Family Friday: Joel and Kristie

 

Both being raised in strong family environments, Joel and Kristie knew they wanted to someday have a family of their own.  But almost eight years into their marriage, after numerous treatments, surgeries, and miscarriages they were unable to have children biologically.

Kristie refers back to this difficult time in their lives:

I now believe that God has allowed me to experience such great pain and loss, so that I may better understand the pain and loss that these orphans experience."

Once their decision to adoption became a reality, they faced the struggle that so many other couples face in their situation: Cost.  Lifesong for Orphans was able to provide them with fundraising support and just this past month Joel and Kristie were able to pick up their little boy... born halfway across the world, selected by God to be their son.  What a reason for rejoicing!

We are back from the Congo with our sweet little guy, Kaden.  He is adjusting really well, although nap time is still the enemy.  Here's a picture our little one that you helped bring home.  

Thanks for all you do!"

-Joel

Thank you, Joel and Kristie!  The staff at Lifesong is blessed to be a part of your story!

an update from Lifesong Zambia

One glimpse into how we are trying to fulfill the pledge to "our children" of providing continued love and support as they transition into adult living is our new farm plot, which is proving to be a success!

• We employ 10 people (6 of which are caregivers of orphan children).
• We are growing corn, popcorn, tomatoes, and carrots.
• The nicest grocery store in town is buying from us!
• Crops are also sold at the market and to women who then sell it in their own communities.
• Every morning is begun with a the crew doing a devotion and praying together.
• This month the children enjoyed the benefits of the crop as they were given cooked ears of corn for part of their lunch!

On February 23, we lost one of our precious children. Dorcas Kalowe, youngest daughter of our maintenance supervisor, was not a student at Lifesong. However, since she lived on campus, she spent her days with our students and was often found in whatever class she chose to attend that day. Although we provided her with the best medical care available, she was not able to overcome the effects of malaria and typhoid. She was 5 years old.

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down-when we die and leave these bodies-we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.  2 Corinthians 5:1

Please pray for the health of all the children at Lifesong Zambia.

Thank you for continued prayer and support as we strive to bring joy and purpose to orphans in Zambia.

a Reason for Praise!

Last September Aaron Klein joined our vision trip to Africa, (read his guest post HERE) and when visiting Lifesong's Adami Tulu school he was immediately drawn to it.  In his own words,

When I stepped onto the grounds of the Lifesong school in the tiny little village of Adami Tulu in Ethiopia, I instantly knew that something was different.

I wasn’t sure why. This was the last of many Lifesong projects I had visited.  It wasn’t the one I was expecting would capture my heart and imagination.

But it did."

At the end of 2010 Aaron and his wife, Cacey, decided to take on the task of raising funds to build Adami Tulu a new 4-room school house.  They developed a fundraising team, sold t-shirts, and gave presentations.  They even got creative with a National Super Bowl Party! 

And by March they were two-thirds of the way there... until one generous donor wrote a check to cover the remaining need!  Wow!

Thank you Aaron and Cacey for your creative and dedicated service to this project!

Thank you to the individuals who have joined the Kleins in raising these funds!

Thank you to everyone who gave, big or small!  Your support has made a difference!

Most of all, thank you, to our Heavenly Father Who refuses to forget the forgotten and Who is using His people to change the lives of children!

If you want to find out more about this project check out Aaron's blog HERE.

Meet Victor

Well, it's day 10 of our blitz and we have a long way to go  to make our goal.  We have 40.5 commitments... can we get 59 commitments today?  It seems impossible... but we know that God can do great things.  

We've seen Him do it this week!  

We've seen it in people giving their best gifts.  

We've seen it in the stories we've received of families eating tortillas in honor of our kids in Honduras. (by the way, we'd love to hear more!  Tell us about your Tortilla Tuesday experience HERE)  

We know that God is at work, and pray that He will continue to move today! 

Yesterday we talked about the difference Lifesong Honduras is making.  Today we get to hear a personal testimony of this difference made in one Escalon graduate, Victor Rodas:

The reality is that without your support stories like Victor's... stories like Edgar's and Tania's and Edmund's would cease to exist.  

We have till the end of today.  Can we reach our goal?

Contact us at info@lifesongfororphans.org to make your commitment!  

Your donation will be doubled thanks to a gracious giver!

What Difference?

It's Tortilla Tuesday! Don't forget to send in your stories and photos to info@lifesongfororphans.org.

What difference does Lifesong Honduras really make in the lives of the 550 students we work with? 

Nutritionally:  Every day students at Lifesong Honduras receive 3 balanced meals.  (Join us today for Tortilla Tuesday!  Confused?  Click HERE)

Educationally: The national average of students in public schools who go on to college in Honduras is around 1%.  At Lifesong Honduras, about 40% of students go on to college! 

Economically:  In a country with a national unemployment rate of 70%, over 70% of Plan Escalon graduates have full-time jobs!

Spiritually:  2011 Vision Team member, Brian Kerz, speaks from what he saw first hand:

Isn't teaching the gospel message really what it's all about?  And after leaving Lifesong Honduras to live on their own, 90% of Escalon graduates still consider themselves Christians and 85% continue to attend church on a regular basis!

Lives are being changed.  Lives can continue to change because of the difference being made by people like you!

Our goal is:

 

We have two days left.  

We need 63 commitments!

Will you help us continue to serve children in Honduras? 

Contact us at info@lifesongfororphans.org to make your commitment!  Your donation will be doubled thanks to a gracious giver!

Your support makes these stories possible!
All administrative costs are covered, so 100% of your donation will go directly to helping orphans.