June 2016
Newsletter
COMPASSIONATE WISDOM
by Jay Mooney, Executive Director 

We all need compassionate wisdom. Have you considered it?
 
As an AG COMPACT ministry team we have been studying the book of James in the Bible to learn more about compassionate wisdom. Compassionate wisdom is a fitting two-word summary of the entire book. As daily workers in "orphan" care (James 1:27), we need the compassionate wisdom of God that helps kids redeem family and future. The book of James deserves more attention than a few championed quotes. It is a phenomenal timeless resource for effective caring compassion.
 
Dr. Brian Fikkert co-authored a recent book on the subject entitled, When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself. The title itself raises the point - not all help is equal. And it applies to those providing care for broken families and fatherlessness.
 
Orphans need more than sympathy and things. They need healing and hope for the heart, mind, and soul. Jesus can and does.
 
Together, there is healing and hope happening for children, youth, and families through the ministry of AG COMPACT. The work of the Holy Spirit through partner gifts and prayers coupled with the co-labored gifts, prayers, and works of staff, is genuinely helping children and youth in our care. For instance, this year we have witnessed a great increase in the number of adoptions in a very needy category - older youth. They are discovering that God is their Provider. And praise the Lord, more are ahead!
 
As the executive director of this ministry, I want you to know that the partnered work of supporters and staff remains on mission. I want you to know that God is changing history for some people in a beautiful way.
 
God is answering prayer. Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for God's provision and His compassionate wisdom upon this ministry on behalf of those it serves. May the Lord increase the helpfulness of our co-labored ministry to those who need it so much.
 
Blessings,
Jay Mooney
Executive Director


ROOF PROJECT UPDATE
  -Not all roofs are created equal
 
The Ministry Center is the support base for all the ministry homes on campus. Health services, family therapy, and other clinical ministry operations for children and youth occur daily in the Ministry Center.  We are asking, seeking and knocking for God's supply for this need.
 
Due to the urgent need for repair, the work began in April and is almost complete.  We are grateful for BGMC pledges as well as other pledges made to this project thus far. To date, we have pledges approaching $100,000 and are praying that those pledges will come through soon.  In the interim, the ministry has leaned on its reserve to cover the immediate repair costs.  Please continue to pray for God's provision.
 

A promo video provides great perspective on the high value the Ministry Center brings to our campus.   View the video to learn more about this project. A downloadable version that you can share with others can be found at the website link below.
Video about COMPACT Ministry Center Roof Project

 
If you are interested in partnering with us for this project, please visit our website for all the information you need to get started or contact our offices today. Thank you for your consideration!
 
WEEKEND PROJECT
While walking around our beautiful campus any given weekend, you are destined to see kids riding their bikes, visiting the cows, playing ball in the field or swimming at our pool. It is an active campus. 

 
Recently, one of our houseparents used his weekend to make a Pinterest project come to life and provide even more for the kids to enjoy.  While Mr. Richard worked, Jake*, watched carefully to ensure it was being built correctly. 

Our new completed sandbox was custom made for the younger kids on our campus.  It has since been stained and is located in the shade for our kids to explore sensory activities. Great work, Richard and Jake*!
 
*Jake is a pen name to protect the identity of the student.
 
FROM THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
Recently we had our first missions team for the summer from Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA.  While on our campus, they completed many work projects, special projects and hosted activities for our students. We asked one gifted write to share her experience coming to COMPACT.  She gives us a great perspective on an outside person coming to the inside of COMPACT for the first time.  
 
As we entered COMPACT in Hot Springs, Arkansas, we did not know what to expect. At first glance, the 52-acre campus took our breath away with its quaint, brick buildings and lush, green shrubbery. Projects and Publications Coordinator, Ms. Richelle Wingo explained to us that COMPACT houses around 55 children in 10 "cottages." However, in my opinion the term "cottage" is a modest representation of 10 immaculate homes that offer orphaned and neglected children a safe place to recover and grow. Not only does COMPACT serve foster children, they also support the needs of pregnant teens as well as young adults, ages 18-21. The campus contains a gymnasium, where mission teams like ourselves reside, a dining hall, counseling/therapy services, 24-hour respite care, and even a sewing/craft room!
 
Furthermore, the campus contains a museum dedicated to the life and works of Gladys Hinson, founder of the institution. Originally the museum was the "first version of COMPACT", READ MORE
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendar now for this years Harvest Festival and our 3rd annual Run for the Family 5K. We invite you to join us and bring your family, friends and church groups. The website and 5K registration will be open on July 15th!
Harvest Festival and
Run for the Family 5K
Saturday, October 8th, 2016

COMPACT BIRTHDAYS
Birthday cards are always a treat to our kids on campus.  Please consider taking a few moments and sending a birthday blessing and word of encouragement to the following ones celebrating next month. 

If you would like a full birthday list as opposed to waiting on this report each month, contact our office and we will get one for you.  Thank you for your continued support in making each of these kids feel special on their birthday.
  

 
JULY BIRTHDAYS
July 14, Tricia* - 18 yrs.
July 22, Cali* - 17 yrs.

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
August 2, Josh* - 16 yrs.
August 16, Miranda* - 20 yrs.
August 21, Benjamin* - 13 yrs.
August 28, Addie* - 14 yrs.
 
 
 
Send cards, letters or gifts to:
COMPACT Family Services
Attn:  (insert name)
2325 Malvern Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901

*In order to protect the identity of our students, the names listed above are the pen names that each of them selected as well as the age they will turn.  Each one listed is an actual student on our campus. 

      COMPACT Family Services
     2325 Malvern Ave. |  Hot Springs, AR  71901
     (501) 262-1660

COMPACT is a DBA of Assemblies of God Family Services Agency
 
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