Can I share a story with you that gives me goosebumps?
For those of you who don't know, seven years ago, I founded Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc. which promotes sharing the love of Jesus Christ with orphans and destitute children as well as giving them the hope of an education. Our focus is in hard to reach countries.
I can't even name the country in which Redeemer Christian School operates on the world wide web because of concerns for the safety of our children and staff. Let's just say our school blesses these impoverished, yet precious, children in a Middle Eastern country that is ranked in the top 5 for persecuting Christians and in the top 2 for the degree of violence and cruelty with which they persecute.
Missionaries are not allowed in this country. Many who shared the Gospel there have been jailed, tortured, bombed, or executed.
THE STORY:
In our daily conversations, the Director of Redeemer Christian School (RCS) told me about two little girls who he had been watching, for a couple weeks, going to the massive trash heaps to sift through putrid garbage in search of food.
One day, he gently approached them so as not to frighten them and offered them something to eat and sanitary water to drink. Upon talking, their story started to unravel before him. Their mother had died and their father worked various menial, labor intensive jobs to try to put a leaking roof over their heads. It was the girls job to go to the trash heaps and search for food for the three of them to eat each day. Their clothing was torn and filthy.
Their family is of the Muslim faith and so our Director was very hesitant to ask the father's permission to let his girls come to a Christian school. This is against societal norms and once again, he'd be risking his own life. But, when someone is starving and a kind person offers food and drink to satisfy an empty belly, the doorway to the heart is opened by satisfying basic physical needs.
Meet Salma and Adina. Their father agreed to let them begin attending school with us. Both girls are sweet and shy and are definitely not used to such acts of kindness. Shunning of lower castes is common in their culture.
Their eyes lit up when they each received a colorful backpack filled with school supplies to call their own. This is the first personal possession either of them have ever had. Thanks to donors funding our "Clothes Closet", the girls were each fitted with a clean outfit. Salma's eyes misted over as she remembered their mother who used to sew their clothes.
For the first time in a long time, they felt treasured...
When it was time for the daily meal at school, the girls hung back anxiously in the rear of the classroom. Never had they been served a meal. Hunting and foraging in the trash had been their mode of survival.
Two sets of eyes lit up with unbelief as they marveled at a computer for the first time. The teacher guided them through some basic computer skills as they looked at each other and giggled with delight that this dream was really happening.
After about a month, the girls' father approached our Director and said, "I owe you a great debt for what you are doing for my girls. I am indebted to you with my life for the kindnesses you have shown us. I do not know your faith, but I have seen your goodness and kindness toward us." (goosebumps)
The table has been set for the unfathomable message of grace and forgiveness, that is unique to the Christian faith, to be passed as a candle in the dark, from one heart to the next.
Salma and Adina have already heard about the wonderful Christmas Program that the school sponsors each year. Every child who attends the school receives: a personalized present of clothing, a toy, and treats. They also participate in the Christmas Program which re-tells the story of the Nativity and features skits, dancing, singing, and worshiping. All sit down to share a hearty meal at the end of the program.
Would you like to see that Salma, Adina and many others with stories similar to their's receive the only present they will get this Christmas? Would you like to be part of bringing Christmas Joy to this dark corner of the world? Would you like to pass on the Good News of the Gospel message to hurting and hungry hearts?
If your answer is "YES" will you join us for our "Christmas in July" campaign? Just $35/child will provide a student with all that's listed above. We need YOUR help to reach our goal!
or
Mail a check: RCF, Inc., 103 Silver Lining Lane, Cary, NC 27513 *you will receive a tax receipt.
Do it today and know that you've blessed one or more children with a Christmas they will never forget.
RCF, Inc. is a registered 501c3 with GOLD SEAL status with GuideStar - the "go-to" source for tracking financial integrity of non-profits.
A tax receipt will be generated automatically for online giving.
STAY TUNED:
God has already done amazing things through RCS...I have a feeling that more hearts will be won over by Christ's amazing love. Visit our website for more stories of life transformation:
I plan to write, in the future, of how God continues to orchestrate events in order to keep drawing the hearts of Salma, Adina, and their father to Himself.
Be blessed....
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