Believe it or not, this summer (July 30th) will be our 1 yr aniversery of leaving for Ethiopia to pick up our kids! We feel so incredibly blessed that God has entrusted the upbringing of Garrett, Ash, Mekie, & Ethan into our parental care. They are our true blessings in life, and we desire nothing more than to see them grow to love God and love others.
We are studying the book of Esther at our church and the topic is God's providence. Looking back on the last several years of our lives, it is so amazing to see how God's divine providence has played out at every twist and turn. Even when we make selfish choices or flat out wrong choices, God can turn them around and weave them into His ultimate plan. We serve a God capable of anything and everything, and all that's required of us is faith. However, true faith is a faith that produces fruit in the lives of the people we come in contact with. God has placed us on an amazing journey and where it ends, only he knows, but we're so excited that he has chosen to use us (even if it's in a small way) to impact His kingdom. Through the events of our adoption and contacts we've made, we've had the priviledge of becoming involved in this great organization (Starved4Hope). God has formed this organization by taking several likeminded families from around the country and connected them with a common vision to serve Him through caring for the "least of these" around the globe. A couple weeks ago we agreed to formaly partner with Starved4Hope and commit our time and resources to growing this ministry. Not because we want to see this organization achieve success by human standards, but because we believe in the biblical backing and foundation for this ministry. On top of that, there are countless lives who our counting on us (the global church) to be the hands and feet of God and meet them in their time of need. We are grateful to be able to serve with this incredible group of people, and we are are constantly amazed at God's power on display as people step up to make a difference in the world. God can use each and every one of us to accomplish His purpose if we only release control to Him.
We're also excited to let you know that S4H is taking on the administration of a 2nd carepoint near Awassa, Ethiopia called the Warancha carepoint. More to follow on this exciting news, but the focus again will be on finding sponsorships for the nearly 270 kids supported by this carepoint. Please don't misunderstand, the work at Tullo Kebele is not done. More sponsors are needed, as well more capital for the building projects. However, God has opened this door for a 2nd carepoint and we're excited to step through it! Please keep the children of Ethiopia in your prayers, as their needs are severe. Please also consider if God would desire you to step out on faith and invest in the lives of these children, either through sponsorship or giving towards a capital project.
God Bless,
Derek
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Tullo Latrine Project - Matching Challenge!
First off, we want to say thank you so much to all of the generous people that have donated financially to the Tullo Bathroom project. The entire Starved4Hope team is greatful for your generosity that will have such a huge impact on the children of this region. Having a sanitary restroom will certainly improve the health and hygiene for these kids. Scripture tells us you will be richly rewarded in heaven for your selfless acts on earth.
Now, the challenge part! We have raised a total of $9,650 of the $11,984 needed to complete this project. We've come so far, so there's no chance we're stopping now! We need to raise the remaining $2,334 and we need your help. We are issuing a matching challenge for anyone who donates $100 or more until this project is completed. So... if someone steps up to donate $1,000, we'll match that donation and be within a couple hundred bucks! Or, if 11 different people make $100 donations, we'll match all of them! Either way, we need your help to get this over the goal line. I know this sounds like a typical fundraising gimmick. However, when children's lives are at stake all gimmicks are fair game as far as we're concerned! Struggling to believe that installing a bathroom in Ethiopia can actually save lives? Trust me, it's not a stretch...
The second part of this offer is we will be giving away 2 Simply Love T-shirts for FREE!
Here is how to get into the drawing:
*Post a comment on our blog is one ticket
*Post this blog posting on your facebook page or blog is one ticket
*Donating to the Bathroom project -Every $25 is a ticket
Here's a picture of the shirts. And... proceeds from every shirt go to support the adoption process for the Detmers family in Ft. Wayne, IN. So by making a donation to the bathroom project you can support 2 great causes, not just 1!
Now, the challenge part! We have raised a total of $9,650 of the $11,984 needed to complete this project. We've come so far, so there's no chance we're stopping now! We need to raise the remaining $2,334 and we need your help. We are issuing a matching challenge for anyone who donates $100 or more until this project is completed. So... if someone steps up to donate $1,000, we'll match that donation and be within a couple hundred bucks! Or, if 11 different people make $100 donations, we'll match all of them! Either way, we need your help to get this over the goal line. I know this sounds like a typical fundraising gimmick. However, when children's lives are at stake all gimmicks are fair game as far as we're concerned! Struggling to believe that installing a bathroom in Ethiopia can actually save lives? Trust me, it's not a stretch...
The second part of this offer is we will be giving away 2 Simply Love T-shirts for FREE!
Here is how to get into the drawing:
*Post a comment on our blog is one ticket
*Post this blog posting on your facebook page or blog is one ticket
*Donating to the Bathroom project -Every $25 is a ticket
Here's a picture of the shirts. And... proceeds from every shirt go to support the adoption process for the Detmers family in Ft. Wayne, IN. So by making a donation to the bathroom project you can support 2 great causes, not just 1!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
July 8th - Save the Date!
Just wanted to let you know that we are planning a fundraising event for Friday, July 8th at 7:00pm at Pine Hills Church in Fort Wayne. This is going to be an awesome event, and we just recieved confirmation that Tom Davis, President of Children's Hopechest and auther of "Red Letters" and "Fields of the Fatherless" will be coming to speak at this event! If you have read any of Tom's books you can feel his heart for the orphans in his words. We are in full on planning mode for this fundraiser now, and we are seeking businesses that will donate items or services that could be auctioned off at a silent auction. All proceeds will directly benefit the children of the Tullo Kebele care point in Awassa, Ethiopia. If you would like to donate an item or if you know of any small business owners that may consider donating an item, please, please, please, let me know! We are looking for techy items like e-readers, ipads, etc... as these type of items seem to go over well. However, any item or service would be greatly appreciated as a donation to this great cause. Please call me or email me if you would like to find out how you can get involved in this event and make it as big as possible for the children of Ethiopia!
Blessings,
Derek & Wendy
Blessings,
Derek & Wendy
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Playground Project
We have a couple, that not only are great friends but share our passion to help the children at our carepoint in Ethiopia. They have also adopted twins from America a year ago. They are marking this special anniversary by raising money for the Children at Tullo in Ethiopia. Please check out her link below to follow how they are raising money for this great cause! She has some great giveaways. An Apple I-pod!!!!! and don't forget Premier Jewelry!!!!!
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