Roberta Edwards, Missionary to Haiti

Robert Edwards was the cover story on the Christian Woman magazine in the Jan/Feb issue.  This is an excerpt from the Mar/Apr issue with an update on her situation.  She is supported by the Estes Church of Christ in Henderson, Tennessee.
Roberta Edwards was enjoying a rare vacation with her parents when she received word of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan 12.  For almost 24 hours she waited to hear from her children to know if they were safe.

Thomas Widlord, the oldest child in the Sonlight Children’s Home, took responsibility for caring for the other children after the quake.  All of them survived except for Nicky, a 15-year-ol boy who had come to live at the children’s home only 2 months before.  When the quake struck he was outside near a tall concrete wall that fell on him and killed him.  In the days following the earthquake, the children comforted each other, slept outside on the ground while aftershocks continued and began helping feed those in need.

Roberta tried to return home to Haiti, however, the chaos that followed resulted in limited travel availability and made getting into the country extremely difficult.  She was not able to arrive in Port au Prince until several days later.

Although many homes and other buildings in the area were destroyed and many people left homeless and injured, we are thankful to report that the Sonlight Children’s Home still stands.  The contents were shaken up and some of the external security walls fell, but the home is a safe haven for Roberta, the children, and other Christians and neighbors.

Since Roberta’s return, the Estes Church of Christ has sent teams of workers to help with wall reconstruction, food distribution, and attention to medical needs.  Arrangements have also been made for bulk food and supplies to be purchased in the Dominican Republic and trucked in to the children’s home.  Roberta, her kids, local Christians and members of the Santo Nutrition Center are preparing “family packs”  of food and distributing these to people in need through a network of area congregations.

Information requests about the Estes congregation’s Haiti disaster Relief effort may be sent to the Estes Church of Christ, PO Box 191, Henderson, TN 38340 or contacted by email at estescoc@gmail.com.

News & Notes

BABY SHOWER for Sarah Mongan and baby Ethan is today from 2-4 pm at the building.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS:  We are continuing in our study of the book of John. Thus far we have made it through 19:42. This week we will be discussing our homework: “What did Jesus mean in verse 22 of the 20th chapter?” All students are encouraged to continue reading through the 21st chapter this week and answer the question: “What was Jesus’ point in His discussion with Peter in verses 15-17?”

MISSION MEXICO 2010: The team left from Des Moines on Friday, March 12 and return on Saturday, March 20th.  Please keep them in your prayers.

“PRACTICAL MINISTRIES CLASS” In a few more weeks Art will be teaching the “Practical Ministries Class” on Sunday morning during the Bible class hour in the “fireside room” in our new addition area. This class will cover such topics as Weddings, Funerals, Church Camps, Christian Writing, and more. This class is part of the Central Iowa Missions preaching class program and is open to any of the men who are members of the congregation. Be listening and watching for more details.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY:  This Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm at the Caribou Café.

THE SHORES: Today we have services at The Shores again at 2:00 p.m. and we need several to sing and encourage Kelly as he preaches and Dan as he leads songs. We have been having good representation from Grandview for these services in Pleasant Hill. Thank-you for your continued support.

Bible Reading is FUNdamental (BRIF): We are keeping track of Bible chapters read by Grandview members each week. Here are the results so far:

Jan 9   538
Jan 16  732
Jan 23  693.5
Jan 30  537.5
Feb 7   658
Feb 14  562
Feb 21  529
Feb 28  638
Mar 7   490
Mar 14  433
Mar 20  493

Prayer Requests

Jacob Sparks will be getting his tonsils out on Monday.  Please pray for safe surgery and speedy recovery.

A friend of Jason Housby, Deb Bergsma, her grandmother Joan has cancer.

A friend of Phyllis Mort, Jane Ellis, has been diagnosed with cancer.

Michael Watson’s brother, Adam, has Mononucleosis.

Jenna Mort is not doing well in her therapy and the family has requested prayers for wisdom and guidance for the future.

Mitzi Wood’s son Blake, is 14 years old and has been diagnosed with cancer.
Jared Van Egdom’s father, found out from CAT scan results that he does not have cancer, however, he will have to have surgery to remove the tumor that was found.

Paul Powers is in room 458 at Mercy hospital. He continues to improve on a daily basis. He is doing well in physical therapy.
Glen Stevens has an appointment to have an echocardiogram later in March.

Prayer request from Diane George: Please include my former mother-in-law, Jessie George, on our prayer list.  She has suffered a stroke and is now experiencing TSI’s.  Thank you.

Kelly Potter’s roommate committed suicide. Please pray for her family as well Kelly during this time.

Cindy Melvin’s father, Jerry, had a spot removed from his skin and is awaiting the  test results. He is doing well but needs our prayers.

Dora Bailey’s mother, Carol Crocker saw the specialist and found out that she has a bulging disk instead of a herniated disc, which will not require surgery, but physical therapy instead.

Andrew Graves (Harriett’s grandson) is requesting prayers for himself and his 10-month-old daughter Kayleigha Graves. She’s been diagnosed with severe Acid Reflux, anemia and weight loss.

Jake Ferrell’s mom, Vicki Bennett, is still in Lutheran hospital, and she is doing better.

Lyndsay Gordon asks you to pray for her high school friend, Katie Ford, who had a stroke. She is only 31 years old.

Looking for a job: Tom Collier, Meredith South,  David and Frank Colton, Deborah Wallis,  Robert Housby.

Anne Ogle’s mother Arlene is in danger of losing her job.

Shane Siegle’s sister, Cherrie Hubbard’s cancer has spread to her bones.

Please pray for Deb Kuper and the children as well as Chad.

Pray for our nation and all it’s  challenges.

Expectant mothers: Dawn White, Dora Bailey, Anne Ogle, Melissa Ludwig, Danielle Duquette

Marnie Walker and the girls in Des Moines with the house for sale while Philip is in Alabama.

Missions:  Mike & Diane Richardson; Mexico Trip; Bob &  Marla Housby

Central Iowa Missions

March 14
Osceola – Joe Buxton
Blockton/Tent Chapel- Alan Augspurger
The Shores – Kelly Kaiser preaching
- Dan Bailey song leader
Ogden PM – Art

March 21
Ogden pm – Art

Calendar of Events

• Mar 14         Sarah Mongan shower—2-4 pm
• Mar 16         Ladies Class  – Caribou Coffee—7:00 pm
• Apr 11          Mazak Retirement Party after  evening worship
• Apr 23-25  Grandview Lectureship
• May 1           Hickman Ladies Day
• May 21-23 Davis City ‘Creation’ Seminar