An Answer & A Need

This post is going to be long, so go ahead, grab your coffee, or whatever you enjoy, and come back for a while. First, I want to share another amazing answer to a specific prayer. Then, I will share a need. And, really, they are related.


The Answer
Many months ago, I prayed specifically that our child, who lives in foster care, "would hear the name of Jesus, that the name of Jesus would be spoken to her and over her." I even told God that I knew it was a long shot being that she is in Ch*na and all, but I was asking anyway. I know God is bigger than all that.

So, I prayed.

I figured once we got to Ch*na and learned more, I would know if the prayer was answered.

Then, I let it go.

And then.....

...a recent update helped us to discover the organization that sponsors her foster care. And, of course, I researched. Let me tell you, I was surprised. I just was stunned. I told DH where I thought our child was living. We both wanted proof. We just wanted to be sure, you know. Last thing I want to do is embarrass God by saying He did something when it's not true. However, I also want to make sure God gets the glory for what He does.

So, I have waited until now because we got our proof on Thursday. We are certain that our lil' one is living in an unashamedly Christian, non-profit, foster home for orphans in Ch*na. Yes, the kids hear the name of Jesus and they are prayed for and they may even learn some Bible songs. How cool is that? What are the odds???

I have said this so many times that maybe you think it's just how I always talk. But it's not. We have had so many specific answers to prayer in this journey that it boggles my mind! Here, now, let me show you some of the "evidence":

This is our lil' one in January with one of the ayis. Ayi is the word used to refer to a caregiver. I don't know what the translation is, maybe aunt or something like it. Either way, I love the giggles and I love that she is being read to and looks like she is loving it. (Now, know that I covered the ayi's face for no other reason than I don't know if I can post it here.)

We feel so incredibly blessed by this answer to prayer. We have no doubt that this child is loved by the Father and that we are to bring her into our family.

Pray with us that the rest of our journey to lil' one goes smoothly, that all of our hearts are prepared for one another, that God would give H. and I the wisdom, discernment, grace and peace we'll need to navigate grafting her into our family and that those around us would see His hand in our journey and He would be glorified through it all.


The Need
In my research, I learned that the name of the foster home is Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village. I was recently contacted by another adoptive parent who brought home her daughter from SFCV. This mom attributes her daughters’ developmental and physical health to the outstanding care she received while at SFCV. I learned that SFCV is a wonderful foster home to around 100 children. (Again, what are the odds??!!)

However, there is an urgent need within SFCV right now to raise $70,000 USD. It’s possible that if they cannot raise these funds before September 16, it could affect their ability to care for the children. They must meet this goal, they have no choice.

I am asking you to pray, to fast, for the need to be met. God owns a cattle on a thousand hills, He is the creator, the owner of this entire universe and it is within His realm to provide for this need. Will you storm the gates of heaven with me and ask Him to provide? Satan would be delighted to see this work be hindered. Will you stand by and let it happen?

How many emails do you get a day asking you to prove you’re a Christian by forwarding whatever it is. Now, I am not asking you to forward anything to anyone. I am asking you to join me in this battle for the orphans at SFCV.

One last thing. I will not ask you directly to give to this cause. That is between you and God. I have, however, included information below if you should decide to make a tax deductible contribution.

And, thanks, from the depths of my heart, if you do.

Donate by credit card or paypal at http://chinaorphans.org/donate.htm.

Checks, made out to PHF (Philip Hayden Foundation), should be sent to:

Philip Hayden Foundation

40335 Winchester Rd.

Temecula, CA 92591

There are also a couple of fundraisers, if you choose:

http://www.justlovecoffee.com/SFCV-- a site to purchase coffee and make a difference. Every purchase earns money for SFCV!

http://www.barefootbooks.com/marketplace/19262/ --check out their neat books and help SFCV!

http://themiracleofthemoment.blogspot.com/2010/06/fundraiser-for-sfcv-sale.html -- has neat stuff for sale, from bracelets to banners.


Oh, now, I am almost done. One more thing.

I am also teaming with other bloggers at A Place Called Simplicity to fast and pray for orphans. Read more at http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-does-it-have-to-be-so-hard-part-2.html.