Children of Hope
It has been so great to see the children of Angamally again. I recognize many of them. Most of them have all wanted to know when "Jalali and Cliff Uncle" are coming to see them again :) We had a chance to play with the children this morning before they went to school. While they are at school we are shopping for the things they need. We are in between shopping stops and got a chance to write a couple of blog postings before forging on. If you know what it is like to shop in India, you will know what I mean. :)
I sat down with the head of the orphanage and asked him what he needed most. He gave me a list of important items like medicine, beds for the children, rice, food, etc. It was such a great feeling to be able to say "yes, we can help with these things" We checked off the entire list. The man was speechless. He had no words, except these "Jaime ce' ke", which means "Praise the Lord" in Hindi. A couple of guys, including Kevin Taylor from Chester came shopping with us and they bought a washing machine amd related things for the orphanage. It has been great seeing them all. It is such an encouragement to our group to be able to spend time with them. Between our two groups, we have been able to overwhelm them with the love and compassion that Christ calls us to display. It has been a blast.
Tomorrow, we will be going to the lesser travelled orphanages. Something that has been on my heart for a while now. I want to get out into the villages, and see the pastors that have noone to help them. We want to help. We want to come into those places like a whirlwind and meet as many of the needs as we can. Thank you again for all of your help, and your giving these past months. You are the reason we get to do these kinds of things. We are busy capturing the stories, getting updates on what happened this past year, and getting their vision for the future. Once we get back, we will send out a list of the things we bought for the children, and a recap of what we have been able to accomplish with your help. If you could see the look on these childrens' faces, you would know why we do what we do...
In Him,
-eric
Comments
All of your stories are awesome - thanks for sharing and be safe. Meg
P.S. Florida beat Kentucky 26-7 - GO GATORS!!
Posted by: Megan | September 25, 2006 9:41 AM
This is taken at Angamally...
Posted by: Jalali | September 25, 2006 10:27 AM
Well???
You know Im a little jealous
(in a Godly sort of way)
Na Im kiddin ...Every night I get into my big comfortable bed I think of all of you on the foodless rickity train ride with a faint calling....CHI! CHI!
Then I come back to my senses.
OK I'll stop.
WE miss you guys and there are so many people praying for your health and peace for the last leg of the journy. This blog has been absolutly faz-inating!
I told Allison that we have been praying you in a deep well of peace to draw from.
Love yall and miss you. Cant wait to hear all the awesome things accomplished in you and in India.
Ro
Posted by: Robin | September 25, 2006 11:27 AM
E - great seeing this... I am rejoicing right now. Spend more, Missy and I are sending a check this week :)
Reading this post has changed my day, it really puts problems and small work related issues in perspective.
God Bless you and the team,
your friend Herb
Posted by: Herb | September 25, 2006 11:43 AM
William Carey, considered by many to be the father of modern missions, was an English pastor who spent 41 years in England, translating Scriptures and spreading the glory of God throughout India. When one of his fellow missionaries arrived in India to help with the translating of the bible, he wrote the following words:
"Lord, we are safe beneath Thy shade,
And so shall be 'midst India's heat:
What should a missionary dread,
Since devils crouch at Jesus' feet?
There, blessed Saviour, let Thy cross
Win many Hindu hearts to Thee;
This shall make up for every loss,
Whilst Thou art ours eternally."
The work you all are doing is following the legacy of grace that the saints before you have laid out. You are spreading the glory of Christ to the ends of the earth. What a beautiful gift you are giving to these children.
"The highest of missionary motives is neither obedience to the Great
Commission (important as that is), nor love for sinners who are alienated
and perishing (strong as that incentive is, especially when we contemplate
the wrath of God . . .), but rather zeal—burning and passionate
zeal—for the glory of Jesus Christ. . . . Only one imperialism is Christian
. . . and that is concern for His Imperial Majesty Jesus Christ, and for
the glory of his empire."
Praise God that one day, when all the nations are singing and extoling the praises of Almighty God, some of these sons and daughters of God will be praising Him because of you all. For you were obedient and followed your Lord as He led you because of this zeal in your hearts.
We are praying for you all daily. Grace and Peace to you all!
Posted by: AGCC Singles | September 25, 2006 1:04 PM
Eric: Trains, kids, and washing machines; only in India. The blogs have been so good to get us all right in the middle of what you're doing. We are praying for you guys every day and really thankful for your impact on the kids and the pastors. stay safe, take care.
Byron
Posted by: Byron | September 26, 2006 8:53 AM
Hey, Eric - glad to see you are doing well. It's good to read your stories... They definitely make one think about perspectives in life. Enjoy your time over there, be safe, and talk to you soon.
Brett
Posted by: Brett | September 26, 2006 12:48 PM