23.1 BCH update

Myanmar

The military coup continues as previously. It seems that our partners are viewing it as a way of life, at least for now. The GEM Home and the Grace Home celebrated Christmas with festivals for the nearby villages. They provided a meal, small gifts of rice and oil, and gave several Gospel presentations. They sent pictures. Many adults and children were present and some came to know the Lord through the events.

The Grace Home Family continues to struggle with medical issues. Melody was recently diagnosed with stomach tuberculosis. We are working to learn how to treat her as well as prevent others from getting TB. Grace was injured in a taxi accident. Her brother Hao believes the accident was deliberately caused by the military. Grace broke her elbow and was quite bruised for days. The doctors initially wanted to do surgery but decided that casting the elbow was enough. We just learned that a recent evaluation showed that her arm is not healing at all. She has lost feeling in her fingers. The doctors are discussing removing her hand if it does not improve. In the meantime, Grace continues to struggle with serious vertigo. Melody was hospitalized when Grace had the accident. As a result, Kim (Grace’s sister) helped Melody through her surgery and treatment. Apparently, the additional care and uncertainty led her health to decline. Kim has gone days without eating and remaining in bed. Please pray for all these needs. Grace’s brother has been the primary communicator with me during these trials. He texted me last weekend: “I want to cry bitterly, weep, when I’m thinking all about Kim’s life. How she sacrifices herself, I wonder. Lastly, I have found that Kim loves the Lord God. Kim has the love of God in her heart. Please do kindly pray for us continuously, especially for Kim.” Hao Yang.

Haiti

The children in Pastor Thomas’ home are doing well. Pictured, left. All the children enjoyed their Christmas celebrations. Our partner Predestin requests prayer for the children and continues to say that living in these family homes is making all the difference in the children’s lives. I recently had the opportunity to visit with all our children in Haiti by video call. They sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness” in Creole. It was beautiful. I enjoyed seeing their happy faces. These children are thriving.

Thank you for praying for our precious children. Our children have physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs. Many have accepted Christ as their Savior, and some have not yet made this decision. Some children need medical care while others need additional educational support. Many have experienced trauma, hurt, food insecurity, and so much more. Please pray with us, that we can know and meet the children’s needs well. We rely on our Great Physician for wisdom, help, and healing. We trust Him to meet all the children’s needs, even the ones of which we are unaware.

Zambia

Our partner Rachel has great news on the children’s tutoring. Mrs. Daka, the children’s new tutor says the children are doing very well in learning how to read. In fact, Emmanuel is leading the way and excelling. This is wonderful news because when we began caring for the children Emmanuel had no interest in school. He was also stealing…quite a bit. Rachel says Emmanuel is now “a sweet and responsive kid.” She added, “Your help has been priceless.”

On January 13th I received a text from Rachel about China, Jeni’s youngest grandchild. He was dropped off at his grandmother’s home. He had basically nothing, not a blanket, belongings, clothes. He had a pair of shoes that were too small and a pair of tattered, dirty pajama pants. The man who brought him simply said, “I just want to go.” Then he left. China’s story is even more difficult. His left leg is permanently bent at the knee. It is very difficult for him to walk. We need to get medical attention for him as his leg will require surgery. Of course, we agreed to accept him into our care. Please pray for him. He is very shy. When he first came, he said, “I want to go back to the village on the big motor.” He has been placed with family members who are virtually strangers to him. We are praying that he will soon adjust to the loving care he is receiving.

Emmanuel

China

Thank you for praying for our precious children. Our children have physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs. Many have accepted Christ as their Savior, and some have not yet made this decision. Some children need medical care while others need additional educational support. Many have experienced trauma, hurt, food insecurity, and so much more. Please pray with us, that we can know and meet the children’s needs well. We rely on our Great Physician for wisdom, help, and healing. We trust Him to meet all the children’s needs, even the ones of which we are unaware.

Linda Brooks

President

The LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion”

Isaiah 30:18