God Stories from China

Amazing things are happening at the River of Grace foster homes.  Even though it is a VERY stressful time, Jeff and co. are leaning on God for their strength and God is moving mightily.  Here are some stories of the neat “connections” they have had while the children were in the hospital.

“We have had three children in the hospital these days. Zephaniah and Yakira came to us with some serious medical issues. And Havilah just had her operation for cleft palate. All three children are in the same hospital. This has given us and our staff lots of chances to serve.”  (Yakira and Havilah are now home!)

“In Chinese hospitals you have to be with the child 24 hours a day caring for the children unless the child is in the NICU. Right now all three children have been with us in the wards. You can imagine the opportunities we have to share about our God!”

“Thanks for your continued intercession for Zephaniah. He continues to encounter many serious challenges. He has an infection in the lining of his stomach and has only for a brief time been able to pass things through his system.”

“Zephaniah’s tummy is big and things are not moving through so what next?!  The doctors don't seem to know.  So we are just trusting Father.  He has been in a month now.” 

Please pray that the doctor’s will have wisdom and compassion on how to best help Zephaniah.  As you can imagine, even though the hospital costs are alot cheaper than the US, it still adds up so they need to make some hard decisions soon I afraid.

Havilah is having a rough time of recovery, not wanting to eat, on top of a cold and diarrhea and vomiting.  She is so skinny but slept through the night last night so hoping the worst is over.  She got angry with Jeff for taking out her stitches.  He used to be her favorite so he is trying to win her back. 

From Lori:
“I keep thinking I better write you some God stories before I forget.  Havilah’s TOTAL hospital bill was waived!! PRAISE GOD!  What I forgot to tell you is the head of hospital dept. got her husband to drive Hannah and Havilah straight to our doorstep.  They gave us a whole chicken and a bunch of other nice things and the next day they picked Hannah, Havilah and Samuel up at our gate to take them back to the hospital for a post- op visit.”

Some other neat ways God has touched people by all of these hospital stays:
1. “Jeff ran into a Dr. near the beginning with Zephaniah whose mom was a Christian.  So he understood why we were doing what we were doing.  Likely his mom is praying for him to have more input.”

2. “Some ladies in the hall one time stopped Jeff and Zephaniah and chatted and asked if he was a Christian because only Christian’s would do such a thing.  They were Christian’s from a different province.”

3. “The lady in the bed next to us has certainly seen and heard a lot.  She started out opposed but is now reading the word.  She also helps keep a vigilant eye on Zephaniah, if he seems in trauma she will call a doctor for us.

Every day these precious children are like a megaphone.  Father is very good and we get so blessed in the meantime. 

     The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.    And those who know our name put their trust in you,  for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.... he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

                                                            (Psalm 9:9,10,12b)
So thanks for continuing to pray for the River of Grace foster program and may God be glorified!!!