November 2010 Update

For our 32nd wedding anniversary we took a 3 day trip to Fuzhou. The weather was pleasant and we were able to relax and visit some new friends we met last April. When we reflect on the last 32 years and especially the last 9 years we find ourselves thankful to Father for His faithfulness. Without Him this last 9 years would have been impossible, we have grown together and have a deeper relationship because of going through fire together.

Clay and Jewel

We have never been particularly good at setting goals but had we set goals for this part of our future, they wouldn’t have been in China! We have truly seen the Father use something bad and change the outcome into something good. He has blessed our lives and changed us. Pouring love into these children’s lives and helping heighten awareness of the life they live gives us great joy. During our trip He also provided an opportunity to speak hope into the lives of a couple who have lost their 24 year old daughter. They are new friends of the Father’s and are learning to trust Him, learning to take Him seriously. Nicole’s mama and baba are in great need of comfort as they search his word to find hope in Him.

Phillip, Seth, Eric, Grady, Joseph and Jerak with the Shanghai Harley Club

For Thanksgiving we were able to have a yummy ham and many other seasonal treats in a meal with Christina, Shelby and Sara, Dr. Moody, his son Josh and our intern Bekah. Almost everyone had a part in creating the meal and all enjoyed it fully! It is really enjoyable to prepare an American meal and watch our Chinese friends enjoy it because our foods are so different! Sara made the 3 pumpkin pies, Shelby made scalloped potatoes and stuffing, Bekah made sweet potatoes and Josh made apple crisp. Yummy! Although disappointed the turkey cost too much ($82) the ham was super good. Shelby’s family raises pigs but she has never had a ham. Clay was caught closing his eyes and enjoying the ham several times. After dinner we went around the table and shared the things we are thankful for. Besides specific food items on the table we were all thankful for this special place for our children and for serving Father here together, to give them a better life. As we see these children do things that are so “normal” we are grateful to love them the way father loves them. Doing our best for their good. So many people come in and are concerned about seeing our children with their special needs. They come prepared to not stare or look shocked. It isn’t long until they are blessed by their happy faces and the laughter they hear. While many of our children know they are different, here in their safe home that isn’t a focus and they can just focus on being “normal” kids. It isn’t long before you are thinking of them as normal kids and you are the one thankful to be visiting their home!

Josiah Playing

This last month we heard of 2 different works that are similar to ours. One has had to close it’s doors and the other is in serious trouble of completely closing down. In our struggles we are reminded that when something good is happening the enemy doesn’t want it to succeed. In fact He doesn’t promise things will be “rosey” when we follow Him, what He does promise is that He will never leave us, never forsake us, He has said, “don't run from suffering; embrace it . Follow me and I’ll show you how” (to suffer) in Matt.16 lines 24 & 25. He is always with us. Recently we read a verse in a different translation that really made us think about trust and faith. Matt.17 line 20 (The Message Translation.) The disciples asked why they couldn’t heal the boy who was often overtaken by a demon that caused him to harm himself. The response was, “Because you are not yet taking Him ‘seriously.’” Is that what trusting and having faith is all about? Taking Him seriously? Or, maybe the more important question is, are we taking Him seriously? Wow, does that make you think? It should. When we find ourselves speaking about trusting Him, what are we really saying? Do we trust him without questioning and simply worship Him in holy fear? He is worthy of being taken seriously! What is He looking for in us? To be “fair and just to our neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in our love and...don’t take yourself too seriously, take HIM seriously!” Micah 6 line 8. He has shown over and over in His word that we can put our trust in Him, seriously! As we look at different life stories in His book, we realize that just as He used these people and their lives for good, so He can use our life story for good, seriously. “We will give with the life we have been given.” From the song “The Power of Your Name” by Lincoln Brewster.

After December 4th we will have been to 3 Christmas Bazaar’s. In going to bazaar’s we hope to accomplish 3 things. First get our name out so people in the local area know about this work and second to sell items and generate a bit of income. Third is to expose our kids to public relations! Getting to talk to the public, interact with questions about their home, putting a face to the children that live at SFCV. Remember in our last newsletter we told you about the kids making bracelets and stamping calligraphy? Well, this is one means of selling what they are making. (Besides selling the items in our little store to our visitors.) In addition to Stacey, Wendy and Grady will have attended bazaars.

First Bazaar with Stacey

Last week 7 girls moved to House of Peace from the other houses. These girls are all in need of living on the main floor because they are growing up and for 4 of them getting upstairs to their rooms is becoming more difficult. The bathroom is finally ready for the shower bench which has been here since April! This is a good move for the girls but it has taken them from one home and moved them to another. The change has been challenging especially for Noel, who is not able to verbally communicate. Please ask for peace and comfort for her, that she will soon adjust and that they all will soon feel a part of the new home they are in. Please also ask that Stacey and Wendy will have compassion as they help these girls adjust and as they get used to the added responsibility of helping care for the girls.

LingLing, Charissa, Noel Joy, Elizabeth, Stacey and Noel

Big thanks for:

• The resolution of the Ayi situation!
• A refreshing time for our anniversary!
• The 26 children who have been adopted in 2010!
• Provision for the heating bill! (nice and cozy at our place!)

Please be asking for:

• An answer to Grady‟s need for surgery and when it needs to take place.
• For more children to meet their for-ever family before the year is up.
• Forever families for Phillip and Joseph.
• Wisdom and Integrity from Father for any decisions we make.
• That each of us will learn to take Him seriously.
• Nicole‟s mama and baba for comfort and peace. Ways that we can continue to encourage them.
• The 7 girls as they adjust to their new home.
• Stacey and Wendy to help the girls with the transition, to have compassion for them.

We love you,

Clay & Jewel
Shepherd's Field Children's Village
Guest Relations and Intern Coordinators