Category: My Blog

Is Lizzy Beautiful?

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What is beautifully ugly? 

Years ago there was a You Tube video titled “The World’s Ugliest Woman”. I did not watch it, because I do not support hate.. I knew the woman they were using as clickbait could not choose her genetics. To me, the one who published the video was the”worlds ugliest” along with those who added their hurtful comments.. Appearances are merely a shell and people can be beautifully ugly!

 

Elizabeth Ann Velásquez is beautiful!

400px-Lizzie_Velasquez_2017Lizzy was born in 1989 prematurely. A rare congenital disease prevents her from gaining weight, causes an aged appearance, and affected her vision. She was blessed to have parents who did not choose to abort, as some had hatefully suggested. As a young girl she didn’t feel anything was “wrong” with her, but noticed other children treated her differently. This is how words, and actions can shape our self-image.

At the age of 17 she saw the video on You Tube, that had named her the world’s ugliest woman.. This video filled her with pain, and the hateful comments only made matters worse. Lizzy’s faith, and strong family support, helped turn hurt and shame into acceptance and emotional healing.

I wonder how the publisher and commenters of that video feel now?

Lizzy decided to fight hate with love, and love always wins! She has dedicated her time to helping others who are victims of cyber bullying. 

Lizzy has become an author,motivational speaker,and You Tube sensation.

As a woman who has struggled with low self-esteem throughout my life, I know how cruel some can be. I wanted to be chosen for “Extreme Makeover” they seemed to transform flaws into awes.. The world views beauty as an appearance, and one is only worthy of the title if you meet their criteria. I have been learning that life is likened to the Serenity Prayer.. Except the things we can not change, harness the power to change what we can, and possess the wisdom to know the difference. The most beautiful people I have known are not super models. Their inner beauty seeps through their pores, and that is all you can see.. These are the ones who make the world a better place, like Elizabeth Ann Velásquez. I believe she is the meaning of true beauty!

Thank you for reading 🙂

Links and credits:

[1] Lizzy Velasquez photo

[2] Lizzy Velasquez offical website

[3] Lizzy’s You Tube Page

 

 

Set Them Free- Modern Day Slavery

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We Must Be Their Voice

  I am not one who lends an ear to conspiracy theory’s, I make an effort to check facts. The truth of the matter is, all around the world people are being sold into slavery.. This is more than my heart and mind can wrap around..

Here in America where humanitarian laws are strict, people of all ages and races are being sold for sex trafficking and free labor.. the numbers are to great for agents to handle. [1] In Missouri, an alarming number of woman and children are missing. One  man sent out an alert, when he witnessed black vans scoping out public shopping centers. [2] Possibly this is related to the number of businesses involved in trafficking.

Recently I heard from Senator Richard.H. Black, about the open slave auctions in Libya..[3] At least two times a week they hold an open auction, where African-Americans are sold to the highest bidder.. In the Middle East young children are being sold to grown men, and it not because their wives are barren,these children are used for perversion.. I wish this was just another conspiracy theory I could ignore.. That I would not have to face this reality, because it is all so evil. [4]

We must lift our voices, and cry out for those who can not speak for themselves.. They are waiting to be rescued from their captors..Waiting to be united with their family members who like themselves, were taken. For many the thought of enduring life as they know it, ends in suicide. Woman commit suicide rather than live out the horror that awaits them, knowing they are to be used as concubine. Children are subjected to unspeakable acts, that darken their soul. Years of therapy are needed after they are rescued from the grips of their captors.

These atrocity’s are rarely spoken of on your nightly news, and often the rest of the world turns a blind eye to the subject.. The ones who speak out know first hand that slavery never ended. They are the small portion who were rescued from the sex trade, or subject to forced labor. Every day there are people being transported and sold into some form of slavery. Their captors use force and threaten to kill their family, if they try to escape. Christian woman and children are being publicly gang raped, tortured, and killed as message of power.

What can we do? If you are a believer, join other Christians around the world who are praying.. Telling others, and requesting intercessory prayer is helpful. A group called Exodus Cry , is one of many who are reaching out. [5]

The U.N. budget for peacekeeping effort reaches billions each year. You can be a voice for others by contacting the U.N. and pleading their cause. [6] U.N. Peacekeeping Effort.

Learn of events taking place in your community, contact your local senators if you believe trafficking may be an issue in your state.

We may not have the power to be a modern-day Moses, yet our effort as individuals can be multiplied ten fold. Please consider being a voice for those who can not raise theirs..

Thank you for reading, and caring  🙂

 

Sources:

[1] Missing in MO

[2] MO Trafficking

[3] Libya Migrant Auctions

[4] Saudi Child Trafficking

[5] Exodus Cry

[6] Contact U.N. Peacekeepers

 

 

 

Diamonds And A Heart Of Gold

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” For where your treasure is,there your heart will be also”

 

Pastor Emmanuel Momoh, of Sierra Leone uncovered an earthy treasure valued at over $62 million. It is believed to be among one of the 13 largest diamonds ever found, so imagine his amazement when in the small village of Yakadu, he discovered the 706-carat gem.
He purposed in his heart not to keep it unto himself, but to give it away, for the betterment of all around him. Pastor Momoh was moved by the efforts of the government to improve the failing infrastructure in his village.

African President Ernest Bai Koroma, said “It was a gift from God” and was thankful for the kindness of  Momoh.  Koroma pledged the funds received from the diamond, would be used wisely.

Betty Florence spoke of road conditions often, traveling from Freetown to Fakonoh was not an easy task. Roads were often washed out, and it would take hours to reach the village, stopping several times to free the car from the mud, and deep ruts. Although she did not have electricity in the village, she spoke of the rolling black outs for those who did.  She was scheduled to be in Freetown, just day’s before the mudslide that claimed the lives of many.  It has been said, this was an accident waiting to happen.
Betty was present during the Ebola outbreak in 2014, and it again reared its ugly head, but prayer kept the village untouched. Poor living conditions and lack of sanitation, made it more difficult to treat the spreading disease.
These are only a few factors as to why Sierra Leone needed the blessing from pastor Momoh.

Sierra Leone is known for slave labor to mine “blood diamonds” the money is used to fund brutal wars. The people of Sierra Leone are oppressed and uneducated, leaving them to live in poverty, while those in seats of authority prosper. Human rights violations are prevalent, especially among woman.
This makes Sierra Leone a dry and thirsty land for missionaries to place their beautiful feet.

Pastor Emmanuel Momoh was lead to a pure diamond, it’s value will do much earthly good, but his heart seems fixed on the treasures of heaven.
It is my hope that people around the world will be touched by his act of kindness and realize it is better to give than to receive.  🙂

 

 

 

Knowledge Is Power! ~India~

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“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.”
– Confucius-

For nearly two years I have been writing about the orphanage in India, but there is something I have come realize, it is not an orphanage at all.. it is home!

Anyone who works with children can say, “it takes a gift or a calling”. Patients and understanding will build love and confidence. These children who once lived on the streets will have the chance every child deserves.

For India’s street children, education is secondary in daily life, if at all. They do not have anyone to ensure they attend school, and no truancy officers taking them by the ear. They simply fall through the cracks of the ICPS, and the Juvenile Protective Care Act. In fact the government does not have an official estimate of street children. India has the highest number of child laborers, and street children spend their time forging the city landfills, or “ragging” to make an income. Those who do attend school, do not have the same opportunity as children from the “upper class”.

Since Praveen has taken the children into his home, they have been loved and nurtured, and have become part of the family. Life on the streets for a child,comes with many wounds. This healing process takes time, and can be difficult to break through. The children were behind in their studies, and are receiving the help they need. In their home, there is no “caste system” they all have equal opportunity to advance in life, and be educated.

In India girls face discrimination, and are not educated equally. The family’s of lower caste, feel their daughter will enter an arranged marriage and is not worth the cost of tuition. Illiteracy is extremely high among the female population. At home the girls and boy’s, are being taught to read, and speak English as a second language. Although they attend public school, the family also helps with their studies, as any caring parent  would. Each child has their own unique talents, and they are encouraged to use them. The children join in singing, and performing plays for Sunday service.

Praveen and his father Ratna Kumar, hope to one day open a Bible college, where students who can not afford local tuition, can advance their studies. For now they are gaining experience through hands on education.

At the home area children are welcome to attend Sunday school, where Praveen reports they are eager to learn. The children are growing and gaining knowledge, that will help them throughout their life. There they are building relationships with others who will treat them with kindness, not judgement based upon their birth.

Thank you for reading, thank you for caring 🙂

 

 

 

Pre- Abortion Counseling at Iganga!

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Caring guidance preserves life!

Although Uganda has abortion restrictions, they are performed daily.

[1] 1.2 Million Ugandan woman face unwanted pregnancy each year, in which 26% lead in abortion. Woman living in rural communities are at further risk of having complications during an abortion procedure. Many clinics refer woman to pre- abortion counseling before they agree to perform the procedure.

David Kisaame, of Iganga Crisis Pregnancy Center, fills this need with gladness!

In a recent testimony, David shared how he counseled an unnamed couple, who sought an abortion of their seventh child. Being a pastor, David went to the Bible, and shared how sacred life is to God. Many who come to the pregnancy center, know nothing about God or the Bible. David reads scripture that shows, life begins at conception. The worries that this couple faced, is shared by all the others who came before them. This couple felt that one more mouth to feed, would be far to difficult. David shared many events of hardship from the Bible, and how the Lord gave them all strength to gain victory. Using wisdom like Solomon, David asked the question, ” Having six children, and one in the womb, which brings you more burden to sustain”? They replied “the six”. Jokingly, David said ” Then why not get rid of  the six, and keep the one in your womb”?. Of course, they refused, yet understood what David was implying.. If it is impossible to kill your six children, why kill the one yet to be born.

Ultimately it is the mothers decision, but David aims to be sure they are fully aware of what is to come. Many times, when someone knows there is an another answer, they feel more at peace keeping their child.

This story ended well! after counseling, the couple decided to keep their child. Months passed, and a man entered David’s office to share the news of how grateful he was to receive harsh reality.. in essence, he had asked his wife to have an abortion, since they had six daughters to care for. In tears he related how his wife had just given birth to their only son!.  Good decisions end well, and together they prayed for the existence of the counseling center, and Gods gift of a baby boy.

Iganga reaches out to those seeking an abortion, and provides aid to those who struggle after giving birth to a child. Parenting education, and childcare often lead a family to finding sustainable income. Since finances are the leading cause of abortion, this is a wonderful resource. David invites all those with a heart for life, to join him. If you are considering a mission to Uganda, please contact me.

If you would like to help Iganga advance their efforts, please donate here via Pay Pal.

If you would like to make your support direct, by using Western Union.

  1. Select Uganda as the destination, and send to David Kisaame
  2.  Email the tracking number to me, and I will forward.

Your support is needed, and appricaited!

Thank you 🙂

[1] ugandas-abortion-rate-has-decreased

 

 

Who Is Dobri Dobrev? Come And See!

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By Nexus Infinitus (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org

                                       In Bulgarian, his name translates as “kind”

Dobri Dimitrov Dobrev, was born July 20, 1914 in the village of Bailovo, Bulgaria. He is better known as Grandpa Dobri, or The Saint of Bailovo. He is a Bulgarian beggar who wants to change the world..

Dobri’s father died while serving in World War I, this left his mother to raise him and three sisters alone. His mother worked at an orphanage, and his father before joining the war, would often help the orphanage when they had no money. Dobri saw sacrificial kindness in the lives of his parents from a young age.

Dobri served as a bodyguard to King Boris III and his family. A brush with death was a defining moment for Dobri, he believed God had a plan for his life. He retired the Kings service and devoted his life to serving God, believing it was divine intervention.

Dobri married near the rise of World War II, they had four children together, two have passed on. He served in the war pledging to protect Jewish citizens, and lost most his hearing after a bomb attack. He survived over forty years of the Iron curtain, by going into the mountains to pray. Working as a shepherd, he learned to be a humble servant, and had no desire for material wealth. He gave all his belongings to the Orthodox church, and now lives in a small room at Saints Cyril church in his native village of Bailovo.

In his tattered cloths, and worn leather sandals, he would walk in all-weather over 40 kilometers, to beg alms. You would think Dobri was merely a common beggar, but not so.. Standing outside the church of Sofia, clutching a small tin box, he raises funds for churches and orphans.

In his lifetime, Dobrev has given 80,000 Bulgarian lev ( $50,000 USD) to churches, monasteries and other charitable causes. Dobri chose a simple life, never seeking praise for his giving. He is loved by many in the village of Sofia, who call him “Grandpa Dobri”. Dobri has never taken a cent of the charity he has raised. He lives on 100 euro’s a month that he receives for retirement, and thankful for the fruit and bread people kindly leave him.  At 101 his strength endures, since a merry heart is like a medicine.

He enjoys visiting with those who pass by, and will often kiss the hand of little children, or those in his company. He always reminds those who will listen about God’s love, and that ” He is the only way”. This gentle old man touches the heart of all who encounter him. His life story inspired the documentary film ” The Silent Angel ” and also a website dedicated to his life’s work  Saint Dobry.

Although Dobri may be unaware, his kindness has been ” Tweeted”..  Matthew 23:12, declares that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who are humble will be exalted. I believe Dobri is now being exalted for his steadfast love..

So if you ever chance to meet Dobri Dobrev, standing outside the St. Alexander Nevsky church of Sofia, please give him a big hug for me!

The good will is just and true. Everything in it is good. We must not lie, nor steal, nor commit adultery. We must love each other as God loves us.
— Dobri Dobrev

 

The gift of clean water

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                       You can help provide clean water to an orphanage in India! 

 

I have read if you vacation in India, don’t drink the water! since even the municipal water should be filtered to be free from contaminates..

The orphanage in India does not have running water.. Most in rural India rely on carrying water from a nearby source, and many suffer from water-borne illness.. Humanitarian groups are involved to help bring clean water to children and family’s in many country’s. I believe this is a wonderful incentive, considering it can improve overall health, and even prevent death.

NewAt the orphanage, they carry water from a bore well that is on the property. This water is used for cleaning and bathing, but can not supply drinking water, for its high levels of TDS, it also produces heavy limescale, and can not be trusted to be free of bacteria.  They are blessed to have a source of water, but they must purchase water for drinking, and cooking.

 

They are all hard-working, and thankful for what they have. I believe having access to clean water would be a blessing to the family.

I am on a quest to raise the funds for a water treatment system. This would allow them to use bore well water making it safe for all household use. After some research I discovered if your water is high in TDS ( total dissolved salts) you need a reverse osmosis system.

If you would like to help this cause, please note that 100% is used for the family.

Please share the need, as it is also giving  🙂  ~ Colossians 3:17 ~

 

 

Sowing Seeds Of Love

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You can sow seeds of discourse, and reap noxious weeds.. or sow seeds of love and reap a harvest! 

Last year I shared a post about creating ways to supplement the food supply at the India orphanage.. One obstacle they faced was lack of fertile ground to sow into, and this is the case for many in India.

green-my-lifeWith prayer and some searching I found a great alternative. Patio gardens and grow bags, take little space and can produce a great amount of fruit,and vegetables. Last year I sent a Green My Life grow kit to the orphanage, and it was successful. This year I would like to expand the effort, to include the widows with children, and the elderly.

givingFor those who are not familiar with Praveen, he and his wife Kurthi, along with his parents, renovated an old building to open an orphanage. The children are taken in from the streets if they are willing, and given a new hope in life. The home is not government funded, and operates through donation.  Praveen and his father are also pastors, reaching out to local widows, and the elderly. There is no lack of love in that place, I have seen the desire this  family holds for helping the poor. ~  Hebrews 13:6

If possible I plan to send an ample supply of seeds and grow bags to share with those who are able to use them. Keeping in mind, many live in huts and tents.. possibly others with ample room can share their bounty with those who can not grow their own.

Please pray that this project will be successful, please share the project with your friends. If you feel lead to help please donate. Every prayer and penny is appreciated 🙂

Thank you so much

Mary

 

Lest We Forget MLK Jr.

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I would like to ask those who do not enjoy color,to close their eyes and imagine a world without it..

White skies and trees, white birds that never sing differently.. This world would be an awful place, if we were all one Race. Color is beauty,let us celebrate love and diversity..

Dr. King once said that we all have to decide whether we “will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. Life’s most persistent and nagging question, he said, is `what are you doing for others?’” he would quote Mark 9:35, the scripture in which Jesus of Nazareth tells James and John “…whosoever will be great among you shall be your servant; and whosoever among you will be the first shall be the servant of all.” And when Martin talked about the end of his mortal life in one of his last sermons, on February 4, 1968 in the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church, even then he lifted up the value of service as the hallmark of a full life. “I’d like somebody to mention on that day Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others,” he said. “I want you to say on that day, that I did try in my life…to love and serve humanity. {1}

The King Center

Global Human trafficking

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Would you help Andy by donating one dollar to the Andy Fund? For less than a coffee at your local cafe.. you could help Andy pack his bags and be on his way to a brighter future !

It may be hard to believe that human trafficking takes place every day around the globe..  Men, woman, and children are sold as property to perform the desires of the buyer.. Often times it is to pay off debts, or by being trapped into a scheme offering a great opportunity. Although we must speak out against this horrific act no matter where we live, I will be addressing the issue of Uganda.

1464510137993I have known Andy since he was 14 years old. Our friendship has been one of trying and failing.. but we  keep pushing on. The lack of jobs in Uganda for young adults effects both sides of the fence,uneducated laborers like Andy, and those with a degree. A high number of college graduates are working in UAE as maids, and common laborers.

The lack of job opportunities has caused Saudi Arabia to become a way out for young workers, especially woman who are enticed to become maids. Uganda signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia in 2015 to send Ugandans to the Middle East in an effort to counter the high unemployment rates. However, this was rescinded after reports of women being abused during their stay. This caused a ban on hiring Ugandans in 2016 by Wilson Muruli Mukasa, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Men and woman out of desperation still continue to sign themselves over to recruiters to be placed into a job of their dreams.. There are a number of agency’s who are registered with the government who place them with legitimate jobs, but many fall prey to shady practices.

The TIP has stated that Saudi Arabia is a destination country for Ugandan trafficking victims. For this reason, Uganda signed the agreement with Saudi Arabia to minimize the many Ugandans trafficked there. However the government did not enforce a stronger effort to monitor the recruitment agency’s. The government does not have the resources to screen all the advertisements promising a great job for a fee.. There have been countless reports of abuse, as well as workers not receiving any pay. Despite these reports there has been little prosecution of those exploiting and trafficking persons. As a warning, agency’s have been known to outsource to Oman once you reach UAE, leaving you forced to pay off your travel and housing debt. Many in Oman purchase a maid from Uganda through recruiters, and your treatment depends upon the employer. Some employers to avoid being caught, do not allow employees to use the internet,cell phones, or have contact with family members. There have been reports of maids being subject to their employer, working long hours and suffering sexual abuse. If a Ugandan can manage to contact someone and tell their plight,there is a chance of returning home. Many woman are still waiting to be rescued from their dream job. Because of efforts from the Ugandan government and other humanitarian agency’s, there has been a decline in the number of TIP’s from Uganda.

The need for laborers in the UAE  has led the government to allow Ugandans to be outsourced through contracts, lifting the previous ban. If you are in desperate need of work, you must ask the recruitment agency for their registration number, and search their reputation. There are good people just running a business like anyone else, trying to make a living, but also those waiting to take advantage of the desperate. You must ask yourself, if you would be better off paying someone to make your life miserable, or staying where you are and hope to afford a registered employment recruiter.

I am trying to raise funds to send Andy to a registered recruiter, so if you have one dollar to spare.. we would truly appreciate it. This will be a way out of poverty for Andy who can be hired as a laborer in Dubai. He would like to join his friends who have contracted with Dubai, and have sent back good reports of their employment there.

Please share this need with your friends!  Thank you so much 🙂

Mary @ Pennies For Dreams