2022 Journey of Faith | House of Faith Visit
2022 Journey of Faith | House of Faith Visit
by Scott Nordstrom
December 20, 2022
We visited the House of Faith Orphanage last month, and I wanted to share this experience with you the best I can.
So many emotions raced through my mind as we bounced down the long muddy road to the orphanage. I had made this trip many times since my first visit in 2007, but so much was different this time around. As I braced myself for each proceeding bump in the road, I considered all that has happened in this place over what was now nearly 16 years. The ride was cramped, and as I recall, the off-road experience was not as enjoyable as in past years. Chalk it up to age, or maybe the novelty has simply worn off for me over time.
During our visit, I couldn’t help but notice the people that we were missing. Many of the children that had blessed this place with their smiles were now grown and had moved on. My son Noah, who had traveled with me so many times before, was not part of our team on this journey. Linda Jones, who was usually there to welcome us, had moved on to heavenly places last year. Linda had become a friend. These were just some of the missing pieces I could not ignore during this visit.
I was also reminded that in November 2008, Sidney, our oldest daughter, celebrated her 14th birthday in this place. You see this place, became a place of comfort for me and much of my family; an anchor in a violently shifting world. House of Faith Orphanage is a place where our God still reigns, there is no doubt.
It was so good to see Mackmore, Royal, Cheri, Kimmy, Dorsi, Olick, Gideon, Victor, Agness, Bright, and Anna to name a few. Since my last visit in 2018 they had all grown so much. It was difficult to recognize a few of the children, but they gladly reminded me of their names!
Of course, as always, what an honor to join the children as they led us in worship to our King. In the dark of night, with only a headlamp or two to show the way, we gathered together and lifted a joyful noise in the bush of Silembe. As I have written before, this is the closest I have been to heaven here on earth!
While I was saddened by some of what I experienced during my time at HOFO, I was overwhelmed with joy on many occassions. To see the children and spend time with them once again was such a blessing. To share this special place with Jay and Isaiah for the very first time was an honor. And to meet Mike Jones’ new family during our time in Zambia was very good. This will not be a time that I will soon forget.
Finally, I was encouraged by the children at House of Faith Orphanage. They are growing. They are experiencing the love that only a family can provide. They are learning. They are experiencing the love of Jesus. They are experiencing the joy that we might not understand as they grow-up in a place that is so foreign to our own. They are so thankful for all of you that have helped them a home, education, and food, and they are praying for you.
The House of Faith Orphanage is, and has been, blessing to so many.
Where we have worked in DR Congo & Zambia since 2006.
Home-Based Care Initiative is our effort to provide a family, and a home if necessary, to a loving family for an orphan child. We currently support 93 children in Kenya, Pakistan, and Zambia within this initiative.
Scott Nordstrom leads GO! today and was a co-founder when we launched in 2005. Scott has served with GO! for 17-years. Scott has been instrumental in deploying 166 volunteers on 27 teams to the mission field, and has personally served in DR Congo, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, South Sudan, and Zambia. Scott is a published author and speaks in the United States, as well as, internationally regarding child welfare and matters of faith, hope, and love.
Global Orphan Relief (GO) has been serving orphaned children since 2005. We have accomplished this work through local partners in each country that provides oversight and distribution of care. In November 2022, we served 6,033 orphan children in Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan, South Sudan, and Zambia within our Home-based Care, Scholarship, Nutrition, and Church Mobilization Initiatives.
You may send support or other correspondence to Global Orphan Relief, 16352 Prairie Farm Circle, Parker, CO 80134 or you may give also give electronically at Home-Based Care Initiative or give on this website at the upper righthand corner under ‘Donate’ and select Scholarship Fund under the Fund designation.
Movement of FAITH | Voice of HOPE | Act of LOVE
Global Orphan Relief (GO!) is a Christian relief agency serving vulnerable children and is a recognized U.S. public charity, tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). All donations to GO!, or any charitable contribution processed through Network For Good Donor Advised Fund, are tax deductible to the extent of the law. If you prefer, you may provide gifts of support by sending via mail to the address above.