The following is an updated report from Eileen on a positively amazing day! Eileen's entry is followed by one from Solomon.
Today was absolutely amazing!!!
We got up early and arrived at Solomon's graduation by 8:30 am. It was scheduled to start at 9:00 but didn't start until after 10:00. After a few speeches they began to announce the 400 students names to come to the stage for diplomas. Several times there was a big cheer from the crowd and I asked Misganaw what that was about. He said they announced "HIGH GPA" with the name. After a long time they finally announced Solomon Bekele "VERY HIGH GPA" and the crowd cheered for him. Misganaw noticed that only one other girl had this announcement of "VERY HIGH GPA". So then we looked at each other and said,
"Imagine if he won that big trophy on the stand for Valedictorian???"
We all started to get nervous for him and I started to pray. Then all of a sudden, the last name was called and then they announced the new Valedictorian is SOLOMON BEKELE!!! He also won the honor award with the highest GPA in the Marketing Division then the highest GPA in the entire school!!! Needless to say, Misganaw, Georgie, and I lost it!! We started jumping up and down cheering and crying all at the same time. WE WERE A SPECTACLE FOR SURE!!! As he humbly walked up to the stage he was in shock. The school cheered as they also were very surprised!! Solomon was the first and only student from Kolfe to be given a scholarship to attend this college. He made history for the school as the first student from the Marketing Division to win and then of course being an orphan boy from Kolfe topped the cake!!!
So after graduation, all the students surrounded him to take pictures with him and congratulate him. Especially the girls!!! One of the administrators then gave him a card inviting him to a special luncheon at the school. Misganaw's family had planned a graduation party for him so we had to quickly call people to have them come later than scheduled.
We attended the school lunch where we heard great things about Solomon. One of the administrators wants to meet with him about the next step, which is either a job or getting a scholarship to another level of college!! What a miracle. We are meeting with her on Tuesday!!
Then it was off to Misganaw's house for the celebration. His dad was at the graduation but had to wait outside because they only let parents in. When we were all outside for photos and congrats by all, Tesfaye (Misganaw's Dad) told us that everyone was talking about his AMERICAN MOM being here for him! They were all so happy for him, and amazed that she would come all the way from America. He said everyone in the whole place was talking about it. WE WERE THE ONLY WHITE PEOPLE THERE IN A CROWD OF APPROX 1500 PEOPLE.
Seven boys came to the party from Kolfe and brought him flowers as is the tradition. They were also shocked that he had achieved such an award!! Solomon was walking in the clouds today in shock. They had a cake with his name on it, which was another first for his lifetime. They had decorated with grass throughout the entire house which is a custom of celebration; there were banners all around in English and Amharic saying "Congratulations Solomon Bekele Mestas!" Misganaw's mom put out a huge traditional celebration dinner as if Solomon were her only son!! We are absolutely amazed at the abundance of love and support that Solomon has received. He is so humble and said he thought that they had called the wrong name. He is also a star in their yearbook. An entire page is dedicated to him!! When they had him on stage he held up his trophy, flowers and blew a big kiss out to the audience ....he said this is for you mom!! Are you crying yet??? I am a bucket of tears!! He told everyone without God and His Mom Eileen he would not be here today! He went to every teacher, administrator and official of the school and personally thanked them and shook hands with them. HE WAS/IS AMAZING!!!!!!!
After several hours of party and fellowship with Misganaw's family and his friends, they took all the Kolfe boys to see his new room. They all hung out and talked and laughed. It was a beautiful sight!!
EXCEPT FOR THE KOLFE BOYS THAT DON'T YET HAVE THIS TESTIMONY!!
I am on another mission folks. The LORD has spoken to me again!! These amazing boys were so happy for SOLOMON, hugging and kissing him but in their hearts I know they were wishing for a loving Mom and Dad to come into their lives to love and support them like Solomon has found.
WILL YOU PLEASE PRAY AND ASK THE LORD IF YOU CAN BE A MOM TO A KOLFE BOY TOO?? IF YOU DON'T, YOU WILL MISS OUT ON SUCH AN AMAZING BLESSING!! THESE BOYS ARE ALL MINE UNTIL SOME OF YOU STEP FORWARD AND TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH!!
Solomon was the only orphan boy at this school. If we had not been in his life and sent him money for a suit, he would have been the only one in jeans. If we had not stepped out in faith to go to his graduation ceremony, he would have accepted this award in jeans and would have walked home to KOLFE ALL ALONE!!!! There would have been NO CELEBRATION, NO CAKE, NO ONE TO HOLD HIM IN THEIR ARMS WITH A MOTHER'S LOVE, HUG AND KISS AND TELL HIM HOW PROUD SHE IS OF HIM. There would have been no party at Misganaw's House, No new bedroom to show off and God would not have been so VISIBLE!! The LORD has clearly orchestrated every single event that has taken place in the life of Solomon and our family!! I SIT HERE IN ETHIOPIA WITH SOLOMON AT MY SIDE AS WE WEEP WITH JOY AND AWE AT THE AMAZING MIRACULOUS GOD WE SERVE AND LOVE WITH ALL OUR HEARTS!!
TO HIM BE THE GLORY!
From Solomon:
Hello this is Solomon,
Firstly I would like to say thank you to everyone who made it contribution for mom and George to come here and join with me for my graduation celebration. It is very amazing day for me. Because it is my graduation celebration day. Because of your contribution I celebrate my graduation with Mom and George. I am graduated from INFONET College today. Infonet college graduate more than 400 students. I studied marketing. I am the top scorer of my class and also I am the top scorer of the whole infonet college graduated students. This is a Miracle. Every one is surprising by this including me. How amazing God work is? I cried to God and he answered my all my prayer. Thank you God!!! I didn’t do this thing only by myself but by the help of God, my family in America and all the people that helping mom and George to come here and join with me during my celebration time. With out your help this thing is impossible. This is Just a beginning. God has more plans for my life. Every time and day he speaks to me and going with me wherever I go. He gave me the entire thing I asked him before. Everyone Praise God name because he did a miracle in Ethiopia especially for Orphan boys. Now I got the answer of my prayer but I pray for other Kolfe orphanage boys God give to them all a blessed family just like me. Because of I got a beautiful family in America I know how God is love orphan boys and how he is good for all kinds of human kinds. I hadn’t hope also but after I got my precious family everything is changed. I can say they bring my life back. So, you all Christian people God call you to protect orphan specially Kolfe boys. If you did this he blessed and give for you glorious life. I pray for all of you people. Pray for me too. God bless you all.
“THE FORGOTTEN AND HOPELESS ORPHAN BOY GOT A FAMILY AND SCORE THE HIGHEST MARK FROM HIS DEPARTMENT AND FROM HIS COLLEGE” don’t ask why because it is just a MIRACLE!!!!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
VALEDICTORIAN !!
Eileen just called me from Ethiopia to tell me that Solomon was named Valedictorian of the Graduating class of Infonet College! Over 400 students received their diplomas and Solomon had the highest overall score of 95.76% ! Isn't that awesome? He scored the highest in the class, even though he missed an exam a couple of months ago when he was sick with food poisoning. Otherwise his score would have been higher! Wow!
Eileen was in tears as she was describing what happened. She and Georgie (who videotaped it all) were so surprised as Misganaw interpreted the announcement. Solomon was shocked! He was told he was going to receive an award but he did not expect this. When he received his award, he was given an opportunity to say a few words so he said,
"I could not have done this without God and my Mom"
What a blessing to be a part of this special time! What if Eileen had not been there for this? Solomon would have had no one with whom to savor this moment. Even Misganaw's dad, who did not have a ticket and could not get into the graduation ceremony, was in tears when he heard the news.
"This is a work of God" he said.
Wait, there's more. After the ceremony, Eileen had to fight the crowd to get to Solomon. People were lining up to congratulate him. Eileen said he looked like a movie star, signing autographs. Girls were asking him for his phone number! Someone discussed with him the possibility of a sponsorship for admission into a university.
Solomon was overwhelmed. What a special time for a young man whose life was once as he described "without hope". I actually got a chance to congratulate him on the phone and tell him how proud I was of him.
Even the yearbook had had a full front page tribute to Solomon and his achievements.
On that page, he was quoted as saying,
"Thanks to God and to my Mom"
The other day Georgie bought a chain and a cross as gift to both Solomon and Misganaw. Solomon was so grateful that he cried. He said he had never experienced anything like this in his life. He also tasted Pizza for the first time in his life. He loved it! If you have been following this blog, you'll know that he had ice cream for the first time the other day.
Eileen had called me from a special reception that the school was hosting in honor of Solomon and the other award recipients. After this reception, they were all heading for Misganaw's house where they were having a graduation party for Solomon.
Do you see the value of investing in the life of an orphan? I am not talking about the giving of money. What I am describing is the giving of ourselves. Eileen has been privileged to pour her life into this young man for almost two years and God has shown us a glimpse of the fruit of that investment. God is so good!
More Updates
In case you have been wondering why there have not been any posts lately, the internet situation is pretty bad there. Eileen has limited access to the internet at the guest house where they are staying, and there is only one dial-up connection. This means she has had to take turns with the other people that are staying there, and it also means that when the phone lines are down, as they were yesterday, she cannot communicate with us. She said she tried for 3 hours yesterday, but there was no dial tone. We did manage to video chat with her and Solomon on Friday night. It was pretty cool.
She said they went to see Tigist, the birth mom to Josiah, Keziah and Keren. She was doing great, and they even got video of her. They are meeting with her again tomorrow when Tigi is going to give Eileen some baby pictures of Josiah. Have you ever heard of anyone else with an Open International Adoption? This is just so awesome.
Yesterday, the gang all went to the Gladney Foster home where they got a chance to hug and kiss all the babies. They especially hugged and kissed (and photographed and videotaped) Mike and Teresa's new babies, and Andy and Veronica Kick's new son.
I am planning to call Eileen later today and hopefully I will more to report after that.
Eileen was in tears as she was describing what happened. She and Georgie (who videotaped it all) were so surprised as Misganaw interpreted the announcement. Solomon was shocked! He was told he was going to receive an award but he did not expect this. When he received his award, he was given an opportunity to say a few words so he said,
"I could not have done this without God and my Mom"
What a blessing to be a part of this special time! What if Eileen had not been there for this? Solomon would have had no one with whom to savor this moment. Even Misganaw's dad, who did not have a ticket and could not get into the graduation ceremony, was in tears when he heard the news.
"This is a work of God" he said.
Wait, there's more. After the ceremony, Eileen had to fight the crowd to get to Solomon. People were lining up to congratulate him. Eileen said he looked like a movie star, signing autographs. Girls were asking him for his phone number! Someone discussed with him the possibility of a sponsorship for admission into a university.
Solomon was overwhelmed. What a special time for a young man whose life was once as he described "without hope". I actually got a chance to congratulate him on the phone and tell him how proud I was of him.
Even the yearbook had had a full front page tribute to Solomon and his achievements.
On that page, he was quoted as saying,
"Thanks to God and to my Mom"
The other day Georgie bought a chain and a cross as gift to both Solomon and Misganaw. Solomon was so grateful that he cried. He said he had never experienced anything like this in his life. He also tasted Pizza for the first time in his life. He loved it! If you have been following this blog, you'll know that he had ice cream for the first time the other day.
Eileen had called me from a special reception that the school was hosting in honor of Solomon and the other award recipients. After this reception, they were all heading for Misganaw's house where they were having a graduation party for Solomon.
Do you see the value of investing in the life of an orphan? I am not talking about the giving of money. What I am describing is the giving of ourselves. Eileen has been privileged to pour her life into this young man for almost two years and God has shown us a glimpse of the fruit of that investment. God is so good!
More Updates
In case you have been wondering why there have not been any posts lately, the internet situation is pretty bad there. Eileen has limited access to the internet at the guest house where they are staying, and there is only one dial-up connection. This means she has had to take turns with the other people that are staying there, and it also means that when the phone lines are down, as they were yesterday, she cannot communicate with us. She said she tried for 3 hours yesterday, but there was no dial tone. We did manage to video chat with her and Solomon on Friday night. It was pretty cool.
She said they went to see Tigist, the birth mom to Josiah, Keziah and Keren. She was doing great, and they even got video of her. They are meeting with her again tomorrow when Tigi is going to give Eileen some baby pictures of Josiah. Have you ever heard of anyone else with an Open International Adoption? This is just so awesome.
Yesterday, the gang all went to the Gladney Foster home where they got a chance to hug and kiss all the babies. They especially hugged and kissed (and photographed and videotaped) Mike and Teresa's new babies, and Andy and Veronica Kick's new son.
I am planning to call Eileen later today and hopefully I will more to report after that.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Solomon's Testimony
Oops. The last couple of paragraphs of Eileen's 2nd Day in Ethiopia were inadvertently left out when I put up the post. Please go back and read the revised blog post which includes more of Solomon's testimony. Amazing!
Eileen's 3rd Day in Ethiopia!
Today was quite an amazing day for Eileen, Solomon, and Tafesse, (who was our driver when we were there 2 years ago , and who is Eileen and Georgie's driver this time around as well). Eileen is having to send her emails in hurried segments so this may seem somewhat disjointed, but what is clearly evident is that the Lord is at work and getting tons of glory for the great things He has done.
I got an opportunity to chat online with Eileen for a little while until the power went out. I even chatted with Solomon. He had ice cream today for the first time in his life! Can you believe that? How often do we take for granted the luxury that is ice cream? His favorite was strawberry, which was cool, because strawberry ice cream was my father's favorite and I always think of him when I have some.
We spent a great deal of time today preparing for the taping of our documentary. It is going to be so awesome. Tafe was in tears today and we all felt like we sat in the presence of the Lord for hours. Tafe got his green card this week and he is on way to to the USA. He is a changed man and following after God more than ever.
We ate at Le Parisien Cafe and spent 4 hours sharing testimony...amazing day.. we are going to Kolfe tomorrow to move Solomon out and spend time with the boys.
Misganaw's family is throwing a graduation party for Solomon at their house and inviting all of his friends.
We have been praying that we would have an opportunity to once again meet with Tigi, the birth mom to Josiah, Keziah, and Keren. Belay has been looking for her for weeks, and praise the Lord, he found her today! We have an appointment to meet with her on Friday at 2 pm (7 am Eastern). God is so good to give us another opportunity to spend time with her!
On Saturday we're going to the Gladney Foster Home to meet Andy and Veronica Kick's baby Lucas.
Sunday is Solomon's graduation and party.
We had dinner here tonight with guests from the Mother Teresa HIV Orphanage
and the pastor of the Ethiopian International Church who is from North Carolina.
On Thursday, we are going to a lake resort area about 1 hour from here to record our documentary. It is going to be the testimonies of Solomon, Misganaw, Tafesse, and me. It is going to be so amazing! God is incredibly at work here with us.
More tomorrow...
I got an opportunity to chat online with Eileen for a little while until the power went out. I even chatted with Solomon. He had ice cream today for the first time in his life! Can you believe that? How often do we take for granted the luxury that is ice cream? His favorite was strawberry, which was cool, because strawberry ice cream was my father's favorite and I always think of him when I have some.
We spent a great deal of time today preparing for the taping of our documentary. It is going to be so awesome. Tafe was in tears today and we all felt like we sat in the presence of the Lord for hours. Tafe got his green card this week and he is on way to to the USA. He is a changed man and following after God more than ever.
We ate at Le Parisien Cafe and spent 4 hours sharing testimony...amazing day.. we are going to Kolfe tomorrow to move Solomon out and spend time with the boys.
Misganaw's family is throwing a graduation party for Solomon at their house and inviting all of his friends.
We have been praying that we would have an opportunity to once again meet with Tigi, the birth mom to Josiah, Keziah, and Keren. Belay has been looking for her for weeks, and praise the Lord, he found her today! We have an appointment to meet with her on Friday at 2 pm (7 am Eastern). God is so good to give us another opportunity to spend time with her!
On Saturday we're going to the Gladney Foster Home to meet Andy and Veronica Kick's baby Lucas.
Sunday is Solomon's graduation and party.
We had dinner here tonight with guests from the Mother Teresa HIV Orphanage
and the pastor of the Ethiopian International Church who is from North Carolina.
On Thursday, we are going to a lake resort area about 1 hour from here to record our documentary. It is going to be the testimonies of Solomon, Misganaw, Tafesse, and me. It is going to be so amazing! God is incredibly at work here with us.
More tomorrow...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Eileen's 2nd Day in Ethiopia!
Well I had not heard from Eileen since the email I received this morning. All day long I kept checking my email for an update. I sent her an update on what was going on around here and at around 5:20 pm I received a response. They lose power quite frequently in Addis Ababa so she was sending her email messages in segments, typing short messages, sending them quickly and then doing it again. As I started the first email, I noticed she was ONLINE! "YES!" I yelled out loud, scaring one of my co-workers. I quickly initiated an online chat with her and soon realized that I was probably as giddy as some pimple-faced teenager chatting online with his girlfriend. It was just so cool! Here she was, on the other side of the world, on another continent, and we were talking back and forth online. We were hoping we were going to be able to do this and actually even video chat, but they don't have a high speed connection where she is now.
Here is a sampling of our conversation:
me: Hi Babies
Eileen: hibabies
im writng so fast dont check the spelling its dark and i can';t see eutther
me: how good it is to talk to you! even if it is only like this
Eileen: oh how i wish you were here
me: me too...almost time to go home..what time is it there?
Eileen: 12]30 a.m everyone is in bed i am in the dark here
the pastor from intnl church is coming to dinner tomorrow night. cant wait to meet him
Eileen: i SEE GOD ALL DAY TODAY
me: yaeh mee too
Eileen: I am trying to record today so much happening
me: what do you want me to post today?
Eileen: God is writing this story...you can fix this post and then put it up i have more to add though..i can hardly see the keeys
me: you mean the email you wrote? I have not even finished reading cuz i saw you were online
Eileen: yes..i am still writing
me: we are so excited for you and for all that is happening....how is solomon?
Eileen: I LOVE SOLOMON
Is that cool or what?
Here is the email she sent:
What an AMAZING DAY!!!! I could not sleep again. I hardly slept on the plane and then I only slept about 4 hours and I suddenly woke up and was wide awake. I just prayed for the LORD to orchestrate our time here, give me wisdom and discernment and SHOW ME HIS WILL!
WE called Habtamu, Cherokee's driver, to take us out to eat and run a few errands. We ate at the same Starbucks-type cafe (Kaldi)where Ryan took us. We had omelets, pancakes, and water bottles. Georgie sat very quietly during breakfast, almost like he was out of it. He was just riding in the car with the video camera on and not saying much all morning. Habtamu then took us on a riding tour all around Addis telling the history and saying "photo forbidden here" and "OK, now you can take photo again". "Photo forbidden", "OK now again". It was funny, Georgie was so serious. Then he told him to make sure the camera is tight on his hand in case someone tries to grab it. Then we went to lunch at the Lime Tree Restaurant and Cafe. A lot of Americans in there. WE had spaghetti. The entire time we drove around and went to the same little market to buy water bottles, Solomon had his arm around me and did not let go of my hand. HE sat right next to me and just kept the biggest smile on his face all day. I kept holding him and hugging him all day. We were inseparable.
Solomon is such a gentleman. He opens the doors for me, etc. On the way back from lunch I noticed Georgie had his eyes closed and was really out of it. He was in the front seat and we were in the back.
I asked if he was OK and he said,
"I can't believe all these fumes, I can hardly breathe..."
I burst out laughing and said,
"Are you getting carbon monoxide poisoning or are you sleeping?"..
He said, "I honestly don't know, I hope I don't die here!"
It was soo funny. He later shared that he felt out of it all day and he thinks he was honestly in shock!! (Note from Jerry: When I was there 2 years ago, it took me several days to get acclimated to the high altitude and lack of oxygen. I was pretty much out of it also)
Georgie had never seen such poverty, or such a sad situation. A man came to the open window and begged him for money. He had 10 fingers on one hand!!! Georgie looked at me with his serious face and huge eyes after he gave him some money and said..DID YOU SEE THAT? I was right behind him so I did. Then all of a sudden we started getting swarmed by beggars. A lady with a tiny baby came to him next and he just teared up.
He said "I can't believe this!"
Then he said "OH-OH, Look what I started" and the driver started off again.
He said he has traveled 6 continents and has never seen anything like this. So we came back to the house and he went to take a nap.
Solomon and I sat on the couch all alone for several hours and he just shared his amazing testimony with me. I sat in tears and amazed at all that God has done. He described our visit to Kolfe to a "T". He has it memorized and etched in his mind. He took out a photo album he has made and showed me the photo we took with him kneeling at my feet with the whole group. and he said "THIS IS THE MOST SPECIAL DAY OF MY LIFE - THIS IS THE DAY I WAS BORN AGAIN!! He proceeded to give me details of how that day went down. He described that he started out very sad and depressed and was in his room studying for exams that were coming up soon. He heard a lot of boys talking about a family that was visiting outside. He decided to go out and get refreshed and take a look. He saw me with Habtamu and decided to join us. He described every thing we did. I was amazed when he said that he was noticing something different about me and that I seemed so interested in everyone. Then he said we went to the soccer field and talked a long time with all the boys and we were getting ready to go. He said he doesn't know if you remember Jerry but you said we had to leave and I told you we can't until I give all the boys a mama hug. He heard you say not we have to go and he said he prayed right there for God to please let me give him a hug!!! Please ! And that's when they all lined up and one by one I gave everyone of the boys a big hug.
I shared our testimony at dinner tonight and then Solomon shared his testimony. It was awesome and I see where God is going big time. I was a bucket of tears. He said he never understood the Bible when he read it because he didn't know what real love was. Gina from Children's Hope Chest wants a video of it to post at CHC. She said it is going to impact the world!
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Eph 3:20-21
Here is a sampling of our conversation:
me: Hi Babies
Eileen: hibabies
im writng so fast dont check the spelling its dark and i can';t see eutther
me: how good it is to talk to you! even if it is only like this
Eileen: oh how i wish you were here
me: me too...almost time to go home..what time is it there?
Eileen: 12]30 a.m everyone is in bed i am in the dark here
the pastor from intnl church is coming to dinner tomorrow night. cant wait to meet him
Eileen: i SEE GOD ALL DAY TODAY
me: yaeh mee too
Eileen: I am trying to record today so much happening
me: what do you want me to post today?
Eileen: God is writing this story...you can fix this post and then put it up i have more to add though..i can hardly see the keeys
me: you mean the email you wrote? I have not even finished reading cuz i saw you were online
Eileen: yes..i am still writing
me: we are so excited for you and for all that is happening....how is solomon?
Eileen: I LOVE SOLOMON
Is that cool or what?
Here is the email she sent:
What an AMAZING DAY!!!! I could not sleep again. I hardly slept on the plane and then I only slept about 4 hours and I suddenly woke up and was wide awake. I just prayed for the LORD to orchestrate our time here, give me wisdom and discernment and SHOW ME HIS WILL!
WE called Habtamu, Cherokee's driver, to take us out to eat and run a few errands. We ate at the same Starbucks-type cafe (Kaldi)where Ryan took us. We had omelets, pancakes, and water bottles. Georgie sat very quietly during breakfast, almost like he was out of it. He was just riding in the car with the video camera on and not saying much all morning. Habtamu then took us on a riding tour all around Addis telling the history and saying "photo forbidden here" and "OK, now you can take photo again". "Photo forbidden", "OK now again". It was funny, Georgie was so serious. Then he told him to make sure the camera is tight on his hand in case someone tries to grab it. Then we went to lunch at the Lime Tree Restaurant and Cafe. A lot of Americans in there. WE had spaghetti. The entire time we drove around and went to the same little market to buy water bottles, Solomon had his arm around me and did not let go of my hand. HE sat right next to me and just kept the biggest smile on his face all day. I kept holding him and hugging him all day. We were inseparable.
Solomon is such a gentleman. He opens the doors for me, etc. On the way back from lunch I noticed Georgie had his eyes closed and was really out of it. He was in the front seat and we were in the back.
I asked if he was OK and he said,
"I can't believe all these fumes, I can hardly breathe..."
I burst out laughing and said,
"Are you getting carbon monoxide poisoning or are you sleeping?"..
He said, "I honestly don't know, I hope I don't die here!"
It was soo funny. He later shared that he felt out of it all day and he thinks he was honestly in shock!! (Note from Jerry: When I was there 2 years ago, it took me several days to get acclimated to the high altitude and lack of oxygen. I was pretty much out of it also)
Georgie had never seen such poverty, or such a sad situation. A man came to the open window and begged him for money. He had 10 fingers on one hand!!! Georgie looked at me with his serious face and huge eyes after he gave him some money and said..DID YOU SEE THAT? I was right behind him so I did. Then all of a sudden we started getting swarmed by beggars. A lady with a tiny baby came to him next and he just teared up.
He said "I can't believe this!"
Then he said "OH-OH, Look what I started" and the driver started off again.
He said he has traveled 6 continents and has never seen anything like this. So we came back to the house and he went to take a nap.
Solomon and I sat on the couch all alone for several hours and he just shared his amazing testimony with me. I sat in tears and amazed at all that God has done. He described our visit to Kolfe to a "T". He has it memorized and etched in his mind. He took out a photo album he has made and showed me the photo we took with him kneeling at my feet with the whole group. and he said "THIS IS THE MOST SPECIAL DAY OF MY LIFE - THIS IS THE DAY I WAS BORN AGAIN!! He proceeded to give me details of how that day went down. He described that he started out very sad and depressed and was in his room studying for exams that were coming up soon. He heard a lot of boys talking about a family that was visiting outside. He decided to go out and get refreshed and take a look. He saw me with Habtamu and decided to join us. He described every thing we did. I was amazed when he said that he was noticing something different about me and that I seemed so interested in everyone. Then he said we went to the soccer field and talked a long time with all the boys and we were getting ready to go. He said he doesn't know if you remember Jerry but you said we had to leave and I told you we can't until I give all the boys a mama hug. He heard you say not we have to go and he said he prayed right there for God to please let me give him a hug!!! Please ! And that's when they all lined up and one by one I gave everyone of the boys a big hug.
I shared our testimony at dinner tonight and then Solomon shared his testimony. It was awesome and I see where God is going big time. I was a bucket of tears. He said he never understood the Bible when he read it because he didn't know what real love was. Gina from Children's Hope Chest wants a video of it to post at CHC. She said it is going to impact the world!
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Eph 3:20-21
Eileen's in Ethiopia!
The boys sent their mom an email last night updating her on how much fun they are having with their Papa and how much they love her. When I awoke this morning I got this response:
Hello all my beautiful babies and my beloved papa!! I am in a fog, like this is all a dream. Solomon is so precious we hugged and hugged and hugged and he is so grateful and excited that I am here. Misganaw and his dad came to the airport too. THey had to wait 3 hours for us to get through the visa and customs line but they didn't mind. I SEE GOD ALREADY!! My roommate here at Cherokee is the new Children's Hopechest worker who is here to work on the Kolfe and Kebebetsehay sponsorships. She is new and says I know more about Kolfe than she does so she asked me to come with her there and help distribute all the sponsorship letters. This is such a divine appointment!!! She said she knows we were meant to be together and we are going to be working together in the USA. Ellie, they are also starting a youth drive to get them involved with this work. She is personal friends with the Harris twins, she worked 16 years in publishing and is working for ZONDERVAN right now as well!! I love Misganaw's dad, he is a very sweet man and I feel like we are already family. I said that to him and he responded " A FAMILY CREATED BY GOD!!" We are going to work on our schedule today, just going to go eat. I had to pay $60 for my carry on w/Ethiopia airlines. The power might go off so I am sending this now just in case.
She followed up with this email a little later:
The house is nice here. It's Ethiopia!! I did not sleep much on the plane or last night. Just can't sleep yet. I have to call Belay and get everything coordinated so I better run. I love all of you with all my heart. I am praying for you all, especially you Ellie w/ all the littles. just take it easy and relax...dont stress out...have fun and remember...we are serving the Lord Jesus!! I will talk to you again asap.
Hello all my beautiful babies and my beloved papa!! I am in a fog, like this is all a dream. Solomon is so precious we hugged and hugged and hugged and he is so grateful and excited that I am here. Misganaw and his dad came to the airport too. THey had to wait 3 hours for us to get through the visa and customs line but they didn't mind. I SEE GOD ALREADY!! My roommate here at Cherokee is the new Children's Hopechest worker who is here to work on the Kolfe and Kebebetsehay sponsorships. She is new and says I know more about Kolfe than she does so she asked me to come with her there and help distribute all the sponsorship letters. This is such a divine appointment!!! She said she knows we were meant to be together and we are going to be working together in the USA. Ellie, they are also starting a youth drive to get them involved with this work. She is personal friends with the Harris twins, she worked 16 years in publishing and is working for ZONDERVAN right now as well!! I love Misganaw's dad, he is a very sweet man and I feel like we are already family. I said that to him and he responded " A FAMILY CREATED BY GOD!!" We are going to work on our schedule today, just going to go eat. I had to pay $60 for my carry on w/Ethiopia airlines. The power might go off so I am sending this now just in case.
She followed up with this email a little later:
The house is nice here. It's Ethiopia!! I did not sleep much on the plane or last night. Just can't sleep yet. I have to call Belay and get everything coordinated so I better run. I love all of you with all my heart. I am praying for you all, especially you Ellie w/ all the littles. just take it easy and relax...dont stress out...have fun and remember...we are serving the Lord Jesus!! I will talk to you again asap.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Landed!
So I am sound asleep at 5:45 am this morning when I get this annoying alert on my cell phone that I had just received a text message. Who could be texting me at this hour? I rushed to the phone and much to my surprise learned that it was Cousin Georgie letting me know they were in Rome for a refueling stop. Incredible! He can text me from Rome?
I was totally blown away. We then proceeded to exchange several text messages before he had to sign off.
My favorite was this one:
We are in Rome. Everything is good. Eileen has about 10 new friends, that's more than one an hour. LOL
Georgie also told me he was hoping he would be able to text me from Ethiopia.
After departing from Rome, they still had to fly 8 more hours before reaching Ethiopia. That would mean they would be landing around 2:00 pm our time. I waited until 2:45 p.m. and when I had not heard anything, I sent Georgie a text, asking if they had landed. Within seconds, I got a response from Georgie that they had landed. He tried to send me a picture but I never received it. I have not heard anything more but since it was nighttime there and since they probably did not sleep much they were probably wiped out. Hopefully we will get another update tomorrow.
I was totally blown away. We then proceeded to exchange several text messages before he had to sign off.
My favorite was this one:
We are in Rome. Everything is good. Eileen has about 10 new friends, that's more than one an hour. LOL
Georgie also told me he was hoping he would be able to text me from Ethiopia.
After departing from Rome, they still had to fly 8 more hours before reaching Ethiopia. That would mean they would be landing around 2:00 pm our time. I waited until 2:45 p.m. and when I had not heard anything, I sent Georgie a text, asking if they had landed. Within seconds, I got a response from Georgie that they had landed. He tried to send me a picture but I never received it. I have not heard anything more but since it was nighttime there and since they probably did not sleep much they were probably wiped out. Hopefully we will get another update tomorrow.
Ethiopia Trip Update
Well the day finally came and amazingly the kids and I found ourselves dropping Eileen off at Raleigh-Durham Airport. She caught a flight to Washington, D.C. where she met up with Cousin Georgie and they boarded a plane headed for Addis Ababa. How surreal. It is still hard to believe this is happening. What we prayed for is actually coming to pass. Why do we do this? Why do we get surprised when God answers our prayers? Is it because we think He is not able? Or too busy to concern Himself with us? One thing we have learned throughout this journey is that God does not necessarily join us when we set out to do what we think He wants us to do, but rather He blesses us and He uses us for His glory when we join Him in accomplishing His business. As Henry Blackaby says: "If you want to experience God, find out where He is at work and join Him".
This mission and vision of caring for orphans is God's business. We are commanded in James 1:27 to care for the widows and orphans of the world. Why? Because His heart breaks for them. Throughout the Bible, God's heart is reflected in his concern for the fatherless and the widow. When we as believers in Christ all begin to accept responsibility as a mission of the Gospel for the Solomon's of the world, it will radically change how we relate to God. When we truly see the beautiful parallel between the physical adoption of an orphan and our spiritual rescue and adoption by God into His family through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, our hearts will be knitted together with God's. Our family has been radically changed. We have drunk the kool-aid. There is no turning back. Many of you can relate to our journey and many have been obedient to God's leading to partner with us. We praise God for you. The Lord has great things in store for Eileen and Georgie in Ethiopia. Like you, I am anxiously waiting to see how it all unfolds.
Jerry
This mission and vision of caring for orphans is God's business. We are commanded in James 1:27 to care for the widows and orphans of the world. Why? Because His heart breaks for them. Throughout the Bible, God's heart is reflected in his concern for the fatherless and the widow. When we as believers in Christ all begin to accept responsibility as a mission of the Gospel for the Solomon's of the world, it will radically change how we relate to God. When we truly see the beautiful parallel between the physical adoption of an orphan and our spiritual rescue and adoption by God into His family through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, our hearts will be knitted together with God's. Our family has been radically changed. We have drunk the kool-aid. There is no turning back. Many of you can relate to our journey and many have been obedient to God's leading to partner with us. We praise God for you. The Lord has great things in store for Eileen and Georgie in Ethiopia. Like you, I am anxiously waiting to see how it all unfolds.
Jerry
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
THREE DAYS UNTIL DEPARTURE!!!!
I am absolutely amazed that I am actually on my back to the KOLFE Boys orphanage in 3 more days. So much has been going on in the last few weeks that I am honestly dizzy!! As of today, they have scheduled Solomon's graduation for Sept 1st and I will be there until Sept. 3rd. We were getting nervous that I might miss it since it was still not scheduled as of yesterday!! Praise the Lord!!
I have been doing a lot of praying about this trip and asking the LORD WHY HE IS SENDING ME??? I have been feeling quite overwhelmed because I have so much responsibility here at home taking care of my husband, my children, my home, etc. I have struggled with feeling that I have no business leaving all of my responsibilities to travel across the world to Ethiopia, especially without my husband. We have absolutely no money for this major expense LORD?? I have 5 children under 6 yrs that need me every minute of the day LORD??? Why have you called me for this task?? What could I possibly do that is more important than what you have already given me here at home?? Who will help Ellie take care of the Little's, who will keep this ship running for 14 days??? It's time to start our new school year, I can't leave? Why not send someone else LORD?? Surely there is someone better qualified and with better resources than me LORD???And here is what I read in HIS word:
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Three times I pleaded with the LORD to take it away from me, But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
The Lord has faithfully proven that this is HIS WILL that I GO!! As of today, I have received all of the money I need through the precious and obedient Saints.THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICIAL SUPPORT...the Lord raised up cousin Georgie to go with me and he also has raised all of his support!! Elsa is coming to stay at the house and help Ellie with all the Little's and Jonathan will be home on his 4 days-off cycles as well. Jerry will be working all day but at least he won't be traveling while I am gone. Several dear, dear sisters in Christ have volunteered to bring meals for some of the days I will be gone. Mommy will also be cooking most of the meals. The Little's are not happy that MAMA is leaving but they are happy that I am going to take care of their brother Solomon and all the children that don't have mommies and daddies. They even gave me money out of their piggy banks to buy mosquito nets so they don't get malaria!! You should have seen their precious faces when they came with their money in hand!! I have been given a great peace that all will be well without me and the LORD IS IN CONTROL!!
HE has also impressed on my heart that I am to go pave the way for the FORGOTTEN BOYS!! Many people will adopt a baby, many people will adopt a little girl because they know they are probably being rescued from a life of prostitution. But, most people don't want the older boys, the forgotten boys!! And as I have shared previously, I was the most guilty of this. I didn't even want to visit their orphanage when we were there in Nov. 07. I actually got angry that I had to go visit the Kolfe orphanage. I honestly believe the LORD is raising this ministry of how to care for the older boys in several ways. First, to get them adopted. There are several Kolfe boys that have been adopted in the last year. And now, to take care of the boys that can not be adopted... to help an orphan establish a life outside of the orphanage. There is nothing better than raising a child in a family, with a dad, mom and siblings. Orphanage life is not what God wants for HIS children. As I have prayed for HIM to show me how to help Solomon, HE has miraculously raised up a family in Ethiopia that will take him in and I am on my way to help facilitate this. Maybe, if I go and help ONE BOY, make a difference in his life with no resources or special abilities of my own, but just step out in FAITH AND TRUST THE LORD FOR HIS PROVISIONS, MAYBE SOMEONE ELSE OUT THERE, MAYBE MANY PEOPLE WILL ALSO STEP OUT IN FAITH AND HELP THE FORGOTTEN BOYS GET OUT OF THE ORPHANAGE AND ESTABLISHED IN NEW LIFE! So, here it is only a year and half later, and I am on my way back to Ethiopia, the main purpose for my trip...TO BE ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS AT THE KOLFE ORPHANAGE OF THE FORGOTTEN BOYS!
I PRAY THAT EACH PERSON READING THIS BLOG WILL BE INSPIRED TO STEP OUT IN FAITH AND TRUST THE LORD WITH WHAT EVER HARD THINGS YOU ARE DEALING WITH. HE IS ABLE..HE IS TRUSTWORTHY AND HE IS FAITHFUL!!
"THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL, BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW. ASK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST, THEREFORE, TO SEND OUT WORKERS INTO HIS HARVEST FIELD. GO!.." LUKE 10:2
"WHOEVER WELCOMES ONE OF THESE LITTLE CHILDREN IN MY NAME WELCOMES ME; AND WHOEVER WELCOMES ME DOES NOT WELCOME ME BUT THE ONE WHO SENT ME" MARK 9:37
"ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME. THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE." MATTHEW 28:18-20
I hope to be updating this blog from Ethiopia so please stay tuned. Please keep us in your prayers....
I have been doing a lot of praying about this trip and asking the LORD WHY HE IS SENDING ME??? I have been feeling quite overwhelmed because I have so much responsibility here at home taking care of my husband, my children, my home, etc. I have struggled with feeling that I have no business leaving all of my responsibilities to travel across the world to Ethiopia, especially without my husband. We have absolutely no money for this major expense LORD?? I have 5 children under 6 yrs that need me every minute of the day LORD??? Why have you called me for this task?? What could I possibly do that is more important than what you have already given me here at home?? Who will help Ellie take care of the Little's, who will keep this ship running for 14 days??? It's time to start our new school year, I can't leave? Why not send someone else LORD?? Surely there is someone better qualified and with better resources than me LORD???And here is what I read in HIS word:
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Three times I pleaded with the LORD to take it away from me, But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
The Lord has faithfully proven that this is HIS WILL that I GO!! As of today, I have received all of the money I need through the precious and obedient Saints.THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICIAL SUPPORT...the Lord raised up cousin Georgie to go with me and he also has raised all of his support!! Elsa is coming to stay at the house and help Ellie with all the Little's and Jonathan will be home on his 4 days-off cycles as well. Jerry will be working all day but at least he won't be traveling while I am gone. Several dear, dear sisters in Christ have volunteered to bring meals for some of the days I will be gone. Mommy will also be cooking most of the meals. The Little's are not happy that MAMA is leaving but they are happy that I am going to take care of their brother Solomon and all the children that don't have mommies and daddies. They even gave me money out of their piggy banks to buy mosquito nets so they don't get malaria!! You should have seen their precious faces when they came with their money in hand!! I have been given a great peace that all will be well without me and the LORD IS IN CONTROL!!
HE has also impressed on my heart that I am to go pave the way for the FORGOTTEN BOYS!! Many people will adopt a baby, many people will adopt a little girl because they know they are probably being rescued from a life of prostitution. But, most people don't want the older boys, the forgotten boys!! And as I have shared previously, I was the most guilty of this. I didn't even want to visit their orphanage when we were there in Nov. 07. I actually got angry that I had to go visit the Kolfe orphanage. I honestly believe the LORD is raising this ministry of how to care for the older boys in several ways. First, to get them adopted. There are several Kolfe boys that have been adopted in the last year. And now, to take care of the boys that can not be adopted... to help an orphan establish a life outside of the orphanage. There is nothing better than raising a child in a family, with a dad, mom and siblings. Orphanage life is not what God wants for HIS children. As I have prayed for HIM to show me how to help Solomon, HE has miraculously raised up a family in Ethiopia that will take him in and I am on my way to help facilitate this. Maybe, if I go and help ONE BOY, make a difference in his life with no resources or special abilities of my own, but just step out in FAITH AND TRUST THE LORD FOR HIS PROVISIONS, MAYBE SOMEONE ELSE OUT THERE, MAYBE MANY PEOPLE WILL ALSO STEP OUT IN FAITH AND HELP THE FORGOTTEN BOYS GET OUT OF THE ORPHANAGE AND ESTABLISHED IN NEW LIFE! So, here it is only a year and half later, and I am on my way back to Ethiopia, the main purpose for my trip...TO BE ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS AT THE KOLFE ORPHANAGE OF THE FORGOTTEN BOYS!
I PRAY THAT EACH PERSON READING THIS BLOG WILL BE INSPIRED TO STEP OUT IN FAITH AND TRUST THE LORD WITH WHAT EVER HARD THINGS YOU ARE DEALING WITH. HE IS ABLE..HE IS TRUSTWORTHY AND HE IS FAITHFUL!!
"THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL, BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW. ASK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST, THEREFORE, TO SEND OUT WORKERS INTO HIS HARVEST FIELD. GO!.." LUKE 10:2
"WHOEVER WELCOMES ONE OF THESE LITTLE CHILDREN IN MY NAME WELCOMES ME; AND WHOEVER WELCOMES ME DOES NOT WELCOME ME BUT THE ONE WHO SENT ME" MARK 9:37
"ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME. THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE." MATTHEW 28:18-20
I hope to be updating this blog from Ethiopia so please stay tuned. Please keep us in your prayers....
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Nov. 8th Orphan Care Sunday
In case you are not aware of this I wanted to pass it on. Please note that November 8, is Orphan Care Sunday and we would like to request that you talk to your churches about recognizing this as specified below. (Feel free to copy and paste this and email it to your pastors.)
The Southern Baptist Convention (the largest protestant denomination) passed the resolution below (presented by Dr. Russell Moore) on adoption and orphan care! This has huge potential for the sake of the fatherless! Pray that an adoption culture will take root and spread in the churches represented by the SBC. I can’t wait to see what God has in store!
“On Adoption and Orphan Care”
WHEREAS, in the gospel we have received the “Spirit of adoption” whereby we are no longer spiritual orphans but are now beloved children of God and joint heirs with Christ
(John 14:18; Rom. 8:12-25; Gal. 3:27-4:9; Eph. 1:5); and
WHEREAS, the God we now know as our Father reveals himself as a “father of the fatherless” (Ps. 68:5) who grants mercy to orphans (Deut. 10:18; Hos. 14:3); and
WHEREAS, our Lord Jesus welcomes the little ones (Luke 18:15-17), pleads for the lives of the innocent (Ps. 72:12-14), and shows us that we will be held accountable for our response to “the least of these my brethren” (Matt. 25:40); and
WHEREAS, the Scripture defines “pure and undefiled religion” as “to visit orphans and widows in their trouble” (Jas. 1:27); and
WHEREAS, the satanic powers have warred against infants and children from Pharaoh to Moloch to Herod and, now, through the horrors of a divorce culture, an abortion industry, and the global plagues of disease, starvation, and warfare; and
WHEREAS, Southern Baptists have articulated an unequivocal commitment to the sanctity of all human life, born and unborn; and
WHEREAS, a denomination of churches defined by the Great Commission must be concerned for the evangelism of children—including those who have no parents; and
WHEREAS, upward of 150 million orphans now languish without families in orphanages, group homes, and placement systems in North America and around the world; and
WHEREAS, our Father loves all of these children, and a great multitude of them will never otherwise hear the gospel of Jesus Christ; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, June 23-24, 2009, express our commitment as a denomination of churches to join our Father in seeking mercy for orphans; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we call on each Southern Baptist family to pray for guidance as to whether God is calling them to adopt or foster a child or children; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we encourage our pastors and church leaders to preach and teach on God’s concern for orphans; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we commend churches and ministries that are equipping families to provide financial and other resources to those called to adopt, through grants, matching funds, or loans; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we ask our International Mission Board and North American Mission Board to prioritize the evangelism of and ministry to orphans around the world, and to seek out ways to energize Southern Baptists behind this mission; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we encourage Southern Baptist churches to join with other evangelical Christians in recognizing November 8, 2009, as “Orphan Sunday,” focusing that day on our adoption in Christ and our common burden for the orphans of the world; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we hope what God is doing in creating an adoption culture in so many churches and families can point us to a gospel oneness that is defined not by “the flesh” racial, economic, or cultural sameness but by the Spirit unity and peace in Christ Jesus; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that we pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit on Southern Baptist congregations so that our churches increasingly will announce and picture, in word and in deed, that “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.”
The Southern Baptist Convention (the largest protestant denomination) passed the resolution below (presented by Dr. Russell Moore) on adoption and orphan care! This has huge potential for the sake of the fatherless! Pray that an adoption culture will take root and spread in the churches represented by the SBC. I can’t wait to see what God has in store!
“On Adoption and Orphan Care”
WHEREAS, in the gospel we have received the “Spirit of adoption” whereby we are no longer spiritual orphans but are now beloved children of God and joint heirs with Christ
(John 14:18; Rom. 8:12-25; Gal. 3:27-4:9; Eph. 1:5); and
WHEREAS, the God we now know as our Father reveals himself as a “father of the fatherless” (Ps. 68:5) who grants mercy to orphans (Deut. 10:18; Hos. 14:3); and
WHEREAS, our Lord Jesus welcomes the little ones (Luke 18:15-17), pleads for the lives of the innocent (Ps. 72:12-14), and shows us that we will be held accountable for our response to “the least of these my brethren” (Matt. 25:40); and
WHEREAS, the Scripture defines “pure and undefiled religion” as “to visit orphans and widows in their trouble” (Jas. 1:27); and
WHEREAS, the satanic powers have warred against infants and children from Pharaoh to Moloch to Herod and, now, through the horrors of a divorce culture, an abortion industry, and the global plagues of disease, starvation, and warfare; and
WHEREAS, Southern Baptists have articulated an unequivocal commitment to the sanctity of all human life, born and unborn; and
WHEREAS, a denomination of churches defined by the Great Commission must be concerned for the evangelism of children—including those who have no parents; and
WHEREAS, upward of 150 million orphans now languish without families in orphanages, group homes, and placement systems in North America and around the world; and
WHEREAS, our Father loves all of these children, and a great multitude of them will never otherwise hear the gospel of Jesus Christ; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, June 23-24, 2009, express our commitment as a denomination of churches to join our Father in seeking mercy for orphans; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we call on each Southern Baptist family to pray for guidance as to whether God is calling them to adopt or foster a child or children; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we encourage our pastors and church leaders to preach and teach on God’s concern for orphans; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we commend churches and ministries that are equipping families to provide financial and other resources to those called to adopt, through grants, matching funds, or loans; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we ask our International Mission Board and North American Mission Board to prioritize the evangelism of and ministry to orphans around the world, and to seek out ways to energize Southern Baptists behind this mission; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we encourage Southern Baptist churches to join with other evangelical Christians in recognizing November 8, 2009, as “Orphan Sunday,” focusing that day on our adoption in Christ and our common burden for the orphans of the world; and be it further
RESOLVED, that we hope what God is doing in creating an adoption culture in so many churches and families can point us to a gospel oneness that is defined not by “the flesh” racial, economic, or cultural sameness but by the Spirit unity and peace in Christ Jesus; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that we pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit on Southern Baptist congregations so that our churches increasingly will announce and picture, in word and in deed, that “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.”
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Ethiopia Trip Prayer Update
So, I know the Lord is calling me back to Ethiopia and he has told me to bring someone who can photo and video journal this trip. Now that it is a definite that I am going, here is my prayer list:
1. Please reveal the other person you want to go with me for photo/video journal.
Answered within the week: It is cousin Georgie Barnes!!
2. I need 3 laptops to take with me.
Answered yesterday, Aug. 2. 2009 A friend may have 2 laptops to donate?
3. Someone to come stay with Ellie to care for the kids all day.
Answered yesterday, Aug. 2, 2009: Elsa Mugyenzi, from African Children's Choir
4. What else do you have for me to do Lord, why the photo and video?? I believe there is more to this journey??
Answered yesterday, August 2, 2009:
Move Solomon into Misganaw's home, buy bed and get everything set up for him.
Deliver very important documents for Carolyn Twietmeyer to attorney in Addis.
Visit w/specific orphans waiting for their forever famlies (all friends of mine).
Visit and photo property for Covenant Village/Almost Homes in Legadadi, Ethiopia for Project Hopeful.
5. Please deliver the funds to pay for this trip Lord. We don't have it??? I need $4000???
Answered: $1650 so far.....
I only have 2 WEEKS UNTIL I TRAVEL!!!
PLEASE JOIN ME IN PRAYER AND SEE IF THE LORD WOULD HAVE YOU BE A PART OF HIS ORPHAN CARE MINISTRY IN ETHIOPIA. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN MAKE A DONATION. (I HATE TO ASK FOR MONEY BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE.) THE LORD DESIRES HIS PEOPLE TO CARE FOR THE ORPHANS AND WHILE NOT EVERYONE IS CALLED TO ADOPT, EVERYONE CAN HELP WITH A SMALL DONATION AND PRAYERS. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE SENT US YOUR SACRIFICIAL GIFTS. THEY ARE ALL GREATLY APPRECIATED. I STILL NEED $2350!!
"I tell you the truth; whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
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