We are collecting the following items which will be put in Ziploc bags to hand out to the poor people who live in the hills in Honduras:
travel-size toothbrushes
travel-size toothpaste (no mouthwash because they drink it)
small combs/brushes
travel shampoos (or travel size empty bottles we can fill)
travel-size bar soap
washcloths
bandaids
small tubes of neosporin/antibiotic ointment
You may drop any of these donated items off in the church office. Please mark them for the Honduras Trip.
Also, please pray for the following people from our church as they prepare to go on this trip: Christina, Erik, Brenda, Ross, MaryKate, Jan, Alex. Also pray for Jill (optomestrist), Cory (Jill's husband) and Jill's assistant as they will also be joining the trip to do eye exams on the 240 orphans.
The Kids Konnections kids (Kindergarten to 4th graders) raised about $400 for the "Links of Love" project, which we are using to purchase shoes for the orphans and Spanish/English books for the children. WAY TO GO, KIDS!!
The 2nd and 3rd grade girls of our GEMS girls club made some wonderful fleece tie blankets and a few ladies crocheted some beautiful blankets; all to be brought down to the babies and children in Honduras in January.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Well, we have officially launched our new orphan ministry here at Orland Park Church. During the morning services Johnny Carr, who works for Bethany Christian Services, talked about his call to help orphans. Also, Carla Lindemulder shared her story about her volunteer work at orphanages in Honduras.
During our dinner we continued to build on the awareness of the needs out there for kids all over who have had a loss in their life. We had about 175 people come to the dinner and showed interest in being involved in this ministry.
Below are the ways we are hoping to help: IN THE CHURCH
Develop a list of people who are willing to be available to single moms to field questions (i.e. automotive questions, household issues, pinewood derby cars)
Provide opportunities for single parents to gather socially (i.e. game night, ice cream social) to connect with those who are in similar situations
Help families interested in adopting domestically or international
IN THE COMMUNITY
Promote and assist families interested in foster care
Help local organizations with events (i.e. backpack drives, picnics, collecting specific items)
IN THE WORLD
Provide opportunities through All God's Children and Bethany Christian Services to sponsor a child in another country with a one-time gift or monthly support
Offer trips to visit orphanages and enable professionals to travel to help with specific needs (i.e. vision problems)
Collect various items (toys, blankets, books, clothing, etc.) to distribute in needy countries
Support and encourage families with internationally adopted children
We trust that the Lord will use this ministry to do His work.
This summer our VBS (Vacation Bible School) kids joined in the effort to bring smiles to the kids in Honduras. The decorated in their own creative ways, pencil cases that were taken down to the orphange with Carla.