Pictures from the Past--Orphan Sunday

This wonderful congregation from a near-by Spanish Assembly blessed my socks off. When I sent out letters to area pastors inviting them to participate in Orphan Sunday (see www.orphansunday.org), I tried to come up with a varied list of possible activities -- surely at least ONE would appeal to each minister.


This is part of what the letter said:

National Orphan Sunday – November 7-- is just four weeks away and I'm praying that here in Southern Idaho many, many congregations will be participating in some way:

MAYBE . . .

40 Day Prayer Guide for Orphan Care . . .

an entire sermon on orphan care . . .

. . . 3-minute powerpoint or video . . .

. . . adult Sunday school class . . .

. . . children's church emphasis. . .

Desperation Band simulcast on November 5...

. . . collection of socks or diapers or band-aids for an orphanage

. . . honor those families in your congregation involved in adoption or foster care . . .

There are even more ideas and resources available at www.orphansunday.org Imagine the impact if every church does something.

Well, as soon as he received the letter, Pastor Andy (the tall guy in the cowboy hat) called me with great excitement asking for more info, for posters, etc. It was wonderful. He was planning to collect items for an orphanage in Mexico. Shortly before Orphan Sunday, Pastor Andy called back asking me about picking up the items the church had collected--"bring a pick-up," he suggested. By his count, the church had collected 17 boxes of stuff!!! Well, I didn't have a pick-up available but mom and I drove our church van over on Sunday afternoon and I just cried as the members brought out box after box and bag after bag of new and used clothing, blankets, etc. The bottom picture is taken from the driver's seat showing several seats of the van full from floor to ceiling. PLUS the church had taken a VERY generous offering. I was absolutely astounded.