For more information about these boys from their host moms please visit this blog post.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Welcoming with Love
For more information about each boy, please read this blog post.
Your invited to a Chinese buffet luncheon this Sunday 2/28
If you want a causal way to meet any of these boys or have any questions about the process of hosting, please join us this Sunday 2/28 at 12 pm at WEPC in room 22 (downstairs) and the gym will be open. Children are welcome. Please RSVP by 2/26 to Heather Jarvis heather@wepc.org so we know how much food to provide.
All three host families will be present, please join us for awkward noodle slurping. No chopstick skills required ;)
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Broken World
Ever since last Sunday, my mind has been churning. Orphan Sunday and life have done a doozy on my heart this week. I've been thinking and thinking. Torn between trying to process and wanting to stuff my thoughts down. It didn't help that Darin was away most of the week on business so I didn't have a processing partner. Or someone to talk good sense into me when I was up too late scouring orphan care websites and blogs!
Up until about 4 years ago, I don't think I ever thought about the orphan. How sad is that? Perhaps I was too busy thinking about myself. Then God put it on my radar front and center. I learned more. I read more. I listened and thought I had it figured out.
Until I stepped foot into Irina's orphanage in Ukraine and my eyes were opened in new ways. The faces of the children who ran after us begging for candy will forever be etched in my brain. The names Katya, Anya, Stas, little Irina, Luba, Sasha, Lena, Vika and Aloyna are uttered in regular prayers. I can still smell the sweet little girl with cross eyed blue eyes that I had the privilege to hold and pray over. She was wearing a blue fuzzy sleeper and couldn't bend her body. She had severe disabilities due to alcohol abuse in utero. I think this brokenness grieves my heavenly Father. It wasn't meant to be this way.
As we near the one year mark of adopting Irina, I can't help but look back. Irina is amazing and she has come a long way. She has had a lot of hurdles to leap over as she has learned for the first time how to be in a loving family. She is discovering that we are worthy of her trust and that we will care for all her physical needs. For 10 years she survived. Now she is realizing that she can LIVE.
However, as I consider her future I've found myself grappling with a new emotion. I feel angry. Without the brokenness of this world, Irina would be in a loving family with her birth parents in her homeland. She would have been fed, clothed, and CHERISHED. She would not have been abandoned. Isn't that how God really intended families to be? I don't doubt for one minute that God knew we would have the opportunity to step in and show Irina real love, BUT she still has so much more to face as she overcomes the wounds of her past. It's not fair.
A new compassion is being uncovered in my heart for my daughter. A new compassion is being uncovered in my heart for the orphan. The reality is that Irina has new opportunities that MANY other orphans will NEVER have, especially the older kids and the kids with disabilities. How can I dare complain? How can I take even a moment for granted? I long for heaven.
Oh Lord Jesus, keep my heart soft for ALL your children. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, come.
By Jill Smith, group member, adoptive mom
Up until about 4 years ago, I don't think I ever thought about the orphan. How sad is that? Perhaps I was too busy thinking about myself. Then God put it on my radar front and center. I learned more. I read more. I listened and thought I had it figured out.
Until I stepped foot into Irina's orphanage in Ukraine and my eyes were opened in new ways. The faces of the children who ran after us begging for candy will forever be etched in my brain. The names Katya, Anya, Stas, little Irina, Luba, Sasha, Lena, Vika and Aloyna are uttered in regular prayers. I can still smell the sweet little girl with cross eyed blue eyes that I had the privilege to hold and pray over. She was wearing a blue fuzzy sleeper and couldn't bend her body. She had severe disabilities due to alcohol abuse in utero. I think this brokenness grieves my heavenly Father. It wasn't meant to be this way.
As we near the one year mark of adopting Irina, I can't help but look back. Irina is amazing and she has come a long way. She has had a lot of hurdles to leap over as she has learned for the first time how to be in a loving family. She is discovering that we are worthy of her trust and that we will care for all her physical needs. For 10 years she survived. Now she is realizing that she can LIVE.
However, as I consider her future I've found myself grappling with a new emotion. I feel angry. Without the brokenness of this world, Irina would be in a loving family with her birth parents in her homeland. She would have been fed, clothed, and CHERISHED. She would not have been abandoned. Isn't that how God really intended families to be? I don't doubt for one minute that God knew we would have the opportunity to step in and show Irina real love, BUT she still has so much more to face as she overcomes the wounds of her past. It's not fair.
A new compassion is being uncovered in my heart for my daughter. A new compassion is being uncovered in my heart for the orphan. The reality is that Irina has new opportunities that MANY other orphans will NEVER have, especially the older kids and the kids with disabilities. How can I dare complain? How can I take even a moment for granted? I long for heaven.
Oh Lord Jesus, keep my heart soft for ALL your children. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, come.
By Jill Smith, group member, adoptive mom
Monday, November 3, 2014
VA Children who are waiting
The Virginia Heart Gallery is a photo gallery of some of the kids
that are waiting to be adopted in Virginia. The gallery travels around the
commonwealth and is shown in churches, businesses and civic buildings. The Heart Gallery is also a mobile installation that travels around the state.
For more information visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/ap/children_for_adoption.cgi
For more information visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/ap/children_for_adoption.cgi
Orphan Sunday, Serving Together
Orphan Sunday from Christian Alliance for Oprhans
This Orphan Sunday, many from our church family are living out Psalm 82:3,"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed." It's exciting to see folks moved by the testimony shared last week and enthusiastic to give towards our mattress drive. We'd love to see God reveal HIS love for the orphan, as they give.
For more about Orphan Sunday go here.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
What is Orphan Hosting?
Orphan hosting is inviting an orphan child to live in your home and experience your family for 4-8 weeks over the summer or winter holidays. Host families have the opportunity to share their values, beliefs and culture as well as learn something new from their host child. The orphans available for hosting are chosen by an interview team, who travel overseas to meet each child in person.
In 2012, our family hosted a 15 year
old girl from Ukraine.
What a fun and exciting Christmas that was for our
family!
This year, we are back in the saddle, but going a different
route, hosting a 7 year old boy from China. His name is Jia and he’s
known nothing but life in an orphanage. Abandoned as an infant (most
likely due to deformities in his fingers and toes), Jia has never known the
love of a family.
Hosting is expensive, inconvenient,
and at times, uncomfortable (they don’t speak English, you know!) So why
are we doing it? Well, we learned that without hosting, orphans over the
age of 6, or with special needs, or who are part of a sibling set, have an
almost 0% chance of being adopted. However, with hosting, these same orphans
are SEEN, TOUCHED and KNOWN. They are advocated for and prayed for and
LOVED by their host family. Hosting provides HOPE to orphans who would
likely never have another opportunity at finding a forever family. But…you absolutely do not have to be interested in adoption to participate in
hosting a child; in fact, adoption is not on our radar at this time. Most
orphans have never experienced a functional, family environment and will likely
repeat the same cycle unless they are exposed to a new model. It’s impossible to
hope for a different outcome if you have nothing new to model. Living in a
family for even 4 - 8 weeks can truly be life changing.
You’ll be surprised at how much YOU
change, too. Hosting was and will be a great opportunity for our own
biological children to see and love a child whose life is so very different
from their own. We honestly can’t think of a better Christmas gift to
give them this year. It is so rewarding to take our eyes off of ourselves
for a few weeks, to truly see someone who is struggling, hurting, lonely and
hopeless.
Would you consider hosting an orphan
in your home, possibly this summer? Check out these websites for more
information:
By Tracy Scoggins, group member
Dream Big Mattress Drive
"Each November, thousands of events will echo across America and around
the globe, all sharing a single goal: that God’s great love for the
orphan will find echo in our lives as well. Orphan Sunday is your
opportunity to rouse church, community and friends to God’s call to care
for the orphan." - orphansunday.org - An Initiative of the Christian Alliance for Orphans
Please join WEPC orphan care ministry, Love on a Mission, on
Orphan Sunday
(Nov.2),
by thanking God for your family and praying that God will bring hope to the
children waiting for families.
There are close to 5300 children in Virginia's Foster Care System. Beginning Nov 2 through Nov 23rd, money will be collected for the "Dream
Big" mattress drive for United Methodist Family Services. UMFS provides many services to children in the local foster care system including a
therapeutic transition home for children here in Richmond. Donations can be made to WEPC, please include “mattresses’ in the memo.
Twin
sheet sets and waterproof mattress covers would also be appreciated. A
collection table will be set up in the gallery through Nov. 23.
There will be a representative from UMFS in the gallery at WEPC on Nov 2 to answer any questions folks might have about foster care training or respite care training. More information can be found on their website umfs.org
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Summer Hosting Sign Ups for Eastern Europe and China!
Summer Hosting sign ups with New Horizons are open! Don't let the cost overwhelm you, many folks desire to support and others desire to host. Even if you're not able or led to, get the photo listing and pick a child(ren) to pray for! I was amazed how quickly 'my children' I selected to pray over were matched...and some with those I know:) 'Thy Kingdom come, ON EARTH as it is IN HEAVEN..'
Be Blessed!
link: http://www.newhorizonsforchildren.org/what-is-orphan-hosting/
Be Blessed!
link: http://www.newhorizonsforchildren.org/what-is-orphan-hosting/
Monday, November 4, 2013
We Invite YOU to join us to PRAY for the Collins and Smith Families!
We'd love you to join us as we pray for the Collins and Smith families, THIS SUNDAY, 11/10 for their upcoming adoptions! We will meet 9:15-10:15 AM in Rm 124 (upstairs). Each couple will give us a brief update before we pray together.
The Collins have a court date on 11/12. Please come and be part of what the Lord is doing by praying together! We are thankful for your friendships and support.
The Collins have a court date on 11/12. Please come and be part of what the Lord is doing by praying together! We are thankful for your friendships and support.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
New Foster Care Resource from Hope for Orphans!
Safe Harbor:
A Christian's Guide to Foster Care
Safe Harbor Guide
OR
sign up here for Hope for Orphans updates and Safe Harbor guide download:
Hope for Orphans
Sunday, August 11, 2013
New RVA Group for Adoptive Moms (or Moms to be) and Foster Moms
Calling all women whose families have grown through adoption (or going to!) and/or involved in foster care! Regardless of where you call your church ‘home’, we welcome you!
The purpose of this group is to encourage women to fellowship together, be reminded of the gospel and love of Christ, and share some tangible ways to love our families and children in light of our unique family stories.
We will have an initial kick off time on September 22 at 9am at West End Presbyterian Church (WEPC)*, rm 35 basement level.
Going forward, mark your calendars for every 3rd Sunday of the month (again 9am at WEPC).
We will be using the Created to Connect: A Christian’s Guide to the Connect Child. You may purchase the guide online, place your order at our kickoff or download a free pdf at: http://empoweredtoconnect.org/guide .
Excited for this opportunity and hope you will be too! Invite your friends and join us!
Questions/Comments, please email Cindy at 1blessedfam@gmail.com
*feel free to use the nurseries and Sunday school available at the same time
The purpose of this group is to encourage women to fellowship together, be reminded of the gospel and love of Christ, and share some tangible ways to love our families and children in light of our unique family stories.
We will have an initial kick off time on September 22 at 9am at West End Presbyterian Church (WEPC)*, rm 35 basement level.
Going forward, mark your calendars for every 3rd Sunday of the month (again 9am at WEPC).
We will be using the Created to Connect: A Christian’s Guide to the Connect Child. You may purchase the guide online, place your order at our kickoff or download a free pdf at: http://empoweredtoconnect.org/guide .
Excited for this opportunity and hope you will be too! Invite your friends and join us!
Questions/Comments, please email Cindy at 1blessedfam@gmail.com
*feel free to use the nurseries and Sunday school available at the same time
Monday, April 29, 2013
Another way to 'live out orphancare'!
Sometimes it's good to put the horse before the cart;p After learning more and more about how an orphan 'becomes' an orphan, it's clear that in some situations, the church coming alongside those moms in need can help PREVENT A CHILD FROM BECOMING AN ORPHAN! Here is one of those opportunities. A chance to step in the middle of brokenness and watch and wait on the Lord's redeeming love. Check out all the ways you can love and serve! Proud that these co-leads with a heart for the Lord are our sisters and friends:)
YoungLives Camp 2013 – Rockbridge
Summer planning for the 1st Rockbridge YoungLives Camp is already in high gear! Rockbridge has
never hosted Camp for teens and their children. You can only imagine the amount of supplies
necessary to carry this off successfully!
ROCKBRIDGE – CAMP DETAILS:
DATE: Monday afternoon July 29 – Sunday noon August 4, 2013 (Teens & children arrive July 30).
WHERE: Rockbridge Alum Springs, Goshen, VA ( only 150 mi. from Richmond)
WHO: Women, men, teens (age 14/15 with parent, age 16/17 with adult, over 18 alone), family teams, mission teams, Bible Study groups, mother-child teams…you get the idea! Come one, come all!
OPENINGS: Immediate needs are for 13 – 15 Nursery Leaders, 100+ Child Care workers, knitters to make and donate blankets, help writing ‘thank you’ notes, and those able to bless camp via our Amazon.com registry!
WHY: We extend the love and hope of Christ to pregnant teens, teen moms and the children. The
teens get away, relax, have tons of fun and meet peers in a safe, beautiful and relaxed camp setting.
They learn of Christ’s great love for them and His desire to have a relationship with them. Child care
workers watch over and play with the little ones- giving them loads of love and attention.
WEBSITE for more info: http://www.younglife.org/YoungLives/CampChildcareOpportunities/
VIDEO PROMO for Camp: Watch this and sense the excitement! http://vimeo.com/55874234
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HELP?
Go to www.Amazon.com. Click on “WISH LIST” in upper right. Click “Find a Wish List or Registry”. Click on “BABY”. Type “Rockbridge YoungLives” in the space. The list will appear. It is called Rockbridge YoungLives and Joyce Lawrence's Baby Registry. You can ‘sort’ by priority, price and such. Make your purchase(s) and the item(s) will be sent directly to Rockbridge camp. Thank you! These items will be reused year after year!
Donate gently used items (must meet present safety standards) and have all parts intact.
(You can get a precise idea of our many needs by reading through our Amazon.com “Baby Registry”).
Pack N’Plays with carrying case + sheet, in very good condition and toddler cots.
Strollers – reclining style preferred. Double strollers are also needed!
High Chairs (from our Registry only), booster seats with safely belts
Childrens life preservers, sand toys, sprinklers, floats
Bouncey seats; floor mats for infants.
CD players plus music, songs, cd’s
Plastic toys, appropriate books, wagons, small riding toys, blocks, chalk, crayons, coloring books.
Changing tables and changing pads, diapers, wipes, batteries, file boxes.
Financial Contribution – we’re happy to do the shopping for you! Contact Joyce or Sylvia.
Help monthly at the local level in Metro Richmond (Northside), E. Henrico/Varina area - or soon in the Hermitage High School neighborhood. Contact Dianne Claiborne (dianneclaiborne@gmail.com)
Needs are: Mentors, Committee members, Fundraising, Prayer, Child Care, Food providers, Leaders, Transportation, Administration, Drivers.
QUESTIONS? Contact us! We are Co-Chairs for Rockbridge YoungLives “Inventory”!
Joyce Lawrence (290-0785) Email: jcl7577@comcast.net
Sylvia Littlepage ( 282-0501) Email: sylvia.littlepage@gmail.com
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
YoungLives Camp 2013 – Rockbridge
Summer planning for the 1st Rockbridge YoungLives Camp is already in high gear! Rockbridge has
never hosted Camp for teens and their children. You can only imagine the amount of supplies
necessary to carry this off successfully!
ROCKBRIDGE – CAMP DETAILS:
DATE: Monday afternoon July 29 – Sunday noon August 4, 2013 (Teens & children arrive July 30).
WHERE: Rockbridge Alum Springs, Goshen, VA ( only 150 mi. from Richmond)
WHO: Women, men, teens (age 14/15 with parent, age 16/17 with adult, over 18 alone), family teams, mission teams, Bible Study groups, mother-child teams…you get the idea! Come one, come all!
OPENINGS: Immediate needs are for 13 – 15 Nursery Leaders, 100+ Child Care workers, knitters to make and donate blankets, help writing ‘thank you’ notes, and those able to bless camp via our Amazon.com registry!
WHY: We extend the love and hope of Christ to pregnant teens, teen moms and the children. The
teens get away, relax, have tons of fun and meet peers in a safe, beautiful and relaxed camp setting.
They learn of Christ’s great love for them and His desire to have a relationship with them. Child care
workers watch over and play with the little ones- giving them loads of love and attention.
WEBSITE for more info: http://www.younglife.org/YoungLives/CampChildcareOpportunities/
VIDEO PROMO for Camp: Watch this and sense the excitement! http://vimeo.com/55874234
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HELP?
Go to www.Amazon.com. Click on “WISH LIST” in upper right. Click “Find a Wish List or Registry”. Click on “BABY”. Type “Rockbridge YoungLives” in the space. The list will appear. It is called Rockbridge YoungLives and Joyce Lawrence's Baby Registry. You can ‘sort’ by priority, price and such. Make your purchase(s) and the item(s) will be sent directly to Rockbridge camp. Thank you! These items will be reused year after year!
Donate gently used items (must meet present safety standards) and have all parts intact.
(You can get a precise idea of our many needs by reading through our Amazon.com “Baby Registry”).
Pack N’Plays with carrying case + sheet, in very good condition and toddler cots.
Strollers – reclining style preferred. Double strollers are also needed!
High Chairs (from our Registry only), booster seats with safely belts
Childrens life preservers, sand toys, sprinklers, floats
Bouncey seats; floor mats for infants.
CD players plus music, songs, cd’s
Plastic toys, appropriate books, wagons, small riding toys, blocks, chalk, crayons, coloring books.
Changing tables and changing pads, diapers, wipes, batteries, file boxes.
Financial Contribution – we’re happy to do the shopping for you! Contact Joyce or Sylvia.
Help monthly at the local level in Metro Richmond (Northside), E. Henrico/Varina area - or soon in the Hermitage High School neighborhood. Contact Dianne Claiborne (dianneclaiborne@gmail.com)
Needs are: Mentors, Committee members, Fundraising, Prayer, Child Care, Food providers, Leaders, Transportation, Administration, Drivers.
QUESTIONS? Contact us! We are Co-Chairs for Rockbridge YoungLives “Inventory”!
Joyce Lawrence (290-0785) Email: jcl7577@comcast.net
Sylvia Littlepage ( 282-0501) Email: sylvia.littlepage@gmail.com
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Forever
For weeks, I have been struggling to
remember that I am not just preparing for 1 trip, 1 first meeting, 1
first hug and kiss (if she will let me) 1 set of gotcha day photos
taken, etc.
I am finding it easy to compare to the preparations of a wedding. There is a lot of prep, a lot of waiting and then... THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. I still remember the moment (once we took off on a plane for our honeymoon), I realized I should have been more focused on my soon-to-be-marriage than my fleeting 6 hour wedding day. Not b/c something bad had happened, but because I had lost all sense of perspective.
This feels very similar.
Awhile ago, I complained to a friend that I felt I was always praying the same things for Sugar Plum... that she would be feed, kept safe, be healthy and loved, etc. And while all those are good and necessary for my mama instincts, she basically told me to be praying about the rest of our life together ;)
So when I look at her new pictures, I am struck by the reality that I DO NOT know this little girl. I had memorized her in the original pictures and apparently convinced myself that I knew her. Well, yesterday was a stark reminder that I do not. And while Owen reminded me that I didn't know him before he was born, I still can't shake the new found fear.
I don't know why this is suddenly hitting me. Perhaps it's because we are getting closer? Perhaps it's because our family's picture ironed onto a blanket is in the hands of a precious child in China?
Perhaps it's because we are welcoming a complete stranger into our lives forever!
I can look at her pictures and search intently for all the "good" I can see. It looks clean, she looks well, she is smiling. For all I know she was placed in the best spot in the orphanage for these pictures.
I have been haunted by some photos recently taken by families there now who are receiving their children. As much as I would like to think these places are ok. Growing up in an institution without a family is not ok.
I am terrified about what it will feel like to leave all the other children behind. How can I possibly only bring 1 home? Will this haunt me for the rest of my life? I suppose, I hope it does. Because 1 less, is NOT enough.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
I am finding it easy to compare to the preparations of a wedding. There is a lot of prep, a lot of waiting and then... THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. I still remember the moment (once we took off on a plane for our honeymoon), I realized I should have been more focused on my soon-to-be-marriage than my fleeting 6 hour wedding day. Not b/c something bad had happened, but because I had lost all sense of perspective.
This feels very similar.
Awhile ago, I complained to a friend that I felt I was always praying the same things for Sugar Plum... that she would be feed, kept safe, be healthy and loved, etc. And while all those are good and necessary for my mama instincts, she basically told me to be praying about the rest of our life together ;)
So when I look at her new pictures, I am struck by the reality that I DO NOT know this little girl. I had memorized her in the original pictures and apparently convinced myself that I knew her. Well, yesterday was a stark reminder that I do not. And while Owen reminded me that I didn't know him before he was born, I still can't shake the new found fear.
I don't know why this is suddenly hitting me. Perhaps it's because we are getting closer? Perhaps it's because our family's picture ironed onto a blanket is in the hands of a precious child in China?
Perhaps it's because we are welcoming a complete stranger into our lives forever!
I can look at her pictures and search intently for all the "good" I can see. It looks clean, she looks well, she is smiling. For all I know she was placed in the best spot in the orphanage for these pictures.
I have been haunted by some photos recently taken by families there now who are receiving their children. As much as I would like to think these places are ok. Growing up in an institution without a family is not ok.
I am terrified about what it will feel like to leave all the other children behind. How can I possibly only bring 1 home? Will this haunt me for the rest of my life? I suppose, I hope it does. Because 1 less, is NOT enough.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord. Psalm 117:2
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
I am forever His. May this change who I am, forever.
Written by Ali Fogarty, group member, in process of adopting from China
Written by Ali Fogarty, group member, in process of adopting from China
Friday, March 1, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
"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!
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!
Monday, February 18, 2013
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
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
Monday, December 10, 2012
Get Ready to Party
If you're close to
RVA...PLEASE consider joining us! This is meant to be a time of
CELEBRATING with others who have a heart for orphan care, adoption or
foster care! AND...to add to the fun, it looks like all 8 of the kids
being hosted from Ukraine will be there with their host families! What a
time to meet and celebrate THEM.
we're hoping our DJ will keep the party going for our kids...of all ages!
RSVP to: orphancare@wepc.org
we're hoping our DJ will keep the party going for our kids...of all ages!
RSVP to: orphancare@wepc.org
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