"Hosting" an Orphan

In case you're wondering, IT'S TIME NOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO CONSIDER HOSTING an orphan for the SUMMER (August) hosting programs.

We asked Jill Smith to share about their recent "Hosting" as a part of orphan care and here's what she had to say...

Hosting an Orphan

This past fall, God nudged my husband and I to consider hosting an orphan over Christmas. My immediate reaction was to ignore the prompting in light of our already busy Christmas schedule and our noisy house of young boys. We decided instead to take a leap of faith and follow God's lead. It was one of the most exciting experiences we have had in a long time. We were quickly dazzled by God's blessings and provision. As we stepped out of our comfort zone to prepare for a 9 year old orphan girl from Ukraine, God showed us that He is with us and He is faithful. Clothes, crafts, gifts, gift cards, money, translators and more were donated. Friends, family and strangers were eager to participate in loving her and praying for her. We were very encouraged as we saw the body of Christ surround us. The almost 3 weeks with our visiting orphan were some of the most intense and joy-filled weeks we've shared together as a family. Our children were stretched and enriched. God enabled them to pour out love on this sweet girl and they experienced many glimpses of Christ's love for them in the process.

We prayed for forever families for all the orphans visiting. Though we don't know the final outcome for every child hosted, we know that they were given many new opportunities and loved in ways they likely have not experienced. Most importantly though, we prayed that the orphans would see Jesus. I believe that seeds were planted in their hearts and that they got to experience His love in a tangible way this Christmas. We pray with hope and faith that God will continue to water those seeds and they will flourish with new life.

This summer, will you consider sharing Christ's love with an orphan? For our family, the richness of trusting God to meet our needs while we cared for a needy orphan was life changing. It was an experience we will not forget. "A new command I give you. Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

There are two hosting programs that will bring orphans to the Richmond area (and beyond) this summer. For more information, check out these websites:
Journeys of Joy (many WEPC folks hosted through them in 2012)
http://www.journeysofjoy.org/info/orphan-hosting-program-kids.php
and
New Horizons (a reputable Christian hosting organization)
http://www.newhorizonsforchildren.org/


or talk to a WEPC Love on a Mission MCG contact, or leave a message here!

Lots of ways to 'do' orphancare...

If you've heard it once, you've heard it loads of times here...there are lots of ways God uses our gifts, talents and resources that are at HIS DISPOSAL in caring for the needy, particularly orphans!

Cindy and Kaylee Ann Schwarz are headed back to Ethiopia to love on orphans and the people of Ethiopia.  As they go, they will also see if there are ways to partner with a community in a longer term relationship.  Keep them in your prayers as they get ready to depart on 3/8!

You can find out more details about ways you can be a part of their trip here:
made4mercy