A note from John 1/31/22
Have a Purpose in Your Life!
It’s been nearly six years since I took my first trip to Malawi to visit the El-Shaddaih
Orphanage (ESO). The time has passed quickly, yet, I honestly can’t think of a better
circumstance in my life that has shown the desire of God to work through ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things.
For many years, I lived my life fearful of having regrets on my deathbed. What I realize,
because of the ESO, is that I was living on “the wrong side of the coin”. Not that it is bad to
want to have no regrets. I realize now that it is far better to focus on having a purpose that makes life worth living. A purpose for my life: living. A purpose that is more important than money itself. I’d rather live on that side of the coin. Instead of being fearful of missing the mark, I am living a purpose which includes breaking the cycle of poverty in Malawi and in the lives of 167 children. Without the El-Shaddaih Orphanage, these 167 children would be destined for poverty.
Most of us don’t really know of an orphanage in our community. I don’t think there is one in
Carroll County, Iowa. But, in Salima, Malawi, there are two. And the El-Shaddaih Orphanage has grown from 38 children to 167 now. The other orphanage has 400 to 500 children and is financed by a couple of large American organizations. That is the way it is in Malawi.
Sooooo, what is going on at the El-Shaddaih Orphanage that is so special? Children are being transformed from the worst kind of poverty into productive members of society who understand that truth, knowledge and wisdom come from God. One became a doctor, one is becoming an economist, one a preacher, and so on. The whole Malawian community has taken notice of the impact that ESO has had on it. They see the huge two story building being finished that will be used for church on the first floor and education on the second floor. They have heard of the inmates at the local jail that have given their life to Christ, because the children from the orphanage take food to the inmates. It goes on and on. Without being asked, all of my family are involved and giving financially. They are seeing God move and want to be part of it, too.
We are so thankful for your generosity. All donations go to Africa 100%. We have no employees and pay no directors expenses. The only expense this non-profit pays are the bank wire fees to receive wires from churches who donate and to send wires to ESO. (Our family donates to cover those fees.)
Take a look at the Facebook page for El-Shaddaih Orphanage to get updated on what is
happening there. Also, check back to this website often for pictures, videos and blog posts. Be a part of changing our world!
-John
