September 2005
Dear Friends,
As I write this letter, all of us are just beginning to hear of the devastation in and around the gulf coastal region of our country as a result of Hurricane Katrina. We want to join you in continued prayer and support for the many families who are facing overwhelming circumstances in their lives.
Here in Newberry, a new school year has begun. We have received numerous calls from families and school counselors for children that we could possibly help. There is no question that our families are in serious trouble in America today and our children are bearing the consequences. I know personally that the boys we are ministering to at Boys Farm had no choice in their family's circumstance. No matter what has happened in a child's life before he came to Boys Farm, we want them to know that God loves them and has a purpose for their lives.
Recently we have had several admissions. A week ago we received a boy into our care who had only a few personal effects. As we were taking inventory of his belongings, we noticed that his shoes were extremely stretched. We measured his feet and found that although he was wearing a size nine shoe, his foot measured a size eleven. I want you to know, that this young man is adjusting very well to his new life at Boys Farm.
We are purposed to keep Jesus Christ the focus of this ministry as we continue to see God's amazing grace work in young lives. I believe that God is the one who places each of these boys with us and that is why I can ask for your prayers and financial support each month. I also believe that you are blessed of God in that you are being used to provide the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of these children.
Friends, we have had to face the reality that Boys Farm will not be able to hold the cottage dedication on October 1, 2005. Obviously, we are disappointed for the delay in opening our new cottage for the boys who are currently here, but more importantly, the delay is causing us to place other children on a waiting list. Until the new cottage is open, we have no more room for the children who are waiting. We are trusting God to take care of all the details in His timing. I look forward to notifying you when we are able to open the new cottage, but until then we appreciate your prayers as we wait.
By His Grace,
Marty Gilpatrick
