Prayers

Saying Yes

2012-01-03T10:41:00.002-05:00

There is just something about the New Year. Despite the cold weather the New Year brings with it a fresh start or a blank slate. I had the day off yesterday but my husband had to work so, I spent the majority of the day reading, "Kisses from Katie".

Katie's story is one to inspire you to follow God with all your heart and to say YES to whatever He is asking you to do. If you don't know who Katie Davis is let me share a very summed up version of her story with you. When Katie graduated High School in 2007 she decided that before she went to college she wanted to spend a year in Uganda...which quickly turned into her life. Since that time she has adopted 14 abandoned Ugandan girls, started a sponsorship ministry, and now she is starting another ministry in a slum area in desperate need of aid called Masese, which is near Jinga, Uganda. She is now about 22 or 23 years old and has done all this. Anyone would hear her story and think, WOW she is something special! In her book she repeatedly says that she is not anything special she just made a choice to say yes to God's call on her life and that without His strength, love, grace, and mercy pouring into and then out of her she could not do it. Meaning, as Christians we all have the strength of God do to what He asks of us...despite how crazy it may sound. I remember someone saying that they want to follow God's will because they don't want to miss out on the blessings that it brings. Just think if Katie would have come back from Uganda and gone to college like she had planned...she would be the first to tell you she would have GREATLY missed out on the countless blessings of her live serving the poor in Uganda.

My prayer is that God would show me what He wants me to say Yes to. What is God asking you to say yes to?

My Christmas Wish

2011-12-12T11:38:00.001-05:00

A little over a week ago I wrote about a girl I met in Uganda named Angel. Angel is HIV positive and lives in the slums of Kampala. Today my dear co-workers in Uganda gave me more information about this precious young girl. What I learned broke my heart...

"Angel is a total orphan. Both of her parents died of HIV /AIDS. It’s unfortunate that she is infected too. Mr. Tamale picked Angel from arubbish pit from where she had been dumped by her relatives and the state atwhich she was found was quite sad and severe. She was on the verge of dying.Apparently Tamale has no stable source of income and it is for this reason thathe seeks a hand especially with school fees."

On the bright side...Angel does believe in Jesus and trusts Him for her salvation. I am so grateful to Tamale who had compassion for Angel even though he struggles to provide all their needs. Angel is 9 years old and in the second grade. She hopes to one day be a doctor.

Angel is in desperate need of a sponsor. Would you sponsor her? What a great Christmas gift to give to Angel...the opportunity to attend the childcare center where she will receive food, love and care from the Christian staff, medical care as needed, and help with her education. What better gift could you give? Please contact me if you are interested...let's get this girl a sponsor!

World AIDS Day 2011

2011-12-01T10:19:00.001-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day. Did you know that 6,800 new HIV infections occur daily, worldwide, and more than 5,700 people die of AIDS each day?( Courtesy of Compassion International: http://blog.compassion.com/aids-and-poverty-world-aids-day-2011/#ixzz1fISN5vgC). WOW!

When I was in Uganda this past summer it was the first time I was really around HIV/AIDS. I remember seeing these signs in many schools...

This was in an elementary school. I also remember a sign that read, "HIV/AIDS is not the end of your life". I can only imagine being a child and finding out you have a deadly virus...where medical attention is not always readily available and expensive. How can you not feel like it was the end of your life? A girl named Mary from the AMG orphanage recently graduated with certificate in catering services. She was abandoned by her family because she has HIV and she beat the odds thanks to the encouragement of the AMG Uganda staff and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Since Uganda, when I hear HIV/AIDS I always think of a young girl I met in the slums of Kampala named Angel. We were doing home visits near the Masajja Childcare Center and Angel just came up to me and grabbed my hand. She was sweet, had a beautiful smile, and I remember one of her flip flops was broken. This was the first time I had walked through one of the slums in Kampala and wasn't easy. Let me paint a picture for you...we enter an alley and pass small shacks and one roomed apartments very close to each other. The ground is dirt, uneven, with trash everywhere. There is no grass, play grounds, or paved streets. Children wearing rags, some with shoes some without, are running around everywhere. Naturally, white people walking down their street cause quite a commotion. Because this was the first time I had seen this type of desperate poverty, I struggled to keep my cool and not break down in tears in front of all these children, who live this life day to day. Anyway...back to Angel. So, the team did a few home visits and Angel stuck by my side throughout my time there. She didn't say much just held my hand and smiled. As we started our way back Jennifer, one of the workers at Masajja, told me that Angel has HIV. Angel has HIV...and she lives here...in the slums with a broken flip flop. All I could think is...how long will she last if she doesn't receive proper nutrition and medical care? I would guess that Angel is anywhere between 8 and 10. So young to be facing this deadly disease. I was so shocked by what Jennifer told me. I mean I know there are countless children who suffer from HIV/AIDS but I guess I didn't expect to be hit in the face with it by a sweet girl named Angel.

Angel is in the yellow shirt to my left.

I gave Angel a bracelet and said a prayer for her. I still think and pray for her often. I just emailed my friends in Uganda asking about her Angel. Maybe there is something I can do for her. It is easy in America to forget that HIV/AIDS is still a huge problem in our world. Find out what you can do to help and join me in praying for Angel and thousands of children just like her.

what makes me cry

2011-10-14T12:24:00.003-04:00

Isn't funny what God will randomly bring to your attention or breaks your heart for? Something that you haven't really thought much about or even realized was out there...?

Well this week that happened to me. On Monday morning during the AMG devotions I heard a report on Newspaper Evangelism in Nepal. I had no idea AMG even did Newspaper Evangelism in Nepal but I thought that was pretty cool that AMG is involved in bringing the Gospel to this lost nation. I learned that a native from Nepal has been putting an ad in a magazine read primarily by 15-35 year olds. Over the course of this year over 775 people have responded to the ad and 233 people have accepted Christ as their savior... through a Newspaper ad. Anyway, at the end of the report our co-worker gave a prayer request:
"Many poor and orphaned children are neglected from education. We are praying for a Christian home for girls because traditionally girls have less opportunity for education and are socially dominated; please pray with us."
This broke my heart. Those poor children need someone to stand up for them and love them. This was Monday.

Next week on the AMG Blog we are focusing on Newspaper Evangelism so I thought I would share what I learned about Nepal with our readers. Yesterday I did some more research on Nepal...there are 380 people groups in Nepal and 93% of them are unreached...meaning: "An unreached people is a group among which there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group" (Joshua Project). Less than 3% are Christian with the majority practicing Hinduism. In 2008 Nepal became a democratic secular state opening the door for evangelism although it is still difficult because of the Hindu majority.

I've been reading 31 Days to Change the World. Yesterday the post was, "know what makes you cry."

On Sunday I only thought of Nepal as a small country where the Himalayas are and I think I watched a Destination Truth episode where they were in Nepal. I have never been to Nepal and I have no idea what the culture is like. Only 5 days later and God is breaking my heart for these people. For the orphaned children, for the children who don't know Jesus, and for the men and women who have never known the true Joy and Peace Jesus gives.

I think it is too easy to forget the fact that there are those who don't even know the name of Jesus because in America we are surrounded by it. They have no idea that God sent His son to reconcile the world to Himself...it is a free gift for all! These people don't know and have no way of knowing unless someone tells them. My heart is heavy...

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of the messengers who bring good news!"

Romans 10:14-15

Sarah

2011-09-20T11:05:00.002-04:00

Sarah's story has been laying heavy on my heart since I returned from Uganda. I haven't talked much about her to family and friends because her story breaks my heart and brings tears to my eyes. Let me share with you why...

On our last ministry day in Uganda we did a few home visits in the bush...literally. I remember looking around my surroundings thinking...I wish Ryan was here to see this. Unfortunately I don't have a good picture to show you but...just think of flat land, dust, farming, and houses made out of clay. Anyway, it was a Sunday and after church and we visited three homes. Sarah's was the last home we visited. I knew a little about her story because she has been featured in the AMG News but I didn't remember the details (which I will share with you in a moment). So we walk up to her home and see Sarah's beautiful smile. She is sitting on a mat and greets each of us. At the time I'm still a bit clueless as to her situation...

After visiting with her for a little while we learn that she is paralyzed from the waist down, only has sight in one eye, and spends her days sitting on a mat weaving mats. Because she can't feel anything from the waist down and she sits all day on the hard ground she often develops bed sores, her family cannot afford a mattress for her. Because her wheel chair looks like this...she cannot go to school.

After leaving Sarah I learned a little more about her story. Sarah is 12 years old and shewas born healthy and lived a normal Ugandan life until she got cancer of theeye a few years ago. AMG Uganda had set up the necessarytreatments for Sarah because this cancer was very treatable. The day before Sarah’s treatment her parentstook her to a witch doctor, thinking the witch doctors treatments would heal theirdaughter. Unfortunately after a month ofnot receiving any treatment, expect that from a witch doctor, AMG finally foundher and she was in bad shape. Sarahfinally received the treatment she needed but because of the delay somepermanent damage had been done.

The more I thought about Sarah the more my heart was burdened for her. I believe God has broken my heart for Sarah and I'm not the only one, Aly's heart is also broken for Sarah. Since we have been back (a month now) we have been discussing what we can do in order to better her situation and give her all the opportunities any child deserves. Like I said she is only 12 years old! She has her whole life ahead of her! Sarah is a smart girl and does well in school when she is able to go. I think what is so hard for me to take in is that if only her parents hadn't taken her to the witch doctor she might not be in this situation. NO child should live a life of weaving mats on a hard floor for their whole lives. I know God has a plan and purpose for Sarah and I must trust that.

Please pray with me for Sarah as we strive to seek out a way to best help her. AMG Uganda has gotten her a new wheel chair so hopefully she can start going to school. Eventually Aly and I would like to see Sarah at Upendo (the AMG orphanage in Uganda) because the school is right next to the girls dorm. I believe Sarah would thrive there. But, God knows best. I have to remind myself that God loves Sarah more than I could ever love her. HE cares for her more than anyone would care for her. God will take care of Sarah but I want to do all I can to help.

This is What it's ALL About

2011-09-14T10:59:00.001-04:00

The last few weeks have been hard for me. Since Uganda God has made the needs of the world very real to me. Sometimes it is so overwhelming. But today God showed me His grace when I received an email from Lutgarda (the childcare director in Lima).

At the beginning of this year I wrote about meeting Melanie (me and Ryan's sponsored child in Peru) and visiting her home. All of us were shocked at the state of her home. Honestly, I don't think anyone could call it a home.

Here it is...dirt floor, one bed for three people, walls made out of scraps of cardboard. There was no door, no windows, and a roof that flew off if the wind was strong. I'll never forget that evening; as I laid down in my comfy bed that night I thought about Melanie and where she was sleeping. Every child deserves a safe and warm place to lay their head. I wasn't the only one feeling this way; my parents and husband all felt burdened to help Melanie and her family. You see, Melanie's father is not in the picture. It is only her mother who provides for Melanie and her little brother. Norma is her name and she travels around doing laundry for a very meager income.

Once my family and I were back in the states my parents decided to provide the money to build Melanie and her family a new home and finally it is completed! This morning I received some photos from Lutgarda and I tell you what it was a great way to start my morning! Please allow me to share these photos with you.

Norma and Aaron after the concrete was poured for the base of the home

Almost completed!

Melanie excited about her new home

Melanie's family with their new kitchen table

Melanie with her OWN bed!

Aaron, Melanie's little brother...very excited!

This is what it is all about. Look at those smiles! Lutgarda told us that Melanie was so excited about her new bed that she didn't want to sit on it to mess it up. Can you imagine what it must have been like to sleep in her own bed for the first time in her life? And she is 10 years old. You can also see in these pictures that besides the bed and kitchen table there isn't much else in their home. I hope and pray that we can help Melanie's mother start some type of business in order to continue providing for her family. I am also excited that a good friend of mine will be sponsoring Aaron, Melanie's brother, providing extra support for the family.

I can't help but think that if the Lutgarda and her family hadn't followed God and started a ministry in Saul Cantoral (where Melanie and her family live) and if AMG hadn't partnered with them then Melanie wouldn't be fed everyday, she might not be going to school, she would still be living in that shack, and she would have no hope. Most of all I wouldn't have met Melanie who we love very much and we are so blessed to be part of her life. I can't wait to go back to Peru and see Melanie, Aaron and meet her mother.

This is what it is all about...allowing God to use you for HIS glory to reach the needy and make HIS name and love known. I am so thankful that God has used me and my family to reach out and show HIS love to Melanie and her family. Now, anytime I am down I can look at this picture and see these sweet smiling faces...how could these faces not lift someones spirits?!

One at a Time

2011-09-06T15:47:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the needs are so overwhelming. In Uganda you see needy child after needy child living with a poor family that has nothing. The hard part was that there weren’t just a few here and there it was everywhere. Driving down the streets in Kampala you see slum after slum with thousands of people trying to survive. Each morning I remember seeing children everywhere with yellow jugs going to a dirty stream to fetch water for the day. It’s hard to deal with. These kids deserve better right?

What is even harder is when you have a name, face and story to go with the devastation. When you know a child whose mother has abandoned them, live as squatters in a shack with nothing…not even firewood to cook food, yet they praise God and sing, “This is the day that the Lord has made!”

After Uganda all the children’s stories are more real. Today I grabbed a stack of bios from Thailand that needed to be entered into our database and the first bio was a little boy who lived in an abandoned doll factory in a bad part of town where drug dealers and gangs like to hang out. His parents abandoned him but thankfully a kind couple took him in as their own…even though they really can’t afford to care for all his needs. When I picked up this bio I had to stop. It was just too overwhelming. Why does this 5 year old boy have to live in an abandoned doll factory (which just sounds completely creepy) in a bad part of town? I just keep thinking: it’s not just Uganda, its Thailand too, and Peru, and the Philippines, and Haiti. There are children living in slums without running water or electricity and don’t know if they will eat today…and it’s not just one country, it’s everywhere!

Sorry to be so depressing. These facts have been heavy on my heart (well since I learned about them years ago) for the last few weeks. I feel such an urgency to help these kids…I mean when I hear the needs how could anyone NOT help…right?! But, I am only one person who doesn’t make a lot of money…

There is a story that maybe you have heard…and I have to remind myself of it often because otherwise it would be easy to get too overwhelmed and give up. It is a story about a boy on a beach throwing starfish back into the ocean and the beach is covered with starfish. A man comes up to the boy telling him that he is wasting his time throwing back the starfish because there are just too many. And the boy says, “I helped that one” as he throws a starfish into the water. Even though I know the world if full of suffering, hurt, poverty, and pain that only God can fix HE allows me to be part of fixing those hurts. By sponsoring Jemima, Melanie, and Bobby Ryan and I are a small part of fixing the poverty in our world and bringing MORE to Christ. Sometimes that is so overwhelming that God would want to use me! He wants to use you too. Maybe to bring comfort to a co-worker having a hard time, or lend an ear to a hurting friend, or volunteer in church, maybe God is telling you to sponsor a child or a missionary. I don’t ever want to forget that there are many hurting people in our world and sometimes the smallest gesture can brighten their spirits and let them know that there is a God who loves and cares for them. I always want to be aware that God may want to use me to show His love…I don’t know what that looks like for you, but for me it is being an advocate for the kids wearing rags and smiles. Maybe I won’t end world hunger but maybe I’ll be able to provide food, education, and the knowledge of Jesus to a few kids across the ocean.

Dorcas

2011-08-26T09:06:00.000-04:00

Dorcas ministry started in the year 2008 when AMG noticed many young teenage girls were dropping out of school. When girls would start their menstrual cycle they thought they were dying. Can you believe that?! So, these girls would miss a week every month in school causing them to get behind and eventually just drop out. The women at AMG Uganda stepped in and now educates these girls, supplies them with sanitary pads (which a packet only costs $1.50…but most families cannot afford them), and counsels them during this difficult age. Many of these girls are total orphans and they come from very poor families. They are often abused by their parents or guardians. They are forced to drop out of school at a younge age, forced into early marriages that lead them to early pregnancy and possibly being exposed to HIV/AIDS or other STDs. The Dorcas Mothers (as they are called) disciple these young girls to follow Christ and make the right choices, like saving themselves until they are married.

The girls on the team

One morning while in Uganda the girls on the team had the opportunity to fellowship and encourage the Dorcas mothers and some of the older girls involved in the program. The team prepared a program with a few worship songs, testimonies, and scripture. It was amazing how our team pulled together and each of us shared something with the Dorcas group. This was one of my favorite days in Uganda. These Dorcas mothers and girls are simply amazing. We came to encourage them but their faith and complete trust in God encouraged and challenged me! It is a beautiful thing to worship God and fellowship with sisters in Christ.

Aly sharing the Word

I hope we were as much of a blessing to them as they were to us! It really is amazing what this ministry is doing to help many young girls. What is so amazing is this ministry started with about $10 that some of the AMG Uganda women put in from their own pockets. Now, Dorcas ministers to mothers and grandmothers of sponsored children, they support two girls through university, and they continue to minister and disciple to young teenage girls entering into womanhood.

Madie with a new friend

Please pray for the Dorcas ministry. Let me know if you would like to learn more about the ministry and how you can get involved!

Meeting Jemima

2011-08-24T09:05:00.000-04:00

One of the highlights of my trip was meeting me and Ryan's sponsored child, Jemima. I remember getting in the bus that Saturday so anxious to arrive at Masajja and see her. I even dreamed about it the night before.

One of the greatest joys in a sponsored child’s life is to meet their sponsor. Likewise, it is such a huge blessing to meet the child you sponsor. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to go to Uganda and visit Jemima.

Jemima had three other sponsors before me but for one reason or another they stopped sponsoring her. I remember entering Jemima's bio into the computer during my first year at AMG. Her sweet smile and desperate story moved me and my husband to start sponsoring her (her father abandoned the family leaving her mother to care for Jemima and her two brothers on her own). Our relationship grew with letters and photos over the last two years. Honestly I never thought I would be able to go to Uganda because it is very far and very expensive. So, I never thought I would have the chance to meet Jemima. When it was official that I’d be traveling to Uganda I couldn’t wait to write Jemima and let her know I was coming!

This was taken after we first met

So, back to that Saturday...when we arrived at Masajja Childcare Center the Saturday program had already started so we took our seats (in the front) and I started scanning the crowd looking for Jemima. I finally spotting her and knew it was her because she had spotted me too. Once worship and the Bible lesson for the day were over it was time for "break tea" and she came to find me. It is amazing to see the actual face of the photo you have been looking at for two years. To know she is real and you are helping. Jemima is a very sweet girl with a beautiful smile. She was very timid at first but she kept holding my hand and smiling.

Inside her home with her little brother

Jemima's mother is a cook at the childcare center and they live in a small room at the center (which is also a primary school and church). I was able to peak into their home and meet Jemima's mom. When I walked in I saw the photos the Ryan and I had sent her in picture frames on the table. Wow! Jemima's mother could not speak English but through a translator she expressed to me her gratitude to me and Ryan for all we do for them. She started to tear up and so did I.

Jemima, her mother, and me

When I left Masajja that day I didn't think I would be able to see Jemima again on this trip. BUT, God is good and I was able to see her two more times. During home visits in her area I had another opportunity to visit Jemima at her home. I was blessed to be able to share with her family one of my favorite passages in scripture, Romans 5:1-5. While we continued visiting homes of sponsored children Jemima came along with us holding onto my hand.

Home Visit

During my time with Jemima I learned that she wants to be a bank manager one day so she loves math. Jemima loves to sing and is in the choir at church and at the childcare center. She has many good girl friends...in fact one of her good friends is named Gladys and my sister and brother in law sponsor her.

I knew that on the third day of being with Jemima I wouldn't be able to see her again and so did she. I walked her to the bus that would take her home...she said she loved me through tears and I tried to be strong and keep it together but goodbyes are never easy.

Saying Goodbye

Despite the sad goodbye I feel so completely blessed to be in Jemima's life. Not only am I in Jemima's life but in her family's life. What an honor to be able to help this sweet family. I left Uganda feeling so encouraged by her family. I know they are safe, I know Jemima has a good mother and friends to help her through life, and I know that both Jemima and her mother love the Lord and obey Him.

God willing I'll be able to go back to Uganda and see Jemima again. I look forward to seeing her grow into a Godly young women with a very bright future. Without AMG Jemima's life would be a lot different. Her mom wouldn't be cooking at the center which provides her with a place to live...so they might be homeless. Jemima probably wouldn't be able to go to school and learn math so she can be a bank manager. She also might not be following Christ with her whole heart. It pains me to think of many other young boys and girls who are missing out on these basic needs and human rights because they don't have a sponsor.

I'm Home!

2011-08-22T12:44:00.000-04:00

I can’t believe my two weeks in Uganda has past. It seemed to go by so quickly yet I have so much to share with you. For the next week or so I will be sharing some of my favorite stories from my time in Uganda.

Jemima's House, the girl Ryan and I sponsor

I absolutely feel in love with the country. I admit at first the sights and sounds shocked me a bit. Our whole time in Kampala we only saw one street light…ONE! Traffic was a mess with cars, bikes, and motorcycles (or Bota Botas) then people walking everywhere. There was plenty of dirt…everywhere! Every night when I washed my face I was always shocked at how much dirt I cleaned off. But, the people of Uganda are extremely friendly, caring, and hard working. The children there are precious and easy to fall in love with!

I am still trying to process all I saw and learned about AMG Uganda and about the lives of the kids in the program. It is amazing how close you can get to a child in only a few days. It was hard to say goodbye to the kids and to my fellow team members although, I am so happy to be back home with my husband.

God taught me a lot while I was in Uganda. I feel truly blessed to have been a small part of the work God is doing in and through AMG Uganda. My co-workers there are incredibly dedicated to serving God and reaching many needy children for His sake. Their dedication and faith challenged me in my own faith. Please continue to pray for AMG Uganda, our co-workers, and their ministry.

Home Visits

If you want to know more about the trip please keep coming back as I share some stories and photos.

Day One

2011-08-01T11:46:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting at the AMG home office waiting for 1pm when we drive to the Nashville Airport. My day started with my second round of my Hep A/B shot...no fun I tell you. Then I had to say goodbye to Boone and then goodbye to Ryan. No fun...at all. But, I keep telling myself that God has lead me here on this trip so I am fully trusting Him. Even though this part is not easy.

It probably makes me sound like I'm a big baby...not wanting to leave my husband and dog for two in a half weeks but...this will be the longest that we will be away from each other since we've been married. Plus, I'll be pretty far away. I keep telling myself that the two in a half weeks will fly by! Which they probably will for me...I just hope they do for Ryan too.

I am excited to get into DC tonight...Ashley will be waiting for us at our hotel. We will be spending the night then catching the noon flight Tuesday all the way to Ethiopia. It will be one heck of a long flight!

Who knows what God holds of the team in Uganda! I can't wait to see and I am praying I'll be open to whatever God wants me to do and whatever he wants to teach me!

Here is our Itinerary for Uganda, it might change slightly but this is the gist...

August 3rd Wednesday We will arrive in Uganda – get settled at the hotel and receive our debriefing and an introduction to AMG Uganda
August 4th Thursday We will begin our work at Upendo (the orphange) – Painting and working with children – we will have a staff fellowship in the afternoon
August 5th Friday Continuing our work at Upendo.
August 6TH Saturday We will be involved in the usual child care center activities for Saturday – games, bible teaching, activity – basically interacting with children.
August 7th Sunday We will attend an Ugandan Church
August 8th Monday Continuing our work at Upendo – possible home visits in the afternoon.
August 9th Tuesday We will be going to visit the Bukoto Child Care Center – work with children – games, sharing testimonies, etc.
August 10th Wednesday Back at Upendo – continuing our work.
August 11th Thursday Women will be involved with the Dorcas ministry, men will be involved with men/children. We will have a staff fellowship in the afternoon.
August 12th Friday Women will be involved with the Dorcas ministry, men will be doing home visits. In the afternoon, we will all be doing home visits in the Namugoga area.
August 13th Saturday We will be going to Igamba to minister at the child care center
August 14th Sunday Igamba for another day – Ugandan Church services
August 15th Monday Travel back to Kampala – get packed for home.
August 16th Tuesday Head home and share with friends and family all of the wonderful things you have seen God do over the past 2 weeks.

One Week

2011-07-25T14:45:00.000-04:00

In one week Stephanie, Ken and I will be on a plane to Washington D.C. with a total of 12 bags (2 checked bags and 2 carry on bags each) because we are taking lots of books and other supplies of our Ugandan brothers and sisters. This should be interesting considering all the checked bags will be right at 50lbs and without rollers...yikes! Then we stay one night in D.C. and catch a plane the next day at noon all the way to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (we are flying Ethiopian Air) then a quick flight to Entebbe. After over 24 hours of travel we will finally make it! I admit I'm really not looking forward to the traveling part...I really like to sleep. But, I'll be a good trooper :). I started packing a little bit last night. I have a feeling it will be quite a challenge for me to fit all my personal items in two carryons considering we will be gone for 17 days.

I started reading "Radical" by David Platt a few days ago. What great timing. If you haven't read this book I strongly encourage you to read it. But, be warned it will convict you, challenge you and stretch you. On Friday night I read this passage:

"In direct contradiction to the American dream, God actually delights in exalting our inability. He intentionally puts his people in situations where they come face to face with their need for him. (I know this will happen to me in Uganda). In the process he powerfully demonstrates his ability to provide everything his people need in ways they could never have mustered up or imagined. And in the end, he makes much of his own name."

I can't get this out of my head. While I look forward to my time in Uganda I am anxious about many things. Mainly, home visits. This will be such a great opportunity to share the Hope of Christ and encourage these beautiful Ugandans but it is something so different then I have ever done before. These homes will be huts with dirt floors and no plumbing or electricity. These people will be struggling for their next meal or to pay for their kids to go to school. What do I say to them? And, when I think about meeting Jemima and her family (me and Ryan's sponsored child) I hope that I can keep it together. I get emotional just thinking about it. It is so hard to see the poverty...it's not fun at all. But, regardless of my feelings about it God has called me here and he has lead me to go on this trip to Uganda. So, reading this on Friday night reminded me that I don't have to find the right words to say because HE will speak for me. Just as God did a month ago at Cumberland Springs Bible Camp. While being stretched and challenged is hard and not always fun I hope to listen to God and fully depend on Him enabling Him to glorify Himself through me. That is what life is about...nothing else but bringing God Glory.

Psalm 46:10
"Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

Getting Ready

2011-07-01T09:50:00.000-04:00

Today is a month away from my trip to Uganda. Seriously, this summer has flown by. So, I know this month will be gone before I know it and I'll be on a plane to Uganda. Lots to get done!

Yesterday Stephanie and I went to the Hamilton County Health Department to get our immunizations for our trip. We have to have Yellow Fever to get into Uganda and I am way behind on all my shots so I ended up getting 5, yes 5, shots! Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hep A/Hep B (in one shot), Polio, and Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis). I am a bit sore today and have a slight headache but I'll survive!

all the shots between Steph and me

I'll also need to get a prescription for anti-malaria medicine. Not really looking forward to taking it. The two affordable options have their downsides; one is an antibiotic that you have to take daily and the other you only take weekly but it has been known to cause emotional problems or vivid dreams. YIKES!

I've been talking to Aly Houser (who has been to Uganda like 5 or 6 times) about what kind of stuff I will need to bring with me and I need quite a few things to be prepared. For example, the right clothes...I need to wear long skirts (to my ankles) and breathable t-shirts (since it will be so hot). Then things to carry with me everyday like hand sanitizer, snack food, little first aid kit, and the like. I will also need to shop for a gift for our sponsored child Jemima and her family...that will be fun! The team is also going to try and fill up the Upendo Christain Academy's library, so I need to get some good books to take with me.

While some of these things I have to do to prepare for Uganda aren't too fun (shots and anti-malaria medicine) this is all exciting! I have wanted to go to Africa for a long time and I really can't wait to meet Jemima, my parent's sponsored child in Uganda Kevin, and my sister's sponsored child Gladys. Also, to just love on all the kids at the centers...it is worth all the bad stuff to be able to be Jesus' hands and feet.

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15

Prayers Answered

2011-06-27T15:46:00.000-04:00

Everyone can agree that times are still hard. People are still loosing their jobs or unable to find one, people are all trying to find ways to cut back on their spending, and we are feeling it everywhere. The child sponsorship department at AMG has felt it too. We have been losing more sponsors then we've been gaining. Both Stephanie and I have been searching for new ways to find sponsors and praying that God would touch the hearts of many to sponsor a child.

In my last newsletter I asked my supporters to pray about sponsoring a child...and just pray that more people would sign up to sponsor a child. Well, God has answered our prayers and this month I have been happily busy assigning new sponsors to children in need. It has been so encouraging and exciting! God is always faithful...

Many coming back from a Mission Adventure want to sponsor a child they met, some who already sponsor a child with AMG want to sponsor another, some of my readers responded and decided to sponsor a child, and we have many advocates who are sharing the exciting things that happens in the life of a sponsored child. God is so good! Please continue to pray, there are still many children waiting for a sponsor and many new childcare centers we would like to open!

On another note...

Friday night I spoke at a Cumberland Springs Bible Camp in Dayton, Tennessee. My husband and many of my friends grew up attending this camp...and after hearing about how much fun it is...I wish I had attended the camp growing up! Anyway, it was an honor that they asked me to come and challenge the 10-13 (tweens) and share with them what is going on all over the world. Can I just say that I was very nervous. I was like the main speaker...I had thirty minutes to fill...yikes. I planned and prepared and planned some more. I had pictures, a game, a video, and I even brought candy. Anyway, the time finally came and again...God answers prayers! I asked many to pray for me and I was praying constantly that God would calm my nerves, give me the words to say, and that I wouldn't be boring. I can only give all the credit to God because those kids were so attentive and engaged (at least it looked like they were ;). I shared with them about the poverty many children live in who are just like them. I told them they could be part of what God is doing in these kids lives. I encouraged them to get involved! I created these little note cards with a child on it who needed a sponsor. I sent each of them home with one so they could pray for that child. I also challenged them to raise $20 for a Bundle of Love. It was amazing to me that the 30 minutes I was speaking only felt like 10 minutes...it was so fun! Oh yeah, and I cried in the middle hah...I got all chocked up sharing about Melanie.

Anyway, as the kids left and I handed them an envelope to put their Bundle of Love money in and they all told me they were so glad I came...and I won't forget what one girl said, "I want to me a missionary now too." When I was their age I attended a camp and heard a missionary speak...and I remember wanting to be a missionary afterwards. So, it was special to hear this sweet girl tell me that. I can't wait to see how God will use those young kids to build His Kingdom and glorify Himself!

It still amazes me that God wants to use me...I'm such a sinner and in desperate need of Christ's redemption...why does he want to use me? I may never understand why but I hope that I am always willing to do as God asks. I never want to miss out on the blessing of being used by God.

This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. Colossians 1:6

I love this verse, I shared it with the kids on Friday night. God is working all over the world...don't you want to be part of it?! I sure do...

Going to Uganda

2011-06-09T13:53:00.000-04:00

So, I'm going to Uganda in August on an AMG Mission Adventure. It was a bit of a process for me to get here and now that I'm here I don't think it has really sunk in. You see, when my boss told Stephanie and I that AMG would pay for us to go on a Mission Adventure this year in order to see more Childcare Centers, my first thought was Peru. But, since I've been to Peru of course I should branch out to see more and learn more. So, I thought Guatemala. Stick to what I know and I figured it would also give me motivation to continue learning Spanish. Well that door opened, then closed, then opened again, and then officially closed. The only team left was Uganda. If that isn't God telling me exactly where to go I don't know what is! So, August 1st I'll be heading to Uganda along with 18 other people from across the country.

It's kind of a big deal for me. You may think that is crazy because I work at a Mission Organization so...going on a Mission Trip is just another day at the "office". While I have been working at AMG for over two years I haven't been on a real mission trip since the summer after I graduated High School in 2003...due to many different circumstances in life (which is for another time and place).

I'm excited to say the least. Sure, I have some reservations (which is why I didn't chose Uganda in the first place) like being away from Ryan for 17 days, being in a country which is completely different than any country I've ever been to, seeing the poverty millions of children live...it won't be easy. But, I'm so excited to see the smiling faces of those precious children sponsored and not sponsored at the AMG Childcare Centers, to love them and tell them how much Jesus loves them, and to encourage them to follow their dreams in life. I look forward to meeting my Ugandan co-workers, better understand where they are coming from, and develop friendships.

My prayer is that I will be open to whatever God wants to teach me, show me, and have me do. I pray for strength, safety, health, team unity, and that I will be uncomfortable...because I know I will at times. Being uncomfortable makes one depend on God more...need Him more. We all need more of HIM.

Please pray with me! I'll continue to write as I prepare for my trip to Uganda and as I'm in Uganda...

Why I do what I do...

2011-05-12T14:33:00.000-04:00

All jobs have their good days and bad days. Thankfully, on my bad days have I plenty of reminders of why I do what I do...and it is written all over these sweet children's faces.

I'm always saying, "It's all about the kids". It is all about the kids eating a hot meal everyday. It is all about the kids going to school without being sent home because they can't afford the school fees. It is all about the kids being able to go to the clinic when they are sick. Most importantly, it is all about the kids learning about Jesus and how much He loves them.

Reaching those who have never heard

2011-04-01T09:35:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was looking over some new bios from Thailand. As I read the children's stories I was reminded that Thailand is a country deeply rooted in Buddhism. According to Operation World in Thailand only 1% are Christian and 85% of the population are Buddhist. One of the children lived in a small village without any Christians rather a Buddhist Temple that was in the center of the town. Her mother made $30 a month and most of that went for her oldest son to study at the Buddhist Temple. This family depends on a god who does not hear their prayers. My heart went out to this child and the many other children in the exact same situation because they have no hope for something better. I had to stop and pray that through the child sponsorship program these kids would hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and trust in HIM alone for true life and salvation from sin.

I pray that God would continue to break my heart for the lost. AMG also has childcare centers in Bangladesh which is 89% Muslim and less than 1% Christian, Indonesia which is 80% Muslim and 15% Christian, then in the Latin countries like Peru out of the 95% Christian the majority of that is Catholic with only 11% Evangelical. Please pray that as AMG ministers to the children that they would be open to the Gospel of Christ and that God's word would spread to their family, friends, and neighbors - and God would be Glorified!

Lima childcare center...the second time around.

2011-02-11T14:24:00.000-05:00

Ryan, my parents, my cousin Nick, and I had a great time at the center in Lima. We enjoyed the warm sunshine and the many smiling children! When we arrived the kids at the center they were just about to eat. What a blessing to hand out plates of hot food to the kids!

Eating Lunch

Ryan with Xiomara

We then walked to Melanie's home. Her home is farthest from the center compared to the other sponsored children. When we arrived I had to ask her twice to be sure the home she was pointing out what in fact her house. I can't even call it a house...it didn't even have four walls.

This it...Melanie's home. Her mother has to take their mattress with her every time she leave otherwise it would get stolen. Melanie spends almost all day at the center while her mothers goes from home to home asking if she can do their laundry. It was hard to take it all in.

Mirco and Gina

After visiting Melanie's home and spending time with her and my sister's sponsored girl Xiomara we went to my parents kids home, Gina and Mirco. These two kids are as cute as can be and so funny! It was a joy to meet their parents and see where they live. I know my parents loved being able to meet the kids they sponsor. It makes everything much more real.

I think about Melanie everyday and about where she sleeps every night. My parents and I are going to try and build her a new home with a real walls and a door with a lock. Somewhere she can be warm and feel safe. Melanie is so precious to me and Ryan. I feel so honored to be her sponsor and provide her with food, education, and hope in Christ...with only $28 a month.

Ryan and I with Melanie...our sponsored Child

Back to Lima

2011-01-28T13:40:00.000-05:00

Tuesday February 1st I am going back to Lima. This time along with my husband and parents. My parents have been dying to meet their two sponsored children and see the center in Lima and I look forward to being there when they meet. I can't wait to introduce Ryan and my parents to Lutgarda and her family. Also, last time I was at the center I met Melanie who Ryan and I now sponsor. It will be a joy to see her again and introduce Ryan to her.

We will visit the center on Wednesday the 2nd and spend the rest of our time with my Aunt Julie and her family. I look forward to every moment. Especially the food :). I would appreciate your prayers as we travel and of course as our family visits the center on Wednesday. It will be an eye opening experience for all of us and I pray that God will use us for His glory as we love on these kids.

Melanie

My parent's sponsored children

What are you going to do this year?

2011-01-13T14:28:00.000-05:00

I love the beginning of a new year. It gives one the opportunity to start over or set news goals to reach. I felt like last year I was just coasting (although I did finally finish my degree!). I decided that this year I would set some reachable goals for myself that would grow me and challenge me. The two I am most excited about it are praying through Operation World and reading the entire Bible. These are two things I have never done before. I have read sections of Operation World and of course I have read most of the Bible but never all the way through in one year. So far I am doing pretty good. I am already getting more passionate about reaching the lost in the last few weeks that I have been reading Operation World. I can only imagine the things God will teach me and show me as I read about each country and their need for Jesus. I decided to read through an NLT Bible that is in chronological order. So, right now I have been going through Bible stories I haven't heard since I was a kid in Sunday School. It is so different to read these as an adult and God is teaching me a lot about Himself specifically His sovereignty.

I am looking toward this new year with excitement. I already have a trip booked to Lima next month with my parents and husband. I can't wait to see my husband and parents meet their sponsored kids and see the childcare center. I am also planning on going to Guatemala in June. We have 5 large childcare centers there and I look forward to seeing them and meeting our Guatemalan co-workers. God is so good.

With all that said I ask for your prayer as I face this new year head on. I desire to follow God's leadership in my personal life and as I serve at AMG in the Child Sponsorship department. So...what are your plans for this new year?

Remember the Beginning

2010-10-11T15:13:00.001-04:00

Every one goes through hard times. Maybe it is just with one relationship, or with a job, or maybe everything in life is going wrong. Typically, I run...just look at my track record you will see that it's true. Part of the reason I ended up in Tennessee at Bryan College is because I wanted to start over in a new place with new people. Anyway, while I do think that God lead me to Bryan College - sometimes running isn't what God wants us to do. It feels easier to run away and escape whatever is troubling us. Most of the time the thing that is causing us to suffer seems so huge that we cannot see any way to possibly fix it. I believe (and was reminded last week) that during these trails in our lives - no matter what it may be or involve - number 1 God will always be faithful and see us through, number 2 God may be calling us to stay, and number 3 remember God's promises. Number 3 especially hit me hard last week. A couple came to the AMG Home Office last week as missionary candidates. The wife said that her mentor told her to write down the promises she believed God had for her. She told us that she goes back to that list of promises anytime she feels discouraged or troubled. What an encouragement! Even through the hard times God's promises still ring true in our lives. Sometimes we need to remember the beginning and how God brought us to where we are now in order to see through the bad.

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

A Special Bond

2010-09-17T14:27:00.001-04:00

In the July issue of the AMG News there was an article about the importance of sending letters and photos to your sponsored child. These kids cherish each letter, birthday card, and photo their sponsor sends. Especially a photo, they want to know what their sponsor looks like! Knowing this, it always warms my heart when I see the letters and photos come into the home office from sponsors to their kids. Like I have said before, to see the relationship between a sponsor and their child grow is an exciting thing.

My husband and I sponsor a girl in Uganda. Her name is Jemima and she is 12 years old. The last letter we received from her said that she takes special care of each photo we send her. She even asked her mother to buy photo frames for them. This blew me away! Pictures that go in photo frames are usually filled with people that are important to you. It showed me how much my husband and I mean to her as her sponsor. And that goes for each child in any sponsorship program. They know the name of their sponsor and if they receive photos and letters they cherish each of them. It is such a special bond, the relationship between a sponsor and a child. Even though Jemima and I are oceans apart and I don't know if I will ever meet her, I'm sure that I will never forget her and she will never forget me and my husband.

If you want to sponsor a child (change a child's life for the better and yours too :) learn more on the AMG Website.

Also, Aly Houser (she and her family frequently visit and serve with AMG Uganda) have put together a great website for AMG Uganda. So, if you would like to know more about AMG's ministry in Uganda check out the site here.

28 Days of Prayer

2010-09-03T13:46:00.000-04:00

The Child Sponsorship Team here at AMG International is starting a new initiative to grow our ministry. We want to be able to help more children have a better life and hope for a bright future. We want to offer the love of Christ in tangible ways to more children all over the world.

We have put together a 28 day prayer guide. There are four weeks focusing on different needs within the ministry. Week 1: New Sponsors, Week 2: Opening New Childcare Centers, Week 3: Childcare Center Needs, and Week 4: Strengthening Relationships. Please join us!

Back in the States

2010-08-19T15:51:00.000-04:00

Being back in the States is weird. I miss Lima a bit. On Monday morning when I woke up I wished that I was going to the childcare centers. Those kids definitely left an impression on me...even though I only spent one day with them.

I still can't get over their living conditions. The children live in small shacks with usually only one room, no running water, electricity for only a few hours a day, and dirt floors. We did visit a few homes and I remember one of the mothers makes these little baskets to sell for 1 Sole which comes out to about $.35. If she works all day she can make 60 baskets. Then she has to go and sell them on the street. What a life huh? I also noticed that some houses had refrigerators but come to find out they find these old refrigerators and just use them as storage for clothes, books, or whatever else...not to store food.

Outside of the Dr. Z Center in Saul Cantoral

Visiting the centers has helped me to better understand the urgency and necessity of child sponsorships. Without help these kids will continue in the cycle of poverty...with nothing to look forward to in life. But, with the help of a sponsor they can have the opportunity to complete their education and most importantly to know Christ who gives us all meaning in life.

Pray with me and all of us at AMG as we work together with the National Workers in Peru and in all the countries we work in as we serve these needy children. Pray for more sponsors. Pray for guidance and wisdom. Pray that we would love these kids as Christ loves them.

Here are a few more pictures. I had the opportunity to meet the children some family and friends sponsor in Lima. It was a huge blessing. Each of these children were so sweet...I can't say that enough.

I can't wait to go back!

Learn more about the AMG Child Sponsorship Program here.

First Thoughts

2010-08-15T23:38:00.000-04:00

There is so much to say about the one day I spent at the childcare centers in Lima. So, I will just leave you with a few thoughts.

It makes all the difference in the world to physically see, smell, hear, and touch in order to fully understand the needs of the children at these centers. I still can't get over the amount of shacks that are piled on these mountains of sand in Saul Cantoral. This is where these children live. Most of them don't know any better.

This is their neighborhood. Their homes are typically one room and if they are lucky they have a bathroom. Most of the families consist of a mother and her children. The father is usually not around much. Maybe he will show up a few times a week.

The children in this neighborhood have no structure. They are able to go where they want when they want. Without these childcare centers the children wouldn't have anything to keep them out of trouble.

Even though these children face many dangers and obstacles in their lives they are sweet and loving. I can't tell you how much I cherish each of their kisses.

This is Melanie. She started following me around and eventually grabbed my hand and didn't want to let go. Come to find out she doesn't have a sponsor. She lives close to the center with her mother. Oh she was so sweet. Having a sponsor means more to these children then we could even imagine. It gives them the hope for a better life.

There is such a great work going on in Lima and in Huarez where AMG has childcare centers. I will share more with you in the days ahead. Please continue to pray for these sweet Peruvian children and all the workers who pour their lives into these kids and give them hope in Christ.

I'll leave you with a few more pictures.

Getting Ready

2010-08-11T16:28:00.000-04:00

I'm leaving for Peru tomorrow! I really can't believe that I'm actually going. I have been waiting for the opportunity to go to Peru, see the center, meet the Apons and see my family for a long time. But, I don't know if the excitement of it all will sink in until I'm on my way to Atlanta tomorrow.

Pray for us as we travel. This is a short trip, so I will only be at the center for one day. Pray that I'll be able to get a good grasp on things and be able to enjoy the children. It will almost be surreal to finally see the faces of the many children sponsored (and not sponsored) in Lima. Everyday I read and work with these children on paper (and computer) but what an experience to finally be able to hug their necks and try to talk to them in Spanish :). I'll also be sitting in on the AMG Peru Board Meeting. I hope to be able to get a better handle on the entire ministry in Peru. Also, I look forward to the fellowship with my fellow AMG workers in Peru.

Well, I'll try to update once I arrive in Lima and after my day at the center. Thanks for praying!

Do you have an extra $28?

2010-06-25T12:01:00.000-04:00

Every day I encounter stories about needy children and I don't think I can completely appreciate the poverty that these kids live in. Honestly I don't think as an American I could even begin to identify or imagine what it's like to live on $40 a month. Yeah, $40! I just finished looking over a bio on a sweet girl from the Philippines. Her name is Reaza Mae (pictured on the right). She is 11 years old and in the 1st grade (it is typical that poor children don't start school until they are older because they can't afford it). Her father is a farmer and makes $30 a month and her mother works as a laundry women making $10 a month. Reaza lives with her parents and four siblings in a one bedroom home with no running water or electricity. I can't wrap my brain around that.

Doyou have an extra $28 a month to support a child who lives on $40 a month...what most American's spend so easily without a thought. With $28 a month AMG can provide Reaza with nutritious food, medical care, clothing, a good education and most importantly AMG will be sure that Reaza learns and knows that there is a God who loves her and wants only the best for her. Visit the AMG International website if you would like more information about the organization and the AMG Child Sponsorship Program.

Barren Land

2010-05-28T09:52:00.002-04:00

We all know the Parable of the Sower...here is a refresher:
Matthew 13:1-8
Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!

So, why am I talking about this parable? On my drive home yesterday I decided to listen to Shane & Shane. While in High School I listened to their music all the time and it had an impact on my spiritual life. Anyway, I was listening to the song Barren Land which deals with this parable and what God can do in the hearts of men. This song also reminds me of the time I spend in Germany on a short-term mission trip. The summer after I graduated High School I spent 10 days in Germany ministering to a Turkish community. We spent our days hanging out on one street full of Turkish businesses and at the end of this street was a park. The first day we arrived at the park I saw drunk men laying under trees, trash, a few prostitutes walking with men, and even the grass looked bad...it was a Barren Land. During our week here we spent time cleaning up the trash, prayer walking around the park, each day we would have a Bible Study under a tree, and we reached out to those we would meet. The amazing thing was that by the end of our time there the grass was green, there were children playing at the park and it was actually inviting. To me, this was God showing me what He can do with prayer and work! Each time I hear the Shane & Shane song Barren Land I think about this Turkish community and that park. Let me give you the lyrics so you can get a better idea of why this song was so significant to me during my time in Germany and significant to me now in the work I am doing at AMG International.

Barren Land by Shane Bernard
"barren land can overflow with
life and fruit and fields that grow
in the barren land with labor and toil
planting seed and tilling soil
will stay the same, stay the same

but if for rain! but if for rain!
but if for rain to fall, irresistibly call
rain to cover me
but if for rain to heal, uncontrollably fill
the soil of eternity

and barren land will overflow with
life and fruit and fields that grow

Holy Spirit spur me to till
a once barren land so thirsty still
for living water, O God, sustains
so life and fruit and fields remain
lest they stay the same, stay the same"

But if for rain! We planted seeds in Germany among the Turks living there and I pray that God would continue to grow those seeds, that they did not fall on rocky or shallow soil. I have the same prayer for the thousands of children in the AMG Child Sponsorship Program. Daily we are planting the seed of Christ in their lives and in their family member's lives.

Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Living for Eternity

2010-04-20T13:30:00.000-04:00

My husband and I started attending a new church called The Mission in Dayton, Tennessee. Right now it is small and I love it. I feel connected and the Bible study is solid and always challenging. We are doing a short study on Ecclesiastes. I have always loved this book. Makes me feel like I'm alone in thinking that life is hard and not easy to figure out. On Sunday we looked at chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes. "For everything there is a season, as time for every activity under heaven." All of us have high points in life and low points in life. Right now Ryan and I are happy and making it day by day...its not really a high point or a low point...it just life. There are days when I think my life is falling apart because I get an unexpected bill or something (I'm a bit dramatic) but when you look at life as living daily for Christ...building His Kingdom...for eternity that bill doesn't seem to weigh so heavy. Also, wanting more space or a relaxing vacation or more stuff doesn't even compare to the fact that there are millions of people on this Earth who don't know Christ.

Even though I work at a mission organization where our goal is to give everyone on this Earth at least one chance to hear the Gospel message I still get caught up in what the world deems important (being power and riches). On Sunday night God really slapped me in the face...I sort of live for eternity but I also sort of live for stuff that is meaningless. I know God has been trying to get this through my head and heart for months now. I pray that I won't so easily forget that this world is temporary and we are here to love and serve God. When I was in high school my favorite verse was Philippines 1:21, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." I was reminded of this verse Sunday night...I want my attitude to be like Paul's.

There is always a need

2010-04-15T09:09:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it is hard to hear all the needs in this world because I don't have the recourses to meet them. It is so hard to meet one need but not the thousands of others. There are countless children who need sponsors (some who have never had a sponsor while others lose their sponsors and need a new one), medical needs, promising students who need money so they can further their education at a university, children orphaned because of AIDS who have no one to feed and care for them, and the list goes on. Depressing huh...
Today I am feeling a bit hopeless because I know we can't help everyone. There are countless aid organizations (Christian and not) who are helping the less fortunate yet there are still so many people living below the poverty line. I don't think it is fair...and it is hard for me to get my head around it.

Although, I am thankful that I can put my trust in the Lord and rest in the fact that He is in control. God loves this world and has a plan to save it...I just need to be willing to be used by God no matter what that means. For example, I desperately want to GO to Lima and play with the precious kids at the childcare center or GO to Uganda and meet the girl I sponsor and encourage her and her mom (who is raising three children on her own). But, God has me stateside; sitting at my desk, typing away at my computer supporting the work AMG is doing all over the world. It's not glamorous and sometimes it is even a bit boring, but it is necessary.

VBS in Lima, Peru

2010-03-18T11:47:00.002-04:00

Each year in February the childcare centers in Lima hold a Vacation Bible School for one week. The children learn Bible stories and memorize a verse each day. They play games, sing songs and do crafts...similar to VBS in America just with a little less production :). At the end of the week there is an award ceremony where the children who learned all the verses, those who arrived to VBS on time each day, and the teams who won the games receive prizes. This year the prizes were beanie babies, necklaces, and bags of candy. Enjoy the pictures!

Ages 3 to 6 coloring a picture to go along with the Bible story they learned

Playing Volleyball and Soccer

Singing Songs

Happy with their Prizes!

I think the children had a fun week :)

Reality Check

2010-02-25T11:44:00.000-05:00

Currently my husband and I live in a one bedroom apartment. We have lived there almost two years now and recently I have been feeling like we've outgrown the space. I so desperately wanted to move to a two bedroom townhome or apartment. Well, we decided that it wasn't necessary at this time to move to a larger space so I have started to redecorate and reorganize in order to make our 800 square feet one bedroom apartment a bit more homey. This past weekend I bought new curtains and such to freshin' things up. Although I started to get discouraged because I can't afford to buy much, only a little at a time. THEN...

Monday morning Pete (one of our Mission Adventures team leaders) shared about his recent trip to Uganda. As I watched his power point with pictures of children wearing rags, sitting in the dirt and malnourished I felt awful for wanting more than I already have. I know it is a broken record to say "there are starving children in Africa." BUT there ARE starving children in Africa. Now, this doesn't mean we can't have nice things and enjoy what God has given us but I MUST keep things in perspective. Why do I need more when many live in a hut with a dirt floor and barely eat once a day. I really didn't need more space and I don't need to worry about not having enough money to redecorate. God has blessed me and my husband with more than enough and we are blessed to be able to share what God has given us with those less fortunate. These precious children are so beautiful in God's site and I pray that through AMG International or any other relief organization their needs would be met physically and spiritually, to the Glory of God.

Are you interesting in sponsoring a child in Uganda or in another country? CLICK HERE. Sponsoring a child through AMG International provides them with nutritious meals, clothing, education, medical care, love and encouragement from the loving Christian childcare staff and most importantly he or she will learn about the saving grace found only in Jesus Christ.

Matthew 7:19-21

Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Dr. Spiros Zodhiates Childcare Center in Lima, Peru

2010-02-03T10:34:00.002-05:00

After the passing of our dear Dr. Zodhiates the Apon family (the Peruivan family serving AMG Peru) decided to name one of the childcare centers in Lima after him to honor his dedication to serving the Lord and those in need. I just received about 25 new children who are desperately in need of sponsors. Each of them have such joy in their smiles even though most of them are so poor they don't have electricity or running water in their homes. Here is a photo of where most of these children live...their homes are made from scraps of metal, cardboard, bamboo...really anything they can find.

Here are four precious Peruvian children whose smiles and faces will capture your hearts. They are in need of sponsors so please pray about sponsoring one of these children yourself or that soon we would find sponsors for these four and the many others living in Lima who need someone to give them hope for a bright future in our Lord Jesus.

This is Greicy Mesia Acosta (SP: 1044902) and she is three years old. Her father makes $50 a month working as a mason while her mother stays home and cares for the children. Greicy has one older sister and they live with their parents in a small home with only one room and no running water or electricity.

THIS CHILD IS NOW SPONSORED!
This happy girl is Gaderin Olortegui Panduro (SP:1044886). She is six years old and in 1st grade. Her father makes $69 a month as a vendor while her mother stays home and cares for her children. Gaderin has one older brother and they live with their parents in a small home made from cardboard and bamboo...just like the houses you see in the picture above.

Luis Fernando Villegas Mejia (SP: 1044851) is four years old. Both his father and mother work on public transportation selling candy and other goods. Their combined income is $160 and with that they try and provide for their four children although it is difficult to pay for school supplies and medical care.

This cutie is Jose Anderson Lopez Vargas (SP: 1044844). He is seven years old and attends 1st grade. His father works odds jobs and makes about $50 a month while his mother stays home to care for Jose and his older sister Maria. Together they share one room in a small shack made from cardboard and bamboo.

I count it a joy and a priveldge to be serving with the AMG International Child Sponsorship Ministry. I am blessed to see needy children's lives transformed into Christ's likeness and receiving lifes necessities because of a sponsor praying and supporting their child. If you are interested in sponsoring any of these children click here or to learn more about AMG Child Sponsorships click here.

Haiti

2010-01-14T11:42:00.003-05:00

The earthquake in Haiti is devastating. My boss used this phrase, "Unprecedented Disaster." Why is it unprecedented...because there is no water, no food, no shelter, no medical equipment, and no transportation to get around the city. When rescue workers come in they have to bring all of these recourses for themselves and for the Haitians. How do you even start to begin rescue and then rebuilding? I don't think there is anyway we could imagine what it is like in Port-au-Prince right now...there is no comparision.

AMG has projects "to the north" of Port-au-Prince in Grand Bassin, Camp Coq and LaFossette and none of them have been directly affected by the earthquake. However, many people living “in the north” had family members living and working in Port-au-Prince. These people are now homeless and jobless, and will be returning to their families “in the north”. Some have also been injured or killed. Those who return “to the north” may require medical care, and there will be additional children, and people in need. Pastor Rodne (AMG director in Haiti) anticipates a significant number of people arriving “in the north” from Port-au-Prince will need aid. Many of the AMG sponsored children “in the north” had one or more parents living/working in Port-au-Prince, so some of these children may now be orphans.

• that as many lives as possible would be saved
• that all would see God's hand at work in the mists of this disaster

• that many would come to know and understand the forgiveness, love and refuge we have in Christ

• that the millions of dollars being donated all over the world would be used in the best possible way

• for everyone involved in relief efforts

• for Pastor Rodne and those working alongside him in Haiti as they anticipate those traveling from Port-au-Prince for relief

2009-12-17T08:42:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I get discouraged in my work. I feel like anyone could do my job because the majority of it only requires basic computer skills. There are many days when I wish I could be on the field hugging on kids, encouraging struggling single mothers and needy families, helping those hurting after a natural disaster...to show the love of Christ in practical ways, which is what AMG is all about (Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel). I have felt this way for a few months now and God has been trying to get it through my head that I am right where he wants me to be.

Every Wednesday morning at AMG we have a 30 minute chapel service. We pray for our ministry and usually a speaker will come and give us a short message. Almost every speaker will say, "Thank you for what you do," or "I really appreciate each one of you," or "Every single one of your play an important role," you know encouraging words. But, I didn't listen. I was guilty of believing the lie that my work isn't important. This Wednesday our speaker's message revolved around Psalm 8:4 which says, "what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" That God would care for us enough to send his son Jesus to live among us to bring the world Salvation....who are we (man) that the creator of the Universe is mindful of us!

This got me thinking...the only way I ended up here at AMG is by the hand of God and so here I am complaining about it. I am Lame. I should be humbled that God would even want to use me to help the poor, orphans, and widows...that God is allowing me to help build His Kingdom. Yes, most of my day I sit at my desk on the phone, writing emails and letters, or entering information into a database BUT what I so easily forgot is that without someone taking care of these details almost 6,000 Children wouldn't have access to the basic human needs and the Gospel Message. "What is man that you are mindful of him..."

Something else happened that also put my head and heart back in the right place. Yesterday (the same day as Psalm 8:4 message) I received a phone call from a donor named Jill, a very sweet women of God. She sponsors a little girl named Barbara in Uganda whose mother recently passed away. Jill wanted to help out the family by finding sponsors for Barbara's siblings. After about five minutes into the conversation Jill told me that she has cancer and it is very aggressive. She has three children all under the age of 18 and she says that only by the hand of God will she survive. Jill told me she understood what Barbara and her family where going through because of her struggle with cancer. WOW. What a privilege for me to be apart of a relationship between someone in America with such compassion and love for a sweet little girl in Uganda. "What is man that you are mindful of him..."

I must ask forgiveness for being so small minded and believing the lies told to me by the world. All along God was trying to encourage me but I was stubborn. What a great God we serve, always patient with us in our stubbornness.

Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
For the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and hers, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Letters, Letters, Letters

2009-11-16T13:25:00.006-05:00

This time of year the Child Sponsorship department is very busy. Children are sending their Christmas cards to their sponsors and the sponsors are sending Christmas cards and gifts to their child...and all of that must go through the AMG Home Office first. For a little over a week I have been working on getting Children's letters out to their sponsors. While at times this can be very repetitious and even boring, I remember the importance of the relationship between a child and their sponsor. It is so special to see how a relationship develops between child and sponsor, sometimes only through letters. Here is a letter from a boy living in Uganda to his sponsor.

David says,
"Greetings in the name of our good God. We are very fine at home and I think you are okay over there in Jesus name. I am in grade four and how I pray that God enables me to perform well this term.
We are nine in number in our family and I am the fourth of all. I am living with both parents. My mother is a farmer and my father too. I stay in Bukanko and I always come to school on foot.
I also love God and I pray from Bukanko. I love praise and Worship in church. I wish one day I can have a look on our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank alot for the love and care. I still pray for you. As God lives we will meet one day in Uganda.
Love from your child in Christ Jesus, stay well. Good Bye."

I am always amazed when I come across letter from a child to their sponsor in which they express so much love and gratitude for their sponsor whom they have never met. And, it is always such a joy to see the love they express for their Savior, Jesus Christ. I can think of nothing sweeter this Christmas Season then to make a difference in the life of a child eternally.

Museekee Hostel in Thailand

2009-10-23T10:59:00.005-04:00

The Museekee Hostel is located in the most northern part of Thailand in the Chiangmai province. In this area there are villages with people mainly from the Karen tribe. These people are peaceful Thai citizens who make their living mainly by farming rice and corn, as they have done for generations. These villages have no electricity or telephones and health care is minimal. Families get their water from hand dug wells and have no plumbing facilities. Most families run out of food before harvest and must scavenge for food in the forest. Also, many young women are often taken to the large cities to be given "good" jobs by unscrupulous relatives and friends. The attractive girls end up working as bar girls or prostitutes while the others end up working 12 to 14 hour days in a sweat shop with little food or breaks.

For this reason Miss Zothansiami Ralte decided to start a boarding house for young Karen women in the last 80s. A few years later she married a Karen man and together they turned this boarding home into a more tradition childcare center where children from the surrounding villages can come and receive nutritious meals, clothing, medical care, education and learn of Christ's love. Without the Museekee Hostel most of these children would never have the opportunity to attend school.

We recently received new children from the Museekee hostel who are in need of sponsors. This is Archidphon and he is 4 years old and from the Karen tribe. He is the youngest with three older brothers and sisters. Both of his parents are farmers and only make enough for their basic needs.

This is little Sudarat and she just turned 5 years old in September. She is also the youngest with one older brother and one older sister. Her parents are also farmers only making enough to provide food and shelter for their family.

$28 a month provides a child with a good education, food, clothing, medical attention all in a loving Christian enviornment. Also, it not only helps the child but it benefits the entire family.

The Museekee Hostel Program in Thailand is a great ministry and I pray for God's protection and for his blessing over the children and staff. I ask that God would provide sponsors for the children in need and that this ministry would continue to grow in the name of Jesus Christ.

Pray for Manila

2009-09-30T11:12:00.006-04:00

More than a month's worth of rain fell on the capital, Manila in just 24 hours flooding 80% of the city. More than 450,000 people have been made homeless. The death toll is now over 300 with another storm headed toward Manila.

The office headquarters of AMG Philippines is in Quezon City, Metro Manila, one of the hardest hit areas. AMG has 32 childcare projects in the Philippines, serving over 3,000 children. Seventeen of these centers are in Metro Manila (eight of those have been flooded). Some of the AMG centers are being used as temporary shelters for the many left with no where to go.

Please pray for the AMG staff in the Philippines as they asses the situation and do their best to help those in need. Pray for the city as this next storm is on it's way toward Manila. Pray for the families of those in the Child Sponsorship program for safety. Pray that even during this devastating time people would come to know of Christ's great Love and that God would be Glorified.

Romans 8:26-30

26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.

Please visit the AMG International Website for more information

Guatemala

2009-08-11T14:14:00.004-04:00

I realize that I tend to write about many of the sad stories I come across while serving in the Child Sponsorships department here at AMG. So, today I want to share a promising story of a young girl in Guatemala. Families in Guatemala have a totally different frame of mind then we have in America. Our goals are to get an education and better ourselves, and we can do that because most of us don't worry about where our next meal will come from. In Guatemala most families are just trying to survive. Sometimes that means the children must help farm the land with their parents or a family has to pick up and move to a different town in search of a better life. Thankfully the AMG Childcare Center offers hope for a better future. Recently I came across a letter from a precious little girl to her sponsor. Her name is Leah Lexa and she is not quite old enough to write but the childcare worker writes this about her:

Your sponsored child Leah Lexa greets you wishing you God's blessings, I want to tell you that "Leah is a playful girl, she likes to make jokes to her classmates but she like to study too. The parents are very thankful with you for sponsoring her. She wants to tell you that she is in good health, her father's name is Jesus and her mother's name is Rosa, she attends the church and she says that she will pray for you, your family and friends, so long."

Reading this letter brought me hope because this little girl understands the gift she has been given from her sponsor. Last year over 900 children accepted Christ as their Savior in Guatemala and my prayer is that little Miss Leah Lexa will come to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. I pray that Leah Lexa will use this gift of sponsorship to complete her education and take advantage of all the opportunities presented to her so that one day she will be a successful Guatemalan citizen who can help her people and lead them to Christ.

Peru

2009-07-08T16:12:00.002-04:00

Peru has always been a special place to me. Both of my grandparents served as missionaries there and my Dad's sister is currently a missionary in Lima, Peru. Growing up I heard exciting stories of my parents adventures in the Jungle of Peru. I have had the privilege of visiting Peru a couple of times and LOVE it there. Everything about Peru is beautiful: the scenery, the language, the people...etc. It is a joy to be able to serve the people of Peru here at AMG International.

Today a boy living in Lima, Peru caught my attention. His name is David and he lives with his mother and many siblings in a small one room shack made from cardboard. He is fourteen years old and does not have much contact with his father. Even through his many hardships the letters he writes to his sponsor are filled with hope and joy because he knows his sponsor cares for him and that there is a God who loves him. He writes "I don't know who you are or what you look like but I love you, God bless you and thank you very much for your support." In another letter he writes, "I'm very happy in the center (childcare center) because we sing songs and learn Bible stories, we always pray for our sponsors..."

I pray sweet David will reach his goals in life and grow to be a Godly man who can lead his family and community in the ways of the Lord.

India

2009-06-16T12:29:00.003-04:00

I have been entering in new children from India-now ready for sponsorship! All of these children have in one way or another been affected by HIV/AIDS. Most of their parents have the virus or have passed away because of it. There are even a few children who have HIV/AIDS. As I was reading about a four year old boy named Daniel whose father passed away in 2007 and his mother also has HIV/AIDS I realized that she was my age! Only 23 years old-her husband has died from AIDS, she is suffering for the virus and she has a precious little boy to care for. I can not even begin to get my head around what kind of life she has. All I can do is pray...

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the love you have for Daniel and his mother. And I thank you that even though they are Hindu they came to AMG India to find refuge in their time of need. I pray that little Daniel will be sponsored and that through the sponsorship Daniel and his mother will come to see and know that there is only one God who can save them. I ask that through the AMG India workers they would come to know your deep and perfect love for both of them and that little Daniel and his mother would turn and follow You. Thank you for giving us your Grace and Mercy freely and I pray Lord Jesus that you would open Daniel and his mothers eyes to see You.

Prayer for Uganda

2009-04-30T10:09:00.003-04:00

All morning You have been putting Uganda on my mind. Uganda is a country of beautiful people but evil is very present there. With the AIDS epidemic, witch craft, children being enslaved, and extreme proverty-so many needs that only Your power can meet. Lord, here in America our minds can not even grasp what a day in the life of a child would be like in Uganda. As I sit here and look at pictures of children from Uganda, who need sponsors, I ask that you would protect them from war and witch doctors, provide them with food, and the funds to attend school. Most importantly Jesus I ask that your presence would be among them and they would know of your great love for each and everyone of them.

2009-04-15T10:07:00.002-04:00

Lord, today my thoughts with Jaboy, a 13 year old boy living in the Philippines. His father died last year and his mother left the family years ago leaving Jaboy alone to take care of his two younger brothers. In a letter he said, "I am stronger for my two younger brothers, I will sacrifice my own strength..."

Thank you for Jaboy's sponsor whose support is giving him the opportunity to go to school, have a daily meal, and most important hear the about the Love of Christ. I pray that you would be real to Jaboy and give him the strength he needs to take care of his brothers and work hard at his studies. I pray Jaboy and his younger brothers would feel your love for them.

Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strenthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

2009-03-27T11:26:00.002-04:00

Dear God,

As I complete my first month at AMG I am so thankful to you for blessing me with this opportunity. As I look back on the last year I remember how I struggled to find my place, yet all that time you were preparing me for this very job. Lord, now that I am here please give me the skills to complete my tasks well and give me the right attitude and heart so I will glorify you. And Jesus help me to love like you do...

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.