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 Jesus’ kids! January 2001 Volume 4, Number 1 “Religion that God the Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself
from being polluted by the world.”
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| “I wonder how
the lambs are doing, Momma?” I have two children that have asked
that question everyday for the last five months, and I too wonder how they
are fairing without us. It’s been especially hard during this holiday
season. Both of our children have cried because they can’t be with
the lambs on Christmas. In all the hustle and bustle of Christmas
in America, something we only experience at four year intervals, I find
my own mind wandering to Betikara and the lambs. We missed those
bright little eyes and all the happy smiles and surprised faces.
We missed the intense excitement of children who are not in the habit of
experiencing presents. We miss the hugs.
I wonder how they are doing in school. They’ve completed half a school year without us. Andry, our little lamb who was abandoned last July, has completed his very first semester of school in a rather difficult situation. He’s so much bigger than the other children and he’s never had lesson one of even the ABC’s. I wonder how he is fairing, and if he is looking forward to the second half of the school year, or if he is struggling and needs a pat on the back or a hug from me. I wonder how much they have grown. As we traveled through the States, many asked us about clothing sizes and everytime I supply them, I wonder how far off I am. Children do have a tendency to shoot up when one doesn’t see them all the time. Am I going to be shocked to see how much they have grown and how much I have missed? I wonder if they are healthy and full of all the energy I remember them to have. I wonder who has suffered with malaria or flu or a runny nose. I wonder who has fallen down and needed a shoulder to cry on. I wonder if they run to Esther and John clamoring for medicine candy (vitamins) the way they always did to Barry. I wonder who needs a good tickle. I haven’t even seen one of the lambs yet. A name is all I have. Jean Claude. I haven’t seen his face. I haven’t seen how big he is or how much he can read. I can’t imagine how he fits in with the others or what other lamb has become his best friend. I don’t know if he likes to laugh, if he’s overflowing with exuberance or if he’s a quiet little lamb. I haven’t learned what interests him or what special needs he may have. I haven’t hugged him yet. Most of all, I wonder if they are all growing spiritually and who will surprise me most with an especially big memory verse or a new song. I wonder how many of them have come to understand that they need a Savior. I wonder if they are still sending such sweet prayers heavenward everyday as I heard before I left. It’s not long now. I’ll see how much they’ve grown. I’ll hear their needs. I’ll pass out as many hugs as necessary and I’ll just smile and smile and soak in all the joy that the little lambs have such a capacity to give out. I wish you could be there with me. |
| The Betikara Building Project
You now have the entire 4-phase plan for the new Betikara home that will house a minimum of 40 children. Soon, we will try to publish the floor plan and a drawing of the facade of the Betikara Orphanage. By the end of January work will be underway on the piece of land. Borders will be marked and planted with trees first. A small guard house will be constructed so that electricity may be brought right onto the land. Well digging will begin, land will be cleared and foundations dug. Shortly after that brick making will begin involving the little lambs who presently reside at Betikara. We’d like once again to say a heartfelt thank you for your help in making Betikara become a reality. You have not padded a child’s life, you have saved a child’s life with your caring hearts, with your serving spirits and with your generosity. Don’t forget. We invite you to come and see for yourself. Come and help build if you are a builder. Come on down and help us develop the gardening end of the Betikara project if your specialty is agriculture. If teaching is your thing, or sewing, if you are a nurse or a homemaker we can use you too. And if you are none of those but you have a heart overflowing with love, a wide lap and open arms, if hugs are what you specialize in, then we can use you most of all. Welcome. Come on down. Share the love. Have the experience of your life. Prayer though is what Betikara continues to need most. We thank you most of all if you are one of our team who go to the Father daily asking him to help with Betikara’s physical needs and to guide us in the spiritual training and development of the lambs. You are the most important team member. |
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so generous. The Betikara folks say
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Note: Next month’s newsletter will contain an updated budget
containing expenses that
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| Special thanks for a donation made in honor of:
Di Watson
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If you would like to help with a monetary donation, write your check out to BETIKARA and send it to: Indiana Church of Christ
“He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him
for what he has done.”
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