OUR FAMILY IS GROWING

The Lord continues to enlarge our family. The newest members of our family are Ayisha (a widow), her two sons Mahamud (age 6) and Hamid (age 2) and her daughter Ruth (age 8 months). Ayisha’s husband, Alhassan, was the first member of his family to become a believer. His wife, Ayisha, is the first member of her family to become a believer. Three years ago they decided to join Christ and be baptized. They faced a lot of persecution from their respective families. Alhassan died suddenly this year of unknown causes. We provided for a Christian funeral for him. Alhassan’s family subsequently has cut off relationship with Ayisha and her children. She went to her family hoping to be received by them but they have also cut her off as there are no believers in her family, (both parents are deceased). Ayisha is now a part of our family and they live in Bethany Village with us. The two boys have started school and Ayisha is being discipled.

Augustine is a nineteen year old young man. He has lost both his father and mother at an early age. His story is in our November newsletter. Augustine enjoys helping in the dental clinic.

2009 CHRISTMAS PARTY

Our Christmas celebration at Bethany Village continues to grow both in terms of numbers and diversity of those celebrating with us. We invited both believers and non believers and shared the love of Christ with them through food, singing, Bible trivial games and presents. This was our sixth annual Christmas celebration.

CHRISTMAS IN MALI

We called Pastor Zak and Hannah on Christmas day to wish them a Merry Christmas. Pastor Zak was working and very little celebrating if any was going on in Gao. They celebrated Christmas on January 6, 2010. King arrived with their gifts and they were very happy to receive them. It brought back memories of our first Christmas in Tamale. There were no decorations and no Christmas carols.

America is blessed to have a culture where the birth of our Savior is celebrated with songs, festive decorations and parties. It is something we should always cherish.

LOUISVILLE, KY. MEDICAL SERVICE TEAM

Dr. Zachery Stearns from Louisville, Kentucky was here last November, 2009 to provide medical services to the people in the northern region for the sixth time. He was accompanied by Kathy Leslie who was returning to the northern region for the seventh time in eight years. These two veterans to the northern region were accompanied by a newcomer, Carrie Doyle, an emergency room nurse. We had medical outreach in many villages and also spent a day at the clinic in Bethany Village. The Chief of Tamale with all his advisors along with their wives and families came to the clinic to be seen by Dr. Stearns. The Chief spoke at length that this is the first time in the history of the northern region that any person and/or organization have provided such help to the leaders of the city. Characteristic of Dr. Stearns, he was glad to see the patients and very enthusiastic in the provision of his services. They also received dental and eye care.

Pictured is the chief of Tamale with advisors, Dr. Zachery Stearns, Kathy Leslie, King and dental clinic workers.

GRANTS FOR ALABASTER MINISTRIES

As God expands the borders of the Alabaster Project Ministries from Ghana into Mali, the expenses are increasing. King and the APM board have been praying that God would identify an individual who would be willing to write grants to help finance the Alabaster Project Ministries. This is a real opportunity for someone whose heart is in missions but is not able to be in the mission field.

This person would need to be familiar with the sources of suitable grants, be able to write the grants and to follow through the grant process to completion. If you know someone who might be interested or you yourself are interested, contact King at the e-mail below. This could be an avenue by which the Lord might continue to bless the ministry of the Alabaster Project.

THE NEED FOR EYE SURGERY

According to a report from the United Nations, the northern region of Ghana has the worst cases of eye diseases and eye problems in the world. This is due to the dry and dusty climate of this sub-Sahara region. In addition to the dust, also for those who live near the rivers, there is a (Tsetse fly) fly that causes river blindness.

While we are able to help people see better through glasses, we are unable to help those who suffer from eye diseases. We are praying that God will bring us one or more ophthalmologists who will help us set up the surgical capability and identify surgeons who would be willing to visit and conduct eye surgery as needed.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please pray for Alabaster Project National Directors for Ghana and Mali – people who can speak French for Mali.

Pray for additional workers in the areas of:

Administration
Bible Teaching
Farm Managing
Mechanics
Eye care
Dental care
Writing grants for Alabaster Project Ministries

Please mail all contributions for Alabaster Project to:
Alabaster Project Ministries
P. O. Box 15008
Fernandina Beach, FL 32035

To contact the Hammonds in Ghana Write to: 
Alabaster Project Ministries
P. O. Box ER324
Tamale, Ghana
West Africa

Or Email: alabasterghana@hotmail.com