Well, it is a long overdue update, I realize. But I am happy to report that life is happening at a good pace and there is a routine developing in Matara. Life is a wonderful type of ‘new normal’ – including kids walking to school every morning, some going to the river to get fresh water for cooking and cleaning, others going to the fields to cultivate crops and regular community gathering in the make-shift public meeting room they constructed. All of these ‘normal’ elements would have been unheard of and even unimaginable just a year ago – these families had no reason to hope for such a reversal. And yet, God does just that, reverses fortunes in favor of the marginalized. Now instead of being on the verge of survival, these families are at the core of a thriving young community! God is good, indeed!

Recently Matara residents held an election. They elected their second set of community leaders. We are pleased to report that there has been a peaceful transition of leadership! Now there will be new voices steering the community and working with CFB staff, more learning to lead and serving their neighbors for the next season of Matara life.

The students at the student house are also well. They are amid their second term, working hard at their studies. After term one, we noticed that many of the students brought home higher marks that ever before! Their hard work is paying off! A great number of students are on track to pass the term. We have every reason to be proud of their efforts and achievements! However, we do have some students who continue to struggle in the classroom. Please keep them in your prayers, that their diligent work will reap academic benefits.

Life is good, thanks to the goodness of our God who showers His people with blessings. Please pray for God’s continued presence amid the families and students. Please pray for on-going wisdom and energy for the CFB staff who work alongside these friends in selfless ways.