A lot of children who have passed through the doors of Aslan during the past 22 years. We presently have over 200 kids who are a part of our youth classes, tutorial and recreational programs. Our success, however, is not measured by the large number of kids who have been a part of our programs. It is measured by the all those children whose lives have been permanently changed for the better as a direct result of Aslan. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks about our being put in the world to bear fruit that remains - fruit that will not spoil.
There was a young woman at the garage sale on Saturday who is a wonderful example of the permanent fruit of this ministry. Melanie first began attending Aslan in 1976, as a bright and beautiful child with a voice like an angel. She was filled with potential and filled with dreams. Due to her troubled home, however, she failed at three different area high schools. Many children would have given up and become just one more statistic. But with our constant encouragement and support, Melanie chose to keep trying. Because of her faith and hard work, she eventually graduated from high school with a 91 average! She served as Aslan's secretary for four years and then completed her degree as an Licensed Practical Nurse.
Now almost 20 years later, Melanie is going with us in August when we return to Haiti. While we are there, she will most assuredly use her valuable nursing skills. However, her role on the trip as a supervisor and "encourager" for our Aslan teenagers will be even more valuable. What a marvelous example Melanie is for our new generation of Aslan kids. She is a perfect illustration of fruit that remains!
Please accept our sincere thanks for your gift of . Your continued prayers for Aslan and your support of this vital ministry, are keys to there being many more "Melanie's" in the years to come. Like the ripples caused by one raindrop falling on still waters, Aslan's circle of love - from Melanie to the present - will continue to grow and grow.
Most sincerely,