Understanding our Backgrounds Will Help

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Happy Birthday, Blessing Garba

 Living Proof of God's Grace - Baby Blessing is 21

Exactly 21 years ago, this beautiful princess was born.

Six months after, she was being buried alive with the mother who passed on. That was the evil culture of the people.

We rescued her from the grave and she has a great destiny to fulfill.

Would you join me to celebrate my daughter, Blessing, and pray God's blessings on her?

Blessing, the joy of seeing you and many other visible fruits of our labor assures me that we are not just wasting our time and energy.

Happy Birthday, Betty...

This is our week of celebration galore!

From the Dukawa nation, God blessed us with another precious Princess, Elizabeth Daji. Almost but not twin sister of Blessing. Happy birthday, Betty. Grow and let your light shine brighter and brighter...

Are You Passionate About Orphans, Vulnerable Kids and MKs? Would You Like to Make Input to Their Lives?

Today is International Widows Day. A Nigeria based television station did a documentary to highlight their plight. A case cited by the TV station was that of a 42-year-old woman, and her children brought tears to my eyes. As the camera crew took us through the uncompleted buildings she lived in up to where she now resides, you will naturally think only mad people stay in such places. Watching the interviewing, you know she is not insane. The widow explains that they sold all their possessions when the husband was sick to treat him but unfortunately, he died. While the son was speaking to the journalist, the TV station stopped airing the documentary.

Recently, I encountered one such woman with three children. I came back home, depressed. I wish I could help them, but my hands are full. We see more and more orphans and vulnerable kids roaming the street without help. We are taking in another set of five kids into the Home of Grace(HOG) to help in addition to the 50 of them we already have in:

• Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
• Ahole, Niger Republic
• Samunaka, Niger State, Nigeria 

Hopefully, we will do more. A heartbreaking experience was that of a sister of a small girl that we took this week. She begged that we should please consider her too. She dropped out of school in JSS one. Her grandmother, a widow, had pleaded for several months that we help her and her grandchildren. Her son, the father of these children, had gone to be with the Lord.   We turned down the little girl's appeal because we are already taking more than we can chew.  Turning down, her request was not an experience, and it has been easy since then. I have continued to pray for more support so the ministry and I can do more, knowing the implication of what Proverbs 21:13 noted: “ Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”  I am, however, also aware that God knows our financial capacity to cope.

We do not just accommodate the kids who are mainly orphans, vulnerable kids, and missionary kids at our Home of Grace (HOG). We feed them. We take them to school and provide all they need to have a great future, including school fees, textbooks, pay all levies, etc. We take care of them like we take care of our children. We assign trained missionary staff to them as foster parents.  To take more kids, we need more missionaries, trained and experienced missionaries to join our team. To take in more of these kids, we will like you to pray about joining our team.

 You can do this via many fronts:

1. Commit yourself to pray for the kids and every one of us in the frontline. We noticed more lately that the spiritual resistance from the power of darkness is not in any way less than the ones our missionaries working among the unreached people encounters. Just recently, a young girl whom we raised attempted suicide but for God’s intervention. One other had struggled with suicidal thoughts until recently. The demonic background where most of these kids come from hunt them. Sometimes the character and demonic traits in the lives of some of the kids make us feel like giving up on them. This dimension of mission is characterized by chains of power encounter like no other. Once, a girl was accused of witchcraft. On another occasion, a child met me and confessed that she drank blood the night before. Some struggle with sin for a long time even after all the messages they kept hearing. Most of these cited cases resulted in their deliverance and testimonies. Few others have to go because the environment is too uncomfortable for them. Pray for our existing partners whose help made it possible to sustain the work to this point.
2. We want those who would join our team as an advocate for the orphans and vulnerable kids. Such advocates will, in addition to prayers, commit themselves to raise partners who would support the work both in prayers and regular financial supports. Just recently, the prices of foodstuff have more than doubled. This inflation cut across every spectrum of their everyday needs like soap, pomade, toothpaste, and other toiletries. Our accommodation is becoming congested and we are building another house that would accommodate 30 more children. We are still trusting God for an additional N10 million to complete the project.
3. You can join our team as a missionary caregiver. This requires that you must be born again, gone through mission training, and possibly gain some experience. You must be willing to relate with the children as your children. You must be willing to do the menial job like cooking, bathing the younger ones, washing their clothes when the need arises. If you are well educated and can drive, that will be awesome! It is residential and may require 24/7 attention.

Celebrating Rosa on her 8th Birthday...

 

Home of Grace (HOG)’s Kids Continue to Excel as More Needs Stare at Us - Report By Mary Baiyewu

Daniel & Jonathan Umoru

Our joy knew no bounds when the Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results of Salisu Chiroma and Jonathan Umaru were released. They both came out with flying colours, having made all their papers. We are wholeheartedly grateful to God for His faithfulness and love towards the HOG kids. 

The kids have been a tangible proof of His work with us and amongst us.

Most of them resumed for the new session on September 11, 2017, equipped with necessary academic materials. For this, we say thank you for allowing God to use you as a source of blessing. We are praying that your cruise of oil will never run dry.

We have been able to pay the school fees of eight of them and are still trusting God for the others. The missionary kids at the home, in particular, need some help.   Also, one of our missionary’s daughter has to pay Eighty thousand naira (N80,000) for the three terms at once because she is in her final session. That is the rule in her school. Some of them still lack some of the textbooks they need. Please, pray for us that Jehovah-Jireh will provide so that all these needs will be met.

August 2017 Missions' Update

Calvary love and greetings in Jesus name. Thank you so much for remaining part of this work and for the active role you have played in helping us to take the gospel to the least reached tribes in Nigeria and abroad despite the increased challenges, stress, and treats. We are indeed advancing against all the odds, and we remain committed to providing you update with what God has used your partnership to accomplish as well as highlight our needs and prayer points.

Conversion and Discipleship across the Fields

We here continue to enjoy God’s presence in our efforts to present Christ. Our missionaries across many of the fields reported several cases of persons who surrendered their lives to Christ. Efforts are on to help them become like Christ. Persecution has remained a norm, and we solicit your prayer that God will sustain all our converts. In addition to occasional physical assaults and deprivation, there have been several spiritual attacks targeted at them. Our consistent prayer request is that no weapon fashioned against them should prosper.

Major Progress at Home of Grace (HOG)

Some of the HOG kids

The HOG has remained a powerful tool that God is using to put eternal smiles on the faces of vulnerable and orphan kids. Three of the children, Dauda, Blessing, and Jacinta just completed their Junior Secondary School (JSS). Jonathan also completed both his WAEC and NECO examination. His WAEC result is out, and he had six credits. One of his subjects is still outstanding. Comfort passed her common entrance and will resume in a secondary school in September 2017. All the kids were promoted to their next class.  They are currently going through holiday school that is being handled by four corps members. By next month, the school will resume, and we will be faced with the challenges of new school uniforms, textbooks, school fees, etc. with foodstuff and other incidentals, we will require a hefty sum of about N550, 000:00 to conveniently cope. Would you kindly pray along with us for financial supply?

Beyond Praying for Labourers

The greatest need in our mission agencies, as well as many others that I know, is that of a credible workforce. More nations are opening up for the gospel, but the shortage of laborers is such that even the few missionaries available are gradually going into extinction.  To the glory of God, at some of the conferences I was privileged to speak last month, no fewer than 70 persons responded to missionary call. At the Igala Missions Summit where we presented the latest research work containing the list and locations of 217 villages without any known church, we had scores of persons who expressed their willingness to take the gospel to these villages.  At the Interdenominational missions summit that concluded at Oro, Kwara State, Nigeria many others responded. We encourage them to report for our one-year cross-cultural mission training, but the complaint has remained lack of fund. Please, pray for God’s intervention in this area as we desperately need more workers if we must cover more ground.

Current state of Ahole Mission house, Niger Republic

Progress in field project

The outer wall of the mission house project in the Niger Republic has moved on to lintel level, and our funds are completely exhausted. We need N200,000.00 to tidy up the inner wall that has not gotten to the lintel level as well as tidy up the entire post lintel work. We also need N480, 000.00 for the roofing and finishing accessories like doors and windows. The tricycle donated by Samaritan purse was very useful for the project. The Home of Grace kids also helped to cut down cost as they assisted in packing the gravels used for the pillars. Our desire is to get this project completed in the next two months.

A New Grinding Machine for Kwalan-Gobirawa

New grinding machine for Gobirawa field

God blessed our missionary couple at Kwalan-Gobirawa, Rahila and Isa Maliki with a new grinding machine. Please join us to pray for DaySpring Ministry for being used by God to provide that powerful tool. In addition to generating additional income for the missionaries, it will also bridge the gap between the missionaries and the Gobirawas.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As usual, there are many more reports we cannot share through this medium because of the security risk involved. We covet your prayers for more of his grace. We are going through severe financial pressure and want to appeal to you to kindly pray along with us for a miracle. May God bless you for all your sacrifices.

Home of Grace Kids Marches on - 2017 Graduation, Speech & Prize Day

What a fellowship! What a joy divine...

Mama Elsie spending time with the Home  of Grace Kids

HOG Kids' Excel in School

Naomi receiving prize for coming first in her class

A good number of our kids came out in flying colours in their just concluded  3^rd term promotional exams and smiled home with numerous prizes to the glory of God. Naomi came first in her class, KG2. Yakubu, Dan-Asabe and Jacinta came second in their respective classes. Michael was the most outstanding student in mathematics (jss3) while Daniel was the overall best in his class (jss3). Three of our Kids are currently sitting for their junior West African Examination council examination. We covet and seek for prayers. The HOG in Niger Republic and Samunaka, Niger state are still in need of support.

Jecinta receiving prize for coming second in her class

Growing kids: The Future of the Church

Growing kids: The Future of the Church

Extending God's Grace to Vulnerable Kids

May 2015 Update - Orphans & Vulnerable Kids - Home of Grace (HOG)

14 of our kids have returned back to school. They are improving in both character and learning. We have two more kids from the devastated Boko Haram North Eastern States who are missionary kids. More missionaries endangering their lives in that region are pleading with us to send their children to join the Home of Grace (HOG). 

We are still waiting for improvements in our finances in order to enable us give them a go ahead. Ayuba has registered and commenced his MSc. Economics. Rachael, Mary and Salisu Chiroma have resumed studies at Federal College of Education Pankshin. 

Priscilla is currently sitting for her WASC examination. Six of our children in the HOG had a pass mark in their Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination in preparation for their entry into the university. We have the need for school fees, food stuffs and basic toiletries like soap, body cream, tooth paste etc.

The Agony of a Vulnerable Girl & The Ultimate Divine Intervention

By Angela Velez  as told to Jane Bianchi

I’ve never met my dad, and until last year, I lived with my mom in a small apartment in New York City, where she wouldn’t let me see my older sisters, who lived on their own nearby -- or even go on the Internet. My mom forced me to sit there with her all day, but whenever I tried to talk to her, she’d just stare at the TV and say, “I’m too tired to talk.” My friends’ moms weren’t like that -- they talked to their kids -- so I knew something wasn’t right. I felt so isolated and sad.

As the years went on, life at home got worse. If I forgot to do something, like the dishes, my mom would curse at me in Spanish. Her bad attitude wore me down. So finally, one day in middle school, I got so fed up that I yelled back: “You don’t care about me!” As soon as the words came out, my mom started hitting me, and even though I asked her to stop, she just said, “Shut up! I'm not hurting you.” I felt a sharp pain in my leg, though, and when I looked down, there were cuts from where her nails had dug into my skin. I couldn’t believe my own mother could be so cruel.

Still, I never told anyone -- mostly because I was terrified of her. But last year, when I was hanging at a friend's on a Friday night, her mom saw I was upset and asked what was wrong. That’s when everything I was going through just came pouring out.

My friend's mom was so troubled by what she heard that she called Child Protective Services (CPS), a governmental organization that helps kids who are being abused or neglected. CPS deemed my mom unfit to be a parent and put me in a group home. I was thankful to be free from my mom, but I also felt scared and alone, like a misfit nobody wanted.

In the group home, I learned about foster care. Foster parents are people who become certified to temporarily care for kids who need a home. Sometimes foster care kids go back to their birth parents, sometimes they get adopted, and sometimes they stay in foster care until they can live on their own.

After I found out that I was going to foster care, part of me was relieved, but part of me thought, “What’s going to happen to me now?” I wasn't sure if foster care would be better -- or worse.

TAKING THE PLUNGE

My first foster care experience was definitely worse, or at least just as bad. When I walked in, the house smelled, and even though I brought eight bags full of clothes and books with me, nothing made it feel like home. The woman who answered the door didn’t hug me and barely talked. I felt trapped all over again.

Luckily, though, I got to leave within a few days, and walking into my second foster care home was a much different experience. These foster parents, Sandra and Henry, put their arms on my shoulders in a gentle way to show me that they cared. They then let me settle into my bedroom, and -- when I was ready -- cooked me dinner. 
Now, about nine months later, Sandra and Henry are the parents I always wanted. They allow me to see my sisters, let me use the Internet, and help me with homework -- things my mom never did. And on my 17th birthday, Sandra took me out to a nice dinner. Believe it or not, no one had ever celebrated my birthday before. For the first time in my whole life, I felt happy.

HELPING HANDS

Once I started living with Sandra and Henry, CPS hooked me up with a therapist. It’s helpful to discuss my problems, and she always boosts my confidence. She’ll say, “Dude, you're awesome.” After growing up around so much negativity, it feels great to be around positive people!

I’ve also been spending a lot more time with my best friend, Eric. He's like my brother. When I’m feeling down, he’ll say, “Ang, c’mon. You can do this.”

And you know, with all this support behind me, I’ve been thinking a lot about what “family” really means. A lot of people think it means a biological mom, dad, and siblings. But to me, family means people who love me and help me. It doesn’t matter if you’re blood-related; family can be anyone. When I look at my foster parents, I see that my life is finally moving in the right direction -- and that makes me smile.

One thing Sandra, Henry, and my sisters do now is ask me how I'm doing. Nobody had ever asked me that before! It’s such a simple question, but it feels so good when someone is concerned enough to ask. It has inspired me to ask other kids at school how they’re doing.

Because if there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can't just say that you care, you have to prove it -- and show that you care.

3 THINGS ANGELA WILL WANT YOU TO KNOW

1. Never give up. No matter what you’re going through -- even when you think you’re at your lowest point -- things will get better. It’s important to stay optimistic.

2. Don't hate. If you meet kids in foster care, don’t call them names. That’s not cool. Foster kids are the same as any other kids. There’s no reason to knock them down.

3. Speak up. If you or someone you know has a hard home life, don’t suffer in silence. Tell an adult, like a friend’s parent or a school social worker or psychologist. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get help.

CONCLUDING NOTE
God can use you to change the story of someone somewhere. I pray you will be available to help wipe away some tears. It will yield eternal dividend. There are many Angelas across the nations and I can hear God say whom shall I send and where are the willing hands to put an end to the pains of the innocent victims of child abuse!

Home of Grace(HOG) Kids Excels in School

Baby Victor

The school year is over and we are grateful to God for helping all the HOG kids through the session. Two of the kids, Jecinta Yakubu and Daniel Daji came first in their classes. Three of them, Jecinta, Blessing and Dauda  passed the common entrance examination to secondary school. 

One, Jonathan Umoru, completed his Junior Secondary School and is warming up for Senior Secondary School. Three of them, Salisu, Mary and Racheal are awaiting admission to higher institution. We have seen progress on all sides, spiritually, physically and mentally. We are grateful to you for helping us to literally transform these kids.

We want to use this medium to register our appreciation to those who partnered with us to put smile on the faces of the kids and to stress again that September is resumption date for most kids. It is not too early to appeal for back-to-school shopping since it is the beginning of a new session. For vulnerable kids around the world, no school supplies means no school. Uneducated kids are more likely to be victimized and struggle to develop communication skills. 

N7500 ($50) can change that.  It can provide them school bag, textbooks and other basic items. At the Home of Grace (HOG), we have prayerfully picked some  vulnerable kids from Unreached People Groups background to change their lives holistically. We made the decision because you are there to partner with us. If you want to extend your love to any of the children, please get back to us. If you wnt to go beyond and even pay the school fees of any of the children, it will be great and you will never go unrewarded! Some of the kids are due to also register for West African Examination Council(WAEC) and National Examination Council(NECO). Please, pray along with us for the required funds.

 For response, contact +2348173322222.

Back to School Season for HOG kids

 N7500 ( $50)  may not mean much to many families especially these days when the value of our currency is dropping very fast. It however can determine the future of one vulnerable kid. September is resumption date for most kids and calls for  back-to-school shopping since it is the beginning of a new session. But for orphans around the world, no school supplies means no school. Uneducated kids are more likely to be victimized and struggle to develop communication skills. 

N7500 ($50) can change that.  It can provide them school bag, textbooks and other basic items. At the Home of Grace (HOG), we have prayerfully picked some orphans and vulnerable kids from Unreached People Groups background to change their lives wholistically. We made the decision because you are there to partner with us. If you want to extend your love to any of the children, please get back to us. If you wnt to go beyond and even pay the school fees of any of the children, it will be great and you will never go unrewarded! For response, contact +2348173322222.

If these kids were yours, you will give them the best...

Many kids are right there on the mission fields waiting for those who care to love them. Will you...?

Elsie Govender Spends Time With the Kids

Ayuba Posted to Gombe, Nigeria

Ayuba Ajikovi

Ayuba Ajikovi, the first graduate from the Home of Grace(HOG), formerly known as Unreached Children home (UCH) has been posted to Gombe state, North East of Nigeria for his National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) service year. He will resume next week.

Join us in giving thanks to God for that concrete progress. Also, we covet your prayers for him for safety as the state is known to be porous for Boko haram activities and for God to use him to impact lives for His Kingdom.

Helping us Cope With the Challenges of Growth at HOG

Racheal Yakubu

When in 1993 we started the Unreached Children Home (UCH) which we now call Home of Grace (HOG), all the kids were really small and all we needed to keep them going were clothing, food and textbooks. Our missionaries sacrificed their little income to meet these basic needs and they did it joyfully. As the kids increased in number, we got partners involved who adopted the kids, pray for them, send monthly support of between N3000 to N3500 to them and some pays the school fees of their adopted kids and provide Christmas gift.

Over the years, some of these kids have really grown. To the glory of God, one of them is now a graduate in Economics and is warming up for his National Youth Service Corps. This coming session alone, four of them sat for the Joint Admission Matriculation Board examination (JAMB) examination.  The results of some

Salisu Chiroma

Mary John

Blessing Iduh

 were withheld. The performances of others were not too impressive. They wept profusely and we have all battled together with the emotional pain of the JAMB disappointment. After much prayer on the way forward, they are all being offered opportunities to pursue the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) IJMB program (equivalence of Advanced level). We are excited about the offer and will not want them to stay longer at home. God’s wiling, if they perform very well. They will be offered direct entry admission next academic session.

The challenge now is coping with the finance needed to move these four young adult forward in life. It is not a fun. Tuition fees for each person will gulp N30,000 ($192). They will need additional fund for feeding, books, hostel, etc. At the end of the day, each of these kids may have gulp N200,000 for one full session. Is it worth it? I think it is! How can you help? PRAY! No soldier goes to the battle front at his expense. Join us to confront this challenge of growth on your kneel for resources to come in as soon as possible.