Thank you for your excellent response to the project needs at the Nancy Cole Women's Home.  Eleven projects have been adopted in the last month and we have one new church monthly sponsor - Sanford Memorial Baptist Church in Brodnax, Virginia!  PTL!

I just returned last night from Lima and my daughter, Kristin, and her husband (Michael Gulbronson) are now living in Lima working as interns at the women's home and in other ministries through Camino de Vida.  With each visit, I am increasingly pleased with the developments in the program and in the resources that are available for the girls.

Here is an updated list of the projects that are still needed at the home (we hope to take the money for some of the pressing projects when our team visits the home on August 4-11):

NEW:
1. Towels (100 @ $3 each) = $300
NOTE:  When the sewing machines are installed, the girls will be able to make their own towels with large bolts of terrycloth!  This is a desperate need at the present time.
2. Flip-Flops for Shower Use (50 @ $1) = $50
3. Shirts, Jeans and Underwear = $1,000 (Any donation will help)
4. Supplies (clothing, shoes) for Ballet Class = $200
5. Supplies for Art Therapy Class = $200
6. Hernia Surgery Needed for One of the Residents = $50 - ADOPTED!  (Yes, this price is correct!)

CONTINUING:
1. Adopt-a-Bed - $50 per month for operations (120 sponsors needed to meet full budget)
2. Mesh Wire Over Second Floor Windows – $200 - ADOPTED!
3. Security System Hardware – $400 (plus $35 monthly fee) - ADOPTED!
4. New Copier for Teachers - $500
5. Supplies for Jewelry – Whatever donation made will increase profit
6. Exhaust Fans for Restrooms – $300 - ADOPTED!
7. Seven Foot Wall on Roof for Security - $2,500 - ADOPTED!
8. Upgraded metal door and locks going to Roof - $300 - ADOPTED!
9. Sewing Machines – Starter Kit - $1,600 (Estimate) - ADOPTED!
10. Computers for Library - $600 each: Six Needed
11. Library Books (Spanish and English – Some Good Fiction and Children’s Books Needed) - ADOPTED! (More Needed)
12. Establishment of Children’s Play Room with Proper Toys - $1,200
13. Foozball Machine for Rec Room - $200
14. Glass block covering for three open spaces in hall (to keep girls from entering dining hall and classroom at inappropriate times) - $300 - ADOPTED!
15. Cameras on each floor with monitoring system - $750
16. Upgraded Copier for Teachers - $500
17. Ink Cartridges for Printer - $35 each (much more expensive in Peru)
18. Window Shades for Bedrooms and Classrooms - $300 - ADOPTED!
19. Whole-Building Exhaust Fan for Ventilation - $800
20. Bonuses for Worker Appreciation Event in August - $500
21. Water Pump Upgrade - $500 - ADOPTED!

Thank you for your continued support for the women and girls at Casa Cole!  Contact us if you are interested in working on one of these remaining projects.

(Pictured below) Residents and workers display some of the art designs that the girls produced in art therapy class.  These will be displayed throughout the building.  July 18, 2008

Peru Update - June 26, 2008
 
God is working in Peru.  Please check out the updates on this web page for the latest developments.  Also, if you have not done so, you can sign up on this web page to receive automatic emails of any new updates.  It is a convenient way to keep in touch with the girls at the women's home.
 
We are thrilled to announce two projects have been adopted:  an individual at Mariners Church is providing the funds for the security wall on the fifth floor and Vessels of Mercy has committed to raising funds for the first phase of the sewing machine project.  Thanks and PTL!  In collaboration with the SIFE Program at Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, we are talking with several major corporations concerning providing computers for the home and perhaps even Microsoft training.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if the girls could leave the home certified in Word and other software programs!  Talk about access.....
 
I am leaving for Peru in two weeks with Michael and Kristin, who will begin their six-month internship in Lima.  I will be staying eight days on this trip.  We have an apartment secured and are excited about God's provision and plans.  Thanks to those of you who have given or pledged monthly support.  They are over 80% toward their goal for the six months.  PTL!
 
NOTE:  If you live in Southern Virginia area, Michael and Kristin will be speaking at Tabernacle of Zion in Lawrenceville on Tuesday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m.  You are invited to hear the vision that God has given them for Peru!
 
Michael and Kristin are pictured with the residents on the February, 2008 ministry trip:




We have ten confirmed participants for the August ministry trip to Lima (seven days at the women's home) and Cusco (five days).  Michael and Kristin will also be working with us.   We will also be meeting with Pastor Willy Mont to discuss some future joint ministry endeavors in Cusco.  Pray for God's guidance.  A team from Mariners Church will also be ministering at the home during the same time frame.  You should consider bringing a team to minister at the home.
 
Our biggest need is for monthly operational support for the home.  If you can send a donation today, it would be an answer to prayer.  You can Adopt a Bed for $50 per month (up from $45 because of the increase in prices).  Three sponsorships for each bed will provide the needed monthly funding.  So, we need 120 sponsors.  We currently have app. $3,500 in monthly pledges, so fifty more monthly sponsors are needed at $50 each.  The needs are increasing at the home (41 residents at the present time) and the price of food is soaring.  Thank you for your faithful giving.
 
Listed below are current projects that need funding.  If you, your group, your church, or any collective group would like to adopt one of these, contact us immediately.  We continue to be amazed at God's provision.

PROJECTS STILL NEEDING SPONSORSHIP:
(If we have the money, our August team will be able to install, purchase or otherwise implement some of these projects.)

1. Adopt-a-Bed - $50 per month for operations
2. Mesh Wire Over Second Floor Windows – $200
3. Security System Hardware – $400 (plus $35 monthly fee)
4. New Copier for Teachers - $500
5. Supplies for Jewelry – Whatever donation made will increase profit
6. Exhaust Fans for Restrooms – $300
7. Seven Foot Wall on Roof for Security - $2,500 - ADOPTED!
8. Upgraded metal door and locks going to Roof - $300
9. Sewing Machines – Starter Kit - $1,600 (Estimate) - ADOPTED!
10. Computers for Library - $600 each: Six Needed
11. Library Books (Spanish and English – Some Good Fiction and Children’s Books Needed)
12. Establishment of Children’s Play Room with Proper Toys - $1,200
13. Foozball Machine for Rec Room - $200
14. Glass block covering for three open spaces in hall (to keep girls from entering dining hall and classroom at inappropriate times) - $300
15. Cameras on each floor with monitoring system - $750
16. Upgraded Copier for Teachers - $500
17. Ink Cartridges for Printer - $35 each (much more expensive in Peru)
18. Window Shades for Bedrooms and Classrooms - $300
19. Whole-Building Exhaust Fan for Ventilation - $800
20. Bonuses for Worker Appreciation Dinner in August - $500  

All of these prices are estimates based on bids and quotes that we have received in June. 

Send contributions and requests for to:
Project Restoration
P.O. Box 31
Ebony, VA 23845

The girls at the Nancy Cole Women's Home thank you for your faithful support of this much-needed ministry.  May God richly bless you!

Dale
Dale W. Baird               
              434-637-2345       - Cell
              434-636-2808     - Home
Support Project Restoration!
www.projectrestoration.net

The "Hope Gift Shoppe" has opened at the Nancy Cole Women's Home.  Featured is beautiful silver jewelry made by the residents of the home.  Prices are reasonable and all profits go to the operational costs of the home.  If you wish to purchase jewelry or sell jewelry for the home, please contact us.  Other sale items, such as decorated t-shirts, will be added in the future.

Here is Rosaura, the Administrative Assistant, who teaches jewelry-making to the residents, with some of the jewelry that is currently available:

The Vessels of Mercy team from Richmond, Virginia painted an incredible mural on the outside of the Nancy Cole Women's Home during a recent visit.  Here is the progression of the painting (pray for protection from vandals and graffiti artists):
















THE FINAL PRODUCT!  Arms protecting and arms inviting.....

 "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.  I was found by those who did not seek me.  To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, "Here I am.  Here I am."  All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations..."               Isaiah 65:1-2

A team from Vessels of Mercy of Richmond, Virginia ministered at the home on May 31-June 7, 2008.  They taught lessons each day around the theme "Get Out of the Pit" using drama, crafts, visuals and music.  Three of the team members spent the week painting an incredible mural on the outside of the building (see pictures in next story).  Here are some scenes of the ministry during the week:

May 25, 2008

TO: Friends and Supporters of the Nancy Cole Women's Home

Greetings from Lima, Peru. I have been here for ten days, visiting the women's home, meeting with officials and workers at the home, and looking for apartments. My daughter and her husband (Kristin and Michael) are moving here in July for a six-month internship and we are trying to find a furnished apartment, in a good neighborhood, and at a reasonable price (no small feat). I will also use this apartment on my visits. I have some good leads and hope to make a final decision before I come back to the states on June 5. Pray for guidance.

I have met with Pastor Robert and Pastor Lilliam concerning the future of the home and the challenges facing the ministry. He is extremely supportive, as usual, of the wonderful work that is going on at Casa Cole. At his suggestion, Pastor Lilliam will receive training on intake procedures and guidelines from Mercy Ministries. We are excited about learning ways to strengthen the program.

Lives are being changed every day. We plan to share some testimonies in the future concerning women and girls who have exited the program and who are doing well. I will have the privilege of participating in Nancy's graduation next Sunday. I met with her grandson yesterday (the one who finally dethroned me in ping pong) and was so impressed with his grasp of the problem and the change in his grandmother. Naomi graduated last month. Irina graduated several months ago and now volunteers two days and one night each week. Rosa Maria graduated and now volunteers at the home. PTL for transformed lives!

I am extremely pleased at the literacy, education and career training programs that are beginning to take place at the home. We need many more but we see great progress. Two teachers currently come one day per week, as well as the group sessions with the three psychologists. I have been able to observe some of these sessions and I am very pleased with the interaction from the residents. This summer, with Kristin and Michael's help, we will be establishing literacy profiles on each resident, including a reading assessment in Spanish. This will include an interview with each resident concerning their educational level and career goals. Their individual file will also include documentation of all of the training sessions and workshops in which they participated.

A team from Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia presented four business training sessions last month. We have great pictures that we will post on the web site once we return to the US. The response from the residents was awesome. They plan to return and involve more of their corporate sponsors in helping the home. A team from Vessels of Mercy in Richmond, Virginia will be here next week to teach Beth Moore's book "Get Out of the Pit." They were extremely well-received last fall when they presented "The Search for Significance." They use drama, music, role-playing and many creative ways to teach the material, using a full 40 hours of instruction during the week. We are excited that they are bringing an artist to paint murals on the walls, inside and out, during the week.

We are looking for more churches and groups who will come to spend quality time at the home (more than just a one-hour visit) to help us bring ACCESS to the residents: access to spiritual, educational, literacy, career and social training. Let us know if we can facilitate your visit. We are developing a list of suggested activities for visiting missions teams. You don't have to be able to teach or preach to be able to minister at the home. We have light maintenance needs and the need for recreation, fun and esteem-building activities. Many of the residents need to know that people care for them. Just sharing your testimony brings them encouragement. This gives them additional hope for the future. Let me know if you want more information about the options for visiting teams.

We also want to see more interns come to work at the home. Krystal Engle from Mariner's Church has done a wonderful job over the past six months, establishing a great rapport with the girls by spending quality time with them. She has been staying one night also. She will be leaving in June and Michael and Kristin arrive in July. If you know of someone who is interested in a short-term missions ministry that can impact lives, we can assist you in working with CDV in the internship program.

One of the biggest challenges is the monthly operational budget. Our full budget needs are over $6,000 per month. Currently, we have been sending app. $3,500 per month. They have cut costs to a minimum and only spent app. $4,000 in April. Also, remember that the value of the dollar is down (currently at 2.7 or 2.8 as opposed to 3.4 when we first came here). That means that the dollar does not buy as much as it did (and food prices have doubled in some cases, especially rice). We also need an additional worker to stay during the night to provide supervision. At the present, most of this responsibility is falling on Karen. We desperately need her leadership and we don't want her to "burnout."

We need more "Adopt a Bed" sponsors, as well as churches and individuals who will commit to a monthly pledge for operations. One-time donations for operations are also welcomed. If you need more information, including promotional printed materials and a DVD, please let me know.

Many of you have asked about the security situation. To date, the church has provided a fulltime security guard for the home. He is a Christian and is a calming influence on the girls and the staff. His presence, when the front door is opened, sends a strong signal to the community. As I ride through Lima, almost every non-residential building has a security guard(s). Most homes have electric fences or spikes on the gates around the house. It is a necessity, in my opinion, to protect the 41 girls and women as well as staff members and visiting workers in this ministry. We appreciate the support of Pastor Robert and the Camino de Vida Church in providing this service. We are hoping that they will continue to provide the guard since the monthly budget for the home is already in the red.

We have determined the prices for several physical upgrades that need to be done to increase security (some of these will help to keep the girls from running away as well as keeping intruders out). Here is a list of the current security needs:

1. Seven-foot high wall on 5th floor with electric fence or spikes - $2,500
2. Security alarm:
Equipment - $400
Monthly Fee for Police Connection - $35
3. Upgraded metal door and locks going to roof - $300
4. Mesh wire protection over windows on 2nd floor - $200
5. Exhaust fans for restrooms to cover holes (not just a security issue) - $300
6. Glass covering for three open spaces in hall (to keep girls from entering dining hall and classroom at inappropriate times) - $300
7. Cameras on each floor with monitoring system - $750

Other needs:

1. Printer/copier/scanner to assist teachers - $300
2. Ink Cartridges for printer/copier - $35 each
3. Bill owed to metal contractor from original construction (railings, bars, grates, etc.) - $1,500
4. Window shades for bedrooms and classroom - $300
5. Exhaust fan for ventilation during damp and hot seasons - $800

All of these prices are estimates based on bids and quotes that we have received. If you can make a donation to these needs or if you wish to pay for one or more of the individual projects, please contact me ASAP. Checks can be made payable to "Nancy Cole Women's Home" and sent to P.O. Box 31, Ebony, VA 23845.

EXTRA NOTE: The residents are making some beautiful silver jewelry to sell for the home. Information on how to purchase the jewelry will be posted on the web site when I return home.

We are also exploring some future expansion options for the ministry. We will keep you posted as plans and projections are developed. We know that prophetic words have been given over the home that it would be a model for restoration throughout South America and the world. We have recently received contact from interested persons in three locations asked for information, advice and assistance. The challenges are great but we serve a bigger God. Pray that God will guide our efforts and decisions for future opportunities.

Thank you for your prayers and support for the desperate women of Peru. God is restoring the future, one life at a time.

God bless you,

Dale

Dale W. Baird
              434-637-2345        - Cell
              434-636-2808        - Home
Support Project Restoration!
www.projectrestoration.net

P.S. Any errors should be attributed to the "different" keyboard in Peru. Also, I did not have the capability to upload pictures so these will be added to the web site when I return home.
 

Members of the SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) Team from Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia recently visited the women's home and taught business principles to the residents.  This award-winning group, which included Professor Chestley Talley, senior David Lewis and graduate/teacher Carol Jenkins, used a coloring book and multi-media to teach business ethics and principles of starting your own business.   Dale Baird, Director of Project Restoration, is an adjunct professor at the college and accompanied the group.  He taught the concept of inventory control and used it as a teaching tool to challenge the residents to take care of the resources that God has provided for the home.  The teaching was received very well and plans are being made to expand access to these types of experiences for the residents.

The SIFE team also visited the Peruvian Congress and met with several key people to lobby for expansion of literacy and access services at the home.  They also are working with their corporate partners to provide additional support and services for the home.

Here are scenes from the visit, which took place in April, 2008:





4

PROJECT RESTORATION ALERT - FEBRUARY 21, 2008
 
Greetings.  Your prayers are needed for several urgent needs in Peru.
 
1. Pastor Lilliam is recovering from surgery.  She had a reaction to the anesthesia and had difficulty breathing on the operating table.  To make matters worse, the hospital did not have an empty bed so they sent her home after the surgery (she was scheduled to remain in the hospital for three days).  She is in much pain and is having difficulty eating.  Because she is not in the hospital, she is not receiving any IV's.  We need to pray for healing strength!
 
2. Five of the new girls stole two knives from the kitchen and planned an elaborate escape plot, which included overpowering and possibly stabbing Karen.  One other girl told Karen about the plan and the girls have been confronted.
 
3. In the midst of all this, thieves broke into the home early Sunday morning while the girls were asleep.  They stole items from every floor (except the first floor where the computer, PA equipment, etc. is located), including a purse, clothes, shoes, mattresses, the three DVD players, cleaning tools, etc.  The residents are very afraid, knowing that someone came into their dormitories while they were asleep.  We are so thankful that no one woke up, which could have led to an ugly confrontation.  We are trying to determine the best course of action to improve security for the home.  The thieves disabled the electric fence on the roof and came in through the locked roof hatch (they broke the lock).  The church has sent a security guard to stay until Friday and Karen is securing prices to keep the guard on duty for several weeks while we can determine what other steps need to be taken.
 
We are running almost $2,500 per month behind in our monthly operational income.  We need your help with the extra expenses that will need to be made to improve security.  This has to be a top priority.  I am going to the home on March 18 with a group from Saint Paul's College (to teach business classes); however, I am considering going in a few days to assist Karen with the decisions and the money issues.  She has not informed Pastor Lilliam of this incident due to her health situation.  Karen is under a great deal of pressure and we need to keep her in our prayers.
 
Check out our web site in a few days to see the results of the latest team trip.  We were in Lima for ten days and many great things happened.  Thank you for your continued support!
 
God bless,
Dale
 
P.S. The Christ Tabernacle Choir from New York will present a Benefit Concert for the home on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00 pm at Brunswick High School in Lawrenceville, Virginia.  If you can possibly attend, you will be blessed.  If you can assist with ticket sales, publicity, posting flyers, securing church and business ads, etc. it would be much appreciated!  Contact us for more information.  While I am gone, contact Sheryl at fishsign@hotmail.com or               434-636-5504       . 


UPDATE:
On my special visit to discuss the security concerns, I am pictured with Oscar (church administrator), Rosaura (holding the rope that the robbers used to climb the building), Carmen, and Karen on the roof of the women's home.  Also, Pastor Lilliam, who was ill during this visit, is doing much better.  Thank you for your prayers.

Ministry teams from Lake Gaston Christian Life Centre (formerly Ebony Assembly of God) of Ebony, Virginia and Mariners Church of Irvin, California assisted the residents and workers in preparing for the first Open House at the Nancy Cole Women's Home.  Church leaders from across the world and local politicians were given tours through the new building and saw demonstrations of the various activities that take place on a regular basis at the home.  Paul Cole, son of the late Nancy Corbert Cole, was present for the celebration.  This day was a reflection of the many "Divine Connections" that God has created to build and operate the new home.  To God be the Glory!

Team from Lake Gaston Christian Life Centre:





Team from Mariners Church:





Paul Cole joins Pastor Lilliam, Founder and Director, and Dale and Sheryl Baird, Directors of Project Restoration, at the Open House at the Nancy Cole Women's Home on February 8, 2008:





Here are the residents of the home, pictured with Michael and Kristin Gulbronson (who will be working as interns at the home beginning in July, 2008), in February, 2008:




Team members worked very hard in various areas of ministry at the home.  Senior Pastor Dr. David Lively of the Lake Gaston Christian Life Centre in Ebony, Virginia assembles fans (it was HOT - summer - in February in Lima):





Shawn Baird of Washington Christian Life Centre (Manassas, Virginia) speaks (with the interpreter) to the residents and the family members at the Sunday night family service:





The Spa Day, which precedes the "Daughters of the King" Banquet, is always a hit.





The girls enjoy the banquet, which emphasizes that they are truly "Daughters of the King:"





The residents always bless us with their passion for worship:





Kristin leads the dance team at the home in learning a praise dance routine:





Cynthia Chambers, of Tabernacle of Zion in Lawrenceville, Virginia, shares the testimony of her conversion from Buddhism to Christianity at the final service with the February team.




TO GOD BE THE GLORY!  Please contact us if your church or group would be interested in sending a ministry team to the Nancy Cole Women's Home!