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BBR’S Chili Challenge is underway!
Bert’s Buck-Up Ranch Chili Challenge
ABINA Ministries, Inc Donate Now
Donate Now….
All donations to ABINA Ministries are tax-deductible. (see the end of this post for more information!)
Dedicated to serving the physical needs of abandoned, orphaned and at-risk children
in Central and North America.
Our focus remains, assisting Residence of Life with modifying the 100-year-old “casa” to be the home for six abandoned children.
The children were welcomed home on December 14, 2012. They have settled into their new school, with their new uniforms, and are sleeping comfortably in their new beds thanks to ABINA’S donors…..
We’re not done yet!
A few remaining projects need immediate attention!
Please prayerfully consider how can you can help with these immediate needs. It would be a devastating for the children to be removed from the only home they now call their own.
Health Department requires the home’s upgrades to be completed by March 30th.
PLEASE HELP THE CHILDREN STAY IN THEIR NEW HOME!
The upgrades are important for the safety of the children, and required if they are to stay in the home…..
- Fire Extinguishers,
- More Smoke Alarms,
- Ramps for any step over one inch,
- See through containers for the children’s storage,
- shelving, tables in the laundry Bodega,
- Locking cabinet for soaps and chemicals, a new kitchen floor
- Widened doors in the bathrooms.
RESIDENCE OF LIFE’S KITCHEN BEFORE ABINA’S KITCHEN PROJECT…..
RESIDENCE OF LIFE’S KITCHEN AFTER ABINA’S KITCHEN PROJECT…..
The Girl’s Bunks x !
ABINA CONTACT INFORMATION
CLARITY IN CHARITY – ABINA FAQS – & – F.Y.I’s March 27, 2013 -
The Difference Between a Nonprofit Corporation and a 501(c)(3) | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_10001057_difference-between-nonprofit-corporation-501c3.html#ixzz2Og7qLPDa
ABINA is recognized as an Independent Nonprofit Charitable Corporation in Washington State, as of November 2012.
ABINA Ministries is no longer an outreach ministry for Bethany Chapel. This does NOT mean we are no longer associated; just that we are no longer attached.
ABINA and Bethany are now two separate tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, with separate EIN #’s for the Washington, and separate bank accounts.
The organizations tax exemption allows ABINA to receive tax-deductible donations from the public and in turn, provide the donor with a tax-deductible receipt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. .
The donations ABINA Ministries receives are what determine the scope of our next mission’s project.
All of the funds, less 10% for administration costs, received through donations, are used for the direct expenses and associated costs of the projects and activities. The donor can designate where their donation applies;
The funds are NOT used for volunteer’s personal expenses, volunteer loans or grants, as outlined on the BYLAWS. Volunteers are responsible to raise their own funds for their mission trip. ABINA has “NO” paid officers.
The organization’s board of seven has a total of three officers, and four directors, with five voting on the board’s decisions, and meets three times per year..
ABINA Ministries income and expenditure statements are filed annually.
Mail-In Donations; should be sent directly to ABINA Ministries, Inc. and mail to;
ABINA Ministries – P.O.Box 294 – Deming, WA. 98244.
Online Donations are processed by Pay Pal via the “Donate” link @ abinaprojectministries@gmail.org. Your offering can to be applied to;
- The General Fund (where needed most)
- The Building Project Fund (for present and future building projects).
- Buck-Up $ 4 Orphans Emergency Fund (applied to the immediate needs of the six children at Residence of Life.)
- The Orphan Christmas Fund (Provide an underprivileged child a Christmas gift and dinner)
ABINA IS SHORT FOR; A Blessing In A …..
ABINA means, “A Blessing In A…..”
We purposely left the end open to allow a place for you to bless abandoned and at-risk children in Central and North America.
ABINA DONORS and VOLUNTEERS:
Thank you for your of generous contributions to the children through
ABINA Ministries Orphan Projects!
Your giving has played a vital role in preparing a 100 year casa into the home for six abandoned and UN-adopted children in Atenas, Costa Rica.
To God Be The Glory!
To date, ABINA’S donors have provided the children’s home
“Casa De Casey” with:
- ten beds,
- benches,
- kitchen cabinets,
- a park sized swing-set,
- electrical re-wiring for oven,
- New wiring extended from the oven to the detached laundry Bodega,
- PVC water pipes extended from the house to the laundry Bodega,
- A/C and lighting in the laundry Bodega for a washer and dryer, with extra for more washers and dryers.
- cement side-walk expansion with built-in drainage to divert the rain-run-off from the home and into the storm drain,
- foundation cracks repaired to keep insects out of the home,
- donations of food, clothing, shoes, and hygiene supplies,
- child sponsorship,
- field trips, and transportation to and from the activities
- craft projects for the children to make and keep or give as gifts.
There is still a lot of work left to be done, but the children are sleeping in the first bed they can call their own, and being cared for by their new mom, and founder of the home, Cherie McCullah.
We trust God’s Plan for their future is one to prosper them; to give them hope, love, and something no one can take from them, “the love of Jesus Christ.” You have become a part of the dream Cherie had 30 years ago, the prayers of the children, for a safe and loving home, and the reason ABINA Ministries was created.
Believing that All Things Come From God for His Purpose, thank you for being a part of His Plan and Colette’s vision to provide relief to children who are at risk of becoming victims of unthinkable criminal acts!
Colette & Jeremy Bert
ABINA ORPHAN PROJECT MINISTRIES
P.O.Box 294 – Deming, WA. 98244
360-220-7110
TAX EXEMPT STATUS UPDATE:
As of November 2012, ABINA Ministries is an independent Nonprofit Charitable Corporation, 501(c)3. ABINA continues to maintain frugal administration costs, and our volunteers assume 100 percent of their travel to and from Costa Rica, including all personal expenses.
ABINA Donations should be sent and addressed to ABINA Ministries for the purpose of 2013 building projects, or other specified uses! Credit and debit cards are being accepted through Pay-Pal.
THE CREW:
BEFORE: 
AFTER:
THE ONE WASHER LOOKS LONELY!
A/C FOR FUTURE MACHINES!
CHERIE AND COLETTE here …
two heads are better than one, we think! Just trying to figure out the settings on the Fuji camera Colette received as a donation for Residence of Life, “Casa de Casey.”
Time
“It is important for believers’ to know how God wants us to serve Him.
It’s equally important to not waste any opportunity to serve Him and His body.”
Oswald Chambers / Serving Him
What We Do….
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Col.3:17
In Spanish, “Aplastado” is a descriptive and powerful word that means “crushed.” Colette heard this word for the first time while vacationing in San Jose. The word was used in reference to the battered, neglected, and abused children being sent to Christian orphanages throughout Costa Rica.
Passing by an orphanage on the out-skirts of town, The Bert family felt called to bring the orphans a gift, to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
It was Christmas Eve, 2007.
They found a market still open, and bought candy and passed the three very large bags through a locked gate.
The Nun said their gifts were an answer to prayer.
The Bert family returned to their home church in Washington State, and asked ,through prayer, for the Lord to help them reach out to the orphans.
Colette researched Christian orphanages and found one caring for 35 children in the Central Valley. They delivered 110lbs of children’s clothing and spent a few hours with the children and Tias. In Spanish, Jeremy shared his testimony of how, the Lord saved him from a devastating car accident in 1982.
While saying good-bye, and driving away….
Colette saw a group of children walking to school along the bumpy, muddy road.
They were dressed in matching school uniforms and flip-flop sandals, which is typical for most tropical countries. After seeing a child’s shoe get stuck in the mud, Colette felt the Lord’s “nudge” of assurance, that she and her family would come back someday, and next time with rain boots! .
“A BLESSING IN A BOOT,” PROJECT.”
Back home, the Lord continued to nudge Colette’s heart to continue ministering to the poor. She and a few volunteers began feeding the homeless living under the bridge.
This was a growing time, as they had a chance to live what Jesus meant for us to…
As Jesus said himself in Acts 20: 35, “ in all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
One Sunday, a woman referred to a sack lunch handed her as “A Blessing in A Bag….,” and this is how the name for our outreach ministry was chosen.
The following week was our last Sunday with the group. They were asked to move on, and so did ABINA Projects.
Colette was approached by some East County folks with an idea for outreach to provide healthy foods, for a fraction of the cost, to low income families. They asked if they could use the centrally located church as a pick-up point for the delivery, and the Pastor said they could. It seemed like an answer to prayer, but after reading the fine-print, we realized it would not benefit our church, ministry or mission. In fact, a stipulation for the approved application was that they needed a credit card, to guarantee the monthly deliveries. This wasn’t possible, we had no choice than to stop it, and change direction. The east county folks understood, and all of Colette’s hard work provided those involved, a lesson in being good stewards. Knowing what to reject, is as important as knowing when to accept, and discretion should be used with every opportunity to serve.
Changing direction, ABINA’S mission was redefined with International Outreach. and ABINA Projects, answered the call to provid relief for underprivileged children in Atenas, Costa Rica.
In 2010, plans were made for the Bert’s third trip to Costa Rica; this time for three months!
The ABINA fund-raiser, “A Blessing In A Boot,” began in the U.S. with the collection of 40 pair of non-specific sized children’s rain-boots. Three-Trees Coffee House, in Bellingham, hosted the event, and served refreshments while friend’s of Bethany Chapel and the Berts played guitar.
The donations included extras, like socks, candy, personal hygiene items, gifts for the caregivers, cash to buy the orphan’s Christmas dinner, and ABINA’s building projects.
Jeremy accepted a challenge to shave off his beard for $1000.00!
Three gringos, 40 pair of rain boots and one very large Chihuahua….
“It’s through giving that we truly receive!”
One “healing” orphan gave me his ball after I gave him a gingerbread man sticker. Bless his heart!
The boots were passed out on Christmas day and every child received a pair with goodies.
The orphan’s dinner consisted of, 200 pieces of b.b.q-chicken, salad, bread, beans, rice, pop, chips, and two pinatas stuffed with candy.
It took three hours to bbq the chicken, and an extra pair of hands and tongs to help turn.
The Tias loved Jeremy’s special sauce!
Surprise……
volunteers arrived just in time for the children’s games.
Joe leading the game, “Snake!”
THE KITCHEN at RESIDENCE OF LIFE
ABINA’S Kitchen PROJECT ….
AFTER THE CABINET REMODEL….
The gutted 100 year old kitchen BEFORE ABINA Kitchen PROJECT
FIVE SETS OF BUNKS = TEN BEDS
A Blessing In A Bed PROJECT included the kitchen cabinets. We worked for 2 months, while living in Costa Rica for 3. The three of us, Jeremy, Colette and Jacob attended Spanish Academy for 1 month, while Jacob worked at a home for the elderly to gain experience in his Medical Spanish course through CRLA…….
Many hands make light work!
In December of 2012, ABINA Ministries delivered donations of clothing, shoes, and Christmas gifts to the children at Residence of Life.
ABINA’S Building Project 2012,
“A Blessing In A BIG SWING-SET”
MARCH 2012, Spring-Break- ABINA Projects built an industrial sized SWING-SET with 3 strap swings….
“A BLESSING IN A Bodega”……
DECEMBER 2012, ABINA Building Project “BODEGA.”
ABINA donations funded a new swing-set, water pipes, side-walk, lighting and electricity to new the home’s laundry Bodega…..
It took 46 bags of cement for this project!
a new sidewalk and drain w/water extension to Bodega
Jeremy with new electric wiring in the kitchen & out to the Bodega….
The children enjoyed our donor sponsored girl’s tea party, boys outdoor activity, swim party and dinner after church.
The children are still wearing the matching shirts you purchased for them in 2011…
- Baby Izzy modeling ABINA’S Lamb Jams…
In 2011, along with our building project, ABINA donors supplied 35 orphans at Hogar de Vida and Residence of Life with a new tee-shirts and pajamas.
ABINA volunteer and artist, Barbara Jorgensen created the lamb design and a Bible verse written in Spanish, just for the orphans in Costa Rica. The verse is John 10:27-29, “My sheep hear my voice and I know them.”
Our next ABINA’S project is for Residence of Life; a permanent home for non-adoptable orphans.
Contributions for this project are ongoing…
We will return in December 2013 to make repairs to the home’s kitchen, bathrooms and laundry upgrades and more!
“For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name’s sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do.” Hebrews 6: 10
Soul Sisters…..
A time for work, a time to play….Like the “Sour Patch Kids” Contest….
The children took a break for lunch with the volunteers who tested to see which child could take a spoon full of sweet-n-sour sugar without puckering their face.
THEY ALL WON!
Christmas presents is something our donors give each year….
Your donations and volunteerism is also providing the children something no one can ever take from them….
The love of Jesus Christ.
VAYA CON DIOS AMIGOS!
Jeremy & Colette
Thank you for your generosity!
- Pray for ABINA’S 2013 Mission! We remain committed to building homes for abused, abandoned, orphaned and at-risk children considered un-adoptable.
Costa Rica’s child abuse epidemic is a side of, “Paradise,” that many tourists do not see. The epidemic was reported in January 2013, by the National Children’s Hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica. The records show the increase of child-abuse has increased the number of victims seen in the hospital (up 600 %) since 2007. - The Public Policy for Children’s Rights IS encouraging. However, if you read the articles, it does not go into place until 2021. The report was written in 2009. These are the children, who are in the most vulnerable situations, that need our help, NOW!
- “The Public Policy for Children and Adolescents” http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/media_51107.html
- The need for awareness and children’s homes is urgent.
December 2012, In Costa Rica, the total of 2,296 calls reported to 911, 1,550 were for domestic violence, 20 were cases of sexual abuse and 4 cases involved sexual abuse with injuries. 288 of the calls were to report psychological abuse against a child.
http://insidecostarica.com/2013/01/04/over-2000-children-were-abused-in-december-alone/
“GOD DOES NOT CALL THE EQUIPPED, HE EQUIPS THE CALLED!”
“Many things can wait. The children, NO! Now their bones are forming, their blood is producing and their feelings are developing. To them we cannot say tomorrow.
Their name is today!
(Quoting Chilean poet and activist Gabriela Mistral)
JOIN IN, grab whatever blessings God has provided you to share, and witness God changing lives, one child, one family, and one home at a time!
Leading by example, with individual acts of compassion, sacrifice, suffering, and through service to others, especially to the un-adoptable orphans in Costa Rica,
is what God requires us to do.
As founders of ABINA, this is what our ministry
strives to do; and we do it ALL for the Glory of God.
God Bless You ,
Colette Bert
ABINA Ministries Inc., is formed and organized exclusively for charitable purposes under Section 501© (3) of the Internal Revenue Code…serving the poor and underprivileged children in North and Central America.
