ORPHAN RETREATI just returned home from a very memorable four-day retreat with 52 orphans from Philippi. The theme of camp was, "Born to be a Blessing" and the speakers focused on the orphans' special place in God's eyes, how special they are, and how they are born to be a blessing when teamed up with God. They learned about Old Testament heroes like Gideon, Esther, and David who were weak, small, lonely, or underprivileged until paired with God. We saw that with God all things are possible and mighty, amazing, things can be accomplished.
I want to snapshot one of the many, many, special moments that occurred this past week. We were worshipping one night and I stopped to just listen to the beautiful voices around me. The significance of the lyrics that we were singing really hit me. The song was called, "He Knows My Name" and the verse we were singing at that moment says, "I have a Father/He calls me his own/He'll never leave me/No matter how far I go..." I had tears rolling down my cheeks as I listened to these orphans sing wholeheartedly out to their Father in heaven, the only Father they have. They desperately want to be loved, need to be held, desire to be listened to, and yearn for care and attention. God wants to provide this, and I know that He desires to lavish His extravagant love upon these hurting children. I felt so blessed and fulfilled to be able to hold these kids, cry with them, play with them, listen to them, and worship with them. Please pray that God would continue to make himself known to these kids and be an ever present "Daddy" to them. Please pray specifically for physical, emotional, and spiritual health for these 52 orphans as they are in tough places and are especially vulnerable in Philippi.
