Hello friends-We learned late yesterday that the home of Ar's parents, David & Margaret Windibiziri-Guyuk, Nigeria, was totally destroyed by a fire.  Thankfully, no one was injured.  Ar spoke to his brothers Philip & Eri who immediately drove to Guyuk and to his parents early this morning.  We are so thankful for their lives after learning more details.  The fire was noticed by David around 9 or 10 pm while he was listening to the news on the radio.  Everyone else was sleeping.  By the time he discovered the fire in the kitchen the flames had already reached the ceiling, and he just needed to get everyone out of the house- Ar's grandmother and sister also live there.  Because they had protective bars on the windows, they were unable to save anything through the windows.  Also in all the panic they didn't realize until it was too late, that the key to the compound gate was in the house.  So as people&nbs! p;were trying to help bring buckets of water-no fire service is available there--they could not get into the gate, plus the dogs made some fearful to come in as well.  So then some people just start jumping over the compound wall.  Eri said that the walls are still smouldering and the foundation would, most likely, need to be replaced.

This is a family, as many of you know, that lives on faith.  There is no insurance to cover anything and they have lost absolutely everything.  Ar's dad had many books and, in fact, was in the process of writing a book about the history of the church.  I have not heard if those papers were lost as well or if Elisabeth has them in Denmark-she was a missionary who worked with Ar's dad for many years. 

It is very difficult for Ar to 1-ask for help for his parents, and 2-to imagine receiving help.  I, on the other hand,  believe it is possible for us to help because I know how much Ar means to many of you.  So, first, I am asking for prayers for Ar's entire family.  I am also asking for prayers that, maybe this, will finally be a reason that they will be approved of a visa to come and stay with us for awhile.  Secondly, I am asking for fundraising ideas, and thirdly, I am asking for monetary donations.  Ar's brother, Eri, is working on an estimate for rebuilding.  There is a good possibility that it will be between $10-15,000 for the house, furnishings and belongings.  We are also reaching out to others across the US who know Ar's parents and churches that my family is a part of and churches that already have a relationship with Ar's parents.  With many people contributing a small amount, rebuilding is possible.  Margaret and David took years to build this house for their retirement which began about 8 years ago.  Please join us in showing them that they can still have a home for the remainder of their retirement. 

Simeon had a fundraising idea of a basketball tournament which could be pretty consuming, but  fun for the kids.  Kim Morton had the idea of getting Simeon's and Saraya's classes involved especially since Ar has given several presentations about Nigeria to the kids.  If there is any interest in this idea, please let me know.

Please forward other fundraising ideas to me.  Donations will be accepted at an account set up at the Lawrence Bank-more about that as I receive it.

Thank you.

DeAnn Windibiziri

Hello Everyone-We have received many emails of prayers and offers of support and we thank you.  Today we set up an account at the KU Credit Union in Lawrence.  If you wish to make a contribution for the rebuilding/recovery from the fire, you may mail a check to us--369 Woodlawn Manor, Lawrence, KS 66049--made out to either one of us or made to the KU Credit Union.  Donations may also be given directly to the KU Credit Union. The account may be identified with the name "Windibiziri." 

We do have one fundraiser starting immediately.  For those of you who haven't had a chance to try out my new business, Sunflower Sitters Referral Services, LLC, this is your chance.  I am selling raffle tickets: 1 for $1 or 7 for $5.  The winner will receive a waiver of the annual fee, a free referral and 4 hours of babysitting with one of my 11 sitters.  The value is between $81 and $101 depending on the number of children.  You can visit my website at www.SunflowerSitters.com to check out more details as well as to see photos/bios. of the sitters.  Call me to purchase the tickets-830.8381.  The drawing will be held on Sunday, March 25th. 

Again, on behalf of the entire Windibiziri family, thank you.

DeAnn & Ar Windibiziri

arwindi@earthlink.net