January 2014January 2014January 2014January 2014

Sheltering WingsSheltering WingsSheltering WingsSheltering Wings

Inside this issue:Inside this issue:Inside this issue:Inside this issue:

The Joys of Giving The Joys of Giving The Joys of Giving The Joys of Giving

and Receivingand Receivingand Receivingand Receiving 2222

Matheny’s Arrive! Matheny’s Arrive! Matheny’s Arrive! Matheny’s Arrive! 3333

Upcoming Upcoming Upcoming Upcoming

fundraiser fundraiser fundraiser fundraiser 4444

Looking For Ways to GrowLooking For Ways to GrowLooking For Ways to GrowLooking For Ways to Grow Current Sponsorship ProgramCurrent Sponsorship ProgramCurrent Sponsorship ProgramCurrent Sponsorship Program

Our sponsorship program was originally developed to spread the love of

Jesus and fulfill a need to care for orphans in Yako, Burkina Faso. Over

the years, the program has not only allowed us to help and offer hope to

the children of Yako, but has also provided a way to build ongoing

relationships with the extended families of these orphans. Daily we have

the joy of seeing these children grow and prosper physically, emotionally,

and spiritually! Opportunities for outreach and evangelism have

surpassed our wildest expectations! The Yako project has grown to

include the children in our schools and surrounding schools, impacting

many children as well as the whole community!! We love seeing God do

abundantly more than we can ask or imagine! This past year alone, we

had over 430 children in our program. We give thanks to God for the

successes of the program and the model this program now offers Ruth and Linda as they

step out in faith and move to Kimini where they will help a second group of unreached children. Both Ruth and

Linda plan to utilize the current program as a model for an expanded program in Kimini. At the same time, they

recognize that a different village with a new language and new culture brings both new opportunities and new

challenges. Please keep them in your prayers as they develop and implement this program in Kimini!

Mike and Amy remain in Yako where they continue to see sponsorship not as a program, but as an opportunity

for extended family. Both Yako and Kimini have many beautiful children who could use a helping hand. After

just one short month in Kimini, Ruth and Linda believe they have identified at least one hundred children who

could use a sponsor. As our teams in the field identify, interview, and prepare a list of children who need

sponsorship, the New Year challenges us as an organization to grow our sponsors! We are confident that the

body of Christ will rise to the challenge. We wait eagerly & expectantly to see how the Lord will provide in 2014!

We’ve been here in Kimini just over a month now. We hit the ground simply, walking in faith. We’ve begun building a home, as well as many wonderful new relationships. As for our home, the cement, iron, and roofing for our house was delivered to Kimini in early December. Next, local laborers will start making concrete blocks for our house.

As we build new relationships, we wait expectantly to hear what God will have us build next. Right now, the greatest needs among these Jula speaking people are medical needs. We have met several times with a social worker from Niangoloko, our nearest little town. As we begin to build our relationship with the social workers here, he has begun introducing us to some of the greatest needs in the region. From what we have seen there is a very high ratio of children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Some of these children have also developed AIDS but most of them are well and living marginally within the extended family structure. Additionally, we have noticed a disproportionately large number of children with polio-like symptoms. Their symptoms include shriveled legs and feet, or enlarged kneecaps. Many of them struggle to walk; others are unable to walk at all. Some of these children would also benefit greatly from some form of sponsorship. We could potentially find help with medical necessities such as finances for braces and physical therapy. A medical project started by the government in 1985 appears to have been abandoned some time ago. The mud and brick building used for the project, however, still remains, but has not been maintained. The roof is caving in and the walls are crumbling. It seems that there is nothing salvageable in the building. Yet, it’s mere existence has planted a seed in our hearts and now leads us to pray about whether it can be reconstructed, or how we might proceed, with a new medical facility.

Another fun relational opportunity came with gifts from home provided by friends and family, including one of our adoptive families. With these gifts, were able to hold a gift distribution for the 28 children from Kimini who passed the government’s standardized exam last year (the CEP) and are now enrolled in the 7th grade. To encourage these students to continue their education, we gave each one a notebook and pen. All the children received either a t-shirt, ball cap, or shoes depending on the need. Many thanks to family and friends who sent us here with trunks full of gifts for the children. - Ruth Cox

Kimini Mission FieldKimini Mission FieldKimini Mission FieldKimini Mission Field Walking the Ground in FaithWalking the Ground in FaithWalking the Ground in FaithWalking the Ground in Faith

Opportunities for sponsorship are abundant. Please join us in praying for the Lord’s wisdom and provision for this program in Kimini.

The current sponsorship for Yako includes food clothing educational expenses and grain distributions.

Plans for extension into the village

of Kimini are in progress.

Students From Kimini Students From Kimini Students From Kimini Students From Kimini

Laurence Laurence Laurence Laurence wants to be wants to be wants to be wants to be

a nurse!a nurse!a nurse!a nurse!

Jonas Jonas Jonas Jonas sponsored sponsored sponsored sponsored

childchildchildchild

Writing to his Writing to his Writing to his Writing to his sponsorsponsorsponsorsponsor

Your lovingkindness, O Your lovingkindness, O Your lovingkindness, O Your lovingkindness, O LLLLORDORDORDORD, extends to the , extends to the , extends to the , extends to the

heavens, Your heavens, Your heavens, Your heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to faithfulness reaches to faithfulness reaches to faithfulness reaches to

the skies.the skies.the skies.the skies. Psalm 36:5Psalm 36:5Psalm 36:5Psalm 36:5

Your sponsorship, among other things, allows us to provide grain distributions twice a year. During each

distribution, we deliver a 220 pound sack of dried corn and a few bars of soap to the families of children in our

sponsorship program. One of our goals is to schedule the distribution when the need for food is at its greatest.

This generally occurs in June and December. In June, families are just starting to plant and their supplies from

the previous year are typically almost, if not completely, depleted. Additionally, if the rains have not yet begun,

these families will start to panic about whether or not their crops will yield enough food to last through the year. In

December, families often plan special meals for either Christmas or New Year’s Day. In either case, we gather

them together and deliver these gifts at four different churches in the community. The local church pastors then

have the opportunity to share about God's provision and unending love for His people. This past December

distribution we gave about 70 sacks of corn. A group of military personnel along with other missionaries and

volunteers came and helped us lift the heavy sacks into donkey carts. Through their acts of service, these people

model God’s love to the children, the families and the community. The children and families are always delighted.

Likewise, the volunteers are blessed to see the smiles on their faces. As for our sponsors, we pray these reports

and pictures, provide you with God’s blessing and many, many smiles as well!

We are also grateful for the opportunities to have gift distributions. These gift distributions also occur throughout

the year. Our largest distribution, however, is during the Christmas holiday. Thoughtful sponsors send monies

above and beyond their monthly commitment to buy special gifts for the children. We sometimes deliver these

gifts to their homes and other times we invite the children in large groups to the orphanage to give them their gifts.

This Christmas we had many wonderful presents to deliver! These items varied from much needed bicycles, to sacks of rice, material for making

clothing, chickens, sheep, cows and more! Again, we thank the sponsors who participated in planting many seeds of faith and love as well as many

smiles!

In one case, an older boy living at the orphanage

received an abundance of special gifts this year.

The money for Yannick’s gifts came from a youth

group, made up of children his age! Having been

abandoned by his family, this young man was

thrilled to hear that other young men his age, from

another country, care enough about him to make

his Christmas extra special!

YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE! Thank you

again, all of you, for all you do! - Amy Riddering

Sponsorship Program in ActionSponsorship Program in ActionSponsorship Program in ActionSponsorship Program in Action The Joy of Giving and ReceivingThe Joy of Giving and ReceivingThe Joy of Giving and ReceivingThe Joy of Giving and Receiving

A Christmas CelebrationA Christmas CelebrationA Christmas CelebrationA Christmas Celebration Family StyleFamily StyleFamily StyleFamily Style

During this holiday season, with extra blessings received from many of our sponsors, we were able to provide a wonderful Christmas celebration for the children. The extra funds allowed us to provide gifts and new matching outfits as well! Every child from babies on up had a new outfit custom tailored for them. The local tailors prosper as well! Overall, the celebration was certainly a memorable one! We had a wonderful time! Unlike any year before, we were incredibly blessed to celebrate the birth of Christ and His unending love in our new family center! For dinner the children had salad, chicken, beef, rice and lentils as well as cupcakes, cookies and bottles of Sprite, Coke and Fanta!

Aside from our celebration, our older children at the orphanage go to visit extended family during the holiday break from school. It is important that these children maintain a relationship with their families. For an older child at the orphanage like Yannick, these visits can be challenging. Please pray for Yannick in particular who has had a difficult time because he was abandoned by his mother and was living with his grandfather with no supervision before he came to the orphanage. Bringing home substantial gifts such as rice, chickens and soap are substantial gifts and, provide opportunities for relationship building and healing. Most importantly, the opportunity allows these children to share the love of Christ that has been modeled for them at the orphanage on a daily basis. - Amy Riddering

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma Ephesians 5:1Ephesians 5:1Ephesians 5:1Ephesians 5:1----2 (NASB)2 (NASB)2 (NASB)2 (NASB)

Yannick blessed by his peersYannick blessed by his peersYannick blessed by his peersYannick blessed by his peers

Nowendi Nowendi Nowendi Nowendi ————sponsored girlsponsored girlsponsored girlsponsored girl

Volunteers blessed as wellVolunteers blessed as wellVolunteers blessed as wellVolunteers blessed as well

Having Fun!Having Fun!Having Fun!Having Fun!

Family PortraitFamily PortraitFamily PortraitFamily Portrait

Page 2Page 2Page 2Page 2

The Matheny’s, a family of five from Western Kentucky, USA , at the Lord’s leading, began there preparation for mission work in Burkina a couple of years ago. Previously they had visited this country when adopting Daniel, a young blind boy who was born in Burkina and at that time, living in an orphanage. With much prayer and support they look forward to the journey God has them on. Sara writes: Rejoice with us! Our first objective in Africa is to learn to communicate in French. Formally, this will begin in February, but we wanted to get started with little phrases upon arrival, and as always, the Lord has provided a way! Since we are starting from scratch, we needed a language helper who knew English, but the chances of finding such a person appeared slim.

Anyone in Burkina who speaks English is well-educated, and therefore, already employed. Soon after arrival, we learned the daytime guard at the house we are staying at is an English major! Florintin is sitting at our gate all day long, able and willing to help us learn! This is no small thing! Starting on day two, Philip spent time each day sitting out there with him learning little phrases. He gets a great reaction when he says, "I am new to Burkina. I want to learn French. That is all I can say now." We will go to the orphanage at Yako for Christmas, then to Dano to meet with the missionary team there, and then on to Kimini to see what life in the remote village looks like.I don't know how often we'll be able to connect to the internet, but as we are able, we will update our blog: www.frontrowburkina.blogspot.com. Thanks for your support and prayers! - Sara Matheny

““““The Matheny FamilyThe Matheny FamilyThe Matheny FamilyThe Matheny Family”””” Safe Arrival in Burkina FasoSafe Arrival in Burkina FasoSafe Arrival in Burkina FasoSafe Arrival in Burkina Faso

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27John 10:27John 10:27John 10:27

When we arrived at the Sheltering Wings orphanage for Christmas, Titus joined a game of soccer in the courtyard before we even finished unloading the truck. After a couple of hours of soccer fun, I saw him sitting with two other boys. He was writing in the dirt, teaching them English. As the child who most adamantly didn’t want to move to Africa, he sure is giving it his all! If he keeps this up, he’ll be the first one of us fluent in French. Daniel, as always, is quite the attraction. This has been so powerful to watch unfold, even though this is not the orphanage where he lived. Think of how striking the difference is between his old life and how it is now, sitting at the dinner table in the staff house with nine other missionaries eating spaghetti, garlic bread, and lemonade. What really struck me the first day of our visit was wondering what the other little children who live in the orphanage might have been thinking as they watched us bring Daniel into the staff house. “What?! He looks like one of us,” they might have said. Maybe they noticed if living in the staff house was awarded based on skill, he’d probably be one of the last children to gain entry. But it’s not skill, or accomplishment, or appearance. He walked right in, no questions asked, simply because several years ago his father said, “This one is mine.” and everyone knows it. That’s how it is with our Father’s kingdom! No accomplishment or skill based entry, no reference list or explanation needed at the door. The Father says, “This one is mine” and we can walk right into the feast. The next day, I started thinking about how Daniel doesn’t look like Philip, so is it not a requirement to look like our Father to legitimately be one of his children? And you know what? Daniel was fully Philip’s son, even in the beginning when Daniel wanted nothing to do with him. He became a son when he didn’t eat the same food, share the same culture, or speak the same language as his father. What has happened in the two years since then is the natural by-product of being a son, and being with his father. Now, he not only speaks English, and, he does it with a Western Kentucky accent. Daniel laughs at Philip’s jokes. What stands out most of all here, he understands when his father speaks that bizarre language called English. When all the other African kids just stare, Daniel responds. How would the church be different if we lived sure of our place at the table as sons and daughters? What if we learned to hear and respond to our Father’s language - even if no one around understood it with us? Think about how great it is to have brothers and sisters around who understand your language when everyone else gives you blank stares! That’s the life of Emily, Titus, and Daniel right now. It’s also why we are so thankful for you, our brothers and sisters who encourage us! - Sara Matheny

From the Matheny BlogFrom the Matheny BlogFrom the Matheny BlogFrom the Matheny Blog Christmas Visit to the Les Ailes de RefugeChristmas Visit to the Les Ailes de RefugeChristmas Visit to the Les Ailes de RefugeChristmas Visit to the Les Ailes de Refuge

Thus says the Thus says the Thus says the Thus says the LLLLORDORDORDORD, Preserve justice and do righteousness,, Preserve justice and do righteousness,, Preserve justice and do righteousness,, Preserve justice and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come And My righteousness to be revealed. For My salvation is about to come And My righteousness to be revealed. For My salvation is about to come And My righteousness to be revealed. For My salvation is about to come And My righteousness to be revealed. Isaiah 56:1Isaiah 56:1Isaiah 56:1Isaiah 56:1

Soccer gameSoccer gameSoccer gameSoccer game

On Their Way!On Their Way!On Their Way!On Their Way!

Lord, we give You thanks for safe travel for this family. We give You thanks for their obedience to Your

call. Lord, unite this family as a mighty force, spreading Your love and Your word throughout Burki-na. Give them continued wisdom and understanding as they seek

to understand the language of the people and offer their servant

hearts for You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

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Need an idea for a gift?

Sheltering Wings has printed a 2014 calendar with some of our favorite pictures showing the work we do with the

children, babies, workers, and missionaries. To place your order

Contact Brenda at either: info@sheltering-wings.org

or call (314) 635-6316

Suggested donation ~ $10 each

Demonstrating the love of JesusDemonstrating the love of JesusDemonstrating the love of JesusDemonstrating the love of Jesus

to a hurting worldto a hurting worldto a hurting worldto a hurting world

Sheltering Wings

P O Box 29565

St. Louis, MO 63126

ShelteringShelteringShelteringSheltering----Wings.orgWings.orgWings.orgWings.org

Child Sponsorship Changes Lives!

For just $35 a month…

Contact

Info@Sheltering-Wings.org

Sheltering WingsSheltering WingsSheltering WingsSheltering Wings

Pure and undefiled religion in the Pure and undefiled religion in the Pure and undefiled religion in the Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of sight of sight of sight of ourourourour God and Father is this: to God and Father is this: to God and Father is this: to God and Father is this: to

visit orphans and widows in their visit orphans and widows in their visit orphans and widows in their visit orphans and widows in their distress, distress, distress, distress, andandandand to keep oneself to keep oneself to keep oneself to keep oneself

unstainedunstainedunstainedunstained by the world. by the world. by the world. by the world. James 1:27James 1:27James 1:27James 1:27

5th Annual

Trivia Night for African OrphansTrivia Night for African OrphansTrivia Night for African OrphansTrivia Night for African Orphans

Saturday, March 15th, 2014

Doors open @ 6pm

Trivia starts @ 7pm

Test your knowledge and help Orphans in West Africa by attending

a fun-filled general trivia night to benefit Sheltering Wings.

Proceeds of the event

provide food, clothing, and education to orphans

Location:

St. John Vianney High School

Activity Center

(enter at front door of HS)

1311 South Kirkwood Road

Kirkwood, MO 63122

$20 per person

$160 for a table of 8

Reservations are essential

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place

Soda ~ Water ~ Pretzels

included with Registration

Feel free to bring your own snacks too!

50/50 raffle ~ Silent Auction

Mulligans ~ Attendance Prizes

To Register and pay on line go to:

www.Sheltering-Wings.org

For more information contact

Brenda at (314) 635-6316 or info@sheltering.org

Phone: 314-635-6316

Email: info@sheltering-wings.org

Ruth’s Blog: http://burkinaorphanage.blogspot.com

Mike & Amy’s Blog: http://reachburkina.blogspot.com

Linda’s Blog: http://burkinababies17.blogspot.com

Philip & Sara’s Blog: http://frontrowburkina.blogspot.com