Dear Friends,

I’ve talked with Pastor Andrew Gombay recently.  He told me that both Alfred and Alex (the two boys that had surgery) have both done remarkably well after their operations and are both back in school.  Here’s a photo of the two boys showing their bandages shortly after the surgery.  (Alex on the left, Alfred on the right.)

All is well with the other children of the Refuge home.  The school is also doing well, though its administration is consuming much of Pastor Andrew’s time and resources.   

In the next day or two we will be sending Pastor Andrew our normal support funds (monthly sponsorship donations) plus a considerable additional donation ($1,000) recently given by an individual for the refuge home.  That will make a tremendous difference in their current needs…and provide a blessing for Christmas next month.   

In December, we will send our normal support funds and an additional amount from the church earmarked for Pastor Andrew’s family for Christmas.  Pastor Andrew and his wife, Swenah (and 3 children), sacrifice much for the sake of the ministry and refuge home children so, around Christmas we try to send a little something that we instruct him to use for his own family.  If you’d like to add to the “Merry Christmas Gombay Family” fund, just send it to us by December 15th with a note telling us what the money is for.   

Let me also remind you that every penny of money donated to Esther’s Hope is transferred to Pastor Andrew.  Many charitable organizations will deduct up to 20% and more for administrative costs.  Any cost that we incur, like transfer fees to Western Union or printing and postage costs, are paid for by Victorious Faith Ministries (hundreds of dollars a year). So, whatever amount you may contribute – $1, $30, $1,000, etc. – all of it goes to the children.   

Finally, two interesting things found on the internet… 

Did you know that November 19th was World Toilet Day?  Did you celebrate at your house? Below is an article (with pictures) about the toilet conditions in Liberia.  It’s one of those things that, as Americans, we really don’t ponder much.  As the article points out, this one deficiency leads to a number of health problems and increased mortality rates, especially for children. It gives you a unique insight into life in Liberia.  It should make you feel good to know your support helped to upgrade the toilet facilities at the refuge home.  To see the story click this link...

World Toilet Day Story