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Daily, we are surrounded by reminders that this world is not our home. Just look at the COVID-19 virus that, while decreasing in some parts of the world, continues to rage in India. Also, there is the earthquake and volcano that recently erupted in the D.R. Congo, not far from Patmos Children’s Village. Yet, despite these problems, know that God is working through you. This world may not be our home, but your love and support provides a “little piece of Heaven” to the children.
Rubí, a grown ICC child, recently shared that exact sentiment. She and her brother, Victor, joined Los Pinos Children’s Village after being abandoned and abused. Because of your support, they received loving care that transformed their lives.
“Thanks to God and to each of the people who support this ministry, each boy or girl who enters our program learns ... of the love that Jesus has for them,” Said Anabela Alejos, Los Pinos Development Director. “And they take the assurance that He will guide them wherever they go.”
The following is a shortened translation of Rubí’s letter.
THE LETTER
I want to thank you for the help you have given me since I arrived at the Hogar. I have no doubt that since I arrived my life has changed completely.
It all started in 1997. I was too young to understand what was happening, but over time I began to understand that everything was for my good. I began to receive love and affection from people who did not know me, but that God put in their hearts the desire to help without receiving anything in return.
I kept growing and my life changed. In the year 2000, I was taken to Petén, a place where they welcomed me with a lot of love. I began to learn many things that sooner or later would help me, but above all they taught me the love that God has for His children and to understand the plan that God had for my life. I grew up in homes full of love, joy, and discipline.
In 2016, once again God continued to manifest Himself in my life. I had the opportunity to study for a university degree.
Now this year it was time to put into practice everything that I was taught throughout these 24 years that I had the opportunity to receive help from my ICC home.
Today I can say that I grew up in a little piece of Heaven, where there are so many angels who were sent by God to be able to give love without receiving anything in return. I will be, all my life, grateful that they gave my life a different direction. Once again, thank you for all that you did for me and for what you continue to do for so many children, youth and adolescents around the world. I ask God to continue to fill you with abundant blessings.
CAPTION: Rubí, pictured above in 2010, was amazed that people, like you, would offer her support without receiving anything in return. That is the type of selfless care that you.
DARE FOR MORE
Las Palmas 2021 Family Olympics
Recently, Las Palmas Children’s Village engaged in a week-long “Dare for More” family olympics event. The weekend of games was specifically planned to show the kids a bit of extra love and fun after the stressful and dark year that was 2020. Children played games and bonded with their families, studied the Bible in special meetings, and relaxed in a happy environment. What a blessing for the children of Las Palmas!
This is just one example of the impact of your support. Yes, you help to provide basic necessities to the children, but your support also does so much more... It helps to create families. It builds fun moments for hurting kids to just be kids. Most importantly, it teaches children about Jesus! This 2021 Family Olympics exemplifies each of those things. It exemplifies all that you make possible. As you look over the smiling faces in these photos, please know that it is because of you that these young lives are being transformed. You give the children a reason to smile! THANK YOU!
CLOSE CALLS, NEAR MISSES AND GOD'S PROTECTIVE CARE
Please Continue to Pray For and Support "His Kids"
News headlines from around the world shout out the message: We live in a hectic and chaotic world. Three of ICC’s projects have recently experienced this vividly in different ways. Through it all, it underscores how much we trust in God’s providential care and how much the children need your continued prayers and financial support.
D.R. Congo: Patmos Children's Village
Recently, the Nyiragongo volcano erupted near the city of Goma, D.R. Congo, sending hundreds of thousands of residents fleeing. Lava flowing underground could be seen through cracks in city streets. Many of ICC’s older children reside in Goma, and through swift efforts by Désiré, Patmos’ director, several were rescued and taken to the Island of Idjwi. Yet again, we see God’s providential leading in where the Patmos Children’s Village is located, there on Idjwi Island. Not only does Idjwi continue to be a refuge for ICC’s current children, it also has provided for grown children when the volcano threatened their lives.Désiré has set up a refugee feeding center near Goma for those who have been displaced. Some of ICC’s grown children are helping with the relief efforts. Hundreds of children from that area have been separated from their parents. It is possible that we will be asked to help provide care for children who are lost or cannot find their parents.
India: Dews Sweet Home
The country of India received a direct-hit from COVID-19. We praise God that, even though the pandemic has raged all around Sweet Home, the children and staff are safe. Even so, the older children who were studying away from the campus had to return home to continue their studies. There are also challenges with the day-to-day operations. Trying to obtain funds from the bank is difficult. The bank is only open about two hours a day. And there may be a line of up to 200 people who are trying to enter when it is open. Please pray for the continued safety of our ICC Sweet Home family.
Mexico: El Oasis Children's Village
At the end of April, a strong hail storm blew through the valley where the El Oasis Children’s Village and pepper farm is located. This storm was so intense it put all the crops at risk. What a blessing that the peppers had been covered with micro tunnels (plastic coverings) and all the peppers were intact and fine. Other farmers in the valley did not fare as well, and their crops were ruined. This close call reminds us of how important it is to have the protecting care of our Heavenly Father!
You Can Help!
“Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” – Psalm 121:4
God is keeping our ICC family safe during these chaotic times. And just like the micro tunnels have protected the pepper plants, ICC mothers and fathers are protecting and nurturing the lives of the children, thanks to your continued support. Though you may be miles away with no possibility to visit or assist in person, please know that your prayers and financial support are making a tremendous difference in the lives of the children. They continue to need you. During these difficult summer months, please give an extra gift to help provide for “His Kids!”
TV INTERVIEWS WITH THE ICC
Recently, ICC family members took part in two special TV interviews for Seventh-day Adventist broadcasting networks 3ABN and The Hope Channel. These two interviews focused on the importance of YOUR role in the ministry of orphan care, as well as other topics. They also touched on life in ICC children’s villages, and the history of ICC. As a result of the interviews, we hope people are blessed and inspired to help care for orphan children. Watch the interviews: InternationalChildrensCare.org/TV
May God bless you!
Thank you for your continued support.