Tag: Blogging

Playing God

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Who decides the value of life?

I know this is a subject highly debated by some, but I am simply bumfuzzled by this way of thinking.

In America a woman can abort a “fetus” up to moments before delivery if she chooses. When the state does not allow late-term procedures, they will refer them to another clinic. If that same woman were to deliver at home or in a college dorm, and the child died, she would be charged with manslaughter. The defense could be stated that she did not want the child, it makes no difference. Only licensed doctors can legally end life. If the same child were to have a medical condition and she did not seek proper treatment, she would be charged with neglect or possibly manslaughter if the child were to die as a result. Yet once in the hands of the hospital, they now have the right to play God. Many parents have been charged with medical neglect because they do not agree with the decisions of their doctor. Whether it be medications or vaccinations, you no longer have the right to decide what is best for them, because you don’t hold their degree. Parents have had a child sent to foster care because they would not give them drugs prescribed for mental conditions. Parents have fought the medical establishment over the right to refuse vaccinations. While others fight for their child to receive medical treatment that could save their life. In London, the Human Rights Counsel has the last word. Infant Charlie Guard was refused life support, and the option to be treated elsewhere, he died July 28, 2017. Infant Alfie Evans died April 28, 2018 after having life support removed. In both cases the government decided if the child would receive treatment, or if it was ethical to sustain life. There are cases where a hard decision must be made, and I am not referring to anyone who has faced that decision.

I am sure there are many cases like this, but one comes to mind. A young man received a brain injury and in deep coma. Doctors advised his mother, that even if he were to awaken there would be little brain function. The diagnosis was grim, and she was advised not to continue life support. Refusing to give up, she sat with her son every day. Reading scriptures, praying, and speaking encouraging words to him. People would often ask why she bothered, since he could not hear. Doctors continued to suggest he be taken of life support, but she refused. On New Years eve, a shift nurse was doing her rounds, and was not happy to be there. She was cursing at him, and saying if not for him, she would be at the party. One glorious day, he did awaken out of the coma. Before leaving he spoke to the shift nurse who was cursing him. He told her everything she had said in the room that New Years Eve. The Color drained from her face, and she was speachless. Not only could he hear a mothers prayers, and her fight for him, but also the negative scoffing of those who did not believe in chance. The young man had full brain function, and compleatly recovered. God can change any circumstance if one has faith that He can. Why not allow God to decide who lives or dies? I believe it comes down to the fact that so many do not believe He created life. Therefore only the strong survive, making it survival of the fittest. This belief puts man in place of God.

Smile’s All Around!

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You may not think a toothbrush and paste sound like an exiting gift, but for the children of India, it brings a SMILE!

 

7Praveen and his family are thankful for a special day. Over 50 children gathered for food and fun!

Investing in a child has many rewards. Praveen and his family take in children who have no home, but also reach out to children of widows, and the poor.

 

Children are the reason I started a charity blog, and hope to one day help more in need.  Showing a child they are loved, and encouraging them to achieve their dreams, can make a difference in their life.

1I thank those who have joined me in helping Praveen and his family.  🙂

 

 

 

 

How the children have grown!

 

 

 

Jamil~ Sharing Love In Pakistan

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Would you help these children prosper?

I have known Jamil for several years and he is no stranger to persecution. Through it all he has risen above it, and continues to help the children who have no one to care for them.

Any country you visit has its share of orphans, but they are handled differently. There is an estimated 4 Million orphans in Pakistan, with very few rules to protect their well-being. Caring citizens are needed to protect the rights of children in Pakistan. Homes are not governed by a welfare system, anyone can take in children and claim orphanage status.. without truly caring for them. The orphans of Pakistan face the same challenges as other country’s. Being sold for labor,sexual gratification, and face neglect. There are no laws enforced to ensure orphans receive basic education, food, or health care. Jamil has been providing care and education for children to the best of his ability. Funds to care for the children do not come from the government. Jamil relies on the aid of donations and income he receives through labor. Jamil has been facing hardship and is reaching out for help to care for the children. There is a planned event in March for the children to receive clothing and basic necessities. If you would like to be a monthly supporter, or give a one time gift, please do. Your donation will help provide food, clothing, and education. If you would like to give to Jamil directly, please leave a comment and I will share how this is done.

Please share the need with others in your circle..  Thank you 🙂 

Jamil of Pakistan
Children of Pakistan
Child of Pakistan

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

 

 

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