April 2012 Newsletter
House Parent Happenings
By Jane Wilmes, MSW, LCSW, House Parent Mother
Hello from the Sonrise Children’s
Home! In this article my wish is to
share with you something that I
have learned this past nine months
at Sonrise………
As a therapist in rural Missouri I drove a lot and
listened to Christian radio while I drove. About two
years ago I listened to a preacher talking about the
word “awesome.” He said that we misuse the word
and that it should be used for truly awesome
happening, those that are miracles. I remember
thinking that I understood what he was saying on
one hand, but it seemed a bit “legalistic” on the
other, who really sees miracles these days. But off
and on over the past few year, when I heard the
word awesome I thought of that sermon and
contemplated whether it was used appropriately.
Over the last nine months, the proverbial light has
come on; I get what the preacher was talking about.
God blessed Leonard and I with a bit more than we
“needed” and we always felt “good” about giving.
Moving here was difficult only in that I could no
longer work and I guess I was a bit prideful about the
fact that we took care of business. But the Lord has
placed us in a position to be on the receiving end of
the giving and while at first this was difficult, what I
IN THIS ISSUE
Houseparent Happenings...PG 1
President’s Post/Needs……PG 2
Basketball Court Dream…..PG 3
Radio-A-Thon…………………..PG 3
Open House Invite…………..PG 4
have experienced has brought in full view the
awesome way God works!
It all really began with the holidays, the kindness
from Thanksgiving to Christmas and the wonderful
way God lead you all to make sure the kids were
taken care of at that difficult time to be away from
family. I had expected it to slow to almost a halt
after New Year’s but God had other plans. He
continues to move individuals, groups and churches
to collect items needed to run a home and bringing
them here at what seems to be when they are
needed most; He moved a pastor to collect
donations enough to replace not one, but both aging
refrigerators; He’s moved those he has blessed with
needed talents to ask if they can help just when we
seem to need the help or support; He’s moving
people to give and bills are being paid and this past
month we hired not one, but three wonderful
people to fill part time positions this summer AND
just in time to train them over the week long spring
break!
Awesome things are happening with the kids as
well! Four have claimed Christ as their Savior and
three are discussing baptism with their parents;
behaviors while still difficult at times, are calming
quicker and discussions with regards to problems are
more productive; grades and behaviors at school are
much, much better and my homebound youngster is
up to three hours a day at school with little issue.
But most awesome, every once in a while I get to
experience one of them “giving” of themselves. You
see, most kids in care are self-focused, and why
would they not be. Having to protect and fend for
themselves as they grew up. So when one of them is
President’s Post
selfless there is no doubt in my mind that God is
working!
I have always believed God provides, but I guess I
always “hedged my bet” so to speak by working very
hard. I have gained a whole new understanding of
Gods amazing plan. It really is about allowing Him to
work through us, using our gifts of time, talent and
treasure to build the kingdom. He really doesn’t
need my back-up plan! He really has it all handled!
NOW THAT IS AWESOME! I thank God that He has
allowed me this experience, but more so, I thank
Him for bringing us all together to provide for these
kids! We truly serve and AWESOME GOD!
Jane
By Terry Busker
Sonrise Needs………
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS WE ALWAYS NEED
Liquid Laundry Detergent
Liquid Dishwasher Detergent
Ziploc bags (gallon or sandwich)
Copy paper
60 watt Energy-Efficient Reflective Fluorescent light bulbs
First Aid Supplies-gauze, tape, etc.
Cleaning Supplies (Lysol® Wipes, Pledge® Wipes, etc.)
13 gallon trash bags
Just call to arrange pick up or drop off……660-748-3660
Many Heartfelt Thanks
for the wonderful
blessings of donations
we have received in
the last several
months!!!!!!
We are also currently in need of an extra freezer for frozen foods.
Upright or Deep-Freeze style, but 20 cubic or bigger…………..
BASKETBALL COURT…..DREAM….
OR POSSIBLE REALITY?
Through discussion at our monthly board meetings, a real need the
houseparents have expressed is for outside activities the children can
have fun with, let off some energy, and for play and exercise together.
It has been on our hearts for some time that it would be wonderful to
have a concrete basketball court with hoops on the grounds of Sonrise.
Currently, there is a hoop set up in the dirt that is used frequently, but
that leaves much to be desired. Muddy conditions can make it a real
mess! It is a prayer request we have, but also feel that maybe there is
an individual, organization, or combination of both who would be willing to
assist with a basketball court project. It would be very beneficial to
have this installed in time to enjoy for the upcoming 2012 summer.
If you or an organization have capabilities of helping us design
a plan, or have the ability to mobilize the manpower or
supplies to install a basketball court, or would be interested in
donating towards this project please contact
Terri Busker, Board President at (660) 748-6253.
SONRISE SPRING-TIME RADIO-A-THON!!!!
TUNE IN TO 92.3 KTTN!!!
Friday, April 27th 2012
8:30am to 12:00pm
Sonrise Children’s Home
PO Box 181
Princeton, MO 64673
House Parent Cell 660-868-1191
Home 660-748-3660
www.sonrisechildrenshome.org
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED!!!!!
Sonrise Children’s Home
Open House!!!
Sunday, June 3rd
2:00PM-4:00PM
Please come tour the facility, learn more
about the ministry, and share in
refreshments and fellowship!!!!