Cheryl and Wayne want to make a special delivery at the Center. They are collecting learning aids that can be used by Spanish speaking children and would like to have a suitcase full. Examples are educational games, logic games, flash cards and puzzles. Stickers for use as incentives are good also. See the photographs at left for some ideal aids. These should be new or like new and will be collected at the Chain of Lakes Community Bible Church between services for the next two weeks.

Newborn clothes are also being collected to assist pregnant teens and teen mothers. Won't you help us show the love of Christ to these children?

They will also observe a weekly radio program that Andean Aid produces utilizing Center children in starring roles. Click on the photograph above to hear the weekly broadcast. When the page appears click the logo then click the start triangle on the multimedia page that appears.

We have arrived safely in Rubio, Venezuela and have already begun our ministry work. The trip was not without difficulty but the Lord brought us to our destination. It's our intention to update this site frequently during the trip and we will begin to include short video segments featuring the people we serve and the area in which they live. Please join us each day as we document this trip.

A huge blessing is that we are able to upload changes to the site right from the home where we are staying.

Wayne had an opportunity to address the congregation of the Familia de Dios Church to thank them for their prayer support on behalf of his granddaughter, Ember, who has a heart condition. This group prayed for her continuously for months and held a weekly corporate prayer meeting.

Directors Meeting

Wayne met with the directors of Una Sonrisa Para Todos (A Smile for All) to discuss strategy for future ministry. It was determined that the current political situation in the country warrants us shifting from a Help and Hope Center to a full-fledged Christian school. This shows the flexibility needed in cross cultural ministry. Two years ago the concept of a Christian school was dismissed by the Andean Aid board. The plan is to move to a preschool through sixth grade school in the next two years. This will require a huge increase in support. Directors will begin a seach for a school property immediately. We are also moving forward with the formation of a Help and Hope Center in Cucuta, Colombia.

The doctor visit was an all day ordeal. The bottom line is that I have classic dengue fever. Thank God I went to the doctor. Now I know I don't have a contageous disease that could effect the new baby in our host home. Also, you cannot take aspirin when you have dengue because it creates serious health problems. Check out my video of the treatment plan.

Photos of Cheryl's public school visit below. Our good friend Monolo, who taught in the Venezuelan public school system for twenty eight years, arranged the visit. this gave Cheryl, a teacher herself, a perspective of the difference betwwen Venezuelan schools and U.S. schools. this may be critical information as we move to a private school approach.

The retreat was conducted to address a rise in teenage pregnancy. Girls were encouraged to consider options and God's plan for their life rather than rushing into adulthood too early.