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September, 2000

Ministries in the making Topics
Editor's Note:
Below you will read of two fledgling ministries. Handmaidens is happy to publish information on startup ministries and to encourage readers to follow God's call where and when He may lead, however I cannot endorse nor suggest your response to any ministry... that is the Lord's job!

I do offer a word of caution when donating money or goods to any ministry or cause... Pray!!! Also, unless you know them, verify that the recipient is a genuine ministry doing what they say they are doing; ask for references and additional info, etc. Be wise as serpents, gentle as doves. If you have a new ministry you want to share, send me the info and it may be published in Handmaidens.

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Shelter for Abused Children & Animals
By Jaki Manering

Editor's Note: Please read all the various exchanges between Jaki and myself. While this may be an ideal calling for some, it would involve a tremendous amount of commitment in time and money plus a change in life style... all of which must be carefully and prayerfully considered.

Questions you may want to ask Jaki if you're thinking of becoming involved might include: How is real estate to be titled? Will the ministry be incorporated? Is the vision for a group home or a simple foster care facility? Is there anyone involved who knows anything about farming? Will responsibilities and objectives be set forth in a written contract? What happens if you later want out? Has a competent attorney been retained?

Questions you may want to ask yourself: Am I comfortable with living among a group of people? Do I remain calm in stressful situations and emergencies? Can I be patient, loving and firm with children and animals? Am I ready to make a long term commitment? Am I running away from anything, or am I interested because I truly want to help? Have I prayed about this and received leading from the Lord?

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Good morning. This may not be the type of article you are looking for but I am hoping that my request could be formatted in such a way that I can reach the Christian ladies who read your publication. I am trying to locate 2 or 3 Christian women, preferably in the 50's age group to join me as partners in starting a farm for abused children and abused animals. Women who want to enrich their lives, make a difference and know that with God on our side we can do anything! I know they are out there, I just don't know how to reach them. I am hoping that your publication can assist. Please advise if you feel this might be possible. This is just a very brief outline of what I hope to do and of course any additional information you need I would be happy to supply. Thank you and God Bless.

Sincerely,
Jaki Manering
Jakman2@aol.com
Phone: (303) 914-9788
Mail: 3441 S. Ammons 10-8, Lakewood, Co. 80227

________________________________________

Please forward details, money info (pay or investment ?) etc. and we'll consider publishing it in Handmaidens.
Blessings upon you!

Iona Hoeppner

________________________________________

Dear Ms. Hoeppner: First of all thank you for taking the time to consider my request. The way I envision this project is that the 3 or 4 of us would make equal contributions to the down payment, title and maintenance of a farm that we would all agree upon purchasing. If money is a problem for someone who wants to be a part of this but she has other gifts to being to the group such as nursing or teaching skills these talents are very valuable and would be strongly considered in lieu of money.

I am researching grants and foundations that make contributions towards this type of project for additional assistance. We may all need to find part time jobs to make ends meet and if we alternate there will always be someone available for the children and animals. I have several other ideas how we can generate income, i.e adopt a pet programs, provide human interest stories about animals to to the local radio or T.V. stations, pumpkin or apple picking days, etc. As a free service, I thought maybe 1 day a week we could bring 3 or 4 lonely, elderly people for visits.

Another thought is perhaps abused women could find shelter here. The primary goal is to have the children and the animals help each other to heal, although there are so many ways our farm could help a hurting world.

One of our first projects is to build a prayer chapel next to the house for everyone to use. God willing this will be a corner of the world where whoever comes will feel safe and hopefully experience a closer connection to God.

Making this work will not be easy, and were not going to get financially rich but I know it will be spiritually rewarding. God willing if we can find each other we can do it! Again, thank you for your consideration and if you need any further information, please feel free to contact me. Jakman2@aol.com With gratitude and wishing you Gods blessings, Jaki Manering

________________________________________

Hi, Jaki;

That's quite a plan! I have some experience in this sort of thing so have some questions and concerns which you haven't yet mentioned. Placement would be going through county Social Services and the court system, and unless you foresee a simple foster care situation, very demanding criteria must be met.

Normally a facility such as you envision would need to be licensed plus, as a matter of law and effective service to the children, a qualified staff would need to be in place or contracted with.

You would need a psychologist or MSW on site or on call, a qualified program administrator (that may be you), house parents trained in dealing with abused or troubled children, etc. I did not notice that you had listed any desired qualifications for potential participants.

Managing a working farm is demanding and time consuming, even if several people are involved, and the children will require vast amounts of time. Usually such "homes" provide daily group counseling sessions and frequent one-on-one therapy. For the farm to have even a glimmer of a chance of sustaining itself, someone with successful farm experience would be almost a necessity.

Before publishing the request in Handmaidens, I would like to know a bit more of the details about just how this will work. What your expectations are and whether you have been in contact with your state and local government in regards to acceptance of and placement in your proposed program.

Please don't feel I am being difficult, but these are real issues that must be addressed before you or potential partners embark on a road that may lead nowhere.

I welcome your questions and responses and look forward to hearing from you again.
Blessings upon you!

Iona Hoeppner

________________________________________

Dear Iona: Thank you again for taking the time to inquire and advise on my project. I have found there are many people who will only tell you the negative and not contribute anything positive. Your response was informative and I appreciate that.

In my research I have discovered that each state has its own requirements for foster care. Right now it looks like I will be buying a farm in Missouri. With the Foster care I anticipate they do not require any special on site councilors etc. They are more concerned that the home meet safety requirements and the caregivers pass background inspections. There are no guarantees that we will be accepted until all of this is done by the children services representative.

Through it all I keep remembering 2 things; (1) God is in control (2) With God anything is possible (but he never said it would be easy). Should you decide to put my article in the "Hand Maidens" and should someone contact me, I will be as honest and up front with them as possible. I hope then they will pray on it and then make a decision if this is for them. Regardless of your decision, I want to thank you for caring. God Bless You.
Sincerely, Jaki Manering

Families In Need
By Patsy A. Phillips

Editor's Note: Although anyone charged with a crime who cannot afford an attorney is provided one at state expense, they do not always receive quality legal service from their pro bono lawyers. While I agree with the need, I would advise caution prior to sending funds. Mounting an effective defense on a single case can run into five figures! This ministry will need a LOT of money if it is to function at all.

Questions you may want to ask prior to sending donations might include: How are beneficiaries selected? Since the ministry has no major funding, how do they intend to guarantee funds to complete the defense of any given case? How are the attorneys selected? have successful attorneys been contacted about providing pro bono services for so many cases a year? What are the qualifications and duties of the ministry's founders? What grants have been applied for and what is the status of those applications?

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To whom it may concern,
My name is Patsy, and I and myself and a very good friend are starting an organization to help low income people who are in need of financial help with legal fees for their loved ones who are arrested.

These families are desperate for attorneys, and bonding of those who have been put in jail. I have seen first hand the grief of mothers, wives, and entire families when this tragedy hits them. They have nowhere to turn.

We want to be the place they can seek help for their families. We want to start a fund for those who have no income at all. This fund is not to be re-paid by the family, but a donation to them.

My friend and I have only $5,000 of our own to start with, but this will get our office open. That means that donations will be needed to get the money source started. If your organization could donate as much as you could afford we would be very appreciative. All of God's Children need help, and this is a way to help those who are in trouble and need understanding from us all. I believe that God has put us all here for a special purpose, and mine is to help these people. I have walked in their shoes. Our organization is called "In Need" If you send us a donation please make your check or money order out to In Need and send to:

Patsy Phillips
314 South Clark Apt.B
Moberly Mo. 65270.

We have just gotten our office and now we are trying to get some computers donated to us. The United Way is our next stop to see if maybe they can help us with a copy machine. This is a great endeavor that we are undertaking, but I feel that I am being led to do this. I thank you for taking the time to read this, and hope you can help us as little or as much as you can.
Sincerely,
Patsy A. Phillips
phillpandb@socket.net
Phone# 660-269-9937


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