Cherry: Last week I shared the story of 13-year old Cherry, one of the girls we have been raising at the Thai/Burma border. A year ago, with her mother dying from AIDS, Cherry was brought to us, her mom asking if we would take her. We did. During school break a couple of weeks ago Cherry made her way back to her village in Burma to see her mom. Sadly she had died. Unfortunately she did meet her alcoholic father who abandoned her at birth, and he then literally kidnapped her, taking her to his village where he will force her to work to support his drunkenness.
I received some strong feelings from some of you over Cherry and her abduction…
** I feel like going over and getting Cherry myself. Instead I will send prayers. Maybe we could do a set up like Argo did and capture Cherry!
** Cherry’s story breaks my heart. I know what happens to girls in this situations. Maybe I can go and get her?
** Oh Good Shepherd, please knock on the heart’s door of Cherry’s father, step through into the darkness, and LIGHT him up. Free Cherry, let no evil touch this little lamb of yours. Your name is anointed, Jesus, Your’s alone, we ask in it.
The Plan: On Saturday, I spoke with Rolyn, our director there, and a plan to rescue Cherry is in place. We are renting a truck and now looking for the right female to travel into Burma, a drive of several hours, and snatch her back. Cherry’s aunt has joined us in the plan. She will sneak Cherry away from her father when our truck arrives, our driver will pick Cherry up, and make a dash back to the Thai border. Timing is crucial. Please pray. Nothing happens too quickly in this culture so it may take awhile but we are determined to rescue Cherry.
On Bruce and Linda Ungerland’s January visit to Thailand, this photo was shot. Cherry is the tall girl in the middle, between Bruce and Rolyn, a photo taken on the front porch of the house we rent. The sign above the door celebrates the Chinese New Year.
Scouting is huge in Thailand, for both boys and girls. Photo below; L-R is Promise, whom I first met at the House of Hope orphanage 8 years ago, and has been with us longer than anyone. Then Serah, just a born servant who is always helping everyone out and finally Cherry. The picture was taken in the kitchen at the rear of the house
Prayer Focus This Week
- Pray for our Easter weekend services, that God would touch the hearts especially of newcomers; Good Friday service 7 pm; Sunday Sunrise service at 6:30 am (on the fire road between Moulton Meadows and TOW); 9 am and 10:45 am, regular services
- Youth mission trip next week to Alaska
- Lilia, friend of Mary French – restoration from severe stroke; unable to speak
- Pray for Nikki and me as we are grieving the death of Pixie, our Pomeranian
- Tim & Krista Hahne, missionaries in Romania, who are in a ministry transition
- For Christians in Egypt, mourning the 44 killed and hundreds wounded by Islamist terrorists in two Palm Sunday suicide bombings
- Pray for our nation
Finally: “Real prayer comes not from gritting our teeth, but from falling in love.” Richard Foster
Jay