Real Dream Community Center - Update

Work continues on welcoming children to live in the recently completed dormitory of CCRS. When we left Mozambique, there were several matters outstanding: the windows and doors needed to be installed, and there was uncertaintly about what the government would require in terms of a bathroom and kitchen. We learned after returning to the States that the carpenter that was originally building the windows and doors absconded with Ernesto's funds without completing the project. Ernesto was really heartbroken over this, as were the villagers. The carpenter's family all live in Possulane. However, praise God that Ernesto located another carpenter to finish the work. God provided Ernesto with a job at the Nigerian embassy laying tile (see photo below) in order to have the funds to pay for completion of the doors. During the process of praying for resolution with the carpenter, Ernesto prayed and fasted for several weeks. Pat, Sheri, Greg and Michaela joined him (at Ernesto's request) in fasting and praying for several days. Ernesto is such a walking example that ALL challenges should be met first with prayer!

Doors installed

The bathroom and kitchen situation are also getting resolved. Originally, the plan was to have a bathroom within the building, but the authorities changed their minds after the plans were submitted, determining that the planned facilities were not large enough. We had first thought that this was going to be a major setback. Would we be required to construct permananent stand-alone kitchen and bathroom facilities at significant cost and delay? Ultimately, when Ernesto gave the authorities a tour of the village in Possulane and they saw how the children were living, the authorities made significant accomodations to allow children to begin moving into the dorm. They are going to allow the construction of a bathroom and kitchen out of what are called "local materials". Basically, this means dirt floors, woven mat walls and either a thatched or metal roof. The bathroom will be similar, but with a concrete floor. These will serve temporarily until funds can be raised to build more permanent facilities.

Ernesto had the following to say regarding the recent events: "But I thank God for his goodness and holiness, he has given us a power and strength to pray and fast, thank you all for joining me in this hard work and for your obedience to the word of God he has spoken to us all, the Lord has spoke in some several ways about our ministry CCSR and how to resist and overcome those obstacles, guys God has confirmed that he is really guiding us in all our doing, I pray that you may not be discouraged about the matter of the carpenter, understand that this was the enemy reaction remember what the scriptures say in the book of Job chap 1:6-7-8¬-9-10-11-12 read carefully 20- 21-22. However fasting and prayer has been a meaning to me because is in him where I seek for help psalms 121:1-2-3 I am still in the spirit of prayers every days and nights till it come to pass. I Thank God for sending me his word of sacrifice through prayers and fast, because during the period of sacrifice he has shown his hand by touching the representatives of the government in the social affairs department, and the carpenter’s family they are all moved in their families and the village chiefs."

Another praise: The money has been generously provided to purchase the first 25 beds. Each of the beds comes complete with frame, mattress, sheets, pillow and blanket. We are one step closer to having the children leave behind the streets and the minute by minute struggle for survival, and be welcomed into a place where this is love, learning and hope.

I'll close with another quote from Ernesto: "What will happen next? I am keeping praying and continue trusting in God to work as we have planed knowing that the Lord is guiding, let’s put our dream on action according to our plans. All things are in God’s hand and let’s thank him in everything. "

Our next challenge is to raise the funds to purchase a truck and to develop a business plan for its use. This will be our first effort toward sustainability. Praise God for all He has done and keeps doing.