August Update

NEW NEWS FROM IAA 

OUR BIGGEST NEWS IS: 

WE ARE ADDING 10 MORE CHILDREN!

In response to the swelling population of Kenya's orphans, the Board of Directors has voted to proceed withthe addition of  ten children (ages 10 and under) to the IAA family.  IAA staff member Salome, who has worked at the Niarobi Children’s Home, along with guidance and training from Tarin Paradise, will oversee the paperwork and other details related to the adoption of the children.  As always we ask your continued prayers for God's wisdom and favor as we move forward with the adoption of the new children.

Adding 10 more means we need more beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, clothes, uniforms for school, etc.

•  5  Bunk Beds:  $88 per bead,  $176.00 per bunk bed set, or $880 for all 5 bunk beds
• 15 Foam Mattresses:  $40 each  (includes 5 replacement mattresses)
• 10 sets of twin sheets:  $10 each or $100 for all
• 20 wool blankets:  $10 each or $200 for all (they use two per bed)
• 10 pillows: $5 each or $50 for all 10
• 10 Uniforms (depends on ages of children): Uniforms usually run around $25 (includes shoes,underwear, long socks, shirt, sweater, jacket, winter cap, pants/or skirt, t-shirt and a tie)
• 10 outfits for daily wear: $5 each $50 for all 10

SAD NEWS

In our last update I reported that we were investigating the possible addition of two children: Douglas and Damaris.  Sadly, we discovered that we would not be able to bring them to Into Abba’s Arms as we had hoped.  Please pray that God will watch over these children in their unstable situation.

ABBA'S WALL 

We will now continue to build “Abba’s Wall."  It is a large and expensive project, but one that is greatly needed. Thankfully, the Kenyan elections have been postponed until March of next year giving us some extra time to complete this important project.  In the meantime, thanks to Doris Wilson, we now have a new security light in the middle of the compound that lights up the whole site. 

NEW TO IAA - US

   WELCOME 

TARIN PARADISE

   We are very excited to announce Tarin Paradise as the first paid staff member for IAA in the US.  Tarin will organize, plan and lead the IAA mission teams; help with the ministry's social media; follow up on situation concerning our children's education and coordinate the children's sponsorship program.  She will work with Salome on the children's cases in Kenya as well as research the educational options for our children. 

     Tarin has a background in education and has worked on various ministry projects.  She and her husband Bill reside in Nashville, IN. 

      

     

DONNA CAMPBELL 

Long Term Volunteer-Kenya

We are thankful to have Donna in the US for a few months.

I miss the children, staff and friends in Kenya.  However, it is wonderful to:

…see and talk face to face with a woman I respect and love so much, our founder Jane Gravis.

 …get home to Texas where 3 of my children live and see children, grandchildren; great grandchildren; learn what has gone on; what is going on; and listening to plans for their futures.

 …visit with all my friends who have been such great supporters of the children at IAA for the last 8 years.

 …sit in church services in my home church First Baptist Wimberley where I fully understand the language; know the words to most of the songs; and where the music and the sermons always make me cry with joy.

 …visit with those who have been to IAA and those who are planning to visit IAA. Telling them what everyone is doing and what changes might be happening in the future on the high mountains in the beautiful Kinangop Kenya.

 …attend a Board Meeting and meet face to face with those who grapple with money, prayer, new ideas ,future plans, immediate emergencies, budgets, funding and fund raising everyday. It is so much more than a business meeting. Jane and the Board prayerfully take in to consideration all avenues that lead to the best decisions regarding the future of Into Abbas Arms and each individual child that God has sent. 

 …visit another precious group of friends that I can now drive to without getting lost.....Austin Street Baptist Church in Yoakum, Texas. I walk in to "a big hug" every time I go there. They are a testimony of commitment and faithful giving and love. 

…and so much more!  God is so good!

My life is so full and wonderful no matter where in the world I happen to be.

When I get off the plane in Houston.........I AM HOME.

When I arrive in Wimberley, TX...............I AM HOME.

When I travel to Yoakum, TX....................I AM HOME.

When I go to Wisconsin.............................I AM HOME.

When I return to Kenya..............................I AM HOME.

No matter where I am, God is always there!

I depart for Wisconsin to see one of my sons and his family. Several of my children will also arrive for a visit at that time. It will be a mini family reunion.

  

I thank you all for your continued support.  May God Bless you Mightily. 

Donna Campbell

 CHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SUPPORT

This was the theme this year in the VBS programs.

"Our Lord is great, vast in power; His understanding is infinite" 
Psalm 147:5

Every year we  are blessed to have these faithful children that work at raising support for IAA in their summer VBS.  We are so blessed and thankful for their hearts and steadfast spirit.  IAA has been friends to New Waverley Baptist Church and the Wimberley First Baptist Church families for many years.  They have loved us and prayed for us as one of their own.  The First Baptist Church of Wimberley is Donna's home church.  We are so blessed to have both these churches supporting us through their children and congregations. 

VBS First Baptist Wimberley, TX

VBS First Baptist New Waverly, TX