At the HOPE Orphanage most of the older girls have already had some instruction in tailoring. Money has been given for more machines and tables. We'd like to build a small tailoring shop along the front wall of HOPE where we could do business and earn income for the home. This will also provide jobs for some of our girls and boys when they are finished with school. Estimated cost for the tailoring shop would run about $8,000-$10,000. NOTE: At this time the tailoring shop will take back seat to finishing the school rooms and bathrooms needed for the HOPE School. If a donor has a specific desire to help us establish the tailoring shop at this time, then we will receive that as a blessing from the Lord and proceed with that project also. Please pray with us about this, as the reality is that we may now need to have more land before being able to pursue this project. | | Over the last several months, Sister Buelah, her husband Devasahayam (overseeing construction), Isaac (principal of the new HOPE school), Smitha (helping in many ways), our HOPE children and others have all had a part in trying to get this school off to a successful beginning. There have been many times of discouragement such as construction crews not showing up for days, limited funds to help us get started, obstacles to getting the needed transportation for the children coming to our school, etc. But when it's all said and done, here we are conducting the school in nice new classrooms, with a new school office and bathrooms, and over 35 beautiful children besides our 35 HOPE children. It's a slower start than what we had hoped for, but our hope is in Him and His faithfulness to not only love the children, but also to develop a school that in the future will help us become less dependant on foreign funds.It's exciting to know that the Lord is walking us through this, and will amazingly supply, all for His glory! Ephesians 3:20-21 REMEMBER THE 2 MAIN GOALS FOR THIS SCHOOL: 1. To bring more children into a place where they can learn about JESUS and His will for their lives; 2. To eventually have our school run completely on funds generated by the fees of the outside children, so we're less dependent on foreign sources, especially in times of economic turmoil. Most of the ongoing costs of the school is paying the staff salaries. Here's a general list of financial needs for the HOPE School: A school van, which was a necessity for the school and was an unexpectedly large expense has been purchased, but there is still around $10-11,000 to totally pay it off. We thought we could use autorickshaws, etc. but have found they are not legal to use for school purposes. Please pray that we will be able to pay this van off quickly. There is also still playground equipment and ground preparation, around $300 (Actually, we need more land to be able to have an adequate playground, but we'll do the best we can for now. Whatever funds are available we will use for swings, a slide, etc.) We also are praying about more land for HOPE. All the adjoining land is available, but at very high prices. Pray for His favor in this also. Land could be used for playground space, a small widows home, growing food...God's will be done! |