Give-aways are Fun!

WARNING: As hard as I tried, I couldn't help making this post sound like it should be read by Bob Barker.

Alright everyone, today we want to hear from YOU because we are having, not 1, but 2 GIVE-aways!

Here's how it works.

Give-away #1: Answer this question:

How MANY children has Lifesong helped bring home to date?

The prize will go to whoever is closest.  If there is a tie, we will draw names for the winner.

Give-away #2: Leave a comment on Friday's post:

Those who have posted already, will automatically be entered.  Both give-away responses can be combined in one comment on today's post.

And what, you ask, will our prizes be?

NEW, never-before-seen T-shirts!

You will get first dibs on a Lifesong tee in brand new brown(males) and red (females)

NOTE: You will not be limited to only the new colors.  If you would prefer one of our other colors, we are happy to accommodate.

You have till 11:59pm Sunday night to comment, and then we'll announce our winners on Monday!

so COME on Down

Let's do this!

I was recently reading one of our "lifesong family's" blog and came across this great post which talks about how we are all called to care for the fatherless... ALL of us.  That's some scary terminology right there... "ALL".  It doesn't leave much space for translation, does it.  But here's the reality.  God tells us specifically that...

Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we MUST care for orphans and widows in their troubles...

side note: this is NLT... i chose it cause it sounds the most urgent :) ...and rightly so!

Wow.  Now, I know we use this verse a lot in the orphan care scene, but stop. and really think about what that means?  Obviously we can't all adopt, but we can ALL come up with creative ways to advocate for orphans.  Brothers and sisters, it is what we as Christians are CALLED to do!  It is the purest form of our faith.  If we as Christian's don't rise up and change the way the world cares for its orphans... who will?  Boy, that's a scary thought, isn't it?

But how do we go about finding ways to advocate for orphans?  We do it through collaboration... through working as the body of Christ was designed to work.  We do it together.

In fact, (wink, wink) I even have something you can do now!  It doesn't involve thousands of dollars or a lifelong commitment to parent a child.  It doesn't even involve any planning or a lot of time!

Here's what you do... share with us your ideas.  Leave a comment... maybe about a ministry your church is involved in... or a family you helped support financially to adopt.  Maybe you have this aMAZing idea that has been just waiting to get out and be put in action.  Here's your chance!  Let's inspire each other to rise up on behalf of orphans!

Alliance Webinar Series

Check out this great webinar series put on by The Christian Alliance for Orphans.  It's not too late to register!

Alliance Webinar Series

The Christian Alliance for Orphans Webinar Series is designed to help individuals like you create and grow effective adoption, foster care, and global orphan ministry in local churches.

You're Invited...

The Financial Challenge of Adoption and How the Local Church Can Respond

Equipping churches to help adoptive families overcome one of the biggest barriers to adoption: money

Host Church: Southeast Christian Church

Presenters:

Darren Washausen, Southeast Christian Church/Orphan Care Alliance

Andy Lehman, Lifesong for Orphans

Dwain Gullion, Abba Fund

Wendy Cosby, Show Hope

Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Time: 2:00 PM Eastern

Each 60-minute webinar in this series will give local advocates access to the knowledge and experience of top Alliance member churches and organizations nationwide, covering key topics on adoption, foster care and/or global orphan care.  Every webinar will be hosted by a local church orphan ministry and co-presented by one or more national experts on the subject matter.  This pairing will deliver a combination of specialist information and resources alongside a "here's how it works in a real church" perspective.

Zambia Update

Big things are happening in Zambia for children, once without hope... now with a future!

Please enjoy this update from Lifesong Zambia Director, Dru Smith:

Every child has a right to education. However, for many Zambian children, even though it may be provided by the government, it is unaffordable, unavailable in their neighborhood, or substandard.  For over 100 families in Garneton, Lifesong School is the answer to their prayers. Currently we have 210 children from the poorest of the poor families who attend school each day, even during the three months of break.  When representatives from the Ministry of Education came to inspect our school-they were overwhelmed by what they saw and asked us, "Do you plan to open more schools like this? We really need them!"Lifesong is setting an example and making a difference in Zambia.

~

We were astonished to see all of the work accomplished by 11 friends from Thunder Bay, Ontario.  They spent two weeks volunteering at Lifesong School... leading a workshop with our teachers, teaching our kids about oral hygiene, building us an amazing playground, and more!  We are so very grateful for these dedicated volunteers!

~

When I visited William last month I was amazed to see the improvement in his left foot after his first surgery. It is straight, and the bottom of the foot is flat on the ground! He struggled with balance, but once he stabilized himself, he started walking.  William had surgery on his right foot on September 2 and is making a speedy recovery. His leg will be in a plaster cast until he returns to the clinic early in October. If all is well, he will be fitted with special shoes to help him walk.  Praise God!

Thank you for your continued prayer and support as we serve children in Zambia.

Godabuildawell

Who would have thought that building wells in Illinois could build a well in Honduras?

Lifesong Honduras has accepted more children into their care and went from 5,000 to 20,000 gallons of water needed per day. Their 20 year old well was damaged in a 2007 earthquake and needs to be replaced in order to provide clean drinking water for the kids at their orphanage. Total cost for the well: $9,500.

A local young adult small group has taken up the challenge to creatively raise the funds for this project by building & selling these wishing wells to help build a well in Honduras! So far, they've raised over $1700.00!

Thanks so much Pontiac Bible Church for your partnership & support!

To stay up-to-date on this project go to GodabuildawellFacebook's page!