Glocal Reach

Egypt Student Camp Update

2008-07-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. The internet here at our hotel is hit or miss and we had no access at camp. We are back in the city after a great week of camp. God did some amazing things. It's one thing to hear the vision for these people and another to actually see it come to pass. We saw several students give their lives to Christ and many more set free from sin and fear. A truly amazing, wonderful, heartbreaking, humbling thing to be a part of. I don't quite have the words yet.

I am so proud of our students. They made friends quickly and have really jumped in to the culture. The students at the camp welcomed us with open arms. It was a fun atmosphere and we came away with many new friends.

God is doing an amazing work in the Coptic church. We got to be a part of his work and see the hunger and desire that they have for Truth first-hand. I've never seen anything like it. Please pray for these people. Pray that they will have people speak truth and hope into their lives and that they can know His grace and forgiveness. Thank you so much for your prayers and supoprt.

We will see you soon!

April

Egypt Team Visits Cave Church & Heads to Camp

2008-07-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

The internet connections were not good at the hotel so the team is unable to blog at this time. From a text message, they are doing well. They went to see the cave church this morning and headed to the Youth Camp. (picture is from an earlier trip)

Egypt Team has arrived safely in Cairo

2008-06-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

Thank You!

2008-05-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

Take a minute and read this Thank You from Thomas. Aquila Project's National Director in Myanmar.

Dear friends,
Greeting in from Myanmar!
I pray that you all are in the good hands of our Lord.
I don't know how to express my thank to you. How unfortunate I am that I am not able to thank you in person but have to content with email. The sacrifices that you made for us in this kind of time made us realize the goodness of God and encourages us by knowing that we have brothers and sisters in State who are standing with us as we face hardship. The fund that you sent will be used for different kind of help needed.

Firstly, some of the fund will be used to rebuild the houses of our missionaries who are working in Irrawaddy division. Most of the houses there are bamboo houses so the houses were all blown away and need to rebuild so that they can have a place to live minister to the Villager. And we will help also newly converted believers in that Village where our missionaries are working.

Secondly, some of the fund will will be used for providing food. We will buy rice from Yangon and hire car and send to the mission field.
This food will feed our missionaries and as well as the Villagers. We might not be able to feed all Villager but we will be able to feed worst needed people and those who are connected with our mission.

Thirdly, we will buy medicines and send them. And we will also buy Bibles for believers who has lost their home. Those who survive the storm has no more Bible. In Irrawaddy division there are thousands of people who are asking us for Bible. And we will use some of the fund also for rebuilding IMCP (Institute of mission and Church plantings).

Since IMCP will be opened on June 1, we have to rush and fix the building. And finally some of the fund will be food for orphans. There are more than 100 orphans that we are taking care of. So food for them is critical. The fund that you support us will save their lives. And because the support from you that we will be able to reopen IMCP and to continue our ministry.

This is such terrible time for the people of Myanmar but it is also a great time for harvest in the kingdom of God. I pray that may the Lord open their hearts toward Him. Thank you so much again for your love and concern for us and your faithfulness to the Lord by helping those who need help and feeding those who are hungry. May the Lord bless you.

In His service
Thomas

Myanmar Cyclone

2008-05-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Church Family,

By now, I am sure you have heard about the cyclone that has destroyed thousands of homes and lives in Myanmar (Burma).

Please take a moment and read this update from David Robbins, a member of TCABC that leads a ministry in Myanmar and find out what you can do to help.

Pray for the families that have lost loved ones and for those that are still searching through the wreckage to find the missing.

Adam Pray
Mission Pastor
TCABC

THE FACTS
Myanmar (Burma) is a predominantly Buddhist country of approximately 50 million people bordered by Thailand, China and India in SE Asia. The country (since 1962) is known as Myanmar, following the coup de ta of the Burmese military who have been ruling with an iron fist ever since. Myanmar is isolated even from the influence of its closest neighbors because the five generals who rule the country are intent on keeping power and shun any outside interference.

On May 3-4, 2008 a devastating cyclone named Nagris tore through the Irrawaddy division and the Yangon division, home to more than 10 million people. Sustained winds of 128 mph hit the coast, and winds of 70+ mph (with gusts to 120 mph) were recorded in the former capital city Yangon (Rangoon) for over 10 hours during the storm. A twelve foot tidal wave followed the storm and washed inland up to 30 miles. This land is at sea level and is completely underwater as a result of the storm. Satellite images show this devastation. One city in the Irrawaddy division recorded 10,000 deaths.

Reports began out of Myanmar that there were several hundred dead, but now there are fears that there will be more than 100,000 people dead in the wake of the cyclone. That is approximately 60 times the number that died from the Katrina disaster in New Orleans.

The other current difficulty is the reluctance and defiance of the military dictatorship of Myanmar to allow relief workers to work 'on the ground' in relief activities (especially the United States). The generals fear democracy, and think that we would use this tragedy to promote a democratic agenda. In truth, they are willing to allow their people to suffer in order to stay in power.

Relief agencies are staging in Thailand. Some U.N. relief supplies are landing today (Thursday) in Yangon, and the government is wanting the workers to 'dump and depart' and allow the Burmese authorities to handle distribution. There are reports of the government selling relief supplies.

Buddhist monks sort through the wreckage

Displaced families search for shelter

HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Aquila Project works with Pastors and church leaders from all across Myanmar. Our National Director (Thomas) and his family live in Yangon, and we have confirmed their safety. However, their homes are destroyed, and the school that we collaborate with has received severe damage. Additionally, our National Director and his family are in charge of several orphanages, and they too have received severe damage.

We are in the process of receiving funds to help rebuild the school and orphanages. We will hand deliver these funds and help as soon as we are able to gain access to Yangon. You can contact me at 918-636-3266 or david.aquilaproject@gmail.com or visit our website at http://acts1826.com our mailing address is PO BOX 1941, Tulsa, OK 74101 if you choose to be involved in rebuilding the school for church planters and the orphanages. Thanks in advance.

Other organizations are involved in general and immediate relief for the people of Myanmar. One organization, Thirst No More, are friends of Pastor Alex and Adam. They can be reached at this website http://thirstnomore.org

My encouragement, as someone who has been to Myanmar several times, is this:

·Pray - for the people, for churches and church leaders, for the government to relinquish and allow relief aid in, and for the Glory of God to be made known all across Myanmar.

·Give - be generous, but be informed and wise in your generosity. To whom much is given, much is expected. The people of Myanmar did not choose to be born under the rule of a military dictatorship, and they need our help!

·Stay Involved - Realize that there are immediate needs and long term needs. The rebuilding effort will go on for months/years. Use this disaster to get connected to ministry in Myanmar, one of the darkest places on earth in terms of the spread of the Gospel.

·Look - for ways to befriend and care for Burmese nationals living in our area. Most have family that still live in Myanmar, and they are concerned for their families well-being.

·Talk - use this disaster as a missions teaching opportunity with your friends and children. Pray as a group, and as a family. Become more globally-minded.

For more information, please feel free to contact me, and I will meet with any groups who would like more info about Myanmar, and how you can be involved.

Thanks in advance for standing in the gap in regard to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the people of Myanmar.

For His Glory,

David Robbins
President, The Aquila Project
www.ACTS1826.com

You can find more information on the situation in Myanmar by following these links:
Photo slideshows from news agencies

News Stories:
http://burmanet.org

home, sweet home

2008-01-18T18:47:00.001-08:00

we're home!

after allowing ourselves a few days to recuperate, i think we all feel "normal" again. the funny thing about this trip: "normal" has been redefined.

i wish i could tell you everything i learned. i wish i could voice all of the thoughts and emotions in my head...but this would no longer be a blog, it would be an electronic book.

the Lord taught me many things during the two weeks in these middle eastern countries. i love politics and i love the news and i love hearing what our church is doing, and traveling to the middle east has put a face to the vision and heart of the church at battlecreek.

as i looked into the eyes of the people i met, i was overwhelmed by all i saw. this is not a lost cause...this is not too big. it is not to big for God. egypt isn't just full of coptics or muslims...it is full of people who have souls who were created by God in His image. their purpose is the same as ours--to glorify God in all that we do. they just need to be told.

i cannot wait to see the ways God continues to move in the middle east. i cannot wait to see how He uses me and my family. i cannot wait to see how He uses TCABC in His plan to bring the world to Himself.

thank you for praying for us and keeping up with this blog. we cannot express how much we appreciate your support during our time away. may the Lord bless you tremendously!

because of HIM,
kristi

Home Sweet Home

2008-01-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

9 of us made it home yesterday, and the remaining 5 are headed to Yemen to see and encourage friends there!!

While overseas, life seems to stand still, yet back home life has gone on. Tuesday evening we spent time reflecting on our trip and discussed how our lives have changed because of our trip. It was wonderful to hear how each person was affected by spending 8 days in Cairo. For most of us, we fell in love with the people and so wish we could spend more time with them and minister more to those in need. Sometimes in the scheme of things what we did on the trip seems small, but to God, I know what we did was huge. We were his hands and his feet, sharing his love with those who know him and those who don't. Matthew 25:35-40 says, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

I am so thankful that I was able to be used by God to cause others to one day worship Him. For isn't that what life is all about?

Please continue to pray for the remaining 5 who will be in Yemen. They will be returning home to Tulsa on Monday.

Thank you also for praying for us, all of the team members were well and healthy in a matter of days because of your prayers!!

Liz

2008-01-07T07:24:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 60

1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm.

We have adopted this verse as the motto for our trip. Every team member would like to do more, have more time, make a bigger impact, change more hearts, etc.

As we were about to begin a medical clinic, one of the Egyptian doctors said that God had given these verses for the team. One of the people helping to sponsor the trip had given these verses to me prior to the trip.

In every event, one of the people receiving ministry or witnessing the ministry comments on how the love of God shines through the team and is apparent to all involved. This was particularly evident today. Today we had the privilege of having Christmas dinner with a ministry for those with special needs. We were able to share the Christmas story, and we were thanked numerous times for being examples of God’s Love. By the way, Christmas dinner was at McDonalds.

Joe

Saturday January 5th

2008-01-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Today was a rather sickly day. We had several team members experience the all to familiar "Traveler's Diarrhea". Adam and Richard however were able to have a very good meeting with a bishop. The well team members went and toured "Old Cairo", and did some shopping. You would think that would not take very long, but we started at 11:30 and got home around 9:30. Everything in Egypt takes time. We spend a lot of time waiting. We are loving every minute of it though!! Everyday life is an adventure, we are never bored!!!

Yesterday was a great day as well. Not only was it Liz's 30th birthday, we were also able to visit an orphanage in Mukhattam. It was absolutely the most fun I have had at an orphanage yet. There were about 24 children living there, and almost 75% of them were boys, so needless to say it was rowdy!! I read them a Christmas story that they loved and then we passed out some gifts.

Cohen was the hit though. Immediately when we got there the boys were grabbing him and saying in arabic, "Look what I have found, a yellow haired monster." They were laughing histerically!!! Cohen was a little unsure, but he soon was playing with the boys, and holding his own!! They all were kissing him and telling them that they loved him!!!

It was great to share God's love with them!!!

Well off to bed soon, we have an early day tomorrow!!

Liz

2008-01-04T01:22:00.000-08:00

So, it's our third day in Egypt, but it seems like so much more than three days have gone by. Yesterday, January 3rd, we met a friend here who gave us a little preparation to do a medical clinical at a church in one of the garbage areas. I'm not sure about the rest of the crew, but i was definitely not ready for some of what we saw in those areas. It was a very dark and oppressive area where it seemed people were in desperate need of light; the light of Jesus.
At the medical clinical there were a variety of services available. There was a pediatrician, gynecologist, ophthalmologist, and an internal medicine doctor assessing patients, and a pharmacist was available with medications to fill prescriptions the doctors had prescribed. While the parents went through the clinic, a couple members of our group entertained the children with songs, dances, and stories; some of the men helped with carrying supplies and giving food to the people as they left the church. We were able to help about 80 or so patients with a variety of needs, and it was so fabulous to interact so closely and develop relationships with Egyptian people.
Well, we are going to have a team meeting and get ready to head out for the day. Continue to pray for us as we go out to share life with the people of Egypt.
-Lindsey

Plans

2008-01-03T00:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we had some time to get to know the city. We ate lunch at a place near the place we're staying in Heliopolis, bought a few items at the grocery store and spent the rest of the afternoon and evening in downtown Cairo. A few of us walked down to the Nile from our restaurant before meeting up with the rest of our team. It was quite the journey, but well worth it.

Today, we will meet as a team for some training before we do our first medical clinic this afternoon. This clinic will be near a Coptic church in the garbage area of town. Please pray that the people there will not only get a physical need met, but a spiritual need as well. Pray that they would see something different in our lives and want to know about the Truth. Thank you all for your prayers so far. We are all doing pretty well and adjusting to the time and culture. This city and these people are wonderful. Among the traffic and buildings and foreign language and cab rides and everything else, there is this sense that God has something big planned. Big plans for a big city. He loves His people and longs for them to love Him. We are thankful we get to be a part of that.

April

we've arrived!

2008-01-02T04:34:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon (here)!

We arrived in Cairo this morning at about 3am. After an easy pass through customs, a short bus ride, and a bit of luggage-juggling, we crawled into bed about 5am this morning. We are sitting in a cafe in Heliopolis enjoying the beautiful weather, good food, and feeling semi-rested.

We had a long layover in Amsterdam, and had a great opportunity to do a bit of sight seeing. We went to Anne Frank's house. The tour was really incredible. There were excerpts from her diary on the walls, along with a majority of the original flooring, wallpaper, and some of the artifacts left behind by her family. It felt surreal to be in her house after reading her diary. It was a great experience...seeing the place she wrote so many of her entries. The time also allowed for a boat ride on the canals of Amsterdam. The buildings were beautiful, and the ride allowed the team to see a lot of Amsterdam up close.

As we drove into Heliopolis last night, I could hardly wrap my mind around the fact that we are in Egypt. The city spoken of in the Bible is the same city I'm eating lunch in. It is incredible.

As I crawled into bed last night, thankful to arrive, I heard the call to prayer come over the city speakers. It struck a chord in my heart as I listened to the man proclaim greatness of Allah. After being so tired from such long travels, it was a great reminder of why the Lord has placed Egypt and the Middle East on our hearts.

We ask that you pray for the health of our team. Pray God's favor and hand on each of us as we battle fatigue and stomach bugs.

We love you all and look forward to telling more stories!

Kristi

ADOPTED

2007-11-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

This is from an email from a lady, Amber who is teaching at Bamako Christian Academy in Bamako, Mali. Armee has been her taxi driver for the past year and a half. He like so many others there are Muslims.

I have come to love Mali's slow leisurely pace of life, but time has flown by since my last update. And as usual, I have so much to tell you! Ever since my dear friend Becca sent me a shirt that says "ADOPTED Ephesians 1:5" across the front, I have been thinking about the wonders of adoption. So of course, the updates in this newsletter seem to center around that beautiful theme of being adopted.

Armée. When I received the bright red ADOPTED shirt, Armée was with me. We were sitting in a small room in the post office waiting for the postmaster to finish praying so he could sign off on my packages. Being impatient, I had already opened the one from Becca and was wondering how I would explain the significance of "Adopted—Ephesians 1:5" that Armée questioned. Luckily, adopted translates almost directly and praise God for once again giving me the French words to describe something complex like how I was adopted into God's family. I savored the 15 uninterrupted minutes of discussion we had about God, prayer, and even a few days later—sin. I later found out that the postmaster didn't know we were waiting for him: he had been sitting outside drinking tea with his friends the entire time. If he had happened to see us come in, I know I might never have had that opportunity to talk with Armée in such a quiet, serious atmosphere. Dooni-Dooni (small-small) as they say here, Armée is getting a glimpse of what it means to be adopted into the family of God. Praise God for the verses and songs I continue to share without opposition. Please pray for Armée and the many other Christian influences he has in his life.

Orphanage. In my many trips to the orphanage I've never been greeted like I was a few weeks ago. One of the Nunus came to me with a big smile and pulled at her t-shirt while pointing at a small baby carrier on the floor. She was trying to tell me about a newborn who was in that carrier a couple of weeks ago. I remembered dressing him in a donated t-shirt. I only had one t-shirt and chose him because she had informed me that he had worn the same dirty shirt since being born 5 days before. Now as I looked, a new baby was in his place—he had been adopted! She began thanking me for the beautiful gift that had greatly improved his circumstances. And I now I thank you, whoever gave the tiny blue shirt with turtles on it! Praise God for thankful nunus who see what a difference these gifts are making. Pray for our ministry to the orphans. Pray for my visit to a different orphanage outside of Bamako next Monday.

National Adoption Month

2007-11-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. While all adoption-related issues are important, the particular focus of this month is the adoption of children currently in foster care. You can find ideas for ways to celebrate each day this month at adoption.com

Misperceptions: Mine and theirs

2007-09-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Egyptian people have been so accepting and loving toward us, and are part of a culture that truy practices hospitality toward strangers. I thought they might be aloof or even hostile - a misperception. The zebeleen, or garbage people,also showed us friendship and hospitality - but even more surprising to me - they have a joy of life, pride of workamanship and a hope for the future. As you look at the pictures we send from Zeriba (garbage city) perhaps you can imagine how the burden of my heart was made lighter by seeing how well the people are coping physically.

On the other hand, their spiritual condition is not so good. There are a few believers but most consider themselves Christians by birth and not by faith. But the Lord gave us tremendous freedom among the leaders and some of the seekers in the congregation. In our "training sessions" we began by investiagting their values and goals for life, and then taught them fom the Bible: What God's plan is, what man's part is in God's plan, that we cannot be part of God's plan unless we belong to God, and fineally, how to belong to God. In this leadership training we showed clearly the our salvation has nothing to do with our efforts, but only with God's grace. The simple truth of Romans 3:23 was absolutely life changing to both men and women who attended these sessions. It is a truth that is not taught by their leaders, but they see that it is in the Bible, and they hold the Bible in the utmost highest esteem.

I don't know what the future holds with regard to tcabc ministry among the Copts here in Cairo, but it seems that the Lord has opened a door of opportunity. The light of the Lord is shining forth in some very dark corners of this city of 20 million. Our enemy has had a stronghold here for so long that he will be difficult to dislodge, but as we told our Coptic friends, "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world". I am so grateful to God for putting it in my heart to come to Egypt, and for protecting my wife an family in my absence.

Dave

Coming Home

2007-09-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sitting here with friends, having supper on our last night in Cairo, I look back on the trip and it feels like I have been gone for months. It is amazing the journey this has been. It has been a spiritual awakening like none other. I believe that He has sent me here to open my eyes to what is possible and to strengthen my faith in Him. There is a darkness in Cairo that is very present not only in the night but during the day as well. Its unlike any other feeling, the people and religion are empty. It is so very sad because the have not experienced the love of God. I believe it is the mission of all Christians, in Egypt and around the world to share the love of God to those around us.

The garbage city was like a light in a very dark world. And although the process will be long and hard, this light is slowly spreading. It will eventually drown out the darkness that Satan has created. To see into the hearts of the Egyptian people has been the greatest blessing. Most of us would look at where they live and what they do for a living and would feel pity for them, but to meet these people who have nothing, and to see that their generosity in the face of adversity, is indescribable. The hospitality we experienced was that of any five star hotel in the most prominent area, in the biggest city, in any country in the world. God has come into their hearts and is working, and it is truly an honor to be a part of this trip. There is much work, but it is nothing that the Lord cannot handle. Please pray for the Coptic churches here, and for the Muslim people to open their eyes and hearts to the love that our Lord has to offer them. Pray for the people to love their enemies so that they may see how JC lives in all of us.

Mandy

Garbage City in Cairo

2007-09-06T05:44:00.001-07:00

Garbage City in Cairo

The first three days we have been working in the "zeriab" a very poor garbage area. In the mornings we told bible stories and had a craft. The children loved it and loved learning our names and talking to us. We touched them, hugged them and felt loved too! We spoke and had a question and answer time with the adults in the evening. They have a great knowledge of the bible and we were able to share much needed practical ways to apply God's word in their every day lives. They have been very open and extremely hospitable. In fact, going back the second day my heart was happy to see people I had just met because I felt the love and connection through J.C. Today is Thursday and we visited "mokattam" which is the largest well known garbage city of Cairo. We learned about the education and skills that they teach there and how it has helped that area considerably. We hope to find a way of duplicating a similar concept in the area we have been working with the Coptic church.

Our trip has brought together a group of believers who had not previously met. The connections that have been made are sure to make a huge impact in the future. It has truly been exciting to see what God is doing in Cairo!

~Sarah

Finding the light in Egypt

2007-09-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

It is 1:05 a.m. and we just finished eating Egyptian pizza and watching the missionary's child belly dance. Egypt never ceases to surprise me. We have had lunch with a priest, visited a orphanage, accidently stumbled into an Egyptian wedding, watched Jason and Adam argue over a gift that they both wanted to buy, but Jason insisted on having the only one in America. Adam deferred and once again we had peace.
Our dorm (which is the only word I can think of to describe it) is another story. We have only had one outlet that worked so we had one lamp for light. The overhead light has never worked. When we tried to power up the computer it blew our only outlet so we have had no light. Today we decided to wash clothes. Our washer is in our bathroom. The only problem is that when you use too much water it starts coming out of the drain on the floor. Luckily for us they supplied us with a full-size spueezie and a mop. The only problem was that the washing machine made the air-conditioner in our room go out and all the other power in both rooms. No problem because they didn't work anyway. After 1 hour of washing we decided to hand wring our clothers and hang them in the closet. We took the rest of the clothes to the little iron man around the corner to wash and iron them for pennies. Egypt--- it is such an adventure!!! Other than that God has moved in some great ways. Oh, by the way I plugged in my receptacle into the wall plug and the overhead light came on... go figure! Ginny Hathorn

TU Furniture Fest

2007-08-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year! A chance for you to bring your pickup (and your teenage son?) and help move in the International students at TU. Talk about a great opportunity to reach the world this Saturday August 18th! 80% of foreign leaders were educated in the United States. We’ll take you (and your truck) for one, two, or three hours, whatever time you can donate!

The info is below. Most importantly, we need trucks and warm (it will be warm) bodies, to help move the furniture around the TU campus/community.

There's an increase this Fall in enrollment numbers from overseas so wider opportunities for reaching our to our world for Christ. Pickup trucks, trailers, muscles, cold water and 'hospitality servers' greatly welcome! We start at 8:00 a.m. as usual, meeting at the Wesley center, 3019 E. 5th Street bringing the furniture to the site, setting up and preparing for arrival at noon of the students. Then meeting and serving the students, helping them get the items to their apartments.

"Adopting" An Orphanage

2007-07-30T20:12:00.001-07:00

“Adopting” an Orphanage

There are both non-Christian and Christian orphanages around the world that long for additional help to better care for their children. We know that in some place those resources can be mismanaged and not used to care for the orphans, so it is best to have a personal knowledge and understanding of the country in which the orphanage is located and the directors of the orphanage itself. Because of this important criteria, I can only speak about and recommend people with whom I have personally worked.

Adopting an orphanage can taken on many forms including, but not limited to:

support the orphanage in prayer
correspond with children in the orphanage
provide financial support
provide for specific needs through donations
donate time

Bulembu and ABC Ministries

Abandoned Babies for Christ (ABC Ministries) was grown out of God’s intersection of a South African couple working in Swaziland and abandoned children. Since it’s inception, ABC has taken in dozens of babies in need. Gerry and Robyn Richter are amazing people who have followed God in faith each step of the way. The children in the home are cared for lovingly and competently. ABC’s story and vision can be found at www.abcministry.org.za

During ABC’s journey, they have now joined with Bulembu Ministries in Swaziland. This village was an old mining village purchased by an organization for the purpose of meeting the needs of orphans in the country. A school, clinic, agricultural endeavors, and foster homes are some of the other facets of life in Bulembu. Several opportunities for partnership exist in Bulembu. More information can be found at www.bulembu.org

Child Sponsorship

2007-07-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

*this is post 2 on a series of entries related to Orphan Care, the first post can be read here*

Child Sponsorship

The concept of child sponsorship is not a new one. Usually such endeavors cost around $30/month with various organizations. It is important to note in child sponsorship that some organizations focus on OVC’s while others sponsor various children in need. Both are worthy causes, but in the endeavor to help orphaned children, this should be considered. The child sponsorship programs below are specifically for orphaned children.

Orphan Care International

Dillon International partners with Orphan Care International to do just that. More information can be found at www.dillonadopt.org

Young Heroes

In addition, local organizations in specific countries may have child sponsorship opportunities as well since the burden of orphans on society has become great. The Young Heroes program in Swaziland is one such program. More information can be found at http://youngheroes.org.sz/

Adoption Team Meeting

2007-07-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

I would like to invite you to a meeting on Thursday, July 26th at 11:30 am in S1 to discuss the Adoption Ministry. Lunch & childcare provided, email awhalen@tcabc.com if you plan to attend and if you have any childcare needs.

This will be a good time to get together and see how God has launched this ministry and what all He is going to do through it.

Also, we have the opportunity to take part in two of Dillon International's Heritage Camps in July. Over 400 kids and their families spend a weekend learning about the Korean (July 28th) culture that the adopted children come from and celebrating the process of adoption and the unique heritage of their families. If you would like more information on these camps, visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/postadopt.htm We will have a booth at each of these camps selling our ADOPT(ED) shirts and with information on the ADOPT(ED) ministry. The purpose of this booth is to raise awareness about adoption and our adoption ministry and to raise funds for the ministry. If you would like to help man the booth, please let me know.

International Orphan Care

2007-07-12T18:39:00.001-07:00

With thousands of children being orphaned every day, the need is great. Several tactics must be considered in order to meet the needs of every one of the 150 million orphaned children in the world. In the United States, the severity of the problem may seem distant and the solution to the problem unattainable. but whether through adoption or other means, every child can be cared for.

Although adoption is the ideal model to consider in caring for orphaned children, other solutions must be addressed because some countries do not allow international adoptions. In these countries adoption should be promoted within local churches. However, our responsibility and commitment should not end here. There is more that we can do as a church body in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to reach these children as well.

Several models currently exist in the international community and in Christian aid organizations to help orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC’s). Each of these models would allow involved individuals to be involved personally through prayer, resources, and time in supporting orphaned children.

Child sponsorship
“Adopting” an orphanage
Community Orphan Trusts
Enslaved Children

Check back over the next week as we highlight these 4 areas and ways you can directly be involved.

Blogathon

2007-07-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

July 9th & 10th

Blogathon

Go to the Through Their Eyes Africa blog at:

www.throughtheireyesafrica.typepad.com

Be a part of history! Today participating in the first ever “blogathon” to raise funds for the Through Their Eyes Africa Project. Please go to their blog and give generously today. You can make a difference to some of the neediest people on earth in a very unique way, and we need your help.

This project will be sending a group of well known photographers into a remote part of Africa that has not received any help yet. The photographers will be mentoring young adults on how to take pictures so that we can get a look at their society “through their eyes”. Eventually a book will be published with the photographs created by those young adults. The funds raised from this project will go right back to the needs of these people. So, please go now and give at www.throughtheireyesafrica.typepad.com . They need your donations to make this happen. Remember, what you give will make a difference in the lives of some of the neediest people on earth.

Be a part of history. Be part of the solution.

Thank you for your generosity.

Rescued baby girl

2007-07-06T23:42:00.001-07:00

HYDERABAD, India — A newborn baby girl was buried alive by her family in southern India on Thursday but was rescued when a farmer saw the baby's hand sticking out of the ground, officials said. *CLICK HERE* to read the full story.

As we praise God that this precious baby girl was rescued, we remember all those waiting to be rescued...waiting for someone to notice their lifted hands, waiting for a family.

Sermon Series

2007-07-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

Click here to listen to Pastor Alex's 4 recent sermons regarding the fatherless. (The first sermon was on Easter Sunday).

Iraqi Orphans

2007-06-21T19:57:00.001-07:00

"24 boys found severely malnourished in a Baghdad orphanage have been moved to a different building in the same facility and are being properly cared for, Iraqi officials said Thursday."...to read the entire story *CLICK HERE* Please note that the images in the slideshow are graphic.

Though we can't always be physically near those in desperate need, we can intercede on their behalf and know that their Father and Defender hears.

Comments, Comments, Comments

2007-06-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

If you have any further input on any of the posts or know of any other events, organizations, etc. we should be aware of...leave a comment and let us know!

Owasso Baptist Children's Home

2007-06-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

There are so many wonderful and wonderfully fun ways to help someone else. Below is a list of needs from the Owasso Baptist Children's Home. There is everything from bed sheets to sponsoring birthday parties. What a fun idea for your family and friends...host a birthday party, teach a teenager to drive, share your gift of music...the opportunities are endless. You can contact the Owasso Baptist Children's Home if you would like to help in any of these areas.

The Owasso Baptist Children's Home Needs List
www.bchowa.org
www.obhc.org
272-2233

Linens
Twin sheets (flat & fitted)
Pillowcases
Pillows
Bath Towels
Washclothes
Kitchen Towels
Mattress pads
Mattress covers

Food Items
Canned vegetables
Canned fruits & juices
Pie Fillings
Boxed mixes (cake, cookies, brownies, muffin, cornbread, Bisquick)
Frostings
Dried Pasta
Beans
Rice

Paper Goods
Paper towels
Toilet Paper
Trash bags (13, 30 & 55 gallon)
Kleenex
Napkins
Stationery

Household Supplies
Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 9-Volt)
Laundry detergent
Fabric softner
Bleach
Cleaning Supplies (Comet, Windex, Lysol, Pledge, toilet bowel cleaner, bathroom cleaner)
Light Bulbs (60 & 75 watt)
Fluorescent Replacements for 60 & 75 watt bulbs

Toiletry & Hygiene Items
Shampoo (Suave, White Rain, baby, fragrances, dandruff control)
Conditioner (same as shampoo)
Styling gel/mousse
Pump hair spray (non-aerosol)
Bar soap (deodorant, Dial, Ivory)
Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Toothpaste (tartar control)
Toothbrushes
Skin lotions (hand creams, body lotion)

Clothing Needs
Boys, Girls, Men's & Ladies' socks (dress & casual)
Pantyhose

Recreational Equipment
Basketballs
Baseball/Softball equipment
Volleyballs
Footballs

Camping Supplies
Sleeping bags
Tents
Lanterns
Cook Stove

Craft & Hobby Supplies
Models
Cross Stitch
Artist supplies
Ceramic paints & supplies
Scrapbooking supplies

Christian Entertainment
Christian books
Christian videos

Sponsorships
Birthday parties
Graduation
Music lessons
Christmas presents
Sports lessons
Driving lessons

Run for the Children 2007

2007-06-19T12:42:00.001-07:00

Friday, July 27, 2007
6:00pm - Registration
7:00pm - 1K Fun Run
7:30pm - 5K Run

Visit Dillon International to download a registration form or register on the 27th.