26.2.11 BCH update - First Baptist Church

Last month I embarked on a journey that was ten years in the making. After years of connecting over email and video, I was finally able to visit with seven international partners and view their ministries! During these two weeks, the traveling BCH team and I visited five homes that care for over 120 children in India and Myanmar. It really was a dream come true. We are so thankful for the hospitality that we received wherever we went, and we thank the Lord that he kept us safe in these politically unstable countries.

GEM Home – Myanmar

What was evident during the trip is that God is alive and doing wonderful things all around the world! He has blessed BCH with partners that care for their community, love their children, and desire for transformation that enriches the lives and community that they live in. People who believe in the hope found in Christ are hard to find in these countries. India’s main religion is Hinduism (80%*) while in Myanmar it is Buddhism (88%*). Can you imagine seeing a Hindu idol in an airport or classroom? In Myanmar there are shacks of homes side by side in every neighborhood while a beautifully decorated temple towers over everything. What a stark difference to the neighborhood I live in.

Despite the fact that Christianity is such a small part of the population, the church is alive in both of these countries. Each of our partners have poured their lives into raising children that know and love the Lord! They read and memorize scripture, worship through song, and grow together in faith through the struggles that they face.

In India, I was able to visit our Agape Children’s Home, which houses 15 boys under the age of 14. Each of them were placed here by the government. Despite the government typically promoting Hindu ways, they know this home is a chance for these children to live in a stable environment and are aware that these children attend church and read the Bible, among other activities. As I met each child, I could sense the trauma they have experienced. These are boys who grew up with trials such as abusive homes and alcoholic parents. The houseparents are investing into the lives of these boys, but this can be exhausting as the boys demonstrate through their behaviors the type of environment that they came from. Towards the end I was able to kick balls around the outside yard. During this time I could tell they are just like any other child that I know. Please pray for these boys that the seeds being planted would take root and lead to transformation.

In Myanmar, I was finally able to meet Kim and Grace. This was an emotional day for me. You may remember that both of them struggle with health issues. They continue to struggle and ask for your prayers. However, they have so much joy for how BCH has helped them give hope to so many children. We enjoyed a wonderful meal in the home, worshiped and prayed together, and participated in a friendly soccer match. I could have spent all week there!

Kim on the left, Craig in the middle, Grace on the right

The last story I would like to share is one of Pastor Joseph. His wife, along with 4 children, have opened up their home to 40 children. Their home size doubled soon after the military coup occurred 5 years ago. These were children desperate to find a safe environment to live while the military forced their families to flee their homes and move as nomads in the forest. Despite the large family, when we ate with them it felt like one big family. Joseph and his wife have sacrificed so much to care for these children and you could see the love that they have for them. Yes, he runs a very disciplined household with waking up to deveotions every morning at 5am. However, they could recite entire chapters, not just verses, of the Bible. This is a testament of the power of the living Word!

Checking out the farm with the GEM Home.

Your partnership with BCH allows us to support our partners as they sacrifice and pour into the lives of these young children. Each time you give, you are making an investment. Each child will grow up, chose a profession, likely start a family, and God willing, transform their community because of the hope that was given to them. Thank you for investing wisely.

I will leave you with some other photos of the trip. If you’d like to hear more, please respond to this snapshot and I would love to continue the conversation. This is a trip I won’t forget any time soon.

Source: *Worldatlas.com