For many, 2020 began with resolutions, dreams, plans and ambitions. However, things did not turn out quite how we expected. For many, these hopes have become lost, abandoned, and put away, only to be replaced by grief, disappointment and frustration. Businesses closed down and many lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. We now conduct classes via zoom where many students are forced to stay home, unable to interact with their classmates, friends and teachers. Furthermore, relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, etc. have become tense due to the extended lockdown and stay-at-home orders. Many have become restless due to the stress and anxiety of the unknown future.
Despite all of these setbacks, we still have hope in God. He is a God of a known future, a God who keeps His promise to never leave or forsake us. There is a God-known purpose in our unknown. In times like these, our sufferings and challenges point us back to God. It also makes us re-evaluate what’s important in life. Hardships are uncomfortable but Jesus can remind us of who he is through our suffering. He wants us to readjust our relationship with Him, within our family and with those around us. Our hardships can deepen our faith and bring about a renewal in our relationship with Jesus. But first, we have to choose to let Jesus work through the hardships we face.
In light of these events, the schools under the management of the Mercy Charitable Christian Foundation in Kyrgyzstan continues to operate either with in-person classes or through remote learning. The staff has done a lot of changes and adjustments due to the effects of the pandemic. They pray that God will show them new opportunities to reach the students and their families. They have no fear because they know that God is with them and are very thankful for the continued support, love and care you provide.
As you can imagine, our donations have been severely impacted because of this global disaster. In order to maintain a continuous ministry and honor our commitment to the mission field, we are seeking your consideration for continued support so that we can survive this very difficult season. Giving is not just about a donation, but about making a difference.
We are writing to express our deepest thanks for your donation to CASA in response to our appeal letter back in the month of June. Generous gifts from donors like you provide the financial and moral support needed to continue our mission of reaching the children of Central Asia.
There is no way to fully express our gratitude for your gifts. We, at CASA, are continually inspired by the dedication and generosity of donors like yourself, who answer the call to give again and again. We are very grateful for the ways you invested your time and love in the lives of these children.
Mrs. Yuen C. Yang
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Elder Yang’s wife, Yuen Yang, was ushered into the presence of the Lord on June 27, 2020 at the age of 92. Her family was able to come to Rockford where they laid her to rest next to her husband, Elder Yang. If you missed this news, we shared this on our website and on our Facebook page. Before she went to be with the Lord, Mrs. Yang had received good news of the number of donations that have come through in answer to the appeal letter. Because of donors like you, she was grateful that the ministry her husband began in 2000 will be able to continue on because of your generosity.
Testimony of gratefulness
Jarabashy is a very small village and most of the students' parents are employed abroad. There are a lot of people in need in this village. MCCF’s president , Elena Polyakova, had an idea to visit Jarbashy and to help those families who needed food during the pandemic lockdown. Here are some photos of how MCCF blessed the community. The adults and children were sincerely happy to receive a heavy bag of much needed food. They were very grateful to God and to those people who bless them with food.
We are also able to read about a testimony from Altinay Sherembekova, an 8th grade student in the village of Jarbashy.
"I attended school in 2013 as a first grader. Time flies fast, and I will be leaving our school in a month. Due to the fact that our school does not have a 9th grade, I'll have to move to another school in a nearby village. Now I will have new teachers and new classmates, but I will never forget the kind eyes of my teachers that I have seen every day for 8 years. I am very used to everyone, and it will be very hard for me to bear this separation.
My memories of this school will be of the lessons we had in our classrooms, how we celebrated different holidays, and how much fun we had. School bells, breaks, rulers, gifts, summer camps, and most importantly, the teachers of our school! It was they who gave me knowledge and supported me throughout difficult times. All of them became very close to me. And for this I want to say a huge thank you to them! I do not want to leave my teachers and classmates, and I will miss them very much!
At school I lived an amazing life, which was always filled with different experiences. Throughout my school life,
I realized a lot and learned an incredible thing. I've heard about God here. I am truly proud of all the people I have come through with in this long, but interesting journey! Life at school has given me many adventures and very loyal friends, so I will try to keep them in my heart and remember them.
Now I want to thank all the supporters for their patience, faith and help! Thank you for your idea to build this school in our village. Without your participation, there would be no us! Thank you so much!
I wish all the best to the teachers of Jarbashy School, because they are the best, the kindest, the most creative!
That is why my school is my second home!
During this quarantine we studied online, and in spite of this I studied well; I read the book of Daniel myself. Through this book I learned that Daniel was faithful to God despite the difficulties and that God did not abandon him.
I believe and pray that God will not leave us in difficult times".
With Our Deepest Appreciation
On behalf of the CASA board, we want to pause, reflect and give thanks to you, our dear friends. You have been a blessing and valued partner in this ministry. Without your prayers and financial support, our mission of reaching and investing in these children would not be where it is today. Please continue to join us as we ask for God’s mercy, grace, wisdom and guidance going forward with this ministry.
May God keep you safe and richly bless you and your family this Thanksgiving!
As a reminder, please send your year-end donations postmarked on or before December 31st to get a receipt for any 2018 U.S tax deductions