Mission statement:  We pray that Robin's Nest will provide a nurturing, loving, safe, Christ-centered atmosphere in which all children will grow at their own speed --physically, mentally, and spiritually -- so they may develop their own individual gifts, talents and abilities and become the person who God intended. 

Blessings to all the friends of Robin’s Nest Children’s Home, 

God is good, very good!  Over the past 3 years, we often wondered if the day would come when we could actually say that we own property in Jamaica for the children of Robin’s Nest.  As with everything else in Jamaica, it has been a very bumpy ride, one with lots of twists and turns and above all, waiting on God.  Our timing is not His and our American timing is not the same as Jamaica’s timing either.   

This month we received the news that we have title to the property we have occupied for the past three years. We also received news that after arriving in Jamaica in December, the container has finally been opened and emptied safely.  And, a precious little girl named Martika Joy landed on U.S. soil with her new family after a long, patient wait.  For all of this, we give God all the glory.  His timing is perfect and we are humbled again to remember that this is totally HIS ministry and He will take care of these children that He has entrusted to us.  

Last year we celebrated our 10^th anniversary and shared our long-term vision to expand God’s work in Jamaica.  At the end of 2007 we were presented matching funds to help us begin our long-term goals.  The first is to build a boys’ dormitory which will be called “Jake’s House.”  As you may remember, Jake Anderson, a young man who had a love for the children of the Nest went home to be with His Lord 3 years ago.  In our newsletter that year, one of his friends was quoted: “We know that Jake would love nothing more than to be able to have his memory continue to spread joy to these children.  What an amazing testimony of God’s love for all the children of the world and a legacy of one who had the Father’s heart for them.” 

Now, we need to begin raising funds to multiply each cement block as the first 4 rooms are constructed in “Jake’s House.”  This will initially consist of a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom for the dorm parent, and a bedroom for the first group of boys.  Eventually, more rooms will be added. So now, we wait on God again, this time to provide the finances to move forward with the vision of “Jake’s House.” 

If you would like to be a part of this wonderful project and have your gift matched, please fill out the gifting form here on the website and send it to Robin's Nest Children's Home, PO Box 122, Lake Elmo, MN  55042-0122.  Please write matching funds on the memo line to be sure it is matched.  With God’s help, together we can make a difference in the lives of the children.  Please take note of my speaking schedule here also while I am home April 22-June 5.  I would love to see many of you in person if at all possible.  Come join me at one of the places where I will be if you are near there.  Contact Paula Merkouris, salem@alliancecom.net if you want me to come and speak to your church or organization.  

God bless you richly for your support through your gifts and prayers,

Michelle Robinette and
The board of directors of Robin’s Nest:

Marian Edelen, Trudy Hochradel, Richard Diehl, Marguerite DeFore, Kim Ellenbecker, Brian Brynell, Scott Lacher,  Carol Taylor, Paula Merkouris, Gayle Diggins, Amy Ledermann, Jaime Kane, Wayne Anderson, Missy Seekel, Laura Chapeau

Michelle’s spring speaking engagements, 2008 

Please join Michelle if you are able at one of the following churches to hear an update on Robin’s Nest and also support her as she shares.  If your church would like to have her come, please contact Kris Killian, k.killian@att.net.

Sunday, May 4

Water's Edge Church, 341 W. Walnut, Ogden, IA; 10:15 a.m. Worship

Contact:  Judy Swanson, cjswan@wccta.net, 515-353-4345 home; 515-298-0616 cell 
Pastor, Rick Summerhays;  515-275-4434 church or 515-275-3016 home 

Sunday, May 11

Oakwood Church, 1388 S. Point Douglas Road, St. Paul (by Hwy 61 and Bailey Road) Worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Contact Scott or Peggy Peters:  cephasinc@msn.com or petersmom02@msn.com; 651-730-0341 

Sunday, May 18

Trinity Lutheran Church, 1250 Broadway, Hammond, WI at 9:00 a.m.

Pastor Mike Briggs, pastormike@baldwin-telecom.net 715-796-2788 or 715 -246-4691. 

Hammond is about 16 miles east of Hudson on I-94. Go north on the Hammond exit (Cty Rd. T) to the town of Hammond. Turn left (west) at the only stop sign onto Broadway (also called Cty Rd TT). The stop sign is next to the Hammond Hotel.  Trinity is about 1/4 mile on the left. 

Sunday, June 1

Trinity Lutheran, 513 Madison St SE (PO Box 1177), Watertown, MN 55388.

8:30 and 10:00 a.m. worship church phone: 952-955-1891   For a map, go to:  www.trin.org. 
 Contact Pastor Beth Johnson at bjohnson@trin.org 

Michelle returns to Jamaica June 5.  Please pray for a restful time in the states and as she goes out and tells the story of Robin’s Nest.