Autumn at the Equator

While most of you are probably enjoying fall colors, hayrides, and pumpkin pie by now, we have just returned from two weeks of training on another island country near the equator. Brisk autumn temperatures, raking leaves, and frost are no longer a part of our family's vocabulary.

Although we were all four busy with class-type work each day, we spent the evenings and weekends exploring the area and finding out about the various cultures and religions. Most folks in S-pore are from Chinese, Malay, and Indian descent and follow Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu beliefs. The city was literally filled-to-the-brim with temples and mosques. Please use the following photos to think of this area and these people on a daily basis.

A Hindu Temple

One billion people around the world

follow the Hindu religion.

A man bowing to one of the thousands of

gods in the Hindu religion. A statue of another Hindu god

Burning incense at the Hindu temple The elephant-headed deity

A Buddhist Temple
500 million people around the

world follow the Buddhist religion.

Burning incense at the Buddhist temple People rubbing the Buddha's belly for good luck
A Moslem Mosque

(1.5 billion people around the world

follow the Moslem religion.)

We returned home yesterday more determined than ever to share HIStory with the people in our New City. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field."

Children of the World

Happy Double Ten Day to all of you! Today is the National Holiday for our current city (similar to our July 4th). So, the streets are lined with flags and parades, and the night sky will be filled with fireworks.

We, however, wanted to use this week's blog to introduce you to some of our newest friends. Each Saturday afternoon, we attend a children's program at a local store-front clubhouse. The program is completely conducted in the local language, but we are beginning to understand some of what is being said. (They use really simple words to tell the stories from the BOOK, simple songs, and simple phrases to talk to Father.) We enjoy being with the children and joining them as they memorize various passages, play games, and make crafts.
Several national women from this clubhouse go to the local elementary school every Friday to teach basic "Character" lessons. These women invite the children to come to the clubhouse on Saturdays to hear stories from the BOOK. In the summers, they have lots of other activities for these children...English camps, Vacation BOOK School, etc. NONE of the parents of these children attend the clubhouse on Sundays...yet. But, these children are learning the TRUTH about Father's plan.
On Sunday afternoons, we are visiting a local orphanage. All of the children in this orphanage are HIV positive. At least one of their parents had AIDS. Some of the parents are in prison, some are in Drug Facilities, and some are unknown.
Most of the 25+ children are preschoolers. A few are elementary school age, and a few are teenagers. The facility is very small, but clean and well supplied. Like most places, people prefer to donate "stuff" instead of time. Not many people want to get involved (hands-on) with these types of children.
But, you know us and our love for children. Last week, all four of us went, and Jack "rolled around" on the floor giving pony rides to all who dared to climb up on the back of the GREAT BIG foreigner :) Elizabeth and Esther spent most of their time holding and feeding the least of these...a one month old little boy and a three month old little girl. Jessie became permanently attached to the one child that cries when any stranger enters the room. They have nicknamed her "Koala" since she definitely clings to whomever she chooses to attach herself. She and Jessie have become fast friends.
Yes, these children are definitely precious in His sight (and ours). But, there are literally thousands more like them that we see on a daily basis. With only 2% of this island's population trusting in Him, there are still many that need to hear HIStory. Please join us in remembering all of these children on a daily basis. And, consider coming over to help us in this monumental task.He so loves the little children, ALL the children of the world, Every color...every race, they are covered by His grace, He so loves the little children of the world.