Keeping Connected

Women Ministries has a passion for helping hurting women.  Our cause this year is helping to raise awareness about abuse and to equip people to support those who have been abused.  We are excited to have an opportunity to support a women who is working with those who have been abused.  Irene Houdek is a member of Arvada Covenant Church and is now on staff with Alaska Christian College where she raises her own support.  Many of the women who attend Alaskan Christian College have been abused and by being on staff at the college, Irene is just one of the many people who can touch their lives. One way we can support Irene is by purchasing her note cards.  The cards feature captivating photos from the Alaskan Wilderness. 

 Check Out Irene's Pictures:

They would be a great holiday gift or for your own personal use. The cards are sold in packs of 10 cards for $20. Please let Wendy (place4stuff@yahoo.com) know if you are interested!

Race For Freedom

Last weekend 14 people from our church joined together for the Race for Freedom!  It was a gorgeous fall day at Aurora Reservoir:

 Nearly our entire group of racers:

This race raised over $4500 for the Pearl Alliance.  This organization is partnering with In His Steps International (a Christian organization) to build a safe house in Cambodia. 

Their website (http://pearlalliance.org/2010/07/the-safehouse-project/) describes the project:

There is a DESPERATE need for a safe house within the community of Saang, Cambodia. Sadly it’s NOT only the orphans in this area that are at risk…the very children of the community have no safe place to escape the parents who’d put them in harm’s way. Some are sold to pay off gambling debts. Others are sold to feed addictions. If there is a SAFE place within the village where children are loved, educated and nurtured, it declares that an individual child’s safety is a GOD GIVEN human right! The need was so urgent we’ve agreed to fully fund this project, but we need your help.

In partnership with In His Steps International, Pearl Alliance is constructing a 6 bedroom, 2 bathroom concrete safe house in the Saang province of Cambodia. Once completed, the house will shelter 12 boys and girls at risk of being trafficked. Children who live in the safe house will have access to education at the local government school, mentoring, and job skills training when appropriate. Most importantly, they will be raised in an environment where they are valued and loved.

The construction of the safe house began in May, and the house will be completed by the end of this month, July 31st. The total cost of constructing this safe haven for children is $50,000. So far, Pearl Alliance has received just over $20,000 of the $50,000, so just shy of $30,000 is needed to completely fund this project!!

The race for freedom was able to help fund 1/10 of this project!  It was a great day to be active for a good cause!  Be sure to check out the Pearl Alliance and In His Steps International websites!

http://pearlalliance.org/

http://www.ihsionline.org/blog/category/safehouse