Hand-in-Hand Project UPDATE

Ken and I wanted to let you know a little more about the really good things happening in the Dominican Republic.

As many of our friends are aware by now The Hand-in-Hand Project we started in 2008 falls under a registered charity with the vision of lending assistance to the needy -- financially, mentally, spiritually. Our hope for this project has been not just a hand-out, but a hand up!

(Photo: Fabiola at the 'front door' of this family's home - they will soon be receiving aid to fix the foundation and gaping holes in the walls and roof.)

Thanks solely to Canadian support a School has been established that is helping families that are most needy. Set up in the capital of Santo Domingo, the local work is led by Fabiola de Salles (impressively, she has a Masters Degree in Therapeutic Psychology) and, as a resident who used to work for the government, she has a network of connections she uses to be very effective in getting tangible help where it is needed the most.

Both Ken and I are overwhelmed by what this woman of hope, faith, and love has been able to accomplish with the little she has financially. We have recently been informed that funds budgeted for the project are running low. However, Fabiola wrote a letter describing all the things she is still accomplishing, actually over and above her job description at Hand-in-Hand:

- Running the school with a very limited staff now;

- Tutoring children with Special Needs;

- Consulting for families;

- Coordinating help -- rides to doctor or diagnostic appointments for sick (I.e., radiology, mamograms, etc.), connecting needy families to agencies that will improve shelter / housing, provide wheelchairs, nutrition, or even a free coffin (which, when you really think about it, is a dignifying act for the next of kin).

So great is the need that these people with real faces and names will otherwise go overlooked on their own.

(Photo: A couple of precious children with special needs, all dressed up in their best donated clothes from Canada for a visit to the missionaries.)

It is humbling to see how much she is able to do with her “widow's mite” (Mark 12:41-44). This is because of her relentless compassion and dedication to help the helpless, bringing hope wherever the opportunity.

Fabiola is able to do all this because she is receiving funding from people like you. Without hesitation we commend this Hand-in-Hand Project to you for your prayerful consideration; we invite you to find joy in being able to give your gift, as it were, “unto the least of these” remembering when you do, Jesus said you do it to Me (Matthew 25:40).

(Photo: Babysitting a wee little cancer survivor. Last report she is doing well!)

Whether you a can make a one time gift or commit to ongoing monthly support, big or small, you can send it care of trusty Canadian missionaries Joseph & Ellen Anonby - Joy's mom & dad - who are overseeing the finances:

Anonby Missionary Society
Box 1286, Prince George, BC
V2L 4V3

**Write on Cheque or a Note that it is for "The Hand-in-Hand Project”.
Tax registry # 898047782 RR0001 (for tax receipts)

Thank you!