October 4, 2016 Update

So, my intent was to continue to give updates each week. As you can see...that didn't happen! :) We got crazy busy and every time I sat down to write a newsletter I was either distracted or my computer died! Please forgive me!
Has it really been 3 weeks since our last update? That is crazy! I feel like time is flying by. It will be Christmas before we know it and my family is super excited about that! That means they will be able to see their grandkids!! They really don't care much about seeing me and Scott...it's all about the grandkids! (I'm teasing...)
So, quite a bit has happened since our last update. The kids have finished their 1st month of school and they are adjusting better and better each day. Thank you to all of you who prayed for them after my special request to my prayer warriors. The very day I asked for prayer, Madeleine came home from school and said "Mom, I had the absolute best day at school. I don't know what it was...it just felt different!" Yes ma'am! I know exactly what it was! I had about 15 prayer warriors fighting the spiritual battle on your behalf! Y'all, prayer works. Whether you see the prayers being answered or not, prayer works. God works all things for our good...although at times we don't see that. It doesn't mean it's not true. Patrick has adjusted much better, too. They are making good grades and trying very hard. We are very proud of them. Madeleine has started taking ballet at a Christian dance school devoted to ministry through the art of dance. It reminds me so much of Steps of Faith in Cartersville. It was such a blessing to find this place! Patrick attended his first day in a soccer ministry yesterday. He absolutely loved it! These coaches are amazing, Godly men! We feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many solid people!
Last weekend was full of fellowship and such a blessing. The kids had a half day at school, so the Contigo families decided to have a fun afternoon for the kids. We were able to spend the afternoon with a young man from the Boy's Home whose birthday was the previous week. We all enjoyed a picnic lunch then we headed to a heated indoor pool! All of the kids had a great time and played so well with the young man who was spending the day with us. After a couple of hours swimming we surprised the young man with a small birthday celebration complete with chocolate cake and an ice cream sundae bar! It was a very special day for all involved!
Last week, we had a wonderful staff meeting going over new opportunities that have been presented, as well as, maping out the rest of this year. We have quite a few teams visiting within the next few months and Contigo's Christmas Shoes program will begin soon. The Women's Enrichment Program is still going strong and we hope to encourage them to come up with new ideas that will continue to provide sustainability.
Two weeks ago, as we were working with the women in the Jewelry Program, we were made aware that 2 children from the Pisuli ministry were missing. They were not in Contigo's care at this time, but their mother was in the jewelry program. Several folks from Contigo jumped in cars and began searching for these children. After about an hour of searching, they were found...unharmed! Thank you Jesus! During the time of searching Denise and Oswaldo (Contigo's Founders) stumbled across a piece of property that may be exactly what they had been looking for in order to expand the Pisuli ministry. We have outgrown the space that we are currently renting and we are having to turn children away. This breaks our hearts! We desperately need a larger facility. Please pray that the right property, in the right location for the right price becomes available!
This week at Alliance is Spiritual Emphasis Week. Scott will be teaching and sharing about Obedience! Please pray for each of the teachers who will be sharing this week and for the students to be touched by the messages being shared.
Continue to pray for the direction of Alliance. The 'Department of Education' has still not approved many of the very important things that have been the foundation of Alliance for over 80 years.
Please pray that I will be able to retain the Spanish material that I am learning! I have started intense Spanish lessons 3 hours a day, 3 days each week. I feel like I am learning so much, but there's just so much to learn!  Pray that I would be able to help Scott and the kids learn as well.
We ask that you continue to pray for provision for our family. God knows our needs. We know we are suppose to be here...and we know God will provide every penny we need. If you feel in your heart you are being led to partner with us on this mission, please be obedient and let us know. Whether you feel led to be a prayer partner, financial partner or a fellow missionary...listen and obey!
You will not regret it!!

We love you all so much and we pray you are blessed with abundance!
How can we pray for you? Please let us know!
Scott and Brandy Murphy
Madeleine and Patrick

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