Dear friends and family,
It’s been days since I’ve last updated you on this wonderful journey that God has blessed me with through your financial and prayer support. Again, praise Jesus for this opportunity.
VISITING THE ORPHANS FROM MIENG CAO (HIGHLANDS)
The last few days, I was at Vung Tau, a city right by the beach. Extremely beautfiul and cooler than Saigon (where my team and I are staying at). While I was there, I can’t help but enjoy God’s beautiful creation. It reminded me of those times in college at Catalina Island, where I gazed at the skies and sing to Hillsongs’ “Always” – “Did you rise the sun for me, paint a million stars that I might know Your Majesty”.
At Vung Tau, we met up w/ the orphans from Mieng Cao (the countryside, also known as a The Highlands). The members of the church that have been amazing hosts to us put on this one week camp for these orphans every summer. This is their third year. Most of the orphans are in their teens, with a few exceptions that were younger tha 10 years old.
The first few days, they were really shy and introverted. I felt a spirit of self-rejection, fear, and timidity. The first or second day I was there, Gsus spoke to me thise verse taken from Timothy – “For He did not give us a spirit of fear/timidity, but of power, love, and a sound mind/self-control.” I felt that this was what He was speaking to me about the beautiful orphans. For the next few days before and after activities, I kept praying and asking God to break down any bondages and to give these children hope and love in their life. We kept reminding them of God’s love and how important they are to Him. God definitely answered my prayers! (continue reading…long, I know)
We not only shared with them G od’s love, but we also taught them about the practicals of being a female and male. Because many live in the countryside with either friends, grandparents, or aunts and uncles (none have a stable home), they have never been taught about hygeine. For example, I learned that most of the females were never taught about a woman’s menstrual cycle. And well for the men… I don’t know because I wasn’t part of that! Hehe.
The last few days, we asked them to write their dreams down on paper so that we can pray for them and help them. For some, this is probably their last year because they’re coming of age and are entering into the working world. Later, this will allow us to read their dreams, so that we’ll know how to pray for the little ones, and how to help the older ones transition into the working world.
Some things you can pray for:
Ø Gsus will raise them up to be men and women of Go d who will serve Him until the end of time.
Ø Permanent housing will be provided for.
Ø There’s a lack of caretakers. G od will raise up men and women who would have a heart to serve these children.
Ø G o d will provide resources, so that the chur ch can help the older ones transition into the working world.
Ø 2 Timothy 1:7 in the lives of these children. Please pray for them daily.
During the last few days, we took the children to Co-op Mart in Vung Tau, which is basically VN’s version of a super Target. We asked the children if they’ve ever been to a place like this before and they all said no. Because more funding was provided this year, we were able to take all 39 children to Co-Op Mart. We pretty much played Santa Claus for one day. We told them that they could pick any item in the store (school related, of course) and they were so happy. They’ve never been to a store like this before! Some of the students even went to the bookstore and asked P. Samuel, “Teacher, I want to buy a book that will teach me how to play a guitar because I want worship God with it.” Praise God, yea? They were so happy. I think that’s when they broke out of their shell and this is when I saw God completely reign over 2 Timothy 1
When we asked them, “What do you like most about this camp?” You would think they’d say, “The food, the beach, the nice air conditioning in the room” (mind you, THESE would be MY responses. Hahaha). You know what they said? “The love that I feel from you guys” and “How people just take care of each other here.” That’s deep – They know Christ’s Love for them.
Finally, on the last day, we ended camp with a few recognitions and gifts. The night before, the college students and myself put together a care package which includes lots of junk food. I brought over 15 pounds of American candies given to my by one of my aunts (Anh’s mom) and some of which I bought with the money that you (the supporters) gave to me. I decided to give away all of the candies to these children because they lack more than the orphans in Saigon (which I will get to visit them sometime this week). I’m looking forward to meeting the orphans in the city!
After the whole camp was over, I got to talk to P. Samuel about my experience. He shared with me that he noticed a change in the countenance of orphans this year. They’re less introverted compared to the last two years. They’re also more joyful than they were before, too. Praise God! I am thankful for the opportunity to participate and help out at this camp!
Anyways… it’s 1AM here and I’ll send you another update soon! Probably in the next few days or so! We just finished a conference and I can’t wait to send you guys an update on this!
Don’t forget to look at the attached pictures!
Cheers,
Thao Bang
