Beginnings and Seedlings: The Value of Trees
Beginnings may not be glamorous, but most worthy causes start small. We fail to remember little choices and little seeds can grow into something massive. Trees are a prime example.
How One Woman Is Confronting the Global Orphan Crisis
Diane Elliot, an author, professional photographer, and business administrator of Wauconda, Illinois, willingly takes on the title of mother to children who have never had their own.
A Life Changed: Ben’s Story
Ben was raised in the slums of Korogocho — or the ‘city of trash’ in Nairobi, Kenya. Ben often wondered if he would be another statistic — one who died from drug addiction or disease.
What is True Impact?
Sooner or later, we’re all programmed to struggle with legacy and impact. Each of us is keenly aware that we’ve been engineered with talents and abilities to contribute to the world in some way while we’re here.
You Want to Change the World?
What is proof of a changed life? Does it include an education or a relationship with Jesus? What does a changed life look like to you?
A Life Changed: Samuel’s Story
After his father’s death Samuel found himself on the streets at 5 years old. He felt abandoned and thought his fate was to become a drug addict or a thief.
A Life Inspired by the “Lutheran Ladies”
A group of women from a Lutheran church in the United States decided to sponsor Jean Chery. It was because of their sponsorship that his reality began to change.
A Life Changed: Jey’s Story
At the age of 9, Jey was sent to prison for stealing a purse. It was from there he prayed, “God if you exist, please take me out of this prison. I don’t want to live this life any more. And when you get me out of prison, get me out of poverty.”
A Life Changed: Olive’s Story
When The Lord’s Resistance Army came into Olive’s town in Uganda, her family was forced to flee from their home. However, things dramatically changed when she was enrolled in our program.
Epilepsy Is Not a Curse From the Gods
Gertrude* has epilepsy. Her family initially rejoiced when she was born, but that soon changed. Three months after her birth, Gertrude started having epileptic seizures.
When her family realized her condition, they abandoned her and her mother because in their village, epilepsy is considered a curse.
In Adaboukope, Togo, where they live, nearly 80 percent of the population is animist.
They love Voodoo statues made with their own hands. When people there are overwhelmed, they resort to these gods.
Many times, Gertrude’s grandmother brought her to the sanctuary of these gods for ceremonies, yet she was not healed. Her grandmother almost gave up.
When the Assemblies of God Church Adaboukope opened, Gertrude was one of the first children to join the center.
A few months after registration, Gertrude began treatment for the epilepsy, and gradually her seizures have reduced.
Her family members started visiting her and no longer consider her a curse. She spends time with her family without being rejected.
Gertrude is overjoyed at starting school this year.
Voodoo is a major part of Togo’s culture. The Akodessewa Fetish Market is world’s largest fetish market and can be found in Lome, the capital of Togo.
You can also view The World’s Largest Voodoo Market on YouTube.
*Not her real name.
Sharing a Moment in Time
How long does it take to change a child’s life? Just. One. Minute.
Inspire a Child to Greatness
The physical needs sponsors meet on a monthly basis are undeniable, but it’s only the beginning. Sponsors have the ability to not only meet the basic needs of their sponsored child but to be a catalyst in the transformation of his or her life.
