Shana

Shana

Hello Everyone,

It’s me again. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since I went to Nigeria on my first trip! When I returned to the United States I
didn’t expect to be able to return to Nigeria for another couple of years. Thankfully God had another plan. I’m heading back in
less than a week! This time I’m taking with me two friends, Sarahanne Daley and Nathan Luibrand. We will be returning to
Ministry of Mercy Orphanage! (The same orphanage I was at on my last trip) It’s in a little village called Otutulu. God has provided
for this trip down to every little last detail.  There is so much to praise God for!

Just a few Updates on the orphanage: six beautiful children have been adopted and are now living here in the USA. (Kogi State
has recently decided to no longer allow foreign adoptions)They’ve also taken in several more children this past year as well.
Wonderful (our HIV aides’ baby) is walking!!!  Sweet baby Anne went home to Jesus in November( After a long 9months of
fighting hydrocephalus.).There have been a few surgeries. Thank God all of them seem to have been successful. THE
GENERATOR HAS FINALLY BEEN FIXED!!! 

I will try to keep you all updated while I’m out there. (If you read my updates from my last trip you’ll understand the word try.).
Please continue to pray for Sarahanne, Nathan, and I as we’re travelling and working with the kids. Thank you all so much for
your prayers and interest.

With love your sister in Christ,

Shana Kerttula

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence,
fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Romans12:10-12

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Hey everyone,

Surprise surprise! It’s me and I’ve only been in Nigeria for 3 days. I have a couple things I want you all to pray for. 1st off
Godwin- he is a sweet baby who is two months old but they say he hasn’t grown since he was born (and his eyes were bulging).
He was taken to the Lakoja orphanage site so he would be able to get medical help. He seems to be doing much better but
please pray for him. Also please pray for baby Wonderful she is also in Lakoja (She is our only HIV AIDES baby) When I saw her
she seemed to be not feeling well at all. As you can already see we stopped in Lakoja on our way to Otututlu. By the time we left
Lakoja I was impatient to be in Otutulu. But we had one more stop to make at Mama Grosses house.:) We didn’t stay for long
just a quick visit.When we finally pulled up into Otutulu I was halfway out my seat before the car stopped. Kisses and hugs the
boys didn’t even seem to mind too much. I never relized the extent of how much I missed them until I saw their dear little faces
shouting my name! Oh how I love them all. On Sunday I “borrowed” about 5 different babies.:) Then Sat. Night I got to take care
of a sweet little guy named David. He was rather spoiled ( too many baby loving females …….well make that males too) and now
we are to today. Other than kissing babies and playing with the kids and loving every moment of it, I was given the opportunity
to teach an older girl how to read. She seems to be picking it up well. But I only have about two weeks to pour as much into her
as I can ( or so they say). I Thank God for all His wisdom and grace in sending me back to these people I love so much.

Goodnight to you all!

Shana

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Greetings ,

Hi, I decided I have the whole morning with “nothing” to do. In other words Crystal (The white missionary) has gone to Anyigba
and I have the babies this morning! J Ok now I’m getting ahead of myself. Sarahanne and I are now living in Crystal’s house.
Crystal has 6 kids in her care, 3 babies (Natalie (1yr) Blessing and David (6mnths) J So now all you mama’s understand what I
mean by “nothing” J

Last week I was teaching a 15 year old girl how to read. I was supposed to have two weeks. Because all the schools were being
used for voter’s registration. Unfortunately my time was cut in half and all the high school kids were sent back to school this
weekend. Now that Sarahanne and I are living with Crystal I have pretty much taken over night duty with the twins. I know I say
this about every baby I care for but they are the cutest! They are so smilie and happy (most of the time). They both seem to be
developing chickenpox….not surprising seeing it’s been going around. Thankfully they aren’t too fussy yet. Nor does it seem to
bother them. I am so thankful to God for these sweet, fat, healthy babies. They are some of God’s most precious gifts in my life.

We went to Ika this weekend. We all enjoyed the time to rest and catch up on emails. Benji grilled for us on Saturday night.
Chicken, goat, and you know all the normal things we grill like …. Lizard, and grass rat. (Both of which were very good!)
Then we came back home on Sunday afternoon. The kids must have missed us in those few days because they were mobbing
us last night when we got home. I love those children so very much! I missed those tons, even though I was gone for only a
couple of days. That is how much I love them! I am so thankful to God for these beautiful people. Please pray for wisdom and
guidance for us all as we are here. Also that the cars will get fixed, and for a woman in the next village up – She has breast
cancer and no treatment and is very, very sick, and in lots of pain. Also pray for all those who have recently been saved, that
they will continue to grow spiritually. Praise God for all the Blessing’s as well. – The twins- that they are healthy, the breeze
blowing through the window at this moment. Awww The way God has provided so amazingly for this trip. All those who choose
to live here and make a difference in these kid’s lives. (These men and women are phenomenal people.) There is so much to be
thankful for. I am also thankful for all of you and you prayers!

With love your sister in Christ, Shana Kerttula

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Hello all!

It’s been a crazy week I’m not sure where to begin. Crystal and I have been working on getting the library sorted out and cleaned
up. So that has kept a couple hours occupied this last week. On Wednesday Nathan and I spent a good portion of the morning
burning garbage…. Let’s just say neither of us was in the mood to roast marshmallows, It was HOT!!! On Thursday and Friday, I
substitute taught for Sarah Anne. J Lots of fun and interesting times, those kids sure know how to keep me on my toes. On
Friday my Aunt and Uncle left to head back to the US. My Grandparents went to drop them off and to pick up another couple
coming for a visit. We’re expecting them tonight. Saturday I spent the whole day getting ready for my newest job. Nathan and I
have been given the job of teaching the few dyslexic and very behind in school group of kids. We have six wonderful (uhh most
of the timeJ) kids to teach. So on Saturday between doing lesson plans and writing out schedule , I was cleaning out my “class
room” J It was really dirty my skirt is now laying in the dirty laundry pile , speckled with mud up to my knees, but my class room
looks quite nice now. Sunday we went to church here at the orphanage. (Most interesting example: Cain was used as an
example of how we should plan ahead…J) The rest of the day was spent finishing up things for school on Monday... Which we
finished off Sunday with delicious curry and rice and roasted chicken, oh is Crystal a good cook! Now here I am today, Monday.
Our first day of teaching went well. It had its ups and downs which we learned from and now know better how to deal with them.

The twins are growing wonderfully in the last two weeks they seem to have gained lots of weight. :) I looooooooove fat babies!
And these two are definitely that! Natalie is keeping us all on our toes; she is eating everything in sight! She got ahold of my
hairbrush last night we found it in the kitchen with chicken feathers in it. I can’t believe two weeks are gone like that (snap!)

The lady from Odolu with breast cancer died a couple days ago. Pray for her family and all those whose lives she affected. That
the unsaved will come to know Christ personally.

Pray for us as we’re working with the kids. Especially for me to be patient with my students.

Pray for the students who have returned to secondary school and university that everything will go well for them all and that
they will keep in the Lord.

Pray that the vehicles will get fixed.

Pray for all those who are travelling for safety.

Grandpa Spen Dibble took a fall last week and from what they’re saying he’s still hurting from it. Pray for both he and his wife
Grandma Phil’s health!

Thanks for all your prayers, your sis in Christ, Shana

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Hi Everyone!

It's been an interesting week. I think God is teaching me a whole lot about being creative! My class is moving forward at a steady
pace. And my classroom is starting to look nice, Thanks to a few colorful posters my students have worked on. ( For those of
you who haven't read the last few updates. I'm teaching three dislexsic/ and very behind children the basics of school. How to
read, count, Shapes and colors ect....) Please pray that I will be patient, wise and shine for Christ in everything I do.and that God
will work in each of my beautiful students lives .And also pray for Grandpa Spen. he went to Jos a couple days ago to see a DR.
They say he's ok but won't be home till midweek So Please keep him in your prayers Praise God Auntie Pam and Uncle William
have arrived safely!!! So off to bed for me! All of you have a good afternoon!

Your sister in Christ, Shana

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Hello Everyone,

It’s been exactly one month since we left the U.S. I can’t believe how the time has flown… This week has been both interesting
and challenging. On Wednesday afternoon we took our classes swimming at the river (Sarah Anne Nathan and I) then on
Thursday Sarah Anne and I took class 5 to the river. It was refreshing and exhausting at the same time. :) We also added a
member to our family I believe it was decided his name is M is for monkey Jehosephat. Then on Saturday, we went to a wedding
for a man who lives here at M.O.M, it was a nice wedding… (Quite a bit different than our own.) Please pray for this newly married
couple. This morning my youngest student started reading!!!! :) She has picked it up quickly. Please continue to pray for all our
students as we’re working with them. That we will be a light for Christ to them all. Also pray for two newly saved women here in
Ottutulu ( one of which was an idol worshipper) that they will grow strong in the Lord. Also pray for a University student Rabi
she was baptized yesterday. That she will stay strong in the Lord and that her family will come to know Jesus. Thanks for all
your prayer. Love your sister in Christ,

Shana

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Hey everyone!

We hear your all freezing! Well we’re definitely roasting today. This week we’ve had two rains. Everyone is saying it is very
strange. To be completely honest I don’t even really remember what happened on Monday so I’ll just hit a couple high points.
School is settling into a routine. My children are getting used to the way I expect t things to work. We had been starting every
morning with prayer and ending every day in a circle with prayer on Wednesday I think, one of my students when I dismissed
them to go on break he says “Aunt Shana, I’ll pray before we go on break.” So we started praying three times a day.” J I love
when I get a little glimpse into their minds and see what their thinking! J

On Saturday we went to Ika for a quick little trip it was a nice outing we took Blessing (one of our twins) to see the Doctor for her
one month checkup since they did surgery on her. She is healthy and happy. J Please Pray for Spen Dibble’s health also.

Yesterday, we went to the river just Sarah Anne and I and played with the village kids it was a lot of fun! And it was nice and cool.
J

So here are my prayer requests for the week: Spen Dibble – health

The new Christians for here and surrounding villages – there are three women who have recently been saved (one of which was
an idol worshiper. they described her as a goddess to the people who came to her to worship the idols. Praise God she’s been
saved! Last Saturday a group from the chapel went and helped her burn her idols.)

Pray for all of us as we’re teaching school to be wise and patient in everything we do and to be a good example to our children.
Also pray for our children that they will come to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

Pray for all the Aunties and everyone who works here. For their encouragement and for salvation for those who aren’t saved yet.
Thank you all for you prayers. Keep on in Christ.

With love your sis in Christ,

Shana

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Brothers and Sisters,

Another week has zipped by. It’s starting to feel like we’re running out of time. School has been going well this week. Both my
boys have finished their first set of readers. I can’t keep the smile of pride off my face every time I see them. I am so proud of
them. Please I want you to all pray for our children, that each and every one of them will come to know Jesus as their personal
Saviour.

Please continue praying for the Dibble’s . Grandma and Grandpa are staying with them right now.

Praise! Auntie Pam and Uncle William have made it safely back home to US. We’ll miss them, but are glad they made it home safe.

Another man from Odolu died last night. Please pray for his family. And all involved.

Also we have a couple of students heading off for their year of service . Pray for their protection as they are a long way from
home.

Thank you so much for all your prayers we really appreciate all of them.

With love your sister in Christ,

Shana

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Hello everyone,

It’s a sizzling hot day today! 98 degree’s and about 90% humidity . J This week has been a pretty good week. School is zipping
along and as exams are coming up in a few weeks. I’m starting to get nervous. J A whole lot more nervous than my children are.
We’ve been learning about bar graphs and story problems this week.

On Saturday our whole little family went to the Anyigba. In other words 3 white women and 6 children. 3 of which were under the
age of 1 1/2. J We went and visited Mama Gross and greeted everyone else.

Then took shifts going to market and watching the kids. J And the best part of the day… ICECREAM!!! After we had bought all
our loads and picked everyone up we went to a little restaurant and bought Icecream . It even tasted like American soft serve. So
we ate Icecream and cookies and gave everyone around a whole lot of entertainment. Then roadside meat for supper and off to
home we went. An enjoyable happy day! J

Here are a couple things to pray for: Baby Faith- She was not eating or gaining weight so they brought her from Lakoja ( our
other orphanage sight) and now she seems to be eating ok… Pray that she’ll continue to eat and get better.

Daniel Edeh is travelling to Canada soon . Pray for his safety and that his trip will go well.

Continue to pray for the man from Odolu who died’s family ( Baba Joshua’s family) Also there was another funeral procession
on our road on Saturday so also pray for that woman’s family

Pray for the schools to stop going on strike many of our students are home because of the strikes.

Pray for Nathan as he will soon be travelling back to the US.

Pray for us as we are here that we will show the love of Christ in everything we do.

Thankyou all for your prayers .

Your sister in Christ,

Shana

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Hello everyone,

It’s a lovely Friday afternoon. We’re all lying about relaxing or working on school. Blessing is lying on the floor babbling to the
monkey perched on her fat little belly.( 7months) Natalie is getting into an open bin, and shouting with glee when she finds little
treasures( 14months). :) The boys are sleeping…ok the boys are supposed to be sleeping…and the latest addition to our
family……6 baby rodents ( Crystal calls them squirrels…….J and guess what!!! It’s the weekend!!! No school for three days!!! J
So a brief overview of this week… my children seem to be reading much better! Just pray for their attitudes- especially
concerning their learning. Also pray that all our children will come to know Jesus as their personal Saviour. Also pray for me
especially for patience.

Continue to pray for the new believers in our village. That they will grow in Christ.

Also we just got in a new baby boy. He was from one of our staff’s home village. His mother died a couple days after giving
birth. Thank God he is very healthy and beautiful!

Continue to pray for the strikes going on. Kogi State university has called a 2 week suspension on theirs. We’ve heard nothing
from Special school or the boys school so continue praying that the strikes will end soon.

Also continue to pray for our university grads who have been sent for their year of service to the government. For safety and
good situations for both of them.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Your sister in Christ,

Shana

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Hey Everyone!

It’s me again! This week has been a pretty great week! On Monday I took on 2 more students. (Their teacher had to return to
University.) Their names are Jon and Caleb. The first couple days were a challenge as I was trying to figure out how to work with
them. But they seem to have settled in well. Exams start on Wednesday!!!So pray that those will go smoothly.

We attended a traditional wedding of a brother from Otutulu on Friday night. It was really a lot of fun and very interesting.

Sarah Anne and I have come to Ika for a couple days. For some fun and fellowship. J

Please pray for: Our students whose schools are still on strike. (Kogi State University has resumed school, but we are still
waiting for the rest.)

Pray for Baby Faith that she will continue to gain weight. And grow.

Pray for all our children here at MOM. That they will come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.

Pray for Nathan as he is travelling back to US on Monday.

Thank you so much for all your prayers.

Your sister in Christ,

Shana

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Hey y’all.

It’s been a crazy week. We got back to Otutulu from Ika on Tuesday. Then jumped right into exams on Wednesday morning. We
finished up our exams on Friday morning. Everyone else still has two more days of exams left. All our High school students are
back for a while because of Nigerian elections going on this month. (They had been at school for about a week after the strikes)
Pray for safety of everyone during these elections especially the ones who are away from home working at the election places.
Pray for all who are sick here in Otutulu. There has been a nasty cough and fever going around.

Thank God! Baby Faith is gaining weight and doing well these days. She’s even getting a little round belly.J

Nathan made it safely back to US last week. Our time is getting shorter…. Only 2 ½ weeks and I will be leaving my children, again
until God sees fit to bring me home again. I pray that it will be soon. Thank you all for your prayers.

With love your sister in Christ,

Shana

Hello everyone,

It’s been an interesting week. On Sunday I was feeling under the weather. Monday I was back in the classroom glad for the extra
time to work with my kids. J Tuesday was our last official day of school. I spent a lot of time thinking about a project we could do
to finish off the school term. I wanted something educational or at least something that would stick in their mind. What was the
most important thing I had taught these kids? Haha well it took smart old me until right before school to realize there was only
one thing that really mattered out of everything I had taught them…one thing I wanted them to know more than anything…The
fact that Jesus had come for them. Also that they needed to accept Him for themselves no one else could do it. So I gave them
the gospel one last time and I keep praying that God will touch their hearts and bring them to Him. I pray that He’ll bring all the
kids here to Him as well. Continue to pray for all of their salvation. And for our village as well, there is a large population of
Muslims around.

So onto Wednesday…J Wednesday morning we went to a village near here to take our cloth to a tailor to be sewn…The tailor
came home with us…J we had such a big order she couldn’t remember it so she just packed her stuff and came and stayed for
three days sewing

Thursday was a busy day. We had our exam results in the morning. And then later that afternoon a group came from Kogi State
University to throw a Birthday party. (All the kiddo’s in one place twice in one day!)

Friday – we went to farm in the morning. We spent three hours harvesting cashew nuts from the fruit. It was enjoyable. We were
all a little more than slightly sticky by the time we finished... J

Now today is Saturday and I am sitting in our parlor. We had a wonderful thunder and storm. I think everyone thinks Sarah Anne
and I are good entertainment ….especially when it rains. We can’t really help it. We love the rain! And plus it’s like a free showerJ
Anyways this letter is already getting too long so I’ll wrap it up. Please continue to pray for Baby Faith.

For all the sickness going around.

For Sarah Anne, Chelsea, Grandpa, Grandma, and I as we are flying out on April 20th.

For Spen and Phyllis Dibble

For Caroline Gross

Thank you all for your support and prayers. This is my last update I have a week and a half left on this side of the world before I
fly back to the other side.

With love your sister in Christ, Shana

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