March 2023 Prayer Letter

Dear Praying Friends, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; . . .”Zeph. 3:17 We have certainly felt the Lord being in our midst as we have served in the different facilities in the month of March! The kids who are learning to read, literally run to class when they are dismissed from assembly. They are eager to learn, but they also are running to get to sit at a desk and not on a bench! This week they asked me if we could also practice more conversational English which of course we will do! One of the boys who came into this facility a few years ago didn’t speak English and he worked and worked to learn it. Today he is in a high school that is taught in English and he’s doing great!! Praise the Lord! Last week we visited one of the outlying remand homes doing praise and worship with the kids. We acted out the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant from Matthew 18, and then talked about repentance and forgiveness. The kids were very attentive and we pray the Lord will work in a mighty way in their hearts and that they will turn their hearts to Him during this Easter season. Our medical staff did check-ups while the rest of the staff played games and visited with the boys. What a great day! We brought floor puzzles and most of these teenagers had never put a puzzle together before and were thrilled when they finished it. Please continue to pray for the facility where the malnourished children and special needs children are struggling. More food is being provided, but there are so many needs that are not being met at this time. We desperately need the Lord’s guidance. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure with a group of women who have been in my life for the past 7 years. Our Bible study started in 2017 and many women have come and gone during that time, but what an incredible group they are! This year we have gals from Hong Kong, Singapore, Zimbabwe, Texas (they think that’s a country!) and the US. We have teachers, corporate workers, and missionaries. Many have walked with the Lord for a long time and others are new believers. We meet in my home every Wednesday night to study God’s word and pray together. Last weekend we left the city for a retreat in the country about three hours away. What a joy to spend two days on the banks of the Nile river playing games, hiking, bird watching, talking, reading, eating, and praying. What a refreshing weekend!! Please pray for the children in the facilities as we show “The Passion of the Christ” next week. We have been teaching about Christ’s love and sacrifice for us and are praying that as they see it acted out, they will truly understand Christ’s love for them, and turn to Him. May you each have a blessed Easter as we celebrate our risen Savior! Love, Ava Two of my boys who have learned to write their names!

Boys working on the floor puzzle My Bible study girls Our view of the Nile and some yummy breakfast The bible study girls who went on retreat