We just received word that one of our little guys, Lian, hurt his right eye while playing. After a few days he still could not open it. So they took him to the doctor who gave them some medication. It was not working. Two days ago John Mark took him to the hospital and they said he needs emergency surgery and it is going to cost $400.
The surgery will take place on the 17th. Praise God we had the funds and were able to send it right away. Please join us in praying Psalm 107:19-20 for Lian and that his eye sight would be restored.
Our heart goes out to our little guy. Only, he’s not so little any more. This picture is 4.5 years later. Wow! He’s grown so much.
The Real Challenge
The real challenge is that this orphanage was born out of the House of Prayer we helped establish in 2010. In 2013 they got a revelation about how to transform their nation through the 7 mountains. In 2016 this orphanage was launched with that vision in mind.
Why were there so many orphans? It is because this country experienced the longest running civil war in modern history. It began in 1947/1948 and went until 2011. It gave us a window of time to work. Then in 2021 it began again.
John Mark, his family and team are not just taking care of a kingdom family. They seek to raise up young men and women called to transform their nation through the presentation of the gospel of the kingdom.
But they have to do it in a warzone now. In addition, kids will be kids. Lian got hurt playing. Can you imagine the challenge they face trying to raise a family and their extended family, these orphans in this kind of situation. Talk about the grace of God.
In addition, they’ve watched inflation increase the prices horrendously over the last two years. When we were there in 2019 the Burmese Kyat was about 75 Kyat to $1. Today it is 2098 Kyat to $1. The price of a bag of rice has quadrupled in the last two years last I heard.
The Real Challenge continued. I did not tell you all that John Mark ended up in the hospital too just a week ago. A scratch on his face turned septic and because it was close to the brain they had him stay in the hospital too. We mobilized prayer amongst some intercessors quickly but needless to say, the monthly aide we sent has been used much quicker than normal.
Praise God, John Mark overcame this challenge to. Why it was only last month when their city was supposed to be attacked. But, we prayed and their city was bypassed while a neighboring city was attacked.
The Status
So what’s the status?
Education – The junta took over the schools. Praise God, they found a private Christian school to send 18 of the 25 children. So far, we’d raised 3/4s of a year for their tuition. That’s about $1200 for a year as I recall.
Food/Shelter – In addition to 25 children they also have 39 family members who were made refugees when they bombed our house of prayer and the village next to it. As of today, we send a minimum of $2300 a month. They stretch every penny.
Monthly Commitments – There are a few folks who contribute monthly, others who give as they are led. It averages out to about $1000 to $1200 per month.
So that is the status of things today. I’d like to invite you to prayerfully consider if it would please our heavenly Father for you to sow a special offering or, become a monthly partner with them? Just make sure when you click the button, you see the menu options and choose orphans.
Prepper Advice – Due to the things unfolding in the US, prepping for disaster is wisdom. With this in mind I’d like to stir up your pure mind in the way of remembrance. Remember, seed time and harvest, remember sowing and reaping. In light of the challenges coming on the US this year, remember, that is treasure in heaven. You will reap what you sow. Do you want help in war, sickness or famine, well keep this prayer strategy in mind. Let it comfort you that our Father is a covenant keeping God. It’s like laying up treasure in heaven.
Long Term Plans
We believe this situation is temporary. Before the war broke out, we were already envisioning and planning a long term solution. The Goal was:
- 35 Acres of land they could use to raise their own food and teach the children how to farm and develop other skills.
- In 2018 as I recall, $35,000 would have been able to procure the land and empower them to build housing as well.
- When the war ends, we expect to revisit this plan to empower them to raise up an army of kingdom minded men and young women who seek to magnify Jesus and display His character, nature and power in every sphere of society.
We started to act on this vision in 2018 as we helped them acquire a couple of oxen they could rent out. That covered half their food requirements a year. Unfortunately the junta ate their oxen.
Thanks for praying and partnering with this kingdom minded work.
