“THANK YOU LORD FOR WATER!
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“PRAISE HIS NAME FOR ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS!
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“GOD, BLESS THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTING US!”
– these are just a few of the prayers you will hear shouting from the orphans mouths on a daily basis.
So I sat in my tent last night thinking about how they are so full of the Lord, despite the living conditions here. To help paint a picture for you of how they live, let me describe a few things. Travel down a dirt road to the middle of the desert. On that large plot of dirt and dust, build a long concrete building. Separate it into about 8 rooms. This is where you will live for years. This may be all you will see for years. There are not trees to climb, jungle gyms to play on, or ice cream stands for a cool treat. It’s 120+ everyday. They do not have cool drinks. The little water they have for drinking is almost boiling. Your sleeping room is your sitting room is your eating room. There are old iron rods put together for bunk beds. Your mattress is completely infested with fleas and probably 100 years old. There are not chairs to sit on or air condition to escape to. Everything is dusty and the squatty potties out back are covered with flies. You get to shower maybe once a week with a bucket out back. Your meals consist of rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And one last thing, you do not have your mom and dad to tuck you in at night.
How would we react to this situation? Let me tell you how the children do. They sing to the Lord. They thank Him for each moment of life. They bless the little food and water they receive. They pray for those persecuting them. They are disciplined in their quiet times. They are joyful. They are living it…real contentment and peace.
Yesterday at our church service, we were able to sit in the presence of the pastor and his amazing father. I really don’t think I can even put into words the feeling that overcomes you sitting in their presence. As I observed them teach and relate to the kids, I was overwhelmed. They start teaching them the meaning of love and a real, personal relationship with Jesus Christ the moment they step foot on the orphanage grounds. And they speak their language. They relate with them and exactly what they are going through. They love them where they are, and continue to help them strive to be more Christ-like. Being there yesterday was something you would really kind of dream of. These men are legendary. Their hearts of servanthood and sacrifice are extraordinary…and it shows in the children.
So life around here has been great. Despite the heat wearing you down, we have been busy working around this place. Painting. Cleaning. Playing. Organizing. Loving the little children. Please continue to pray for these kids! Although they are in love with Jesus, you can still feel and see their sense of longing for physical touch or affection that you often receive from your parents.
There are also big decisions being made in court right now about the pastor. Please continue to keep him and all the court officials in your prayers as well. He is facing 14 years in prison and severe persecution.
We also had a “girls'” night last night. We prepared a little “prayer and pampering for our princesses.” We all got together and picked a partner. We ordered pizza, and spent some time in prayer along with washing feet, (which, I can’t even express how much that is needed!), giving massages, and manicures. It was awesome!!
So, I hope all is well with you…and let these children be an example to you. Surrender your all. Live a life full of the Lord, and love Him more today than yesterday.
Sending all my love…
