GO! Stories: Vision
It is so easy to forget what has transpired in the past, and especially over time these memories fade even further. As we consider how to move forward in 2019 at GO! it seems that even more faith is required than in the past.
My second trip to Zambia in January 2007 was nothing less than the adventure I experienced a year earlier when I visited this beautiful place for the first time. We actually departed in December after driving through the night from Juarez where a team of us blessed children in several orphanages there. We have been running fast since the beginning in our effort to care for the orphaned child!
During this visit though we knew that we were being led to a greater work there; something long-term, something impactful, maybe a permanent base with the potential to serve more orphaned children in need. I had been exposed to this incredible need a year earlier and wasn’t comfortable simply dismissing it as something outside the scope of our responsibility. We were considering multiple projects and partners at the time, but most everything was uncertain. (Picture Left: Exploring Silembe, Zambia, in 2007, for House of Faith Orphanage project)
It is strange how some are willing to venture forth with no experience to speak of, no great resource to deploy, and no real plan. This was a movement of faith from the very beginning. I was blessed to have Mike Dee along for this adventure in 2007 as we considered what the Father would have us do moving forward in Zambia.
We were blessed to meet Mike and Linda Jones for the first time during this trip and it was obvious that we had so much in common -especially a heart for orphaned children. This was last minute change to our itinerary as we were connected with them just prior to our departure. In the process of reaching out to some other contacts for a meeting in Livingstone we were introduced to Mike and Linda. Yes, we met them by accident, or some might say by divine appointment. At the time they had been serving in Zambia for 10-years, they had built schools, and had built and operated orphanages. They were in transition and considering how they might continue to serve in Zambia, and they had even considered moving back home during this time of uncertainty in their mission to the Zambian people. After being with them for several days they agreed to partner with us in Zambia to serve orphaned children. I suppose you might say that it was a match made in heaven…. (Pictured Right: Meeting with community leadership in Silembe, Zambia, in 2007)
Going back to how we all might consider working in a foreign place, doing something we have no experience with, and having no resources readily available to invest in a work such as this, maybe we should have waited…. Good or bad I have met many that are waiting on the Lord. I am not sure what they are waiting on frankly? Hasn’t He already done it all for us? Given all? Now I am not suggesting we be hasty, but if there is a good that we know that we should do shouldn’t we be doing it? What are most of us waiting for? (Pictured Left: the Silembe Community School where we have worked with partners Noah Ministries & Mwebaza Foundation to improve this learning environment -to include a metal a roof, desk and chairs, and additional learning materials)
Maybe this is your time. You should know things change in a moment; the history of the world and the fabric of eternity. God is inviting you into His story to bless the orphaned child, and we would be honored if you chose to join our movement in some way to accomplish this important act. Join us in doing some good and beautiful for a child.
Since taking that first step of faith in 2005 to set out to serve the orphaned child, 1,000’s have been impacted in some positive way. The way that we would go was unknown at the time, and while there has been some clarity achieved over the last 13-years, the future remains a mystery. In November we serve 904 orphaned children in our monthly programs in DR Congo, Kenya, Nepal, South Sudan, and Zambia, but have a vision to serve 1,440 children on a monthly basis. In addition to this vision to serve more children we are challenged to sustain the relationships we have established to provide life sustaining services to these vulnerable children.
We now know where the need is and can easily serve these children with our current partnerships, but the missing ingredient is many of YOU. Many more vulnerable children can have a loving family, attend school, and receive the nutrition that they need to sustain a healthy life if you choose to get involved. Just follow you heart…. What are you waiting for?
You may send support or other correspondence to Global Orphan Relief, 16352 Prairie Farm Cir, Parker, CO 80134 as well, or you may give also give electronically at https://globalorphanrelief.org/donate-support/.
Movement of FAITH | Voice of HOPE | Act of LOVE
Global Orphan Relief is a Christian relief agency serving Orphans in need and a recognized U.S. public charity, tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.