News

Celebrating Easter: Stories of new life in Asia Pacific
ALO Update Vol 17 No 1

New Name, Fresh Start
Charles, age 4 or 5
King’s Garden Children’s Home (Philippines)

A small boy discovered under a banana tree, abandoned, was a mystery. He couldn’t speak and didn’t know his name or his age. The family that found him named him Charles and tried to care for him for a time. But soon the cost became too much for the poor family, and Charles was sent to live at King’s Garden Children’s Home.

Although shy, Charles generously shared his food with other children at the home. He easily adapted to his new, loving environment and began to thrive socially and developmentally. In just a few months, this boy has grown by leaps and bounds. He is healthy, active, and energetic. He is increasingly talkative, can count, and can draw circles and lines.

Charles has a new name and a new start in life. Abandoned twice, the boy has at last found a place to belong: a place where he feels safe and loved. He has food, shelter, and a chance to know God.

Picking Up the Broken Pieces
Grace, incest survivor
Happy Horizons Children’s Ranch (Philippines)

At age fifteen I experienced the cruelty of life. My own father cheated me of my dignity and ruined my life and dreams. In my pain and shame I let hatred and vengeance grow in my heart. I questioned, “Is there really a God who cares for me?”

God personally proved to me that He cares. Out of millions of children who become victims of life’s cruelty and Satan’s devilish acts, God chose me to show His favor and love. I was broken into pieces when He found me. But He used Lolo Glenn and Lola Nancy (Garrison—HHCR founders and administrators) to pick up those broken pieces of my life. By God’s grace and mercy, He made me whole.

The greatest thing that happened in my life here at the Ranch was when I received the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart. He changed my life. My heart that once was filled with hatred learned to love and accept the things I cannot change. The heart that once was filled with vengeance now chooses to forgive. I am now living what my name says: Grace.

Sharing the Gift of Love
Sotheara, age 10
Salaa Hope Christian School (Cambodia)

One bad thing often leads to another. Sotheara’s father died when Sotheara was three. Then the family lost their home. Sotheara and his family moved in with his grandma so his mother could follow the rice harvest to neighboring Thailand.

Although not a Christian, Sotheara’s mother heard about Salaa Hope Christian School and wanted her son to attend.

In the two years Sotheara has been at this school, he has learned much about Jesus and accepted Him into his heart. He has learned many stories and songs that tell of Jesus and His love for others. When Sotheara has a school holiday and returns home to his village, he shares the songs and stories he has learned with his neighbors and friends. He attends church in his local village and has taught the children many new songs. Sotheara is a living testimony to his home village. He is sharing with others the gift of life and love he has been given.

New Life, New Hope
Nattapong, age 13
Sussex House (Thailand)

When I was ten, my mother died of cancer; two years later my father died of Malaria. We were poor, and my parents left nothing for my five-year-old brother and me. My grandmother put me in a local program where poor children could go for free schooling. I slept in the classroom every day, and on weekends I did housework for neighbors to earn money to buy food for my brother and grandmother. After I finished primary school, I was wondering how I could get more free schooling. My parents’ dream was for us to finish our studies, get a job, and live better—but how could I fulfill those dreams if I didn’t go to school? I was confused, frustrated, and hopeless.

My grandmother asked New Life Foundation for help, and they agreed to let me live at Sussex House and go to school. I was so happy and sad at the same time. I was happy because I can now go to a good school, sleep in a better place, and eat proper meals every day. I was sad because I left my younger brother in our province. I miss him so much.

When I finish my studies and get a better job, I’ll bring my brother to live with me. I will teach him about Jesus, who gave me new life, new hope, and a new family.

Twice Abandoned, Forever Reclaimed
Lee
Cao Bang Orphanage (Vietnam)

Ten-year-old Lee came to Cao Bang orphanage with a protective wall around her heart. Twice abandoned—first by her mother and later by her grandmother—the little girl guarded what was left of her wounded soul. She had a hard time making friends and refused to invest emotionally in anyone or any relationship. She couldn’t risk loving and losing yet another time.

Lee’s plight touched the hearts of seasoned missionaries Bob and Nancy Eberling. They resolved to keep an especially close watch over her.

Through years of prayer, attention, and constancy, they were delighted to watch Lee open her heart to others and blossom into a self-assured, loving young woman who is applying to a teacher’s training college. She has learned that even as she launches out on her own, the Eberlings—and God—will not abandon her. They are committed to helping her in this exciting new phase of her life.

God is faithful. And now Lee knows it.

Sheltered Through Life’s Storms
Tsunami, age 3
Spice International (Indonesia)

Hello, my name is Tsunami because I was born a few days after the terrible tsunami disaster in Indonesia. I am only three years old, so that is why my mommy is helping me tell my story.

I joined the Spice Feeding Program at Kembang Kuning Cemetery when I was five months old. Even though I was still so young, I learned to praise God, and I listened to God’s Word. When I was about one and a half years old, I had an upper respiratory infection. My parents sent me to a clinic, but the treatment did not work well. My illness became very bad, and my body grew very weak. Finally the team from Spice International took me to a hospital and a better doctor. I had to stay in that hospital for two weeks. The Spice International team took care of the hospital cost and medicine until I was healthy again. The Spice team and my parents always prayed for me. Thank God I am now healed, not bashful, and able to speak well. I am faithful to attend Sunday school every week, and every time I listen to the music, I will dance and praise Jesus with much excitement!

God has used Spice International to bless my family in other ways too. My daddy used to have asthma, so he was not able to work. My mommy helped by working as a helper in the neighbors’ houses. She earned very little money, which was inadequate for our family because I have five brothers and sisters, so there are eight members in my family. But now God has blessed my mother with a better job. She works in the Spice office and has a regular income. We thank God because He is faithful and good.

The Sting of Death
Aileen, age 11
Family Circus (Philippines)

Aileen has long known what it’s like to get vital help from Family Circus ministries. She and her brothers and sisters have grown healthy physically and spiritually on the food, vitamins, and teaching the ministry provides each week.

But several months ago, when Aileen suffered a severe and dangerous sting from a jellyfish, she might have lost her leg—or even her life—without their help. “Uncle” Darrell and “Aunt” Sandy of Family Circus took Aileen to the hospital for the emergency treatment she needed to recover. Now Aileen thanks God for her life twice: for saving her life physically and for giving her a new life in Him

From “Naughty” to “Gutsy” Believer
Wawan, age 11
Spice International (Indonesia)

The first time I attended the feeding program at Kembang Kuning Cemetery, I was very happy. We learned about Jesus and sang many new songs. Since then I am present every Saturday and Sunday with great excitement and joy.

I was formerly known as a real naughty boy and a problem maker. Now, little by little, God is changing me. I now have the guts to pray. I listen attentively and learn God’s Word.

Unlike me, my parents still do not have faith in Jesus, but they don’t forbid me to attend the church meeting. I hope they will also believe in Jesus.

Finding Acceptance and Love
Joko, age 35
Spice International (Indonesia)

I’m too old for Kembang Kuning Sunday school, but I have a mental disability. I’m thankful that my teachers and my friends in Sunday school still love me.

I love to dance and sing and am quick to learn songs, even though I can’t pronounce the words very well.

I now know that God loves me. That makes me happy.

Like Other Children
Hanh and Kinh
Cao Bang Orphanage (Vietnam)

Scoliosis had bent the backs of both girls, orphans Kinh and Hanh. Although the deforming lump on Hanh’s back was less pronounced than that on Kinh’s, Hanh seemed to struggle more. Kinh was shy and developed a true servant’s attitude: she helped out in the kitchen even when it was not her turn. Hanh tried to be brave, but one day she could bear it no longer. She broke down and cried, saying that all she wanted was to be like the other children.

With many prayers and much assistance, both girls were able to journey to Chicago for surgery. Hanh’s heartfelt plea was heard and answered. Both operations were successes. The girls’ backs are now normal and healthy—just like other children.

No Longer a Gamble
Kristina, age 17
King’s Garden Children’s Home (Philippines)

When Kristina’s father died, life became a gamble. Her mother started living with a man who beat Kristina for every little mistake he thought she made. He worked only irregularly, and Kristina’s mother daily gambled away her time and the family’s money. With no money for food or clothes, Kristina and her siblings never went to school but were forced to wander the streets begging for food.

When Kristina was admitted to King’s Garden Children’s Home, she started school for the first time. At age eleven, she was still a preschool student at King’s Garden Educational Center.

Now in fifth grade, the quiet, kind, and polite girl is on the honor roll and doing well. She works on weekends to earn money for herself. Life is no longer a gamble: Kristina has everything she needs to survive—and thrive. She has a future, a life.