Mission's Night

You couldn't take one step without seeing a child at Mission's Night, hosted by the Apostolic Christian Church in Bloomington, IL. It was a dynamic evening full of different ministries that this congregation has been supporting.  It was their desire to highlight these ministries and have them connect to their church body in a family friendly way presenting the importance of serving in the Kingdom and how they as families can get involved.

The Lifesong for Orphans "Experience"...

Handprint Wall - showing the 2300 children Lifesong has help bring into families through adoption financial assistance. 

Africa before Lifesong...

Africa after Lifesong...

The Forgotten Initiative

It was so great to connect with the youth and impact their minds and hearts of the importance of working with God for His Kingdom!

Family Friday: Dan & Christi

I personally feel extremely blessed to share this Family Friday with you! Dan & Christi are so near to our hearts here at Lifesong for Orphans. Christi came on staff in the fall of 2009 and has been an incredible asset to our team while working with our adoptive families, church partners, and overseeing Lifesong's Communications & Social Media.

Dan & Christi have incredible hearts for the gospel, the orphan, and the glory of our Father God.  

Through a number of events, including a missions trip to Gautamala, they felt God's call to them to begin the process of adoption.  It was exciting for the Lifesong Staff to walk this journey with them and to watch them bring home their precious son last summer from Ethiopia.  Even though we work with adoptive families every day, we were able to experience up close and personal the incredible joy that is found in 'bringing the lonely into families' through their adoption.

But that's not it...God is continuing to work on this family's heart and is sending them back to where this whole spark started: Guatamala.  Dan & Christi will be serving with Eagle's Nest International full-time to follow their heart's desire to serve the orphan, to reach out to a lost community, to bring hope to the hurting, and most of all to bring GLORY to God our Father.

Dan & Christi,

It's been a complete joy to serve at Lifesong for Orphans with you and to see and experience God's spirit working in your familiy. We committ to lift you up in prayer during your time of tranistion and for the work that you will be doing in Gutamala. Praying that God's hand would continue to go before you and prepare your way as you serve Him in obedience. We love you!

Lifesong for Orphans team

To hear more of Dan & Christi's testimony or to follow them on their journey, check out their blog! 

Changes & Opportunities - Lifesong Ethiopia

Listen in as we share with you new updates from Lifesong Ethiopia... On November 17th, Lifesong for Orphans received an offer from a generous donor to give a matching donation of up to $130,000 for the new construction projects in Ethiopia.  This match lasted until year end. Thankfully, in 45 days, thanks to many of you, we reached the goal! Praise God! We are thankful to begin on construction on both Phase II in Ziway and the new block in Adami Tulu.  We ask you to please pray with and for us as we begin this large work. Framing up the first foundation hole at ZiwayAdami Tulu Construction Progress Tesfaye - Age 4We are excited to announce the new Adami Tulu website along with Child Sponsorship Program opportunities.  We are thankful 88 of the 189 children have been sponsored.  If you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring a child for $19/month, please visit the website to see the details, pictures, and how you can get involved in sponsoring one of the remaining remaining 101 students.

A Completely New Path - Lifesong Honduras

We are blessed to share this update & story from Guy Henry,  Lifesong Honduras,

"600 students finish the school year with their lives marked & changed forever! 80 graduates are launched into the future!

The following story is from the life of a graduate who overcame the 'trials' of her home life and the odds that were stacked against her.  Not only has her life been marked and changed, she has been completely redirected, all to the Glory of God...

Darlene signing her diploma

Those leaders that were present can still remember Darlene's interview. She entered and left the room with the same shy stance. Her hair was long and curly, framing her big brown, downcast eyes. Perhaps she was shy and nervous, but perhaps she also was feeling a sense of shame. Her mother was pregnant with her fourth child and admitted that her children each had different fathers. Based on this young ladies natural beauty and the little bit of innocence that she still had, her need to be accepted for the next year was apparent, an overwhelming need to protect her was felt by all.

Darlene has excelled in her studies and always has had high percentiles. She graduated with honors and was nominated "Female Student of the Year". Her attitude has always been respectful and cooperative, teachable and receptive to the guidance of both the leadership staff and her teachers. She is a strong young woman and a beautiful example of how God can lift a head that was once cast down. She is determined to not repeat the pattern, and instead a completely new path."

Both Hands Celebration

We are rejoicing with Both Hands Foundation as they had their yearly Celebration last month to reflect on last year's success and to look forward to 2012.  Over 130 people attended which included 7 Both Hands adoptive families and 3 widows that have been served through this ministry. We join them in praise for the $20,000 they raised at this special event. 

My favorite moment was looking into the crowd to see so many friends who have sacrificed time, treasure, and talent to make Both Hands a reality and to have them say it’s been worth it! To be able to thank them, recognize them, and challenge them to do more, was a thrill for me. - JT Olson, founder of Both Hands Foundation