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I have mentioned our precious friends, Bill and Lynsay, many times in my blog….they are passionately devoting their lives to serving the orphans of Ch*na. These unbelievably gifted young friends of ours sold their home in Oregon, gave up wonderful jobs, sold their cars and left all the comforts of home to minister in Ch*na.
When I really stop to think about what that means I remember: when their family or friends here in the states have a special event or are seriously ill or dying – B & L are thousands of miles away; when they want to talk to their loved ones in the States they are in a time zone that doesn’t make that easy; when they want to hang out with those they’ve known and loved – they are thousands of miles away; when their kids need a grandma/grandpa fix – they are thousands of miles away; that’s just for starters.
We as a family read great biographies of missionary heroes. We love Glady Alyward, Hudson Taylor, George Muller, Amy Carmichael, etc. I have told Bill and Lynsay that one day we will read a book about their lives. They are our true heroes.
Yes, they have sacrificed all comforts to minister the love of Jesus to kids who have no one to call their own. They now have their first little girl in their home. Her name is Corrie. She is beyond precious – created in the image of Almighty God. (Corrie is in the picture above laying in the midst of all those dollies and stuffed animals)….
(This picture was taken of them in our kitchen making jowza this past Spring – just before they left for Ch*na – Isaiah and Adria are helping. Oh it was so yummy – makes my mouth water!!)
Anyway, Bill and Lynsay have a huge need – – – -a reliable vehicle (at the moment they are only using bicycles). BUT should Corrie need emergency medical attention, etc., they would have a real problem! Yes, they desperately need a car!! How many of our homes have at least two cars or even more?? They don’t even have one!!
My sweet friend, Lori, heard the Lord speaking and has started a fundraiser to help Bill and Lynsay buy a used vehicle. I would love for you, my blogging buddies, to consider heading over to Lori’s blog and donating to the Bill and Lynsay vehicle fund.
Now let me explain some thing…..We, ourselves, are in the midst of three adoptions. We pastor a church that pays us. When people don’t have jobs they don’t tithe. When they don’t tithe the church budget shrinks and so could our income.
But there is a Biblical principle that says that God will abundantly bless those who provide for those in need, even in the midst of your own possible need!! My God is much bigger than the thought of holding onto our money so that we can have enough for our adoptions or whatever comes up. My Bible tells me that my God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, the wealth in every mine. I taake that to mean that if the Lord needs to sell a few cows to help my babies come home, He will do so.
We are committed to sacrificially ministering to the orphans in the world. We downsized our home to have less expenses – – – from just over 4,000 sq. ft. down to 2,011 sq. ft. It is cozy! We sold our beloved “cottage” (camper). We cancelled the small addition on our home so that we would not obtain any additional debt.
I tell you all of these things not to pat ourselves on the back. We didn’t always understand, to the degree we do now, our responsibility to sacrificially financially care for others, and yes, we still have a long ways to go. But I want to be honest so as to challenge you, my friends, to remember that the Lord is your provider and He often asks us to use our own resources to meet the needs of others.
Please prayerfully consider heading over to Lori’s blog to donate to the Bill and Lynsay Vehicle fund. Dw and I already have. Yippee Jesus!
Oh Linn! My heart leaps every time you speak of the need to care for the orphans of the world. God has gifted you with the ability to write and speak in a way that touches the very deepest part of our hearts. I’m so thankful for all of your sacrifices which serve as a reminder to all of us what an eternal difference we are ALL called to make. The things of this world will soon pass away but oh the deeds we do that further God’s kingdom will last forever.
Thank you all in advance for prayerfully considering what God would have you give…big or small, it makes no difference as long as it is out of obedience.
Big Blessings to all of YOU!!
Lori
YOU, my friend, are a true inspiration. If that doesn’t get people up and movin’ (after drying the tears) than I don’t know what does. GOD DOES PROVIDE!
Many hugs,
Ohilda