One of the best things about my job is travelling to
Lisa Hovingh, one of the Heart of the Bride missionaries to Kenya, goes weekly to the home to do a Bible Study, not only with the older kids as HoH, but also with the “Mamas”, the amazing dedicated women that serve the needs of the 25 children there. One of my best memories of my recent trip is of the times we went together to the Bible Studies.
She first would do the study with the women, while the older kids were still at school. As they came in from school, the girls (with Geoffrey, the lone older boy) would gather quietly on the other side of the great room to begin practicing their memory verses.
They do scripture memory every week. I mean, sometimes four or five verses each. While enjoying the snack Lisa would bring – a very important part of the event! – the children take turns reciting verses for me and Lisa. Their eagerness, and sometimes competitive spirit, could keep this going for a while. I love hearing them recite the verses, and knowing that even when they may not understand everything they are memorizing, the Word is going in and will bear fruit in their lives!
Going through the book of John, I was amazed to hear some of their insights into Jesus’ words and actions. But studying John 14:18 in that room with those kids took on a whole new meaning for me. Jesus is speaking of sending the Holy Spirit after his resurrection and ascension, and He tells the disciples, I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. And I realized then that what Jesus told his disciples a couple thousand years ago was so true, and was coming true before my very eyes for these kids.
Jesus did not leave us as orphans here in the
See, without Christ, we all are orphans, separated from the Father. We all must be adopted into His family, by His grace through salvation. And once we are, He can use us to be His hands and feet, to literally come to the most vulnerable children on the planet, offering them shelter, safety and the love of a Father.
Nobody but me and Lisa teared up or showed any great emotion over this passage. Know why? The kids at House of Hope don’t see themselves as orphans. Just like me, they’ve been adopted into the family of God, and they have a home, a hope and a future. And, just like me, they are daily learning to rejoice and rest in the One who will never leave them or forsake them. And that, my friend, is what it’s all about.
For more information about House of Hope: http://www.heartofthebride.org/houseofhopekenya
Hi Thereasa, I’ve really eyonjed your blog (now linked on fb) and it means a lot to me, because I know your sister. I’m the minister’s wife where she attends services. She’s a sweetheart and so are you. I’d love to read Ransomed and will bookmark Lisa’s blog. I am a mother of two sons, both grown and one of them has special needs. Life has been a roller coaster, but God has always been there carrying us in His arms. I, too look forward to the day when we all have new bodies to worship our Father in Heaven. God bless with your blog. May it enrich the lives of many and bring them to Christ. Love, Pam
I believe there must be an “orphan spirit” that makes us feel like orphans in our hearts. Reading this has helped me see a need in my life and will help me as I pray for others. Bless you!!!
Faith Gibson
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