A huge thank you to everyone who has been faithfully praying for the adoption meeting in Liberia. It finally happened today and from all initial reports was a huge success!
A great big thank you to the new Minister of Justice, Honorable Christiana Tah for hearing the cries of the children and listening to those of us trying to care for the children inspite of the Ministry of Health.
I haven't confirmed everything yet, but it appears at this time that a new adoption committee will be formed to develop in writing policies and procedures that will govern adoptions. This will be presented to the President with a recommendation that adoptions resume. Praise the Lord!!!
Please continue to pray for all those on the front lines in Liberia. The truth was heard today! Praise God! Now those who heard it have to act on what was heard. Pray that they choose not to sin as it says in James 4:17, "anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it sins."
Pray that the children waiting, many for as long as three years now, can come home to the families waiting for them...loving them this whole time and not giving up, but standing on faith and walking by faith and not by sight!
Praying with you!
HollyAnn
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Postponed again!
Just called Liberia to see what the results of the meeting were. It did not occur as it was postponed yet again. The Justice Minister had an engagement with the President, so she had to reschedule. This is frustrating, but is common in Liberia, and reminds me of why it is often so difficult for my staff there to get the results I expect here in America! Please just pray that this meeting will occur soon! We need the truth to be made known!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Meeting is tomorrow
The meeting with the new Minister of Justice and other parties involved in the persecution of adoption it set for tomorrow morning. I have been in continual prayer for this meeting. I believe it was no irony that yesterday's sermon at my church was on spiritual warfare. But even before the message was delivered, during the worship time, I felt a strong sense of needing to pray for the battle waging for the children of Liberia. As such, I began praying for them. Immediately a peace flooded me. I believe this matter is settled. We will see great victory come from this meeting. Of course, my time is not God's time. I don't know that this victory will be evident immediately. My request to God is that we see immediate results, but I don't know that it will happen. I believe God was encouraging me to hang tight and not lose hope or question the outcome if immediate results are not evident. He will bring about that which has been settled in His timing...which is rarely the same as mine! Can anyone relate?!
This morning as I prayed again about the meeting, God took me to Psalm 33 and 34. I ask you to join me in proclaiming the Word over this meeting and the situation with adoption and children in Liberia. Let me remind everyone that this is much bigger than just adoption. We are talking about leaders in the Ministry of Health who have taken, from the last report I heard, over $300,000 (US, not Liberian dollars) from children who are in orphanages that have nothing to do with adoptions. This is the money the government was supposed to be giving those who care for the children to feed them. This money was literally stolen out of the mouths of the children by the very people set in authority by President Sirleaf and her people to care for the "health and social welfare" of these children. Anyone else see a serious problem?
So my prayer is not that adoptions open. Yes, that is part of it, but I am asking you to pray that these people be brought to justice and removed from their seats of authority so that Godly men and women can be put in authority and the well-being of the Liberian children can once again be at the forefront of what the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is doing.
Here is what God brought me to and I am asking you to agree with me in prayer:
Psalm 34:
7 ~ The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
8-10 ~ O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him: O fear the Lord, You His saints; for to those who fear Him there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.
15-22 ~ The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones, not one of them is broken, evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
Psalm 37
7-15
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land. Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; and you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. But the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity. The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laugh ts at him, for He sees his day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow to cast down the afflicted and the needy [orphans and those who care for them], to slay those who are upright in conduct [those of us who have spoken out publicly against the corruption in the Ministry of Health]. Their sword will enter their own heart, and their bows will be broken.
34~ Wait for the Lord and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
I am dancing for joy at the truths in those verses! The authority is all God's! He will deal harshly with those who plot against His people and especially against His children! Praise Him! To Him be all the glory from the outcomes of this meeting!
Concerning what I believe to be God speaking victory over the wicked in power over the care of children and the battle waging for these children:
Psalm 33:9-12 ~ For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever. The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.
Thank you for journeying with us and praying for the children of Liberia. I look forward to reporting to all of you prayer warriors the victories we will see in the days, weeks, months and years to come. I have always believed that God has big plans for Liberia and intends to make Liberia a power house nation....much like American. But He must have righteous leaders before that can happen. Your prayers are working to bring that about. Just one more time we as Christians are called to a very small part of a much larger picture! Thank you for your faithfulness and dedication. Words can't express the gratitude I have for those of you praying with us!
For the oppressed,
HollyAnn
This morning as I prayed again about the meeting, God took me to Psalm 33 and 34. I ask you to join me in proclaiming the Word over this meeting and the situation with adoption and children in Liberia. Let me remind everyone that this is much bigger than just adoption. We are talking about leaders in the Ministry of Health who have taken, from the last report I heard, over $300,000 (US, not Liberian dollars) from children who are in orphanages that have nothing to do with adoptions. This is the money the government was supposed to be giving those who care for the children to feed them. This money was literally stolen out of the mouths of the children by the very people set in authority by President Sirleaf and her people to care for the "health and social welfare" of these children. Anyone else see a serious problem?
So my prayer is not that adoptions open. Yes, that is part of it, but I am asking you to pray that these people be brought to justice and removed from their seats of authority so that Godly men and women can be put in authority and the well-being of the Liberian children can once again be at the forefront of what the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is doing.
Here is what God brought me to and I am asking you to agree with me in prayer:
Psalm 34:
7 ~ The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
8-10 ~ O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him: O fear the Lord, You His saints; for to those who fear Him there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.
15-22 ~ The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones, not one of them is broken, evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
Psalm 37
7-15
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land. Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; and you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. But the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity. The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laugh ts at him, for He sees his day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow to cast down the afflicted and the needy [orphans and those who care for them], to slay those who are upright in conduct [those of us who have spoken out publicly against the corruption in the Ministry of Health]. Their sword will enter their own heart, and their bows will be broken.
34~ Wait for the Lord and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
I am dancing for joy at the truths in those verses! The authority is all God's! He will deal harshly with those who plot against His people and especially against His children! Praise Him! To Him be all the glory from the outcomes of this meeting!
Concerning what I believe to be God speaking victory over the wicked in power over the care of children and the battle waging for these children:
Psalm 33:9-12 ~ For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever. The plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.
Thank you for journeying with us and praying for the children of Liberia. I look forward to reporting to all of you prayer warriors the victories we will see in the days, weeks, months and years to come. I have always believed that God has big plans for Liberia and intends to make Liberia a power house nation....much like American. But He must have righteous leaders before that can happen. Your prayers are working to bring that about. Just one more time we as Christians are called to a very small part of a much larger picture! Thank you for your faithfulness and dedication. Words can't express the gratitude I have for those of you praying with us!
For the oppressed,
HollyAnn
Friday, July 16, 2010
Meeting postponed!
The meeting set for tomorrow has been moved to Tuesday at 10 am. That just give us more time to storm the gates of heaven for adoption and the children of Liberia! Please keep praying!
Fasting and Praying
Tomorrow is a crucial meeting for adoption. It is the first time that a high ranking public official has an interest in hearing the truth in the adoption stories that have been played out in the public in lies and corruption. We are so thankful for this opportunity to speak the truth and stand before our accusers and expose the lies. My only regret is that I cannot physically be there. But God has sent many to be on the front lines for tomorrow. Please pray for them. I can't explain to you the attacks that can come when you are in a position like that. Pray a hedge of protection around them.
This morning I am praying the following scriptures over the meeting. I would love for you to agree in prayer with me for these or anything else God lays on your heart! This is not a battle against flesh and blood but against the world forces of this darkness (Eph 6:12). This is a battle that will be won or lost based on the willingness of Kingdom warriors to fight on their knees and then follow in obedience to carry out the spiritual victory in the physical world. Please pray with me!
Psalm 10
2, 8-9 ~ In pride the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted; let them be caught in the plots which they have devised...He [the wicked] sits in the lurking places of the villages; in the hiding places he kills the innocent; his eyes stealthily watch for the unfortunate. He lurks in a hiding place as a lion in his lair; he lurks to catch the afflicted; He catches the afflicted when he draws him into his net.
12-18 ~ Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Your hand. Do not forget the afflicted. Why has the wicked spurned God? He has said to himself, "You will not require it." You have seen it, for You have beheld mischief and vexation to take it into Your hand. The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the helper of the orphan. Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer, seek out his wickedness until You find none. The Lord is King forever and ever; nations have perished from His land. O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.
Psalm 109
1-13 ~ O God of my praise, do not be silent! For they have opened their wicked and deceitful mouth against me; they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without cause. In return for my love they act as my accusers, but I am in prayer. Thus they have repaid me evil for good and hatred for my love.
Appoint a wicked man over him, and let an accuser stand at this right hand. When he is judged, let him come forth guilty, and let his prayer become sin. Let his days be few; let another take his office. Let his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. Let his children wander about and beg; and let them seek sustenance far from their ruined homes. Let the creditor seize all that he has, and let strangers plunder the product of his labor. Let there be none to extend loving kindness to him, nor any to be gracious to his fatherless children. Let his posterity be cut off; in a following generation let their name be blotted out.
16 ~ Because he did not remember to show loving kindness, but persecuted the afflicted and needy man, and the despondent in heart, to put them to death.
21-31 ~ But You, O God, the Lord, deal kindly with me for Your name's sake; Because Your loving kindness is good, deliver me; For I am afflicted and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. I am passing like a shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like the locust. My knees are weak from fasting, and my flesh has grown lean, without fatness. I also have become a reproach to them; when they see me, they wag their heard. Help me, O Lord my God; save me according you Your loving kindness. And let them know that this is Your hand; You , Lord, have done it. Let them curse, but You bless; when they arise, they shall be ashamed, but your servant shall be glad. Let my accusers be clothed with dishonor, and let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe. With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the Lord; and in the midst of many I will praise him. For He stands at the right hand of the needy to save him from those who judge his soul.
Amen and Amen!!!
This morning I am praying the following scriptures over the meeting. I would love for you to agree in prayer with me for these or anything else God lays on your heart! This is not a battle against flesh and blood but against the world forces of this darkness (Eph 6:12). This is a battle that will be won or lost based on the willingness of Kingdom warriors to fight on their knees and then follow in obedience to carry out the spiritual victory in the physical world. Please pray with me!
Psalm 10
2, 8-9 ~ In pride the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted; let them be caught in the plots which they have devised...He [the wicked] sits in the lurking places of the villages; in the hiding places he kills the innocent; his eyes stealthily watch for the unfortunate. He lurks in a hiding place as a lion in his lair; he lurks to catch the afflicted; He catches the afflicted when he draws him into his net.
12-18 ~ Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Your hand. Do not forget the afflicted. Why has the wicked spurned God? He has said to himself, "You will not require it." You have seen it, for You have beheld mischief and vexation to take it into Your hand. The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the helper of the orphan. Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer, seek out his wickedness until You find none. The Lord is King forever and ever; nations have perished from His land. O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.
Psalm 109
1-13 ~ O God of my praise, do not be silent! For they have opened their wicked and deceitful mouth against me; they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without cause. In return for my love they act as my accusers, but I am in prayer. Thus they have repaid me evil for good and hatred for my love.
Appoint a wicked man over him, and let an accuser stand at this right hand. When he is judged, let him come forth guilty, and let his prayer become sin. Let his days be few; let another take his office. Let his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. Let his children wander about and beg; and let them seek sustenance far from their ruined homes. Let the creditor seize all that he has, and let strangers plunder the product of his labor. Let there be none to extend loving kindness to him, nor any to be gracious to his fatherless children. Let his posterity be cut off; in a following generation let their name be blotted out.
16 ~ Because he did not remember to show loving kindness, but persecuted the afflicted and needy man, and the despondent in heart, to put them to death.
21-31 ~ But You, O God, the Lord, deal kindly with me for Your name's sake; Because Your loving kindness is good, deliver me; For I am afflicted and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. I am passing like a shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like the locust. My knees are weak from fasting, and my flesh has grown lean, without fatness. I also have become a reproach to them; when they see me, they wag their heard. Help me, O Lord my God; save me according you Your loving kindness. And let them know that this is Your hand; You , Lord, have done it. Let them curse, but You bless; when they arise, they shall be ashamed, but your servant shall be glad. Let my accusers be clothed with dishonor, and let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe. With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the Lord; and in the midst of many I will praise him. For He stands at the right hand of the needy to save him from those who judge his soul.
Amen and Amen!!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Added info on Lifesong Donations
Please be sure to mark any donations to Lifesong that you intend to go to our former children's home as a donation to "Liberia:Marshall" as they have several projects in Liberia and want to ensure your donation goes where you intend. Thank you in advance for donating to Lifesong and helping them care for orphans!
Day of Prayer and Fasting for important meeting
Hello all!
I am so excited to ask for you to join us in fasting and praying this Friday, July 16 for a crucial meeting in Liberia on Saturday, July 17. There will be a meeting that will allow the adoption service providers a chance to tell the whole truth of adoptions in Liberia. To this point, the only public stories told were the lies spread by the Ministry of Health and some at the Justice Ministry. But thanks to a new Justice Minister, there will be a public hearing where the truth can be told!
I have asked before that you pray Psalm 10. God has taken me back there. Please pray this for the children of Liberia and those who have been taken money when/how they should not have been. Pray it for the officials who have the power and obligation to speak up and publicly take a stand against the lies being told to President Sirleaf about adoptions. Pray for President Sirleaf, that un-like Pharaoh, her heart will not be hardened, but softened to the plight of the children in her country. As I have always said, adoption is not the solution, but is a small piece to a large puzzle that can help turn this country around. One of our children will be attending the meeting to speak. He is one of our amazing young men. Pray for him. Pray that he has the opportunity to speak on behalf of all the waiting children in Liberia. Pray that God gives him the words and the boldness to speak just like David as he approached Goliath!
As always, this battle is truly not against these people....any of those in power who have acted in wicked ways. This battle is against the evil forces of darkness in this world. So let's pray those evil forces back to the abyss! It's time for the children to be victorious in this battle and God to receive the honor and glory due Him in the adoptions as they occur!
A huge thank you to Maria Luiken from WACSN for her efforts and courage in speaking with officials and fighting for the children of Liberia and working to make this meeting happen. She came to our rescue when Deputy Minister Geebro illegally tried to stop us and three other families from bringing home our children in January 2008. She is a true warrior for the children of Liberia. Pray for her and the others on the front lines as they meet with these officials this week.
Many now agree that it is time for the corruption and lies to be made public! I am so thankful for this as God has told me for some time that it is time to expose those in power who are acting in wicked ways toward the children and prospering personally. Now we, the adoption service providers, are united in exposing those people. May God's justice reign!
Thank you for praying! I will post more specific prayer requests and scriptures to be praying as the week progresses. Please pass this along to other prayer warriors. Its time for the adoption band to be lifted and these children to come home to the homes God has prepared in advance for them!
For the children,
HollyAnn Petree
Executive Director
Addy's Hope Adoption Agency
I am so excited to ask for you to join us in fasting and praying this Friday, July 16 for a crucial meeting in Liberia on Saturday, July 17. There will be a meeting that will allow the adoption service providers a chance to tell the whole truth of adoptions in Liberia. To this point, the only public stories told were the lies spread by the Ministry of Health and some at the Justice Ministry. But thanks to a new Justice Minister, there will be a public hearing where the truth can be told!
I have asked before that you pray Psalm 10. God has taken me back there. Please pray this for the children of Liberia and those who have been taken money when/how they should not have been. Pray it for the officials who have the power and obligation to speak up and publicly take a stand against the lies being told to President Sirleaf about adoptions. Pray for President Sirleaf, that un-like Pharaoh, her heart will not be hardened, but softened to the plight of the children in her country. As I have always said, adoption is not the solution, but is a small piece to a large puzzle that can help turn this country around. One of our children will be attending the meeting to speak. He is one of our amazing young men. Pray for him. Pray that he has the opportunity to speak on behalf of all the waiting children in Liberia. Pray that God gives him the words and the boldness to speak just like David as he approached Goliath!
As always, this battle is truly not against these people....any of those in power who have acted in wicked ways. This battle is against the evil forces of darkness in this world. So let's pray those evil forces back to the abyss! It's time for the children to be victorious in this battle and God to receive the honor and glory due Him in the adoptions as they occur!
A huge thank you to Maria Luiken from WACSN for her efforts and courage in speaking with officials and fighting for the children of Liberia and working to make this meeting happen. She came to our rescue when Deputy Minister Geebro illegally tried to stop us and three other families from bringing home our children in January 2008. She is a true warrior for the children of Liberia. Pray for her and the others on the front lines as they meet with these officials this week.
Many now agree that it is time for the corruption and lies to be made public! I am so thankful for this as God has told me for some time that it is time to expose those in power who are acting in wicked ways toward the children and prospering personally. Now we, the adoption service providers, are united in exposing those people. May God's justice reign!
Thank you for praying! I will post more specific prayer requests and scriptures to be praying as the week progresses. Please pass this along to other prayer warriors. Its time for the adoption band to be lifted and these children to come home to the homes God has prepared in advance for them!
For the children,
HollyAnn Petree
Executive Director
Addy's Hope Adoption Agency
Monday, July 5, 2010
Exciting News in Liberia
It is with great excitement that I announce to you the passing of the baton! Addy's Hope has recently partnered with Lifesong for Orphans here in American and Master's Home of Champions in Liberia. Lifesong and Master's Home of Champions have been in partnership for some time now. Addy's Hope has just joined them in order to further the ministry we all feel God has called us to in Liberia.
As I have stated many times in e-mail to our donors as well as posts on this blog, Addy's Hope has struggled since President Sirleaf placed a hold on adoptions in January 2009. As we come upon the 18 month anniversary of that decision, it's effect on our ability to care for the children of Liberia God has entrusted to us became more severe. Addy's Hope has always relied on the money from adoption fees to support the programs we ran in Liberia. That includes the feeding of the children, the salaries for staff and the necessities for the school we dreamed of opening. God has been so faithful in providing for those needs over the last 18 months. However, we knew we could not continue for much longer at the pace we were.
God in His infinite wisdom had already begun a friendship, a kinship, with Bishop Emmanuel Jones, his wife Romona and Addy's Hope last year. John and I had the honor of meeting Emmanuel at the Orphan Summit in 2009.
We spent many hours talking to him about Liberia and were amazed at the similarities in the vision God had given us for our ministry and the words Emmanuel spoke as his vision for Liberia and the children there. It was my privilege to visit Emmanuel and his children at Master's Home of Champions last August when I traveled to Liberia.
The first thing I noticed at the Master's Home was the standard by which they cared for the children. It was one that I admired and felt aligned closely with ours at Addy's Hope. Little did I know the direction God would take us in just one year. After much conversation between Lifesong, Addy's Hope and Bishop Jones, I am please to announce that Addy's Hope has donated our children's home and land to Lifesong and Master's Home of Champions for the furthering of God's kingdom in Liberia!
As I have stated many times in e-mail to our donors as well as posts on this blog, Addy's Hope has struggled since President Sirleaf placed a hold on adoptions in January 2009. As we come upon the 18 month anniversary of that decision, it's effect on our ability to care for the children of Liberia God has entrusted to us became more severe. Addy's Hope has always relied on the money from adoption fees to support the programs we ran in Liberia. That includes the feeding of the children, the salaries for staff and the necessities for the school we dreamed of opening. God has been so faithful in providing for those needs over the last 18 months. However, we knew we could not continue for much longer at the pace we were.
God in His infinite wisdom had already begun a friendship, a kinship, with Bishop Emmanuel Jones, his wife Romona and Addy's Hope last year. John and I had the honor of meeting Emmanuel at the Orphan Summit in 2009.
We spent many hours talking to him about Liberia and were amazed at the similarities in the vision God had given us for our ministry and the words Emmanuel spoke as his vision for Liberia and the children there. It was my privilege to visit Emmanuel and his children at Master's Home of Champions last August when I traveled to Liberia.
The first thing I noticed at the Master's Home was the standard by which they cared for the children. It was one that I admired and felt aligned closely with ours at Addy's Hope. Little did I know the direction God would take us in just one year. After much conversation between Lifesong, Addy's Hope and Bishop Jones, I am please to announce that Addy's Hope has donated our children's home and land to Lifesong and Master's Home of Champions for the furthering of God's kingdom in Liberia!
This is bitter sweet for me. I will not lie and say that it has been an easy task. However, I can say without a doubt it is the right move for Addy's Hope as we seek to follow God's will in all our ministry. Lifesong partnered with Master's Home of Champions has the resources to do with the home and land what Addy's Hope did not once adoptions were halted. The children who were under our care will remain at the home. Plans are already in the works to open the school on site to start this school year, September 2010. This was a dream we had not been able to see fulfilled after our container was held up by the Ministry of Health and were required to pay the money needed to complete the school for the taxes on the container so it could be released. That school will now be opened thanks to the generosity of Lifesong and the dedication of Emmanuel and Ramona Jones to the children of Liberia.
What will Addy's Hope look like in Liberia now? As I have asked myself that same question throughout this process, I have been reminded of Matthew 6:34, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own." For today, we know that God has asked us to pass the stewardship of what He has entrusted to us to these brothers and sisters for them to run the next leg. We at Addy's Hope believe in the Body of Christ. This has never been about Addy's Hope. It is about God. It is about children. It is about whatever role we can play while here on this earth to spread the love of Christ and care for the orphans and widows. For this day, that means allowing Lifesong and Master's Home of Champions the opportunity to fulfill the vision God gave us for the land and building this past year and a half, and more importantly for the children He has entrusted to us for the past five years in Liberia.
Bishop Emmanuel Jones is dedicated to teaching children in Liberia about our Savior. He is dedicated to teaching them that they have a hope and a future that is good...whether that future is in America or Liberia, it is good! He will equip them for the life God has for them. That is what I am most excited about during this time of transition. Our children, God's children, who have been wounded by the decisions made by the leadership of their country now have hope! Their hearts will need time to heal. Pray for that with us, please. For now, adoption is not an option for them. For some, it will never be as they will be too old to go through the process they once thought would bring them to America...would bring them to families who already love them and whom they already love.
But now they have a new family! They will learn in this new family what their role in Liberia, and more importantly in the Kingdom of God will be.
But now they have a new family! They will learn in this new family what their role in Liberia, and more importantly in the Kingdom of God will be.
I will continue to fight for adoptions in Liberia as long as God calls me to. The enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy all that shows God's love, and adoption definitely fits that description! I will continue to contact government officials both here and in Liberia to ask for their cooperation in opening adoptions in Liberia so that more children have a chance at the basic human rights that are supposed to be guaranteed by all the international codes and treaties they throw around in argument against adoption while children starve, get sick and die under their watch.
Addy's Hope will continue to have an active role in the Master's Home of Champions, Marshall. Those children are my children. Yes, they are God's, but those little voices singing, "Mother HollyAnn" will always ring in my ear and tie my heart to them until God takes me from this earth.
Addy's Hope will continue to have an active role in the Master's Home of Champions, Marshall. Those children are my children. Yes, they are God's, but those little voices singing, "Mother HollyAnn" will always ring in my ear and tie my heart to them until God takes me from this earth.One of our biggest roles at this time is to ask you to help us. I know you are asked for money at every turn these days with the economy hurting all non-profits. But I know the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills and is not concerned with what the US economy is or is not doing. I am talking to His children now. Lifesong has taken a huge step of faith in taking on the financial responsibility of our home and property. If you have traveled to our home and met our children, you can sponsor one of them through Lifesong for $50 a month. You will receive letters and photos of your children twice a year. These are real children. They are not pictures on a flyer. I have met them, held them, tucked them into bed and kissed them goodnight. I have told them Jesus loves them, now I need you to help me prove that to them. Would you consider sponsoring one? Or would you just send a general donation to Lifesong with "Liberia" in the memo line? Lifesong for Orphans is an amazing organization run by all volunteers. One hundred percent of your donation will go to Liberia. Let me write that again, 100% of your donation dollars will go to your child. Go to their website! Check them out! They do amazing things for adoption and orphans who remain in their home country. That is one of the major reasons we feel so blessed to be partnered with them now! They share our philosophy of adoption and training leaders to turn countries like Liberia around! Praise God!
John and I will be sponsoring children that God has laid on our hearts. Will you do the same? If you want to know some of the children who are there, if you really want personal stories about them, e-mail me at hollyann@addyshope.com. I will be happy to talk to you about "my" children! They need you! Will you help Lifesong help them?
What will Addy's Hope do now? Well, we have many things that God has laid on our hearts and given us great vision to do. Many of those things are right here in the United States. We are not going away! For one, we are doing homestudies for families in the West Texas area who are looking to adopt from any adoption agencies. If you are in Midland, Odessa, or any small surrounding town and need a homestudy, give us a call at 432.879.1503. We offer personal, professional and prompt homestudy services. Besides that, we will be taking the next couple of months to pray, fast and seek God on our faces to know for sure the next venture He would have us take. Would you pray with us?
Pray for me and our board of directors as we seek God's will for this ministry. Pray also for Lifesong. Keith and Kay Knapp are the Liberian Liaisons for Lifesong. Please pray for them as well. Pray for Emmanuel and Romona as well as the staff at Master's Home of Champions, Marshall as they care for the children and add one more thing to an already full plate. The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. Pray that God sends more workers...willing, heartfelt, Christian workers!
If God has spoken to you to give a one time gift, or to possibly sponsor a child, you can do that by sending your donation to Lifesong for Orphans. You can donate online here or by mailing a check to Lifesong for Orphans, 202 N Ford Street, Gridley, IL 61744. Please be sure to put "Liberia: Marshall" as a note on your donation whether online or by check. They have stepped out in faith, will you help be the hands of Jesus to make their faith become site?
Lastly, let me say, thank you! Thank you to all of you who heard our pleas for the children and donated. Whether you gave $5 or $5,000 over the past 18 months, you fed the children. You staffed the home. You educated the little ones. May God bless you 10 fold and more for what you gave to allow us the privilege of caring for these children even when the enemy tried to destroy our work. And thank you to my Liberian staff who have worked for us at times without pay! To Him be all the glory!
Lastly, let me say, thank you! Thank you to all of you who heard our pleas for the children and donated. Whether you gave $5 or $5,000 over the past 18 months, you fed the children. You staffed the home. You educated the little ones. May God bless you 10 fold and more for what you gave to allow us the privilege of caring for these children even when the enemy tried to destroy our work. And thank you to my Liberian staff who have worked for us at times without pay! To Him be all the glory!Serving along side all of you,
HollyAnn Petree
Executive Director
Addy's Hope
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
James Rutherford Siddall
March 19, 1922 - May 13, 2010
Addy's Hope would like to thank the Siddall family for lovingly requesting memorials for James Siddall to go to Addy's Hope. James, or Granddaddy as we all knew him, is the dearly loved grandfather of our Executive Director, HollyAnn Petree. All memorials have been and will continue to be used to feed the children in Addy's Hope home in Liberia and carry on the work that God has called Addy's Hope to do in caring for the less fortunate of this world.
James Rutherford Siddall, 88 passed away Thursday,May 13, 2010. He was born March 19, 1922 in Coleman County to Robert and Bessie (Cathey) Siddall. He lived all of his youth around Fisk, Texas. He was a member of the World’s Greatest Generation, serving his country proudly in the United States Army Air Force from 1942 – 1946 as an airplane mechanic. He married Ilma Bairrington on April 17, 1945 in Coleman, Texas. She preceded him in death on March 7, 2008, being married nearly 63 years.
After his discharge from the Army Air Force he went to work for Taylor Motor Company in Coleman, Texas. In 1948, James began work with El Paso Natural Gas. While working for El Paso Natural Gas, James and Ilma lived at the El Paso Natural Gas Camp #1; Carlsbad, New Mexico; Loving , New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. He began working for Shell Pipeline at the tank farm in 1963 in El Paso. In 1965, he was transferred to Odessa, Texas. He later became a welder for Shell and moved to Eunice, New Mexico. After being promoted to welding inspector, James and Ilma worked all over the United States. He retired from Shell Pipeline in 1985.
He was a member and past president of the Lion’s Club in Eunice, New Mexico, and an Elder in the Eunice Christian Church where he often led the singing. He never met a stranger and would talk with anyone as if they were an old friend. He enjoyed woodworking, and made candle holders for all of his children and grandchildren. The family will miss his “sayings”, and him singing the gospel songs he loved to sing so much. At 80 years young, he was the oldest member of The Faithful Men, a group of men that sang together for almost seven years. He was a member of Antioch Christian Church.
He is survived by his two sons, Jimmie and wife Carol of Odessa; Bill and wife Bonnie of Abilene, TX. Five grandchildren: Keith Siddall and wife LouAnn of Madison, IN; HollyAnn Petree and husband John of Midland, TX.; Shaun Siddall and wife Jessica of Lovington, NM; Casey Siddall of Midland, TX; Heather Hawkins and husband Kenneth of Seminole, TX. He was blessed with 9 great-grandchildren: Callie, Noah, Toben, and Ava Petree; Ashland Siddall; Shauntell, Aliyah, Kenneth Jr. and Alara Hawkins. He is survived by sister-in-law Florine Siddall of Morrilton, AR. He was preceded in death by 3 sisters Clara Bee and Mary Blanche Siddall, Ina Mae Sheffield, and brother Robert Siddall.
The family would like to thank Dr. Francisco Salcido for his loving care of our father. To the staff at Sherwood place and Buena Vida Nursing Home, words of thank you are inadequate for all you did for our father, and for the love that you showed to him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Addy’s Hope Adoption and Child Relief Ministry, 1908 W. Wall, Suite D, Midland, Texas 7970l or to the American Heart Association.
Addy's Hope would like to thank the Siddall family for lovingly requesting memorials for James Siddall to go to Addy's Hope. James, or Granddaddy as we all knew him, is the dearly loved grandfather of our Executive Director, HollyAnn Petree. All memorials have been and will continue to be used to feed the children in Addy's Hope home in Liberia and carry on the work that God has called Addy's Hope to do in caring for the less fortunate of this world.
James Rutherford Siddall, 88 passed away Thursday,May 13, 2010. He was born March 19, 1922 in Coleman County to Robert and Bessie (Cathey) Siddall. He lived all of his youth around Fisk, Texas. He was a member of the World’s Greatest Generation, serving his country proudly in the United States Army Air Force from 1942 – 1946 as an airplane mechanic. He married Ilma Bairrington on April 17, 1945 in Coleman, Texas. She preceded him in death on March 7, 2008, being married nearly 63 years.
After his discharge from the Army Air Force he went to work for Taylor Motor Company in Coleman, Texas. In 1948, James began work with El Paso Natural Gas. While working for El Paso Natural Gas, James and Ilma lived at the El Paso Natural Gas Camp #1; Carlsbad, New Mexico; Loving , New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. He began working for Shell Pipeline at the tank farm in 1963 in El Paso. In 1965, he was transferred to Odessa, Texas. He later became a welder for Shell and moved to Eunice, New Mexico. After being promoted to welding inspector, James and Ilma worked all over the United States. He retired from Shell Pipeline in 1985.
He was a member and past president of the Lion’s Club in Eunice, New Mexico, and an Elder in the Eunice Christian Church where he often led the singing. He never met a stranger and would talk with anyone as if they were an old friend. He enjoyed woodworking, and made candle holders for all of his children and grandchildren. The family will miss his “sayings”, and him singing the gospel songs he loved to sing so much. At 80 years young, he was the oldest member of The Faithful Men, a group of men that sang together for almost seven years. He was a member of Antioch Christian Church.
He is survived by his two sons, Jimmie and wife Carol of Odessa; Bill and wife Bonnie of Abilene, TX. Five grandchildren: Keith Siddall and wife LouAnn of Madison, IN; HollyAnn Petree and husband John of Midland, TX.; Shaun Siddall and wife Jessica of Lovington, NM; Casey Siddall of Midland, TX; Heather Hawkins and husband Kenneth of Seminole, TX. He was blessed with 9 great-grandchildren: Callie, Noah, Toben, and Ava Petree; Ashland Siddall; Shauntell, Aliyah, Kenneth Jr. and Alara Hawkins. He is survived by sister-in-law Florine Siddall of Morrilton, AR. He was preceded in death by 3 sisters Clara Bee and Mary Blanche Siddall, Ina Mae Sheffield, and brother Robert Siddall.
The family would like to thank Dr. Francisco Salcido for his loving care of our father. To the staff at Sherwood place and Buena Vida Nursing Home, words of thank you are inadequate for all you did for our father, and for the love that you showed to him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Addy’s Hope Adoption and Child Relief Ministry, 1908 W. Wall, Suite D, Midland, Texas 7970l or to the American Heart Association.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Warriors Needed
My time is short this morning, but I feel a pressing need to get this information out there. I will elaborate in the days to come!
I was up into the morning hours doing battle, but I need more warriors! Ephesians 6 tells us in verse 12 tells us that "our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places". We are not warring against the government of Liberia to release these children, we are warring against satan himself. I am asking for warriors to stand up with me by getting on your knees. It is easy to see that adoption is under attack everywhere - not just Liberia. Russia, Guatemala and Vietnam just to name a few are countries where adoptions have been shut down. The enemy does not want such an awesome and tangible picture of God's love to be shown to the world. He will stop at nothing to destroy adoption. I refuse to stand by and let that happen. I am asking you to join me on your knees!
Psalm 10 says that God is the helper of the orphan, and that He will "break the arm of the wicked and evildoer." Verses 17-18 says He will incline His ear to vindicate (deliver) the orphan and the opressed so that man of the earth will no longer cause terror. I can think of no more fitting verses for the situation in Liberia than these as government officials have stolen money for personal gain from orphanages working to feed children. Adoption workers in Liberia working to complete papers that will allow children legally adopted to leave the country have been threatened with physical violence for working in adoptions. This is evil and wicked. We must war against it!
Please pray these verses out of Psalm 10 with me over the next few days. Will you be a warrior for these children and all the oppressed of a "democratic" country that receives billions of US dollars? Please pray with me! And please pass the link to this post on to prayer warriors that you know.
In my waking hours this morning, I wrote both US and Liberian Senators and Congressmen. If you would be willing to inquire of your US representatives and Senators about the accountability of US funds going to Liberia or about signing a letter that will be drafted by JCICS and sent to the Liberian congress urging them to get a new adoption law on the books, e-mail me at hollyann@addyshope.com. I will send you the information.
God bless you for opening your mouth for the mute, for the rights of the unfortunate in Liberia. Thank you for defending the rights of the afflicted and needs. This is our duty as Christ Followers according to Proverbs 31:8-9.
Concerned for the rights of the poor,
HollyAnn Petree
Executive Director
I was up into the morning hours doing battle, but I need more warriors! Ephesians 6 tells us in verse 12 tells us that "our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places". We are not warring against the government of Liberia to release these children, we are warring against satan himself. I am asking for warriors to stand up with me by getting on your knees. It is easy to see that adoption is under attack everywhere - not just Liberia. Russia, Guatemala and Vietnam just to name a few are countries where adoptions have been shut down. The enemy does not want such an awesome and tangible picture of God's love to be shown to the world. He will stop at nothing to destroy adoption. I refuse to stand by and let that happen. I am asking you to join me on your knees!
Psalm 10 says that God is the helper of the orphan, and that He will "break the arm of the wicked and evildoer." Verses 17-18 says He will incline His ear to vindicate (deliver) the orphan and the opressed so that man of the earth will no longer cause terror. I can think of no more fitting verses for the situation in Liberia than these as government officials have stolen money for personal gain from orphanages working to feed children. Adoption workers in Liberia working to complete papers that will allow children legally adopted to leave the country have been threatened with physical violence for working in adoptions. This is evil and wicked. We must war against it!
Please pray these verses out of Psalm 10 with me over the next few days. Will you be a warrior for these children and all the oppressed of a "democratic" country that receives billions of US dollars? Please pray with me! And please pass the link to this post on to prayer warriors that you know.
In my waking hours this morning, I wrote both US and Liberian Senators and Congressmen. If you would be willing to inquire of your US representatives and Senators about the accountability of US funds going to Liberia or about signing a letter that will be drafted by JCICS and sent to the Liberian congress urging them to get a new adoption law on the books, e-mail me at hollyann@addyshope.com. I will send you the information.
God bless you for opening your mouth for the mute, for the rights of the unfortunate in Liberia. Thank you for defending the rights of the afflicted and needs. This is our duty as Christ Followers according to Proverbs 31:8-9.
Concerned for the rights of the poor,
HollyAnn Petree
Executive Director
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Feed the Motherless this Mother's Day!
Mother's Day is right around the corner. As I hold my five beautiful blessings, I can't help but think of 46 other children sitting in Addy's Hope Home in Liberia with no mother to hold them. They have no mother to kiss them when they fall and scratch their knee, to wipe their tears when another has teased them or to tell them they are a priceless treasure! Last time I was in Liberia, I took a night and "tucked" each child into bed as I do my own. You should have seen the smiles and heard the giggles as I kissed each precious face and told them I loved them! Even the "big" boys rushed to get in bed so I could tell them good night! I had to choke back the tears even as their laughter filled the rooms as I knew this was probably a first and last, at least until I return, for many of them. For those being adopted, they wait ever so patiently for their mother's to pick them up, but for the 29 who are not committed to for adoption, they don't even have the hope of a mother's touch!
We are on month 18 of the halt on all adoptions. This means we are on month 18 of no cash flow for Addy's Hope. Each month is a struggle to meet the basic physical, spiritual and emotional needs of each of these children. We are in desperate need of more sponsors and one time donations just to keep these children in clothes, fed and provided with proper medical care.
This Mother's Day, would you consider giving a gift to these children by asking your family to donate to Addy's Hope for your Mother's Day gift? As a fellow warrior working for the cause of under privileged children and mother's said, I have not trinkets to sale, but I have worthy cause that is in need of the attention of Christians!
If you have a child to hold this Mother's Day, would you help feed the children who don't? Would you request for your family to make a donation to Addy's Hope in your honer in lieu of a Mother's Day gift, or honoer your mother with a donation? All donations are tax deductible! It takes $60 a month just to feed each child. Could you feed one or more this Mother's Day? Forward this to friends and family also to help us spread the word of those without a mother who need your help!
You can donate by going to www.addyshope.com and clicking on the “donate” button. You can also send your check to Addy’s Hope, 1908 W. Wall, Suite D, Midland, TX 79701.
In Christ,
HollyAnn Petree
Executive Director
Addy’s Hope
We are on month 18 of the halt on all adoptions. This means we are on month 18 of no cash flow for Addy's Hope. Each month is a struggle to meet the basic physical, spiritual and emotional needs of each of these children. We are in desperate need of more sponsors and one time donations just to keep these children in clothes, fed and provided with proper medical care.
This Mother's Day, would you consider giving a gift to these children by asking your family to donate to Addy's Hope for your Mother's Day gift? As a fellow warrior working for the cause of under privileged children and mother's said, I have not trinkets to sale, but I have worthy cause that is in need of the attention of Christians!
If you have a child to hold this Mother's Day, would you help feed the children who don't? Would you request for your family to make a donation to Addy's Hope in your honer in lieu of a Mother's Day gift, or honoer your mother with a donation? All donations are tax deductible! It takes $60 a month just to feed each child. Could you feed one or more this Mother's Day? Forward this to friends and family also to help us spread the word of those without a mother who need your help!
You can donate by going to www.addyshope.com and clicking on the “donate” button. You can also send your check to Addy’s Hope, 1908 W. Wall, Suite D, Midland, TX 79701.
In Christ,
HollyAnn Petree
Executive Director
Addy’s Hope
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Pajamas for all!
Addy's Hope would like to send a big "THANK YOU" to Innovative Learning Academy in El Paso, Texas! The students at Innovative Learning Academy held a pajama drive for the children of Addy's Hope. They collected pajamas of all sizes and colors for the children.
For many of our children at Addy's Hope Home, this is the first pair of pajamas they have ever owned. Another thank you to Eric Lewis, one of our adoptive parents, for taking the pajamas to the children on his last trip to Liberia! The smiles on the faces say it all!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Still need sponsors!!!
We are still in need of sponsors for our children. We have three children who are 2/3 funded. That leaves 9 children totally available for sponsorship and three 1/3 available.
The sponsorships are $150 per month per child. This covers everything we need for that child: food, nanny, education, clothes, etc. This will give them the standard two meals a day with protein added to their diet. We realize that is a large amount to ask from any one person. So we are asking you to provide $50 and we will find two other sponsors to share that child. Or maybe you have an organization, Sunday School class or Bible Study group who would combine efforts to sponsor a child. We are also so appreciative of one time only gifts that get us through the tight spots like we are currently in! Any amount is appreciated and used wisely to care for the children currently in Addy's Hope home.
This past year has taken its toll on everyone in Liberia who care for her children! The halt on adoption has halted many humanitarian projects simply for a lack of funds.
We need your help! We need prayer that God would move on the hearts of officials and the band on adoption would be lifted. Most of all we need financial support to feed our kids. If you are unable to help us financially, would you pray for people who can to hear of our need and give generously? Our children need you!
Thank you for spreading the word! There are boys and girls available for sponsorship. If you e-mail HollyAnn at hollyann@addyshope.com, she will send you the picture of the boy or girl in the age range you request. Then you can prayerfully decide on a child to sponsor.
Our children know we rely on the generosity of donors like you! They pray for you regularly...not prompted by any adult, just because they are children who understand to a certain extent the situation they are in. Please help them regain at least some of their childhood by not having to worry about the basic needs!
The sponsorships are $150 per month per child. This covers everything we need for that child: food, nanny, education, clothes, etc. This will give them the standard two meals a day with protein added to their diet. We realize that is a large amount to ask from any one person. So we are asking you to provide $50 and we will find two other sponsors to share that child. Or maybe you have an organization, Sunday School class or Bible Study group who would combine efforts to sponsor a child. We are also so appreciative of one time only gifts that get us through the tight spots like we are currently in! Any amount is appreciated and used wisely to care for the children currently in Addy's Hope home.
This past year has taken its toll on everyone in Liberia who care for her children! The halt on adoption has halted many humanitarian projects simply for a lack of funds.
We need your help! We need prayer that God would move on the hearts of officials and the band on adoption would be lifted. Most of all we need financial support to feed our kids. If you are unable to help us financially, would you pray for people who can to hear of our need and give generously? Our children need you!
Thank you for spreading the word! There are boys and girls available for sponsorship. If you e-mail HollyAnn at hollyann@addyshope.com, she will send you the picture of the boy or girl in the age range you request. Then you can prayerfully decide on a child to sponsor.
Our children know we rely on the generosity of donors like you! They pray for you regularly...not prompted by any adult, just because they are children who understand to a certain extent the situation they are in. Please help them regain at least some of their childhood by not having to worry about the basic needs!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
We Need Sponsors!
January 26, 2010 marked the one year anniversary of the halt on adoptions in Liberia by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The past twelve months have been a challenge for Addy's Hope as we have had no cash flow since that time. It has been a bleak time for Addy's Hope as we have worked to care for the 49 children still in our care. We have lost Matthew because we couldn't get him out of Liberia and provide him the medical attention he needed. We have turned away many children in desperate need because we knew we just couldn't take them in with adoptions on hold; not because they would be placed for adoption but because adoption funded the care of all children at Addy's Hope Home. My heart breaks for my Liberian staff who has to look into the eyes of Liberian parents who have already been to the government who has halted adoptions and been turned away because the government has no resources to help them. Then my staff has to tell them that we can't help either because the halt placed by President Sirleaf has stopped the funds we used to help the children still in Liberia. For every one child adopted, tens more were assisted through scholarships, clean water or medical care.
As one of the smallest agencies working in Liberia, we are proud that we are also the only one that has kept the full staff to care for the children. This is only due to God's faithfulness to lay us on the hearts of those who know about us. As adoptions are still on hold, we have a need for more consistent support in order to care for our children the way we believe God orders. We have instituted a monthly fee for adoptive parents to help care for their children while we wait for adoptions to open, but that does not cover the expense of the children who do not have adoptive families. All the children need care! So we need your help!
There is so much attention on Haiti right now. Our hearts go out to the Haitians as they rebuild their country. But even before the earthquake hit, there were Haitians in need of clean water, stable housing and ample food for survival. Liberia has not had an earthquake. There are no TV cameras covering the deplorable situations in Liberia, but that does not mean they do not exist. We are asking you to help us with these children who, were it not for Addy's Hope, would be in the same state as some you see pictured in Haiti now. Liberia needs your help too!
The biggest need is child sponsorships. We have 14 children in need of sponsors. Most of these children have been in the care of Addy's Hope for two years or more. We care for them because they have need, not because they will be adopted. This has always been our commitment. However, up until the halt, the adoption fees covered our care of other children. Without adoption fees, we have no way to care for these children. Would you sponsor a child? By sponsoring a child you will ensure they have three meals a day, education, safe living conditions and the love they need to grow into productive and healthy citizens. Email HollyAnn at hollyann@addyshope.com for the children in need of sponsors and detailed sponsorship information. For the privacy of these children we will not post them here or on our website.
"For in You the orphan finds mercy" ~Hosea 14:3
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tour of Homes Was a Success!
A great big thank you to everyone who made the Tour of Homes possible! We made $2,900! We are so blessed by all of you who bought tickets and donated money. This money fed our 49 kids for the month of December and paid some of our staff salaries!
A special thank you to those who opened their homes for us! People are still talking about all the colors in the house, the concrete counter tops, the warmth of the holiday decorations and the peacock tree! Without each of you, this event wouldn't have been possible!
We also owe a huge debt to John Petree, our board President, for organizing the event this year! We learned much and will have to replace him with a team of committee's next year! Thank you, John!
Two people who were invaluable to us as we planned and sold tickets for the event were Laura Lyon Sales and Leigh-Anne Salcido. Laura sold tickets for the tour just as amazingly as she does houses! She helped make the event as successful as it was with her ticket sales as well as recruiting of houses for us. Thank you, Laura! Leigh-Anne was absolutely amazing at helping us get the word out by scheduling our news spots and teaching us about marketing our event. We are so thankful for each of you ladies and the talents you brought to our event.
Another invaluable part of our event was Carol Siddall who helped recruit, deliver tickets and pick up packets for the Odessa tour. She is also the supportive mother of our Executive Director..thank you, Mom!
Start planning now.... "Hope for Christmas: A Holiday Tour of Homes 2" will be in December 2010! It's sure to be even more amazing!
A special thank you to those who opened their homes for us! People are still talking about all the colors in the house, the concrete counter tops, the warmth of the holiday decorations and the peacock tree! Without each of you, this event wouldn't have been possible!
We also owe a huge debt to John Petree, our board President, for organizing the event this year! We learned much and will have to replace him with a team of committee's next year! Thank you, John!
Two people who were invaluable to us as we planned and sold tickets for the event were Laura Lyon Sales and Leigh-Anne Salcido. Laura sold tickets for the tour just as amazingly as she does houses! She helped make the event as successful as it was with her ticket sales as well as recruiting of houses for us. Thank you, Laura! Leigh-Anne was absolutely amazing at helping us get the word out by scheduling our news spots and teaching us about marketing our event. We are so thankful for each of you ladies and the talents you brought to our event.
Another invaluable part of our event was Carol Siddall who helped recruit, deliver tickets and pick up packets for the Odessa tour. She is also the supportive mother of our Executive Director..thank you, Mom!
Start planning now.... "Hope for Christmas: A Holiday Tour of Homes 2" will be in December 2010! It's sure to be even more amazing!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Addy's Hope Receives License!
As of January 12, 2010, Addy's Hope is officially a licensed child placing agency in the state of Texas! We praise God for His faithfulness in walking us through this process and providing the knowledge, wisdom and people necessary to make this happen. HollyAnn Petree, our executive director, attended an informational meeting with Texas licensing in October 2005. At that time Texas would not license internationally only agencies. Since that time, we have stayed in close contact with licensing. All the hard work has paid off, and we are now licensed!
As a licensed agency, we can now provide more services such as home study reports and post placement reports for families in West Texas in need of these services. Please pass our name along to families who are adopting in this area. We also look forward to providing support services to families in this area who have adopted, both internationally as well as domestically.
Feel free to contact us at hollyann@addyshope.com or 432.897.1503 if you have questions or are in need of our services.
To God be the glory!
As a licensed agency, we can now provide more services such as home study reports and post placement reports for families in West Texas in need of these services. Please pass our name along to families who are adopting in this area. We also look forward to providing support services to families in this area who have adopted, both internationally as well as domestically.
Feel free to contact us at hollyann@addyshope.com or 432.897.1503 if you have questions or are in need of our services.
To God be the glory!
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