THE BEST ON THE BLOG IN 2019

December 31, 2019
, , , Caring for Orphans, Combating Exploitation, Ethiopia, Family, Haiti, LSM, Uncategorized

In case you’ve missed some of the incredible stories from this year on the blog, we wanted to share a few of our favorites. There are many testimonies praising God’s faithful work here at LSM – from volunteers in the States to staff in Ethiopia and an orphaned child in Haiti. Their stories are a beacon of hope. Each life touched is precious and each life is connected to you. It takes money, sacrifice, love and prayer to make this ministry possible. That has come from all of you!

 

The beauty of this ministry is seeing lives changed, as well as watching the Body of Christ come together with genuine love on behalf of the vulnerable children and families we serve. You are the life blood of LSM – and we hope that you’ll be deeply encouraged by these stories today. And if you’re not feeling connected, we’d love to bring you closer into the LSM family this coming year so you can witness these miraculous stories first hand.

 

 

USA 

 

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE AUCTION – A VOLUNTEER TESTIMONY

EVENTS THAT ARE INSPIRING AND CHANGING LIVES

LEARNING TO LISTEN –  A FOSTER DAD’S JOURNEY

 

 

ETHIOPIA

 

FROM ORPHANS TO ADVOCATES – A STAFF TESTIMONY

TIMMY – A BOY’S TRANSFORMATION

ABANDONED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN – A SINGLE MOM’S JOURNEY

 

 

HAITI

 

DIO – ONE JOB SECURE’S A FAMILY’S SURVIVAL

THE GOSPEL IS SPREADING IN HAITI

THE POWER OF ONE – ROSELINE

 

 

Thank you for following along! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to the blog to hear these amazing stories all year round.

 

 

THE PERFECT GIFT

December 24, 2019
, , , , Caring for Orphans, Family, LSM

As the sun rose upon her, she put her worn and broken feet on the ground. The life she lives is one of hardship. She did not always know where her next meal would come from or where she would lay her head down at night. The pressure on her young mother was to keep her children alive and take the next step. She could not see much further than that.

 

 

When Loving Shepherd Ministries entered in, the struggle to stay alive was removed. This little girl was surrounded by people who loved and cared for her. Her mom was given tools to help provide food and stability.

 

Where did those gifts come from? They came from you.

 

Our ministry in reaching vulnerable children would not exist without your loving support. We understand that there is sacrifice involved each time you give. Your gifts are changing lives, empowering mothers and leading souls to the Greatest Gift ever given! The beauty of gift giving is waiting for that joyful smile when it is is unwrapped.

 

 

Thank you for the gifts that you give to vulnerable children around the world every single day. From all of us at Loving Shepherd Ministries, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas!

 

 

May you find peace and true joy this Christmas in knowing that the perfect gift has been wrapped in swaddling clothes and already given! His name is Jesus.

 

 

Get Involved:

Give the gift of a Mother’s love and change the life of a child. Become a Family Sponsor in Ethiopia and connect to many families just like the one you read about here.

Give the gift of counseling to a troubled teen through the LSM BrickHouse Program.

Give a gift in a loved one’s name for Christmas. GIVE HERE.

 

GOD’S WORK IN 2019

December 5, 2019
, , , , , , , , Caring for Orphans, Ethiopia, Family, LSM

What a year! We are so grateful for the amazing things God has allowed us to be a part of in 2019. Here are just a few of the highlights:

 

LSM TECH WILL WELCOME OUR FIRST STUDENTS IN EARLY 2020! It’s been quite the road getting to this point, but this incredible initiative will provide vocational training, work skills and biblical discipleship for our Home of Hope kids. What an incredible opportunity for these future students!

 

 

WE’RE EXPANDING IN ETHIOPIA! The Seeds of Hope Program in Addis Ababa just launched this Fall. Our programs in Ethiopia now serve one of the poorest slum areas in the capital. Today, 60 children and their single moms are being cared for. For the first time, they are being given the tools and discipleship they need to become a thriving, stable family.

 

 

BRICKHOUSE FAMILY MINISTRIES MERGED WITH LSM IN AUGUST and we’re so thankful for the open doors this provides to expand our local reach. We are re-imagining what this program can look like and have many conversations with those in foster care and the state. As those details get worked out, we are so happy to be able to offer FREE counseling for foster and adoptive families. What a blessing this has already been for dozens of children and their families.

 

 

THE GOSPEL PROJECT provides incredible opportunities for our Home of Hope families to share the Gospel with their neighbors in tangible ways. You can read how volunteers here in the States are serving and how it’s empowering our young people in Haiti at the same time.

 

 

READ THE FULL LIST FROM OUR YEAR END APPEAL HERE.

 

Beyond that, when we think about the last decade at LSM, it’s almost unbelievable to think about how much we’ve grown. Thanks to you – and the direction of the Holy Spirit – we’re serving hundreds more vulnerable children in a complete Continuum of Care from childhood through adulthood. It’s not a quick fix. It’s the stuff that brings generational change. You can read more about LSM’s journey since 2002 here.

 

Thank you for partnering with us in 2019 and for the 17 years of our ministry. We praise Him for the hundreds of lives touched through the Body of Christ working together here at LSM. We look forward with great anticipation to what He will continue to do in the coming years. May your 2020 be blessed with your daily bread and much more as you continue to serve in His Kingdom!

 

GET INVOLVED:

  1. View our highlights from 2019 and watch our year end video here. 
  2. Consider giving a special year end gift that will help us reach more vulnerable children in the year to come.

 

HOW DO WE SAY THANK YOU?

November 27, 2019
, , , , Caring for Orphans, Family, LSM, Uncategorized

We can say “thank you” with our mouths and type it out here so you can read it on your screen, but a true heart of thankfulness comes from within.

 

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to say, “Thank you.”  You have given to LSM through the years, and your gifts have transformed the lives of many desperately vulnerable children in Haiti and Ethiopia. This year, we’re also expanding that reach to right here in the U.S. as we open our arms to care for vulnerable teens through the BrickHouse Program.

 

THANKS FROM A VULNERABLE TEEN IN FOSTER CARE

“Thank you” from the young boy whose addictions cost him everything. He lost it all and thought there was no one left to care for him. He is waking up today free from bondage and with more blessings than he can count.

 

 

MESI FROM HAITI

“Mèsi” (thank you in Haitian Creole) from the Home of Hope children who were once abandoned, lonely, hungry and afraid but now have a mom and dad who love them and care for them. They are happy. They are safe.

 

 

“Mèsi” from the Home of Hope parents whose once empty arms are now full of children to love. They are joyfully making memories together and praising God for the gift of family.

 

 

“Mèsi” from our Haitian staff who have stable jobs and can provide for their families, too.  They  are pursuing their own God given talents as they daily serve on behalf of our Home of Hope families.

 

 

“Mèsi” from the communities who are benefitting from the Gospel Kits that our Home of Hope families are giving out. They are hearing about the Good News of Jesus!

 

አመሰግናለሁ FROM ETHIOPIA

 

“ አመሰግናለሁ” (thank you in Amharic) from single moms in Ethiopia who are off the streets and  are now running their own small businesses. They have the ability to provide food, education and a home for their children that they desperately love.

 

 

“ አመሰግናለሁ” (thank you in Amharic) from the vulnerable children in Addis Ababa who are going to school for the first time and have enough to eat every day. They know that without you, they wouldn’t survive, much less thrive as they grow into adults. Because of your support for them and their moms, today they are dreaming of big things for their future!

 

 

These smiles are because of you!

 

With all our hearts, we want to say, “Thank you!” Your giving has changed entire lives, families and communities. We feel truly blessed to partner with you in this ministry that is so close to the heart of God!  May you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Get Involved:

Give the gift of family. Sponsor one of our Homes of Hope in Haiti.

Give the gift of security. Sponsor a single Ethiopian mom.

Give the gift of loving support. Sponsor our BrickHouse Program.

Give the gift of Jesus. Help pack a Gospel Kit or Donate so we can send them to Haiti.

 

GIFTS OF HOPE 2019

November 20, 2019
, , , , , , Family, Haiti, LSM

As you gather with your family for the holidays, we hope you’ll make our GIFTS OF HOPE CHRISTMAS CATALOG a part of those memories too! Each gift can spark a meaningful conversation about caring for others around the world, from buying a tank of gas in Haiti to providing one month’s supply of food for a family in Ethiopia. There are also ways to care for vulnerable children right in our own backyard!

 

 

ONE LITTLE GIRL’S GIFT

Last year, the Gifts of Hope Catalog sparked some amazing stories like Mylin’s in Bluffton, IN. Eight year old Mylin picked out a gift in the catalog that she wanted to give, and began working hard to raise her own money. Many children her age make lists and circle pictures in magazines of what they want for Christmas. But Mylin’s focus was on giving not getting. Her hard-earned dollars went directly to help a little girl in Ethiopia who does not have a daddy to care for her. Mylin’s sweet story touched our hearts. You can read about it here.

 

 

SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US

We’d love to hear your family’s story about giving this Christmas, too! Email us at info@loving-shepherd.org and share how God’s been working on your family’s hearts this year. Because the greatest gifts are not usually found tucked under a Christmas tree. Sometimes, it looks like a hope-filled smile across a little girl’s face in Ethiopia.

 

 

HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE GIFTS OF HOPE EXPERIENCE

The Gifts of Hope Catalog is a wonderful way to open up conversations with your kids about giving. Perhaps your Sunday School group would like to get together and raise money for a family in need? Maybe you could put an empty gas can at your work or school and ask for donations to help the fuel crisis in Haiti?  We hope this catalog provides a special way to connect and give with purpose this Christmas. Thank you for partnering with LSM in caring for the world’s most vulnerable children. Your gifts are truly changing lives!

 

GET INVOLVED

  1. Check out our Gifts of Hope Christmas Catalog and give here.
  2. Consider giving a general gift this Christmas. See how God is moving at LSM HERE.

 

PRIDE, FORGIVENESS & RESTORATION

November 15, 2019
, , , , , , Combating Exploitation, Family, LSM

On Friday night, November 8, nearly 170 people gathered at our newly renovated Event Center for an inspiring evening together. Guest speaker, Tim Goeglein, spoke profoundly from a place of humility about his personal experiences in life. He was once an affluent politician, but pride caused him to fall into repeated plagiarism. When he was caught, he thought his whole world was falling apart. In an act of true grace, President George W. Bush forgave him when he didn’t deserve it and had disgraced the White House. Tim  felt the love of Jesus through the forgiveness extended to him. His open and honest testimony is a reminder to all of us that we can show radical grace to others. Today, he is using his words in a different way. No longer seeking to promote self, he is seeking to lift high the name of Jesus! His genuine heart is pointing others to the saving grace of Jesus.

 

 

Doug Isch, LSM’s president shared another story of grace that night. From places of hopelessness, ultimate healing has come through the loving gifts of many just like you. For single mothers like Mahret* living in the slums of Ethiopia, the journey was particularly tough. Mahret had nothing – and ultimately, made some pretty desperate decisions to survive. Her little girl was born in the midst of those difficult years. Mahret was scared, and now she had a little one to provide for. At times, they would not eat for days. There was not adequate shelter and they were extremely vulnerable on the streets. Those were long dark years and they barely survived. It wasn’t until LSM was able to come alongside them that Mahret began to see what true hope could look like. That was in 2010.

 

 

Today, Mahret and her daughter are living a fully restored life. Her daughter is going to school, has plenty to eat and they have a bright future ahead. With the business skills Mahret learned in LSM’s programs, she’s been able to start her own small business selling coffee and injera, a local bread. They aren’t rich in material things. However, Mahret and her daughter have been introduced to the saving, forgiving grace of Jesus! They know that they are truly rich in things that can never be taken away!

 

 

On this special night, we were reminded that our Healer can bring restoration to every situation. We are grateful for that powerful knowledge – and grateful for every person who sat at those tables and gave generously to the work of LSM. Because of you, we were able to exceed our matching grant goal!  Now, we can reach more vulnerable families like Mahret and her daughter with the Gospel of Hope. Thank you for being part of this beautiful redemptive story!

 

 

GET INVOLVED

 

  1. Don’t miss future events like this! Sign up for our emails.
  2. Pray for vulnerable families who have never heard the Good News of forgiveness and hope. Help us bring that transformation by becoming an Ethiopia Family Sponsor.

 

*name changed for privacy

GOD’S HEART FOR THE ORPHAN

November 8, 2019
, , , , , , , Caring for Orphans, Family, LSM, Uncategorized

 

November 10 is Orphan Sunday, a global day that churches and individuals set aside to pray and advocate on behalf of the orphan. We hope your church or family takes a moment this weekend to learn more and to get involved as well!

 

John 14:18 teaches that all believers are former spiritual orphans who have been adopted by God. This means that God’s special affection for the orphans in our world is the same love that prompted Him to send His son to die for us. For this reason, helping and advocating on behalf of orphans is a cause that should resonate with each us personally.

 

 

Christian Alliance for Orphans estimates that there are 140 million orphans worldwide. Here in the U.S., 112,000 foster children are waiting to be adopted, some of whom are classified as “hard to place. ” The term “hard to place” can be due to several factors. Some children have experienced trauma, neglect and abuse, leaving them with PTSD and detachment disorder. Trust is difficult for them. Sibling groups and children with special needs are also difficult to place.

 

In developing countries, the plight of an orphan can be even more dire. Twenty percent of the world’s young people never attend school, and eight percent of the world lives on less than two dollars a day. These realities disproportionately affect those living in developing countries, especially the most vulnerable. A child’s nation of origin may even determine their chances of living past 5 years old. Tragically, about 15,000 children in the world die daily from preventable causes, especially in developing countries.

 

 

But the wonderful news is that since 1990, that number has been cut in half! Global poverty has also been reduced by more than half in the last 20 years, due largely to the united efforts of governments, nonprofits, and advocates like you.

 

Among other examples, international and domestic adoption have provided a tremendous benefit to the world. CAFO reports that over the last decade, more than 112,000 domestic and 103,000 international adoptions have occurred here in the U.S. And many vulnerable children who haven’t been adopted are being reached in their home countries through ministries like LSM.

 

 

Not all orphans and vulnerable children will be adopted. This is especially true with some governments closing their borders to international adoption in recent years. It’s crucial that we provide comprehensive, in-country support in the parts of the world where we see the greatest needs. Here at LSM, we’re working hard to create generational change through Family Sponsorship, Child Development, Trauma Healing, Vocational Training, and much more.

 

Thank you for partnering with LSM to help ensure that every child is given an opportunity to achieve their God-given potential!

 

 

 

WHAT CAN I DO?

 

  1. Learn more details about the realities facing vulnerable children around the world by viewing research compiled at un.org, brookings.edu, and cafo.org. Talk to your church or family about ways you can do more to help orphans and vulnerable kids around the world.
  2. Join churches around the world on Orphan Sunday (Nov 10) in praying for the vulnerable. And ask God how he’s calling you to help.
  3. If you believe God may be calling you to meet these needs by considering adoption or foster care, we’d love to help you start gathering information. Please visit our free Adoption Resources page.

 

 

ABANDONED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

October 30, 2019
, , , Combating Exploitation, Ethiopia, Family, LSM

Pregnant at 14 years old was not the life that Nira* envisioned. Her father made her drop out of 7th grade, and marry a man of his choosing. Nira was still a baby herself and now she was about to become a mom. She followed her father’s orders and married. Her first baby was born. Not long after came her second baby, third, fourth, fifth and sixth. Nira and her husband had a hard time keeping their six children fed and cared for. As she looked at her child nearing 14, she thought about the life that she could’ve had if she had not become pregnant and married off. Her heart sank into hopelessness. Does anyone care?

 

One life changing day, Nira was introduced to Jesus! She began growing in her love for Him. Her faith became evident to those around her…most of all, her husband. Sadly, he wanted nothing to do with her religion and decided that he had enough. He got up and kicked her and four of their children out of the home.

 

Nira did not have much time to grieve the loss of her broken family; she had to find way to provide for the children. The burden to be the sole provider weighed heavy on her shoulders. She worked tirelessly as a maid, cleaning, cooking and washing clothes. But no matter how hard she worked, or how many different ways she tried to ration food, there was never enough. How does a mom look into the eyes of her child crying out for hunger and say, “There’s nothing for you today.”  Nira determined to find more work. She began selling spices on top of the back-breaking labor she was already doing. The life that Nira was living was a constant cycle of hard work, pain, hunger and deep sadness. She questioned her faith. Does God care? Does He see me? Does He even love me?

 

 

Loving Shepherd Ministries heard about Nira and welcomed her in with loving arms. Nira felt cared for like never before. She said, “Before I joined this program, I struggled with my faith. But now, because of LSM’s consistent teaching and follow up, I am sustained. I have learned that the God who saved my life from eternal death is my only helper in my suffering. He is on the throne!”

 

Nira also received business training through LSM. She now bakes and sells “injera.” (an Ethiopian flatbread) Armed with love and wisdom, life is much different! There is a loving group of people who check in with her regularly to ensure she does not fall into despair. One of Nira’s biggest blessings is the true hope she has found in Jesus. She loves seeing her children grow in their faith as well. They are thriving in school and have enough to eat. This family is smiling once again because of you. Thank you!

 

 

Nira has lived through the heartbreak of her husband abandoning her, but she now clings to the knowledge that Jesus will never ever leave her or forsake her. This is not just Nira’s story. There are many more women and vulnerable children struggling to survive in this cycle of poverty. Can you help us rescue another family in Jesus’ name?

 

Get Involved:

  1. Sponsor a family. Help single mothers like Nira rise above poverty and make a lasting impact for generations to come.
  2. Become a prayer partner. Nira has asked us to pray for her business to be fruitful and that she could purchase her own home. She would also like us to pray that she and her children would make Jesus known in their community.
  3. Give a financial gift. Nira’s business relies on donor support and would not be possible without you. Thank you!

*name changed for privacy

 

SMALL DECISIONS & BIG OUTCOMES

October 22, 2019
, , , , Family, LSM

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FROM OUR STAFF

 

Sometimes we make a small decision and later realize that God was orchestrating something far bigger for His glory. Do you hear the Spirit prompting you to take a step of faith today?

 

A small decision to take the time to talk to your neighbor could turn into a realization that they’re dealing with something significant and need extra help or a listening ear. Perhaps that small step could open up an opportunity to share your faith as you provide a helping hand.

 

A commitment to attend an event that seems out of your comfort zone could lead to God showing you an exciting new project that He wants you to get involved with that you never knew about.

A choice to take time out of your day to pray for someone may create a bond that is stronger than you could have imagined. It could open your eyes to issues and people who need resources and practical support that you were never aware of.

 

An act of love to mentor a troubled teen can end up stretching you further than you could have dreamed. But what if your compassionate choice led that young person to Christ? And what if that new believer went on to impact their family and community for future generations to come?

 

A life changing decision to become a foster parent might feel like a giant leap of faith into the scary unknown. The commitment to love with sacrifice opens your heart to pain and hurt. It also opens your heart for a vulnerable child that you would have totally missed out on!

 

 

This week, in staff devotions, we talked about fear. Fear can hold you back from the exact thing that God may be asking you to step into. Sometimes the next step is a small one, like taking a moment to stop in your driveway as the Spirit prompts you to talk to your neighbor. Other times, the next step feels like a giant leap of faith, like dedicating the rest of your life to a child who needs a home, security and love. Whatever that next move is, we hope this reminder encourages you today to listen to the Spirit and take your next leap of faith.

 

GET INVOLVED:

 

  1. Pray for Loving Shepherd Ministries and ask God if He might be asking you to take a step with us. You can learn about some opportunities here.
  2. Join us for the Tim Goeglein event on Orphan Sunday weekend this year and hear about God’s redemptive work both in one man’s testimony and in the lives of vulnerable children around the world.
  3. Consider giving a financial gift that connects you to a specific project you care about.

 

CARING FOR FOSTER & ADOPTIVE FAMILIES

October 9, 2019
, , , , , Adoption, Caring for Orphans, Family, LSM, News, Uncategorized

We are thrilled to be expanding our care for local foster and adoptive families through the LSM BrickHouse program. This summer, LSM gained a new arm to our domestic work with the merge of BrickHouse Family Ministries. (Read more about it here.) As we reimagine this program, we’ve considered how we can best support foster youth in our community – and the families that welcome them home.

 

FREE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING FOR FOSTER & ADOPTIVE FAMILIES

 

It’s clear that foster and adoptive families often face unique challenges as they bring healing to children from hard places. Even if a child has been in the family’s care since they were very young, there are often attachment issues that they bring with them since before birth! Add on the complexities of racial integrations, neglect or abuse a child might have faced, and there’s a myriad of difficult scenarios to navigate through. We want to offer help!

 

 

Adam Carroll, LMFT-A, is our first Christian counselor on staff – and he’s excited to be able to provide free counseling for local foster and adoptive families as he has availability. We’d love to offer this critical support for families in the Bluffton, IN area. If you know of a local family who is currently or who is considering adoption or fostering, please share this with them! To learn more, please email Adam at adam@loving-shepherd.org

 

ADOPTION RESOURCES

 

In addition, we continue to serve hundreds of families each year through our free adoption resources program. The road to adoption is complicated and sometimes eligibility within certain countries is not clear. Our staff can help answer those questions for you, break down the costs and coach you on the right questions to ask – all free of charge. It’s our prayer that these tools will empower you as you seek to care for the vulnerable child God has for you!

 

 

LEARN MORE AND START YOUR ADOPTION RESOURCES FORM TODAY!

 

Whether God has called you to be a foster or adoptive parent, or you’re best suited to financially support others raising vulnerable children, we believe everyone has a place in His work! As we serve together, we want to thank you because none of this is possible without your prayerful support. You are enabling us to help care for these families – and the vulnerable children they love.

 

GET INVOLVED

  1. Pray for foster and adoptive families – and the children they are raising! We pray their stories can be testimonies of His goodness despite the brokenness of this world.

 

  1. Help us provide free counseling and adoption resources for families answering His call. We can’t provide these resources without your help! GIVE HERE.

 

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