Streams Of Mercy Blog

Beauty From Ashes - The Santvana Comforter Aids Home

2012-01-29T20:30:00.000-08:00

With the children of Satvana Comforter Home

What a joy to see Dr. Edwards again. She's a retired medical doctor, and a woman of great compassion and faith. She founded the Santvana Comforter Aids Home almost 6 years ago. There are 30 children who now call Santvana their home. These kids have been infected with, or affected by, the Aids virus. Most of them are orphans, whose parents have died of Aids.

Dr. Edwards founded the Satvana Comforter Home 6 years ago.

I looked at her while we were together and said, "Dr. Edwards, you're my hero". She is truly a woman who shows the compassion of the Lord to adults and children alike. Much of her medical career was spent in community health, caring for the poorest of the poor, and providing outstanding medical care for them. In the course of her medical work, she soon found children whose parents had died of Aids. Her prayer was "God send someone to minister to these little ones". The answer to her prayer came in an unexpected way. As she prayed, the Lord spoke clearly to her heart. "I want you to help them". Out of that journey, the Santvana Comforter home was born.

One of the Santvana boys

Dr. Edwards told us the story of two different children in the home, each story had a very different ending than the other. The first story she told us was of a dear boy named Yogesh. Yogesh came in the very early days of the Comforter Home. In those days, Dr. Edwards told us that much time was spent in prayer for each child. Yogesh was tested for HIV, and the results showed that he was HIV positive. A second test confirmed those results. A year later, the staff repeated the HIV test, and the testing center called for Dr. Edwards to bring Yogesh back for another test. When the results came back, Yogesh had tested negative for the Aids virus. All of his subsequent tests have come back negative! Yogesh was healed of that disease!

The second story she told was of a little boy, Sanju. Sanju's mother was a prostitute, and it was a lifestyle that she wanted to live. Sanju's father loved her very much, and married her even though he did not approve of her choices. Sanju was born into that home and he too, was loved by this dear man. When Sanju was a young boy, his mother died of Aids. In another tragic twist, Sanju tested positive for the Aids virus. As is often the case, there was enormous social pressure placed on his father to send the little boy away. He finally brought Sanju to Santvana, and wept loudly when he dropped off his son. One day, Sanju became sick, and it was obvious that he needed hospital care. Dr. Edwards and a staff lady took him to a local hospital and were refused help because the boy was HIV positive. They sent them to a second and then on to a third hospital. Two other hospitals were called, and they too refused to help. Sanju died in Dr. Edwards arms. This was such an unnecessary death, all because of prejudice in the medical community against those with Aids. We were all deeply impacted by both of these stories. We experienced joy over Yogesh's miraculous healing, and deep sadness over Sanju's unnecessary death.

We arrived at the home just before the children returned from church. As they filtered into the home facility, the sounds of precious kids filled the air. These sounds impacted our hearts. We watched as the children played soccer in the courtyard, using a basketball for the soccer game. We brought a soccer ball for the home, and now they can use that for their courtyard soccer matches. Our team spent time loving children and then we broke out the bubbles that my grandson Will had sent for the children. As we saw at the last home, kids love bubbles! They laughed, chased bubbles and had an amazing time just being kids. Finally the time came to head off for our next appointment. Our lives were deeply impacted and challenged by this amazing ministry.

These Children are Rescued From The Streets

2012-01-28T18:35:00.000-08:00

With the Kids at Good Shepherd Home

Today we gathered at the Good Shepherd Homes and met the most incredible kids and staff. The Good Shepherd Homes (GSH) rescue children from the streets of Mumbai and Pune, India, and transform their lives. Our first stop was the Transition Home. The children here are the small ones who had been living on the streets. Some of them were orphaned when both parents died. Some were abandoned and left to care for themselves as 6 or 7 year-olds. All of them are the most precious kids you will ever meet, and all of them stole our hearts.

Wick reads to the kids

As soon as we walked in the door of the Transition Home, the children swarmed us in a big 'group hug'. I love it!! The Children call me 'Wick, Uncle', or Wick 'Grandfather'. I am happy with both names, and reveled in the love that they lavished on us. The children had a precious worship time, and we were blessed to participate in this time with them. Then, they stood and recited many passages of scripture. We later learned that the children spend significant time doing their scripture memory verses. They now know 70 passages of scripture.

It was so wonderful to be able to read Bible stories to the Transition Homes kids. Kelly, a dear friend in Texas, had sent a Bible Story book for the children. The children gathered and were totally engaged as we read them the story of baby Moses and Pharoah's daughter.

Sunali

Sunali and her sister were left as orphans when their mother died. They lived in the slum in a tiny 6' X 6' Hut. Now that they were alone, they had no money, and no way to care for themselves. They went around the slum to try to earn a living by cleaning, scrubbing floors, doing laundry and literally becoming work slaves to others living in the slum. When a couple learned of their plight, they contacted the Good Shepherd Homes staff and though her sister did not want to come into the home, Sunali did. She is one of the most sweet children you will ever meet.

From the Transition Homes, we traveled about an hour and a half to the city of Talegaon to visit the Cluster homes. These are homes house 12 children per home with house parents who care for the children as their own. These are the homes with teens and children who will leave the homes as adults in the next few years. Good Shepherd carefully helps the children transition into adulthood.

First Day In India

2012-01-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Pune at 1:30am after a total of 27 hours of international travel. Our USA to India flight took us over the North Pole, and we landed in New Delhi 15 hours after leaving Chicago. When we finally arrived at our quaint hotel, we slept for just a few hours before the alarm rang for our first full day in the city of Pune. We had a wonderful American and Indian breakfast, a great devotional and prayer time, and headed off for what would be a very full day.

Hope of Glory

Our first meeting was with the directors of the Hope of Glory Orphanage.

This home is a refuge for 37 children,

most of whom have been rescued from the streets of this large Indian City. We have known

many of the children for over a decade. After that meeting, we headed off to visit families living on the streets. For these families, many of their 'homes' are simply a blanket on a sidewalk, or a tarp covering to shelter them from the cold nights, and the torrential downpours of the rainy season. For these families, there is no hope for a better life. Many of them are born, live and die on the sidewalk of this city. The ashes of their lives are very overwhelming. We heard that 40,000 people in Pune live like this.

After our visit to families on the street, we headed off for an evening of joy and celebration at the Hope of Glory home. One of the first children who ran up to me was David. David is a very special young man. He has a deep love for God and one of the funniest personalities I've ever met. David came into the home when he was only 2 years old. His mother works the streets, and wanted a better life for her son. Just last year, though, she decided that she wanted David back on the streets to be able to beg and make money for her. I was heartbroken when I found out that David was living that awful life. Many prayed for him to return and those prayers were answered last Fall when David came back into the home. Being on the streets today we saw the ashes, but tonight we saw the beauty that the father can bring into the ashes of our lives.

Celebrating With Bubbles and Lollypops

My grandson, Will came to me before this trip. He said, "Papa, I want to do something for the kids in the homes in India". On his own, he felt that he was to buy bubbles for me to take to India. We brought the first batch to the Hope of Glory home, and the children celebrated just being kids. What fun to see their joy at such a simple, yet loving, gift. Lollypops were given out next. Our first full day in India is coming to a close. This was a day of seeing the ashes of desperate people, and the beauty that God can bring from those ashes.

Heading to India

2012-01-25T13:26:00.001-08:00

The last week has been a whirlwind getting ready to head off to visit 7 orphanages in Southern India. Packing has been the greatest challenge. We always take many things to the kids in the orphanages. This time us no exception.

My grandson, Will, wanted to do something special for the kids in the homes. He personally bought a case of bubbles for our celebrations. We are taking 7 soccer balls... One for each home. Gifts for the children and orphanage directors fill most if two huge suitcases.

We're in Chicago now, and the excitement builds for the journey ahead of us. What a JOY to personally minister to hundreds of orphans.

Thanks for your prayers for this time.

The New Widows and Orphans Home - Adama, Ethiopia

2011-02-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

Widows and our Team

As I write this blog we have just had an official ceremony opening the new Widows and Orphans home in Adama Ethiopia. The new building is stunning! Two of the five stories have been completed and are now occupied. I was here in June, and the change is amazing.

Widows lined the entry way and greeted us as we entered. Many of them gave us the typical greeting, a hand shake and a right shoulder 'bump'. They moved in one week ago and are so grateful for this home.

Amina

Amina was the first to share. She has accepted the Lord. She was blind for 17 years. She lived with her daughter and son in law. When her daughter died, the son in law took her outside and left her in the alleyway to die. Tizera found her in the alleyway. She brought her to the home where they provided cataract surgery. Amina can now see after 17 years of blindness. Amina is blessed!

Mamita

Mamita was the next to share Her husband died. She was living alone and was also blind. When Tizera found her, she was sleeping on river stones in filth and despair. After she came to the Widows and Orphans Home, her sight was restored through a simple cataract surgery. Mamita is now happy, at peace, and loved.

Now I Know That We Get To Go To Heaven

The Widows come from horrible circumstances. Some come from living on the streets and others from living in small shacks. When the widows came for their first tour of the new home, they were shocked to see that EVERY bedroom has a private bath. The facility is new, and is very well built. The new home spoke to them about their value. One widow looked into her room and turned to the other widows and said "listen to me, listen. I have something to say". If I get to live in this place, now I know that we get to go to Heaven.

Bathrooms in The Widow's Home

She Thought the Toilet Was a Water Fountain!

One of the widows had never seen a Western style bathroom. When she entered the bathroom at the new home, she was disappointed to see no water in the sink. She had never used a sink with a faucet. She raised the toilet seat. "Ahhh", she said. "This is where the water is", and before they could stop her, she scooped her hand into the toilet and took a drink. She now knows how to use a sink and faucet, and now she knows what a toilet is for.

Widow's Community Feeding Program

Widow's Community Feeding Program

Every month. The Home provides flour and other food for destitute widows in the community. The widows shared how this ministry has transformed their lives. We saw the gratitude and joy on each if their faces as they received a large sack of flour.

Widow's Community Feeding Program

The Babies of the widows and Orphans homes.

Loving On The Babies

The Babies are my favorite!! There are 19 children in the home and we got to hold babies and just love on them. That was one if the most fun things we did this day. The orphanage director laughed and said that she was going to check our backpacks when we leave, just to be sure we didn't take any babies home.

Yes, They Have Adoptable Babies!

We heard the stories of different babies. Some were abandoned in a hospital or on the side of a road. They are ALL beautiful children, just waiting for a loving home. All of the babies in this home are adoptable.

Heading Home in Two Days

It's hard to believe that we head home in only two days. We have a very heavy schedule in those days, and then return to our loved ones in the States. We WILL take part of Africa back with us when we return. Thanks for all who have prayed for this time.

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Post written by
Wick Nease
In Africa with the Streams Of Mercy team

Living Hope Home - Ethiopia

2011-02-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

At Living Hope Home with Nigerian Bishop Okoye

We headed South out of the Capitol of Addis Ababa into the Rift Valley. Addis is in the mountains and we descended into the low lands. We traveled toward Adama, and two different homes.

The first home was the Living Hope Women's Home, a home for girls in crisis pregnancy. The girls in the home come from a variety of backgrounds. Some come from very poor families. Some have escaped a life of prostitution. All of them have experienced an unplanned pregnancy. All have been rescued by this place called Living Hope.

The First Baby Born at Living Hope

One of the young ladies we met delivered the first baby at Living Hope. My heart was deeply touched when I saw this little 4 month old baby boy. He is beautiful beyond description. He now has life and a future.

Living Hope Girls Making Jewelry

The girls in the home are trained to make jewelry, and are given life skills, preparing them for the time when they leave this home. What a joy to see this home and meet the girls and dedicated staff.

The Forsaken Children of Ethiopia

2011-02-01T20:52:00.000-08:00

He's 5 years old and just spent 4 days in Jail

He's 5 years old and just spent 4 days in jail. His crime? He lives on the streets of Addis Ababa.

Leaders from across Africa are meeting in Ethiopia this week, and it doesn't look good to have children living on the streets, so Nati was rounded up and put in jail for 4 days. This is the life of street children.

Traveling With Bishop E.C. Okoye from Nigeria

The children may be orphans. They could also be run-aways. Some come from families too poor to feed them. Allocate them are loved by God and a wonderful ministry called the Forsaken Children.

Some of the Kids from the Forsaken Children

The Forsaken Children is a day shelter for street kids. The children receive food, education and genuine love. Streams of Mercy supports this caring ministry.

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Post written by
Wick Nease
On the ground in Africa with the Streams Of Mercy Team

The Boat To Lingira Island

2011-01-31T11:34:00.000-08:00

We boarded the long-boat in Jinja for the hour and a half boat ride to Lingira Island. Our team was headed into the final few hours of our time in Uganda - the Pearl of Africa. I wasn't sure what to expect when we booked the boat ride. It was to be either a 40 or a 15 passenger boat. I wasn't sure about the size, but I thought it would not be extremely large. The Long boat was low slung, and seated about 15, if everyone squeezed in. It had an outboard motor. We began the journey to Lingira.

On The Boat To Lingira Island

Lingira Island has a sordid history. It was the place where convicts fled to avoid prison. All types of criminals and the castoffs of society made their way to that patch of land in the middle of Lake Victoria. The police never went there, and it was known for it's lawlessness. Several years ago, a committed group of Christians headed to Lingira to bring medical care and the message of hope. They established a clinic that provides medical help to the residents of Lingira and the surrounding islands. Thousands live on those islands.

10 Of Us Traveled on This Boat Into Lake Victoria

This is how they got us on and off the boat

Now we made our way through the smooth waters of that huge lake and anticipated our arrival. When we landed, it was on a small patch of 'beach'. We trekked off toward the village, and soon were transported to the Africa of 100 years ago. The grass and mud huts lined the small paths, and I felt that we were in Africa of old. Winding our way on the path, we came to the medical clinic and campus. The small number of dedicated staff have huge hearts to help the people in these islands. They have a trained medical officer, and wonderful clinic building. Every week is a huge commitment on their part to live in this isolated location. Their needs are for more medical personnel and the funds for medicines and medical supplies.

The Children of Lingira Island

As we walked away from the clinic and headed back to the boat for our return trip to Jinja, my heart was flooded with the revelation of God's amazing love for the thousands who live in the middle of this lake. I began to sing a song my dear friends in Harlem, NY sing. It says "You are awesome in this place, Mighty God, You are awesome in this place Abba Father, You are worthy of all praise, to You our hearts we raise, You are Awesome in this place, Mighty God". Tears came to my eyes as we walked back to the boat. Surely His heart goes out to the precious people of Lingira. I was motivated to 'do something' about the needs of the medical clinic, and to champion their needs. Would you like to be a part of bringing His love to this land?

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Post written by
Wick Nease
On the ground in Africa with the Streams Of Mercy Team

Celebrating Life & Shaking the Bones

2011-01-28T23:16:00.000-08:00

The Medical Clinic Staff

We arrived at the Medical clinic about an hour outside of Jinja, Uganda. The clinic is impressive on it's own. It is a place for the poorest of the poor to receive excellent medical care, counseling and love. The staff REALLY care about the patients and their medical conditions, but they care much more for them as people. If I was to describe what the medical clinic staff provide most, it is dignity. The clinic takes care of most treatable illnesses.

Sam and Irene Kisolo

From the medical clinic we went to two families in the Uganda Foster Family Network/Uganda Street Kids. The first was at the back of the clinic property. The two families are women who have both lost their husbands to Aids, and their children. The women are both HIV positive. One of the women has 15 children, the other has two. Both were desperately poor, living without hope when they were taken into the Foster Family Network. Sam Kisolo is the founder of this ministry and the one who cares for them now. The women live in brick homes with concrete floors, and they are lovingly cared for.

After visiting another family, we started the day with the semi-annual celebration of the Foster Families. What an life changing day!!! The families and children sang for us, worshipped, and danced their way into our hearts. There is this amazing dance in Uganda called "Shaking the Bones". It's a celebration of life and joy. Seldom have I EVER seen anyone dance with such joy. I honestly did try, but realized right away the my bones just don't shake that way.

Uganda Foster Family Network: Uganda Street Kids Dance
(Direct Link to Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mpSOocb__M)

The Foster Family Network now cares for 185 people in 27 families. Gratitude for Sam and his staff flooded all of our hearts when we saw the bright, articulate young people share their dreams for the future.

Jumping Rope with Ugandan Orphans

(Direct Link to Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99vSvbDWOhU)

The Wamakale Family...19 Kids and Counting!

2011-01-28T22:39:00.000-08:00

The Wamakale Family and their 19 Children!

I first met Moses and Panena about a year ago. We went to their house for dinner and I fell in love with this incredible family. The parents had a few biological children and then began to adopt Ugandan Orphans. Moses let us know that with their adopted children, they now had 16. We met them and were struck with the grace and joy they had in raising a house FULL of children. These were not just ordinary children, but they were an extraordinary delight to be with.

Four months later, we went to visit Moses and Panena again. Just for fun, I looked around the room at the Wamakale clan and counted 18 children. When I asked Moses about the number, he just smiled and said "when do you say 'no'? I was struck by his comment. Wow! When do you say no, when you meet orphans who no one cares for?

We arrived at the Wamakale home in the afternoon. They served us cool drinks and, just for fun, I counted the children around the room. Now there are 19! I didn't have to ask. Wamakale is the surname of a family in Uganda. I believe that it also means "one who loves the ones no one else cares for".

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Post Written by
Wick Nease
On the ground with the Streams of Mercy team in Africa

Day Two: Siita Nest - Jinja, Uganda

2011-01-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Handing out Toys at Siita Nest orphanage

Day two in Uganda has been a wonderful time. We began at the Siita Nest Orphanage in Jinja, Uganda. Alice Kisolo is the director of this orphanage. Alice is an amazing personality. I call her the cross between Mother Teresa and Queen Latifa. She is all of this and more. The children and staff captured our hearts. The children shared testimonies, worship songs and celebration dances. Ugandans have been gifted with dance and celebration. The children come from incredibly difficult backgrounds, but through dance, worship and celebration, the chains of their past have been broken. If I chose one word to describe this home it would be 'family'. A loving, caring family with 80 children and another 200 children in the foster family network.

One highlight of the day was when our team handed out toys to every child. The toys were a gift from several families in America who simply wanted to bless the children in this home. The children grinned as they received their gift from abroad.

The Children Holding up their Toys

I sat in the celebration time, deeply moved. These were bright, articulate, joyful children. Many have lost their parents to the scourge of Aids. Some have seen the first hand horrors of the war that ravaged Uganda for many years. But all have been transformed by the power of love. They have been embraced by the love of Alice Kisolo and the staff of Siita Nest. Most importantly, they have seen the love of their Heavenly Father. That love can transform nations.

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Post Written by
Wick Nease

On the ground with the Streams of Mercy team in Africa

St. Ameria Orphanage, Mbiko, Uganda

2011-01-26T17:36:00.000-08:00

Handing out gifts and candy

I remember the first time I saw a photo of St. Ameria Orphanage and School outside of Jinja, Uganda. It was a collection of ragged buildings. Most of them constructed with sticks, holding up a tin roof. The buildings are all brick now. What do you do in Uganda when you need to build a brick building, and have no money? You make your own bricks, of course. You dig the clay, form the bricks and straw, and then get them 'fired' for hardness. Through much sweat and a deep labor of love, Edith and her staff have transformed this facility. It is still extreme rustic and simple, but 1000 times better than they had before.

Edith, the orphanage director, was an orphan herself

Edith was an orphan herself. Both Mother and Father had died when she was a young child. Nearby Catholic nuns took her in, loved and trained her. As she entered young adulthood, Edith made a significant life-decision. She would dedicate herself to the cause of orphans in her own country. So, in 1994, Edith began the St. Ameria orphanage and school. Today, St. Ameria is home to about 54 children. 350 other orphans are educated in their school.

The sang and worshipped. Their sincerity deeply touched our hearts. We in turn, ministered to the children and staff of the home. What a joy to spend time praying for them and the Destiny of God in their lives. A Nigerian Bishop traveling with us prayed that they would rise up and become doctors, lawyers, teachers and people of influence. we know that this was a divine appointment.

The Orphanage has their own Cows, chickens and pigs

Stay tuned with us for the ongoing adventures of connecting with orphans in Africa.

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Post Written by
Wick Nease

On the ground with the Streams of Mercy team in Africa

New Creation School, Kampala, Uganda

2011-01-26T17:07:00.000-08:00

Our Current Africa Team

Hi from Uganda!! We've just finished the first day here, and already are overwhelmed with what we've seen and experienced today. Our very full day started early with breakfast and our first team meeting. From the guest house, we headed off to the New Creation School for Sudanese refugee children. Sudan has been in a prolonged civil war, and hundreds of thousands of people have died in the the ongoing fighting. As a result, many thousands of Sudanese have fled South into Uganda. It has overwhelmed the Uganda government, so the officials have placed many of the refugees in camps, which are very difficult places for these folks.

New creation School - Sudan Refugee Children

To provide a place for these dear children to get an education, a wonderful organization called 'Loving One By One' has established a great school for them. The children worshipped, sang, and shared testimonies with us. One highlight of the time was their presentation of several Sudanese Tribal Dances. What an amazing difference Sherry and her dedicated staff are making in the lives of these Kids. We've included several photos and a couple of video clips of our time at New Creation School.

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Post Written by

Wick Nease

On the ground with the Streams of Mercy team in Africa

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

2011-01-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

Sanju is a wonderful 10 year old boy. He's bright, articulate and filled with joy. He came into the orphanage when he was just two years old. His mother relinquished him to the home because she wanted a better life than he could have living with her on the streets. He has been educated, loved and wonderfully cared for.

But just a couple months ago, Sanju's mom changed her mind. She wanted the money that he could make begging, and demanded her son back. Sanju now begs on the street. His mom covers his eye with a dirty patch, and this little boy with so much potential is now forced to beg. Like most kids living on the street, he probably suffers a terrible fate of abuse.

Trafficking is an unspeakable horror for millions of children around the world. Streams of Mercy is dedicated to help eradicate the abuse of trafficking, and to rescue children like Sanju.

I Am Not Forgotten

2010-10-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Monday we loaded up in the bus and headed to the Children of Lepers Home. Little Lights is home to 33 Children whose parents & or grandparents live in the leper colony. The vision of the staff is to see the lives & futures of the kids transformed. They want to break the cycle of generations that have no other way but to stay in the colonies. It was touching to hear how committed the staff are to keeping the kids very connected with their parents and families. They spend holidays with them & the parents visit regularly. Living at Little lights allows the children to get a good education, brings them into a safe place and breaks the stigma that society puts on them as children of lepers.

Joe was a toddler when the staff found him in the leper colony. He was tied with a rope around his wast to a tree. On the ground beside him there were 2 bowls--one for water, and one for food. His parents left him tied to the tree each day when they went out to beg.

By living at Little Lights Joe is able to play, go to school and grow up as a healthy child.

The team presented a puppet show, gave out T-shirts, and spent time helping the kids decorate them!

Check back tomorrow for another report from Chennai!

A New Team In India!

2010-10-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

This week Streams of Mercy has a team in India visiting the three homes we sponsor in the city of Chennai. The theme of this trip is "you are not forgotten". They're presenting a terrific puppet show, giving out clothes, food, solar lights and more. Check back this week for highlights from the trip.

Streams Of Mercy and Arbonne - Changing Lives In Africa

2010-08-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

Arbonne International's Donna Johnson shares some of her experiences from her recent trip to Africa with Streams Of Mercy.

Thank you Donna for all that you do!

One Goat Can Change A Life

2010-07-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Life isn't easy in the Ethiopian savanna. In many of their villages, they have no electricity and no running water, and much of their way of life has remained unchanged for centuries.

Thanks to a special donation from Life Church in Olathe, KS, Streams of Mercy was able to donate 22 goats to one of these villages. A gift like this has the ability to change their lives forever.

Thank you for your involvement with Streams Of Mercy, the impact you are making is truly invaluable.

Prayer Of The Children

2010-07-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

On our trip to Ethiopia and Uganda this past May, we visited many orphanages that Streams Of Mercy is currently sponsoring. The stories of the children in these homes are truly heartbreaking, but the hope that we are able to bring them through your support is something they never could have had before.

Through you, we are bringing hope and change into the lives of these children!

New Creation Center and Family Home

2010-06-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

Kampala, Uganda
by Wick Nease

The Rhythm’s of Africa Rocked our Hearts

This is the final orphanage and children’s home of our trip to Africa. It’s so hard to believe that we depart tomorrow to return to the USA. We have had such a tremendous team with us on this journey and we’ll all be sad to part company at the end of our time.

New Creation Center

New Creation Center Dance Performance

It seems that we have saved one of the best orphan and children’s ministries for last. I was here in Uganda in March and saw the New Creation Center for the first time. There are about 70 children in the school. All of them are refugees from the war in the Sudan. As the war rages in that country, many Sudanese have fled to Uganda, only to find themselves trapped in refugee camps in their new country.

These Sudanese adults and children are isolated, demeaned, and generally despised in their new land. The children can not go to school, and are locked into a cycle of poverty. Ken and Sherry Roberts founded “Loving One By One” to help these and many others in Uganda.

The Rhythms of Africa Rocked Our Hearts!

As we entered the meeting hall at the school, we saw that there had been many preparations for our time. We were warmly greeted with hugs and smiling faces. They were waiting for us…. And we were not disappointed. The kids sang and danced their way into our hearts as they showed us the traditional dances of the Sudan, and of Africa in General. This is a very skilled team, and we loved being a part of their presentation.

Celebrating with Baloons and Candy

New Creation Family Home

New Creation Family Home - What Special Kids!

From the school, we traveled a few miles to the New Creation Family Home. This place is home to 15 of the most loving, best-adjusted kids I’ve ever met. They’re also the “huggiest” group I’ve ever seen, too. The last time I was here, as soon as we pulled into the driveway, the kids came pouring out of the house, and surrounded the car to hug us, even before we got out of the car. These are HAPPY kids, filled with joy and obviously loved.

After lots of time to just hang out, Sarah led the children in a time of sharing testimonies, singing, dancing, and reciting whole chapters of the Bible. Wow!! This was a real challenge to all of us.

Extreme Makeover - Orphan Edition

After the program, they zeroed in on several who they wanted to do a Kid Makeover of. It was hilarious to see Donna with her hair up in ribbons!! I got great photos, but she made me promise not to share them online.

Thank you, Sherry and Ken, for your hearts to love these kids. Thanks for living out genuine love to these special children!

They Have Adopted 27 Kids and Counting!!!

2010-06-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Jinja, Uganda - June 1, 2010
by Wick Nease

Sam Kisolo’s Uganda Street Kids & Foster Family Network

As I sit to write this post I’m completely overwhelmed with the sheer mountain of what we could say about this incredible ministry. They are doing the impossible with very few resources….I can only imagine what they could accomplish with adequate funding.

Sam Kisolo

I first met Sam Kisolo in March on my first trip to Uganda. Sam is one of those deeply impacting people, not just because of what he says, but because of the life he lives. Sam and Irene had 4 biological children, and then when a couple of relatives died of AIDS, Sam and Irene took their children into their home, adopting them as their own. They first adopted one child, then another, and then yet another one again, until Sam and Irene had adopted 27 children. Yes, they now have 31 children from 27 years of age to just 6 years old.

You Have to Love the Kisolo Family Celebration - "Shaking The Bones"

We had the privilege of having dinner in the Kisolo home. What an event! I know this is normal for them, but every meal is a logistical challenge. The children are so impressive! They are all happy, and very articulate. They are the kind of children any parent would be very proud of, just very good kids with their heads screwed on right.

Medical Clinic

One Young Patient at the Medical Clinic

As we arrived at the village medical clinic in Namakandwa, Uganda, patients filled the clinic's treatment rooms and reception. The clinic treats 150 patients every week, and for only $800 US, they can provide medical care to 600 patients a month. This is the only medial care most of them will ever receive.

Namakandwa, Uganda Clinic Staff

Foster Family Network

Two families with 15 Children are Supported by Sam's Ministry

Adoption is just the beginning of Sam and Irene’s ministry. There is a scripture that says “God sets the lonely in families”. Sam has pioneered a network that is now changing the lives of 165 orphans in Uganda alone. Sam leads a major ministry in Uganda, and has challenged his leadership team to do something about the orphan crisis in Uganda. There are over 2,000,000 orphans in Uganda from both AIDS and the civil war that has wracked this country for many years. The staff and leadership team have responded in amazing ways. They have adopted about 94 children into their own homes, and have sponsored satellite homes where they support families willing to bring those children up as their own. We traveled to one home with 18 children. Another had taken in 8. The story goes on.

The Children Sang and Danced For Us

We had the privilege of attending the quarterly Foster Family celebration. The kid’s songs, dances and testimonies pierced our hearts. This was a ministry living out the mandate for us to “Live your lives in such a way, that they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven” (Matt. 5:16). The individual testimonies brought tears to our eyes. The stories were heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time.

We were deeply Impacted by The Kids Testimonies

I was at a loss for words when we left Sam today. All I could say was “Thank you, Sam for being the heart of Jesus to all of these kids.”

Queen Latifa & Mother Teresa All Rolled Into One

2010-06-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Jinja Uganda, May 2010
Siita Nest Mother’s Love Home
by Wick Nease

Alice Danced with the Kids

How do you describe Alica Kisolo? I think that the best way I can describe her is that she is a mixture of Queen Latifa and Mother Teresa. We arrived at Siita Nest Mother’s Love Home and saw the extensive preparations for our arrival. There was a large Canvas awning over the sitting area, and the kids were all lined up to share what God has done in their lives through this wonderful home.

The Siita Nest Children Danced For Us

I was immediately struck by the joy in their eyes, and the confidence in their countenance. This was a wonderful group of kids, who knew God and His redeeming power in their lives. Almost all of the kids are orphans from AIDS or from the civil war in Northern Uganda. They have experienced the worst of lives and circumstances, but the strength of Alice Kisolo, is that she leads her children through their grief, and into the freedom of forgiveness and healing. These are Happy kids, who have been touched by Alice’s love and God’s love.

Jeffrey Escaped into the Jungle With His Sister

Jeffrey is one of those young men. When he was just a boy, Jeffrey’s home in Northern Uganda was invaded by armed rebels. The family fled from their home, but both of his parents were captured and killed by the guerrillas. Jeffrey and his sister hid in the jungle and were able to escape. Their only other family member is an elderly grandmother who could not care for them. Jeffrey heard about a wonderful home called Siita Nest Mother’s Love home, and applied to come into the home. He was accepted, and now lives here, while providing help to other relatives.

The Small Kids Entertained Us As Well

Alice Kisolo has 100 Children in her Siita Nest Mother’s Love Home, and another 85 children in foster families. A wonderful ministry for a VERY special woman!

AIDS, You Have Taken my Father and Mother

2010-06-01T01:43:00.000-07:00

Jinja Uganda – May 2010

St. Ameria Orphanage and School

Edith is the Director of St. Ameria

Driving out of Jinja, you turn on a small road into the village of Mbiko. Everything changes when you make that turn. The houses become much smaller. Children in tattered clothes walk the road, and you are in a new world. Soon, you turn up a rutted gravel road with banana trees on both sides. This is the Africa of National Geographic.

St. Ameria

Soon we enter the St. Ameria orphanage and school. Simple brick buildings line a courtyard, and children come pouring out. We meet Edith, the director of the orphanage and school. 500 children attend school here. Almost all of them are orphans. Others are children from very poor families who cannot afford to attend regular school. Some live in this simple complex.

The Children of St. Ameria performing a dance for us

We are greeted in true African fashion, with speeches, food and formal greetings. Then, the children performed a deeply moving program. They danced traditional Ugandan dances, and we saw the joyful side of Africa.

Balloons, Bubbles and Candy

Today was my birthday… what a place to celebrate your birthday. We broke out the balloons, bubbles and candy, and had a joyous celebration. It was one of the most fun times of my life.

What a Way To Spend a Birthday!

AIDS, You Have Taken my Father and Mother

AIDS - Why Have You Killed My Mother And Father?

The atmosphere changed immediately as the children began to sing about Aids. “AIDS, you have taken my father and my mother”. The children began to weep, and each of us was so deeply touched as the children sang and wept at the loss of father, mother and many family members. Every child has lost a family member to AIDS. Most of them have lost both father and mother to this devastating disease. Many of us wept as the reality of their grief impacted our hearts. This is the AIDS epidemic up close and very personal.

How do you put into words the depth of emotion you have experienced at the grief of children living with the devastation of an epidemic like AIDS? We were all deeply touched today.

This is a video taken a couple of years ago of these children singing this song about the devastation of the AIDS epidemic on their lives:

by Wick Nease

The Widows of the Widow’s and Orphan’s Homes

2010-05-31T00:30:00.000-07:00

Growing Old In A Place of Grace And Love

Tizera is a modern day Mother Theresa

In this society, widows have no hope at all, especially if they have no children. They live on the streets, or in conditions of extreme poverty. They are without hope and desperate, as they simply try to survive.

Fifteen years ago, the Lord gave Tizera a vision to help widows and orphans. She kept this in her heart for many years, and then launched this dynamic ministry. When I’m with Tizera, I feel like I am with a modern day Mother Theresa. She is that caliber of person.

She was just like my Aunt Alice

The widows in Tizera’s home are in a delightful setting. They are loved, and cared for, but they also get to love on the babies of the home. What a combination!! They can be cared for, and also care for the ‘little ones’.

She was thrown out of her son-in-law's house when her daughter died.

One of the widows was living with her daughter and son-in-law until her daughter died. As soon as the funeral was concluded, her son-in-law took her to the alley next to his house and locked her out of his house. She sat there for 12 days, in fear and desperation. Each day, Tizera saw her sitting in the alley. On the 12^th day, she stopped, heard her story, and brought her to the home. She now has a family.

When I saw the widows, I was instantly drawn to one of the ladies. She reminded me so much of my great aunt Alice. She has the same warm, accepting spirit, and she just has that ‘special something’ that made Aunt Alice so unique. There are 8 widows living in the home right now. It’s a VERY special place.

“Hunger is Heavier Than This Flour”

The Widows are given 40 lbs. of Flour a Month

Not all of the widows can live in the Widow’s and Orphan’s Home. There are about 20 additional widows who receive food assistance every month through this ministry. Today was the day that they distribute food to the poor widows of the city. Twenty widows lined the perimeter of the courtyard, and we were so blessed to be a part of giving each widows 44 lbs of flour. This ministry literally means life to these widows.

We heard their stories

As each widow came up, some of them were quite elderly, and some in very poor health. Tizera had a worker in the meeting to help the widows carry their flour out. On a recent food distribution, as they were helping one woman, she said “I can carry this! Hunger is heavier than this Flour”!

The widows also receive a small amount of money to help them with the basics of life. This is part of the mandate of the Lord to help the widows and orphans, and to show His heart to the needy of this world.

“For I was hungry and your gave me food” … Jesus

She’s Blind, She Weaves Beautiful Baskets, and She Gave Us A Gift

One of the widows is totally blind, but she is an expert basket weaver. Each of our team members was so blessed to receive a gift from this wonderful woman. It was humbling to all of us.

The First Floor of The New Widow’s and Orphans Home is Almost Completed

The New Widows & Orphans Home

The Widow’s and Orphan’s Home is expanding! The current rented facility no longer meets all of the needs of the ministry. Last year, the team broke ground on a new home and facility. It will be a five-story building with beautiful courtyard. It will eventually have everything that they need to house 30 orphans and 10 widows, a medical clinic, offices, and guest housing for visiting volunteers. We had the privilege of going to the construction site, and seeing the great progress on the construction of the new building.

A dear family on the West Coast has donated the money for the construction of the first floor of the new building. One down, and four to go!

I LOVE Babies!!!

2010-05-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

The Widow’s & Orphans Home in Adama, Ethiopia

Losing My Heart Again

I was in ‘baby heaven’ when we arrived at the Widow’s and Orphan’s home in Adama, Ethiopia. We entered the packed courtyard, which was filled with widows and orphans. Most of the orphans are babies, and immediately the staff started bringing babies for us to hold. They placed a little 3 month old baby in my arms and I fell in love! Oh, to be 20 years younger!

The Joy of Holding Babies

The stories of the babies are tragic. In Ethiopia, a single girl who gives birth, usually can’t keep her child. This would bring great shame on her family, so there is an epidemic of abandoned babies in this nation. Our hearts broke when we heard that many of these babies are taken out to the wild and left for hyenas to eat. In the remote villages, when they hear the hyenas howling in the night, they say “a baby has just been eaten”. This is an unbelievable tragedy.

Jan with Ishtu

Jan held one of the babies abandoned in the wild. Her name is Ishtu, and her mother gave birth to her along a jungle path. After giving birth, she just walked away, and left her newborn daughter to suffer a death in the wild. An elderly woman gathering sticks found little Ishtu, and brought her to the police. In this remote city, there are no social services EXCEPT the Widow’s and Orphan’s Home. Now, the police bring these abandoned babies to this wonderful home and the babies are placed for adoption in the USA.

Streams of Mercy Brought Infant T-Shirts

Streams of Mercy brought in infant T-Shirts and baby formula for the orphanages. It is extremely difficult to obtain baby formula in Ethiopia. It is scarce and VERY expensive. We were able to bring in about 100 lbs. of baby formula for the four homes.

Formula is Powdered Gold in the Orphanages

There are 12 children in the home right now, and 9 more will arrive in Adama in the next week. Streams of Mercy is working to find donors to help fund the FOUR Widow’s and Orphan’s Homes in Ethiopia. Will you join us in saving the lives of these newborn babies?

by Wick Nease

The 'Original' DHL

2010-05-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

Our Team in Tede, Ethiopia

We drove out of Addis Ababa and headed South on the next part of our adventure. After 2 hours, we pulled off the highway, traveled up a dirt road until it ended, and then headed across a large field. The scene before us was the Africa of National Geographic.

When the field ended at an abandoned railroad track, we all piled out of the van and started walking. Children immediately came out of their yards and joined us on our trek to Pastor Zerahun’s simple home.

Dried Cow Patty Shed in Ethiopia. This is their cooking fuel!

I was here in March and told Jan about the fuel of choice for the villagers. There are not a lot of trees for cooking fires, so the villagers use dried cow patties to fuel their cooking fires. We stopped to take a quick picture in front of the shed holding their ‘precious fuel’.

Presenting the Donkeys to Pastor Zerahun

In March, the Widow’s and Orphans homes had presented sheep and lambs to 10 widows in this village. This may seem like a simple gift, but it will make all the difference in the lives of these widows. It will make it possible for them to survive their extreme poverty.

This time, we are here to present two donkeys to Pastor Zerahun and his wife from Streams of Mercy. This will enable them to carry food, water and food to the needy of his area. This Donkey Hauling Link (DHL), will provide transport to help many poor villagers in 5 villages in this area. These are some of God’s hidden heroes scattered around the world.

Orphans Have Dreams Too!

2010-05-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

Our Team with the Street Kids Home in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a desperately needy nation. There are over 4,000,000 orphans in the nation, and 1,500,000 of them are AIDS orphans. These children are taken advantage of, used, and then thrown away. Many of them turn to drugs, and others turn to a life of crime, just to survive. In the midst of all of these overwhelming needs, there are wonderful ministries like the YWAM Street Kids ministry that cares for kids living on the streets. They have taken many of them into their children’s homes.

Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

We arrived at the YWAM Joshua House and were greeted by the 11 boys, and the staff living in the home. Soon, the girls from the Ruth House started to arrive. The kids surrounded us to shake our hands and give us a hug. These are well-adjusted kids who are obviously very loved. We were greeted, and then went into their living room for the traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Soon, several of the kids told their stories of living on the street and being rescued by Abdissa (The ministry director), and what a difference it has made in their lives. Life is now good, where before it was a nightmare.

Livi and Alex with Samuel

Samuel stood before us. He’s 11 years old. He was nervous, but quickly overcame the pressure of speaking before us and said “I am very happy, I love my home here”. Then, he told us the difference this home has made in his life. Samuel was orphaned when both of his parents died. He was taken in by an uncle, and as is often the case, became a slave of the family, forced to work, and care for the couple’s child. When he didn’t work hard enough or quickly enough, he was repeatedly beaten. He tried to escape once, but they caught him and beat him mercilessly. When he got a chance, he ran away for good. Life on the street is brutal, and Samuel got desperate. He began to pray for a family. Then he met some loving people who cared for the street kids, and followed them home to the Joshua House. He became part of their family. Samuel shared with us, “I want to be a policeman when I grow up”. It’s Samuel’s dream, and I believe it is totally possible.

Tiblis

A beautiful 19 year old young lady shared her story. She was born in the countryside, and when both of her parents died, she was on her own. She was forced to make her way to the city, but the story of her journey was shocking. Tiblis spent 2 years traveling to the capitol. Ethiopia is a very rugged land, and it has a lot of wildlife. Tiblis had to sleep in trees to protect herself from the wild hyenas as she made her way to Addis Ababa. When she finally arrived, she was enslaved by the terrible life on the street. Tiblis began to weep quietly as she shared her story, and we could see the pain of her memories. But then her life changed. She met the “bread and tea people” one day. Those were the YWAM staff who went regularly to the street to care for those kids. Seven years ago, Tiblis life totally changed, and now she plans to be a fashion designer. Yes, orphans have dreams too!

Ethiopian Cultural Restaurant

2010-05-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday night we made our way through the streets of Addis Ababa, to the Ethiopian Cultural Restaurant. This is a once in a lifetime experience! We were greeted by the hostess in traditional Ethiopian dress, and escorted to our tables. Then, the fun evening began.

Traditional Ethiopian Food Served on Injira Bread

The Ethiopian food was fantastic. The serving staff came with a huge assortment of food all served directly on Injira bread. Then came the fun of eating everything with our hands…. no silverware is used, and I have to admit that several people were a little nervous with the experience. We had beef, lamb, spinach, lentils, and a huge assortment of national dishes. The Injira bread is “interesting”, and not quite like anything any of us have ever eaten before.

Colorful Costumes and Amazing Dancers

After this great meal, they treated us to a wonderful show of the traditional tribal dances of Ethiopia. All of the dancers and musicians were dressed in authentic tribal costumes, and several of our team had the opportunity to dance with the Cultural staff….others of us tried to hide when they came into the audience.

Joy & Donna Enjoying an Ethiopian Meal

This was a very special night, experiencing true Ethiopian culture.

Ethiopia - Our First Few Days

2010-05-26T00:13:00.000-07:00

Ethiopian Church

On Sunday, we gathered with over 1,000 Ethiopian believers, and were impacted with the sincere worship and unashamed joy of the African Church. This service gave us a new glimpse of heaven. I could imagine in a new way what heaven will be like with every tribe, and tongue and nation worshipping our great God.

Team Members Arrive

The team arrives in Addis Ababa

Our advance team arrived three days early to finalize details of the time in Africa. On Monday night, the final team members arrived and began our journey to orphanages in Ethiopia and Uganda

Leper’s Church & Community

The Pastor of the Leper's Church (L)

Turning off the main road unto unpaved, bumpy, trash-filled streets, we knew that we were headed for a place out of our comfort zone. The leper colony in Addia Ababa is home to 15,000 lepers. Our discomfort was not just physical. It was nearly impossible not to notice the overwhelming smells, the swarming flies, and the staring eyes all around. We walked into a small courtyard with the leper’s community church building. It’s a simple structure made out of blue plastic and large sticks for the walls and ceiling. It has a sackcloth floor, collected from the dump. The pastor beamed as he described the history of the church and the joy at having this beautiful pace to worship. This is the worship center to over 200 members.

Behind the church is a weight room that is used for evangelism ministry using hand-made weights from materials found in the city dump. The innovation and creativity are unbelievable. The Sports Center is a way to build relationships with people to be able to share about the Lord. The lepers are now free from leprosy, but will always be outcasts in society. We were dismayed to hear that many of them cannot get a job or go to the normal places we take for granted. They dig through the dump to find something to eat. For many people this church is their only source of hope.

The Forsaken Children

We pulled up to a small alley, and walked through the metal door to the courtyard buzzing with activity. We arrived just at lunch time, and saw the final prep for a wonderful meal at the Forsaken Children Shelter. The children were seated in benches around the courtyard, and soon were enjoying their noon meal. For many of the children, this is the only meal that they will have today.

These are the kids who live on the streets of Addis Ababa. There are over 60,000 orphans in Addis Ababa, and these children represent that desperate multitude. The children will receive a meal, clean clothes, and teaching to prepare them to enter school. All of them live on the streets.

As soon as the meal ended, we broke out the balloons and lollypops. This is where Donna shines. She always brings lollypops for the kids in the children’s homes, and was soon swarmed with kids eagerly waiting for her gift. Amber brought balloons, and the courtyard was filled with lollypops, and balloons being bounced in the air. These children were just being kids, a dramatic change from their life on the streets.

The children gave us gifts, and sang fun songs. Then we heard how this organization is changing the lives of these children. The Forsaken Children shelter is giving hope to the hopeless.

On Our Way To Africa

2010-05-20T00:04:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning, we will be heading to Africa! We will be there for two weeks, and will be spending valuable time with Streams Of Mercy's partner orphanages in Ethiopia and Uganda!

We will be updating this blog regularly with stories from our trip, so keep an eye out for posts!

You can also follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/streamsofmercy.

Stop Human Trafficking NOW!!

2010-04-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

Children are sold on the streets

Our journey into India has been another life-changing experience. We have traveled to 7 orphanages in two different cities and traveled countless miles. One of the most heart-wrenching experiences was to meet children who had been trafficked (SOLD) into sexual and work slavery. We met several children who have been rescued by these wonderful ministries.

Trafficking has been a major discussion point in our team. How do we help to stop it? It is a travesty of massive proportions, and yet we can ALL do something. We can speak out to be a voice for those who have no voice. We can rescue these children by supporting the ministries who set them free. Finally, we can pray for these innocent children to be released from their bonds of slavery.

Good Shepherd Homes

Good Shepherd operates 3 different homes in Western India. The children primarily come from the streets of Mumbai, and Pune. What a tremendous ministry!!! We traveled to their main homes, and met about 50 kids. Their model is fantastic! 12 kids per home with long-term house parents who stay with the kids through adulthood. They become a real family, and the kids thrive in this loving environment.

The children of Good Shepherd Homes

We traveled next to Pune, to the Transition Home. Ahhhh, my heart breaks whenever I see these kids. They’re the little ones. The ones fresh from the streets. They’ve been rescued, and they are SO cute and smart and loving. One little girl just finished first grade and they are promoting her to third grade. She’s just too smart for 2^ndgrade.

She Looked Into My Eyes and Said “ I love you VERY much”!

She’s 9. She’s smart, and she’s way too cute. I met Sonja a year ago when I visited the Transition Home. I was standing with our group when we first came into the home, and I felt a little hand slip into mine. I didn’t want to look at the child, because I knew I might start crying. I looked, though and she smiled up at me with those amazing eyes. She didn’t have eyes of pain or even of fear. They were eyes of love and peace. And she was so happy to see me.

Sonja

When I arrived this time, one of the first children who greeted me was Sonja. I asked her if she remembered me, and she said “Yes, grandfather”. Ahhhh! Here I go, losing my heart again. She and I were inseparable during our visit. I would look at her and she would just smile. As we were preparing to leave she came up to me one last time and said “I love you VERY much”. My heart did it’s normal thing, and again, I wanted to cry.

This is the last home we will visit on this trip. I think HE saved the best for last.

PLEASE PRAY FOR US!

PLEASE pray for us in this amazing call. So many times we feel very inadequate for the task. But then HE whispers into our hearts and says “I love them more than you do”. I would challenge you to ask the Lord what you are to do to help these little ones. Every one of us can change the life of a child.

*Written by Wick Nease

She Was Dying on a Sidewalk in India

2010-04-18T04:05:00.000-07:00

A Year Ago:

Living on the Sidewalk

She was dying and she knew it. The woman had lived on the streets of Pune, India for a very long time. About a year before, she was diagnosed with AIDS, and her husband had left her for another street dweller, taking his two sons with him . He made another decision that day. He would leave his small daughter on the sidewalk with his dying wife.

When she reached the final stage of Aids, the woman called for the Street Kids Orphanage director. She had met him many times, and knew that he truly cared for the children in his home. He had visited their sidewalk often, and had rescued many children. Now she had a request…”Please take my daughter and raise her in your orphanage. If she is here when I die, she will be sold into slavery”. The director knew that it had to be done legally, but the woman was too weak to go to a judge. He went to the court and pled the cause of this little girl. The judge was so moved that he gathered all of his legal documents and official seal, and went to the street himself. The woman put her mark on the paper, the paperwork was official, and the little girl went into this wonderful home.

The next day, the woman died, and the director found her body on the sidewalk with another street person fanning her body to keep off the flies. But “Hope” had been rescued.

Many Live On The Sidewalk

Today:

We went to the streets of Pune today, and saw those living on that same sidewalk. Some of them only had a mat to sleep on. Some, only a dirty blanket. Others were better off and had a plastic tarp to cover their bed. All of them, mostly women and children, live in the most glaring poverty in the world, right on a sidewalk. On this busy street, no one seems to notice.

After visiting the street, we went to the Street Kids orphanage in Pune. What a wonderful home. The kids are happy, bright and funny. We saw many children we have known for years, and the kids were so happy to see their “Wick-Uncle”. Today would be a fun day for them, because we would have McDonalds meals for them. The last time they went to McDonalds was when I was here a year ago. That’s what grandpa’s do.

Some of the Boys from the Street Kids Orphanage

David came up and gave me a big hug, then Raju, then others. I was home again with children I have known for years. Most of them have been rescued from a life of poverty and abuse. Many of them came from the very sidewalk we had just visited. Most of their mothers are prostitutes, if they have not already died of Aids. Then, I meet the little girl named “Hope”. She is no longer starving. She lives in this wonderful home, and now has a future. She’s a beautiful girl, and she has been rescued!

HOPE was rescued from the streets

The children did a wonderful program for us with music, dances and testimonies. The kids also shared their dreams. Several want to be doctors, and one wants to be an airline pilot. A few of the boys want to be professional Cricket players, and one young girl wants to be a flight attendant. All of then have dreams … dreams that are now totally possible because of this wonderful home. Thanks so much for being a part of this ministry through Streams of Mercy!

*Written By Wick Nease

Their Mother Tried to Kill Them

2010-04-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

With the Street Kids Orphanage

We arrived at the Chennai Street Kids Orphanage, and immediately were greeted by 34 of the most wonderful kids you could ever imagine. These kids come from a WIDE assortment of backgrounds. Some are true orphans, one little 11 year old girl was dropped off on the streets of Chennai (a city of 8,000,000 people!) because her mother thought she was ‘cursed’ and needed to be sent out of the house. Freddy and Daisy rescued her and she is now a happy little girl safely protected by “Daddy and Mommy”, the children’s name for Freddy and Daisy.

Others were orphaned, and no family was willing to take them in. Only Freddy and Daisy were willing. Not only were they willing, they were delighted to rescue these little lives. Others were abandoned by family who just didn’t care or who could no longer take care of their children. Every story is heartbreaking, and yet, every story has a happy ending. The happy ending is that they are now loved and nurtured in this wonderful home. The kids are getting a tremendous education, and will be doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers and other professions.

Maggie and Sam Today

We met Maggie and Sam a year and a half ago. They were extremely small for their ages, and they showed signs of extreme malnutrition. They had been rescued for a horrifically abusive situation where their mother decided to starve them to heath to get rid of her “problem”. Daisy rescued them from the home and took the children directly to the hospital, just to save their lives. When I first met them, they were emaciated, and were just beginning the long road to restore their health. BUT, that was a year and a half ago. Maggie and Sam are different children today. They are bright and funny. They’re full of life, and Wow! Can they ever eat! All the devastating effects of a home where the mother wanted them dead are now gone. It was so fun to be with them.

Maggie and Sam at Dinner Tonight

We provided a special meal for the kids tonight. We wanted to totally bless them, and even ended the meal with ice cream, a treat they seldom get. It was a good day at the Street Kids Orphanage, because lives are being saved and redeemed. Thank you, Freddy and Daisy!

*Written by Wick Nease

Have you Loved a Child with Aids Today? - The Chennai Aids Kids Orphanage

2010-04-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Lawrence

His Name is Lawrence, and he’s 9. As I walked into the Aids Kids Orphanage in Chennai, I was drawn to Lawrence right away. He has a gentle smile and kind eyes. Lawrence is not the most outgoing child in the home. As a matter of fact, he’s a pretty quiet child in the midst of many young extroverts. But when he sat near me, I put my hand on his shoulder. Lawrence turned and looked at me and smiled. My heart melted.

Lawrence's Sister, Priya

Lawrence’s story is similar to most of the kids in the home. His mom and dad died of Aids and left Lawrence and his sister, Priya, as orphans. They’re both HIV positive and no extended family member was willing to take them in. This ministry took them in, and cares for them in this wonderful environment. The home is one of the orphanages that we support every month in Streams of Mercy. As I sit here, with Lawrence near me, I know why.

Aids Orphanage Kids Special Program

The Aids Kids home in Chennai is part of a larger ministry to people “Infected with, or affected by, HIV”. They have a sponsorship program for HIV positive kids to go to school. They help 150 children! They have an ongoing ministry to people in two Aids hospitals. They have set up micro-businesses for women left widowed through Aids, and of course they have the Aids Kids Home.

As I write this blog, I’m fighting tears. My heart is torn by the injustice that a little boy and his sister should have to fight this dreaded disease. There’s not a lot I can do except to tell their story, to help support this amazing orphanage, and to put my hand on Lawrence shoulder. Somehow, that’s what I think Jesus would do.

*written by Wick Nease

I Touched a Leper Today

2010-04-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Our India Team in front of the Leper's Medical Clinic

Today we visited the Bharathapuram Leper colony outside of Chennai. We heard of the plight of Lepers in India, and the stories were heartbreaking. A person contracting leprosy is immediately an outcast to all of their family and friends. Leprosy levels the ground. It affects the very poor, and the very wealthy, but the common factor is that it separates you from all of your normal relationships and consigns you to live as an outcast in a leper colony. Leper colonies cover the nation of India.

Our visit today was to the medical clinic of the Chennai Lepers Ministry. The dedicated staff care for these dear folks and provide medical care three days a week in this colony and in 12 other colonies. Today was a holiday, so only a dozen people came while we were there. On a normal day, they care for 100-150 people.

Leper Colony Medical Clinic

The common ailment for these patients is ulcerated feel, ankles and hands. The effects of leprosy are staggering! It robs the person of all feeling in their feet, hands and face, and makes them vulnerable to injury, and then to serious infection. The team lovingly cleans wounds, pours in antiseptic, and re-bandages their feet. We watched as they cleaned and cut out infected flesh.

As I watched, I was reminded why I wouldn’t make a good doctor. I couldn’t do what they do, AND they did it all with love and grace. What a ministry!! The worst situation that we saw today was a woman with a very bad infection in her ankle. They begin by pouring in peroxide. I was shocked to see maggots coming out of the wound. The woman had no idea how serious her infection was. The medical staff carefully dug into the wound and cleaned it out. It was quite a procedure.

We Were Privileged to Pray for Lepers

The best part of our time there was when they had finished getting their medical procedure done, they came to us and asked us for prayer. Our hearts were deeply touched when we remembered that Jesus touched a leper in his day, and healed him… a supreme act of love and acceptance. We laid our hands on their shoulder (Yes, we actually touched lepers), and prayed for His touch in their lives, just like Jesus did when He walked the face of this earth.

*written by Wick Nease

“The Chennai Hut Slum Preschool”

2010-04-13T23:34:00.000-07:00

The Hut Slum

Today, we headed off to go to the Chennai Hut Slum preschool. It’s hard to believe that a slum could be in the middle of a major Indian city, but it is. You drive a short distance from the center of the city to an open-air parts market, and wind your way around the market to the entrance to the slum. Chennai is a huge city, with millions of people, and in the midst of it all, a large slum where thousands live in huts, without even the barest of essentials. We followed our guide past small grass huts and saw women cooking on open fires. It was shocking to realize that one spark could burn down the whole slum with thousands of people in it.

We made our way through the slum to the little kids preschool. Our Street Kids orphanage directors have started this school for the children living in the slum. The kids get a wonderful education, prayer and worship, and a snack and noonday meal. For many of the kids, it will be the only meal they have that day.

Lunch at the Hut Slum Preschool

We arrived for the final portion of the day’s teaching, and then saw the delight of the kids as they washed up and prepared for lunch. The dedicated staff prepare lunch for these kids every day…it is a wonderful act of love.

Big Mike strikes again…

Big Mike was with us again in the hut slum. Again the kids began to yell “WWF”, because he looks so much like a WWF wrestler. It’s funny, because he is a gentle giant who loves kids with a passion. His favorite activity is to hand out lollypops, which have been a big hit in every location.

85 Year Old Noah

After being with the kids for lunch, people from the slum started coming up to us asking us to pray for them. One of the people who came was a man named Noah. Noah had white hair and was 85 years old. He’s in poor health and asked us to pray for the Lord to heal him. It was great to meet a precious man of faith in this desperate place. How impacting it is for Noah to be a testimony of a loving God there.

Sharing at the Hut Slum Church

The final ministry time today was to head off to another slum area where a friend and I would speak to a slum church. About 50 people crammed into the small church, and worshipped the Lord in Tamil, the local language. I shared about Lazarus being set free after being raised from the dead. A dear friend on the trip shared as well.

The Parts Market - The Entrance to the Hut Slum

Tomorrow we head off to a leper colony medical clinic. This will be a “first” for me. I can’t wait to share what it’s like… And I can’t wait to share it with you.

*written by Wick Nease

India Children of Lepers

2010-04-13T23:23:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Chennai, and finally made it to our hotel at 2:00am. Wow! It’s a long way to India from Dallas. The next day, we met with several of the orphanage directors to hear updates on what has been happening in their homes. We were amazed at the scope of their ministries and their hearts for the needy, for those in their homes, and those they have not been able to help yet.

We headed off through the streets of this massive city, and a little over an hour later arrived at the children of lepers home. This is one of my personal favorite homes in Streams of Mercy. The kids are funny, bright, and absolutely beautiful. We had “BIG Mike" with us on this trip. He’s a businessman from Texas who looks like a WWF wrestler. The kids were enthralled at his size and appearance. One of the little girls was not intimidated at all, and came up to him and said “I run and you chase”. I laughed to see this great big man chasing a beautiful little Indian girl who was laughing with delight. They were all delighted when Mike broke out the lollypops and gave everyone one.

We were so blessed when the kids program began. They began to sing worship songs and to do dances for us. I loved their drama of being set free from sin into the freedom of Christ.

How could these kids be so free? They come from the worst situation imaginable. In their society, to be in a leper’s family means that you are a total outcast. You have to live in a leper colony, and can never go where most people go. You are consigned to begging or to do the most menial tasks. But these kids have been set free from that bondage, and are now free to be anything they want to be. Tears came to my eyes as the director told me “Wick, they can be doctors or lawyers, they can be politicians or missionaries”. I stood amazed at the wonderful way that God sets people free.

More later as we head off to the preschool in the Hut Slum. This is just the beginning of the adventure.

*written by Wick Nease

India's Call

2010-04-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

I’m up VERY early this morning. I can’t sleep because of all the details I’ve been doing, getting ready for my trip to India again today. India is the most needy nation on the face of the earth, with an estimated 19 million orphans, and countless who are desperately poor.

God has called us to India in Streams of Mercy, to bring streams of His mercy to the barren wasteland of human suffering. And so, I leave in just a few hours to visit 7 of the 9 orphan ministries we support in this nation with so many hopeless people.

This journey to Asia will be about 30 hours from the time I leave home to the time I get to the first hotel in Chennai. And so, we begin… Will you please pray for our time in India? We need HIS direction, covering and blessing. Thanks!

*written by Wick Nease

Video: Earthquake of 2010, St. Marc's situation

2010-01-21T17:09:00.001-08:00

This video is from January 18, 2010 and gives an excellent overview of how our team in Haiti has been able to help the earthquake victims form Port-au-Prince:

To give to the Haiti relief fund, simply CLICK HERE or place this address in your web browser:http://streamsofmercy.org/haiti_relief.htm

Or you can give to Streams of Mercy • P.O. Box 3220 • McKinney, TX • 75070. Send a separate note that it is for the Haiti Relief Fund.

(via Kristian Snow)

Video Update: Haiti Earthquake situation Wednesday update 01/20/10

2010-01-21T17:03:00.000-08:00

This is a video update from the group that we are working with in Haiti.

To give to the Haiti relief fund, simply CLICK HERE or place this address in your web browser:http://streamsofmercy.org/haiti_relief.htm

Or you can give to Streams of Mercy • P.O. Box 3220 • McKinney, TX • 75070. Send a separate note that it is for the Haiti Relief Fund.

(via Kristian Snow)

Miracle In Haiti!

2010-01-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday our YWAM’ers in Port-au-Prince (PAP) came upon people seeking help and a four month old child was discovered pinned under a building. Our rescue team from YWAM sprang into action. After some time the child was removed from the rubble and rushed to a make shift hospital with a large cut on her head.
Once there everyone tried to find a responsible person. After asking where the baby’s mother was, the people with them said she was still under the building.
The YWAMers rushed back to hear people saying that she was under the building, dead. Our YWAMers began to dig to find her. To everyone’s surprise they found her ALIVE! She was extremely dehydrated and will need hospital care but it seems she will recover!
The YWAM St. Marc Gym has become a make shift recovery ward for the overflowing hospital. Yesterday a Doctor asked one of our YWAMers “What are they going to do with all these orphans.” He claimed that none of the children at our center had known living parents and the orphanage caretaker is not in the country. “Would YWAM take these children?” he asked.
One of our volunteers spoke with one young boy that was actually thought to be dead! He had already been placed in the morgue in a closed room with the dead. After placed there and the door closed, morgue workers heard a knocking on the closed door and was shocked to see that this young boy was still alive!
Strategies are forming on how to best cope and minister during this situation. It is very intense and difficult, but let us all pray for the children of Haiti. We want to thank everyone for your giving and your prayers. They have been a source of strength and encouragement along with the presence of God with us.

To give to the Haiti relief fund, simply CLICK HERE or place this address in your web browser: http://streamsofmercy.org/haiti_relief.htm

Or you can give to Streams of Mercy • P.O. Box 3220 • McKinney, TX • 75070. Send a separate note that it is for the Haiti Relief Fund.

E-mail updates from our team in Haiti

2010-01-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

Below are the latest e-mail updates from our team on the ground in Haiti. The needs are staggering, but the YWAM team in Haiti is now receiving the first of MANY shipments of food, medicines, fuel and medical and relief supplies. Their greatest need right now is for the funds to purchase these supplies. All of these supplies are being shipped in from the Dominican Republic. You can give through Streams of Mercy to the Haiti Relief fund. Just click HERE to donate.

01/15/2010 8:50 M Update from Terry Snow
Today we bought 15 25lb bags of rice in St. Marc. To our knowledge it was the last available rice in all of St. Marc city and province! This is getting serious friends. What the UN and Government people may not be taking into thought is the mass number of people that are evacuating Port-au-Prince (PAP). This is devasting the supplies in the province. One of the largest wholesalers in St. Marc has empty depots tonight with no word on when he might be able to get more bulk food!

Victims of PAP are now beginning to fill churches in St. Marc and we are looking at potentially staging two additional camps here in this city as well as our staging points in PAP.

FUEL is gone, vehicles are being parked! We have to have fuel if we are going to survive, much less help the victims!

I have worked most of the day on the opening of the port of St. Marc. US Coast Guard has come and inspected the port. I have spoken to the person in charge of security and we are close to having green lights from the customs office to open the port to allow aid supplies to pass through for little to no charge!

If you have a container of food or building supplies that is ready to send, please contact us or Bill Colman at cartrans@myacc.net. Bill has done much shipping into the port of St. Marc and is assembling three small vessels that can quickly load and offload at the port of St. Marc. However we need 40 containers to fill the ship for it to be able to leave. The ships are located in the Miami / Everglades Florida area. 888-763-2999.

We need Rice, Beans, Cooking oil, Tomato paste, spagetti, soap, tarps, tents, wood, tin roofing, foam matress of sleep cots etc. Please contact us for an updated list!

We still have no communication worth mentioning with cell phones.

As I prayed today I felt God speak that a new beginning is coming to Haiti. Decisons for their future hang in the balance. Let's pray that the Haitian people will respond to God's love and make the right choices that will bring them healing and blessing!

Taking the High Places!

Terry W. Snow
National Director
YWAM Haiti

01/14/2010 8:46 PM Update from Terry Snow
Just a quick update,

We have been very busy and have made great headway in developing a plan to begin assistance. We would like to begin preparing food and passing out sacks of purified water very soon! Instead of doing this today we focused on staging points to host teams, connect with the US Embassy and develop the infrustructure needed to assist in a positve way! We have located two potential staging points and we are appreciative to our very large Youth With A Mission family world wide.

Saturday we will see a YWAM team from D.R. (Boardering nation) drive in with supplies. We have two other teams, one from YWAM Tyler Mercy Works and the other from Lancaster PA, New Danville Mennonite, that will be here Sunday. One team will be building a home in the St.Marc area the other will be setting up for medical relief.

We have begun to make arrangements for getting a hold of finances. Please understand that all the banking systems have collapsed due to communications and the main offices destroyed in the capital. Hopefully tomorrow we will see our Haitian bank begin to open or release some funds for our use. We are finding other ways to obtain funds as well.

The Haitian government is not funtioning and we have a team working to try and find a way to get the port of St. Marc opened for humanitarian supplies. Our YWAM base has 3 acres of land that we could make available to park containers for unloading, organizing and then shipping on to Port-au-Prince.

We have placed a call to YWAM Volunteers to come and assist in administrative ways to help in organization of the many teams that have already written ready to come. As mentioned we have currently found two staging points that could provide housing for these teams. We have a possibility of up to 10 additional places as well.

Airplanes were seen flying in and the US Embassy was still very packed with people trying to leave. The smell of dead bodies is growing stronger and there seemed to be a spirit of dispair crying out through out the city.

This is our time to demonstrate the power of the love of God. There is a deep stirring within many Haitians. Especially amongst our staff. Our Haitian staff are proclaiming it is time for change!

Taking the High Places!

Terry W. Snow
National Director
YWAM Haiti

1/14/2010 08:34 AM Update from Terry Snow
Dead lay in the streets, possibilities of mass burial sights talked about on the radio. People wandering the streets, city parks now filled with people camping out in them. The situation is more worse than dreamed!

Yesterday we sent an investigative team to Port-au-Prince (PAP) to take a first hand look at the situation. I will not easily forget what Rodney Gephart and Wayne Snow said when they had returned; "The situation is worse than it has appeared on TV!" My heart sank and instead of crying I felt a numbness come over me as they began telling me of the dead, the buildings that had colapsed and then to hear that they could not find any information on who is doing what as far as cordinated efforts for immediate response and longterm recovery.

Our Leadership Team went late into the night trying to assemble all the data and strategies on how to begin with assisting the victims of the earthquake of 1/12/10. Praying for strength and wisdom from God! We know He has a plan. We have seen him take us through many floods and other situations that were greater than we could bare in the past and by GOD's grace, mercy and power we will see this through! How ummeasurable is His love! Nothing is impossible concerning Him!

Today's goals are;

-Establish Communication Hub- Focus (Connect with US Embassy, cordinate with any known releief teams, communicate with volunteer teams and individuals that are emailing)
-Establish routes to recieve and send aid (Money, Supplies and Volunteers)
-Check out and establish staging points to House and feed Volunteers (Probably need portable housing)
-Immediate Response - Look for opportunities to run street soup kitchens (Use street vendors to make hot meals to give to anyone who needs them, buy purified water for distro)
-Prepare for Security concerns (Yesterday the people were stund, today they will be starving!)

The ground underneath me just trembled once more as I close this email and I am 60 miles away! Many people have asked how they can help. We need funds to kick in quickly. Until the shipments of additional releif supplies get open money is all we can work with. We have connections to food whole salers in St. Marc that can assist us, but we also need to purchase vehicles to get mobile. Many vehicles were destroyed so we need to find and purchase quickly!

Thank you!

Taking the High Places!

Terry W. Snow
National Director
YWAM Haiti

1/13/2010 07:19 AM Update from Terry Snow
Every 30 minutes to an hour the house rumbled and shook from the after shocks of the earthquake that has divested the capital, Port-au-Prince. It was hard to sleep wondering if you should run, wait or ignore it. All I could think about was the thousands that had no where to sleep in Port-au-Prince 60 miles away from our city, St. Marc.

We were up early to see the video footage and pictures of the Presidential Palace destroyed and so many other buildings we once knew. We feel in some ways as helpless as the victims in Port-au-Prince in the since of shock and not knowing what to do or where to start. Communications are still down, airport is closed for today so we have decided to send in a observation team to see what connections they could make.

Haiti has no infrastructure much less a crisis management team. I suspect that PAP is crying even louder this morning as the reality of their situation tumbles on them.

We are thinking through how this impact will affect St. Marc and the population here. Fuel, electric communications, food and construction supplies all route through Port-au-Prince. Today we are ok, but what about in a few days or week. Where are the refugees going to be going since there is little living space in PAP?

Pray for us and our observation team!

Terry W. Snow
National Director
YWAM Haiti

1/13/2010 5:10 PM Update from Terry Snow
At 5:05pm I was sitting with our leadership team when the room began to tremble. EARTHQUAKE! We quickly realized that this was an abnormal rumbling. We have experienced minor trembles in times past but not like this one. We all bolted to the exit. Soon we saw everyone out in the center of our campus field as the earth continued to tremble. One of our walls had some plaster begin to shack loose, but then it stopped. Thank God!

The city erupted with screams and shouts! Most of our cell companies were down, electric went off, but then one of our new DTS student’s cell phone rings. People are telling him that many buildings have fallen. There is much destruction in the capital Port-au-Prince!

Due to phone communication we are unable to reach our YWAM Center in Gonaives north of us, but we feel they are most likely ok as the earthquake’s center was 10 miles south south west of Port-au-Prince.

Our survey teams we sent through St. Marc have reported back in with the good report that all looks safe in our city, St. Marc!

Let’s pray for the many people in the capital. We have received word that many housing units have collapsed and government buildings as well, but still no clear reports. Everyone only had 45 minutes before the sun set and now they are pretty well in the darkness.

Terry W. Snow
National Director
YWAM Haiti

They're Off!

2009-10-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

It's 5 am. Ten minutes ago the team loaded up in the van for one last ride to the airport. There were a few half closed eyes, but still everyone was smiling! This was one terrific time together in India. Last night we took some time to talk about the impact that this trip has had on each of us. Honestly, our hearts have been challenged as we've been giving & serving others in need. We've laughed and cried together, and we will never be the same.

My hope is that this trip will impact the way each one of us lives our lives daily!

I head back to Texas later this afternoon, a tad bit tired, but very content. What a worthwhile way to spend 2 weeks!

Thanks for joining us here in Pune & Chennai. Check back again soon to see what Streams of Mercy is up to as we work to connect people & resources with those in desperate need.

Patty

Last Day in Chennai - PACT Aids home

2009-10-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

What a perfect way to finish our time here in India by visiting the PACT Aids home here in Chennai today. PACT has been in operation for the last 12 years, reaching families & individuals who are touched by AIDS. They are helping 250 AIDS families all across Chennai.

The 15 kids at the PACT home have a safe place to live, they go to school, and they receive the love & support they need.

Recently a young woman landed on their doorstep with a small baby of her own. A few months before she was weak during her pregnancy, and her doctor gave her a blood transfusion. Sadly, the blood she received was tainted, and she is now HIV+. She has nowhere else to go, so she and her baby are now living at the PACT home.

Our team did a craft project with the kids, and spent some time holding them and playing with them. They loved the glitter in the art project. It's amazing how much fun they can have with paper glue & glitter.

Join us tomorrow as we send Team Norway back home to chilly Norway! This group of 9 ladies have been a terrific group to work with. Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip possible!!

Rescue & Restore - Day 3 Part 2

2009-10-09T18:49:00.001-07:00

In the afternoon we loaded up in the bus to head to Rescue & Restore...a home that breaks the cycle of kids growing up on the streets. What an amazing work Freddy & Daisy & their staff do to bring the kids in, offer them a good education, and help them work through the trauma from their lives on the streets. There is a family atmosphere in the home, with the kids calling out "mommy,mommy" and "daddy, daddy" to Freddy & Daisy. The affection they have toward each other creates a wonderful dynamic in the home.

Tonight we had a party for the R&R kids, complete with a delicious meal, singing by Team Norway, and dancing by the kids. Kristina also taught some of the girls how to make bracelets with beads.

We heard some of the children's stories. The stories of how they were living on the streets, being abused and neglected, and how their lives are being transformed at R&R. You can't help but celebrate this place of hope. What an amazing home, and a great group of kids.

Join us tomorrow for our visit to PACT Aids home!

Preschool in the slum - Day 3 part 1

2009-10-09T18:34:00.001-07:00

The slum that our friends Freddy & Daisy work in is home to 4000 people. It's a rough place for a child to grow up. Most kids roam freely, are left to fend for themselves, and are abused & victimized. We heard stories of children being left all day locked in a hut with no food, so they began to eat mud and leaves from the hut floor to survive.

Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Freddy & Daisy the little ones now have a safe place to come each day. The preschool is a safe haven, a place to learn, get clean and fed. For these kids this may be the only meal they get for the day. Their parents don't bathe them, so the teacher at the preschool washes them and gives them fresh clothes.

We had a great morning with the kids, singing songs, doing an art project and spending time with them. Team Norway donated some funds to the preschool project for uniforms for the kids and to the medical clinic that Freddy & Daisy run. The clinic is the only health care most of the slum residents receive.

Check back for Day 3 part 2...Rescue & Restore!

Chennai - Day 2 Part 2 - Little Lights, children of lepers

2009-10-08T09:20:00.001-07:00

Leprosy seems a disease of the past, but to our surprise we found out there are 54 leper colonies just in the state (Tamil Nadu) that Chennai is in alone.

The Little Lights home sits on the outskirts of Chennai and is home to 34 kids whose family members live in leper colonies. The vision of the Little Lights staff is to take in children who are often neglected or at high risk and give them a loving home, a good education, and hope for the future. Their dream is by 2020 to see these kids become doctors, lawyers, and skilled professionals. Then they can break the cycle of generations of lepers in their families. We heard the story of Joe, who was the inspiration for the start of Little Lights. When he was 2 years old he was found tied to a mango tree by the staff. Each day his parents would go out to beg and leave Joe alone to fend for himself tied to the tree. Today Joe is a thriving 5 year old, going to school, and safe at Little Lights (see picture of the boy in the orange shirt).

Our team did some art projects with the kids, made bead necklaces and did face painting. Just seeing their happy faces made the 3 hour drive worthwhile!

Check back tomorrow for Day 3 in Chennai...preschool in the slum & Rescue & Restore Childrens' home!

Chennai - Day 2 Part 1- new set of clothes for Rescue & Restore Kids

2009-10-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Remember how excited you were when you were little and you got a new set of clothes? Well today our team took 20 kids from Rescue & Restore home to pick out a set of new clothes at the store. The R&R kids have all been rescued from a life on the streets, and placed in a loving home where they have a family that loves them, a good school to attend and the support they need to overcome the difficulties from their past.

Thanks to the donations collected by our Norwegian friends we purchased each one a new outfit. I don't think some of these kids have ever gone shopping for themselves. It was a little chaotic, but there was joy on their faces as they thanked us for the gift of clothes. We'll be going to the Rescue & Restore home tomorrow night, where the kids are going to dress up in their new duds. Look for the pictures on Friday's blog!

America's Giving Challenge: Please Participate on Behalf Of Streams Of Mercy

2009-10-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

Our Facebook cause for Streams of Mercy has just entered in America's Giving Challenge, which gives us a chance to win $50,000! To win, between now and November 7th we have to get the most donations to our cause (every person can donate once per day and have it count as a unique donation). We can also win daily awards of $1,000 and $500 if we can get the most people to donate in any 24-hour period. The great thing about this Challenge is that it doesn't matter how much you give, but instead how much you do to encourage friends and family to get involved in our cause. We all need to come together and start promoting the cause if we want to win.

If you are on Facebook, please consider who out of your friends might be interested in donating to our cause.

Here's a few ideas of how you can help spread the word:

Put a link to our cause in your email signature (www.causes.com/streamsofmercy),
Throw a party and get people to donate through the cause when they enter
Organize other people to go out and fundraise from all of their friends

As you reach out to your friends be sure to tell them why this cause matters to you. The possibilities are endless so let's talk about what we can do to win on the Wall of the cause or by replying in the comments.
I think we can do it! But it's going to take all of us. Check out the Giving Challenge (www.causes.com), then visit our cause (www.causes.com/streamsofmercy)to see how we're doing so far and get involved.

If we win this, the possibilities of impacting the lives of orphans around the world will be huge!

Let's win $50,000 for our cause!

Chennai - Day 1

2009-10-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we flew from Pune to Chennai. Stepping off the plane, we realized right away that Chennai is MUCH hotter than Pune. We got settled in the place we're staying, and this morning had half a day to relax, shop & have a special lunch at "sparky's diner".

This afternoon we loaded up in the van and made our way to a service at a tiny church in the slums. What makes this church so unique is that it was started by a man named Joshua, a boy who grew up on the streets of Chennai.

When Joshua was a boy he was rescued by some wonderful people, Freddy & Daisy, and taken to their childrens' home called Rescue & Restore. Through the years his life began to change. Today, after attending Bible college, Joshua is the pastor of this thriving church of 60 in the slum. He has a heart to reach out and help the people of the slum and offer them hope.

This evening as we sat in a narrow tin hut with a thatched roof, we were amazed at the joy in each persons' face. The team asked each person to write down a prayer or a praise, and then hang them together to create a chain of prayer & praise. It wasn't just the children who enjoyed the art project. The adults got right into it.

For each person living in the slum, life has been hard and painful. One by one people just came up to the team and asked, almost begged, them to pray for them and bless them. Many tears flowed tonight. I think many hearts were encouraged.

What a worthwhile time!

Pune Day 3

2009-10-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

There wasn't a dry eye among us today as we spent several hours with the amazing kids from Good Shepherd Homes here in Pune. They sang songs (one very funny one about scratching like a monkey - see the picture), shared their Bible memory verses with us and just simply basked in the fact that there were guests to spend time with.

Thanks to Art for the Nations, a non-profit organization that provides the supplies for people like us to carry art projects to places all over the world, we brought along a fantastic bag filled with art projects.

We had a blast cutting out and decorating a paper chain of people to represent the fact that we are all connected to each other because we're all part of the family of God. We let them know that we care about them and we will be keeping in touch because they are our family!

While we worked we asked them to share the dreams they have of what they would like to do when they grow up. They aren't shy to share. They smile confidently and say "I'm going to be a teacher to poor children" or "I'm going to be a nurse". What a reflection of the time, love and training the staff of GSH have invested in these kids. I find it hard to believe that just a short time ago, each one of them were living on the streets, going without food, begging, suffering abuse and neglect.

The team was so impacted during their time at GSH that they donated $2000 to provide bunk beds for 43 children in the new home that GSH just opened in a neighboring city. The director's wife shed a few tears too as she let them know that just last week the staff had been praying that God would supply all they needed to furnish the new home with beds. Now just one week later our team arrived and gave what they needed. Thanks to everyone who gave in Norway to make this gift possible! 43 kids are going to have beds because you joined in giving. You are making a difference in the lives of many orphans here in India.

Tomorrow we fly to Chennai, so join us for more adventures this week from the other side of India.....

Pune Day 2 - Part 2

2009-10-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

After the Red light district we had the privilege of spending a few hours at the Comforter Childrens' home on the outskirts of town. Comforter is home to 28 kids, about half of which are HIV+. It isn't a sad or depressing place, but a home full of love, smiles & peace. The kids sang some heartfelt songs for us, but the best part of the afternoon was the art project we did together thanks to Art for the Nations, a non-profit organization that sends art kits for kids all over the world.

Last March when I visited the Comforter home, there were only 2 staff for 28 kids, due to lack of funds. Today they have been able to add several more staff, but even still the kids don't get tons of one on one time. The kids loved it.

They sat so still as they worked on cutting out the row of "people" that represented the family of God that they belong to. Amazing how much fun can be had with some scissors, construction paper, glitter & glue. Over and over again the words echoed in the room "deedee...deedee (big sister) here". That was when they wanted to glue a piece of glitter on their cut out. We would dab a spot of glue and they would glue the glitter sparkle on. We weren't impatient, though. We savored being there. What a beautiful afternoon enjoying the simplicity of creativity.

The stories of the kids are enough to squeeze tears out of the hardest hearts. Some of their parents have died of AIDS. Others have been abandoned after their parents discovered they were HIV+. They have found a home full of love at Comforter, though. Dr. L loves each one of them like a mother. The kids call her Nahnee, and you can see the mutual affection they have for her, and she for them.

You've got to make a trip to Comforter sometime! You'll never be the same.

Team Norway in Pune - Day 2, part 1

2009-10-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

You know...your feet have never really been dirty until you've walked in India in sandals!

Today our feet carried us up a tiny narrow staircase to the Comforter office right in the heart of the red light district of Pune. Here thousands of prostitutes live a life of pain and hopelessness, often raising children in the middle of this life who then grow up to be prostitutes as well.

The staff of the Comforter are reaching out to prostitutes on a daily basis, offering help, hope, & education, one person at a time. Raju (*name changed) has come out of the life of prostitution and now works full time with Comforter. He is training people in how to apply henna. His desire is that people will have a way to make a living other than prostitution. Dr. L heads us this phenomenal work, which includes a drop in center for children of prostitutes during the evening hours. The Creche is a safe place the children can come to at night. If they are at home they are often drugged or given alcohol to keep them asleep while their mothers work.

It was hard to hear about the reality of this life, but as we walked back down the tiny staircase we were so thankful to know the staff of Comforter are right there hard at work, doing all they can to bring hope & life to everyone they meet.

Team Norway lands in Pune - Day 1, Part 2

2009-10-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

With the punjabi stop behind us we loaded back in the mini bus and headed out for an evening at the Hope of Glory Foundation childrens home, a precious kids home nestled in the hills on the outskirts of Pune. HOGF is home to 30 kids ranging in age from 3 to 18 that have been rescued from a life of hopelessness on the streets of their city. On the streets they suffered many terrible atrocities but today they have hope.

Eager smiling faces greeted us as we walked up to the door. With pride, the kids rocked the house with some beautiful Indian dances, heart felt songs, and a time of sharing the dreams they have for their lives. Leaving there tonight we couldn't help but celebrate that these 30 are able to dream.

Before we left our team sang some special Norwegian songs, made balloon animals, and spent time getting to know the children. It got a little wild, but what do you expect with balloons, bubbles and candy!!

Don't miss tomorrow...Pune Day 2 at "the Comforter" children's home.

Team Norway lands in Pune - Day 1, Part 1

2009-10-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

Seeing the smiling faces of the team from Norway as they stepped out from the airport security gate at the Pune airport was an awesome way to start the day. I wasn't sure they would be up to a busy day after flying 30 hours, but they were more than ready for the challenge!
After dropping off all the luggage at our place, we headed to the fabric store to pick out material for a few punjabis to wear during our stay. The only way to describe this punjabi-making experience is that it is sheer chaos, smashed in a humid tiny shop, mixed together with lots of people. First you pick your material from hundreds of neatly folded stacks. Then you have to find a tailor at another shop to sew the suits and negotiate how quickly he can sew them. Check out the pictures of our adventure, and stay tuned for Pune - Day 1, Part 2..evening with the kids at Hope of Glory Foundation Home.

Pune-Day 2 Getting Much Needed Supplies

2009-10-02T05:34:00.000-07:00

Today we found out that Hope of Glory Foundation needed some things for the children's house. This is one of the childrens' homes Streams of Mercy has come along side for several years by paying for the childrens' school fees and other projects they have needed help with. Most of the kids that live at HOGF were rescued from the streets. After haggling with the street vendors today, we loaded up in the rickshaw and headed back with the things they need. Auto Rickshaws are the local form of transport. It's hot and dusty but what a terrific way to get a birds eye view of the city.

The team of 9 Norwegians arrive early tomorrow morning, and we have a full day planned for them. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for Day 1 with the team in Pune.

Setting up in Pune - Day 1

2009-10-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

It's almost 10 pm here in Pune. As I type my eyes are having a hard time staying open. The traffic is still quite busy outside the window.

I met 2 friends in Bombay at the airport and we got in to Pune early afternoon today (Thursday). We did some set up this afternoon for the team arriving early Saturday.

I can't wait! Tomorrow will be more set up and some important meetings, so stay tuned to Day 2 in Pune.

You should be here!

Come on...we're going to India!

2009-09-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here at the DFW airport, 40 minutes from boarding my plane to Mumbai. Getting out the door was interesting this morning. Nothing like an eventful exit. Got ready to zip up my suitcase and discovered the zipper was busting at the seam. Yikes. Thanks to Bruce, we got it all worked out and loaded in the van and out the door in time.

Join me on this journey to India. It's going to be life changing! Team Norway will meet up with me in Pune, India on Saturday morning and we'll be in 7 childrens' homes in 2 cities. You won't want to miss the journey.

Can't wait to see those beautiful faces again!

Good Shepherd Homes

2009-08-19T00:02:00.001-07:00

Good Shepherd Homes is one of the orphanages sponsored by Streams of Mercy and is located in Talegaon, a suberb 35Km from Pune city. Most of the children in these homes were rescued from destitute lives on the streets of India, and now have a chance at a normal life.

Streams of Mercy and Arbonne - Helping Orphans Around the World

2009-07-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

How To Help Orphans For $140

2009-07-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Rescue & Restore Home Sunday

2009-03-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today for the last day with our team in Chennai we went to Rescue & Restore home, which is home to 38 kids who have been rescued from a hopeless life on the streets of India. This family style home is such a warm environment for the kids to grow up in. We heard some really precious stories tonight. I want to share one with you. We met a sweet 6 year old girl named Manu (named changed to protect her identity). She stood up and smiled shyly as she told us her story.

A few months ago her grandfather took her out for the afternoon. At one point she had overheard her father tell her mother that he was going to drop her off somewhere in the city and leave her there. She trusted her grandfather, though, and never thought he would do this to her. They ended up at the train station and he told her to wait on the bench while he went to get some snacks. She waited, then waited longer, and finally realized he had left her there, and he wasn't coming back.

A woman found Manu alone, and took her home for the night. The next day she said "I know a very good safe place for you", and she brought her that very day to R&R house. To fully understand how amazing and wonderful this is for little Manu, let me explain how quickly little girls & boys get sexually abused on the street. It's often within a day. It is nothing short of miraculous that she ended up at this home without facing the perils of the street. She is so dear and we loved meeting her and all the other kids at R&R house.

They had a great time playing games with Jen & Donna, and they really loved all the treats we brought them. Thank you, Christs' Center for the fun gifts & Donna & Jen for the lollipops & gift bags.

Check back soon for more from India...

From Chennai,
The Streams of Mercy Team

Saturday at the PACT Aids home

2009-03-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Our team had the privilege of joining the PACT AIDS home staff for the dedication of the new AIDS orphan home on Saturday. The new home is almost complete, and they move in to the new building in just 10 days. As we walked around the building, we couldn't help but celebrate, since this new home will house quite a few more than they are able to care for now. We felt especially honored to be a part of this day. Streams of Mercy was able to share the need they had, and as a result we saw the remaining 25,000 raised to complete the building earlier this year! Thank you to all who gave to see this building finished so quickly.

After the dedication of the new building, we drove about 10 minutes to the tiny 2 room facility they are still living in. The kids were so excited to see us, and we had a great time coloring with them, playing games & just spending time with the kids. They are such happy children. It was a wonderful day.

Friday at Children of Lepers home

2009-03-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Today we made our way to the children of lepers home on the outskirts of Chennai. This amazing place is home to 34 children whose parents live in various leper colonies in
the region. We were shocked to hear that in the state of Tamil Nadu alone there are 54 leper colonies. If these kids stay in the leper colony they have no hope for a life outside the colony. They will end up begging as a way of life just like their parents. By coming out of the colony & living in this childrens' home they are able to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness. One boy that lives in the home used to be tied up to a tree like a dog while his parents went out to beg each day. Today we saw the results of the love & care he is getting in this amazing home. He is thriving. All the kids go to an excellent school, and the end result the staff desire is to see each child do something significant in life. We ended our time with them by playing a round of duck-duck-goose and providing a special meal for the kids. It was great!!

Medical clinic at the slum

2009-03-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

The weekly medical clinic in the slum is the only health care many of the people there will receive. Men & women line up to see the nurse each Thursday evening. The R&R staff provide the weekly clinic in addition to the other ways they help in this place. As Streams of Mercy staff we feel so privileged to work along side an organization like R&R. They are doing an amazing work among the people of the slum. We're glad we can come along side them and help raise funds for the medicines & supplies they need each week which they use to treat things like wounds, fevers, infections and other health problems. The cost of operating the clinic is only around $100 a month.

woman who lives near the preschool

2009-03-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

One of our team members, Donna, met a lovely lady who lives right next to the preschool. She has 2 small daughters who attend the preschool, and a little baby who is 15 months old. Her little baby sleeps in a fabric cocoon hanging from her hut ceiling. It's good she has this net type bed for her baby, since recently she found a cobra in her own bed on the floor. She told Donna that both of her little girls have already been abused. It is so hard to grasp how much victimization goes on in the slum. It is heartbreaking to see the reality of these precious peoples' lives. We're amazed by the difference that Freddy & Daisy are making amongst their own people and it is a joy to help them in their work.

Day 1 in Chennai (part 1) - preschool in the slum

2009-03-19T04:06:00.000-07:00

We were quite a spectacle as we walked down the dusty road through the automobile parts market on our way to the Hut slum, home to over 6,000 people who live in utter poverty. The people were rounded up from the streets of Chennai by the authorities and relocated to a run down zoo area. They live in tiny rented thatched huts littered with tons of garbage. We turned down the dirt path through the hut slum, and headed for the one room preschool directed by our dear friend Daisy. Her heart broke for the children of that slum, victims of rape and every kind of abuse during the day, so she came up with an answer – to start a preschool for kids right in the heart of the slum.

The preschool cares for 18 children each day. This wonderful program prepares them for school and protects them from the predators that abound in the slum. At the preschool the R&R staff teach the kids, feed them a hot meal and extend love and kindness to each one. For many of these little kids it is the only meal they will get today.

Check back later today for a report on the Medical Clinic in this slum - part 2 of day 1 in Chennai…

What an amazing journey!

Tuesday-Part 2 in the hills of Lonavala

2009-03-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

From Asha home we drove to the GS home in Lonavala, where many of the little ones eventually will transition to. GS Home is home to 130 kids and has been in operation for 12 years. Today we met some terrific kids and saw the results of years of being in a loving, stable, family environment. One of the first kids to come to GSH 12 years ago is now a nurse. Many of the older girls will go on to get University training. The stark contrast of where they came from (a life of abuse, abandonment and hunger on the streets) to where they are now is overwhelming. A few of the older girls shared their stories of living on the streets as young children and how they never dreamed back then that they would have a life like they do now. They expressed how grateful they are for being chosen.

In the grand finale they shared some hip hop choreographed dances.

The staff of GS Home have a dream to build family-style homes on a property they own in the country that will allow them to house 400 kids. We want to see this dream become a reality! All that is needed is the funding to build.

Tuesday at ASHA home

2009-03-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

A little after noon we walked in a tiny apartment where 9 sets of big brown smiling eyes peered up at us. The Asha home (house of hope) is the first step toward transitioning little ones from living on the streets to eventually landing in a permanent childrens' home. The amazing staff, the joy in the kids faces and the peaceful atmosphere were impressive.

At Asha home the kids get prepared to enter school, and learn to live in a more structured setting. They learn English, work on their fine motor skills, and receive love and encouragement that they so desperately need. We were able to bring the kids some notebooks & pencils that were donated by the members of Christ's Center Church in Oregon. The kids faces just lit up like it was Christmas day when they got their own special pack. Thank you, Christ's Center for your donation. The kids loved each gift!

The lollipops from Donna were a huge hit too. The pictures speak louder than words. What a precious time!! Wish you could be here with us to see how these tender-hearted children have hope for their future now. There wasn't a dry eye among us.

Check back for Tuesday part 2 - in the hills of Lonavala

Mehndi on Monday

2009-03-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

One of the dreams of Comforter team is to teach trades to young people in the red light district so they can have an alternate way of earning a living. One of the team members is very gifted in the Indian art of Mehndi. Henna (natural dye) is applied to the skin and worn for special events like a wedding or party. We've gotten some ooohs and aaahhhs over our Mendhi today!

"Comforter" childrens' home

2009-03-17T09:56:00.001-07:00

From the red light district we drove to the Comforter Childrens home, which is home to 27 kids (some are HIV+ and some are not). Dr. Ed is the director of both the project in the red light district & the Comforter home. She's not just taking in kids who have no one else & giving them shelter, but she is loving them like a mother would love her own children. On valentines day she received an amazing gift. Early in the morning on Feb. 14th the door bell rang at the home. When she went to the gate, there was a precious little treasure standing there...a tiny malnourished 4 year old boy with only a note attached saying "I am HIV+ and I have no one". Since her valentines boy arrived a month ago he has gained weight and is beginning to thrive (above is Dr. Ed and her valentine). While we were with her Dr. Ed gave us a tour of a building in front of the Comforter home that they hope to rent one day soon. If they are able to get it, they would have space for 30 more kids. They only need approx. $4500 to renovate & furnish the building, and about $700 monthly for operating expenses. Streams of Mercy is privileged to come along side this amazing & courageous woman as she extends love & hope to some precious little ones.
Check back soon for Tuesday in Pune!

Children of prostitues find hope

2009-03-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

Shocking doesn't even come close to describing the red light district of Pune, India. In this tiny neighborhood there are about 6,000 prositutes. In the entire city there are an estimated 200,000. We wondered how do these young men & women get trapped in this terrible lifestyle. It was disturbing to hear that often times a father or brother will sell these young people into this life. Once they are sold, they are trapped until they pay off the amount paid to their family by the pimp. This takes years & years. In the midst of this incredibly horrible situation, there is a small team of people who are living in that area to bring hope to them. The team does HIV prevention education, & they do all they can to prevent new young people from coming in to this lifestyle. They also offer a safe house for children of prostitutes. Without the "creche" (children of prostitutes safe house) these tiny children are often drugged or given alcohol each night to render them unconscious during their mother's working hours. The creche gives them a way to escape the horrors of this, at least for a few hours each day. When we visited the creche, the kids were praying together & singing, and we saw the crafts they had made. Even though most of the children of prostitutes will themselves become prostitutes, this team is bringing the answers to break the cycle.

Pune - Day with Rescue & Restore

2009-03-15T23:52:00.000-07:00

We began our time at the Rescue & Restore house with the kids singing and sharing about their lives. One of the highlights was the amazing energetic Indian dances the kids did for us. One of the older girls choreographed the dances, and we got a taste of the beautiful culture of India.

It was a wonderful time to be with these bright, articulate & affectionate kids. From the home we drove to a local shoe store where each child was able to pick out a new pair of much needed shoes. Being able to go to a store and pick out their own shoes deeply touched the kids.

From the shoe store we dodged the chaotic traffic all the way to McDonalds for a fun time of french fries, chicken sandwiches & laughter in the party room! What a wonderful day with these terrific kids!

The team catches up with us!

2009-03-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

Late last night some more of our team walked out of the terminal in Bombay. It's great to see them and we have a busy day planned for today. Check back tomorrow for an update on our visit to the childrens' home today. We're taking the kids shopping for shoes!!

A girls life is changed!

2009-03-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

We had quite an unexpected surprise yesterday. We met a young lady who grew up in one of the childrens' homes Streams of Mercy supports in Pune. I knew this lovely girl when she was a young teen, and was amazed to run into her unexpectedly. She is now 21 years old and attending an early childhood education program at a local University. She is doing so well, and thriving in the program. It's so wonderful to see the end result of these kids growing up in loving home! Below is a picture of Deena & myself (her name is changed to protect her identity).

Heartbreaking story...

2009-03-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

We walked in the lobby to meet our dear friend who runs the AIDS orphanage here in Pune. Her face was grim & she looked as if she was about to cry. Fighting back tears she said one of the children in her home passed away today. This is the terrible heartbreaking tragedy of working with children who are HIV+. Most of the children in her home are children of prostitutes & end up with AIDS themselves. This amazing doctor has given her life to work in the red light district of Pune...caring for those that no one else will treat. As a result of her work in the red light district, she started an orphanage for kids who are HIV+. We will be at her AIDS home later this week with the team (the team flies in tonight). Even though we have helped them occasionally, we long to be able to support this home financially on a monthly basis. Please check back tomorrow for more on our journey of hope....

Pune-Day 1 - Precious kids

2009-03-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

What an amazing first day! Today we went to a transition shelter for kids living on the streets of Pune. This house is a "first step" towards getting them off the street and into a permanent childrens' home. The staff give them a structured environment, show them what it means to live in a family, and prepare them to start school (including teaching them English). About 10 smiling faces grinned up at us as we walked in to their tiny but very clean apartment. We got to color together and spend a little time getting to know the kids and the kind & faithful staff. Their passion and love for the kids shone in their eyes. Wish you could have been with us today. You would have had a hard time not shedding some tears.

Bags packed -- India here we come!

2009-03-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

Our bags are packed & we're heading to Mumbai today! Can't wait to see the kids again, and see the progress since our trip in October. Come with us to India by following the blog. You won't want to miss this trip....

Patty for the Streams of Mercy staff

Saturday in Chennai - last day!

2008-10-21T02:54:00.001-07:00

Saturday we loaded up in the bus and headed back to the R&R house where we painted several rooms with a paint "wash". The staff at the home do this wash several times a year, so it was a great way to lend a hand. The best part of the day was that the kids were home from school, so we were able to spend more time playing with them and loving on them. What a great way to end our time in India.

After a wonderful Indian meal, prepared by Daisy, we headed back to get showers and had one last team meeting. Each person shared how this time made a lasting impression on their hearts.

As we drove to the airport, we had one more wild adventure in stop & go traffic--aaahhh--but we made it on time thanks to our fantastic driver Solomon. We arrived at the Chennai airport definitely tired, but with a belief that we had accomplished what we set out to do...to make a difference in the lives of orphans.

Join us sometime on an adventure that will change your life, as well as the lives of orphans in need! Check back for more from Streams of Mercy!

The Streams of Mercy Staff

Friday in Chennai-Hut slum

2008-10-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

Today we made our way to a slum area, which is home to an estimated 6000 people. It is an extremely poor area, and our friends from R&R have been working in this slum for many years. Sickness, rape, abuse are common in the slum, and the most heartbreaking stories are those of children who are being abused. The R&R staff are working to bring education to children on basic living skills, abuse prevention & much more.

We came alongside the R&R staff today to lend a helping hand. They are working here 3 times a week to provide medical help, counseling, sports activities, and a preschool in this slum.

Today we distributed 250 bags of rice, with some information inside so they will be able to contact the R&R staff. Many people have come to this slum, promising rice in exchange for pictures, but they often do not follow through. Our hope is that this food distribution will not only provide relief, but also support the long term work that R&R is doing amongst the people.

Check back tomorrow for our day of painting at the R&R house. This is our last day in India, and what a life changing trip this has been!

Thursday in Chennai Part 2- Rescue & Restore

2008-10-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

After packaging the rice the team headed to the Rescue & Restore house, home to over 30 kids who have been rescued from life on the streets.

It was heartbreaking to hear the stories of abuse the kids received while living on the streets. Many have been sexually abused, but they are grateful for the hope they now have since they arrived at R&R. One by one several of them shared their stories.

There are 2 new siblings at the home: a brother (5) named Simeon and sister Mahindra (4) who were just rescued 4 weeks ago. Their mother did not want them, so she tied them up in her hut every day while she was away, and would return each evening at 10pm. All day long they had nothing to eat, so they began eating mud and leaves on the floor of the hut. When the staff of Rescue and Restore found these siblings, the mother said she wanted to kill them. The R&R staff begged her to let them come & live in the home where they will be taken care of and loved. The staff took them to the hospital shortly after and were admitted for 2 weeks. Today they are looking much better, and starting to respond to the love the wonderful staff are giving them. See the picture of Mahindra! They are still malnourished, but getting better every day.

R&R house is doing a wonderful job of giving kids hope for the future. They are reaching out to the forgotten ones, and the transformation in the lives of the kids is obvious. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening with the kids which included the puppet show, wordless book, craft project, balloons, a blessing time, and singing.

We will be doing a painting project for this children's home on Saturday.

Check back for Friday in Chennai - food distribution in the Hut Slum!

Thursday In Chennai Part 1- packing rice

2008-10-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

Thursday we loaded in the bus to go to a home where nearly a ton of rice was waiting for us to pack in individual bags for Friday's rice distribution into the hut slum of Chennai where 6000 people live in utter poverty.

The team tackled the massive 75 kilo (165 lb.) bags of rice and separated them into 250 individual 5 kilo packs. We are coming along side the long term workers in the slum and assisting them in their daily work amongst the slum families. We're so glad we are able to provde the rice for this project, help bag it up & distribute it in the slum on Friday.

Check back Friday for a report on our time in the slum!

Wednesday in Chennai - Street Kids Part 2

2008-10-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

The team connected in amazing ways with lots of the kids, and it was great to watch the kids as they squealed with delight at the rides, the special meal, & especially the chips and ice cream. It was a day to remember!

The final part of the day was the most important. We gathered the children at the exit of the park and the team was able to do their puppet presentation, including the wordless book, which presented a clear message of God’s love for each of them. Then Freddy spoke to them. The response of the kids was phenomenal!

Check back tomorrow for Thursday in Chennai—bagging rice & Rescue & Restore!

Wednesday in Chennai - Street Kids Part 1

2008-10-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Life on the streets of Chennai is a desperate struggle for survival. Thousands of children live in the train station, under bridge overpasses, and on the streets. These children fight every day just to survive. They are the victims of predators of every kind. Freddy & Daisy, the Directors of Rescue & Restore House minister to these kids every week through feeding programs, medical care and desperately needed counseling services. The team's purpose for taking the street kids on an outing is to come along side Freddy and Daisy in their faithful work among the street kids.

Freddy gathered 70 kids from the streets and the slum for a day at a water park. This was not just a day to have fun, but a day to show them that they are valuable to Freddy and Daisy and to the Father.

The kids boarded the bus (obviously the first bus that many of them had ever ridden as several of them got motion sickness). The team members were troopers as they cleaned up kids and themselves. The water park was a “first” for many of the kids. The kids raced into the park and plunged into the excitement of the day.

Tuesday in Chennai Part 2

2008-10-14T23:48:00.000-07:00

Our time with the kids was amazing. A puppet show, singing, dancing and a craft project kept everyone busy and fully entertained. This was a rare treat for them. The kids (and few women who live in the home) were so hungry for physical touch. This is understandable when they are considered "untouchable". The soaked up the hugs & high fives and interactive games. It was an evening well spent giving to and loving them. Many of the team were overcome with tears as we left. Tears both over the fact that they are innocent victims of AIDS, but also tears of gratefulness that they have been given a wonderful home to live in and parents (Wilson & Elizabeth) who love them.
Check back tomorrow for Wednesday in Chennai-Street kids at the Park

Tuesday in Chennai Part 1-chasing pigs

2008-10-14T23:15:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we made our way by bus to the Aids orphanage, which is home to 15 kids who are HIV+. When we arrived Wilson, the Director, gave us some background about this work amongst those with HIV in Chennai. He began by going to the local Aids hospital 10 years ago and volunteering to help. The Hospital Director was very skeptical of him, and didn't want his help. Day after day, though, he continued to go back and offer himself as a volunteer. Finally, one day the hospital Director said "Ok, I will allow you to trim bushes, and clean out the sewers, and you can chase out the pigs that have been running around inside the hospital. You can even kill the pigs if you want to, just get rid of them. (Yes, sometimes animals run wild inside hospitals here)! Well, he definitely chased the pigs out, and in the process his faithful service in these menial tasks won him favor there. He & his staff now work every day in this hospital which is home to 400-500 HIV patients.

While working with these patients, he found many children were left orphaned, and one by one he began taking in children with HIV. When a child has HIV, they are sent out of their home, and considered "untouchable". Today he and his wife are guardians to 15 Kids with HIV. What an amazing home filled with hope and love for those considered "unlovable".

The Life Church team gathered around Wilson & Elizabeth to intercede for them and their work. Then we went in to the kids tiny home and set up the puppet stage to bring some joy to these great kids!

Check back for Tuesday in Chennai Part 2 and join us for a celebration!

Monday in Channai - part 2

2008-10-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

A puzzle piece treasure hunt followed the puppets, and the kids got right in to the competition of finding and completing their puzzle first. They searched around the home in teams for all the pieces of 5 different puzzles. When the pieces all fit together, they read a message about God's love for them. At the end of the hunt the team gathered around the kids and prayed in small groups for every child.

One of the highlights of the day was a celebration outside with balloons of many shapes and sizes: punch balloons, animals & swords. The kids even had balloon hats. Energy was high as they jumped and played together with our team. The staff seemed to be having just as much fun as the kids. The fact is the kids rarely have these kinds of special events, so this was a huge treat for them, and delight was written all over their faces.

The Life Church team took every opportunity to spend time with kids, and with reluctance we all headed back to our place for the night...content after a day of loving the children of lepers.

Check back tomorrow for Tuesday in Chennai!

Monday in Chennai- Part 1

2008-10-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

Early Sunday morning the Life Church team landed in Chennai, ready to impact the lives of orphans & children in need. They plunged right into the culture of India. It was a wild first day into the chaotic life of Chennai, where at every turn there are thousands & thousands of people.

Monday we headed off to spend the day with the Children of Lepers. As children of Lepers they are outcasts of society, unable to go to school, and often forced to beg on the streets. When they enter this home life changes dramatically for them. For the first time in their lives, they now have hope. They not only have a warm safe home to grow up in, but they all receive an outstanding education, and now have the opportunity to be leaders in the next generation. They are joyful children, filled with faith in God.

After several hours of bumper to bumper traffic, the director greeted the Life Church team with his welcoming smile and expressed his heartfelt thanks for the support that Life Church gives every month through Streams of Mercy for this home. The team prepared an amazing puppet presentation for the kids. Within minutes the kids were singing, dancing, jumping, spinning and sliding in sync with the puppets. Through this presentation the children heard again how valuable they are to the heart of God. At the end they shouted to see it again.

Check back for Monday in Chennai - part 2

Pune - Part 3

2008-10-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

From the Good Shephard home we traveled about an hour to meet the kids from a 3rd orphanage, Hope of Glory, at MacDonalds for dinner! In January we spent a lot of time with these kids, so they were eager to give hugs and eat a wonderful meal of french fries, chicken sandwiches and ice cream. This is a rare treat for the kids. Daniel* said "why are you only staying one day?", next time you need to stay a whole week!

One highlight of the night for all of us was to see Rahni*, who in January we saw sleeping on the streets covered with flies (she is pictured in our brochure) but is now living in the HOGF home. What a precious girl, and now she is in a safe place, with food to eat and a warm bed to sleep in, and lots of love(I've attached a photo of Rhani* with Uncle Wick). What an awesome privilege to be a part of seeing kids like Rhani's lives transformed!

After a very full day...3 orphanages in one day our staff group crashed. The next morning we flew to Chennai to meet up with a group from Kansas City!
Check back soon for our first report from Chennai. You won't want to miss it.

*names changed to protect their identities

Pune-Part 2

2008-10-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Our next stop was the Good Shepherd Home. GSH is home to 122 orphans. Most of the kids have come off of the streets, and now fit into several homes that operate as a family unit. Their heart is to provide a family-style living for the kids.

We were impressed by these bright children, and the atmosphere of this orphanage allows the kids' individuality & creativity to come out. GSH is doing an amazing job of rescuing children from life on the streets, where the life expectancy of a child is approximately 1 year. We are not yet able to sponsor the Good Shepherd home, but we have a desire to help them in their amazing calling.

Check back for Pune-Part 3.

India adventure- Pune - Part 1

2008-10-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

After 36 ours of flying and driving, we landed at our hotel at 6:30 am. We slept for 2 hours, and then hopped up and headed out for our wild first day of connecting with orphanages. The first orphanage we visited was a children's AIDS home. Most of the kids are HIV+ and many of their mothers are prostitutes. For many of them, both parents have died of aids. Our hearts broke as we heard each of the 22 kids' stories, but we were also impressed by their joyful hearts. They danced and sang a song about how it is God who heals them.

This ministry includes the AIDS orphanage, a drop in home for children of prostitues, and they hope to add a medical clinic that will serve the "untouchables", who no one else will treat. What an awesome place where kids are being loved and cared for!

Check back for Pune - Part 2!