News 

Assemblies of God Missionaries Gary and Patricia Heiney, and the 30 to 40 children at their orphanage near Caracas, Venezuela, have reason to celebrate. AG National Girls Ministries (NGM) recently announced that the total giving for "Hope of Venezuela," the 2013 NGM Coins for Kids (CFK) missions giving project benefiting the orphanage, exceeded $206,000 - the second highest giving amount in CFK history.

The Heineys explain that unlike most orphanages, they keep children until they graduate from college, so that when the children leave the orphanage they are well equipped to find employment. Their desire is to use the Coins for Kids offering to build a school on the orphanage property for the children.

"One of the things I love about this project," says Mark Entzminger, senior director of Children's Ministries, "is the fact that this project is built on a long-term vision and strategy. The impact of the dollars given will be felt decades beyond when the construction is complete."

The school is a vital addition to the orphanage, say the Heineys. Many of the children coming to the orphanage have learning and emotional disabilities which local schools are not equipped to meet. By having their own school, the Heineys will be able to provide children with a quality education through qualified instructors and at the same time, instill godly, biblical principles into young lives. Children in the surrounding community will also be invited to attend the school.

"Gary and Patty have worked hard to help make the orphanage self-sustaining, by growing crops and raising their own farm animals," says Kelly Morris of AG National Girls Ministries. "With the addition of a school, children will be vastly more prepared to pursue careers or further education — including college."

Entzminger says that every year church leaders do a great job of helping girls set goals to make an impact through CFK.

"It's amazing," he says, "to know that God is speaking to the hearts of the girls and then empowering them through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His goal."

Missionary Gary Heiney reports that they are doing the dirt work right now for the school and will begin construction in July or August, hoping to open at least a portion of the school next year.

"The lady in the education department came to the children's home and saw what we are doing," he says. "We explained what we want to do with the school and she almost started crying. She told us that is what they need. We are excited and so thankful for all the girls that will make a huge difference in the lives of Venezuelan children and their futures!"

Morris says, "The districts and girls clubs have done an outstanding job this year in raising funds for Hope of Venezuela. Every year the missionaries blessed by the Coins for Kids offering have difficulty in fully expressing their gratitude as it is a gift that moves vision to reality." 

For more information about National Girls Ministries, including its annual Coins for Kids projects, see the NGM website.