Haiti Relief Update

Through the generosity of COP sponsors and friends, just over $70,000 has been given toward bringing relief to the children and their families in Haiti, following the January 12 earthquake. Relief is being delivered in two stages:

Stage One: Funds have been distributed in the amount of $5,093.33 for clothing, food, medicine, tents, blankets, sleeping pads, and cooking kits (utensils, cookware, etc.).

Stage Two: The bulk of the funds remaining will be used for repair and construction of sponsored children’s homes. These funds will be distributed as the plan for construction goes forward in the next few months.

Children of Promise is working cooperatively with Church of God Missions Disaster Relief Committee in coordinating construction efforts. An assessment team is presently in Haiti (arrived there on February 13). The team is led by Don Smith, coordinator for compassionate ministries at CGM, and Phil Murphy, former missionary to Haiti. Also serving on the team are Glenn Bethune, an architect with extensive experience in developing plans in third-world countries; Rev. Robert Washington, senior pastor of Celebration Church in Baltimore, Maryland; and Art Clawson, vice-president for advancement at Warner University, Lake Wales, Florida. In addition to assessing the needs of the churches and homes of Church of God people, the team is assessing home damage and documenting needs for construction of sponsored children’s homes.

Upon the team’s return, the Disaster Relief Committee, along with Children of Promise staff, will finalize a strategic response plan that will include calling for individuals and churches to form work teams to go to Haiti to assist with the recovery operations. More information about the timing and requirements for work teams will be forthcoming once the strategic response plan is completed. Inquiries and questions regarding work teams may be directed to Don Smith, 800-848-2464. If you would like to be involved specifically in efforts to rebuild the homes of sponsored children in Haiti, indicate such when contacting Don Smith’s office.

Documenting Children’s Circumstances
Get your adjustable Children of Promise baseball cap today! Bryan Kelsen (at left), professional photographer from Pueblo, Colorado, is passionate about Children of Promise. He is excitedly planning to accompany executive director, Dr. Paul Maxfield, in interviewing the children and checking on the programs at The Shelter, India, and in Myanmar, this coming August. He will be photographing and digitally documenting our children’s lives and circumstances in both countries for future use in promoting sponsorship. You can advertise Children of Promise and, at the same time, help offset travel expenses for Bryan’s trip, by purchasing a cap. The light and durable caps sport a full color embroidered C.O.P. logo on the front and an adjustable velcro closure on the back. Caps are $20 plus shipping. You can order this attractive cap by emailing Bryan at bryankelsen@msn.com or calling 719.406.1331. Thank you for supporting this effort to promote Children of Promise and to document God’s work through this ministry.

Join us in The Philippines
Children of Promise is inviting sponsors and friends to join us in The Philippines in October 2010. The group will be interviewing children, visiting homes, participating in local worship services, and offering support and encouragement to the staff and volunteers of Grace Family Helper Project. Contact Linda Mason, associate director, for more information. Phone: 1-800-
848-2462, ext. 2139. Email: ljm@echildrenofpromise.org.

Stats Show Importance of Volunteers and Church Visits
Recent statistics compiled at Children of Promise reveal that 36% of all new sponsorships come through the efforts of our volunteers, while 35% come through church visits by representatives of Children of Promise staff. If you would like to join our volunteer network, please contact Linda Mason at 1-800-848-2464, ext. 2139. If you would like to schedule a church visit by a COP staff member, please contact Dr. Paul Maxfield, executive director, at 1-800-848-2464, ext. 2111. Paul is also available for Faith Promise speaking engagements.

Please pray for the following:

• Children, families, and staff in Haiti. Urgent
• Program leadership in Nicaragua – Rev. Juanita Blanco and volunteers.
• Ron and Carol Baker, preparing to serve as directors of the program in Tanzania.
• Telvi Espinoza, director of the program in Peru.
• Sponsors to step in for those children who have lost their sponsors. Urgent.
• Annual Children of Promise Board of Directors Retreat and Meeting, Friday, February 26.
• Joshua Galvez, sponsored boy in The Philppines, suffering from leukemia.
• Generous giving to the “Making It All Happen” fund. This fund makes sponsorship possible around the world. Urgent.