August 2023 Newsletter

We have had an exciting summer session at the Haven. It was a time of experimenting,
flexibility, and new experiences.
Our English classes continued throughout the summer, and because we had some additional
teachers and helpers in our women’s program, we added an extra class for those who were at a
level between our first two classes.
In addition to once-a-week English classes, we added an activity day each week for our families.
The women and children took field trips to a peach orchard and swimming pool and enjoyed
mornings with a hair stylist, playing games, and learning about a healthy lifestyle. The men
worked on learning some computer skills and getting help with paperwork.
The highlight of our summer session was our July 4th picnic! Though many of the Afghans were
wary of gathering together as families, we were thrilled that almost a hundred of our new
friends joined us at Lancaster County Central Park to celebrate the freedom we share here in
the US and enjoy great food. The children played on the playground, the women visited
together, and the men enjoyed a game of soccer. Thanks to all the volunteers who made the day
happen, especially to those who made emergency runs to the store for more food and supplies!

We are so thankful for the many volunteers who have joined us at the Haven. We especially
appreciated those who stepped in to help with our children’s program this summer as it grew to
accommodate the school-aged kids. We are also grateful for those who helped in our special
programs – our thanks go to Mardia Gibson for her hair styling (fourteen haircuts in three
hours!), First Fruits Farm and Orchard for their delicious peaches, Kim Scott hosting our fun
swim day, and John Hollopeter for his help with the men’s computer class. Thanks also go to
Jeremy Jenkins of Lanco Federal Credit Union for the generous equipment and furniture
donation to the Haven.

The Haven’s leadership team appreciated the opportunity to share about the project at Rawlinsville Camp Meeting at the beginning of August. Camp meeting was a new experience for us, but we enjoyed the fellowship, teaching, and interest in sharing God’s love that we found there. God has been faithful in providing for the Haven’s financial needs. If you know of any churches, individuals, or other funding sources that would be interested in participating with us in this way, please let us know. All giving can be done online using following link: https://give.team.org/thehaven.

Please join us in praying for:

• God’s continuing provision for all the Haven’s needs.
• Deepening relationships with our students and their families.
• God’s protection from any opposition.
• Healing from physical, spiritual, and mental issues.
• God’s light and love to shine at the Haven.

Thank you for joining with us in building relationships with the growing Afghan refugee
community here in Lancaster.