What’s Happening
There is so much going on with All Things New right now, I thought I would take some time to just let you guys know some of the things that are happening. GOD has blessed this ministry so much it is even hard to explain, but with that said, there is still so much more to do! Please continue to be in prayer for us as there are many changes going on in mine and Jess’ life (personally, professionally, and in our ministry) as we continue to follow GOD where He leads us. Here are some things that are happening:
THE KIDS
Our kids are doing so well! They are in school and most of the younger kids are thriving. It is a little more difficult for some of the older kids because they have not had the education that they needed up to this point in their lives, but we are going to work very hard to help them catch up.
Our kids are also receiving chicken and eggs in their diet now! Thanks to Amy Kelley for making the eggs happen on a weekly basis, and we now have a contact in Haiti who can get our kids chicken each week. For more information about how to give to this program and on the impact that animal protein can have on the cognitive development of children, click here.
We cannot wait to be down with the kids full time!
ALL THINGS NEW
We are still waiting for our 501c3…PLEASE BE IN PRAYER for this important aspect of our ministry. There are some things (especially fundraising) that will greatly improve when we receive this tax designation. Even though all donations are currently tax deductible, many businesses will not give to an organization until the 501c3 comes through.
We are also in the process of planning our second fundraiser for the ministry! We will have additional information on this fundraiser coming soon, but we also need your help! We will be having a silent auction at Jacksonville Country Day School, and the more things we have to auction off the better! Here is how you can help…If you have anything that would be good to auction (sports memorabilia, access to a vacation home, if you own a business, etc.) or if you have any connections that could help us out, please let us know! Go to our “contact us” page and send us an email or give us a call to let us know how you could help us make this fundraiser a success.
We recently began the process of forming some teams that can help All Things New as Jess and I make the move down to Haiti. We will have people here in the states working on fundraising, business organization, communication, etc. while we are there. Please be in prayer that we find the right people for these important positions.
We have also had an incredible attorney agree to donate his time and expertise to All Things New. This has been one of the most important things that has happened to our ministry because of the perspective that he brings both legally and through his business experience. Thanks Bill!
Finally, we hired a cook that will be at the orphanage 6 days per week for breakfast and dinner. She has already added more vegetables and she will be in charge of ensuring that our kids have chicken and eggs on a consistent basis. This is not an easy job because of the conditions in which she cooks (outside, over charcoal, in the dark for breakfast), but she is so wonderful. Please pray for Marjorie (our cook) and give thanks to GOD that He put her in our lives!
MATT AND JESS
Please continue to be in prayer for us as we are starting this ministry in the midst of being in the adoption process! It sometimes feels like our lives are just up in the air, but we know we are exactly where GOD wants us. We continue to pray every day for our kids in Haiti and at the same time for our children. That GOD would keep them safe and bring them to us soon. We are not exactly sure how all of this will play out, but we know it will in GOD’s timing. Thank you for all the ways that you support us. We covet your prayers and we are so appreciative that GOD has laid this ministry on your heart just like He did on ours. We absolutely could not do it without you.