 |
|
Message from Directors
Dear friends and family,
It has been an exciting summer at Casa de Ester. We've brought new girls into the safety of the home, seen staff take on new roles and greater responsibilities, received a grant to help provide food for the home, entered a partnership with International Justice Mission to implement an aftercare program/tool, and welcomed three visiting vision teams.
In our last newsletter, we shared a glimpse of the vision the Lord has set before us. Over the last few months, He has granted greater clarity into the next steps for the ministry and continues to move the pieces into place to accomplish this growth.
One big step is that we (Michael, Valina, and Avayla) will be moving stateside in December 2016. Our family will spend a season to establish the international NGO, board of directors, and stateside structure for the ministry. We will also focus on expanding the base of partners and financial support for Casa de Ester and future projects. You can read more about our move and the Lord's lead in making the decision here.
The need for the establishment of the international NGO and stateside structure is critical. We are able to take this step, and do so with 100% confidence, because of the growth of the Casa de Ester staff over the last three years. We have seen the staff member exceed our every expectation, follow the Lord's calling in their lives, and unite with us in the vision He has laid before us.
We have never been more excited about where the Lord is growing, stretching, and leading the ministry of Casa de Ester. We encourage you to join us in praying for and in supporting the work of the Lord.
If you are interested in learning more in detail about the vision the Lord has set before us, please reach out to us (
contact info)!
With love from Honduras,
- Michael and Valina Perry
|
|
|
New Roles!
Richard has assumed the position of Operations Director (he has fulfilled the role of Assistant
Director of Operations for the last two years). Richard has served at Casa de Ester for over 3.5 years. He is a humble servant leader, Christian male role model, and well-respected in the community.
Johana is serving in the role of Resident Director (she formerly held the role of Head Counselor and, over the last two years, she fulfilled the role Assistant Director of Resident Care). Johana has served at Casa de Ester for over 4 years.
A recent team leader shared, "Richard and Johana bring a highly developed team approach to leading the staff of Casa de Ester. As such, they complement each other's strengths. This clarity of roles also extends to a clarity of vision as to how they develop and lead the staff. The fruits of their approach are already apparent in a staff that appears motivated to learn and grow and willing to be challenged in their roles." We are so grateful for Richard and Johana!
One of our current counselors has stepped up into the role of head counselor (to assist Johana in overseeing the care of the residents and leadership of the counselors).
The daily operations of Casa de Ester have been and will continue to be in great hands with this incredible administrative team, which also includes Ileana (HR/Legal/Admin Director) and Rebeca (Psychologist).
|
|
|
New Arrivals to CdE
Over the last three months, we received two more girls into the refuge of Casa de Ester. Both girls were rescued from the oppression of ongoing traumatic abuse. While there is significant healing and recovery to undergo, we have witnessed a new joy in their lives.
When each girl arrived at Casa de Ester, they literally had only the clothes on their back. One girl's only other other possession was an open bar of soap that she carried in her pocket.
Thanks to the generous donations of clothing received during last year's Fit For A Queen clothing drive, we opened the Esther Room at Casa de Ester.
Now when a girl arrives, she is given a tour of the home and an introduction to the staff and fellow residents. She is then taken to the Esther Room, where she is able to pick out outfits and beauty supplies that become her own. It is a beautiful and uplifting experience as the girl receives a simple, yet impactful reminder that she is loved as her needs are met by the Lord's provision.
|
|
|
Funding for the Future
When during the first month of our transition (May 2015), we faced a $700 bank account balance and wandered if the ministry would be able to continue. We can only lift praises and give all credit, glory, and honor to the Lord for His provision over the last 15 months. It has been our goal to clearly communicate and reflect with the utmost transparency the needs of the ministry and how funds received are used. We desire that our partners can give knowing that their support is being used on the frontline, where real work is occurring.
We are truly blessed by a core of faithful monthly and regular givers who support Casa de Ester. There are also many who give annually to the ministry. While we try to make "projects" available for support, we cannot express enough gratitude to all who give toward the daily operations and help put food on the table, provide electricity to power the computers, and pay the staff who faithfully serve by reflecting the love of Christ to each girl in Casa de Ester.
Operating with a monthly funding deficit has been a regular test of our faith in God's provision. He has never been anything but 100% faithful! We also know there is great responsibility in preparing for the future for the ministry and the girls of Casa de Ester.
As we have already embarked on the second half of 2016 and are praying for growth opportunities for this year and next,
we still need to raise an additional $40,000 for the remainder of 2016 (above the recurring $8,000 monthly support).
It is our goal to raise that $40,000 in additional support by September 25th.
- If you are already a monthly or regular giver, please consider taking another step of faith by increasing your level of support!
- If you follow the updates and newsletters of Casa de Ester, yet have never taken the step of financially supporting the ministry, please consider coming onboard as a financial partner!
- If your church is a financial partner of Casa de Ester, please pray about whether you, too, can also join in as a direct financial partner to the ministry!
- If you are a financial partner and your church is not, please pray about speaking to your church leadership about forming a partnership with Casa de Ester.
Great favor has been shown to Casa de Ester in Honduras, among national leaders in government, social activism, and ministry. God showing what He can do when we are committed to following His lead and responding to His call.
Join us as we commit 40 days (Aug 17 - Sep 25) to prayer, engagement,
and action on behalf of Casa de Ester.
(We will provide a PRAY challenge guide via email and on Facebook.)
If you are interested in offering a matching gift fundraising challenge during this time, please contact us personally at michael@casadeester.org.
|
|
|
Prayer Requests/Praises
Please continue praying for Casa de Ester!
- Continuing growth in support and stability for Casa de Ester
- Transition Program development (Earlier this summer, we received a designated donation separate from CdE support. We are currently looking at potential houses!)
- Continued training for the Casa de Ester leadership and staff
- God's protection and lead as more girls are rescued from oppression
- Wisdom, discernment, and favor as we seek to establish the international NGO, as well as the board of directors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
