Since coming down from the "high point" of my trip to Ch1na this past summer, I've constantly had to remind myself that even though I'm back in the swing of an everyday, American college student's life, my daily ministry to orphans does not have to end. My prayers can accomplish just as much or more in these children's lives as living and playing with them everyday can. As I've preached these truths to myself over the past few months, I've been so amazed at how God has displayed to me in a new way the power of my prayers. I've had to stand back in awe time and time again as I've watched Him so faithfully answer my cries for loving, Christian families to adopt these children have become such a huge part of my heart. Through blogging and Facebooking, I've had the privilege of "meeting" several amazing families who are clearly and miraculously, even, an answer to my daily prayers for these kids:
-The Bakers, who will be bringing precious Ava (pictured above in the blue dress) home is less than a month.-Brandee, whose family is in the adoption process for Ava's close friend, Laila (above, green plaid dress)
-Charlene, whose family is pursuing the adoption of Ava and Laila's friend and housemate, TingTing (in the striped shirt)
-Another one pursuing an older boy at PHF named Gregg
With such a catalog of testimonies to God's amazing answers to my prayers, I am convinced that prayer is one of the most, if not the, most important aspect of any ministry we have towards orphans. Praise be to my Savior who has heard my cry for these precious children and met their needs beyond what I could ever have asked or hoped for! He is incredible!
"But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless." Psalm 10:14
"O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your hear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more." Psalm 10:17-18
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"
1 Chronicles 16:34
"O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your hear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more." Psalm 10:17-18
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"
1 Chronicles 16:34
3 comments:
It is so incredible to know that so many children are have been adopted, or are in the process of being adopted, from PHF. I love finding new blogs of families who are adopting, it is so exciting to follow their journeys! It is truly a miracle! I am in the same boat, I want to do more for orphans, but I'll just have to wait, even though it is hard! Prayer is something we can always do though!
Don't underestimate the difference you ARE making. I know your sponsorship may have felt small for my daughter, but it allowed for her to have a home that probably saved her life while she waited for a forever family. The gifts and cards you sent her (which I am saving for later) are some of the ony ties she has from her first two years of life. Having these items given and made with love, WILL make a difference for this one child. Her life has and will make a difference for all those who come in contact with her. Never underestimate those ripples!
Also, please remember that one does not have to be Christian to be a good and loving parent. Maybe if you could open your prayers up to a wider range of good people, more children in need will find forever families.
Keep up all the great work you are doing.
Thanks for your encouraging words!
I certainly don't believe that Christians are the only people capable of being loving and nurturing parents, and I don't limit my prayers for these kids to only Christian families. As a believer in Christ myself, though, I do pray that these kids would come to faith in Him at some point in their lives and experience the lasting spiritual adoption that I too have experienced as a sinner saved by the grace of God. As a Christian, I certainly long for these kids to grow up knowing about the Jesus I love so dearly in a Christian home, but I know that God can do a work in people's hearts regardless!
Again, thanks for your encouragement of my sponsorship. I so appreciate your kind words. I think of you and Allison often!
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