Mercy Update

Posted on 22 April 2010.

We recently took on the sponsorship of another 35 children from poverty-stricken families in rural China. The situations they face truly break out hearts.

One young boy's parents both died in a vehicle accident in 2004. He is looked after by his 75-year-old grandfather, who has a blood clot in his brain, high blood pressure and kidney trouble, and his 70-year-old grandmother, who has problems with her leg.

Another boy's mother was killed when she was involved in a fight while working in the fields. After her death, his father left the home. Again this boy is cared for by elderly grandparents.

A third child's parents are still alive, but the father was hurt in a motorcycle accident and is now blind. The mother had little education and the family struggle to earn enough to live on.

By sponsoring children like these and helping them to continue their education, we trust that we can make a real difference in their lives. We are also looking to work with local Christian believers who will act as mentors to support and encourage these families.

Each month we run English classes at the village school a number of these children attend. After the last class, our co-workers reported, "We had 48 very eager but shy students. We asked the children to choose an English name and had the children write their name on a piece of paper. Then we taught them how we have a Christian name and then a surname. We talked about what is special and good about ourselves, and how we are all different. Then we gave each child a notebook and for homework asked them to write a few sentences about what is special and good about themselves."

Thank the Lord for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these children from poverty-stricken families. Pray that each of these children will be able to continue their education and find a better future.

Pray for wisdom as we interview local Christians to act as mentors to the sponsored children. Pray that the believers chosen will be able to build good relationships with the families and bring the Lord's love and truth into their lives.

Pray for the monthly English classes at the village school. Pray for the Lord's anointing on our co-workers who teach the classes and pray that the words they speak and all they do might witness powerfully to the truth of the Gospel.