Hear Their Cry

“Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.” Ex 22:22, 23
When I was a new mom I worried when my daughter would cry. Was she hungry, uncomfortable, wet? What could I do to relieve her discomfort?
When I was a new mom I worried when my daughter didn’t cry. I’d lie awake at night straining to hear any sigh, gurgle, or noise that would relieve my fear and let me know she was all right.
When I became a new mom to 31 more children I heard a different cry; the cry of orphan children and I noticed their voices had a different pitch.
Can you hear their cry? God does. If you don’t, lean a little closer, close your eyes and concentrate, and listen with your heart. It’s the sound of loneliness, homelessness, hunger, and pain.
A good parent hears the cry of their children and responds appropriately. When a child has no parent God calls on his family, to hear their cry and care for them. We appreciate your prayers and support and thank you for partnering with us to hear their cry.

I Dared to Call Him Father

“…but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry ‘Abba, Father’” Romans 8:15
The above declaration is the title of a compelling book by Bilquis Sheikh, a Muslim who encounters Christ through the startling revelation that God is her Father.
As a woman in Pakistan it is unthinkable for her to consider God as someone as intimate and personal as her father. But indeed he is.
“In order to understand the relentless tenderness and passionate love of Jesus Christ we must always return to his Abba experience,” says Brennan Manning in his book, The Signature of Jesus. “He experienced God as tender and loving, courteous and kind, compassionate and forgiving. Abba, best translated Papa or Daddy, opened up the possibility of undreamed-of, unheard-of intimacy with God.”
“Lord, teach us to pray,” plea the disciples. “Our Father in heaven,” replies Jesus. The Lord sets the tone for our relationship with the Divine. “Abba, Father,” he cries out in agony from the Garden. “Father, forgive them,” he speaks compassionately on the cross. “He who loves me will be loved by my Father,” promises Jesus.
Our hope and prayer is that the children of New Vision City of Refuge would not miss out on this “undreamed-of, unheard-of intimacy with God.” May we all experience God’s “relentless tenderness and passionate love” and dare to call him, Father.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Not really.
But we tried.
Icicle lights were hung on the eaves with care as we wore shorts and t-shirts.
Snowmen decorations and Santa sleighs were displayed as a soft breeze blew through opened windows.
No chill in the air; no snow on the ground; no chestnuts roasting on an open fire, no Jack Frost nipping at your nose.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...in Jamaica.
Yes, Christmas looks different this year, but the Savior we serve remains the same. He is faithful when we are frustrated, full of peace when we feel the pinch, and ever present no matter where we may find ourselves.
So, friends, where ever you might find yourself this year (no matter how it looks outside) may it look a lot like Christmas in your heart as you celebrate the birth of the Savior with the ones you love.