One Child. Two Mothers. One Love.

One child. Two mothers. Two choices. One love.

One mother chose to give me up for adoption at birth.  She felt inadequate to raise me.

Another mother chose to adopt me.  She too felt inadequate to raise me since she herself had grown up motherless.

Two mothers. Two choices. One love for one child.

I grew up with the love of two mothers.  You see, my adopted mother told me my birth mother gave me up for adoption because she loved me very much.

I was loved. Twice. By two mothers.

As a teenager I rejected my adopted mother's attempts to love me.  Instead I clung to my birth mother's imaginary love.  A love given to me by my adopted mother.

When I was 19 years old, my adopted mother died.

I was alone with nothing but memories of one mother's love.  And unfulfilled dreams of another mother's love.

At age 23, my dreams came true.  I met my birth mother.

She loved me.

Until one day she decided she no longer wanted me. Again.

I was alone with dashed dreams of one mother's love.  And distant memories of another mother's love.

Two mothers.  Two choices.  One hurt child. 

Time moved on.  Jesus healed my broken heart.

He brought other mothers into my life.  Mothers innumerable.  Love immeasurable.

He gave me two choices: forgive or remain stuck in the hurt.  I forgave.

He gave me His Love for my two mothers.  Love beyond measure.

I am blessed.

One God. One child. Two mothers. One Love.

Do Something

All year in Kids Prayer the kids have been learning how to pray.  In November, we started a new theme entitled, "Do Something."  The goal was to focus on a project, raise funds and PRAY!  I got the idea from Matthew West's song by the same title.  Here is a portion of the lyrics:

Well, I just couldn't bear the thought of 
People living in poverty
Children sold into slavery
The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, "God, why don't you do something?"
He said, "I did. I created you."

Even though I decided we should "do something" by helping and praying for someone else in need, I wanted the kids to take ownership of the project by choosing who we should help.  Each child was given an opportunity to voice his or her idea.  Some of the children gave generic answers such as, "the homeless" or "sick people."  Others spoke about helping deaf children or van ministry kids. Then, one ten year old boy stood up and gave a detailed, persuasive speech about helping people in West Africa who had Ebola. It was persuasive indeed...the entire class voted for his idea!

I did some research which led me to Missionary Albert Stewart in Liberia, Africa.  He had a medical clinic but it had closed due to several staff members' death from Ebola.  The country was in desperate need of food due to the crisis.  I contacted Bro Stewart who referred me to Compassion Services International, an organization overseeing the funds for the Ebola crisis in Liberia.

We held one fundraiser selling Scripture Candy. At the end, when tallying up the costs/sales, the salesperson at the candy company put his personal profit into our project giving us a total of $500. Wow!  What an unexpected blessing!  Give a big shout out to Michael!

This project was more than just helping others by raising money on their  behalf.  As we learned about Liberia, Africa, we prayed for the various needs.  We prayed for the President of the country, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, after learning she had visited one of the Apostolic churches there.  We prayed for the medical clinic after learning it had re-opened with new staff members.  We put a world map on the floor and prayed for Liberia asking God to pour our His Spirit upon the people of that country.

Only eternity will tell of the results of this project.  Perhaps a life was spared in Liberia because we gave them food.  Perhaps one of the children in Kids Prayer will grow up to be a missionary.  Who knows?  All I know is that you're never too young (or too old) to change your world...DO SOMETHING!

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."  Matthew 25:40 (Bold emphasis mine).

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.

An Exciting Day

Upon my return from Bangladesh, I set three goals for my time in the United States: work to pay off debt, take Hindi language classes, and to win souls.  I've worked a total of 7 weeks doing temporary assignments since my return to the states so I have not paid off any debt.  I will begin Hindi lessons in January.  God is definitely answering the prayer request regarding soul winning!. Sharon repented and was baptized in Jesus' Name a few months ago.  Today, six of the Outreach young men were baptized in Jesus Name and one was filled with the Holy Ghost! It was an exciting day!  The credit does not belong to me alone. This has been a team effort by many members of our church.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Today in America we celebrate Thanksgiving, a day we set aside to give thanks to God for His provision and blessing of the harvest of the preceding year.  It generally is very difficult for Americans – surrounded by affluence and prosperity – to comprehend the realities of daily life for the billion-plus people who constitute "the poorest of the poor."  What we often take for granted in America – fresh water 24 hours a day, abundant supply of food, unlimited electrical power – are considered "luxuries" in many other countries.

Here is a quote from economist, Robert Heilbroner, as published in his book, The Great Ascent: The Struggle for Economic Development in Our Time.  He is describing the “luxuries” the typical American family would have to surrender if they lived among the 1 BILLION hungry people in the Two-Thirds World:

“We begin by invading the house of our imaginary American family to strip it of its furniture. Everything goes: beds, chairs, tables, television sets, lamps. We will leave the family with a few old blankets, a kitchen table, a wooden chair. Along with the bureaus go the clothes. Each member of the family may keep in his wardrobe his oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse. We will permit a pair of shoes for the head of the family, but none for the wife or children.

“We move to the kitchen. The appliances have already been taken out, so we turn to the cupboards…the box of matches may stay, a small bag of flour, some sugar and salt. A few moldy potatoes, already in the garbage can, must be rescued, for they will provide much of tonight’s meal. We will leave a handful of onions and a dish of dried beans. All the rest we take away: the meat, the fresh vegetables, the canned goods, the crackers, the candy.

“Now we have stripped the house: the bathroom has been dismantled, the running water shut off, the electric wires taken out. Next we take away the house. The family can move to the tool shed…Communications must go next. No more newspapers, magazines, books – not that they are missed, since we must take away our family’s literacy as well. Instead, in our shantytown we will allow one radio…

“Now government services must go next. No more postmen, no more firemen. There is a school, but it is three miles away and consists of two classrooms…There are, of course, no hospitals or doctors nearby. The nearest clinic is ten miles away and is tended by a midwife. It can be reached by bicycle, provided the family has a bicycle, which is unlikely…

“Finally, money. We will allow our family a cash hoard of five dollars. This will prevent our breadwinner from experiencing the tragedy of an Iranian peasant who went blind because he could not raise the $3.94 which he mistakenly thought he needed to receive admission to a hospital where he could have been cured.”

Having spent time in two countries, India and Bangladesh, I have seen first-hand the day-to-day realities of these precious people.  Today, as we give thanks in America, let us remember those who are less fortunate.  Not in a prideful attitude, "I'm so thankful I don't live like that," but rather a humble attitude, "Let me share my wealth and be a blessing to them."  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Listening to His Voice

The early morning was peaceful and quiet as I sat in my chair with my Bible, unhurried to start the busy day that lay ahead of me. Sometimes I am a constant chatterbox in His Presence.  Other times my mind wanders aimlessly in the quietness.  Not today.  There was such a stillness as I simply sat there, enjoying His Presence so real and so near, even though not a sound was uttered.  Listening.  Waiting.

Something powerful happens when I listen to God rather than filling the air with my voice echoing my own wants and needs.  Sometimes He speaks to me.  Most of the time He does not.  At least, not right away. He will, however, speak to me throughout the day as my spirit is attuned to His Voice.

Today was a perfect example.  After my quiet time with Him, as I proceeded throughout the day's activities, I could feel His Presence in a special way, a closeness.  I was studying for a Bible study scheduled for later tonight when I heard Him.  He was speaking.

Don't start the study in the book of Genesis.  Go straight to the plan of salvation.  "Ok. Lord, I hear You.  But, will she comprehend it?  She's simple-minded as you know."  The plan of salvation does not necessarily require comprehension, but it does require obedience.  She has child-like faith in Me and she will obey.

(Note: Sharon, the lady I am referring to has some kind of physical and/or mental illness.  She has slurred speech and poor motor control.  Although she can read and write, we are not sure how much she comprehends.  She has a sweet disposition and loves everybody.  And we all love her!)

I must  admit, I was very nervous teaching the 3-step plan of salvation* to Sharon.  I wanted to make it simple without making her feel like a child.  Mary, another lady in the church, joined us in the study.  We read a few scriptures on repentance, the first step.  Then, I heard Him.  He was speaking.  Don't just teach on repentance.  Show her how to do it.  We prayed a short prayer asking God to forgive us of our sins. Next, we covered water baptism in Jesus' Name, the second step.  I told Sharon any time she wanted to be baptized to let us know.  I heard Him speaking again.  Ask her if she wants to be baptized tonight.  "Sharon, do you want to be baptized tonight?"  She replied "Yes, I do.  I want to go to heaven."  Wow!  Mary and I were pleasantly surprised.  Sharon responded with child-like faith, just like God had already said she would do.  Finally, we covered the third step, which is receiving the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in an unknown tongue (language).  We wrapped up the study and went to the prayer room.  (We have church-wide prayer on Monday nights.) After prayer, we all gathered around as Sharon was baptized in Jesus' Name.

When I listen to (and obey) His Voice, then His Will (not mine) is accomplished in the earth.

* The 3-step plan of salvation is found in Acts 2:38.  "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."  This is based upon the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1,3-4, "Moreover brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached unto you...For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures....And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."  Repent = death, baptism = burial, receive Holy Ghost = resurrection. 

A Bangladesh Church Service - Part 2

This is a continuation of the previous blog post where the question was asked, "What were the church services like in Bangladesh?"  Here are some videos from the Nuthon Bazar (Dhaka) church.  Actually, it's some of the little slum children "playing" before the official church service began.  They LOVE to worship Jesus and do so at every opportunity!  (The videos are in the Bangla language).

A Bangladesh Church Service - Part 1

Many of you have asked, "What were the church services like in Bangladesh?"  Below are two short videos from the Mirpur (Dhaka) church, both conducted in the Bangla language.  The first video is the praise team singing a song entitled, "Probhu Bhalo Bashi."  The second video is a portion of preaching by Mirpur pastor Peter Biswas.  The Mirpur church is somewhat progressive in that it has a praise team, several musical instruments, microphones and an overhead screen.  Many churches only have one song leader and maybe one instrument, nothing more.

What Will You Give Up to Win a Soul?

"What will you give up to win a soul for God?"  These words are often spoken by Matt Maddix, a great soul winner and motivational speaker.  Many people have been inspired by his messages while others have been challenged and forever changed by this one question he poses to his listeners.

Matthew Miller, AIMer to Bangladesh, was only 15 years old when he heard Matt Maddix speak these words at a conference.  The message gripped his tender heart and he decided to give up meat to win a soul for God.  You have to understand something.  Matthew was a hunter and fisherman who lived in southern Louisiana.  He was a husky, teenage boy who loved meat.   This was a huge personal sacrifice on his part. The amazing thing?  He did it for three years.  The challenge changed the direction of his life.  Today, at 20 years old, he and his twin brother are incredible soul winners for God.

Matthew's humble testimony inspired me.  I have been pondering the question for myself, "What am I willing to give up to win a soul for God?"  I've decided to give up ice cream.  This includes frozen yogurt and gelato. No, it is not a prideful ultimatum to God saying, "Bless God, I am NOT going to eat any ice cream until YOU give me a soul!"  Rather, each time I resist ice cream, it will be a humble prayer to God, "I really want to win souls.  I am giving up ice cream as gentle reminder to stay focused on this endeavor.  Lord, I need Your wisdom and guidance."  I am looking forward to seeing what God will do as a result of this new challenge.

"...and he that winneth souls is wise."  Proverbs 11:30

What will YOU give up to win a soul for God?

Best of Bangladesh

I finally got around to sorting my pictures from Bangladesh.  I've taken two international trips and each time I used a different camera.  Either both cameras were sorry products or there was an operator error.  :-/   I am determined to invest in a quality camera (AND photography lessons) for the next trip.

I laughed, I cried, and I prayed as I sorted through the photos.  So many great memories.  I will NEVER forget these precious Bangladeshi people!  I hope you enjoy the slideshow.

Lead Me to The Cross

I don't know about you but I tend to pick out a song that best describes a situation or season in my life.  Or I will hear a song and decide I want it to become a reality.  Either way, it becomes a theme song for whatever God is doing in my life at that particular time.

In this case, the song was "Lead Me to the Cross" by Hillsong.  When I heard it for the first time in Bangladesh, I immediately claimed it as my personal prayer.  "Lord, lead me to You and Your Cross. There's too much of 'me' still in control.  Rid me of myself.  Remove anything and everything I hold dear. Let me count it all as loss in order to gain Your heart.  Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out.  I want to be more like You.  I want to love like You love."

The next thing I knew, I found myself in an intense battle struggling to forgive.  Not just one person or a single incident, but a lifetime of people and incidences.  I sat there in a state of complete shock, surrounded by the broken pieces of my life, too numb to move or speak.  When I finally got the strength and bravery to pick up the broken pieces and hand them over to God, He began to show me some powerful lessons regarding forgiveness.  I am still in the learning process, but I'd like to share with you some things I've uncovered so far.

The entire chapter of Matthew 18 in the Bible is about forgiveness.  In this chapter, Jesus tells a parable about a servant who owed the king a huge amount of debt.  Even though it was absolutely impossible for him to repay it, he asked the king for an extension of time so he could pay all.  The king was merciful, and instead of granting an extension, he completely forgave the debt.  This same servant went to another servant who owed him a small amount of debt and demanded payment.  When the king heard this, he placed the first servant's original debt upon him and put him in prison where he was tormented.  When Jesus saved us, he removed the debt of sin from our lives.  When we refuse to forgive another person, the original debt of sin is placed back upon us; we are imprisoned and tormented.

Do you have a situation where forgiveness seems impossible?  Perhaps you are thinking, "I cannot forgive this person for what they did.  The pain is too great and the wound is too deep."  I do not deny the hurt and the pain you may feel.  But, we all must ask ourselves, "Is my choice to forgive or not forgive based upon the magnitude of the offense?  Or is it based upon the magnitude of God's mercy?" When we forgive, we are extending God's mercy to that person.

This matter of forgiveness is the very heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  If we are to forgive others as God has forgiven us, we need to understand how He forgave us.  Too often we believe God has forgiven us purely out of His love and kindness.  It was not His LOVE alone, but His PAIN at Calvary's cross that forgave our sins. It was His LOVE that made Him choose the PAIN of Calvary.  Calvary was a choice. Forgiveness is a choice.  Calvary was hard.  Forgiveness is hard.  Calvary was costly.  Forgiveness is costly.  Is forgiveness impossible?  No, because Jesus' actions at Calvary is our example.  Forgiveness is the most Christlike act we can perform for another human being.  It demonstrates the love of God like no other act can do.

God not only desires forgiveness, He also wants reconciliation.  II Corinthians 5:18-20 says that God reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.  Our main goal for our offenders should be their reconciliation, first and foremost with God and then, if  possible, with us.  How do we accomplish this?  By doing the unthinkable: blessing our offenders.  This is NOT something we can do in our own strength.  It requires God moving supernaturally through us.  Do we want to fully experience the freedom of forgiveness?  Ask God to show us the real need of our offenders.  Then ask God how He might want to use us to meet that need.  Pray God's blessing upon the offenders.  When we do this, we become instruments of His redemptive work - conduits of His mercy and grace - in the lives of those we bless.  Every opportunity we encounter to practice forgiveness is an opportunity to be part of something eternal.

When I claimed the song, "Lead Me to the Cross" as my personal prayer, I had no clue God was going to lead me to the cross through the painful path of forgiveness.  Oh, but I am so glad He did!  It has helped me to get rid of 'me' as I focused upon Jesus' example at Calvary.  It has given me an entire new appreciation for the agony and sacrifice it cost Jesus to die on the cross to forgive our sins.  It has given me a greater understanding of His Love towards ALL mankind.  How could I NOT forgive?

Sunset in Dhaka

The sun has set on my time in Dhaka, Bangladesh.  A sad day indeed.

My visa was expiring soon.  Two of the other AIMers here did not get their Tourist visas renewed.  They were told to apply again.  Another person (not of our organization) was denied a visa renewal and could not regain entry into Bangladesh.  I could take the risk of going to India to get the Tourist visa renewed but it would be a costly trip.  If the Bangladesh commission in India refused the renewal, I could get a 30 day Visa on Arrival at the Dhaka airport.  I had considered applying for a student visa which is good for one year.  However, it was very costly (over $1,000).  If I got the student visa, I would still need to raise the funds needed to stay longer in Bangladesh as my current budget was only good through August.

I wrestled with the decision for days.  It was a hard decision, but I decided not to renew my Tourist visa.  I decided to return to the United States instead.  There were hurried, tearful goodbyes as I prepared to take a quick flight out. 19-year old Liza hugged me and wept big drops of tears.  I held her and wept in return. She spoke the words so adequately, "Sister, you are taking a part of me with you.  A part of me will always be missing."  So true.  This country and her people captivated me with their genuine friendliness and servant-hood spirit.  A part of me will always remain in Bangladesh.

Sunset in Dhaka, Bangladesh

"Sister Moses"

Lately, I've been spending more time with Sis. Miller, one of the missionaries here in Bangladesh.  She has a very calm, generous and compassionate disposition.  She takes the time to speak to each person she interacts with whether it is the tailor, rickshaw driver, restaurant manager, or the beggar on the street.  I nicknamed her "Sister Moses" because it's like watching the red sea part when she walks into the room.  When the people see her, they smile, bow in respect, then clear off the furniture, making space for her to sit.

With my recent epiphany regarding beggars as real human beings, Sis. Miller's interactions with them amazes me.  She truly sees the beggars as real people as she tells me about them, "This elderly lady has the most beautiful face.  She must have been a wonderful child.  I wonder what caused her to become a beggar.  She deserves a much better life."  I watched her as she interacted with a young beggar mother holding a baby boy.  When Sis. Miller learned that the lady actually had twin boys, she excitedly shared with her that she too had twin boys, instantly bonding herself with the young beggar mother.

Sis. Miller gives generously to the beggars, whether it be food, water or money.  She knows many of them by name.  So, when I saw this picture on the internet, I immediately thought, "I could see Sis. Miller doing this."  Then I asked myself, "How many times have I walked by people, especially beggars, not caring about them at all?"  I justify my actions by telling myself, "You can't be nice to all the beggars.  You have to draw the line somewhere."  Where does one draw the line in demonstrating the love of God to souls?  There is no such line in the Kingdom of God.  Please pray for me that I will feel more compassion for souls as I walk the streets of Bangladesh.

Walking on Water

I learned to walk on water last week.  There were bricks to guide my way into the Nuton Bajar church which easily floods whenever there is a hard rain.  The water is mixed with sewer drainage, attracting mosquitoes.  It is a very unhealthy scenario, to say the least.  Seriously, this church needs to find a new location SOON as the monsoon rain season is almost here.  The flooding situation makes it very difficult for these precious, but poor, people to attend church.  However, nothing stops their worship once they arrive!  Please help us pray about this matter!

A rainy drive to church.

Some of the church kids walking on water.

Come on Sis. Cynthia! You can do it!

View of the church's flooded courtyard.

Church time!!

Dhonnobad Tomader!!

Thanks to all of you who helped raise $350 to send 10 young people to Bangladesh Youth Camp.  But, I have to give a special shout out to the Sunday School class of First Pentecostal Church of Amite City, Louisiana!  They raised $114 to send three young people to Bangladesh Youth Camp!  DHONNOBAD TOMADER!!  (That's "Thank you!!" in Bangla).
.

Anna Bobo

Owen Bryant

Haydan Graham

Landon Graham

Kaitlyn Peters
Mason Little (not in picture)

Mareck Little (not in picture)

Jesus Knows His Name

Recently, I began walking the few blocks from my house to the church in the mornings to pray.  The church is located on the 3rd floor of the building and has a great view of the street below leading to the main road.  I love looking out the window and watching the people because it gives me so much inspiration as I pray for the city of Dhaka and her people.  Today was no exception.

There are several mosques located in the neighborhood and the sounds of the call to prayer is heard multiple times daily.  Beggars are situated near the mosques to beg alms.  This morning, however, there was a beggar located outside the church window.  He was an elderly man, lame in the feet, wearing a once-white loincloth around his waist, a little Muslim cap, and nothing else.  He sat on the ground and held out his hand to people as they passed by, begging alms in a somewhat loud voice. No one gave.  No one stopped.  No one acknowledged his presence.  Then, he did something I will never forget.  He turned his head to the wall behind him and cried real tears of hopelessness, his frail body shaking.  He bent down, grabbed a piece of his loincloth, wiped away his tears, then returned to begging the people passing by.  A few minutes later, he turned again to the wall, dug up a piece of grass from the ground and ate it.  It was heart-wrenching to watch him; he was so pitiful.  Shortly after that, he scooted away, out of my sight.

My heart was pierced as I watched him.  It was the first time I viewed a beggar as a real human being rather than a nuisance.  The tears fell as I wept with compassion for this precious soul.  What was his name?  Did he have family?  Where did he live?  Has he always been lame?  This man was a real human being with a soul that God cared about.  Just like you.  Just like me.

Every time I hear the song, "He Knows My Name" my mind is transported back to this scene where I stood looking out the window in Dhaka, Bangladesh watching a beggar man on the street below me. The emotions and tears of compassion flood me anew.

No. I do not know the beggar man's name or anything else about him.  One thing I do know.  Jesus knows his name.  Jesus knows every move he makes.  Jesus sees every tear the beggar man cries. Jesus feels his overwhelming pain.  When the beggar man can't see the light of day, Jesus is there. Jesus cares.  Jesus loves the beggar man.

The real question is, "How does a Heavenly God demonstrate His love and compassion to such souls on earth?"  Through people...through you...through me.  We don't demonstrate God's love by throwing some money at the beggar's feet as we walk hurriedly by.  We demonstrate God's love when we stop, look the person in the eye, smile and say, "Hello.  How are you?" and then genuinely wait for a response. We demonstrate God's love when we reach out and touch the beggar person.  When we touch another person in an act of compassion, it is like touching the face of God Himself.

How will YOU demonstrate the love of Jesus to someone today?

Photo courtesy of http://banani.sixoranges.net/

Apollo Hospital

Today I took an interesting trip to another area of Dhaka to visit Apollo Hospital.  Due to tiny ear canals, I have to routinely have wax removed from my ears to prevent hearing loss.  So, today I visited an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist to have this procedure performed.  Apollo Hospital and Clinic was completely different from the hospital we visited a few weeks ago to see patients of the Savar building collapse.  It is only fair that  I mention the Apollo hospital as well.  Not everything in Dhaka is "third world country" classification. This hospital was modern and clean.  It was almost like being in America again.  However, there were some very distinct cultural differences.

The registration area was outdoors in an atrium-type area.  This was disconcerting and refreshing at the same time.  After registration, I made my way upstairs to the ENT office.  I found a seat in the small waiting area and immediately noticed a few things.  First, the exam rooms and the doctor's office were approximately two feet away in full view of the waiting area.  Bangladesh is a very open society with hardly any privacy.  This clinic was no exception.  Next, each patient had 5-6 family members accompanying them to their doctor visit.  I figured out very quickly that it is generally unacceptable for a woman to go alone to the doctor in Bangladesh.  I got a "stare down" from another female during my entire wait.  No amount of smiles from me worked with this woman.  Oh well.

The doctor himself was a man of few words, but all action.  He asked me one or two questions, made a quick examination of my ears, performed the wax removal procedure and quietly left the room.  I was then escorted to his office to discuss the result of my examination.  I found this rather interesting because in America both the procedure and the discussion are done in the exam room.  Yet, it felt more polite and professional to discuss my exam in the doctor's office.

There is no moral to this blog post.  Just random thoughts and observations about another aspect of Bangladesh culture.

Accounting and Amazing Youth

Hmmm.  I'm beginning to think a missionary should possess an accounting degree prior to entering the field.  First of all, the monthly statement from headquarters is written in an accounting format and requires basic accounting knowledge to understand it.  Next, there is the task of formulating a budget prior to going on the field and then implementing it after arrival.  Believe me, there are many unforeseen items one must add to the budget after arrival in another country.  Then, there is the challenge of currency exchange from US Dollars to Bangladesh Takas (and Rupees for the India trips).  The Bangladesh Takas in and of themselves are especially challenging.  With each new change of government, Takas are often printed in different colors, designs, and sometimes sizes.  One must thoroughly inspect the Taka before handing it over in a business transaction.

Another aspect of accounting is the never-ending job of fund raising.  A missionary must not only raise financial support for his or her own expenses, but he or she must also raise support for various projects which serve as outreach efforts to win lost souls.  As an AIMer, I have been tasked to help solicit support for several projects here in Bangladesh.  Today, I will mention one of those projects, the Bangladesh Youth Camp.

In a country where Christians represent less than 2% of the population, gatherings of this nature for youth

are crucial to their spiritual growth.  The youth of Bangladesh are amazing as they currently lead worship, teach Sunday School, translate services, perform community outreach and the list goes on.  Attending youth camp will provide them with teaching and encouragement that will equip them to lead Bangladesh on even greater levels.  They will also have fun mingling and bonding with other young people who share their passion for God.

The Bangladesh Youth Camp will be held June 19-21 in Dhaka.  We are preparing for 200 youth to attend this year, dependent upon the funds available.  It costs $35 to send one young person to camp, all expenses included.  I can hear some parents saying, "I wish I could send MY child to camp for $35!!"  (Youth camps in the United States can cost anywhere from $85 to $150).  I have been tasked to raise $350...that will send 10 amazing Bangladeshi young people to Youth Camp.

If you would like to contribute, please email me at cynthiamartin2011@gmail.com.

Thanks in advance for your AMAZING financial support of this worthy project!!