|
At Cornerstone Ministries, we feel that in this day and age, one of the most powerful ways that the American church can make a real difference in missions is through the loving support of orphans around the world. Helpless kids — beautiful children with nothing and no one — can become great champions for Jesus in their own generation. Giving love and support to hurting and helpless kids is the most Christ-like thing any of us can do.
That's why we've decided to launch the Orphan Project/Mission Hope. We are a church that is committed to building lives and families on lasting values, both locally and globally. We strive to nurture the lives of individuals and families that enter our doors in Export, PA on a weekly basis. However, we hope that through these connections throughout the world, we can make an equal impact on lives and families throughout the world. We are excited for this amazing opportunity to build into hurting kids' lives physically, spiritually, mentally, and financially and be the supportive families that they so desperately need. In this way, we can be the hands and feet of God himself by following his call to "look after orphans and widows in their distress" [James 1:27].
Through the Orphan Project/Mission Hope we ask that you join us as we strive to become more like Jesus by following his commands. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus was asked to tell the greatest commandment of the Law. Without hesitation, "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.'" [Matthew 22:36-39] How can we best love God? By loving others as if they were Jesus himself:
(35) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
[Matthew 25:35-40]
We hope that you'll prayerfully consider joining us by making a difference in the world the cause of Christ. One thing is for sure, Jesus loves children. He knew every detail about each of them before they were born, and he declares that "the kingdom of heaven belongs to [them]." [Matthew 19:14] Let's get passionate about what Jesus himself was passionate. Let's reach across the globe and serve Jesus by serving others!
|
|
By Jennifer Marsalese
Children's Director
Cornerstone Ministries
I had always heard about orphans around the world, but I could never fully grasp what it was like to be an orphan. I live in a nice house, I have food everyday, and I have a family that loves me, so I really couldn't understand what it was like to be neglected or unwanted. But then I went to an orphanage, and I saw children abandoned by their parents who were in desperate need of care, love, and comfort. I saw how a simple hug can teach a child about God's love and how crayons and a coloring book are simple joys that let them know just how special they are. I have seen children experience love in the form of a bowl of rice or a lesson in math. I have seen love reach its hand out to a child so they can understand it in a tangible way.
I know that I can't help all the orphans in the world. But I can help one. I can support little Sandy and provide her with food each day. I can help her to have a warm place to sleep, and I can offer support to those who love and care for her every day. I can share the truth of the gospel with her. I can write her letters and let her know how special she is. I can know that one orphan in the world is cared for and is experiencing love on a daily basis. Can you? All you have to do is be there for one child. They are just waiting for you.
|
|
|
