Twenty years ago I sat in the little apartment above what was then the offices of Bethel Orphanage with Papa Harold, Brother Knell and a few men who had volunteered for what is now remembered as the first missions trip to San Luis. It was June and brutally hot, the air filled with dust from the streets and the acrid smoke of burning garbage.
Harold was trying to get us to eat tuna fish on cold leftover pancakes because we were out of bread, but nobody was buying it. It may have been the first organized fast at Bethel Orphanage.
There was no such thing as Caring Hearts, the number of churches involved was about 3 and there were no monthly donors. Just an orphanage in deplorable condition, a corrupt director and more than 60 hungry uncared for children. There was no boys’home, no vocation school or clinic, the church sat empty and ministry to the locals was miniscule at best.
The other night I sat in a comfortable room where the Board of Caring Hearts along with their wives, some donors and other volunteers had gathered to review 2009 and plan for 2010. The scope of the ministry that grew out of such humble beginnings is remarkable. From the medical clinics that have treated thousands to the feeding station on the edge of town; from the vocational training center to the visitation of shut-ins who are sick or elderly, Caring Hearts Ministries is changing lives meeting the needs of the hungry, the sick, the addicted and abandoned. All this is the work of a God who knows no limits, has no prejudices and overflows with everlasting love
for every soul created. He uses obedient, loving people like you to be His hands, His feet and His voice to help “The least of these”.
Years from now when you and I are gone I believe some other servant
will write this column as even more people serve God through Caring
Hearts. For now though, I am anxious to see what God will do in this
brand new year. Thank you for being a part of God’s wonderful plan.
Be Blessed in 2010
Pastor Gary Simpson
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