Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Save the Date: Chicago IJM Benefit


Chicago Benefit Dinner
Saturday, September 25, 2010


Reception at 6:30 p.m.
Dinner served at 7 p.m.
Chicago Marriott Downtown — Grand Ballroom

$100 per person (tax-deductible portion $25)*

Business or Cocktail Attire

Learn more and RSVP: IJM.org/benefits


For more information about hosting a table and inviting friends and colleagues, contact us at events@ijm.org or 703.740.9923


Featured Speaker
Sharon Cohn Wu, IJM Senior Vice President
of Justice Operations

Ms. Wu, a graduate of Harvard Law School, represented clients in litigation and international trade matters before serving as a human rights lawyer with IJM. Ms. Wu oversees IJM’s field operations worldwide and regularly briefs government officials in the U.S. and abroad on various human rights issues.


Live Performance
Lamont Hiebert
Singer/Songwriter

Lamont is a close and longtime friend of IJM whose commitment to the work of justice is evident both on and off the stage. Lamont has received a Dove Award nomination and his song “Ocean” was a number one radio hit. Lamont also cofounded Love146 to help prevent child trafficking and to provide aftercare for survivors, some of whom are IJM clients.
For more information regarding the work of IJM, please visit their web site at www.ijm.org.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Duffle Bag Drive for Foster Kids









Thousands of foster care children as well as those in institutions carry their worldly possessions in a black garbage bag as they move from home to home. Our dream is to provide each of these children with the dignity of owning a duffel bag to carry their belongings in.

Get involved by donating your new or gently used duffel bags, large
backpacks or kid-sized suitcases.



We are collecting duffel bags NOW. Please contact us to arrange for pickup
or to find a drop-off location near you.


Donated bags will be distributed to ECFA, Allendale Association and Lydia Home Association.

For more information, contact
Nicole Hewitt
Phone: 847-557-0225
E-mail: nicole@hewittfamily.com


Giving kids in foster care the dignity they deserve................one bag at a time.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Silent Cry

The following post is taken from the Loving Shepherd Ministries' blog called "Stepping Stones". For more information about LSM, visit http://www.loving-shepherd.org/.


THE SILENT CRY

Summer provides time for family gatherings and children to run and laugh. However, there are children who are crying loudly and screaming at the top of their voice. Unfortunately, no one hears them. In some situations the children are not even opening their mouth to scream for help or love. They are screaming on the inside. You do not see the tears streaming down their face. They enter each new day with a look of despair that surfaces in many forms - misbehavior, meekness, anger, sadness, tentativeness or desperation.

What would it be like to not be heard? To never have someone there to lie a comforting hand. What if your cry was so weak, that only God could hear it? What if your voice went unheard due to hopelessness and only God knew it?


I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry - Psalm 40:1


These children are like our children, grandchildren, Sunday school children, children we walk past every day.... they only want to be heard. They are waiting to have their silence broken. Our prayer is to have their voice be heard. Together we can join to represent the children who are silently crying.

God wants us to care for all or HIS children. This is not a problem for the next person to fix. We all share so many problems but we must not forget those without a family who can not be heard. The cry is the same all over the world.


Join us. Be the Prayer. Lift Your Voice. Make a Change. Take a hand.


We realize that this doesn't sound like our typical Stepping Stones e-mail, but we want this summer to be the first of many summers in which orphans worldwide experience the love of a family.

For more information on breaking the silence, and to learn more about Adoption, Orphan Care Ministry, Rescuing Exploited children and caring for orphans in Homes of Hope, please visit www.loving-shepherd.org

Join Us - A child is not a burden, but forever changed by God's family. As Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name, welcomes me." - Matthew 18:5

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

One Woman's Experience at RFKC

In the following post from Terri Hooker, Terri shares her heart and experience of volunteering at the Royal Familiy Kids Camp.

I had such an incredible time volunteering at Royal Family Kids Camp (RFKC) that I wanted to take a few minutes to share with all of you about my week.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Royal Family Kids Camp, it is a week long non-therapeutic, Christian camp for seven to eleven year olds that is provided free of charge to kids in the DCFS foster care system in Lake and Cook counties who have been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused. Although, it is affiliated with a group from Willow , it is 100% privately funded, and everyone that helps out at the camp is a volunteer. For the volunteers, it is pretty much a domestic mission trip. Because of our involvement with Safe Families, I have become increasingly more sensitive to the issues that kids in foster care face. For these kids, this week at camp may be the only time that they get to have a “normal” experience in a safe, encouraging environment. For many of them, this is their first introduction to God and Bible teaching. They have a short chapel time each morning at camp and a little longer chapel in the afternoons or evenings.

Originally, I had looked into being a counselor at camp. One of the special things about RFKC is that there is a 2 to 1 or 1 to 1 camper to counselor ratio. The kids get one on one or two on one time all week long with a loving, Christian role model of the same sex who spends the entire week with them. One of the things that inspired me the most was watching these young, middle aged, or older counselors interact with the kids. Many of them give up a week of vacation time to pour the love of God into these very needy and often difficult kids. Because I don’t work, it didn’t seem like much of a sacrifice for me to give up a week to be at RFKC, but many of the counselors have full-time jobs and families of their own. So, instead of vacationing or relaxing at home during their time off work, they were serving the poor and needy. To me, that is truly heroic!! Because I needed to be back home on Wednesday night for the dance recital, I couldn’t be a counselor, so the directors asked me if I would like to be a camp photographer. I’ve had a growing interest in photography, and it turned out to be the perfect fit.

Along with three other photographers, my job for the week was to create a photo book for each of the 91 campers. It was a very challenging project, but I felt a huge sense of accomplishment when the books were completed and passed out. What made things difficult was that because of confidentiality laws related to the abuse backgrounds, no camper could have pictures of any other kids besides their siblings in their photo books. (Many of the siblings lived in different foster homes and rarely got to see each other.) The goal was to have 12-17 individual pictures of each camper doing a variety of different activities throughout the week. Here are some examples of the different activities: woodshop, arts and crafts, morning exercises, fishing, swimming, boat rides, dress-up, worship, archery, sports, bunk shots, and counselor shots. Then, the campers had to be identified, and the pictures had to be filed into the appropriate folders, printed, and placed into the correct photo books. Because these kids rarely have pictures of themselves and almost never actually have their pictures up on a wall in a home, the photo books are truly treasured. Interspersed with the pictures are key concepts and verses taught during chapel time. Not only are the books a tangible reminder of what they learned and felt at camp, it can also provide the kids with a sense of belonging and accomplishment. It was a huge task that required us to work from before seven in the morning to any where from 10:30 to midnight in the evenings, but watching the kids look through their books at the end of the week made it all so much fun that the long hours didn’t even seem like work.

Many of the kids, especially the older ones, came to camp the first day or two with folded arms and stern faces that seemed to challenge anyone to even try to make them have a good time. By the end of the week, they had all come full circle, and many of even the toughest kids were either sobbing or choking back tears on the last day because they knew what they were returning home to and had been given a glimpse of what life should be like. It was very emotional for all the kids, counselors, and staff on Thursday night and Friday. There just weren’t very many dry eyes. On Tuesday, I overheard one of the directors saying that she just really wished that someone would start a junior high camp because many of the eleven year olds had already asked her if she could make an exception and let them come back next year. Twenty-two kids of the 91 were aging out and would not be able to return next year. Because this was the fourth year of this particular RFKC, many of these kids had been to camp several years in a row. As I had been tossing around the whole idea of a jr. high camp all week, I really felt God tugging at my heart. After Thursday night’s chapel, I was feeling really convicted as I cleared off my last memory card and stepped out of headquarters. Right outside the door were two brothers quietly sitting on a bench with very sad faces. I sat down between them and said that they looked very sad, which was okay because I was, too. I asked them if they were sad because they had to go home the next day. The younger one just nodded his head, and the older one said, “I’m not sad because I have to go home tomorrow, I’m sad because I never get to come back again.” Well, that conversation pretty much confirmed for me that I had to at least try to get the jr. high camp and mentoring program off the ground.

One of my friends from camp has already agreed to partner with me in this whole, huge project. I have recruited some of the other staff to help, as well, but it will require a lot of fundraising on top of the many hours of planning and organization. We’re thinking the first year will cost around $50,000. I don’t know if it is even possible, but I’m going to at least start looking into what it would take to get things started. Larry is on board, too, so that helps a lot. For now, I’m just going to try to take things one step at a time.

The whole week at camp was emotional and bittersweet---knowing that we had planted a seed in each and every child that would hopefully be watered by others over time was very rewarding, but sending them all back to very troubled homes was very difficult. It really put things in perspective for me and made me realize how truly blessed we all are and, especially, how we should never take for granted the privileged life that all of our kids lead. I am very excited about the challenges that lie ahead and will certainly keep you posted on our progress. Have a wonderful summer! I hope to see you soon.

Terri Hooker




Monday, June 21, 2010

The Human Connection

The following was written by Amy Eldridge, founder of Love Without Boundaries...


How many times can one’s heart be broken? How many times can you feel a deep connection with another human being and then have to walk away? I had to ask myself that question again and again on this last trip, as I met hundreds of children who don’t deserve to be orphaned. Hundreds of children who reached into my heart to take hold but who I then had to tell goodbye.

At one point, after an extremely emotional dinner that ended with an older child sobbing in my arms, I pretty much lost it on the way back to the hotel. I have to admit that I thought inside, “I can’t do this anymore… because it hurts too much”. I know that probably sounds terrible, but I think all of us try to protect our hearts when we can. But then God quickly reminded me of all the blessings I have been given. How selfish of me to think that my own heart cannot break again, when I know that millions of orphaned children around the world have their hearts broken every day….when no mother or father comes to comfort them. When no one notices that they are hungry or afraid. When people look at them as worthless simply because they live in an orphanage.

Does one moment of loving someone count in a life? Does that one hug or one rub of the back somehow make a difference to a child who is alone? I continue to pray that it does. With every child’s hand that I clasped, every beautiful face that I cupped in my hands….I tried to convey HOW IMPORTANT I believe their lives are. I said a silent prayer that each of them would someday know what it means to be loved completely.

And the truth is I already know the answer to how many times our hearts can break – it is unlimited. But I know without a doubt that our hearts are also unlimited in their ability to open wider and love even more. The heart of an orphan is often the most fragile of all – because it has already suffered such an enormous loss. Yet these same children who have every right to close their hearts…. are almost always willing to take the risk to believe in someone again. And so we must take the risk of hurting as well, if it means that even one more child will know love. I have to believe that even if it is just for a brief moment, every human connection made strengthens the fabric of this world.

- Amy Eldridge
For more information about Love Without Boundaries, visit www.lovewithoutbounderies.com.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Created to Connect Study Guide


Introducing the Created To Connect: A Christian’s Guide to The Connected Child.

This study guide, created by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Michael & Amy Monroe, is designed to help illuminate the biblical principles that serve as the foundation for the philosophy and interventions detailed in Dr. Purvis’ book, The Connected Child. Together with the book, the study guide is a great tool to help adoptive and foster parents better understand how to build strong and lasting connections with their children, and is ideal for use in small groups as well as by individuals or couples.

Visit the Empowered To Connect website to download and print the entire (76 page) study guide, or view and print it chapter-by-chapter. There is no charge for this or any of the Empowered To Connect resources, but be sure to let other adoptive and foster parents know about this new study guide.

For more information and other resources from Empowered to Connect, visit http://www.empoweredtoconnect.org/.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Everyone Needs A Family





by Kay Warren

Published first in Catalyst Monthly February 2010

“Who will take care of my children when I die?” she asked in a whisper. “No one will want them because they know I am dying of AIDS.” Flora’s tears flowed, her face a mixture of anguish and fear. She was the first dying mother I had ever encountered and I had no answers for her; I was nearly mute in the presence of her suffering. My assurances that I would pray for her and her children were woefully inadequate. How could my words of intercession be enough to cover the needs of her soon-to-be-orphaned young children? Her face, her heartrending question, and the certainty that Flora is no longer here haunts me seven years later. What has happened to her precious babies? Did a kind relative open her home to them? Was a neighbor brave enough to overcome the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS to welcome these little ones? Did a family in their church listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and make space at their table for three more hungry mouths? Or are those three children growing up in an institution – an orphanage - that will keep their bodies alive but give them no long-term hope for a normal life? Or even worse: are they on the unforgiving streets of Maputo, Mozambique, scrounging out an existence? Or worst of all – did their status as vulnerable orphans lead to an untimely death?

While most of us give very little thought to the 138 million orphans in the world, God is passionately concerned for them. The fact that a child is orphaned due to AIDS every 14 seconds rips at his heart. The reality that 25% of the population of Nigeria is orphans grieves him. The status of Flora’s three children is on his mind every day.

In Proverbs 23:10-11 (NEB), God reveals himself as a powerful guardian for orphans and vulnerable children:

“Don’t move the boundaries or encroach on the land of orphans; they have a powerful guardian who will take up their cause against you.”

In this passage, God uses the example of stealing land from an orphan to reveal how he feels about them. To steal land from a neighbor is obviously wrong, but to take land from a fatherless child is reprehensible in God’s eyes! As their powerful guardian, It makes him furious! Other translations call him their advocate, their redeemer, their champion, their savior, their deliverer, the All-Powerful God. More than Super Man or Iron Man, they have GOD as their guardian and He will “take up their cause against you!” Don’t be fooled by the nice language. God is sending out a warning: He’s gonna do some serious butt-kicking to anyone who takes advantage of, hurts, manipulates, steals from, exploits, terrorizes, wounds, or in any way hurts vulnerable children. They are under his special protection: he calls himself the Father to the Fatherless (Ps. 68:5 NLT) and He will avenge any wrong done to them. You do NOT want to be on the wrong side of God when it comes to orphans – He is fanatical in his passion and love for them! So much so that how we treat orphans and widows is a litmus test of our spiritual life and our love for God.

James 1:27 (NLT) “Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.”

It’s not an option, folks. Caring for orphans and vulnerable children is not just for a few people; this is not a matter of economics or spiritual gifts or personal interests. This is not for some of us, but for ALL of us. Having a heart that is tender towards children without a family is a test of our love for God. If we say we love God but do nothing on the behalf of the world’s vulnerable children, we’re kidding ourselves; we’re ignorant and misinformed. You simply cannot love God without developing a passion for orphans.

Scripture also teaches that what God has done for us spiritually, He desires for us to physically. God adopted each of us when we were spiritual orphans, without a home, a family, a father. We were vulnerable, unable to earn our way into his family, and had nothing going for us. But, because of his unbelievable, amazing mercy and grace, we are now a part of his forever family, equal heirs with our older brother, Jesus. We have been adopted; we know the joy of belonging. From grateful hearts, we must now look at our vulnerable little brothers and sisters and seek a home and a family for them.

Russell Moore says, “Adoption is not just about couples who want children – or who want more children. Adoption is about an entire culture within our churches, a culture that sees adoption as part of our Great Commission mandate and as a sign of the gospel itself.”

Not everyone should adopt, but more should than do. Every family should at least ask the question, “God, do you want our family to foster or adopt a child?” How do you know the answer unless you’ve asked the question?

One hundred and thirty-eight million children – perhaps Flora’s three are among them – are waiting for us who name the name of Jesus to take them home.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

International v.s. domestic adoption


Below is a post from a blog called "Building the Blocks". In her post, Amy responds to a criticism that I have come across many, many times since we've adopted our two daughters from China. I have repeatedly been asked in various ways, in various situations: "Why did you adopt from another country when there are so many foster children in our country that need families?" Most times, the question is posed in a judgemental way, virtually accusing me and my husband of wrongdoing in our decision to adopt from China. Almost all the time, it is from people who have never adopted! There are multiple factors that families consider as they consider adding a child to their family through adoption. Most of the time, my answer is simple: "Because China is the place that God put in our hearts. He knew before time began that that's were we would be blessed with our daughters."

I'd like to take this opportunity to challenge those of you who have made judgements about adoptive families. I challenge you to search your hearts and ask God to help you see that every child deserves a forever family, no matter where they were born. I ask you to open your hearts to the fact that it is up to God to chose a child for their parents, whether biological or adopted......God is in control of both processes!

Anyway, Amy, a seasoned adoptive mom, responds to the question so well, I'll just let you read for yourself.


"Normally I don't do this... but this one struck a cord with me. Something inside of me felt like I had to respond. Please understand I do not mean this reader any disrespect-we are all entitled to our own thoughts, feelings and opinions.

But, since this is my blog- I figure I have a right to share my own opinion. ;0)

I received the following comment after my post on "Will It Ever Be Enough" and since it wasn't the first time (nor I am sure the last) that I heard these exact sentiments- I felt a post a brewin.


"The thing is...its very hard for people to take Christians seriously when we pass over the over 100,000 legal orphans in our own country to go save an orphan overseas. God would have us take care of our own - and we are not. The foster care system is full to bursting with children that have been turned into 100% legal orphans with no chance of a legal fight over rights. Where is the line of Christians to adopt them? It's LOW cost even.

Nowhere.

Our own children aren't good enough some how. They aren't as worthy as a child in another country. Yet, its supposed to be about giving a child a home and a family of their own - which our foster children (that are legal orphans) DO NOT HAVE.

"Obviously I've been asking myself these hard questions - and they don't shed a good light on those of us that adopt from overseas."

First of all, I wrote this post awhile back on adopting internationally verse adopting from the foster system here. As a mother of five adopted children- TWO from the foster system and three internationally I feel that I have a right of passage to respond to this question. ;0)

I want to reiterate that to us- adopting from the foster system and adopting internationally are equally as amazing- simply because we were blessed by both experiences- our children came home. While of course there are strengths and weaknesses to both adoption processes- the end results are absolutely priceless.

However, what struck a cord with me was the part about 'our own' children in our own backyard.

I don't know how the bible speaks to you- but my God says to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) and I am pretty positive He was not just talking about the person physically next door.

I am pretty sure He was talking about every person- every tribe- every tongue- every nation.

I am pretty sure He desires the orphan in Dallas, Texas to not remain an orphan as much as He desires the orphan in Africa, Afghanistan, Belize, China, India, Liberia, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Guatemala, Moldova, Honduras, Costa Rica or the Marshall Islands to have a family of their own.

I am pretty sure they ALL matter to Him equally.

John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

So while yes I agree that people should be answering the call to foster or adopt from the US foster system (PLEASE, PLEASE DO!!!) I also believe that if God has called you to Russia, China, Guatemala, Serbia, Vietnam, Africa, that you SHOULD OBEY.


The beauty of God's plan is that He is sending His people EVERYWHERE to answer His call. If ALL of us were to adopt from China- then what about the orphans in Guatemala or Columbia or Haiti?


And I love how God places certain places and certain children on certain peoples hearts. (Not to mention some programs are just a better fit for certain individuals- due to family size, age, income, etc.)

I have met families who are passionate about adopting children with Downs Syndrome.

I have met families who are passionate about adopting children who are HIV+.

I have met families who are called to teen boys from the US foster system.

I have met families who are called to children with club feet from China.

And the things is IT IS ALL EQUALLY AMAZING and EQUALLY WONDERFUL because that family answers the call and goes where God has called them.

I personally find it incredible that the God of the universe hand chose each and every one of our children.

I love that He orchestrated the most beautiful consummation- and I have never doubted for a single second that each child He has allowed us the privilege of parenting was meant to be ours- because it was His plan.

I have never doubted for a single second that God, in his infinite wisdom, knew which children needed us and which children we needed to become who we are.

Two times He sent us to Guatemala and provided for our every needs. Two times He led us to adopt through the US foster system and provided for every need. And one time He sent us to Ethiopia and provided for every need. Each time we stepped out in faith and trusted Him to bring the child He chose into our family- and it was perfect.

So if God is calling you to adopt from China- GO!!!

If God is calling you to adopt from the US foster system GO!!!

No matter where the child is located-Adoption is a beautiful, hard, emotional rollercoaster- that in the end is worth it all.

Now, go get your child- no matter where they may be. ;0) "



To read comments about Amy's post, visit http://buildingtheblocks.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit



Save the Date...

SUMMIT VII

May 12-13, 2011

Southeast Christian Church
Louisville, KY

“To say that the conference was inspiring is putting it lightly! I came away with my cup of joy and hope
absolutely overflowing and was (and am) eager to share all I’ve learned with anyone who asks…”

“AMAZING…left not only fired up, but also feeling equipped to begin making a difference….It was truly one of the best weeks of our lives and even in the few days that we've been home, we've already seen the Lord working in mighty ways!"

“…Full of highlights, full of insights, full of God.”

“The conference was powerful – inspiring speakers, helpful breakout sessions and great conversations… I experienced something deeper than happiness. It was joy…”

"I have been to many conferences in the past but have never experienced anything quite like being around 1000+ people with a passion and heart for orphans!"

“Over all, it was a week that will have an impact for a lifetime. Not only did we hear some amazing testimonies and stories of God's faithfulness, but we made contacts and built relationships with other like minded people who have a burning passion for God and His children. And we are so excited about the things the Lord can accomplish when we partner together with them! Our God is so faithful and I can't wait to see what He will do next...”

“…a very powerful place to be.”




Summit VI recordings still are available online! Visit http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/

Monday, June 7, 2010

Worth the Wait!

The following is a wonderful testimonial from Buckner International (http://www.helporphans.org/)


At this moment, there are many waiting on something. That object may be a breakthrough in marriage, finances, a job, healing and the list goes on.

Three years ago, we said "yes" to God's calling to adopt one of His special children in Guatemala--Juan Pablo.

We had been on a couple of Buckner mission trips to the country to minister to orphans and we returned to the U.S. with our hearts burdened to do something more. Admittedly, we were a scared young couple who had suffered pregnancy loss several times.

Initially, our hearts were set on the adoption of a perfect little baby through an agency. But when we brought our desires before the Lord, He reminded us of an older child with scars on his face and a possible terminal illness. In addition to the difficulty of dealing with physical needs, the adoption process would cost a great deal of money and require time along with sacrifice.

By submitting to God's will at that moment, we didn't receive a timeline as to when we might bring our future son home or even an advanced payment to cover the cost of the journey. We had no idea how difficult it would be to spend a few days with our son, and have to leave him for several months while carrying on a distant relationship.

The journey with God over the following three years rocked our world. We experienced miracles and God moving mountains right in front of our eyes. We began to see things through His eyes and just how beautiful Juan Pablo and the other special needs children were in his home.

We found ourselves completely dependent on the Lord as we waited on Him to move and advance us toward the object of His calling. We became weary and discouraged through the process, but our God was faithful to renew our strength and encourage us. Hebrews 10:36 says "For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise..." We learned that only by yolking with Jesus through the journey and enduring the wait would we be able to receive the rich blessing of His promise. We have been home for five months now with Juan Pablo, and every day the words "Mama" or "Papa" and "I lub you" in English melt our hearts. We thank God for leading us to this treasure that was well worth the wait.

Our prayer is that you also will be encouraged to find joy in your time of waiting by allowing God to penetrate your heart to grow in faith, patience, and love. Consider today as one day closer to claiming the blessing of His promise in your life.

John and Emily Wiggins are the proud adoptive parents of Juan Pablo, a former Buckner Guatemalan orphan. They recently welcomed their new baby, Samuel, into the family.

--------------------------------
Prayer for the Week:
- God, please give us the patience and faith that we need to submit to your plan.
- God, please help Buckner find more loving homes for children like Juan Pablo who need a mom and dad.

-------------------------------

Buckner International, based in Dallas, Texas, is a diverse global ministry to children. Our mission is to be a multi-service agency dedicated to the restoration and healing of individuals and the family. In carrying out these services, Buckner adheres to Christian principles delivered with professional competence. Established in 1879, Buckner has answered children's needs throughout our history. Today, their services include a global humanitarian aid program, volunteer missions opportunities, community enrichment and prevention programs, an international network of residential, foster care and transitional housing services, domestic and international adoption, and support programs for children living in orphanages in other countries.




Saturday, June 5, 2010

Safe Families Training Workshop


In an effort to help host families form healthy relationships with the parents of the children they are caring for, Safe Families has announced a three-part workshop on building cross-cultural relationships in a Christian context. Safe Families volunteers can attend just one or all three sessions, and volunteers from all churches and regions are welcome.

The details for the first session are as follows:

Bridge Builders: Guidance on building relationships with parents of Safe Family kids.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

10:00 – 2:00

Lunch will be provided ($5 donation requested)

Christ Community Church of St. Charles, Chapel

37W100 Bolcum Road, St. Charles, IL 60175

Please RSVP to Rebecca Cynamon-Murphy at rcynamon-murphy@lydiahome.org or 773.653.2205 so that we know how much food to order. All interest-levels are welcome.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Players' wives raise awareness in battle against sex-traffic trade

Heather Crane, Lindsay Hiebert (daughter of Love146 co-founder Lamont Hiebert), Dowd Simpson and Athena Perez (left to right), met in Cambodia for a week-long trip to raise awareness of the horrors of the child sex slavery.

I invite you to read the following excellent article about the wives of PGA Golfers who are making a difference in the battle against the sex-traffic trade. Be inspired!

http://www.pgatour.com/2010/r/05/04/pga-wives-in-cambodia/