I get the pleasure of attending this Banquet Tonight! It is sponsored by this Very Cool Ministry along with the rest of my small group, and Members of the Pastoral Staff of Lifebridge Church I am really excited about this opportunity, and i cant wait to go!
So, Who Is Forgotten Child International??
Here is a Brief History( From the Forgotten Child International Website)
Forgotten Children International began in 1999. The co-founders, Matt & Barb Hartsell, were in Russia adopting their second child internationally when they observed the appalling plight of orphans. Like so many who have adopted or who have traveled internationally, they were moved by the cruel and harsh reality of the lack of essentials that so many of us take for granted on a daily basis. A middle-of-the-night prompting by the Holy Spirit, while in Moscow, Russia, began the journey of assisting orphans
Missions trips to Romania also served to reinforce the calling to make a difference in the lives of the fatherless, street children and vulnerable children in general.
In addition, God continuously brought to their attention the scores and scores of Scripture verses (over 2,000 verses in the Bible) that address God’s compassion and concern for the poor, the needy and the fatherless. “Throw-away children” is not a philosophy or option for a follower of Jesus Christ; His disciples have been commissioned to do something for the most vulnerable. We are called to seek justice on their behalf. God’s Word repeatedly mandates, “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17 (NIV).
Sensing God’s leading to take a step of faith, a clothing ministry was begun. Used clothing was collected and stored in an 8 x 16 closet until a group of volunteers packed and shipped the boxed items to Russia. Today the clothing portion of the ministry has expanded to a warehouse where used clothing is collected, packed and shipped 20,000 pounds at a time—to Ukraine and India.
Forgotten Children International later broadened to make available monthly orphan sponsorships. For $25 per month, a child is provided with all of life’s essentials—food, clothing, shelter, education and an opportunity to know the Love of Jesus Christ.
As the ministry continued to develop, orphan home construction grants were offered to promising ministries assisting orphans. Orphan home construction grants have been provided to construct intimate orphan homes in many countries allowing children the opportunity to receive quality care in a loving environment. Grants to build compassionate orphan homes have been provided for India, Thailand, Kenya, Ukraine and South Africa. Recently the direction of the ministry has shifted to creating a new community in Africa called Refuge of Hope, therefore orphan home construction grants are no longer offered as FCI’s focus shifts.
The dream of Refuge of Hope, a ministry of FCI, is a creating communities in Africa in which forgotten and vulnerable children are lovingly cared for in Christ-centered environments. Being sensitive to the African culture and customs is vital in this venture. Networking and partnering with multiple African pastors is currently underway. God’s leading and direction in this portion of the ministry has been clear and evident—and exciting!
This is Exactly the Type of Ministry that I have felt a tug in my Spirit to be involved in, as well as, ones here in the United States!! I don't know to what extent I am going to be Involved, But i am SO Excited to See where God leads me!!
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