Christian couple Bernard and Josie raise approximately 40 kids from ages birth to teenagers. It takes most of their income to just keep the children fed each month, much less supply clothes and food for each of them. They receive very little aid in their efforts, and live in a very small compound with all these children. We at Oakbrook, have for some time now, tried to provide for the basic needs of food and clothes for the children. Our last team there was able to take all the gifts of our church family to help in this effort. Recently however, the Niger government has agreed to give some land to the orphanage so they can construct new housing. This is great news for this large family, but the gift of land has a stipulation from the government. Construction has to begin in a two year period or the land reverts back to the government! The first step of building is to complete the compound wall at a cost of $36,000. I have begun to e-mail and contact anyone I think may help in this effort. God is, as usual, already ahead of us. One business in Chattanooga Tenn. has already sent $1000 toward this project. Praise God! This will be an effort of the heart to see these children and their parents have a real "Extreme Home Makeover", there in west Africa. Anyone wishing to aid in this cause can send donations directly to the church, with ALL monies taken in going directly to this project. Anyone wanting to confirm this information can contact me or Brad Womble, IMB Missionary there in Niamey at womblebrad@hotmail.com. If you need any more information give me a yell. Our slogan for this project has been also taken on by the West Africa Prayer Letter group..."Building the Wall...Tearing Down Strongholds". I know God will complete everything He starts! We are praying God will provide the money first and then the people to aid in the construction!

Joel, Missions Pastor, Oakbrook Community Church, joelcandler@bellsouth.net

CSEN Orphanage Construction Begins

April 2009
Back