John 13:35 (NASB)– By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.
Dear Friends,
It is our prayer that this finds all of you doing well. However, it does seem that we are surrounded on every side with friends/family who are going through difficult times in one way or another.
In the past couple of years it has really came to our attention, more than ever, at the number of needs in our community and at the number of people who actually have to constantly decide whether to purchase their medicines or purchase food, or pay home/utility bills. More often than not, it is our friends, who distribute food for us, who make us aware of those needs so that we can help as the Lord makes it possible. We praise Him for His faithfulness, and yours, in making it possible to help and to serve.
Many years ago, when we had 40-50 children, a person was telling Bro. Brown how much money we could make, with so many children, if we chose to take state and federal aid. It was a huge sum. However, Bro. Brown told them there were 2 problems with that. When the person asked what the problems were, he told them that,” first, the Lord would not get the glory for what was being accomplished through Fairhaven, and second, the state and federal government will eventually go broke, but God won’t!” And, here we are, 57 years as God’s ministry, a testimony to HIS faithfulness. And, a testimony to hundreds of you as you have supported the ministry through the years. You have touched not only the lives of many children here, but also thousands in other areas of the United States and throughout the world. Thank you for YOUR faithfulness!
We recently had a group of students from Texas A & M here for a work day. As they were gathered in the chapel, just before they left, a young man asked me, “Mr. Johnny, how can we pray for you?” I told him to simply pray that in whatever good is accomplished through Fairhaven, only the Lord will be glorified through it. That is truly our desire.
Friends, people all around us today are frightened, hurting, worried, and so often ignored by us. As God’s children, we need to live with an awareness to minister in these areas as opportunities present themselves.
I recently heard the story of gentleman (who was on hospice care) in the check out line in a store. He told the cashier that when she reached a certain amount to stop because that was all he could afford. Well, she did, and told him that was the total. A lady standing behind him told the cashier to go ahead and finish and that she would pay for it. The man turned and asked the lady why she would do that. The lady responded “Because my Heavenly Father instructed me to do it.” The man went home and called his hospice chaplain to come his home. He told the chaplain what had happened and told him “I want whatever that lady has!” He accepted Jesus as his Savior.—and that can be applied to all of us as we go through our lives each day. We all have opportunities, but what do we do with them?
Again, thank you for your continued prayers and support. We pray the Lord will bless all of you beyond measure!
In His Service,
Johnny and Sissie
The world does not understand theology or dogma, but it understands love and sympathy.
D. L. Moody
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Friends, since I wrote the above letter there has been the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. A few hours ago the death toll was already over 19,000, with at least 60.000 injured . A quote from The Jerusalem Post:
The disaster after the earthquake: How conditions in Turkey can cost more lives
A lack of water and sanitation, as well as the frigid temperatures, could continue to cost lives in the regions devastated by the earthquake.
We have friends who are putting together containers of needed supplies. Attached to this letter you will find a list of those needed supplies should you feel led to help.
As I write this, I was just contacted contacted by a local individual with some critical needs. At this time you and I are surrounded by people in need, and it is only going to get worse. I have been asked, many times, how we decide how/whom to help. I always tell people that we try to trust the Lord to direct us by prompting of the Holy Spirit, circumstances, and/or what He provides to us to meet those needs. You and I can easily be overwhelmed by all of these circumstances if we are not careful.
Should you desire to help with the Turkey/Syria needs, please let me know.
If you desire to send a check for that purpose, please write “Turkey/Syria Relief” on the memo line and I assure you we will make sure it is used for that purpose.
Thanks, and God bless,
Johnny
Fairhaven Ministry of Faith, Hope, and Love
21066 Fairhaven Road
Covington, La. 70435
Office: 985-892-1134
Mobil: 985-264-5052
Fax : 985-892-1385
Email: johnny@fairhavenministry.com
Web: hopeforothers.org
Philippians 2:4–Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Love is God’s will in action.
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CRITICAL NEEDS LIST FOR VICTIMS OF TURKEY/SYRIA EARTHQUAKE
1.TENTS AND FLOOR MATS FOR TENTS
2.FOLDABLE BEDS (CAMPING COTS)
3.BEDDING SETS
4.SLEEPING BAGS AND/OR THERMAL BLANKETS
5.PILLOWS
6.FLASHLIGHTS & HEADLIGHTS (WITH BATTERIES)
7.POWER BANKS
8.COOKING STOVES (CAMP STOVES)
9.KITCHEN SUPPLIES (COOKWARE & FOR SERVING)
10.GAS HEATERS
11.SMALL POWER GENERATORS
12.HYGIENE KITS
13.FIRST AID KITS
14.BOXED/CANNED FOODS (NO PORK) WITH AT LEAST 8 MO. BEFORE EXP.
15.BABY FOOD
16.BABY OVERALLS (CLOTHING)
17.ADULT DIAPERS
18.WINTER BOOTS (MEN, WOMEN, BOYS, GIRLS,–VARIOUS SIZES)
19.DISINFECTANTS OF ALL KINDS
20.CRUTCHES
21.WHEELCHAIRS