Graduation time at UBL

Gustavo, Margie and Beauvais

Margie is winding down her time at UBL for the "spring" semester. She writes:

Today was a very special day for me...the graduation of some UBL students who have earned their Bachelors or Licenciate Degrees in Bible or in Theology.  Here I am rejoicing with these two dear friends with whom I have had the privilege of working side by side on the corrections of their theses...to the left is Gustavo Perez, a Colombian who has lived for several years with his family here in Costa Rica, and to the right is Beauvais Mervileus from Haiti, who is leaving in one more week to return to his beloved country after spending three whole years here at the UBL earning both degrees in Bible.  What wonderful assets these two men are/will be in the leadership within their churches and communities!!  Another JOY for me today was to hear the names of three other students who graduated en ausencia, whom I know, and the man from Bolivia now living in Canada I was happy to review and correct his graduate thesis by "long distance" e-mail services!! Such blessings!  Much love to you all, Margie

April 15 and the Mission Focus is ...

THE JOURNEY HOME

  

THE JOURNEY HOME is a residential facility for war veterans.   Statistically 23% of our homeless in the United States are veterans so this is an important ministry for those who have literally given their life for others.   Sometimes living with all of the aftermath of being in a war is not easy to adjust to living with family and friends when they return. 

A highly motivated and professional staff help the veteran transition back into society and become a productive member of the community and help rebuild a broken family unit.  Several local employers have committed to hire them while they reside here, when they are ready for work.   On the job training is also available from some employers.  Today 11 residents, 5 who have just returned from Iran/Iraq/Afghanistan wars, are working through the issues of being productive members of society after the experiences of war.   

This particular facility is in Winchester, IN which is near the east central border of Ohio.  David Byrum is now the District Superintendent of that district and is pleased to have this ministry a part of the Indiana Conference Advance projects.  Few facilities exist in our country and this is only one of two that exist in our state.  

Please use the link to the website for The Journey Home.   A powerful story of  Andrew Powers is shared.  

The National and International Mission Team seeks to support ministries in our connectional church that respond to the needs of others.  Your extra attention to this ministry is much appreciated. It is just other way that we at Valparaiso 1st UMC reach out to the least of these.   Thanks for your generous gift.      

Margie in her element

Margie with friends...playing games and enjoying one another. 

Found this photo on Facebook.   Some blog readers may have seen it but some of the blog readers are not on Facebook so I share with you.  
Margie is winding down her time (for this winter and spring) in Costa Rica.   Her estimated return date is May 3 so we lift her up in prayers as she prepares for the journey again.  Now just because she is "coming home" doesn't mean she will be home.   She will surely continue her journey here in the US as she visits the families of Sarah, Rachel, and Naomi.   Whenever it is she loves our warm welcome back.  
How's the painting coming along Margie?   We were so blessed with the opportunity to be part of that project.   See you soon.