Susans Blog

Because Every Child Matters

The theme of our recent youth meeting at our church was the Persecuted Church.  In preparation for it, I asked Philip and Sara to learn the passage from Matthew 5, where Christ mentions how blessed those are who are persecuted for His sake.  Well, Philip learned the passages, then asked my father and sister-in-law, what does persecution mean?  They explained the meaning.  Philip thought for a few minutes, and said, “Ohhh, so that’s like how I had to have so many surgeries when I was a baby, I was persecuted.”  I can’t tell anyone that story without tears in my eyes.  I guess, in one sense, it is a form of persecution, or suffering, that he is going through.  However, at the same time, God gives us the grace to get through the suffering, though it is so difficult to comprehend.

I couldn’t help but grieve over the persecuted people and the stories mentioned during the meeting.  Yes, we hear glimpses and pieces of stories here and there about the persecuted. And here and there I pray for the people.  But I want to be committed to praying for them.

I cannot imagine having to live the life of the people in the stories shared.  How can one have the hope that the Lord will return?  How can one forgive the torture and sexual abuse that is committed on them or loved ones?  May God forgive me for not standing and interceding for my brothers and sisters who daily struggle, and yet live a life of faith, completely trusting in the Lord for each moment.

While I was listening to the various programs, I was reminded of a verse in Psalms 103.  The Lord executes righteousness and judgment for the oppressed.  I know when it comes to sex trafficking, I’ve thought a lot about how the Lord rises for the oppressed.  In the same way, for the persecuted believers, O Lord, it is time for you to work, as the Psalmist says.  May God help each of us to commit our time in prayer for the oppressed!

Because every child matters!

Susan

By God’s grace we returned safely after spending two weeks in India for the mission of LWR.  We told you that a 56 year old man and two other children were found and prepared for cleft lip/palate repair through the work of another organization, SAC-CCC.  This organization was building a surgical suite to specifically help those in need of these craniofacial surgeries.  After reaching Chitoor, the site of the new hospital, our liason reported that the 56 year old man’s surgery had been scheduled the week prior to our arrival, however, he did not come in for surgery.  Their attempts to reach him and reschedule surgery were as yet unsuccessful.  One child who also needed CL surgery was reached by another organization who performed the CL repair.

To say we were disappointed is an understatement.  However, everything works together for good, as we are reminded in Romans 8:28.  God has a plan, I just believe it is in another direction. 

We traveled to Ludhiana, in North India.  There we met with our friend, Pastor Koshy, who has a long standing ministry in Ludhiana.  He started up many slum schools, a Bible School, and has an awesome relationship with the people of the city.  He told us there were two children in the slum cities he was a part of that had open cleft lips.  He also took us and amazingly got us an appointment with the medical director of the major hospital, CMC Ludhiana.  The medical director is a plastic surgeon, who performs all craniofacial surgeries.  He has agreed to perform the surgeries for the children we find and bring to CMC hospital.  It was a miracle that we even got the opportunity to speak to this gentleman, and I believe it was just a part of God’s plan.  We are hoping to be able to help these two children that Pastor Koshy knows as our first LWR sponsored surgeries.  Please continue to keep us in prayer, we are desire to be in the plan and will of our Father!

Because every child matters!

Susan

With great joy I tell you dear readers, prayer warriors, and supporters of Love Without Reason, the door is open for LWR to move forward with craniofacial surgery. We have our first three, perhaps up to five patients who are requiring cleft lip and or palate surgery. Would you believe that one of these patients is 56years old? I could not help but weep for the man who has lived 56 years of his life, with the open lip. He must feel so isolated! I know that Philip is ridiculed and stared at, and I cannot imagine living a life for more than fifty years in such a state. I believe extensive pre and post counseling may be necessary for this dear man. Please pray for him and the children, that truly love without reason can be demonstrated to them and their loved ones.

Please continue to keep the LWR team in prayer as they continue to seek opportunities to help demonstrate God’s love through rescue and restoration. The surgical team, and post operative team along with therapies and rehabilitation must be covered in prayer. We want the best outcomes for these patients. God willing there will be more pictures and information to come.

As of right now, the team has connected with surgeons in India. Therefore, our patients right now are in India. We hope, however, that LWR will be able to expand to other continents, as the Lord leads us! I know this has been a long wait. God has reminded us through His word, that we must wait on the Lord. My promise verse 2 years ago was from Psalms 32:8. ” I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will guide you with my eye.” After I received that verse, I knew the Lord would help us to move forward with the vision and burden placed on us. I did not know when, though.

The Lord has truly been leading us in various paths these past two years, and I know it was for this purpose. We must put our hope and trust in Him. It is better to trust in Him, than to put our confidence in men or government or anything in this world. Thank you for your prayers, we request them still. God bless you!

Because every child matters!

Susan