Single Mom Living in a Car

In March 2023, we were contacted by a school counselor about a family at their school who was living in a car. She has four children, the youngest is 7 years old.   Their situation is ongoing, but we were able to advise the school counselor on available resources and provide some nonperishable food, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wipes, clothing, and even teddy bears for them.  Please pray with us for:

• their safety
• the mother's wisdom and ability to receive help
• the four kids to experience a stable living situation 

Can I tell you a story about God's provision?  I had bought this family some food & hygiene items, and was ready to deliver them to the school counselor.  Meanwhile, for some time, a donor had been asking me to come pick up some in-kind donations from her house.  I didn't connect the two in my mind, but I happened to go to the donor's house the morning I delivered to the school counselor.  At the donor's house, she had her kids' hand-me-down clothes, which might fit some of the kids who were living in the car.  I made the connection & told her about the family we were helping, surprised by the "coincidence."  Then she gave me a box of her daughter's beautiful bows, which her daughter recently decided she's "too old" to wear.  She also had a huge bag of used stuffed animals.  I told her that, even though she washed them, many places won't take stuffed animals for health reasons, but I took them anyway.  She told me I could throw them away if nobody would take them.

A few hours later, when I got to the school, the counselor was waiting for us outside with the 7 year-old from the family we were helping.  He seemed understandably down, looking at the ground, avoiding eye contact.  Still, I was excited to meet him face to face, so I told him that he could help unload my truck & pick out what his brothers & sisters might need.  His eyes went directly to the box of bows, and when he opened it, his face lit up in a bright smile.  "My sisters will LOVE these!"  Then his eyes caught the bag of teddy bears.  He said "What are those?"  I said "Stuffed animals; do you want to bring them to your family?"  His joy was infectious!  That small detail gave him so much hope.  Yes, they were used stuffed animals.  But experts call little moments like that "Positive Childhood Experiences,"  and children with more of them are more resilient, in spite of their adverse experiences. 

I hadn't intended to go to the donor's house first.  I didn't even think of this family when I saw the stuffed animals; I thought I'd have to throw them away.  But God had other plans, to plant a joyful memory of trust and kindness in this 7-year-old boy's heart. 

Rescued Girls - February 2023

Please continue to pray for the girls rescued from trafficking we've been able to help through government agencies.  In February 2023,  LTK was able to provide a rescued group of girls in New Orleans a meal, journals, notes of encouragement, and other mental health items.   In 2022, we fed several trafficking survivors, and provided items like new sneakers, clothing, and a car seat for other trafficked girls through Orleans Juvenile Court.

Kenner Family

This is the family of 4 boys we helped in 2022.  Their "aunt" and "cousins" abused all four boys when they were living with her in foster care.  The abuse stopped when the authorities became aware, and they were reunited with their birth mother, who was homeless when she got her boys back.  Now they're living in North Carolina, where housing is more available.  Let's pray for:

• mom (health struggles, mental clarity, encouragement)
• son 1, 14 years old (currently in foster care; his PTSD symptoms are the most severe)
• son 2, 13 years old (PTSD, struggles with school and anger)
• son 3, 11 years old (PTSD, loves school, needs stability)
• son 4, 8 years old (PTSD, disabled, very loving and trusting)
• stepdad (married their mom last year after the boys returned; hard worker, but has struggles of his own)

Listen to Kids was called to walk with this family when they were in New Orleans.  They are fighting to be a healthy family, and they all love Jesus.

Praise: Saije's return

Praise God for SAIJE's Return!

The 14-year-old boy named Saije who was missing for over 100 days in 2020 has returned to his birth-mother's house!  We don't yet know details about his health or his experiences.  Regardless, his ordeal is potentially life-changing, and the adults with him now can support a healthy future for Saije.

PRAISE GOD that Saije is found & safe!

ASK GOD to be the author of Saije's healing and to guide Saije's sister, birth-mother and step-mother as they care for him.