YURGENT NEED...PLEASE HELP US!! 

LOVE FILLS NEEDS...Y

HELP US raise YLOVE funds to hire Eddie full-time!  

Make a difference today!!!

Eddie with Baby GN and caretaker (isn't he getting big!!)

 

Since our initial trip to Ghana, Troy and I have maintained and cultivated a relationship with Eddie Nsafoa, like so many others. Eddie is truly a man after God's heart. He carries an authority and gentleness very rare or seen in this world. His love for his country and his people make him an amazingly, beautiful soul. In the last decade, Eddie and his family have dedicated their lives to saving souls, planting churches, helping mission teams from the states, and more recently helping YOne Step InFaith with necessary details and care related to supported children. Eddie has become a part of our team, our family.

You may be aware; the Ghana Cedi has been plummeting in value, causing significant inflation issues. Yet, the citizens are not receiving increases in wages. And, local missionaries, like Eddie and his family, who live by faith, are significantly impacted. Eddie has not had any mission teams or sources of income for quite some time. Because of this, he has been faced with the reality of returning to the regular workforce as a driver to try and earn some wages. By doing this, he will no longer be able to help commit to helping YOne Step InFaith, as he had in the past.  He will no longer be able to help other mission teams when they return to Ghana, as he had in the past, and most importantly he will no longer be able to consistently continue God's work of ministry in rural unreached villages. His family is in extreme financial need. Sharing these details is not meant to dishonor Eddie or his family, but to share a real need for someone we love so much and desperately need to continue the work God is doing through YOne Step InFaith.
 

Coincidentally, YOne Step In Faith is in the process of establishing NGO (nonprofit) status in Ghana. We will be required to employ or appoint an Executive Director, and establishing this position with a National would be very beneficial. Although this is much earlier than YOne Step In Faith had anticipated, we are prepared to offer Eddie a full-time employment opportunity with us, if we are able to raise enough funds to cover his salary...

Click the link below to learn more about how you can help  YOne Step InFaith and make a difference in Eddie & his family's life.

 

URGENT NEED! HELP US RAISE LOVE FUNDS FOR EDDIE!



 

 

UPDATE ON EMERGENCY PRAYER REQUEST

UPDATE ON EMERGENCY PRAYER REQUEST

Let me first tell you, thank you so much for your prayers lifting up the mother, the family, the community, and the missionaries – Ben, Rachel, Dave, Ellen, David & Ursula.  Thank you for the comments and emails of encouragement and prayers.  Thank you for standing in the gap with them and us.  Thank you for showing me God is REALLY at work.  Please do not stop praying.  Please do not stop lifting all of those involved up in prayer, covering, guiding, and comforting!

You know, I had been behind on updates, but I have to be honest…I wasn’t really sure much more than handful of people were reading them.  I was thinking, the email I sent to ask you to read these blog updates were “bothering you”.  Shows how much I didn’t trust how God uses even these simple acts.  I was seeing this as if it was about us.  What I mean is I was thinking no one has time to read what I am writing about.   Thank you for reminding me, that is true, no one has time to read about what I am writing about…they have time to read about what God is doing.  And, this is about God after all, not me, not us.  Don’t misunderstand, or misread my tone.  We are excited in this reminder!  This takes the burden and weight off of us to get the work done.  It takes the burden off Ben, Rachel, Dave, Ellen, David & Ursula.  They are the hands and feet, we are the hands and feet, going and doing what God is calling – the way He is calling, and how He is calling.  So, it IS what He is doing.  Thank you for reminding me of that.

I spoke to Ellen and wanted to share a little more information to help with how to pray.  Please, this is not shared in a gossip, “can you believe those people” kind of way.  It is super important to all of us…that you understand.  These people are NOT evil.  I couldn’t have said it any better than Ellen did…”These people, this community have all been deceived.”  Satan is EVIL.  Satan has deceived these people.  The prayer here (among many other obvious prayers here) is “What is God doing here?  How does He want those involved to step next into this journey?”  It is hard because the flesh wants to rage against the EVIL.  To step in and SAVE the world…from the EVIL.  Comic book style…Batman and Robin.  But, God wants us to love, and right now that is going to be a struggle for all involved.  That’s just the facts of how our flesh battles against the wrong doings in this world.

Let me share a little history lesson taught to me by a friend who shares a love for Ghana, who although we see rarely, her and her husband mean the world to us, and we know regardless of time-availability-and even lack of history together…God has placed an awesome love for her and her husband in our hearts.  She saw the work God was doing, using us, and wanted to ensure we understood the historical components and obstacles we would encounter.  Because I desire for you to not hate these people, I’m gonna share a tidbit that will come in handy later in the update.  In Ghana there are two different traditions of authority, for lack of a better way to introduce.  Patrilineal and Matrilineal.  For those history buffs, Google it for more info.  To get to the point…Bolga is Patrilineal.  Inheritance, property, titles, etc all are through the male line.  Children are considered much like property, and are owned and controlled by the father side of the family.  Keep this in mind.

Here is the update:  Felix had been taken to the Soothsayer, for certain reasons we are not sure of, but I’m sure include the physical health reason they were able to “see”.  Something just wasn’t quite physically right with him.  He couldn’t hold his head up correctly, etc.  The Soothsayer calls upon the gods and the gods told him, yes he is spirit child, and yes he is evil.  At some point, Ben and Rachel were engaged and they began to help Felix and Edna (mom).  One of the first things among many we have done with our children, and what they did, was to find out what is medically wrong with him.  He had mild case of Cerebral Palsy.  Since then, not sure of the timing, he had become ill.  He was in the hospital with diarrhea, etc.  He was in the hospital about a week, or so.  When he was well and ready to leave the hospital, his mother returned to the family home, with him.  Now, many people have asked, why would she do this?  I am not sure the temperature of the family and community when she came to Ben and Rachel for help.  So, I can’t answer that part of the equation, the part that says it is assumed the mother knew Felix was in danger.  I don’t know if she did or not.  I will tell you, we have one of our supported spirit children who lives with his mother, ostracized from her husband for the choice of keeping him alive, but still in the family community.  Edna does have another child, a 6-year old daughter.  She returned home, Monday night, because she has another child.  She began cooking dinner, and had to step outside to “relieve” herself.  When finished going to the bathroom, she stepped back into the family home to find a room full of men of community.  They took her, locked her up, took the child and he was gone.  Her sister said they put his body in a termite mound.  Not sure if you are familiar with the size of these in Ghana, but they are pretty large.  Feel free to Google that as well.  She hasn’t seen Felix since, as it is important to them to ensure the “evil spirit” has gone and will not return in a future pregnancy, he was put away. 

Evidently, since Felix’s spirit child diagnosis, two people in the family or community have fallen ill, one to include the husband’s mother.  Being sick, in one of the poorest areas of the world is not like being sick in America – in the Western World.  Being sick has life threatening possibilities.  Being sick affects livelihoods of all those involved – family & community.  Sickness invokes fear.  There are 5 or so adults in their family house.  There are several family houses in their community.  ALL of the family units came together for a meeting, with the elders in whatever fashion and process typical for that community.  They ALL agreed the child was putting them at risk, they all agreed they were afraid of him and what he evil he could bring to their lives.  They all agreed he must die.  Again, it is hard to understand, fathom that people would be capable of believing such things.  Yet, I’ve shared, poverty is real in Africa.  In these communities, all they have is what they farm – in some areas fish, etc.  If someone is unable to work the land, it reduces what they can bring home to support the family in food.  Right now, there already is an issue in Ghana with shortages in these villages, not enough.  To fear sickness coming into the families, as a result of what they are deceived to believe – an evil spirit child, it is REAL to them.  My prayer for our family is to feel LOVE for them, see them the way Jesus sees them, even as they killed this child.  My prayer is for Ben and Rachel who have poured LOVE, SWEAT, TEARS, TIME, FINANCES, and so much of themselves into this mother and child to find comfort and guidance in how God will use this for good.  I am reminded of the story End of the Spear.  Google that too.  The woman who lost her family at the hands of those people, LOVED those people and through that brought them Jesus.  And, that truly has to be the prayer here.  ONLY Jesus is going to be able to make change in these villages where the deception is so strong. 

To answer a lot of questions we have received, here is some information.  If Edna chose to leave – to flee - with Felix, she would have had to LEAVE her daughter behind.  She would have to choose between her children.  Let me ask, how many of you could do that?  It seems a no brainer, return home and live continuing to push forward.  Believing there is hope…the hope Ben and Rachel were hands and feet providing.  If she were to have returned home, snatched her daughter and fled, the husband and his family would have hunted her down until they found her.  The daughter was the father’s property.  Remember, they are patrilineal.  To the mom, the answer was to return home, to live life and push forward…hoping for a solution for her son. 

Some asked was it the involvement of Ben and Rachel that caused this or was their involvement somehow expediting his death.  NO!  It is just cultural - a tradition and believe built on deception led by fear.  Seems heartless said that way.  But, that is the truth.  If anything, their involvement gave the mother more time with Felix.  We pray it is much more than just more time, but at the very least as it relates to his life – Edna had more time with him – hopefully saw him the way Ben and Rachel did…as a child of God.  Not an evil spirit.  And, today, we believe Felix doesn't have Cerebral Palsy or any other problems - he is healed today.  I’m sure Troy and I will learn more on this.  For now, God called us all to do His work and we can’t allow this to harden our hearts.  They can't allow this to harden their hearts.  We can’t allow this to stop what He is doing through us.  We need to live, continue to have hope, and listen for the next steps, pushing forward - doing what He asks, how He asks, when He asks.   

I will share, it is believed, EVEN if Edna had chosen to flee with Felix, leaving her daughter behind…the community/her husband would have likely hunted for them to ensure he was put to death.  Edna is not locked up now, and she is not in harm’s way (from what we understand).  The family and community have all continued to tell her, you will have more children, move on.  There is no mourning a spirit child. 

I think you can see there are a lot of areas of prayer.  I’ve shared some, and I hope God leads your heart on what to pray and how to pray…

Don’t hesitate to respond, comment, email or however you feel led - actually - PLEASE do!  It is encouraging to know we are all covered by your prayers and we are all on this journey together – each doing our part…you praying with us.  I’ll be sending the comments, etc to Dave & Ellen to share with those there as encouragement.  So, please…if you can…send some encouragement & prayers!!!

 

 

Emergency Prayer Request...a spirit child has been killed...

I feel pushed by the Lord to send this as a blog update. I come to you heavy-hearted.  Please join all of us in prayer.  Last week, Baby Y was in the hospital with malaria.  His bedmate was a rescued spirit child.  Missionary friends who also live in Bolga, near Dave and Ellen (Ben & Rachel) had been helping this baby.  There is much of the story we here in the states do not know yet, but what we know enough that I feel compelled to share with people who will stop what they are doing right now and pray!

If you have read my other entries, following Baby GN, Baby Y, or read the update on Baby J…you know what it means to be defined as a spirit child.  This baby boy was released from the hospital, and returned home with his mother yesterday.  The community (not sure who exactly involved), locked the mother up while they killed the baby.  She is likely still locked up. 

There is much about this world and area in Africa, regardless of what we have read and have told, we will truly every really understand.  Our hearts and minds still battle with the hurt of how a child could be taken so heartlessly, and how such terror against the mother could be justified.  I know this community and others like it are scared and will do anything to survive, even if it means or they are told to fear a sick child as the cause of their misfortunes.  I know this is because of lack of education, witch doctors preying on the weak, traditions & cultures years and years old, and fear of poverty and so much else.  I know this and much more, but yet still find myself angry for her loss.  But, I know Jesus uses all for good, ALL.  So, Troy and I are praying – our kids are praying – for comfort, for opportunity for those on the ground to bring Jesus to this situation.  We are praying for God’s will to come out of this poor child’s death.  We are praying regardless of how Ben, Rachel, Dave, Ellen, David & Ursula (Ghanaian friends also helping in the work with spirit children) feel in their flesh, the love of Jesus Christ is poured out into this community.  We pray the Lord begins to reveal how to STOP this. 

Typically I change the names or just abbreviate their names to the first initial, to protect the children.  I have received permission to give you the real names…

Will you please join me in praying for the loss of baby Felix, specifically his mother Edna and their community through this tragic event?  I am coming humbling to you…begging you to lift up this tragic event, Edna and those on the ground – hands and feet of Jesus.  Thank you in advance. 

2 Corinthians 1 (The Message):  The Rescue

^3-5 All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.

^6-7 When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you’re just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you’re going to make it, no doubt about it.

Jolia, Baby Y & Brother A Update: Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

Jolia, Baby Y & Brother A:

First and foremost – Jolia and Brother A know Jesus LOVES them!!  If you remember, Jolia was a devout Muslim.  Through just going and doing what God calls us all to do, Jolia felt and experienced the LOVE of Jesus and sought after him.  Today, she is attending an underground church for Muslim converts.  It is difficult, as “coming out” can cause isolation and many other issues.  But, when asked, Jolia – Do you know Jesus loves you?  She answered, “YES!”.  When asked, “Jolia, does Brother A know Jesus loves him?”  She answered, “YES!”.  Can you imagine being Dave & Ellen, sitting with her that day she professed out loud to them…Jesus is her savior!  Praise Jesus!!! More souls! 

Baby Y. Baby Y is another spirit child.  Unfortunately, medically it was discovered he was born without a frontal lobe.  Although there is nothing that can be done for him medically, Jesus says he was given life, so we are to stand in the gap and give him the opportunity for life.  And, as the earlier update on the new baby, Baby J tells you…his story is his purpose!  Right now, he is in the hospital, with malaria.  He started a new medicine today, so hopefully he will be improving soon.

Brother A.  Brother A, has been officially diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis B.  The medicine he requires is very expensive, about $450/month, which he requires for 6 months.  In addition to the medicine need, he needs a doctor willing to administer and monitor his condition.  Strangely enough, that is easier said than found.  Ideally, it would be better for a local doctor, to allow Jolia and Brother A to go to the doctor on their own for periodic appointments.  However, no doctors in reasonable distance have been willing to take on his case.  Much prayer needed here!  In addition to his medicine concerns, his current physical condition is important.  Brother A travels VERY far back/forth by bicycle to school/home each day. The doctor was concerned that although exercise is good, strenuous stress on the liver is NOT good for him. Dave & Ellen have researched alternative transportation and school options.  What appears to be the better option is to allow him to finish school this year at his current school (in his last term of P6), paying for a taxi to transport him to/from school each day (about $40/mo).  Then, next year have him start JSS (Junior High School) at a private school that has a school bus pickup close by his home (about $250/year).  We are praying for God’s direction & guidance, provision.  Jolia has her hands full with two sick children right now.  The burden of a single mom, converted Muslim, in Northern Ghana with a spirit child without a frontal lobe with malaria and an almost 12 year old with chronic Hep B.  But, it’s the times of Acts – everything is possible through Jesus Christ and we are all in this together!  We are all praying and we are all standing in the gap for them. 

 

Thank you Dave & Ellen for being there, sharing your life and hearts!

Thank you for keeping us updated when we can’t be there!

Thank you…for saying YES and going!  Thank you to your families who miss you while you are gone!  I know it is a sacrifice, but they should know how thankful we are for it is because you are there – because you said YES – these children are a part of OSIF.

 

Thank you to all the supporters and sponsors of the children and families.  You have no idea what a difference you are making the lives of these children. 

 

And, if you made it through all the updates…you deserve a medal!  Let me know and I’ll see what I can do to get you one!!  LOL!  I know, little Miss Wordy here!  But, hey…it’s been awhile and there is a lot to share.  Our kids have a lot to share about their lives!  Hugs and thank you!!!

 

Baby J Update: People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. “Let these children alone. Don’t get between them and me. These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”Luke 18:16

Baby J: 

Gloria & Cletus (pronounced Clay-toos) arrived with their son to the doorsteps of our missionaries, Dave & Ellen Bartlett, this past December.  The head of their community had gone to the Soothsayer about their son, who deemed him a “spirit” child.  The head of the community asked them to leave the child, go away for a few days, and when they return they will have done away with him.  Christians, who love their son and knew this was wrong, went seeking help and advice.  Someone in their town had heard about the two rescued children – Baby GN and Baby Y.  They heard about the older white couple in Bolgatanga helping these children.  They traveled quite a distance, until they arrived at their doorstep.  The smile here is (besides the fact that – THESE TWO Baby GN and Baby Y already showed purpose by having their story save Baby J’s life) but OSIF had said we are not actively seeking more children to help, we need more sponsors.  But, if a child comes knocking at the door, of course we won’t turn them away – God has a plan!  Well, the smile…they were literally KNOCKING at their door!  J  God is AWESOME!  I love it! 

 

Baby J is almost 2 years old, has two clubbed feet, and an associated disorder of his thumbs folded in.  I’ll tell you, Eric started calling him a little bird and it has stuck with all of us here.  He is ABSOLUTELY precious!!!  His deformity does not allow for him to walk.  Although he is cognitively not like the other two babies, he still needs to be assessed to know what other issues he may have with learning.  But, walking, that is the priority.  Dave & Ellen helped to setup an official OSIF safe house, where the family is now living (although the idea is for them to have a safe place temporarily, while looking for work or means themselves). 

 

Baby J has met with a surgeon in a town almost 2 hours away, and was scheduled for surgery last week, unfortunately no surgery. The doctor was scheduled to travel and be out of town as of Sunday. There were many emergencies prioritized before the non-emergency case, like Jordan's. The doctor was even performing emergency surgeries on Saturday, which is not common. Also, Dave/Ellen had learned, Gloria’s father had passed away a little while ago, and the family postponed the funeral until enough money was raised to have one, which is common in Ghana. The funeral was while they were at the hospital. So, after discussion with charge nurse, it was decided to leave the hospital and go to the funeral.  Dave & Ellen traveled the couple hours to Bawku (hospital) to pick them up from the hospital and then traveled from there to their village for the funeral.  The surgeon won't return until 24th, so the charge nurse at requested Baby J return the week prior to ensure he is in queue and prioritized for when the surgeon returns and begins non-emergency cases (after the emergency cases). Pray for speedy prioritization!! Pray for his surgery, his healing, and all that is to come.  

 

There is a lot also going on with the family, and the isolation they feel being away from their home.  Ghanaians are all about community.  In America, it is normal to hold up in your home alone for several days and not communicate with family, neighbors, friends for days.  But, in Ghana, they do everything together.  They communicate, follow-up, fellowship, etc etc etc – together.  Right now, they are living in a community with others, but they are not family.  It is very lonely, and while Gloria and Baby J were at the hospital, Cletus was really missing his community!  More info to come!

Isaac & Ama Update: “They’re mine, all mine. They’ll get special treatment when I go into action. I treat them with the same consideration and kindness that parents give the child who honors them. Once more you’ll see the difference it makes between being a person who does the right thing and one who doesn’t, between serving God and not serving him.”Malachi 3:17

Isaac & Ama:

We’ve learned the level of education in their village is MUCH lower than we originally understood.  Although they have all As & Bs and they are currently ranked #1 & #3 in their JSS1 class (would be like 7^th grade in USA), their academic level is more like slightly below P6 (6^th grade).  In Ghana, unlike the USA, students finishing up JSS (we refer to as Junior High School) take an entrance exam to enter into Senior High School.  Not all students pass, not all are accepted into Senior High School, and those who are accepted are not all necessarily are able to go.  Those who pass are sent to the public school they are assigned, and this school may be in a totally different city in their country.  Basically, Senior High Schools are mostly boarding schools.  Through prayer and discernment, we have all agreed, these two children need to be in a private boarding school NOW, to ensure they are receiving a better education to ensure their performance is more in line with their actual grade level.  By doing this NOW, it will ensure they pass the Senior High exam. 

 

Isaac dreams of being a doctor and Ama a nurse or teacher.  We know God plants seeds and dreams and we want to follow His lead.  Just as he brought these new details to light on their education, He provided through sponsors and donations the necessary funding to transfer them to a Christian boarding school.  This week was their first week in the new school.  We will get an official update later tonight, but we were able to hear they were SOOOOO HAPPY!!  They love their new school and the excitement of their new life.  Troy and I were sharing with our children at dinner the update on all the kids, and as we talked about Isaac and Ama, we talked about how they must feel and how their families must feel.  By doing this, it helps to know what to pray for.  The kids were comparing their village life to the new life at a boarding school.  Toilets.  They shared now they have toilets.  A bed.  They now have a bed, not a mat on the hard, dirt ground.  Time to learn.  They now have time to do their homework, with teachers pushing them to study, study, study.  Peace.  Our little Isabella shared, now Ama has peace to know she can learn more and not always taking care of everyone else first.  How about that!  Our oldest Taylor said they are probably happy and sad.  Their families are probably happy and sad.  They are happy and excited for the opportunity, but sad to leave be away from family, home, and the life they know.  He said it is probably hard at night.  So, he and our middle child prayed for sleep and rest even though they were away from home.  I am sure they are all right.  I know a different culture makes a big difference.  In a country where boarding school and/or being raised by people besides your parents, for a better opportunity - is common.  Yet, children are children…so I will join my children in praying for them and their families. 

 

The school is 10 minutes from Eddie & Regina’s home.  Right now, the school is in 3^rd term of the school year.  They will enter in P6 (6^th grade) and they will be required to repeat 7^th grade, yet they understand it is better to start fresh, than to struggle later.  The children, their village, parents, headmaster of current school…are all SOOOOO excited for this opportunity!  They told us, their dreams have come true, for Isaac and Ama to get a BETTER education.  Let me share, it takes a lot of supplies (clothing, personal items, etc) for the children to attend the boarding school.  As Eddie and his wife Regina took the children from vendor to vendor to obtain the necessary supplies, they had shared their story and how they came to have this opportunity.  So many of the vendors stopped the children in their tracks and told them - DON'T WASTE THIS - STUDY HARD! This is gift that is rare and they should take it very serious. Eddie kept saying they were told - it is VERY SERIOUS. Eddie shared, these vendors don't even know me, but even they know this is a huge miracle and opportunity. I am sharing with you, so you can see the culture and how much this touches even those who are selling their supply needs.  Please be in prayer for the children as they enter into this new journey.  Snip-it of day-in-the-life of boarding school:  Children get up, do their chores (cook/clean, etc), school work, then go to school...return home and repeat chores/school work, then bed. Now, of course they are getting baths and eating in there as well. I'm just sharing they are kept pretty busy, not much idle time and very structured. They learn to work together, and everyone is working - not just girls! They love the opportunity to have a GREAT education!! Praise God for all He is doing!!

Baby GN Update: ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

Baby GN:

As you might remember, Baby GN was our first introduction into the world of “spirit child”.  What is a spirit child?  Areas throughout Ghana, especially Northern Ghana, still practice some of the more traditional beliefs.  This part of the world, poverty is VERY real, and life is VERY hard.  Most farm land and so children can be a blessing and a curse.  As they grow older and stronger, they are able to help farm the land, however while they are small OR if they are ill and/or disabled, it takes a family member away from the work needed to be done to care for them.  In a part of the world where there is NEVER enough food, where there can be days without food, this is a hardship difficult to sustain.  Shaped through the poverty and ignorance in some of the more rural areas, the practice of ancient traditions and customs still occurs.  When there is a child with a deformity or disability, or if a new child is born in the community during a time of great hardship in the family or farm, the community will seek a local witch doctor (Soothsayer) for guidance.  The Soothsayer will communicate with the “gods” to see if the child in question is an “evil spirit”.  And, the child almost always is.  Once the child is deemed an “evil spirit” or “spirit child”, they are no longer considered human.  The community, family, and others around are able to separate themselves and feel justified in murdering this child.  It is at this time, the custom is to seek another witch doctor (Concoction Man) for a concoction to take care of the “evil spirit”.  The child drinks the concoction and if they die, then the child was evil.  (The concoction is made from known poisonous root.) 

Baby GN is a child that was deemed an “evil spirit”.  His parents abandoned him, and left him with his mother’s parents.  His community did not want him there and although they had attempted to starve him, he sustained – he survived.  In February 2013, God brought us and the Riverstone Mission team to meet God where He was already at work. 

Since his rescue, GN was diagnosed with Hydrocephaly (water on the brain).  He had surgery in June.  After his recovery from surgery, the missionaries began to see a love flourish in the grandmother.  So, through their guidance and ongoing supervision Baby GN was reintegrated back with the family (grandparents).  It was a scary time, as days prior to Baby GN’s surgery the grandfather had come to kill him.  You see, they (Grandmother & Grandfather) had minor children still at home as well to care for, which he had been left to care for himself while she was away to take care of Baby GN (a spirit child).  But, God began to work in the family and they were able to see him differently.  Our missionaries, Dave & Ellen Bartlett were able to meet with the head of the family/community to share HE IS NOT A SPIRIT child.  Baby GN stayed in the family home for a couple months, but soon we learned, unfortunately…once a child is classified as a “spirit child”, they really remain a “spirit child”.  It wasn’t that they tried to kill him again, however in a pseudo caste-like system Baby GN was not a priority compared to the other children or people in the family.  He had started to decline in some of the positive milestones he had accomplished since surgery.  He was battling malaria, where the other children’s malaria treatment was a priority to his.  There were many other concerns.  It is important to understand, it is important for me to explain – they are NOT BAD PEOPLE – but to them – in their culture – it was reasonable, but to us and as advocates for Baby GN’s life, we couldn’t just sit and watch.  So, in September it was decided to request custody of Baby GN be transferred from family, and allow us to take him closer to Kumasi where he could be closely monitored and he could begin receiving additional medical care.  The family & community were very supportive, and relieved, as the burden was great to care for him.  I have no doubt it was hard, regardless of his status in the family…Grandmother LOVED this small boy.  But, giving him a better opportunity and allowing their family the opportunity to get their family back to normal, was best.  I know it was VERY, VERY difficult for our missionaries to go through the whole process!  They saw and knew the love in the heart and soul of the grandmother for Baby GN, yet they also know she was NOT caring for him the way he needed.  When you begin to love the people, it is hard.  But, the important thing to remember…even a reminder for them…God is in everything, even in the hard times – and He has a plan for this little boy’s life.  We are just praying the steps we take are His not our own. 

It has been a long wait of getting medical records transferred, caretaker setup, and so it is ONLY now…Baby GN will begin his medical appointments to assess where he is.  We all feel, he is now very “healthy”…he eats PLENTY since his transfer to Kumasi!!  But, he still is struggling to hold up his head, to move and communicate like a typical 2 year old.  He is cognitively not a typical 2 year old child.  He has bouts of thrashing around and screaming (not even just crying, but really screaming/crying).  He requires 24/7 care, and truth is it is difficult for the caretakers.  Today, we are still awaiting next steps medically.  We are hoping to have an update in coming weeks of what options are available, if future surgeries are necessary (if so what), and how the shunt inserted into his brain is doing (is the fluid draining like it should).  There are still many unanswered questions; he and his caretakers could really use a lot of prayers!!!  We are also seeking God’s direction, the caretakers need a break every week.  They need at least one day to themselves – without the 24/7 care of Baby GN.  Please pray a caretaker option will be revealed.  (Current full-time caretakers:  Charles & Julianna)

BUSY...BUSY...BUSY

It has been so long since I updated the blog.  Sometimes busy is good, and sometimes busy is just busy.  Our schedule lies somewhere in between.  Last couple weeks, our schedule has been attending a mission conference and then trying to recover from the flu.  YUCK!  Last week I turned 40.  Yep, that’s right, the big 4 – 0.  I can hardly believe it myself.  Although, it really was hard to absorb the whole experience, since the whole family had the flu.  Nothing like rolling into your 40^th year, with a virus full of fever, stomach issues, respiratory issues, and all that goes with this silly flu.  But, just days before the flu came on Troy and I were reminded how Paul and followers of Jesus were praising God for the attacks and persecution.  They knew if they were being attacked, then they were a threat to the enemy and therefore doing great things for the kingdom.  So, today, this week…we celebrate all God is doing through us, our family, our friends, and those we meet and encounter every day.  We are thankful, awestruck and in love with how amazing our God is.  Let me update you on what I mean.  It’s about time I send an update on what’s happening with One Step In Faith, our missionaries in Ghana, our children, and well…everything in between. 

 First – if you didn’t know, we have grown to 6 kiddos.  That’s right; through the support of sponsors One Step In Faith is now able to support 6 children…and we are prayerful more sponsors come forward so we can continue to help and support these children and more.  God is absolutely beyond what we could ever imagine or even do in our own strength!!!  So, without further ado…let me share some updates.

Blessings for GN...

Where to begin…let’s start with GN. 

The last time we had seen GN was in February, earlier this year when left him at the Mother of Mercy Home for Babies.  He was the start of what was still hypothetical, to our now…One Step In Faith 501c3 organization.  He was one of the many proofs; God has a purpose and a plan.  And, we had been carrying this little boy in our hearts, fighting for him from across the sea.  We’ve shared his story, raised funds, and supported him in both basic needs and in medical needs.  Our missionaries on the ground, Dave & Ellen Bartlett, have walked and talked with the family.  They have been there in the waiting, in the travel, in the frustration, in the anxiousness, in the excitement, in the milestones, in the blessings, in it all.  Returning this past September, we were anxious.  There really isn’t another word for it.  We didn’t know what to expect, we didn’t know what we would experience.  We just knew God was calling us to return and we were counting the days until we arrived.  Up until the return, Dave & Ellen had been keeping us updated with pictures and videos whenever possible.  We really had been so blessed by their constant communication and allowing us to feel like we were right there, every step of the way through his surgery, recovery, and reintegration back home.  Nothing was going to prepare us or them for what was unraveling.  Prior to our arrival, Dave & Ellen were in Accra & Kumasi for conferences and the much needed purchase of a vehicle.  If you look at a map, they basically left the north and went to the south.  J  They were gone for a few weeks.  Shortly before their departure, GN had contracted malaria, which they believed was on the mend, since he was released home before they left to Accra.  During their time away, GN’s malaria either didn’t improve or reoccurred (not sure it matters which).  Also during this time, GN’s biological mother returned from Kumasi to her parent’s home (where GN was living) to deliver her baby.  That is right, she was pregnant.  Dave & Ellen only arrived back home in Bolga a couple days or so prior to our arrival in country.  So, we all went to visit the family at the same time (our first time since February, and their first time since their trip south for a few weeks).  In those few short weeks they were away, so much had happened, and his health had decreased so much.  I’m not sure we will ever truly know the family’s intent, the day to day care he was receiving during those weeks, or even the overall cause.  We have several opinions, we have several interpretations.  In the end, it doesn’t really matter.  What matters is the call God places in our hearts, and following through with the direction He gives.  It had come to a point where GN’s family was not really able to provide the level of care he requires.  They are farmers, and require laborious amounts of hours in the fields, working for every morsel on their plates.  GN’s family, like most families in the North (and in several other areas throughout Ghana) has a very bleak belief of value in the life of a disabled child.  Their opinion is not malicious, just based in decades of tradition surrounded by the reality of poverty and survival.  In order to care for a disabled child, of GN’s condition, time and money is taken from the other needs.  In their reality, a self-imposed caste type system is sort of established.  In this case, the new baby, GN’s mother’s new baby, his new sibling, became the priority.  The other healthy children of Grandma, became the priority.  They didn’t abandon GN altogether, but they also didn’t provide the level of care necessary for a child who has undergone brain surgery this year and was continuing to battle malaria, after at least three weeks.  And, they weren’t providing the level of care he had been getting when he was living in the Bartlett’s home, right after integration back into the family’s home, or even shortly before he contracted malaria and the new baby arrived.  During our visit in September, it seemed GN’s external physical capabilities were not much different than when we saw him back in February.  We had seen videos and pictures during the months since his surgery…all revealing improvement.  Dave & Ellen had seen and experienced, albeit slow, but they saw and experienced progress.  Even GN’s doctor had been excited in his improvements, again, slow but still progress.  However, this perfect storm of events leading up to the September visit still happened and his progress had gone backwards.

 

We were all on our knees on this one.  There were many details to be considered, relationship building, live and death of a child, and more importantly what was (and is) God’s desire for this circumstance.  I can’t say we all handled the experience 100% perfectly.  I can’t say we have made the perfect solution.  But, I can say, we all love this boy…we want God’s will for this boy AND his family.  So, after much prayer…advice from dear friends and those who’ve helped along the way in country, the decision was made to propose transferring custody of GN to those we are working with in country.  With the approval of the chief, the head of the family, and GN’s grandfather, GN has been relocated from Bolgatanga to Kumasi.  He is currently living with a friend of Eddie’s, who was with us when we first rescued him back in February.  It has been about a month since he relocated to Kumasi, staying with Eddie/family prior to living with the new caretaker.  And, we all agree he is doing great.  There are many hurdles still before him, but is gaining weight, getting stronger and stronger.  Since his relocation, he is sitting in a chair for his meals (for the first time), using a baby walker (well, he isn’t really “walking” but he is getting exposure to building leg strength), and his is now able to move across the floor on his stomach.  He isn’t full out crawling on his hands/knees, but he is able to do what we would call an army crawl.  Some of the bigger hurdles are sleeping through the night.  GN was never really trained to sleep through the night, so his caretakers are working patiently to help him learn to be awake in the day and sleep at night.  Also, he still is struggling to swallow.  As he grows stronger, he will begin to improve.  Dave & Ellen connected with the doctor to have GN’s medical information forwarded, so he would be able to have a follow-up appointment with a new neuro doctor in Kumasi.  We are still pending these details.  Once this is complete, GN will be assessed and hopefully next steps in his recovery plan can be determined.  Please join us in prayer as we press forward in his care and in his journey.  Also, please keep Dave & Ellen in your prayers as they continue to work with the village where GN is from, balancing this with his absence. 

 

Hugs to you all…soon, an update on Baby Y, Brother A, Isaac & Ama.

 

Reflection

Have you ever heard the expression, good things come to those who wait?  I was thinking of how and what to post, in my return to blogging for One Step In Faith, and this is the expression that instantly came to mind.  So much has happened in the last few months, so many amazing details.  As I was marveling on how blessed I feel to have been included in this journey by God, it brought me into a reflection of the last decade of our lives together.  You know the saying; “it goes by in a flash”.  It really doesn’t feel that way when you are there in the depths of tragedy, heartache, loss, anger, and all that trickles from a time of hurting.  But, when you are reflecting on the past, regardless of actual time passed, it seems like it was just yesterday and yet forever ago all in the same moment.  Do you know what I mean?  Anyway, here I was reflecting on our lives throughout the years…and because it was still October, I began to reflect on the significance of October in our family.  If you know me at all, you know…October has some amazing meaning.  It is a month which provides an annual reminder of great love and loss.  Eleven years ago Troy and I shared in the birth of two beautiful children, Taylor and Violet.  Taylor is an incredible little man, for whom we are most certainly better parents for having been blessed to have him in our lives.  That isn’t just a line, I really mean it.  He has a heart no words could really describe.  He has a heart to teach, and he teaches me daily about forgiveness, kindness, serving, and being there for his siblings – no matter what.  We are so blessed to have him.  And then, there is our sweet little Violet.  Violet’s tiny life slipped away from this world into the arms of Jesus after an hour and half with us.  We have been open from the beginning, Violet was the original star thrower.  Her life, regardless of how short, gave us our life.  God used her precious little life to set us onto a course of more blessing than I would ever know or desire to ask.  You know, it didn’t really occur to me, until I was having this moment of reflection…TIMING.  This takes me back to my original statement of good things come to those who wait.  A group of friends joined us on a trip to Ghana this past February.  In order to raise funds, we did countless fundraisers.  It was a fundraiser we were planning that took a hypothetical idea of starting a non-profit to officially launching One Step In Faith.  As it turned out, One Step In Faith hit the public October 2012 - 10 years after losing Violet (and 10 years of life with Taylor, of course).  I don’t know, maybe I’m just too sentimental, but hum…10 years.  That seems amazing, how round and perfect that number is.  And, the same month.  It wasn’t planned to be tied to their birth/her death, it just was. 

Today, reflecting back, I can’t tell you how blessed we feel to have been included in this little segment of God’s work in the world.  If you are wondering, where is God taking me on this journey…why am I going through all these experiences (the good, bad, and the ugly)…be patient and remember to always take time to reflect.  Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act.  Psalms 37:7.  We spent a lot of time seeking peace for what we had gone through, and in the end…giving God complete control and following where He leads because we trusted He wants what is best for us, we have had the most peace and joy than ever before in our lives.  Hey, life isn’t a piece of cake.  But, it isn’t empty or sour.  It is full and sweet, even in the hard times.  Reflect…it helps to be reminded of where you were, where you are and how God brought you through.  If you are struggling with where is God…ask Him…give control to Him.  You won’t regret it!

 

So…what’s up with One Step in Faith and our kids…I’ll post something in a bit.  A new posting about each child.  Amazing things…hopefully you will be saying, good things come to those who wait…(feeling blessed by hearing the good news updates).

We are home safe...so much to pray about...

Good Morning everyone!
We arrived home safe and sound yesterday.  We have a lot to share and much more to pray about.  I did not have an opportunity to blog or access the internet long enough to blog or email in any way while we were gone.  For those who were waiting to see an update - to see our property - to see the babies - I'm so sorry!  Our trip was filled with SUPER long days and traveling, traveling, and more traveling.  [insert tired smile].  But, I have a lot to share.  I will post some pictures and a full update later tonight. 

I am sorry, this is not a teaser.  I just wanted to let everyone who has been praying for safe travels to know we are home...everyone is safe.  For those who don't know, I work for Sprint.  The first week of every month is filled with review and reconciliation of spend against our capital funded projects related to our company owned stores.  So, needless to say - today is Friday so I have my work cut out for me today. Big hugs to you all...and more to come later today!