Yesterday I was visiting with Rainie, an assistant to Irene at BCH, as she shared a funny story. A few days ago I was out playing marbles with the boys and had a blast. When the boys came in she asked them what they were doing. The boys replied, “We were playing marbles with Hailey and Akshya’s daddy” (My two youngest daughters who traveled to BCH in January 2010). To be honest, I was a bit taken back. I realized how much the kiddos of Bethesda value the visit and friendship with my children. You see 100% of them have had their hearts deeply wounded because of various life circumstances. When my daughters came and they ran around, pushed each other in the wheel barrel and jumped rope…a peer friendship was formed that gave them relationship and name. I am embarrassed to tell you that I have been asked dozens and dozens of times, “Where is Hailey & Akshya” why didn’t you bring them? Please Uncle bring them back to us soooooon.” I want to go on record for the Bethesda kids and state that their “official complaint” has been heard loud and clear. As you read this take a moment to ponder how special you feel when someone goes out of their way to “visit” you. Jesus said, “I will not leave as orphans, but will come to you.” The children at BCH have made it very clear that while adults are great there’s something special about a peer visit. Thanks for your interest in these amazing kids.
Gene
I had a great day hanging out with the children at Bethesda today and teaching in the college. When we drove unto the campus my heart danced to see the smiles on their faces. As I said earlier, I am really asking God to let me see and understand in a more significant way what Jesus meant when he said in John 14:18, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” When it comes to the orphan and widows it seems obvious that group would need to have protection, provision and long for presence. So when Jesus said to the disciples “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you”, He knew the disciples would need presence…God’s presence. That statement was made to grown men. I think it was understood that within the nature of a child whose been left alone—orphaned, there would be a longing to be have presence. Each day the children at Bethesda are experiencing PRESENCE as they receive loving care through the staff at Bethesda. It was a special treat for me to share in that today. My BKH (Bethesda Kiddo Highlight) came in an exciting game of marbles. I grew up playing hockey and wrestling not playing marbles. So it will come as no surprised that the Bethesda boys schooled me on the right way and wrong way to play competitive marbles. I was the victim of a five foot, precision guided shot that launched my marble off the playing field. I do wish I would have had the video running to capture their giggles at my utter defeat. I wish all of you were here but am so thankful you are praying and helping to make possible the protection, provision and presence each of these young people are receiving. Thank you so much!
“Good evening sir, Welcome to India” were the first words that greeted me upon my arrival. As I stepped out of the plane and walked down the stairs I was greeted with a warm muggy 82 degree heat at 12:15AM. When I left Minnesota last week we had just survived weather 100 degrees colder (-23 degrees), what a change. My alarm went off at 6AM and my first full day in India has begun. I smiled at 6:45 when I heard the bell being rung on the bike of the fellow who comes down the street every morning selling eggs. I am sitting here journaling with the windows open and the birds outside singing and making noise…life on the other side of the planet in February. This morning I get to see all the kiddos at Bethesda and I am thrilled. For my quiet time this morning I read John 14:18, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” All over India there are over 33 million orphans waking up to this morning reality; 67 million in Asia and 147 million in the world. Whichever way you look at it that is a lot of little people. When Jesus said “I will not leave you alone as orphans” he knew what it meant. I understand the basic definition as being “desolate and without protectors, comfortless”. I am begging Jesus to give me a deeper understanding of how he understood it this trip. Jesus said, “I won’t leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” Thanks for joining me on my blog as we seek to bring help to the hopeless by “coming to them.”
Today is Saturday and a day of relaxation for the French. France is much like the US in that this is a day for running errands, shopping and youth sports. We went down town Angers today and walked through the open market. This feels like Seattle a wee bit and then the flare of a good flea market. France is a very diverse country and heavily influence by a migrant population. There are many people from the eastern block countries like Poland as wells as a huge north African population. Most of these people have migrated here for the opportunity to better their lives and start fresh. Today I shared the recent Childrens Opportunity update video that was mailed to the donors and sponsors last November in the US. Dave and Cyndie Mumfords and their family sponsor several children and do Gene & Peggy Mumford (Dave’s parents). They each enjoyed watching the video and it was fresh reminder to me to capture as much as I can when I arrive in India in just a few days. Marielle Mumford (9 years old) shared that she had seen the Bethesda kiddos in pictures but appreciated “live action”. “I guess they are just kids like me,” she said. It doesn’t really matter if you are an American, French or Indian kiddo, they all desire the same things. To be loved, provided for, protected and given opportunities to grow and mature. To do all of that in a Christian environment is the heart of the mission for Bethesda Children’s Home. I want to give each of you a big thank you who personally pray for this kids and then sacrifice creature comforts to provide for their daily needs. You are making a difference and I hope to report many of those details next week. Thanks for reading this.
Isaiah 41:13 - “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
I am continually amazed at how God prepares us for the task He calls us to. Last night as we were packing Gene and I talked about whole hearted obedience to God. It is not always easy to say, “Here am I send me, or my husband, or my children, yet when He asks us to go, are we ready to follow? For the first disciples there was not even a question about following, they picked up their nets and immediately followed. If I were completely honest I would have to say I still have the questions, “Why me, why Gene, why our family, there must be someone else who can do this? And then I hear my Savior say, To whom much is given, much is required, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) As we prayed together this morning as a family we know that God is going before Gene on this trip and He will remain faithful to all of His promises. I would not be honest if I told you I was typing this with not a tear flowing down my check, yet in the midst of the tears there is a settled peace that only my Savior can bring and I know we are safe in His arms.
All 100 pounds of the luggage was safely checked. (You are allowed 100 pounds ) Yes, Gene could not go to India without taking all of the kiddos 5 soccer balls, 3 volleyballs, 400 pieces of bubblegum, an Awana tug of rope, bean bags, and other fun things for the kids. I think he managed to find some room for a few articles of clothing. A special thank you to all of you that helped in purchasing and gathering the items to take to India.
We will do our best to keep the blog updated. Pray for all of us that we would continue to willingly follow Him and remain safe in His arms.
For the Witte’s,
Cheryl
