Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As I've been trying to reflect on my time in Ethiopia, God keeps bringing to my heart the words "lavishing love". Many of you probably know the feeling...going into an unfamiliar place, experiencing things you've never experienced before, being changed in deep ways...and then being at a loss of words when someone asks how your time was. That is me- even after two weeks. I still can't put into words my first experience in Africa. But slowly, God is helping me work through it all. For now, I will share this with you.
Lavish: Sumptuously rich and elaborate. (To) bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities upon. Characterized by or produced with extravagance and profusion. Immoderate in giving or bestowing. Using or giving in great amounts.
The Bible talks about God's lavishing love to us- as shown through the sacrifice of His Son, through His adoption of us, through the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Ethiopia, I felt this lavishing love in very real and tangible ways. As we drove up to Tulo in Awassa, kids came out of nowhere to run after the van. Smiling, singing, wanting to see us. See us!? Why? Spending hours with them, I felt genunely loved. As the kids fought to be near us, to hold our hands, to hug us...we experienced God's heart for us as "His beloved". We know God's heart for these children is HUGE...but do we remember His heart for US ? We, too, are called "children of God". We, too, although once far off, have been brought near because of His extravagent, 'sumptiously rich and elaborate' love for us! Let's praise Him today together as we remember His lavishing love for each one of us. And let's ask Him to fill us so we can pour out that same love in immoderate and genrous ways!
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (John 3:1)
love,
abby
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Children's HopeChest:
1. Our board meeting this weekend
2. Our trip next week to Swaziland
3. Our trip to South Africa in November
4. Our various launches for new sponsor communities that are launching soon (approx. 14)
5. For our US and in country staff worldwide who face constant attacks from the enemy
2. Our trip next week to Swaziland
3. Our trip to South Africa in November
4. Our various launches for new sponsor communities that are launching soon (approx. 14)
5. For our US and in country staff worldwide who face constant attacks from the enemy
Orphan Care Alliance:
1. Adoption Seminar on 10/16 and the families that will be coming for direction on their adoption journey.
2. Mentor Training on 10/23 - we have between 25-35 individuals that have a desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus through mentoring a foster care child aging out of the program or tutoring them.
3. The Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit VII is in Louisville in 5/11 - pray for the development of this conference and all involved.
4. Pray for the Pastors across the country that God would awaken them to the call/mandate on the Church to care for the fatherless.
5. For the directors of OCA and their families.
Amazima Ministries International
1. Adoption Seminar on 10/16 and the families that will be coming for direction on their adoption journey.
2. Mentor Training on 10/23 - we have between 25-35 individuals that have a desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus through mentoring a foster care child aging out of the program or tutoring them.
3. The Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit VII is in Louisville in 5/11 - pray for the development of this conference and all involved.
4. Pray for the Pastors across the country that God would awaken them to the call/mandate on the Church to care for the fatherless.
5. For the directors of OCA and their families.
Amazima Ministries International
Exec. Director, Katie Davis's daughter Scovia is so sick... no one can really figure out what it is. Please pray for healing!
Orphan Relief and Rescue (Liberia)
-Continued good health and safety for the children in the homes we are
working with.
working with.
-Strength,wisdom and creativity for our field team in Liberia working
with limited resources.
-Favor in fundraising and spreading the work about ORR around the states.
Indian Rescue Mission
with limited resources.
-Favor in fundraising and spreading the work about ORR around the states.
Indian Rescue Mission
They are conducting Investigations in a place in Karnataka State, India.
Pray that the team to be successful in gathering information through investigations.
Cinderella House
A couple from Colorado Springs is starting an aftercare home for girls coming out of domestic minor sex trafficking.
Please pray for the beginning stages, for wisdom, partners, and provision from God!
Please join us tomorrow for a time of prayer!
Wednesdays 9:30 AM (eastern) at CALL IN # : 760- 569- 9000 ID: 968101
AND
Wednesdays 1:35 PM (eastern) CALL IN # : 760- 569- 9000 ID: 968101
this one will specifically focus on prayer for those who are being trafficked into the sex trade.
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