Bring Love In

The following post comes from our dear friends over at "This Grace Filled Life"

Hello Friends!
We would love for you to take 5 minutes to click on the above link and watch the video before you read the rest of this email.  :)



Bring Love In - Uniting widows and orphans to create new families in Ethiopia from Levi Benkert on Vimeo.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ok...So, thank you for taking the time to watch the Benkerts share about the ministry Bring Love In, in Ethiopia. 

We are really excited to tell you that Levi and Jesse Benkert will be here in Lancaster on September 15th to tell you more about this really amazing ministry.  They are traveling around the country to bring awareness about the needs of widows and orphans in Ethiopia and the concept (now becoming reality) of placing orphans into the care of Christian widows to receive the love of family.  After being in Ethiopia, and seeing the great need for better solutions to Ethiopia's orphan crisis, we were overjoyed when we discovered this ministry. 

If you are reading this, and are located close enough to Lancaster County, PA, we would really LOVE for you to attend the Bring Love in event to hear more, see more and be inspired and challenged more as to how God could use You to care for orphans in Ethiopia. 

Here are the details:
When:  Saturday, September 15 at 3:00 pm
Where: Lancaster Bible College Private Dining Room
What:  Enjoy samples of Ethiopian food, Ethiopian coffee (and American dessert...:)
          See items and pictures from the Ethiopian Culture
          And...hear amazing stories of God's leading and redemption from the cofounders of Bring Love In, Levi and Jesse Benkert

You Must RSVP for this event.  You can email Rebekah at gregandrebekah at hotmail dot com

Here is the website for Bring Love In - See for yourself:  CLICK HERE 

"Make 5" and Watch

Please make 5 minutes of your time to click on this link and watch the video posted by our sister in Christ Alla from the Bible Orphan Ministry team.

As you look at the faces of these children and young adults, consider that many of them are not available for adoption.  Let us give praise to the Lord that they are able to receive His Truth that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the love and care brother Misha and the BOM team bring to these orphans. 

Galatians 5:13-14

¹³ For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

EE Mission Day 35 - Meeting Mila's Birthparents

When we arrived back in Mila Gayle's region to finalize her adoption paperwork, our facilitator mentioned to us that Mila's birth parents desired to meet us.  This was something that, although we had heard of and read about from other families, did not really expect to happen to us.  With that said, we told her we were open to meeting them.

When we had our first meeting with Mila ("known as "Gayle" then) back on 12/14/2011, some of  her life story was shared with us:

(1)  She was the second child of her birth parents; has an older sister.
(2)  When her parents heard of her DS diagnosis, she was brought to the orphanage, but her parents continued to visit her for the first year.
(3)  After the first year, when instructed of what Gayle's care needs were going to be, her parents decided to leave her there.  The visitations stopped.

Hearing this brief outline of a 3+ year story left us pondering some "why" questions:

• Why would they stop visiting her?  Was this some kind of rule linked to them giving up parental rights?
• Why would they now desire to see her and meet her adoptive parents?

Simple questions; yet I am certain the answers are far more complex.  It is easy to speculate answers, but the danger can include an ungodly judgement of people.  So, as I reviewed our prayer journal, this line item stood out:

That through the adoption journey, our witness to those "neighbors" we encounter advances (not hinders) the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our facilitator confirmed that when we returned to the orphanage Friday, to sign some final documents and present the donation from Mila's bank account, that we would meet not only her parents, but her (maternal) grandparents...

So, Friday came; we drove over to the orphanage with Mila.  Our facilitator said that she could have lunch there; so as we were walking up to her OLD groupa room, there they were - her birth parents and grandparents...

To make a long story short, the meeting with them was a bittersweet blessing.  We could see the sadness in their faces as they provided us with gifts for her - some clothing, a baby doll, a snowsuit, and her gold Cross necklace from her Baptism. 

I noticed the sadness and shame in her mother's face as she explained to us (through our facilitator who translated) about how, in her country, they just do not know how to properly care for children like her.  Now, that is an easy comment to judge; yet, I am convinced that this is simply how this culture views "special needs" children.  Also, I do not think the good ole USA has it all together, either; with respect to the role of family and how to best disciple a child (notice I said disciple, not just teach).  You can agree or disagree with me on that comment...

Yet, we also experienced the comfort of knowing that they were very very happy that she had a new family that would be able to provide her the proper love and care.  They wanted to take pictures with us.  They asked if we would be willing to stay in touch with them, via Skype, regarding Mila's progress when she is home with us.  Remember the prayer journal line item mentioned earlier:

That through the adoption journey, our witness to those "neighbors" we encounter advances (not hinders) the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We agreed to make contact once we get home and settled.  I pray and hope that doing so will be used by God to draw this family closer to the Lord...

As we prepared to depart, I remember seeing something that will stick with me for a while.  Mila's birth mother gave Mila one last hug and kiss, and then walked over to Stephanie and handed Mila to her, as if to say, "YOU are now her mother".  They offered us God's blessings, and then left.

We waited a couple minutes before leaving.  As we were entering the car with Mila, we could see her birth parents walking down the sidewalk together; not looking back.  I can only imagine what must have been going through their mind and heart...

Time will tell how this particular chapter to our adoption mission ends, but I do know for certain that, one way or another, God will be glorified!

Soli Deo Gloria!

EE Mission Day 15 - Christmas Eve in "U"

I have about five different blog posts swirling in my mind. My head is swimming with what we have seen the past few days. Most won't be shared until the mission here is complete. When we found out that Kathleen was transferred to an institution and different city, I began thinking of many "What" questions.

• What will God allow us to see here?
• What is God's will for this unplanned journey to an institution?
• What children are there?
• What is the purpose of this because they new we were coming for her?

Some of those answers are becoming evident.  We now have a much deeper appreciation for what our friends at the Bible Orphan Ministry do to minister to orphans.  What a blessing to have these brothers and sisters share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the least of these.

You can read stories about orphans living in institutions, but when you experience these things with your own eyes it changes you on many levels. You'll never be the same again.  It's heart wrenching and you want to cry out to every brother and sister you know to take a leap of faith and do something for these precious children.

My memory isn't very good, but I pray God allows what I'm seeing to be at the forefront of my mind as long as I live. I am so thankful He sent us here for these two precious girls. I wish we could bring back more.  I pray we can advocate for the ones that will be left behind.  They are precious and sweet and the desperation in their eyes for love and affection is overwhelming.

Today, I've also been thinking of Christmas, and being so far away from home. Each year I struggle during this holiday season. I battle getting "caught up" in the worldly celebration of what Christmas is all about. Each year I say, "It will be different this year", and instead I end up putting God in a shaker and sprinkling Him here and there on our celebration. Finding the balance is challenging sometimes, as I'm sure many can relate to.

Corey and I are staying in a city that I can't even pronounce. We can't have a conversation with anyone, or go out to eat at a restaurant. We don't have a Christmas tree, wrapped presents, or a meal to fuss over tomorrow, but we do have each other.  Also, most importantly, we have time to truly reflect on why we even celebrate Christmas. Time to reflect on Jesus Christ coming into this world to die on a cross for our sins.  Time to reflect on how He has adopted us into His Kingdom. How overwhelming of a thought this is to me.

We will be on a train for 11 hours tomorrow, with these thoughts to ponder. I miss our children deeply, but we may never have this chance to have this type of Christmas celebration again. Simple, meaningful, focused and wonderful.

Our Father in Heaven has blessed this incredible journey we are on in so many glorious ways. He is the reason we are here, and HE definitely is the reason for this holiday season.

We have court for Gayle on Tuesday; Praise God!  We are continuing to pray for doors to open for a court date next week in Kathleen's region.  We need to get her out as soon as possible!

EE Mission Day 3 - A Very Special Visit

If you have been to this blog before, you may have noticed this button along the side:



Grab This!

I strongly encourage you to click on this to go to their blog.  Make time to read about their Kingdom work with orphans.  They bring the greatest gift to these children; the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  Pray for them.  Consider donating to their work.  Send them a message of encouragement.

This past Monday, along with another adoptive family we had met up with, Stephanie and I met up with 4 members of the Bible Orphan Ministry team - Pastor Misha, Alla, Oksana, and Nadya.  What a Joy to meet fellow brothers and sisters from another country, and for it to seem as if we had known them for a long time.  What a testimony to God's gift of fellowship!  You can read their perspective of the day by going HERE

I hope we see them again; maybe with a team from our church going on a mission to help them with orphan care...

I had, and still have, alot to learn about true Christian fellowship.  The Lord provided this visit on Monday as a gift that I hope will leave an eternal impression.

Breaking Bread at a cafeteria serving authentic Ukrainian home cooking!

Brothers united in Christ!

Sisters united in Christ!

Soli Deo Gloria!

O.R.P.H.A.N. Ministry - Raising Awareness

Back on October 19th, I posted an introducing a vision for coordinating a ministry related to Orphan and Adoptive/Foster Family Care; using the acrostic O.R.P.H.A.N. With this post, we'll take a look at:


Raising Awareness about the “plentiful harvest” and need for “workers”

Matthew 9:35-38 - ³⁵ And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ³⁸therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

• Do we realize how many orphans exist:
• in the world? 
• in the U.S.?
• in the state we live in?  
• in our local community?

• Do we realize the conditions many of these orphans live in and the type of care they receive?

• Why do you think the “laborers are few”?

What Are We Hoping For?

Hope is Fading – Orphan Sunday from Allan Rosenow on Vimeo.



So, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, what can we do to make sure they do not lose hope?  What should we do, out of loving, thankful obedience to our Father who adopted us first?


1 Peter 3:3-25

Born Again to a Living Hope

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
¹⁰Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, ¹¹inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. ¹² It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

Called to Be Holy

¹³Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, ¹⁵but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." ¹⁷And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, ¹⁸knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, ¹⁹but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. ²⁰He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you ²¹ who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
²²Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, ²³ since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; ²⁴for

"All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
²⁵ but the word of the Lord remains forever."

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Will We Protect the Little Ones?

This is a re-post of this post on the Desiring God ministry blog (thanks, Rebekah!)

Consider the following about babies with Down syndrome:

• Of women who choose to have prenatal testing, approximately 90% of those who discover their child has Down syndrome choose to abort.
• Two companies are racing to provide new prenatal diagnostic tests that could detect Down syndrome as early as the ninth week of pregnancy, without the dangers of current tests.
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists expanded the clinical standard of care to include giving all women regardless of age the opportunity for Down syndrome screening.
• We are already seeing a decline in the number of children with Down syndrome being born.
• Women routinely report that doctors paint a negative, inaccurate picture of the quality of lives of children with Down syndrome and their families.

Our Culture Is Against Them

Prenatal tests are not the problem. The problem is the bias of our culture against the lives of little ones born with Down syndrome. Our culture does not think that these littles ones should be given the opportunity to live.
And there is no neutral ground on this issue: you are either doing something to protect the lives of unborn babies with disabilities or you are letting the culture pressure parents about what they "should do."

You Can Help

Developing programs is helpful, but it does not need to be complicated to get started. You can begin by consistently affirming that God is in control and every life matters. Just last week a dad stood up in a seminar and told the group that it was the strong pro-life message of his church that gave him the conviction needed to welcome his unborn child with Down syndrome into his family.
Earlier this year I met a young couple who, radiating the love of Jesus, told us the story of how their small church — less than 100 people — surrounded them with prayer and love and persistent presence when their baby girl with Down syndrome was born.
Church, please, trust God and pursue the good of these little ones, for his glory and for your good. Soak in God’s word and embrace his sovereignty over all things before the challenge comes:

• He knits little babies with genetic anomalies together (Psalm 139:13-16).
• He will never leave us or forsake us; “The Lord is my helper” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
• He will supply every need (Philippians 4:19).
• He is “righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works” (Psalm 145:17).
• He is purposeful in hard things like disability, and that purpose is glorious: For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Resources

For how to talk about disability, abortion, and the sovereignty of God, I recommend Pastor John's sermon, Born Blind for the Glory of God. For an example of how this issue is woven into other topics, see the blog post, The Inevitability of “Gendercide” and Its Other Deadly Effects.

Uncommon Calamities

I was reviewing John Chapter 9, the story of Jesus healing the blind man, and kept focusing on this portion of the passage:

 ¹As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. ²And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" ³Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Now, at the risk of unrightly dividing the Word of God, I kept thinking of this "re-wording", as it applies to orphans in general, to "special needs" orphans, and specifically to Kathleen.  How would that read?

 ¹As he passed by, he saw <an orphan>. ²And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this <orphan> or his parents, that he <is an orphan>?" ³Jesus answered, "It was not that this <orphan> sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in <the orphan>.

or

 ¹As he passed by, he saw <Kathleen>. ²And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this <child> or <her> parents, that <she has Down Syndrome>?" ³Jesus answered, "It was not that <Kathleen> sinned, or <her> parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in <Kathleen>.

Again, I hope that I am not mis-applying Scripture, but that is how I found myself reading this portion of the passage...

I found what Matthew Henry had to say in his concise commentary on John 9:1-7 helpful:

Christ cured many who were blind by disease or accident; here he cured one born blind. Thus he showed his power to help in the most desperate cases, and the work of his grace upon the souls of sinners, which gives sight to those blind by nature. This poor man could not see Christ, but Christ saw him. And if we know or apprehend anything of Christ, it is because we were first known of him. Christ says of uncommon calamities, that they are not always to be looked on as special punishments of sin; sometimes they are for the glory of God, and to manifest his works. Our life is our day, in which it concerns us to do the work of the day. We must be busy, and not waste day-time; it will be time to rest when our day is done, for it is but a day. The approach of death should quicken us to improve all our opportunities of doing and getting good. What good we have an opportunity to do, we should do quickly. And he that will never do a good work till there is nothing to be objected against, will leave many a good work for ever undone, ( Ecclesiastes 11:4 ) . Christ magnified his power, in making a blind man to see, doing that which one would think more likely to make a seeing man blind. Human reason cannot judge of the Lord's methods; he uses means and instruments that men despise. Those that would be healed by Christ must be ruled by him. He came back from the pool wondering and wondered at; he came seeing. This represents the benefits in attending on ordinances of Christ's appointment; souls go weak, and come away strengthened; go doubting, and come away satisfied; go mourning, and come away rejoicing; go blind, and come away seeing.

Faith Like a Child

Matthew 11:25-30 (this is after Jesus denounced the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent)...

25 At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

I came across this article during my morning news review. It stirred up a memory from when Stephanie was pregnant with our first son (Trevor). To put things in context, we were not Christians at the time...

The pregnancy included "Level 2" ultrasounds; the first of which resulted in the fetus possessing 2 of the 6 "indicators" for Down Syndrome. I recall the confusion and anxiety it caused initially. I also remember abortion NEVER being an option for us; to that I praise the Lord for the Grace He gave us during that time (with regard to not letting our desire for inner peace and affluence drive a decision regarding the termination of the pregnancy).

I commend the story told in this article to you all; may the Lord use it to teach, rebuke, correct, and encourage us all regarding our "worldly" attitudes...

Here is an excerpt:

Gabe's mother and Peter's wife, Tara King, was 18 weeks pregnant when test results confirmed she was carrying a child with Down syndrome, a chromosomal variation that causes mental and physical delays. She was standing in the foyer of their home at the time in Cleveland when the doctor called with the news.

Their eldest son, Nate, then 8, heard her burst into tears and asked what was wrong.

"Is it Grandma?"

"No, Grandma is fine."

"Is it Daddy?" Peter had thrown out his back and was upstairs in bed at the time.

"No, Daddy is fine."

Nate was aware of the test and finally asked: "Is it the baby? Does it have Down syndrome?"

When his mother nodded yes, he said, "Oh, good."

The Kings enjoy telling this story, recalling how Nate's relief brought perspective to what seeme like the end of the world.

"In that moment of absolute grief, that little piece of clarity and truth, it took my breath away," Tara recalled.

The couple met with a genetic counselor who laid out options. They could choose an abortion or early induced labor - which would result in the death of the fetus. Or Tara could carry the baby to term. Nine in 10 fetuses that test positive for Down syndrome are aborted.

"I remember being told to think about our other children and how this is going to affect them," said Tara, recalling conversations with friends and family members. "It was unspoken, but the message was, 'You really need to not have this baby because it's going to ruin everything for the kids.' Which in retrospect is just kind of funny, because if nothing, they've grown from the experience."

The Idol of Personal Peace and Affluence

Luke 18

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Let the Children Come to Me

15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."


My intention over my next several posts is to reflect a little deeper on "The orphan crisis: what can we do to help?" categories that my sister in Christ Sabrina let me use from her blog. These categories include: Learn, Pray, Adopt, Advocate, and Support.

Before I move forward with expanding on the "Learn" category, I believe it is important to establish a foundation for understanding what contributes to the Orphan crisis, and many other crises in the world.

Please make time to watch these video clips from Francis Schaeffer's "How Should We Then Live" series. As you watch and listen to the points made, try to apply them to how the world system, and dare I say many professing Christians, deal with orphan care...


PART 1:


PART 2:


PART 3:



I confess that what the late Francis Schaeffer describes in these videos is still a huge idol that my sinful flesh is drawn to. This is why what Stephanie and I are looking to do with regard to this adoption is not anything to do with how "noble" we are; it has everything to do with the Grace and Mercy bestowed upon us by the Triune God!

Abba! Father! Thank You for Your Sanctifying Grace and Mercy!

Nothing happens by chance

I am excited to say that so far our Home Study process has proceeded smoothly and quickly, and we haven't hit any bumps in collecting our paperwork.  We are so thankful for the Home Study Agency we are using.  The customer service has been excellent since the very first phone call, and our social worker is wonderful as well.  She is so kind, helpful, and prompt at returning phone calls/emails.  We are hoping for our home visit to be completed the last week of May.  PRAISE GOD!

A primary focus of prayer has been centered around who will care for our three boys during our travel time to the country where Kathleen is located.  We are hopeful that God is revealing his answer.  Several months ago, I met a new face as I was serving in our church nursery.  At that time, she shared that she worked as a nanny.  Her passion to care for children was very evident.  At the beginning of this year, I approached her about overseeing the children in our Home Fellowship group while we have Bible study.  She agreed, and has done a wonderful job.  Her service is such a blessing.  Anyway, yesterday I served in the church nursery with her again.  I shared our story about how God has called us to adopt Kathleen.  I also expressed our concern about what to do with our boys while we travel.  I almost burst into tears when she mentioned that she would be willing to help.  We are hoping to meet with her within the next couple of weeks to discuss a possible plan in more detail.  Our serving in the church nursery together, and meeting so many months ago wasn't because we just so happened to be scheduled on the same day.  I'm convinced that wasn't so.  It's amazing how God is at work in our lives when we're not even aware of it.

I'll close with this verse.  My oldest son learned this verse as a song, and it frequently crosses my thoughts as I read such amazing stories of sacrifice and rescue for these precious children through Reece's Rainbow.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Do You Suffer From Depraved Indifference?

Praise the Lord for His Sanctifying Grace which allows us to repent of this behavior in our pursuit of Holiness, for His Kingdom! Amen!