This is the story of Rene, a child sponsored through one of our partners, Vision Trust International. Food for Orphans helps feed the children of Casa Luz in Ayacucho,Peru.
Rene was 10 years old when she came to Casa Luz with her three siblings, each of them carrying a burden in their little hearts. One day when arriving home from working on the farm with their father, the children saw their mother in the distance standing next to a tree outside of their humble house. They began running and shouting “Mommy, Mommy!” but this time she did not respond to them. As they got closer they realized that something was wrong, their mother was not moving. When they got to her feet they discovered to their horror that she was hanging from the tree.
She had committed suicide five months pregnant. On this terrible day their world was destroyed. Their father could not care for them on his own, so he decided to bring them to Casa Luz.
At Casa Luz, Rene and her siblings were feed, cared for and learned about the love of God. She accepted this love and God began to heal her heart. Quickly, Rene began to serve the Lord in church, singing in the choir and teaching children’s Sunday School.
Rene is now in college. In her spare time Rene helps to care for the children of Casa Luz, children who are just like her. It is her dream to one day preach the Word of God and to help the impoverished Quechua people who live in the mountains of Peru. In the same place where her life was destroyed, she will bring the hope and love of God.
Working together, we can make a difference.
No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it. ~H.E. Luccock
The ONE Meal Miracle is a way for families to mimic the boy that donated his lunch of two fish and five biscuits to Jesus. Jesus created a ONE Meal Miracle and changed that ONE meal into many meals. Your family can have that experience by donating ONE family meal/month to feed hungry orphans.
Feed 2 Orphans/Day for $15/mo.
Feed 4 Orphans/Day for $30/mo.
Feed 6 Orphans/Day for $45/mo.
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About Me
- Food For Orphans
- Colorado Springs, CO, United States
- Food for Orphans is a 501(c)3 charity and all donations are tax-deductible. Our Federal EIN is 75-3242422. "Feeding orphans one meal at a time." Mission: to supply at least one nutritious meal per day to as many orphans as possible.
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Saturday, June 22, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Meet the Cornell's
Last week, I told you about a new project in Kenya. Now let me introduce you to our new leaders, Bill and Patricia Cornell. They brought the Shalom School in Kenya to Food for Orphan’s attention. We are so excited about this partnership.
Bill and Patricia Cornell began their journey by traveling with a small team from 2001 to 2004 to Kenya and Zambia, Africa. Here is their story as told by Patricia…
During those years, we fell in love with every facet of a missionary life from day one. There was nothing too rough or rugged…no task too big…and no vision unreachable for either me or my husband! Our hearts were no doubt chosen by God to serve Him in this capacity! That’s why it was effortless to sale out- lock, stock, and barrel and move to Kenya in 2008. We were launched by Messengers International with one way tickets to Africa and our meager retirements…thinking this would be a 3 year jaunt! However, three months into this adventure we realized this was our plot in life…for life!
After strong prompting from the Holy Spirit to teach Bible application classes…we built a bamboo hut that served as a classroom. Our first class was 12 students…all Pastors from seven different tribes…some from the bush, the desert or slums but none could afford to attend accredited schools. We started that class with four books and one work book. The students shared the four text books and we printed workbooks from the one original. They studied for two full years and celebrated our first big graduation! We have graduated 174 Pastors or leaders in the span of five years and will have 6 more classes graduating in August 2013. Our course of action is to train and send out…selecting our VFA teachers from those graduates.
Although our vision and focus is to train and send out leaders, we become very involved in the lives of those who sit in our classes. Their families quickly become our concern. This, of course, leads us to many projects such as providing food, medicine, education, bicycles or motorbikes for our teachers, and provision for orphans and widows. This is where “Food For Orphans” comes into our lives. Pastor Victor and his wife Joann have a school for 327 orphans that we help as much as we can but cannot meet the enormous need there. Although, this is a school these children have to be fed before they can stay awake to study their lessons. The meal FFO provides will be the only meal most of these kids will have for the day. This is a miracle for our organization to be involved in the distribution of food for these kids in behalf of FFO!
We are blessed…the children are blessed and the Lord is glorified! Thank you FFO!
Bill and Patricia Cornell
Vision For Africa Ministries
Bill and Patricia Cornell began their journey by traveling with a small team from 2001 to 2004 to Kenya and Zambia, Africa. Here is their story as told by Patricia…
During those years, we fell in love with every facet of a missionary life from day one. There was nothing too rough or rugged…no task too big…and no vision unreachable for either me or my husband! Our hearts were no doubt chosen by God to serve Him in this capacity! That’s why it was effortless to sale out- lock, stock, and barrel and move to Kenya in 2008. We were launched by Messengers International with one way tickets to Africa and our meager retirements…thinking this would be a 3 year jaunt! However, three months into this adventure we realized this was our plot in life…for life!
After strong prompting from the Holy Spirit to teach Bible application classes…we built a bamboo hut that served as a classroom. Our first class was 12 students…all Pastors from seven different tribes…some from the bush, the desert or slums but none could afford to attend accredited schools. We started that class with four books and one work book. The students shared the four text books and we printed workbooks from the one original. They studied for two full years and celebrated our first big graduation! We have graduated 174 Pastors or leaders in the span of five years and will have 6 more classes graduating in August 2013. Our course of action is to train and send out…selecting our VFA teachers from those graduates.
Although our vision and focus is to train and send out leaders, we become very involved in the lives of those who sit in our classes. Their families quickly become our concern. This, of course, leads us to many projects such as providing food, medicine, education, bicycles or motorbikes for our teachers, and provision for orphans and widows. This is where “Food For Orphans” comes into our lives. Pastor Victor and his wife Joann have a school for 327 orphans that we help as much as we can but cannot meet the enormous need there. Although, this is a school these children have to be fed before they can stay awake to study their lessons. The meal FFO provides will be the only meal most of these kids will have for the day. This is a miracle for our organization to be involved in the distribution of food for these kids in behalf of FFO!
We are blessed…the children are blessed and the Lord is glorified! Thank you FFO!
Bill and Patricia Cornell
Vision For Africa Ministries
Saturday, June 8, 2013
New Project : The Shalom School
Food for Orphans is delighted to announce a new partner...the Shalom School in Kitale, Kenya. This school is headed by Pastor Victor who serves 327 of the orphans in the community of Kitale!
Food for Orphans is helping to feed these children 3x a day!
Thank you for your continued support. We are so thrilled to be adding a new school and feeding more children.

Food for Orphans is helping to feed these children 3x a day!
Thank you for your continued support. We are so thrilled to be adding a new school and feeding more children.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Beginnings
Do you know our story?
Gary VanDyke, Food for Orphans' founder and CEO, began helping orphans in 1999. As the father of five, Gary has always had a heart for the needs of children. But in 1999, he visited several children's projects in Lima, Peru and as he tells it, "To watch the pain of these children's suffering was impossible for me to bear. My life was changed forever."
Gary worked with a charity that helped needy children and orphans around the world. While there, Gary visited the international projects, evaluated their needs, helped to train the staff, and communicated the children's needs to people back home. As he visited more and more orphans, Gary was touched by their helplessness and innocence. He was constantly wounded by the poor health and physical condition of the orphans he met. When asked what their biggest challenge was, orphan caregivers repeatedly said "The lack of food."
Gary knew that he could not continue to stand immobile while orphans starved. Knowing that something had to be done, he began to create an organization that would address the orphans most pressing and urgent need … food.
In 2007, Food for Orphans was officially incorporated. Our staff has vast experience and history in caring for needy children, visiting orphan homes, evaluating children's projects, training orphan care providers, measuring the needs of orphans, and sharing our advice with the orphan care providers.
Through the generous donations of caring individuals, Food for Orphans will continue to grow and expand into more countries and many more communities. Our goal is to provide food to as many orphans as possible, because their suffering cannot and will not go unheard.
We will not turn our back on their need. Nor will we be silent on how easy it is for you to help them.
Gary VanDyke, Food for Orphans' founder and CEO, began helping orphans in 1999. As the father of five, Gary has always had a heart for the needs of children. But in 1999, he visited several children's projects in Lima, Peru and as he tells it, "To watch the pain of these children's suffering was impossible for me to bear. My life was changed forever."
Gary worked with a charity that helped needy children and orphans around the world. While there, Gary visited the international projects, evaluated their needs, helped to train the staff, and communicated the children's needs to people back home. As he visited more and more orphans, Gary was touched by their helplessness and innocence. He was constantly wounded by the poor health and physical condition of the orphans he met. When asked what their biggest challenge was, orphan caregivers repeatedly said "The lack of food."
Gary knew that he could not continue to stand immobile while orphans starved. Knowing that something had to be done, he began to create an organization that would address the orphans most pressing and urgent need … food.
In 2007, Food for Orphans was officially incorporated. Our staff has vast experience and history in caring for needy children, visiting orphan homes, evaluating children's projects, training orphan care providers, measuring the needs of orphans, and sharing our advice with the orphan care providers.
Through the generous donations of caring individuals, Food for Orphans will continue to grow and expand into more countries and many more communities. Our goal is to provide food to as many orphans as possible, because their suffering cannot and will not go unheard.
We will not turn our back on their need. Nor will we be silent on how easy it is for you to help them.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Good Reads
Read any good books lately? With summer almost upon us, it is time to get our reading lists ready!
I read a great book recently that I would totally recommend. It is called Until We All Come Home by Kim de Blecourt. This is an adoption story of love and commitment, loneliness and new friendships, despair and strength with a dramatic columniation in which God brings Kim through amazing hardships. I could not put this book down. Seriously, I read it in one day. You won’t be disappointed.
About the Author:
Kim met Gary VanDyke, our founder and CEO, at a Christian Alliance for Orphans conference before she started her journey through the Ukrainian adoption system. They kept in touch throughout the process and because of Kim’s heart for orphans; she has joined the Food for Orphans team. Kim is now leading our life changing mission trips. This is exciting stuff people! So go read this great book and think about joining a missions trip with the author.
Another book I read recently is Castaway Kid by R. B. Mitchell. This is the story of a little boy who was put into an American orphanage at the age of three. Mitchell chronicles his childhood rejection and abandonment along with his new found identity in the family God. The enormity of what he has been through and his ability forgive are remarkable. Mitchell’s story is one that will stick with you long after you are done. Warning: You will need Kleenexes!
Your turn! What books have you read lately? I need to get my list ready!

I read a great book recently that I would totally recommend. It is called Until We All Come Home by Kim de Blecourt. This is an adoption story of love and commitment, loneliness and new friendships, despair and strength with a dramatic columniation in which God brings Kim through amazing hardships. I could not put this book down. Seriously, I read it in one day. You won’t be disappointed.
About the Author:
Kim met Gary VanDyke, our founder and CEO, at a Christian Alliance for Orphans conference before she started her journey through the Ukrainian adoption system. They kept in touch throughout the process and because of Kim’s heart for orphans; she has joined the Food for Orphans team. Kim is now leading our life changing mission trips. This is exciting stuff people! So go read this great book and think about joining a missions trip with the author.
Another book I read recently is Castaway Kid by R. B. Mitchell. This is the story of a little boy who was put into an American orphanage at the age of three. Mitchell chronicles his childhood rejection and abandonment along with his new found identity in the family God. The enormity of what he has been through and his ability forgive are remarkable. Mitchell’s story is one that will stick with you long after you are done. Warning: You will need Kleenexes!
Your turn! What books have you read lately? I need to get my list ready!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Orphans in Sierra Leone feed for an entire YEAR
* 5 ½ hours
* A lot hard work
* 145,000 meals packed
* 1,000 volunteers
* Volunteer food packers from other NonProfits, Business Professionals, NBA legends, even the Mayor of Orlando
* And a MAJOR corporation to sponsor the event
It's Done! Orphans feed in Sierra Leone for an entire year

We are so thankful for all our volunteers and packers! And a HUGE thank you to our corporate sponsor SAP!!!
* A lot hard work
* 145,000 meals packed
* 1,000 volunteers
* Volunteer food packers from other NonProfits, Business Professionals, NBA legends, even the Mayor of Orlando
* And a MAJOR corporation to sponsor the event
It's Done! Orphans feed in Sierra Leone for an entire year

We are so thankful for all our volunteers and packers! And a HUGE thank you to our corporate sponsor SAP!!!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Miracle in Haiti
Several weeks ago a US construction team headed to Haiti to build a school for an orphan project that Food for Orphans helps feed in Haiti. But the building supplies were held up at the border by corrupt officials wanting a $10,000 bribe. After nearly 3 weeks the officials released the supplies! By then the construction team had gone home, so the community came together to unload the supplies and build the school! We are so thankful for ministries and communities working together for one cause, to care for orphans.

Please pray that the school continues to have participation from the community and that the affiliate church will be able to build on this amazing interaction with the community.

Please pray that the school continues to have participation from the community and that the affiliate church will be able to build on this amazing interaction with the community.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Holy Week Camp in Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, we help support an orphan home with 60 children. A few weeks ago they had a camp where they invited street and community children to attend.
Over five days, the children played games, sang praise, danced, had Bible teachings and were feed three meals a day! Many of these street children normally eat dirt to fill their aching bellies, so this was a rare treat for them.
A high point of the camp was when one of the Muslim boys showed interest in the daily Bible teachings. He asked many questions during the remaining time at the camp and the leaders knew he was close to receiving the Lord. On the fourth day, he prayed and received Christ!
The last day of camp was Easter Sunday. The children celebrated with a church service, chicken and biscuits and a special sweet!

Since Easter, the orphan home leaders have been teaching the children about baptism. They plan on taking those who are ready to the beach to be baptized in the next few months.
On top of that, many of the street children have begun to receive regular meals from our program called “Back Door Dinners”!
It is so exciting to hear the difference these leaders are making in the lives of these children. Thank you for your part in making this possible!
Over five days, the children played games, sang praise, danced, had Bible teachings and were feed three meals a day! Many of these street children normally eat dirt to fill their aching bellies, so this was a rare treat for them.
A high point of the camp was when one of the Muslim boys showed interest in the daily Bible teachings. He asked many questions during the remaining time at the camp and the leaders knew he was close to receiving the Lord. On the fourth day, he prayed and received Christ!
The last day of camp was Easter Sunday. The children celebrated with a church service, chicken and biscuits and a special sweet!

Since Easter, the orphan home leaders have been teaching the children about baptism. They plan on taking those who are ready to the beach to be baptized in the next few months.
On top of that, many of the street children have begun to receive regular meals from our program called “Back Door Dinners”!
It is so exciting to hear the difference these leaders are making in the lives of these children. Thank you for your part in making this possible!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Turmoil in Central African Republic
Over the last couple of weeks, you might have seen that Central African Republic has been in the news. Here is a quick update, so you are aware of what’s happening.
In December 2012, a rebellion by a coalition named SELEKA broke out against the government, accusing the President of failing to live up to various agreements between the different factions over the last several years. A peace accord was signed in January, stopping the advance of the rebels toward the capital, Bangui.
Two weeks ago, the SELEKA leadership again alleged the President was not living up to the accord from January, and re-launched their campaign to oust the President. Saturday March 23, the rebel troops pushed into the city, meeting little resistance and ended up taking the Presidential Palace. (Earlier in the day, the President and his family had fled the city.)
Looting began and continued throughout Sunday and Monday, with skirmishes continuing also between remnant forces loyal to the President, and the SELEKA troops. One of the rebel leaders, Michel Djotodia, proclaimed himself the new President and, on Monday, suspended the constitution and the National Assembly, stating he would rule by decree for the foreseeable future.
On Tuesday morning, March 26, we were able to get word from some of our Central African partners on the ground about the conditions in the country.
In Berberati, in the western part of the country where Food for Orphans has about 150 orphans in its care, conditions were mostly normal. In fact, the children had met in their groups on Monday for a time of prayer and fellowship together. Praise the Lord for their protection!
In Bangui, where we have about 550 orphans, news was troublesome. The status of the projects we support in the city was not yet evident. Due to poor cell service and continued looting, it was not safe to travel around the city, so it was hard to get accurate information on the status of each of the projects.
On April 5, all the orphans were accounted for but the looting continues. Please pray that the banks reopen soon. Funds are running short.
April 9-The situation has recently become more serious and dangerous for the orphans. Rebels have come onto the orphan care grounds searching for something to loot.
Thank you for your continued concern and love of our orphans in Central African Republic.
Food for Orphans is apolitical and is not involved in any politics. Please to pray for the safety of the orphans and of the workers and for the return of peace to this country.

In December 2012, a rebellion by a coalition named SELEKA broke out against the government, accusing the President of failing to live up to various agreements between the different factions over the last several years. A peace accord was signed in January, stopping the advance of the rebels toward the capital, Bangui.
Two weeks ago, the SELEKA leadership again alleged the President was not living up to the accord from January, and re-launched their campaign to oust the President. Saturday March 23, the rebel troops pushed into the city, meeting little resistance and ended up taking the Presidential Palace. (Earlier in the day, the President and his family had fled the city.)
Looting began and continued throughout Sunday and Monday, with skirmishes continuing also between remnant forces loyal to the President, and the SELEKA troops. One of the rebel leaders, Michel Djotodia, proclaimed himself the new President and, on Monday, suspended the constitution and the National Assembly, stating he would rule by decree for the foreseeable future.
On Tuesday morning, March 26, we were able to get word from some of our Central African partners on the ground about the conditions in the country.
In Berberati, in the western part of the country where Food for Orphans has about 150 orphans in its care, conditions were mostly normal. In fact, the children had met in their groups on Monday for a time of prayer and fellowship together. Praise the Lord for their protection!
In Bangui, where we have about 550 orphans, news was troublesome. The status of the projects we support in the city was not yet evident. Due to poor cell service and continued looting, it was not safe to travel around the city, so it was hard to get accurate information on the status of each of the projects.
On April 5, all the orphans were accounted for but the looting continues. Please pray that the banks reopen soon. Funds are running short.
April 9-The situation has recently become more serious and dangerous for the orphans. Rebels have come onto the orphan care grounds searching for something to loot.
Thank you for your continued concern and love of our orphans in Central African Republic.
Food for Orphans is apolitical and is not involved in any politics. Please to pray for the safety of the orphans and of the workers and for the return of peace to this country.

Saturday, April 6, 2013
7 Ways to make a difference in the life of an orphan
Educate yourself
~There are over 160 million orphans worldwide
~That’s 44,000 new orphans every single day
~Every 90 seconds another orphan dies of starvation
Educate others (create awareness)
~Speak up
~Blog
~Write
Donate!
~When you donate, you do something amazing..YOU change someone’s life
~YOU fight for someone’s right to survive
~Go the distance by committing to donating
Short term missions trip with Food for Orphans
~See the need firsthand and change an orphan’s life
Food Packing Events
~Food for Orphans Food Packing Events are an incredible way for your friends and family to have a hands on experience and feed orphans
~Help us plan an event at your church or workplace
Anti Hunger Runs
~An Anti Hunger Run gives a runner and their sponsors a way to help feed orphans while having fun
~Help us plan an Anti Hunger Run with your local school
Volunteer
~Volunteers love and pay it forward
~Simply show up at any Food for Orphans event and help
~Start NOW!
There is no best time to start to make a change in the world. You don’t need to wait until you have the time to volunteer. No one needs to wait till they make more money to share a cup of rice. Little efforts count, and you can start making small donations today.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Right now is your Moment
That breaks my heart! What an overused expression. What really breaks your heart? Poverty, world hunger, violence, child abuse…there are so many horrific crimes against humanity any one of them is legitimately heart breaking. God has called us love as He has loved us. Can you love people enough to help out of these circumstances? Can you make a difference? I think we all can.
Think about this: if a random act of kindness on your part is a miracle in someone else’s life then how much bigger is the affect of your intentional acts.
Where do you start? Well, what keeps you up at night? What are you passionate about? Answer those questions then ACT. Our actions can change the outcome of someone’s life. Act in the name of Jesus and it will make a difference.
Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Think about this: if a random act of kindness on your part is a miracle in someone else’s life then how much bigger is the affect of your intentional acts.
Where do you start? Well, what keeps you up at night? What are you passionate about? Answer those questions then ACT. Our actions can change the outcome of someone’s life. Act in the name of Jesus and it will make a difference.
Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Created Purpose
This holy week, sandwiched between Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter has me pondering sacrifice and my created purpose. Mainly, during Easter I think about 2 sacrifices: the sacrifice of God’s only son for us and Jesus giving His life for ours. Jesus sacrificed His life by dying on the cross, but He also sacrificed everything we typically see as the apex of human achievement: wealth, power, prestige, family, popularity, success…He did this to fulfill His created purpose.
The totality of Jesus’ sacrifice has me reflecting on my created purpose. Am I striving to fulfill my created purpose every day, which may include sacrificing human achievement? The conclusion I’ve come to is that in order to honor Jesus and His sacrifice I must live my created purpose no matter the sacrifice.

The totality of Jesus’ sacrifice has me reflecting on my created purpose. Am I striving to fulfill my created purpose every day, which may include sacrificing human achievement? The conclusion I’ve come to is that in order to honor Jesus and His sacrifice I must live my created purpose no matter the sacrifice.

Saturday, March 16, 2013
Remembering the Real Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick is man who lived in the 5th century. He grew up in Roman Britain, where his father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest. When he was around 16 years old he was captured and taken as a slave to Ireland. He was enslaved for six years, during this time his faith grew stronger. When he escaped, he returned home and became a cleric. Sometime later, he returned to Ireland as a bishop. Saint Patrick’s position as a bishop in a foreign land was not an easy position to be in. He was beaten and threatened often but that did not stop him. He went to teach about God, using the clover to represent the Holy Trinity. Although the facts of his life vary, it is believed that he converted thousands.
He went back to the people who had enslaved him. Can you imagine going back to the people who kidnapped you and kept you as a slave for six years? How do you describe a man like Saint Patrick? Godly, called, obedient, dedicated, caring, compassionate and passionate…
This weekend let’s remember the remarkable life Saint Patrick lead. He was called and obeyed. He lived out his calling faithfully through extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

1 Peter 4:10-11
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
He went back to the people who had enslaved him. Can you imagine going back to the people who kidnapped you and kept you as a slave for six years? How do you describe a man like Saint Patrick? Godly, called, obedient, dedicated, caring, compassionate and passionate…
This weekend let’s remember the remarkable life Saint Patrick lead. He was called and obeyed. He lived out his calling faithfully through extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

1 Peter 4:10-11
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Simple acts of Faithfulness
My children have lived around the world. They have learned what poverty, compassion, kindness and love are first hand from helping children in 3rd world countries.
Last year we went to Thailand, it was so amazing to see them interact with the Thai children. Even more amazing is the lasting impression it has left on their
little hearts and minds.
They are faithful and passionate about helping others, especially orphans. My eldest daughter has been collecting money to feed orphans. She gives her allowance to feed orphans. Any loose change lying around will also end up in her jar and she has been thinking of other ways to raise money.Last week, it was snowing and cold but she was determined to raise more money. Her and a friend decided to go door to door in our neighborhood and ask people to donate their change. We don’t know our neighbors and I wasn’t thrilled with the idea but she was so determined that I couldn’t say no. They walked around for about half an hour before they were too cold. They collected $1.50. They came home freezing and so excited to show me the $1.50 they collected. I told them that they had done a great job but was thinking “that’s it” for all their efforts. My daughter proceeded to excitedly tell me that was six more meals that an orphan would receive. To her it wasn’t only $1.50, it was six meals.
Somewhere along the way I have forgotten that it all counts. Everything you do makes a difference. She reminded me that small acts of kindness make a big difference. I strive to care as much as she does. I want to be faithful to make a difference every day. Do you? I challenge you to do something every day to show the people in your life and around the world that you care.

Luke 16:10a “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.”
Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control..."
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Orphan Statistics
The worldwide orphan statistics are staggering.
There are 163 MILLION orphans in our world.
There are more orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa then the total number of children in Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Canada and Sweden.
That’s 53.1 MILLION orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa.
There are even more orphans in Asia. Approximately 6% of all children in Asia are in orphans.
That’s 68.9 MILLION orphans in Asia.
5% of children in Latin America are orphans. In Haiti that number is 15%.
That’s 10.2 MILLION orphans in Latin America.
There are 44,000 new orphans every day.
Every 90 seconds another orphan dies of starvation.
It only costs 25¢ to feed an orphan.
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~Anne Frank
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Thursday, August 4, 2011
FROM WORTHLESS TO PRICELESS!
When Angelina was dropped off at the Dominican Republic orphanage, the caregivers nearly gagged when they saw her. They had never seen any child in such terrible condition. Not only was she starving to death, but she was full of worms and parasites, and her small, bony body was covered with open sores. Instead of clean, healthy hair, her tiny scalp bore several raw, open sores full of squirming maggots. She had been considered worthless, but her rescuers saw that this little bundle of human misery was priceless.
Children like Angelina are the reasons we do what we do. They are priceless to God and to us. We provide food to the orphanage that rescued Angelina, and to so many others also unloved, abandoned and orphaned. We change the future of these children by giving them the strength and nourishment to live and grow. Their needs are great, but we start with the most critical. Jesus said, "Feed My lambs," and that's exactly what we do.
Choosing to feed just one child for $15 a month seems like a small step, but when it is the difference between life and death to that child, it's a giant step toward a hopeful and promising future.
God saw her intense suffering and responded to the prayers and tireless love of her new caregivers with His specialty - miracles! She was completely healed from all of the parasites, worms and infections! He began healing her heart, too. By the tender age of five years old, she was running and playing with the other children, smiling joyrfully and acting like a normal child.
When the caregivers first saw Angelina, it was nearly impossible to envision a normal future for her, but the impossible has happened. She is being loved, cared for, fed and clothed. She might remember that her parents abandoned her and that no one wanted to care for her. She might remember being hungry and hurting all over her body. She might remember what it was like to be considered worthless, but those days are over for Angelina. She is surrounded by love now! She knows she is priceless!
Their smiles say it all! They are loved and fed now! |
| Gary VanDyke embraces orphans in the Dominican Republic |
Choosing to feed just one child for $15 a month seems like a small step, but when it is the difference between life and death to that child, it's a giant step toward a hopeful and promising future.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
We Help Care For 600 Orphans in the Central African Republic!
There are 600 orphans in orphan care centers we support in the city of Bangui, Central African Republic. CAR is home to a staggering number of orphans, largely due to AIDS, but also as a result of civil war and parasitic disease. In fact, of the 4,000,000 people living in Central African Republic, one-third are orphans! A community in Bangui near one of our centers is built on a mass grave, which is poisoning the water, making the children in the area very ill. Everyone, including Edmond, the orphan director over the Bangui centers, is heroically living life without many basic needs. Even so, Edmond lives and breathes caring for the orphans in his centers.
The centers in Bangui also provide Bible instruction, occupational training, and tutoring. The teachers are asking for more food to send home with the orphans because they are not getting enough, but there are other important reasons to send food home. Many families forced to care for orphaned children in their extended familyare burdened by another child to feed when there is already so little to eat. When the orphans can bring food back with them, they are viewed differently, as helping provide for the other children in the family who are just as hungry, but aren't orphans. Food for Orphans is partnering with Vision Trust to send a large shipment of food to Bangui.
The teachers are champions of the orphans in this region. They visit the homes of the children and check on each one, reporting illnesses to the center nurse, and exploring why some children have not been coming to the center. They, along with Edmond and his family, demonstrate daily what it means to obey James 1:27, faithfully caring for the fatherless and the orphans. They do everything they possibly can to safeguard these fragile, precious little ones, but they are facing enormous challenges.
Orphans in countries such as CAR deal with many more layers of tragedy and loss once they lose their parents. In addition to being a burden to their caregivers, they are often loaned to work for other families, which means that they are unable to walk to the center for school and their meals. Removing the children from the centers who are not being allowed to utilize the resources set aside for them is a very painful decision, but it seems to be the only way to let the orphans' caretakers know they can't use the orphans as they want to without losing needed food and support.
Please pray for Edmond, his family, the teachers, the 600 orphans in our centers, and this troubled nation where even the children with parents are suffering from hunger and disease. Please pray for the resources to send a large shipment of food and supplies to this area, and for God to show that He is the Father of the fatherless, and that He is faithful to meet their needs through those who have so much more.
The centers in Bangui also provide Bible instruction, occupational training, and tutoring. The teachers are asking for more food to send home with the orphans because they are not getting enough, but there are other important reasons to send food home. Many families forced to care for orphaned children in their extended familyare burdened by another child to feed when there is already so little to eat. When the orphans can bring food back with them, they are viewed differently, as helping provide for the other children in the family who are just as hungry, but aren't orphans. Food for Orphans is partnering with Vision Trust to send a large shipment of food to Bangui.
Please pray for Edmond, his family, the teachers, the 600 orphans in our centers, and this troubled nation where even the children with parents are suffering from hunger and disease. Please pray for the resources to send a large shipment of food and supplies to this area, and for God to show that He is the Father of the fatherless, and that He is faithful to meet their needs through those who have so much more.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Are You Growing A Garden Like This?
There is a beautiful place in impoverished Zimbabwe called God's Garden, carefully grown and nurtured by Yana and Davison. And what makes it so beautiful? Not what, but who! Yana and Davison, and the 500 children they love and feed. Only 240 double orphans (no living parents) are registered with God's Garden to be fed and cared for, but more than 250 children with one parent who do not get enough to eat at home also line up at mealtime, and they are fed along with the others. Some of the children walk 10 km just to get a meal.
Davison and Yana care for God's Garden with just a few faithful volunteers who feed and teach the children . To these children, they are the link between life and death.
Zimbabwe has some serious problems. The government wanted to stay in power, so they took land away from farmers and divided it up, giving it to lots of people who have no idea how to grow anything, so the new landowners would vote for them. Furthermore, the country is in a very serious, longterm drought and there is no irrigation.
VisionTrust and Food for Orphans is partnering with Yana and Davison to provide a large shipment of food, medical supplies, over-the-counter medicines and children's books to enable this faithful couple to continue caring for God's Garden.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Emmanuel
“And they will call him Emmanuel:
[Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14]
Recently my church had a guest speaker come to talk to us about his charity helping orphans of the world. He told a story that really moved me….and I think it will move you too.
“Milton” had just taken the position of president of this orphans charity when he found out that they had 800 orphans who had lost their sponsors because of the economic downturn. He decided then that the charity would not take on any new orphans until those 800 were sponsored again.
Now, during a trip to some of his orhans in Africa, he was asked to speak with a man who had walked for two days to talk to him. Milton agreed and sat to talk with this man. The man told him he was a retired teacher who owned a small farm. On his farm he was caring for 157 AIDS orphans…all by himself. Due to the drought in their country, the farm wasn’t producing enough for the children to eat. He had walked 2 days to ask Milton if his charity could find sponsors for his children.
Milton explained to him that although he understood his predeciment, he would not be able to help his children because of their new policy. He explained how they were trying to find new sponsors for the 800 children who had lost their sponsors because of the US economic problems, and their new policy was to find sponsors for these children first.
The retired teacher nodded his understanding and asked if he could pray for Milton. “Sure,” Milton told him. Then the teacher stood up, put his hands on Milton’s shoulders and prayed for Milton, the charity, the 800 children who needed sponsors and for the “horrible horrible economic troubles in the United States.” After that prayer, the teacher thanked Milton for his time, left for his two day walk back to his home and Milton sat there feeling “this small.”
When he turned to his interpreter, Milton asked, “what was that man’s name?” His interpreter replied, “Emmanuel.”
Did you know “Emmanuel” means “God With Us”? It took a man, walking two days and praying for what he thought was a horrible situation here in the US — when he had 157 starving and sickly mouths to feed, clothe and educate all by himself — to bring God’s will back into the charity. One cannot arbitrarily decide to help or not to help when God is in the details. HE will find the way, we just have to let Him lead.
Since their meeting, Milton has managed to find sponsors for almost all of Emmanuel’s kids. After telling that story, members of my church were lining up to sponsor one of Emmanuel’s kids.
Now, Food for Orphans has been asked to help this charity with food to help feed their orphans. We would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be able to help feed Emmanuel’s kids, but we are a small charity and our funds have all been earmarked for existing orphanages.This is where you come in. We know you can find a way to help.
How many times have you eaten out this week? Two? Three? More? How much did you pay for just ONE meal? In the US, the average meal in a nice restaurant costs about $15.00. ONE meal. That same $15.00 would feed ONE orphan, ONE healthy meal, every day for ONE month!
Now, is your waistline starting to expand? Could you forego just ONE meal out each month so that an orphan could have healthy meals EVERY DAY for a month?
Think about it. And that’s a pretty small sacrifice to make. It will make you healthier and it will make that orphan healthier. Of course we wouldn’t think of limiting you to ONE meal…how about 2 or 3?
“Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world.”
That’s how the song goes. I think He’d want us to love them too. All of them.
Won’t you follow His example and help us feed those hungry little ones?
ONE meal is all it takes.
$15.00. ONE meal for you.
Thirty meals for ONE orphan.
That makes a BIG difference.
Log on to our website foodfororphans.org and donate now.
Make your own One Meal Miracle.
Be an Emmanuel.
You’ll be glad you did.
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