Saint's Coffee

Are you a coffee drinker? Then you might find

this interesting: What most Americans

individually spend on coffee is more than

most people in the developing world make

in a year! The good news is you don't have

to give up your coffee to help others,

because if you buy from Saint's Coffee,

your money will be used to help

orphans from all over the world through

Children's Hope Chest (www.hopechest.org).

I am giving away a 10% off coupon for

Saint's Coffee to the first person that

comments on this post.

Saint's Coffee's purpose is to "Provide our

customers the best coffee they've ever tasted

while funneling much of the profit to the most

needy people of the world".

"We invest in programs to bring justice to the

world’s orphans. We partner with leading orphan

care organizations to bring relief to children

where they need it most. What does this mean

to you? It means for every pound of the Saint’s

Coffee you purchase, you’ll have the satisfaction

of knowing that you’ve fed an orphan for a month."

Information from http://saintscoffee.com/.

So if you are interested in a coupon for

10% off your purchase at Saint's Coffee

all you have to do is be the first one to

comment on this post. Then I will

then send you the coupon by email.

Big Enough

I just had to post this song after hearing it this morning. No, it isn't the first time I have heard it, but I just realized how true it is.

"Big Enough" by Ayiesha Woods

"You turned water into wine how extraordinary.
Gave site to the blind-still I carry
My own load when you told me
To take your yoke cause yours is easy
And enven though my issues seemed trivial
You alone are never too imperial
It's just the way that you love me
It's enough to convince me.
And I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't wanna believe
That you're big enough - that you're big enough yeah!
So I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't understand
That you're big enough - but you're big enough Jesus!
You turned darkness into light - keep my lamp burning
And you are my everything
There's no denying, your love is so amazing
And even though my problems seem typical
Nothing for you is ever too difficult
You never have reservations - love without limitations
And I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't wanna believe
That you're big enough - that you're big enough yeah!
So I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't understand
That you're big enough - but you're big enough Jesus!
Oh, no matter how I try to get around it - I'm reminded
Wherever I go I'm totally surrounded
It's all about you - I can never doubt you
Even if I wanted to!
And I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't wanna believe
That you're big enough - that you're big enough yeah!
So I don't wanna box you in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't understand
That you're big enough - but you're big enough Jesus!"

Listen Here:

New Look

Heart for Orphans has a new look for a new year! :)

Beveni Care Point, Swaziland Africa

This video features the 19 beautiful and precious children of Beveni who have yet to be sponsored.

Shepherd's Field Calender

I just got my new calendar in the mail today. Here is a little sneak peak of the Shepherd's Field calender for 2010. If you would like to order one, just go to their website: (www.chinaorphans.org) You don't want to miss out on seeing these precious children's faces on your wall everyday. And the money is going to help all these orphans that live at this amazing place.

Lyric Friday

A little late I know, but here goes. This song is really makes you realize we need to be doing more to help the least of the least.

Matthew 25 Lyrics

Seventh Day Slumber

I call myself a man of God

While laughing at my brother

I crossed the heart of a hungry man

Instead of giving him some bread

And what I say

And what I do

Are not the same anymore

And who I slay, who I betray

Lord have mercy on my soul

And you were hungry

And you were thirsty

You were lonely you were cold

And you were hurting, you were dying

I just left you all alone

I watched a mother who had her children

They all three crying out for help

But know one heard them

And I just passed them and

I screamed "Lady get a job!"

She took her own life

Under the bridge that day

While her children sat and cried

I could have told her about my loving father

Instead I spit in Jesus face, when I heard her voice

What you do unto the least of them

You do unto me

And when you see one of my hurting children

I want you to see me

Cause I was hungry

And I was thirsty

I was lonely I was cold

And that was me hurting, that was me dying

And you just left me all alone

I call myself a man of God

While laughing at my brother

Lyric Friday

I am picking up the "Lyric Friday" again after a little break, sorry! Here is a great song I heard the other day. Take a look at the lyrics then the videos at the bottom as well. You can also check out Matt Papa's website here.

Open Hands

by Matt Papa

To give unselfishly

to love the least of these

Jesus I'm learning how to live

with open hands

All these treasures that I own

will never satisfy my soul

Jesus I lay them at your throne

with open hands

CHORUS

I lift my hands open wide

let the whole world see

how you love, how you died,

how you set me free

free at last, I surrender all I am

with open hands, with open hands

To finally let go of my plans

these earthly kingdoms built of sand

Jesus at your cross I stand with open hands

BRIDGE

You took the nails,

You bore the crown

You hung your head,

Your love poured out

You took my place,

You paid the price so

Jesus now I will give my life

Lyrics from: http://www.MattPapa.com/#/music/ykc_openhands

Do Something Now!

Do Something Now from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

One Orphan

One Orphan from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

HopeChestPartners.org Launches Today!

HopeChest's is kicking off their year end campaign with the launch of our new Web site: http://www.HopeChestPartners.org.
Their goal to reach 5,000 more orphans in 2010, to do this they need 1,000 new partners by the end of this month.

Here's a letter from Tom Davis:

"Our team set the goal of raising $500,000 to reach another 5,000 orphaned children in 2010. We’re raising these funds so that…

> Fewer young girls are forced to trade sex for food

> More orphans will have food to eat, and the protection and love of Christian mentors

> No girl will end up in the commercial sex trade

The enemy preys upon orphans like this day after day after day. I’ve seen our enemy; he goes by names like AIDS, extreme poverty, and sexual trafficking. He robs children of their parents, their dreams, and their dignity. Who will stop this? It must be us!
Today I am on a mission to raise $500,000 and I can’t do it without you. Will you help by visiting http://www.HopeChestPartners.org and sign up as a $25/month partner today?
Your donation will feed orphans in Africa and rescue them from extreme poverty. Your gifts will support lifechanging programs for girls in Russia that help prevent sex trafficking and forced prostitution.
These are CRITICAL gifts that form the foundation of our programs. Without that foundation, we could never have grown to reach 10,000, and sit poised to reach another 5,000 next year. It is those gifts, your gifts, that make the difference.
Blog badges are already posted on my Web site, http://tomdavis.typepad.com/tom_daviss_blog/hopechest-partners-badges.html. Just copy and paste the code into your blog and you're good to go.
You can help by re-posting and re-tweeting this today. I can't wait to see what we can do for these next 5,000 kids.

For the Fatherless,
Tom"

The Latest Picture

I got a new picture of Tristan today! Thanks Nicole! She is there now adopting Ava! Here's a link to her blog: http://bakerssweets.blogspot.com/

A Message to members of Megaphone with 1,000 Voices

World AIDS Day - December 1

To members of Megaphone with 1,000 Voices

Tom Davis December 1 at 10:13am Reply

Hello Friends,

Today is World AIDS Day.

As I travel through a country ravaged by HIV/AIDS,

I wanted to encourage you to promote awareness

of the dramatic impact AIDS has on orphans.

In the African nations where we work, there is a

generation of AIDS orphans left behind. It fuels

not only extreme poverty, but child abuse and

sexual abuse of the worst kind.

In Russia, AIDS grows by the day, often helped

along by sex trafficking of young girls from our

orphanages.

Fortunately we can and are doing something in

both cases.

On World AIDS Day, I just wanted to encourage

you with two thoughts that I hope you'll pass

along to your online friends through Facebook

and Twitter. Or just repost this entire message...

1. HopeChest is protecting over 1,000 Russian

orphans from sex trafficking and crime throughout

our Ministry Center, Family Center, and Independent

Living Center programs.

2. HopeChest is rescuing 10,000 orphans from

extreme poverty by supporting feeding programs,

health and education initiatives, and Christian

discipleship throughout Ethiopia, Uganda, and

Swaziland.

In those places, there is no sex trafficking or

extreme poverty. We are making a difference.

One of the ways that happens is through an

initiative called 5 for 50 (http://www.5for50.com).

This is a small way that just $5 can make a

difference for someone who has been impacted

by AIDS--particularly orphans in Africa.

Go to http://www.5for50.com to find out more

about the 5 simple ways that YOU can make a

difference in the global AIDS crisis.

And, be sure to pass that message of hope along to

those who can join us.

Thanks so much for being on this journey with us.

For the Fatherless,
Tom Davis
CEO, HopeChest


PS.If you haven't invited your friends to join our

1,000 Voices project, send them an invitation today.

They can join online at the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=187656459085&ref=ts

Birthday Party for Tristan!

Here are some pictures from Tristan's birthday party. Sameritan's House (the name of the house the he lives in) had the November birthday party last week. All of the kids in the house get to wear these cute little birthday hats and eat birthday cake. Tristan just got his cleft palate repaired, though, so he wasn't able to actually have any of the cake, because he can't have solid food until his mouth is healed. Poor thing! But I know there will be many more chances for him to have what he loves so much... cake. :)

I love this one. Tristan and his housemate, Zephaniah.

I don't know what is stopping him from just grabbing it? Haha.

There he goes... a little late though. :)

Lyric Friday

This is a song that has really encouraged me over the past few months.

What Faith Can Do

By Kutless

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Show Hope Adoption Testamonies

Listen to this amazing story of adoption from the Caudill family:

http://www.showhope.org/AdoptionAid/Miracles/AudioTestimony.aspx

Something We Take for Granted, WATER!

What it would look like if we didn't have access to safe, clean, drinking water. And what it does look like for the millions of people all over the world who don't!

Steven Curtis Chapman encourages everyone to see the new movie "The Blind Side".

Best Buds Collage

After finding this picture on Facebook, (taken by Sara Zhou)....................

(This picture is sooooo adorable: Tristan and Ginger).

.......I decided to make a collage with all the pictures of Tristan and his buddies!

Also I just found out that Tristan is now available for adoption!!!!!!!! This is great news, and I hope that his forever family finds him soon!!

I know God has a great plan for Tristan, and God knows exactly who his forever family is, and that they were in the plan all along.

Psalm 139:16 says: "You saw me before I was born. Every day of me life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."

Jerimiah 29:ll says: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares theLORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

Will you join with me in prayer for Tristan and his forever family, whoever that may be?

Lyric Friday

Here is a music video for "Follow You" by Leeland and Brandon Heath.

Update on Tristan

This morning I woke up to find 2 emails that I have been looking forward to getting for a few days now. One was from Dr. Moody at SFCV. I had emailed him a few days back to ask about Tristan's cleft palate surgery, because I didn't know the exact date. He said that Tristan already received his surgery last weekend, and is back at SFCV now, doing great!!

The second email was in response to the birthday package I sent for his second birthday.

Here are the pictures that were in the email:

Thank you Donna for getting these great pictures!

Today is Orphan Sunday

As many of you know, today is Orphan Sunday. I am hopeful that many will bring the least of the least, from around the world, into awareness on this day. And I hope that our hearts are forever changed in a way that we will strive to help in any way that we can, knowing that we are helping orphans, even if it may be only one. Etaala International just launched their website today, please go check it out. You will find many helpful things there like how to get involved with orphans in your own community and around the world. And how to join with Etaala on a trip to Uganda in May of 2010.

Video

Lyric Friday

Animoto.com

Zhu ni sheng ri kuai le (Happy Birthday) Tristan!

On November 1st 2007, this special little boy was born! God made no mistakes in creating him, and God KNOWS the plans He has for him. This little one has a hope and a future in Christ!

I posted this tonight because it is already Tristan's birthday in China (they are about 13 hours ahead of us.)

Lyric Friday

Orphans Of God

By Avalon

Who here among us has not been broken

Who here among us is without guilt or pain

So oft’ abandoned by our transgressions

If such a thing as grace exists

Then grace was made for lives like this

There are no strangers

There are no outcasts

There are no orphans of God

So many fallen, but hallelujah

There are no orphans of God

Come ye unwanted and find affection

Come all ye weary, come and lay down your head

Come ye unworthy, you are my brother

If such a thing as grace exists

Then grace was made for lives like this

O blessed Father, look down upon us

We are Your children, we need Your love

We run before Your throne of mercy

And seek Your face to rise above

Orphan Sunday November 8th

Orphan Sunday is just around the corner.

If you want to learn more about it and how it got

started click here. There will be a live event

in Nashville with music from Steven Curtis

Chapman, The Children of The World Choir,

and Geoff Moore.

If you have a heart for orphans you will not

want to miss this. If you can't make it to Nashville,

it will be available to view on live webcast. Here is

the link to the live event page. It will take place Sunday

November 8th, 2009, from 4-6pm CST, 5-7pm EST.

Click on the following link for more info:

http://www.orphansunday.org/media/documents/

(It may take a few minutes to open).

New Pictures

I found these pictures on facebook from Jessica McTyier Walters. She was part of a team that visited SFCV from 10/15 to 10/25.

Orphan Sunday Video

Orphan Sunday from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Lyric Friday

Every Friday I will post the lyrics to a song, and if I can find a video or the track to listen to I will post that with it. At first I wasn't sure about committing myself to anything weekly, but I will give it a try. For me the lyrics of songs can be really powerful, and can speak to any situation I am going through at the time. They have a way of answering questions and making me think. I don't know if it is the same for everyone else or not? But, I want to share a song this week that I heard last night on the radio. It is called "This Could Be Our Day" by Addison Road:

What we do here is just the beginning
New life is starting at every ending
We are a part of the story unfolding
This is the weight of the world we are holding
this could be our day
this could be our day (3rd& 4th time)

Clearly it's time to make a change
Or i could keep sitting and waste all day
I know that it's time for me to move
I've been given this minute to use
And given this moment to prove that

Chorus

I was holding back
Now I've come undone
I want to touch the world
Heal the broken ones
Ending the cycle has just begun
We've been given this minute to use
And given this life to prove

Chorus

To give ourselves away
For something beautiful
a million miles away
to the one who's hungry, and thirsty
And needs some hope
To the people that are weary and
broken and left alone
I'm giving myself away
I've giving myself away

Chorus

What I see in the message of this song, is that we no longer waste our life, but instead we help others with the time that we would use just sitting and doing nothing that is of importance. I hope this song gets everyone thinking what they can do to help people who are in need.

Here is the song from Youtube.

Supplies Needed for Special Needs Orphans In China

Dawn Choate is making a trip to the Philip Hayden Foundation in China. Visit the Healing Hanna Blog to find out more about her work. She is leaving in 2 weeks and still needs the following donations to bring to the children. If you would like to help out, please ship her the items by October 27th.

"These are the items we need to carry over to help the special needs orphans living in China. Please ship them to me at:

Dawn Choate
475 Calvert Dr.
Paducah, KY 42003

If you would prefer to donate money and we will do the shopping, you can do so on the blog. Thank you for your help!!

Medical Requests:
Tylenol suspension or the generic acetaminophen suspension 160mg/5ml
Robitussin liquid cough medicine
(Bring about 6-8 bottles of each - buy the generic store brands to save
money in places like Costco, Walmart, etc.)
Pack of size 'C' batteries
Infared forehead thermometer - available at Walmart 'Mabis Redi Scan
Infared Thermometer' cost $70 (need 5 total)
Calcium,Vitamin C, A & D tablets for kids
Children's Cold & Allergy Elixir (found at Costco as 'equate' brand)
Hydrocortisone cream 1%
Blood glucose monitor and strips
Prescription items available from health care workers:
Antibiotics - augmentin, cefixime, cefaclor, azithromycin (Zithromax),
amoxicillin, etc. Best in either powder suspension or chewable tabs.
(Tablet forms of amoxicillin, augmentin and Zithromax are fine also.)
Others: prednisolone or Prelone liquid 2mg/5ml or other steroid liquid.
Eye and ear topical antibiotics very helpful.

House Requests:
Powdered infant formula--any brand
Soy powdered infant formula
Wet wipe refills--Any brand
Long underwear shirts and pants-sizes1-2 year old; sizes 3-4 year old; sizes 6-14 year olds; both boys/girls
Baby lotions
Ajax or Comet cleanser
Large bottles of hand sanitizer, 2 liter size (need 4 bottles)
Christmas Candy; like candy canes in fruit flavors
Christmas decorations for houses
Small Christmas toys to stuff in stockings, most specifically girl items"

Animoto.com

The pictures in this video were taken by a team that visited Shepherd's Field Children's Village this summer.

Living out James 1:27

Looking for a way to to put your faith into action? What better way to do so than to help some of the

orphans of China?

Check out the link from the Philip Hayden

Foundation to see what you can do to help

these precious children. They are more than

statistics, they are real children, with real stories,

and they need our help!

http://www.chinaorphans.org/sendmail/09/oct/index.htm

100 Huntley Street Interview with Tom Davis

If you haven't read the book yet, you need to!

100Huntley.com

Scaredthebook.com