Don’t Cry.
It will be okay.
CAMBODIA | Devoting your life to helping orphans in a developing country brings rewards. But daily struggles against the effects of poverty, exploitation, and sin wear one down. For every thrilling victory, like David, there is a gut-wrenching loss—like Ritee, one of the Train Up Children orphans who lost a long battle with cancer. He chose to die as he had lived, surrounded by his “family” at the orphanage. “Don’t cry,” he often told Susan VanderMolen. “I’ll be okay.” In spite of his suffering, Ritee knew that it would be okay, because he knew where he was going when he died.
“Life is tough,” Brett VanderMolen said, pointing to Ritee’s emotional death and a difficult unexpected move of the children’s home to another city. “It’s hard. But God deserves glory for giving victory after victory. When times get tough, we just have to be persistent in what He has asked us to do.”
Brett and Susan have persisted. And they are grateful for friends like you who have persisted in giving to support their ministry even when times are tough. Brett understands that in the midst of tough times, it’s easy to wonder if you’re making any difference at all. But when they look at the face of kids like David . . . or go through thousands of pictures to share with friends and supporters back home, they have their answer.
“God has made a difference through us . . . through those who support . . . through those who are part of bringing people into the Kingdom,” Brett says. “Not one part is missing. We serve an awesome God. Thank you!” We serve an awesome God. Thank you! — Brett VanderMolen
Will you play your part in rescuing, feeding, educating, and walking alongside children in need?
Children like Zarni, David, and Ritee are looking to you for help. Times may be tough, but will you persist and be faithful to God’s calling?