“In God We Trust.” What do these words mean to you? You can read these words on the front of every U.S. minted coin, on the back of every U.S. $1 bill. But what do these words really mean?
To Abraham, according to Hebrews 11:8, it meant that when God called upon him to lead his people from their homeland into a foreign land, he simply did it. He placed his trust in God and left behind his security, his homeland, all things familiar, and did exactly as God commanded. He suffered almost overwhelming obstacles, but he steadfastly continued to trust in God. I think that’s what we call a “leap of faith.”
My friend and colleague, Amanda, knows all about taking “leaps of faith.” Several years ago, she, too, left behind all things familiar and established a non-profit orphanage for special needs children in Xian, China. Amanda’s faith led her to trust that God would supply the way and means to receive these special babies from orphanages that simply had no funds to provide their medical treatment. In the last ___ years, Amanda’s faith has provided surgeries for ____ babies, most of whom have found forever homes in many countries throughout the world. Her leap of faith has given these babies the chance to thrive, to live happy and productive lives with loving families, where previously they had only a very bleak future.
Now, Amanda has been given a new challenge and has taken yet another “Leap of Faith.” The purpose of this email is to ask you—to implore you—to consider making a commitment in support of the work Amanda does for special needs babies.
You see, a very large orphanage recently contacted Amanda and requested that she take 20 cleft palate babies. Let me repeat this: 20 cleft palate babies. 20 babies who need surgery, special care and special supplies. 20 normal babies would be a huge undertaking; 20 cleft palate babies is almost an impossibility.
I read somewhere that the Reverend Charles Inwood wrote, "When God is going to do something wonderful, he begins with a difficulty. . . When he is going to do something miraculous, He begins with an impossibility."
So I am asking you to help Annabelle’s Wish help Amanda establish and maintain The Starfish Cleft Home. In order to provide the necessary items for these 20 babies—9 of which have arrived already—we need to raise $2,000 per month. I’m asking you to commit to a monthly donation. I’m asking that you take your own leap of faith in this commitment—whether it’s a commitment of $20 a month or $200 a month—toward providing the basic care and necessities for these 20 babies. Jesus walked on water to teach his disciples the power of faith. And I’m asking you to have the faith that you can—and will—make a positive difference for the babies at The Starfish Cleft Home.
You can even sponsor one of the babies for $100 a month, and you’ll receive updates and pictures of your sponsored child. This would be a GREAT project for a family or Sunday school class, where your family or class work together toward raising the $100 a month. You will even be able to send special items for “your” sponsored child, from clothing (you’ll get their picture in it) to educational toys or other appropriate items. Below you’ll find pictures of some of the children needing sponsors. And if your heart is touched by more than one of them, you are welcome to sponsor as many as you wish.
There are times in every believer's life when God requires him or her to step out into the unknown--to take a leap of faith--to go out on a limb. These occasions almost always defy our ability to reason and often make absolutely no sense at all. It is our belief and trust in God that makes it all possible. After all, the very definition of faith involves believing where there is no proof. I have faith that those reading this will want to help the babies at The Starfish Cleft Home, and I thank you for the support you will offer.
Your donation is tax deductible. It's easy to make a donation, you can make a check payable to Annabelle's Wish and mail to Annabelle's Wish, P.O. Box 210003, Nashville, TN 37221 or click on the link provided to pay through PayPal (if you choose to donate through PayPal please be sure to pay the percentage fee). We will send you your tax receipt via snail mail or e-mail.
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