The Kids' Perspective

So we've had questions of what the kids think about moving to Africa. We've tried to be very open with them in discussions and let them know about some of the loss of convenience in moving out of the US. In all, our kids are pretty adaptable. Lily has already lived in three different states and Gabby's personality is just happy all the time! I know there will be some big adjustments, but I also know that God has ordained them for this, just as much as us. Here are their own thoughts on it...and, yes, Gabby is determined we are getting a baby brother from Africa (at first she just thought that all baby brothers come from Africa, but after some discussion we've explained that mom and dad can have their own baby brother...she's not having any of that)!

We are Moving to Africa!

Swaziland, Africa is a small landlocked country in southern Africa, about the size of New Jersey. As small as it is, Swaziland has the highest infection rate of HIV in the world, at a staggering 43%. This pandemic has created not only the lowest life expectancy at 32 years, but also an estimated 95,000 orphans. Although these statistics seem daunting and hopeless, we can help. After our previous mission trips to Swazi, much prayer and guidance from the Lord, we have decided to move our family to this country for the next two years to work with Children's Cup International Relief, a nonprofit organization. But, we can not do this without you! We are asking that you partner with us through one-time donations, monthly support, and daily prayer. By partnering with us, you are helping to run CarePoints throughout the most needy communities in Swaziland. These points of care provide practical needs of the community through daily meals and monthly medical clinics, as well as, school for orphaned and HIV positive children. Outreaches, including weekly Bible Clubs, Day Camps, and Christmas Celebrations, share the eternal hope of Jesus Christ as His love is poured into the lives of the next generation. Please consider coming along side us as we answer God's call on our lives to serve as missionaries with Children's Cup, and bring hope and healing to the children of Swaziland. We are so excited about what lies ahead! We need to raise $30,000 for our start up costs and $4,700 in monthly pledged support for living expenses. Any support you send to Children's Cup, designated for us, will be credited to us in its entirety and is also tax deductible. We plan to be in Swaziland in January 2011. Here are some options to make this possible:

• Make a check payable to Children's Cup with our name in the memo. Mail to PO Box 400 Prarieville, La. 70769
• Give online at www.childrenscup.org. Select [Jarreau, Kevin and Jennifer] for your designation.
• Contact us to fill out form for monthly pledge and automatic payment through credit card or bank draft.

We would love to hear from you and would so appreciate your prayers. You can contact us at: kevin.jarreau@childrenscup.org or jennifer.jarreau@childrenscup.org. Also check out Facebook for updates. Many Blessings, Kevin, Jennifer, Lily, and Gabby

The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs To Such As These

Lily is 8 years old. She is kind, outgoing, beautiful, funny, creative, talented, and independent...everything I ever wanted in a daughter. I find it amazing how God redeems every aspect of our lives that we submit to Him. See, when I found out I was pregnant with Lily, I was 20 years old, not married, shocked, and scared. The pregnancy was emotionally, the hardest thing I've ever been through. I was terrified of the thought of having a child and there was a huge amount of guilt and shame that burdened me, until God set me free years later. So, while in the midst of the pregnancy, I was living in despair, God redeemed the situation and gave me the wonderful gift of Lily. God is moving Lily and I to a new place in our lives...homeschooling. As we move on, I am looking back over the past year thinking about what God has taught me through Lily and also what God has taught Lily...yes, I know God is training up Lily even at this young age. About a year ago we moved to Baton Rouge and put Lily in a public school here (quite scary to some parents). But at the same time, I knew it was what God wanted and that it would be "training ground" for her as well. Lily has been the minority at this school and while she has learned to open her heart all types of people, it has also brought trials of prejudice against her. I have so admired Lily this year though. I have learned from my eight year old the true meaning of forgiveness. While she has struggled with being called names and made aware of her difference of race, she has chosen to forgive immediately and harbor no bitterness. At the height of the events at school, Lily came home crying one afternoon because of the constant criticizing and belittling from one little girl. I went to talk to her teacher the next day and the girls were sent to discuss the problem with the guidance counselor. The girls left the meeting agreeing there would be no more bullying. So, Lily came home that day excited and wanted to go and buy the other little girl a present! We sent candy instead, but the fact that she could just drop the whole situation right then and there amazed me. It is no irony that this is a situation I struggle with often. Matthew 18:3 says, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Never underestimate the children in your life, God's plans to use them, and to teach you. God has also been using Lily to serve and giving her a heart of compassion for others that may have special needs. The school has a special education program and Lily comes home telling stories of how she helped a blind boy with his project in art class , defended another little boy with downs syndrome on the playground, or how another little girl who reads braille always chooses Lily as her partner because Lily helps her. Lily actually teared up this morning on the way to school saying, "I won't be able to help anyone anymore." I know we will have opportunities to serve, but what a heart of compassion! This is the heart of a servant, the heart of Christ. Now I don't say all this to make you think my child is perfect or that my parenting skills are wonderful. Believe me, we have our struggles and I mess up way too much. But I say this as a testimony to Christ. I give all the glory to Him and His faithfulness in our lives and the lives of our children. Exodus 20:6 talks about how God shows His love to the generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. How good and faithful is God! Not just to lead us but to lead our children as well. And even further, to teach us through our children. "Let the little children come unto me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14

Fall, Facepaint, and Fun!

This past weekend we, the BRDC HPKids Team, put on an awesome fall party for our kids. We had facepaint, crafts, games, basketball, football, and popcorn! We also had volunteers from the Highland Campus and from our main BRDC service come to help make this a fun fest for the kids. One thing in paticularly, stood out and touched my heart this weekend. Before we went outside for our party, we prayed over breakfast. We usually have a child volunteer to pray. So I picked out a little boy about six years old. This was his prayer: "Father God, please bless this food and bring my daddy back back home." Now, thinking back, I realize the motivation for a small, seemingly insignificant thing like this party came from the Lord. These kids need a fun break...something to bring joy into their lives. I know this little boy will go home and again be faced with the fact that his father is not present, but maybe the party that day was a little extra boost of joy and "the joy of the Lord is our strength." I remember the first time I went to a Fall Fest at HPC. I think I had only been to service one time before that, but something changed in my heart when I saw the love of the church displayed in such an event. I couldn't believe all of it was open to the public and free! I brought my girls and was truly awed. Believe it or not, that Fall Fest was the beginning, the open door, to what Christ started and has continued to do in my life. It's another testimony of why our church does block parties, and outreaches, and women's nights. And in the end God get's all the glory because He really is the motivator behind it all!

Jr. Volunteers

Here are the handsome faces of some of our boys. These boys do not have parents that bring them to church. They hop on a bus, and come Sunday after Sunday on their own accord. I will admit these boys have spent some time in our "time out room." But this past weekend they did great! I was so excited to just see them in the service the whole time...and participating. Not too long ago we started a "Jr. Volunteer Program" for some of our older kids, ages 10-11 yrs. We gave them a volunteer lanyard, laid out some guidelines, and gave them jobs serving through out the service. Brad (in red shirt) was our first jr. volunteer. At one point his job was to clean up and sweep the floors after our craft, which he did. But Brad surprised me. During the service I looked back and saw Brad with a mop and mop bucket...mopping the floor...going the second mile! I found the children are eager to serve...but more importantly eager to have a purpose and value in their lives. We try to instill in the children each Sunday that God has plans for each and every one of their lives..plans to prosper and not to harm them...plans for hope and a future. I fully believe these children are going to be the generation to bring change to their community. We, as the Baton Rouge Dream Center, are here to teach them the promises God has for their lives in order to send them out, to be the light of Christ, to their own community.

It's Been a While

So, its been a while since our last blog, and much has happened since then, but I am feeling compelled to share. Not just share about us, but about the people around us and ultimately about God's faithfulness in all of our lives. Kevin and I are now working with the children at the Baton Rouge Dream Center, ages 6-11. When I think about how this came about, I can only credit the hand of God in our lives. I remember at a volunteer meeting, about a year ago, one of the leaders saying to let her know if we wanted to work in a different area than where we were currently serving. I was greeting at the time, and although I was fine with it, I had a hunger to work with the children. So I let her know, and the first weekend I went back with the children, I went with the intentions of hangin' out, and lovin' on some kids... that's it. But, God had more planned for me...and Kevin. Does He not always exceed our expectations? Before I knew it, I was sitting in Mrs. Sherri's office (Lead Children's Pastor), being told she had been praying about this, and leading this children's ministry was something she believed was for Kevin and I to do! I still can't believe how blessed we are to have this opportunity of investing in the lives of this next generation. It is daunting, trying to make a difference in the lives of children who have probably faced more adversity in their few years hear on Earth than I have faced in my 29 years, not to mention the constant nag of not feeling adequate enough for the job. But then who is? And if we were adequate enough for the job, where does that leave God's place? This job is ALL about faith. I have to trust that God has placed us here according to his will. Not only is God leading, guiding, and teaching us, but seeds are being planted in these young lives, and His purposes ultimately reign. So, I want to share what God is doing in the lives of the children. I will try to post weekly, although I have not been great at this in the past. As you read and hear the stories of the children, please keep them in your prayers...they need to be surrounded with all of our prayers.

Easy to Say, Hard to Do, and Sometimes Even Painful

So this week has been quite a tough one for me. Between feeling out of place, longing to be in africa, and trying to find contentment in where God has us right now, I feel like i'm in an emotional whirlwind. I'm trying to figure out how to deal with this period of waiting. I know the Lord led me to 2 Thes. 3:5 "May the lord lead your hearts to a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ." I am always praying that the Lord teach me to love the way He does and now I see that God's love and patient endurance, or as I would say, patiently waiting, go hand in hand. How long did the Lord patiently wait on me to give my life to Him? How much patience does He have with me as I make mistake after mistake? How often does He forgive as I continue to sin? His patience never ceases to amaze me and I know He promises to wait on us forever, for He will never leave us or forsake us. And then when I was feeling little contempt for the waiting process I came across a scripture that read something a little like "does the clay pot argue with its maker?" This actually makes me laugh just because I love how the Lord can put us right in our place when needed. So, I know we have put our lives in His hands and God is in control, molding, making and preparing us for the future. As Pastor Neilson (from Sweden) said last weekend at church, speaking on the story where Jesus calms the sea, Jesus said they were going to the other side! It doesn't matter what comes along in the process, it won't stop you, YOU ARE GOING! But at the same time, we must take and learn what God is giving us now, not waiting to live. What can I do with what is in my hand right now? Jen

We're Home

So we're home from Africa and I don't know where to begin. The trip was sooo exciting and yet so overwhelming (speaking for both of us) as we get home and begin to process what we've experienced. Our team was so great and I miss them all every time I think about the trip. Can you believe 30 people and not one argument or drama? That's a God thing in itself. I know we made some life long friendships. And I can not say enough about the people of Swaziland. They are so open and hungry for love, real love, Christ's love. I experienced so many emotions on this trip, and afterward, with the constant question going through my head of whether or not we may move to Africa in the future. God showed me I really just had to take it one day at a time and focus on the moment that God was giving us and the people He was having us encounter at that very time. I had to make this trip about others and not about myself. Isn't it amazing we can somehow make everything about ourselves? As we get back into the routine of our life, there is one thing I can walk away from this with for sure-- I just want to be closer to my father in heaven. I want to love people the way He loves people and I want to give of myself the way He gave His son. I want Him to teach me and my prayer is that He lead and guide us in all we do.

Trip Blog

We are heading out today for Africa! This is just a quick post to let everyone know about our team blog. This is where the team will be posting almost everyday with updates and pics. Here's the link http://swazilandsummerteam2008.blogspot.com/ Please continue to prayer for us and the team. Can't wait to see what God is going to do.

Why Are We Going?

Need I Say More???

trip anxiety

We are less than 3 weeks before we leave for Africa.  I've been pretty excited about this for a long time now.  Last night we had a team meeting and I think the realization hit me about the challenge and the opportunity we have as a team.  I got alittle overwhelmed just thinking about being the hands and feet of Jesus.  I was thinking I hope I don't freeze up or hang back in the crowd when any opportunity presents its self.  A little fear hit and I then I  thought, wait I believe that Jesus is the King of Kings, what do I have to fear, I(we) can do all things through Christ who strengthen us.  Please continue to pray for our team because we have a great opportunity to make an impact.

Its About The Children

one hundred pushup challenge

Today i have taken the plunge to do the one hundred push up challenge. Who else wants to join in? I think this is going to help me in the commitment department, if you know what I mean

Thank you!!!

Thank you to all our supporters for your contributions and prayers. Friday was our deadline to turn in the last of our money and we were able to pay every last penny! We could not have done it without you and of course God had it all under control. In fact, as we were preparing to turn the money in, Kevin told me we needed $270 to reach our total. What Kevin didn't know is I had spoken to a dear friend and supporter, a couple days earlier, who was sending in a check for that exact amount! It's so awesome to know that God really is in control and taking care of the details of our lives.

Pictures (Because I Can)

Christy, Baker, The girls and the ferrets Lily and Gabby with the ferrets named Lily and Gabby (who turned out to be a boy) Lily's last game The two moms in my life Gabby and Noni at Mother's Day Tea Steel's suckers! Gabby and friend Steel Lily's birthday at the Cinderella Ballet

Jambalaya=Africa

We recently had a Jambalaya sale at Wal-mart to raise money for Africa! A friend of my Dad's, Mr. Greg Standfill, cooked the Jambalaya for us along with his son-in-law, and let me just say, this guy is a competition cooker. It was so good! Not only did he cook, but him and his wife also donated all the ingredients. What a blessing!

Graduation--So Worth It!

So we graduated a couple weeks ago from our first year of Elevate School of Ministry. It was an amazing year! God really stretched us, changed us and revealed so much to us. It was not easy at all but He never left us and gave us all we needed to get through it. And the kids made it too! They were right there beside us the whole way through- bringing blankets to the homeless, giving groceries to the needy, helping set up at church before anyone else gets there, meetings with worldwide missionaries and all! I thank God He gave us the grace to do it all. There is one thing that stands out over the year, though: At graduation, as Michelle listed all the different things done by interns this year, which included bringing a friend to church. I have a lifelong friend-I mean one I've known since we were literally babies. She moved away when we were around 10 but we always kept in touch and I used to visit her during summers. She is probably the funniest person I know ( one reason I love her so much) and always living life for the moment. Within the past few years we had kinda lost touch and I knew she was going through some rough times. Her mom let me know she was coming in town this past October. We got in touch, spent some great time together, and I invited her to church. I prayed and prayed that a seed would be planted. A couple months later I received a letter in the mail from her saying she wanted to put God first in her life and run to him with everything! God is amazing! I think, if this was the one thing that came out of this year of sacrifice (although God did so much more), it was so worth it!To know that such a wonderful friend, one that I could never imagine doing life without-I will never have to do life without. That's what it's all about. That one soul, saved for eternity!

Finished Book

I just finished a wonderful book by Melissa Fay Greene, There Is No Me Without You. I recommend this book to anyone who shares a passion for orphans or if you are interested in international adoption. It is also very informative about the AIDS pandemic we are facing in Africa. Makes me want to help even more. Thanks Carol.

Going to Africa!

check out our support letter....maybe you can help

                                             

Dear Family and Friends,

As many of you know Jennifer had the opportunity to travel 

with a Go Global Missions team to Swaziland, Africa last year. 

The trip made such an impact on her that we have decided to go 

back together in July. Not only will we be partnering with 

Children’s Cup International Relief, but we will also take part in 

launching a Healing Place Church campus.

Swaziland has over 11,000 children living with AIDS and thousands 

more affected by the disease, that has claimed both parents and loved 

ones. As a result, children are left hungry and with no means to pay 

for education or medical care. But, as Jennifer saw first hand, Children’s 

Cup is ministering to these children by providing the basic needs of 

food, medical clinics, and education.

We would be honored to have the opportunity to be part of these 

efforts again and serve the people of Swaziland. We believe in being 

the hands andfeet of Jesus, and we invite you to join with us in 

impacting this community for eternity, either by donation or prayer.

Thank You,

Kevin and Jennifer Jarreau

*Donations due by June 1^st

Please make checks out to

Kevin Jarreau or

Healing Place Church

Mail to: Kevin Jarreau

26072 Big Ben Dr

Denham Springs, La 70726

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress…”

James 1:27

We have finally made it!

we have finally done it.  we have succumbed to the pressure.  WE ARE NOW BLOGGERS....so more to come later