Much to be thankful for

Although our economy has suffered some setbacks recently, those of us who call America home still have much to be thankful for. In Nepal, for example, the unemployment rate is 47%. In India, about a quarter of the population (= 290 million people) live below the poverty line. In the city of Calcutta, 2 million people live on the streets. How many of us have homes? Cars to drive? Food on the table? Shoes on our feet? We have much to thank God for. Are we?

Beyond the walls of the orphanage

Not only do orphanages minister to the children within their walls, they also minister to those in their communities. In India, for example, one orphanage is actively seeking to share Jesus with tribal Muslims and Hindus which live in the surrounding area. Pray for these homes - that they will be bright lights for Jesus to those living near them.

In the nick of time...

The following message came in today from one of the orphanages we support: "Dear brother Matthew, we received the funds today. Thank you very much for them. We were in a hard time this month. But our God is trustworthy. We had a thanksgiving prayer today.We were able to pay the outstanding bills and managed to bring groceries for the children which were almost finished. Thanks again for your generosity. Please give our thanks to all the supporters." God is faithful!

Hidden Pearls

"(Our orphan) children are like oysters with pearls inside, so we try to bring out the best in each one of them. We have and always will encourage the skills and talents deep within them. We have always tried to explore the capacity of the children so that they can use their talents and skills to their full potential." Psalm 139:14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..."

Strategic outreach

One orphanage I recently visited has an on-site school which provided a quality education for both the orphan kids as well as community children. Some of these community children are Muslims, and others are Hindus. The school leaders are taking this scholastic opportunity to not only educate the children, but to tell them of a God who loves them. The children in turn tell their parents. A very strategic approach to evangelism.

An answer to prayer?

For the last 9 days I have been travelling extensively in Nepal and India, visiting orphanages. Three of the homes receive little support - and live each day by faith that God will provide. They ask Him for His provision, and look expectantly to Him for an answer. Then one day I find myself in some out-of-the-way, end-of-the-road location, visiting these dear servants of God, and wondering if WE are the answer to their prayer.

Your prayers

On Monday a photographer and myself will be heading to Nepal to visit orphanages and to capture key photographic images that we hopefully can use in promoting the work of Kidstown. Pray for us as we go - that God will grant us safety and success.