Ugandan way. Hopefully with others teaching

this method as well, row planting will be more

implanted in the Ugandan hearts and minds.

Keeping the garden watered during the dry sea-

son has always been a problem. Wayne and his

dad, Leonard Stoll, had been sharing with HOF about drip irrigation.

Wayne brought all the equipment to put it in but because of all the rains

at the time they were there, the only thing left to do was teach how to

install it when the dry season hits.

Rick and children working on concrete form.

Wayne and his little helpers setting the tank in.

Wayne, left, and Rick, right, take a rest at the tank.

Time out for fun with the kids.

Cutting firewood with chain saw

Wayne met his parents sponsored child, Rebecca.

Wayne training on installation of the drip irrigation system.

Garden worked up and rows being planted.

PRAYER TARGETS Pray for the Gods wisdom, continued provision and success in devel-oping the Kuwl Farm into a productive land which will provide a self-

sustaining resource for Abba House and New Life Center school.

Pray for the Lord to make the way for a good learning environment for the children to succeed in line with their ability to learn and be prepared

for their adult life.

Pray for new friends to join with us in meeting the needs of all the lives we are touching in Uganda, Ethiopia, Dominican Republic and

Native Americans at Pine Ridge in South Dakota and also in Minnesota.

NEW APPOINTMENT UGANDA With many mission teams going to Abba House, the need for a

father figure for the children at Abba House, and the Kuwl Farm

Project underway, it became evident that a position needed to be

established and a trustworthy, godly man be sought to fulfill such

a position. House of Friends and our partners, Grace Global Im-

pact Ministries, wish to announce the establishment of the three-

fold position, Missionary Coordinator-Kuwl Farm Project Man-

ager-Abba House Father and the hiring of John Robert Emetu,

who has proven his trustworthiness and commitment to godly

excellence.

House of Friends has known Robert for many years. Robert

came to the United States and learned agricultural methods under

Billy Bope of Global Relief Ministries (Indiana). It was at that

time the HOF board met Robert. Since then, Robert was hired to

transport HOF

mission teams to

different destina-

tions in Uganda.

He was very helpful in teaching the

customs of the land and providing

security for team members. Robert

and his wife have five children (4

girls3 in collegeand 1 boy). He has excellent rapport with the children at Abba House, and

directs them in the way they should go when opportunity presents

itself. We are blessed that Robert has accepted this assignment.

At this time we are in need of supporters for Robert. Would

you please consider partnering with us to support this posi-

tion at any monthly amount? By doing so, you will be helping

to insure the loving care and integrity of the work being accom-

plished at Abba House and Kuwl Farm.

John Robert Emetu with his wife, Jane, and son, Samuel.

SolomeAge 9 Father deceased.

Mother bedridden.

Sponsorship Need:

Care$20/month Education$35/mo

NatashaAge 5 Abandoned; parents

unknown; local

authorities requested

admission.

Sponsorship Need:

Care$40/month or Part Care $20/mo

RonaldAge 10 Mother cannot care

for; destitute and

wandering streets.

Sponsorship Need:

Care$40 or $20/mo Education$35/mo

CleverAge 11 Father deceased.

Mother has 4 chil-

dren. She is Abba

House auntie/worker.

Sponsorship Need:

Care$20/month Education$35/mo.

UGANDA PROJECTS Dining Hall:

Finishing of Dining Hall $8,000.00

Missionary Quarters:

Finishing tiling floors/painting/inside doors $ 700.00 Gutter $250.00

Farm Project:

50 Goats $ 70.00 per goat

Clothing/Shoe Fund: Any amount appreciated (Cost of items$20 per pair, $20 Uniform, $5 Socks) The children need new durable black leather shoes & 2 pair of socks for school twice a year due to foot growth

and daily wear and tear. They wear the one uniform they have every day to school, which soon wears out.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Any monthly amount for feeding program.

Thank you for caring!