We now have 17 children living in the Faith in Action Children’s Home in Port au Prince, Haiti. In June we had 17 volunteers travel with Don to Haiti to transform a house into a children’s home. They built a play area and lots of bunk beds. This was a tough trip as several of our team got sick (including Don) from either something we ate, drank, or touched. But the team was able to accomplish its goal of preparing the home. We also ministered in the earthquake zone where hundreds continue to live under tarps 1 1⁄2 years after the earthquake. Many are members of Pastor Cenor’s church, the pastor we work with in Haiti. They are in need of a new church since theirs was damaged in the earthquake. He has property picked out...have made a deposit...but they need additional funding to purchase it.

We would also like to begin building homes for his church members displaced by the earthquake. It doesn’t sound like much, but we can build a home for $3200. This is not luxurious by our standards, but is a welcome improvement over living in a tent or under a tarp! We are looking for churches, Christian organizations, and families who might be interested in funding one of these homes. Donors this past month contributed the funds for Pastor Cenor to purchase a pick up truck that will soon be transformed into a taxi. This will provide him with the opportunity to earn an income.

This month we have a small team traveling to Honduras. Don is president of the Sandy Bay Lighthouse Ministries located on the island of Roatan. Again, there is much need there as we minister to the needs of children that are orphaned, abused and abandoned. Please pray for us as there is much to be accomplished in the week we will visit.

Six children begged and cleaned houses until they had enough rupees to get on a train and travel hundreds of miles to our orphanage in Vijayawada, India. These are some of the 65 street children Don and his team met with this past November. There were 4 girls and 2 boys. The oldest was 12 the rest are 9 and under. They appeared at our door asking us to take them in and let them go to school. We were so touched by their sacrifice and determination to be rescued that we agreed to take them in. Another expense in India this month will be the installation of a water pump to draw water from our well.

Recently 13 widows arrived at our second widow’s home in India. This is actually a church that allows them to sleep on the church floor. Two of the newcomers are so severely disabled they walk using their hands to propel themselves forward. We are now feeding 26 widows in the church. Those who are physically able will work in the rice paddies to help harvest food.

Pastor Prabhu in India informed us that his infant daughter was unconscious and in the hospital. She is fine now but there has been no diagnosis. Pray for their little girl’s continued health.

Kathy and I are fine. But, as you can imagine, it often feels overwhelming as we continue to move forward. Your giving has made this an enjoyable experience as we continue to see the Lord providing month after month! Thank you so much for partnering with us! May God continue to bless you in every way!

Your partners in ministry,

Don and Kathy Shire

THES PHOTO ABOVE IS OF SOME OF THE 65 CHILDREN WE PROMISED TO TRY TO HELP LAST NOVEMBER. THERE ARE STILL 54 OF THEM LIVING ON THE STREET. WE HAVE RESCUED 11 SO FAR.