Then and Now

I spent the last few days in Lori's cozy and inviting home where there were pictures and reminders throughout her house of our trip to India.  It was a comforting feeling to be surrounded by precious memories. Tonight we were looking through pictures of Happiness Home and comparing the ones we took during our trip in February 2011 with some that were taken recently by another photographer, Andy Loke of Singapore.  Some of the children have grown up almost beyond  recognition while others were easy to recognize because they have maintained the same mannerisms four years later.  I thought you might enjoy seeing a few of the pictures of the children then and now.

Mother's Day 2014

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.  Psalms 27:10

The orphans living at Happiness Home in Churachandpur, India have been forsaken by their parents, not by choice, but by death to HIV/AIDS.  Many of these precious children also have HIV/AIDS themselves.  The Lord Jesus has not forgotten them.  On Mother's Day 2014, God filled 12 motherless children with the Holy Ghost.  I love God's timing!

I have a "son" named Timothy living at Happiness Home.  He and I shared a special bond during my visit to India in 2011.  Bro. Rama is so kind to keep me updated on Timothy's progress.  I pray for him often.  I was happy to learn that Timothy was one of the 12 children who received the Holy Ghost.  Happy Mother's Day!

There's an Army Rising Up

"There's an army rising up...to break every chain...in the name of Jesus."  The children began singing this powerful song spontaneously during Kids Prayer after a lesson on the armor of God.  I felt the Holy Ghost as they sang, and thought, "That's exactly what is happening.  We are training an army of intercessors.  They will rise up and not be afraid or intimidated by prayer.

Alyssa and I began teaching Kids Prayer five months ago.  Some days, we wonder if we are making a difference.  At other times, God gives us a glimpse of His Work in the lives of the children. Tonight in class the kids were so BAD!!  They couldn't focus, sit still, let alone PRAY.  At the end, discussion came up about being afraid to go to the altar.  Alyssa said God had not given them the spirit of fear, but of power (2 Timothy 1:7).  Six-year-old Zach declared, "I'm NOT afraid any more!!"  As we dismissed I told the children the adults were still praying in the sanctuary and if they wanted to go to the altar NOW, it was fine.  About four or five of the children went to the altar and prayed for a few minutes before church, including Zach.  After church started, they went to their seats.

We had an exuberant worship service.  Soon, Zach was back in the altar.  The other children gathered around him and began to pray for him, tears streaming down their faces in real intercession.   A few of them were ministering with a level of authority I had not seen in them before.  EVERY child, including the 3 and 4 year olds, was praying in the altar. Two children received the Holy Ghost. One child continued to speak in tongues all the way home.  It was so incredible!

Tonight's discussion on fear reminded of a conversation I had with little Zach two years ago; he was four years old at the time. During Children's Church, I had given a slideshow presentation on orphans in India.  Each child was given a picture of an orphan boy or girl to take home and pray for.  Afterwards, little Zach approached me and said, "I have my picture."  I said, "That's good Zach.  Are you praying for your orphan?"  He said, "No. I do not know how to pray."  I knelt beside him and said, "Oh Zach!  It is so easy.  Do you want to learn how to pray?"  He said, "Yes" and with a typical four-year-old attention span, ran off to play with the other children.

The spirits of fear and doubt infiltrate the minds of children at a young age regarding prayer. By the time they reach adulthood, it is often difficult for them to establish a relationship with God through prayer.  One of the primary goals in starting this kids prayer class was to help the children overcome their fears and gain confidence in communicating with God at a young age. This generation will NOT be intimidated by prayer!  They will pray powerful, earth-shattering prayers at a young age!  They are an army rising up....to break every chain....in the name of Jesus.

Zach, the child who overcame his fears.

The children praying for Zach.

Landon receiving the Holy Ghost.

Landon spoke in tongues all the way home.

The children praying for Rylan.