Over twenty years ago The Gabriel House, Inc. launched an international ministry to special children abandoned, unwanted and experiencing a need for medical assistance! Since then, over 300 children have called The Gabriel House their home. They have been helped medically and given a new life in loving adoptive families. We continue to receive letters and photos of children now grown into strong young adults. It is a blessing to know that with the Lord’s direction and continued guidance we are able to go forward in helping His special children.

Anne and I are reminded that, “…we are the children of God; and if children, then heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (with Him) Romans 8:16,17. We cannot and will not take our eyes off the calling to serve His special needy children. With the faces of over 300 Gabriel kids with extraordinary needs, healed and indelibly marked in our memories, we extend to you an opportunity to help in time of need. Would you consider a small gift or donation of $25.00 in support of The Gabriel children and ministry? The need is genuine! The time is now! You will be blessed!

From The Gabriel children…, Merry Christmas!

To Our Faithful Supporters: As we progress through an unprecedented time of financial crisis many of us are confused and possibly very angry. Having lived through the early 1930s economic depression, I recall my family losing everything. We lived in a “rat infested apartment” with the neon lights blinking all night out side of my bedroom window. No central heating and a quarter in the water meter would give us enough water for one bath. There was no shower! Even as a young boy every day was a fearful challenge. God was so distant and somewhat of an illusion in my daily life. And then World War II shook our nation into action! I am sure many who read my personal reflections have had similar experiences. However, I had no concept of how God fit into my life. This is my point in sharing my brief remarks. In times such as we now experience our world seems to be in continued global moral and economic bankruptcy. Perhaps that is too strong description. However, the third chapter of Genesis strengthens that statement. I now know how God fits into my life. He has given me a new life by freely accepting Him personally into my life. Consequently, what I can say positively is that a Biblical view of current world events grounded on truth has given me an inner peace. In other words, and this applies to both Anne and me, in serving His abandoned children as we have done for over twenty years, we have invested in riches that are eternally secure ”where moth and rust cannot destroy.” In a worldly sense we are poor but miracles have saved the lives of many, many beautiful children. “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17

God blesses those who love Him!

Ed and Anne

In C.S. Lewis’ ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,’ (which our kids view on DVD frequently), it is “always winter but never Christmas” …a profound way of describing a world without hope. Much of the world is without Christ and therefore without the hope He offers. As I prepare this news letter, tomorrow is Easter, we rejoice in His Resurrection. The pain, despair, the crying out we experience here has been overcome in His promise of eternal life in His Kingdom. We open our hearts to His promise!

Anne and I send our greetings to you from The Gabriel House! It is a joy to share with our friends and long time supporters, that the work of ‘Rescue the Children’s Mission’ continues in earnest! As 2009 stretches out, our vision and mission goals hold fast, in spite of the serious economic pressure and budget cut backs! (our treasurer reports that The Gabriel income has been reduced by at least 45%). However, Anne and I continue to look forward while keeping our spiritual eyes on the Lord! He is in charge! We put our total confidence in Him…and keep looking up!

You will find in this Spring Issue reports on petite Hannah, blind from birth but growing more beautiful each day. She, in the enclosed picture, is horse back riding with Dee Hollander, the director of Special Equestrians here in Fort Myers. This is a very new experience for Hannah. She has no idea what a horse looks like! Yet, her life will never be the same as she rides each week with Dee.

Kumar, on the other hand is in preparation for his international flight to Fort Myers from India. As some of you know, Kumar is partially paralyzed from the waste down. He is able to stand with the help of leg braces. However, walking is another issue. So, he will be in treatment shortly after he arrives at The Gabriel House. Our friends in India have requested us to pray about another child for “Rescue the Children’s Mission.” We ask your prayers for health and travel blessings.

From the dugout…we have two ‘Home Run’ hitters at The Gabriel House. Both Emma and Nathan are playing baseball in a Special Athletic Program in North Fort Myers. They love it!

Recently we received a substantial grant from the Lions Club in Bonita Springs to replace the main house side double doors which were damaged beyond repair… also to replace the loft deck and stairs, which had become unsafe for the kids to use. Enclosed are pictures of Kendall Tresch, the contractor standing on the rebuilt deck and stairs…also a picture of the new doors, Kendall installed. Thank you Bonita Springs Lions Club.

God bless ya’ll! Keep looking up!

Ed and Anne