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Greetings to each who receives this UP-Date;

Here is where we are at on opening the refurbished cottage in the words of Joan Brown.
We have renewed hope for the vision and future of Murrow. The new cottage has taken more time than I thought it should. Today the last of the furniture will be delivered. But, one hot water closet needs sheet rock replaced and the vent pipe needs to be replaced as well. A local man is coming today to give an estimate on the repairs. Cold weather has slowed everything down a bit.

We put in for a grant to ABC Foundation last year to replace all the old computers at Murrow Home. They were received a short time ago and Joan and the office staff really appreciate them.

To those who reside in the Great Rivers Region a grateful thanks for the increase in giving through the region for the Murrow Home. In 2006, the total given was $11,879.10 and for 2007 the total was $35,999.20. On behalf of Joan Brown I want to thank those individuals and churches who have taken Murrow Home under their wing in 2007 and have helped us over this crisis.

The Creek Tribe in Oklahoma raised their giving from $14,000.00 to $50,000.00 a year.

We are going to be promoting Sponsorship for the Kids in 2008. Here in Joan Browns words she explains:
Sponsorship for our kids:
5 sponsors provide $25 each month to provide opportunities for a child to participate in school sports (moneys for meals on trips), science camps, band, field trips and many more events of growing youth.

In opening the refurbished cottage for the kids Joan Brown said it would run $100,000.00 a year. Sponsorship for the kids is a very important aspect in Murrow Home.
For more information on sponsoring, contact:
Joan Brown, Murrow Indian Children's Home, 2540 Murrow Circle Drive, Muskogee, OK. 74403
Phone # 1-918-682-2586 E-Mail murrowhome@yahoo.com

Cards and letters (most of our children never receive mail). Everyone of our children come in after school to see if they have mail. A birthday gift or card to let them know they are important and we celebrate with them. Having their own special friend to share in their accomplishments and praying for them each day.

We have come up with another video with Joan explaining the sponsorship program and reasons behind the program.
If a church is interested in receiving a CD or DVD or both please E-Mail me and I will send you what you need.

Joan Brown says Thanks, Thankyou for all you have done for us this past year.

Jack Smith,
Representative for Murrow Home

Greetings in the name of the one we serve, Jesus.

I thought this bit if information would be interesting in helping people to understand more about what goes on at times when children come to Murrow Indian Children's Home.

In Joan's own words:
Calls are still coming in from case workers with children in need of placement. We are getting staff trained and ready.
Prayers for financial support for this new cottage are needed!

Today John age 5 and brother Zach age 6 are having major dental surgery. Their teeth are rotted down and they have problems with speech due to their lack of teeth. They have two sisters here as well 9 & 12 years old. These children were covered with scabs as well. Poor nutrition and physical neglect is not uncommon for the children that come into our care. Abuse is usually why they are removed from their parents but a lot of damage has taken place before these children received the love and care they deserve.
Our friends and churches provide the funds and supplies that are so desperately needed in our ministry. Our staff have a large task set before them and with faith and prayers blessings are given.
Grown Murrow Children return to share their adult life accomplishments and express their appreciation and love for all that helped make a difference in their lives. Time and time again I have seen what good parents they have become.

From Joan, the staff and the children, thank you for the blessings that you have given to us.

In the name of Jesus our Lord.
Jack Smith,
Murrow Indian Children's Home Smith,