Volume 14 Issue 2 P O Box 228 Alma, MO 64001 660.674.2222 www.houseoffriends.

org
By Alexandria Bennett
Following the horrific January 2010 earthquake, many Haitian survivors crossed the border of the shared
island of Hispaniola. Desperate to escape the hell-like conditions of their own home, these refugees entered the
neighboring nation of the Dominican Republic.
For the past four years, many Haitian immigrants have worked to build new lives in the Spanish-speaking
D.R., including children orphaned by the natural disaster. More than fifty children landed in the central Do-
minican city of La Vega. These orphans had no paperwork, belongings, or supervision, nor did they speak
Spanish. They ran the streets of the city, and the mayor of La Vega swiftly labeled them a nuisance, reaching
out to non-profit organizations for help.
Enter Pastors Hector and Diana, a married Haitian couple who have been living in
the D.R. for the past 16 years. Hector and Diana have experienced their share of immi-
gration difficulties, as Haitians in the D.R. are oftentimes seen as illegals. Without pa-
perwork, they are subject to arbitrary deportation. Recent rulings in the Dominican
courts have tightened citizenship guidelines, further restricting Haitians from employ-
ment, education, and healthcare opportunities.
Seeking to build a refuge for his countrymen in the D.R., Hector has established a
Creole-speaking church and school on the edge of La Vega. House of Friends partnered
with Hector in 2010 to run a feeding program supporting families with adopted Haitian
children. Each month the pastors purchase food supplies for these families, which is a
great help as they raise the orphans in their own homes.
House of Friends missionaries John Gross, Paul Asjes, and Alex Bennett met the adoptive families this May.
Visiting the rural community, the families homes are makeshift structures, piecemealed creations of tarp, tin,
and wood. The only way to describe it is extreme poverty, Paul says. Most of the families make a living
through small agricultural pursuits, like selling eggs or local produce grown in their yards.
Pastors Hector
and Diana
The families greeted us with bonjour, shaking our hands and smiling with affection. One by one the Hai-
tian children tumbled out to see us. They were smiling and receptive of new faces.
Many of the families include several biological children as well as one Haitian or-
phan. The adoptive mothers seem comfortable in their roles as the Haitian kids
wrap themselves around the womens limbs. As the kids warm up to us, they soon
take us to see the kittens and dogs that live nearby.
Twelve Haitian orphans have been absorbed into this immigrant community
following the earthquake. They attend Hector and Dianas church as well as the
school. These services allow them to live in a stable environment and to receive an
education despite their undocumented status.
From this community, Diana guides us to a family living further off the high-
way. We pull into the gravel driveway; white and color t-shirts hang loosely from
the clothesline. Conversing in Creole, Diana introduces us to the mother, father,
and five children who live here. She explains that the father was injured in an acci-
dent and has been unable to work. They are caretakers of the compound, which
provides them with a roof over their heads, but have no
other source of income. This family benefits from the
monthly feeding program. We werent sure how we
would have food. I was praying, asking the Lord for a
miracle, the father explains. He raises his arms to the sky
in an act of gratitude.
In addition to the feeding program, House of Friends
has partnered with Dominican Pastors Jesus and Mary. John and Dianna Gross
visited this couple in 2010, along with missionaries Joyce Johnson, Ronnie
Machado, and Pam Plattner. At the time, Jesus and Mary lived in what Gross de-
scribes as a shack one that leaked gallons during rainstorms. This was a prob-
lem for the family, whose home served as the neighborhoods vibrant center.
Understanding the need, House of Friends quickly raised funds for a new home for
the family. We were invited to an evening gathering in the new structure. It is still
small, approximately 10 by 20 feet. Dozens of neighbors and church members
passed through the front door to greet us. We sipped Coca-Cola, and Mary passed
around plates of cookies. A card game began, and Paul jumped in to play Tres y
Dos, a Dominican game his students taught him in the South Bronx. The night was marked with laughter as
children joined in the cards. Before it was over, a rainstorm
rolled through the city. The family members and visitors contin-
ued to smile; there wasnt a single leak in the new home.
The need is still great for our contact families in La Vega.
Following the earthquakes devastation, further support is
needed for those who have adopted Haitian children. The feed-
ing program eases their economic burden, allowing parents to
devote more time to raising the kids. The funding for this pro-
ject has a cut-off date, and more sponsors are needed to con-
tinue the good work. We are praying for increased support and
believe that those who refresh others will themselves be re-
freshed (Prov. 11:25).
Playing cards with drop-in neighbors of Jesus and Mary
Walking to the Haitian homes
where the orphans live in
Dominican Republic
O
ne
o
f the
o
rpha
n
b
o
ys.
Some of the
Haitian
children
Thanks to one major
donor, and others who gave
sacrificially as well, the
Abba House kitchen has
been blessed by a long-
awaited new top-of-the-line
Uganda cook stove and
stainless steel pots. There is
no more choking smoke, less firewood being used, and heavy-
duty pots to withstand hotter heat. We were also able to build
an oven for baking of breads, cakes etc. Thank you donors!
The oven has ventilation pipes for each burner and the oven.
The stove is made for the pots to sink in and be closer to the fire.
Steam from
pot cooking.
Place for
firewood
Oven


John Gross and Chad Spencer made a quick trip (July 26 to August 3) to Entebbe,
Uganda. Much was on the agenda to accomplish at Abba House in those few days and
they were successful. One unexpected turn was the ladder on grounds had broken and
time had to be taken to build a new ladder. Chad used it as an opportunity to train the
boys in some carpentry. In the top two pictures on the left you see the finished product. It
was used to climb up to install solar panels on the kitchen roof. The kitchen and dining
hall are now solar, so they have light at night.
A battery and other solar equipment was installed
in the missionary quarters so there will be electricity
in this area and boys house, where evening devotions
are held, when the electricity is periodically shut off
at night by the electric company. This unit is also
moveable and can be used in operating the pump that
pumps water to the garden tank, shown lower left.
An additional solar project was at the Kuwl Farm
near Luwero. This would provide the farm hand with
ability to have a radio whereby he could
keep in touch with the worldbeyond tak-
ing care of the goats. It is a lonely place
with no one around to talk to but goats.
A new stove was installed in the kitchen
earlier in the summer, which required the
wood to be cut into
smaller pieces. A
saw and axe were
taken to the home
and the older boys
trained in the proper use. The older
girls asked to be trained as well.
Measures are being taken for the
safety of the children, including
secure storage.
Education was on the minds of
Chad and John while in Entebbe. The
children in Abba House have had dif-
ficulty in their studies and remedies were discussed with Grace Global Impact Min-
istries, our partners. Some funds were left to hire a tutor for the children as one
measure to help. Continued funding, however, will be required. Chad also shared
with them a teaching model called Classic Conversations which has been known
to improve the thinking and learning processes. They were encouraged by this
model and want to implement it at New Life Center. When the Spencers arrive next
year, they will begin to introduce this method of teaching.
Chad and Sarah Spencer, our missionaries, have plans to permanently move to
Entebbe in the Spring of 2015 to start a boarding school in which they will utilize the Classic Conversations
teaching model. The school will be for destitute and missionary children. They plan to begin small, first taking in
a few of the older Abba House children to give them opportunity to catch up by learning in this new way.
A radio and solar unit for
the farm worker.
Have solar will travel.
Barb Decker and John Gross showing the solar powered
pump workswater is coming out the hose.
Thank you to our donors and special pricing from Special Tees of Higginsville, Missouri, John Gross and Chad
Spencer, during their July mission trip, presented the children and staff with Abba House t-shirts.
Sean Hughley, a director of HOF Board from Grandview, Missouri,
lead a team of six to Uganda from June 15 to July 3. He was joined by
Angie Ginenthal, Mikiah Hulme, and Elaine Wittmeyer of the Kansas
City area and Joy Goodrich of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They were later
joined for 10 days by Luke Leaven of Cedar Rapids. Upon returning
home after a three-week mission, Hughley said, It was an amazing trip.
The Lord was gracious to us.
This team went with several things on the agenda. They were not only
going to bless the children at Abba House in Entebbe Uganda, but also
other orphanages, children, and people where they would travel, making
Abba House their home base.
The first orphanage to visit was My People, located near the Equator.
Here there were over 300 children. The team of six was lead to take bags
of rice, sugar, and soap to the home. Little did they know that upon arrival they were an answer to prayer. When
supplies are low and needs are high, these children pray and God brings. They had been praying and fast-
ing three days for the very items that were giftedespecially the soap. This
home was started and is operated by a pastor and his wife. The wife shared her
story, which influenced another leg of the teams mission. She was a poor
street child and a missionary from the West went to the streets just to bless
people. The missionary came up to her on the street, sat down with her and
just loved on her. Her little heart was so impressed by this action that when she
grew up and married, she and her husband began taking in children just like
she used to be. When back in Entebbe, the team went to the streets to love on
people and along the way met a little girl named Bridget who received Jesus as
Savior. You can read the rest of the story shared by Mikiah Hulme below.
Relationship building is very important to House of Friends and Sean Hugh-
ley and his team made that their aim as they traveled to the Eddy Reber Memorial Home in Katogwe, Uganda,
HOF helped build this home and continues to supply funds toward the education of the children, thanks to donors.
House of Friends goal is to assist in helping homes become self-sufficient. This home is renting five acres on
which they plan to grow garden vegetables and other crops. In the future House of Friends are looking possibly
raising funds to purchase some farmland and helping start an entrepreneurial project on the land that would bring
in the income needed to sustain the home and children served.
A three-day conference was also held while the team was in Katogwe. Many pastors
attended. Everyone on the team either gave testimony or preached. God moved greatly
during this time. In Katogwe they hold a prayer meeting every morning at 4 a.m. Hugh-
ley said, The spirit of prayer is amazing. We were able to join them a couple of times.
Giving was also on the agenda for Katogwe. Thanks to those who contributed funds
to team members for the trip, and Kansas City Christian Fellowship and other contribu-
tors from Kansas City area and Iowa, Bibles were given to pastors, and blankets, dance
shoes, clothing, and toys were given to the children. The team enjoyed playing soccer
with the children in the community and funds were donated to
the soccer team who travel and share the Gospel on their soc-
cer game trips.
Back at Abba House in Entebbe, a special time was held
for the children with a special meal and gift giving. Elaine Wittmeyer had made
dresses for the girls which she gave out and other clothing was given as well. They also
received warm blankets donated by Kansas City Christian Fellowship.
The team then took to the streets to share the Gospel
and love on people in the local community of Entebbe.
Ten families received rice, sugar, and soap. In addition an
outreach was done for the kids in a poor area of Entebbe.
Snacks were provided and skits were performed by the
team and the children did some little skits themselves. It
was a fun time for all.
The team also visited eight different schools sharing the
Gospel, doing skits and giving gifts. Mikiah Hulme used
her dance as a way in which to share about Je-
sus and Angie Ginenthal shared her testimony
about growing up which touched many. Joy Goodrich led skits. Volleyballs
and nets and soccer balls were given to the schools.
Joy Goodrich has a vision of establishing a birthing center in a remote area
of Uganda so she spent some time in scouting the area. Team members
joined her in visiting birthing centers in the area, searching for possible loca-
tions, and seeking other information needed to begin the planning stage of
her vision. Joy met with local pastors as well in order to cast her vision and
discuss the needs. The team also accompanied Joy to Prayer Mountain to
pray with her for clarity and the birthing of the vision God has given to her
for a birthing center, which will save the lives of
babies being born to those who do not have ac-
cess to doctors and hospitals.
While in Uganda, the female team members
enjoyed the comfort of the new missionary quar-
ters. The lack of water coming into the bath-
room and kitchen, however, made it more chal-
lenging than at home. While there, the team pro-
vided some painting supplies and painted the
walls in the quarters.
Sean Hughley said, There were days the
team didnt feel they had much to give away, but
they were faithful to step out and see what God
would do. He encourages others to consider,
Just physically going, what will He pour out in my life. Just step out and see what God will do.
L-R: Sean Hughley, Angela Ginenthal, Mikiah Hulme,
Joy Goodrich, and Elaine Wittmeyer were greeted by
Barbara Decker (agricultural missionary) upon arrival.
Sean Hughley presented a Bible
to Pastor Valelntine.
Thank you Kansas City
Christian Fellowship for
all of the warm blankets.
We love them! Angie with children on the street in the
poor section of Entebbe.
Mikiah , above center, and Joy , to right, at one
of the schools greeting the children.
Team members (sitting on right) enjoy neighbor-
hood kids performing their skits.
Joy
Goodrich
and
Mikiah
Hulme
make
headway
in painting.
Luke Leaven with
other team members.
My People Orphanage children
and Luke Leaven with a new friend.


Mikiah Hulme
I miss Uganda. I love it. Mikiah
tells that while ministering in a poor
section of Entebbe, a little girl,
Bridget, kept following them around.
Mikiah reached out to her wondering
if she had a need. Bridget took them
to her mother who ran a little shop.
The parents had separated and the
mother was caring for Bridget and
her baby alone. There was no money
to send Bridget to school The whole
team went to the school to leave
some funds for her education. It was
found the school situation was de-
plorable. Mikiahs heart went out to
this child and she received permis-
sion from Bridgets mother to have
her enter the New Life Center board-
ing school. Mikiah desires to help her
get an education.

Angie Ginenthal
It was a cool experience. If God
can use your witness, so be it. Angie
began with a question in her heart
whether she should go to Uganda on
this second trip, but she had already
said yes to God and went. She said,
God carried me through. He met me
in my brokenness and pain. I felt His
presence with me as never before.
Angie encourages others by say-
ing, The Master gave talents. No
matter the size of the talent, give.
Team leader, Sean Hughley, shares
that while in Katogwe Angie did not
believe she had anything to give, but
she stepped up to the plate and began
to give her testimony. Several pas-
tors were present that day and many
were seen crying as she shared her
heart.

Wayne Stoll
Wayne tells that the spiritual ma-
turity of the children at Abba House
really impressed him. He com-
mented, I loved how, during devo-
tions, even the small children were
having their own private worship
time with our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. Secondly, the goals and
aspirations of Pastor Kaaya and the
other missionaries were amazing to
me. Their faith in God and what God
had already done there was proof
enough to them that our God is all
powerful and he can do anything.
Finally another item that really en-
couraged me was how the ministry is
trying to not be so reliable on Amer-
ica for their finances. They are start-
ing a goat farm that will bring in
money to pay for some of the minis-
try operations.

Rick Aspegren
Going to Uganda, and especially to
the orphanage, impacted me greatly.
My sister adopted my niece from an
orphanage in Russia, so it was very
close to me. Seeing how the kids, and
really the people of Uganda, were on
fire for the Lord was so neat. Seeing
how little the people had, but still had
it all, was a real eye opener for me.
The people were so very grateful,
kind and happy?
Barbara Decker, agriculture missionary to Uganda, was overjoyed
when she received word that two farmers were coming to Uganda on
a work mission trip. And work they did do.
Wayne Stoll and Rick Aspegren of rural
Missouri had a desire in their heart to give of
themselves on a mission journey to Africa.
They worked hard, they played hard, and they
left a message behind for the local church.
As shown in the top three pictures, Rick and
Wayne and lots of little oneswork on and
complete building a concrete form on which a
water collection tank was placed outside the mis-
sionary quarters between the kitchen and bath-
room. The tank will receive runoff rain water
that will be used in the missionary quarters to
refill the flush toilet and for the kitchen and
bathroom faucets. Those who have been there on
mission teams this summer will be excited about
this new addition. What has been done up to this
time is filling three jerry cans and hand filling
the flush tank every time the toilet was used.
Sometimes it did not get done because of empty
cans or forgetting, and frustration came to the
next individual using it. Once a gutter is put on
the roof, the water can be harvested and that
matter will be remedied.
With the new stove requiring firewood to be
cut in smaller pieces and the pile of firewood
looking overwhelming, as well as the need for
clearing of trees at the Kuwl Farm, Wayne and
Rick pooled their funds and bought a new chain
saw which would go to the farm. Before it went,
Rick and Wayne decided to whittle down the
chore of cutting the firewood and began buzzing
their way through the pile.
With all that work, these two farmers were
ready to take out time to play with the kids. The
young boys loved the guy contact of playfulness.
Oh what fun they all hadthe big guys too.
A trip was made by Barbara Decker, Wayne,
Rick, Pastor Kaaya and his wife to the Kuwl
Farm near Luwero to see what could be done
there. That is when the new chain saw was put
hard to work, cutting down and clearing out
trees. Time and cir-
cumstances did not
allow for them to in-
stall the new chain link
fence provided by our
donors. Also this land
will be prepared to
seed so there will be
grazing ground for the
goats. The fence will
protect them from get-
ting out, especially the babies, who would be-
come prey for wild animals and snakes.
These farmers also put their hands to work-
ing up the garden and teaching how to plant in
rows. Barbara Decker has been doing this as
well, but the workers always fall back to the
Ugandan way. Hopefully with others teaching
this method as well, row planting will be more
implanted in the Ugandan hearts and minds.
Keeping the garden watered during the dry sea-
son has always been a problem. Wayne and his
dad, Leonard Stoll, had been sharing with HOF about drip irrigation.
Wayne brought all the equipment to put it in but because of all the rains
at the time they were there, the only thing left to do was teach how to
install it when the dry season hits.
Rick and children working on
concrete form.
Wayne and his little helpers
setting the tank in.
Wayne, left, and Rick, right,
take a rest at the tank.
Time out for fun with the kids.
Cutting firewood with chain saw
Wayne met his parents
sponsored child, Rebecca.
Wayne training on installation of
the drip irrigation system.
Garden worked up and rows
being planted.
PRAYER TARGETS
Pray for the Gods wisdom, continued provision and success in devel-
oping the Kuwl Farm into a productive land which will provide a self-
sustaining resource for Abba House and New Life Center school.
Pray for the Lord to make the way for a good learning environment for
the children to succeed in line with their ability to learn and be prepared
for their adult life.
Pray for new friends to join with us in meeting the needs of all the
lives we are touching in Uganda, Ethiopia, Dominican Republic and
Native Americans at Pine Ridge in South Dakota and also in Minnesota.
NEW APPOINTMENT UGANDA
With many mission teams going to Abba House, the need for a
father figure for the children at Abba House, and the Kuwl Farm
Project underway, it became evident that a position needed to be
established and a trustworthy, godly man be sought to fulfill such
a position. House of Friends and our partners, Grace Global Im-
pact Ministries, wish to announce the establishment of the three-
fold position, Missionary Coordinator-Kuwl Farm Project Man-
ager-Abba House Father and the hiring of John Robert Emetu,
who has proven his trustworthiness and commitment to godly
excellence.
House of Friends has known Robert for many years. Robert
came to the United States and learned agricultural methods under
Billy Bope of Global Relief Ministries (Indiana). It was at that
time the HOF board met Robert. Since then, Robert was hired to
transport HOF
mission teams to
different destina-
tions in Uganda.
He was very helpful in teaching the
customs of the land and providing
security for team members. Robert
and his wife have five children (4
girls3 in collegeand 1 boy).
He has excellent rapport with the children at Abba House, and
directs them in the way they should go when opportunity presents
itself. We are blessed that Robert has accepted this assignment.
At this time we are in need of supporters for Robert. Would
you please consider partnering with us to support this posi-
tion at any monthly amount? By doing so, you will be helping
to insure the loving care and integrity of the work being accom-
plished at Abba House and Kuwl Farm.
John Robert Emetu
with his wife, Jane,
and son, Samuel.
SolomeAge 9
Father deceased.
Mother bedridden.
Sponsorship Need:
Care$20/month
Education$35/mo


NatashaAge 5
Abandoned; parents
unknown; local
authorities requested
admission.
Sponsorship Need:
Care$40/month
or Part Care $20/mo

RonaldAge 10
Mother cannot care
for; destitute and
wandering streets.
Sponsorship Need:
Care$40 or $20/mo
Education$35/mo

CleverAge 11
Father deceased.
Mother has 4 chil-
dren. She is Abba
House auntie/worker.
Sponsorship Need:
Care$20/month
Education$35/mo.
UGANDA PROJECTS
Dining Hall:
Finishing of Dining Hall $8,000.00
Missionary Quarters:
Finishing tiling floors/painting/inside doors $ 700.00 Gutter $250.00
Farm Project:
50 Goats $ 70.00 per goat
Clothing/Shoe Fund: Any amount appreciated (Cost of items$20 per pair, $20 Uniform, $5 Socks)
The children need new durable black leather shoes & 2 pair of socks for school twice a year due to foot growth
and daily wear and tear. They wear the one uniform they have every day to school, which soon wears out.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Any monthly amount for feeding program.
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!