Greetings from NYC!
Naomi and I are both doing well. We hope everyone is staying healthy and encouraged during these days of the pandemic. We wanted to give you an update on where we have been and what we are doing since the last report.
Previously we mentioned our friends and the need in Louisville. In July we returned there for ten days to help them and the nonprofit they run, Haven Ministries. From our earlier time spent in Louisville, we knew the conditions of the neighborhood but we were immediately reminded of it again on the day of arrival. While getting supplies at Home Depot we were informed of a shooting and we returned to a crime scene. The incident happened in the back lot of the coffee shop that our friends run as part of their ministry. It left a young man in his early 20’s dead.
During our time in Louisville, our project was to complete renovations of the living space above The Haven Restoration Center. This space is a one-bedroom apartment for volunteers who need a place to stay when they come to help out at the Haven Ministries. The scope of our work included some painting, installing a kitchen, setting up furniture, and decorating. Naomi was amazing not only in her ability to transform painted drywall into a comfortable living space but her courage to jump into the car and drive around the neighborhood purchasing decorations. We stayed a few extra days so we could finish up the project. While there we also were able to invest in people recovering from addictions. If you think of it please pray for the people of Louisville and the work that Haven is doing there.
After Louisville, we were back in Pennsylvania for some appointments before returning to NYC. A few days after we arrived back in NYC a storm brought down trees blocking several streets including ours. I never thought I would be using a chainsaw in NYC.
We have been back in the city for a couple of weeks now. We continue to partner with NYSUM. Naomi continues to help in the office five days a week. I have been spending time on the streets continuing to build relationships with our homeless friends. Sometimes the need is a Bible, reading glasses, and prayer. Other times it’s coffee, socks, and a listening ear. Matthew 25 reminds us that it is all important to God.
World travel is still very limited so we are not sure when we can return to Kenya. We recently received a video of the carpentry students’ progress and their appreciation for our part in their success.
We are now in our fourth year seeking to use our time, talents, and resources to provide help and hope to the greatest needs in our world. This has not always been easy. Three years ago this week we were trapped by floodwaters in Bihar, India. There have also been adventures like our trip to the Nile River or traveling high in the Himalayas. With all our experiences whether good or difficult we have many stories to tell. The greatest story we can tell is how God can be trusted. He has been faithful to guide us continually, protect us, and provide for us in miraculous ways.
We appreciate your continued prayers as we seek to follow HIM!
Paul and Naomi
BLIP 