Sometimes God blesses me beyond any words I could ever express. In Vietnam alone he did it several times. I’ve always dreamed big, had high expectations for myself and others. Although that can lead to disappointment, I realized God’s plans for me are greater than any of those expectations. This month my dreams of seeing a center for people with disabilities has come true 3 times. Its very encouraging to see people with these same passions. I’ve realized how possible things are with Christ alone. Why did I ever doubt? Because of these 3 beautiful people I have been lead to share with you a little of their ministries.
For starters I found this orphanage through a friend of a friend’s friend. (hopefully you can follow) This organization has two locations. One in Vietnam and one in Mongolia. What? Small world. I just happen to have a sister living in the city where this other orphanage is located….God is awesome. I was able to go to this orphanage/school/dance studio/art studio/medical center/ and daycare. I know, this places is booming. The people at this center were full of life and truly put their children before themselves. I’m not sure that one visit will be my only time there.
This second place I was blessed to visit was a center a women from church created. She started it only 4 months ago but is already seeing tons of progress in her students. She is from the Philippines but felt called to come over and serve children with disabilities. She does therapy, speech, and education with each one. Her location is amazing because it is right down the road from the Special Needs school. She works with the school and many of their students. Her boldness spurred me on so much. Within minutes I was blessed by 30 little smiles. The school needs training and programs to work with. Marie is trying to help the teachers but she can only provide so much. Her heart is big and her passion is on fire. She is ready and willing to do whatever it takes to provide for these children. Again, I’m not sure that one visit will be my only time there.
Lastly, I was blessed to meet a man named Peter. One morning he came to the church to share his testimony and talk about his ministry. Im pretty sure my heart has never been so full of such joy. This man was born in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and by the age of two was struck with polio and was left at an orphanage. During the war the life expectancy for children was decreasing daily. They orphanages were over crowded and food was scarce. The medical attention was almost impossible and malnutrition was ramped. Small little Peter was at the doctor one day when the rest of his orphanage was taken to the airport to be sent to Australia. During this time Australia created an operation child lift to come and get these children, provide for them, and prepare them to find forever homes. Little did Peter know this was a blessing in disguise. When they brought him back all his friends were gone so he was sent to another orphanage. Then the next day the new orphanage also was sent to the airport. However Peter found out that the plane crashed the day before and all his friends didn’t make it. God had something greater in store for Peter. Once he arrived safe and sound to Australia he was sent to a new orphanage. The care he needed was given in abundance but finding a forever home was not easy. Peter became angry with God and didn’t understand why he just wouldn’t fix his body. Finally he was taken to a home and welcomed by a family. This family had several children, one in particular was very close to his age. They bonded and became very close. However, one day the other boy had a severe asthma attack and passed away. Heart break set in and loneliness ate at Peter’s soul. Through middle school and on to high school Peter struggled to find his place. After awhile he began to turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain he felt. Dropping out of school and moving out were his next steps. As the struggles became stronger the addiction took over. He no longer was just taking drugs but selling them. Several years he was controlled by these behaviors and it lead to a very dark point in his life. He no longer felt the desire to live and thought several times of suicide. One day he finally called out to God, he said if you are real God show me why I’m here. After that day Peter never touched another drug and had no temptation to go back. He began to pursue God and fall in love with him. God laid it on his heart to go back to Vietnam and serve others with disabilities and show them what abilities they have. The process has been slow and many times very difficult but after several years the land was bought and the center was starting. During this time Peter was struck with Post Polio Syndrome, which deteriorates your body at a extremely ramped pace. Although his body is quickly running down he isn’t slowing down his passion. The center is now up and running strong. They have education classes, english classes, cooking, cleaning, music, art, and independent living classes. The people that come to the center often live there and work on things around the house. It is a very family style place, while learning all the skills needed to live independently. There is a day program for children as well. They also have a shop for crafts, painting, and wood work. They make these items and sale them to provide for the organization. It’s literally the most amazing place I’ve ever seen. I wish I had the money to buy the store out! Peter’s heart is beautiful and powerful. There is no maybe to this one, I will be back to this place later on in life and I can’t wait to work with this program.
I tell you part of this mans story because it has impacted me in such a large way. It was like my vision from the Lord was already made in Vietnam. Seeing your visions come to life is powerful and I am still trying to process it all. I am so thankful for the amazing love the father has for me. I am so thankful I was able to see God’s hand on all of these people’s lives. GOD IS GOOD.
