An Easter Prayer from the Anawim Home

Below is an Easter prayer from the Anawim Home. Please join us in praying for our partners in Nigeria at Faith Alive Hospital and the Anawim Home to have peace and prosperity. At this time of year, let us remember the great gift that God gave us all, when His Son Jesus Christ died on the Cross and was resurrected to bring us new life.



A Little Prayer for Easter

For all our friends and partners at Hope for West Africa:
May the Joy & Love of Easter fill your souls and bring you peace!
May Christ, the risen King of Kings, fill all your days with blessings... and may God Almighty Himself reward your labor of love which you have shown towards us a hundredfold!
God bless you all at Easter and Always.
We love you!

from the Anawims


"Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."

Romans 6:4


Photos:
Sr. Oresoa and the children
Anawim Home Chapel
The Singing Sisters

Easter Greetings From the Isichei and Faith Alive Families

The following is a message from Dr. Chris, his family and the Faith Alive community to our community of readers, for those of us celebrating Easter (and if not, it is still an inclusive message of love). Faith Alive Hospital focuses on different topics of scripture every month and how appropriate that this month the topic is the interest of others. Here is Dr. Chris' beautiful message to us:


The focus at Faith Alive Foundation Hospitals for the resurrection month of April is INTERESTS OF OTHERS—Philippians 2; 4.
At Easter, we are reminded that our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ left all the glory in Heaven and came down for wretches like you and me. He had our interests and did not desire us going through eternal condemnation.
It also reminds us of many persons all over the world who are through His grace having THIS SAME MIND OF JESUS CHRIST in many ways.
They have not allowed race, distance, color or different qualities/barriers in preventing them in MAKING GREAT DIFFERENCES IN THE LIVES OF MANY ESPECIALLY THE LESS PRIVILEGED AND PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS.
“He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, And a great many people were added to the Lord”-Acts 11; 24.
Having the interests of others can be a great way of making disciples and thus fulfilling the great commission. In the same book of Acts, a follower of Christ was well known for his care and concern /interests towards others. His name was Joseph, but in the early church, the Apostles called him Barnabas—“son of encouragement”. It was Barnabas who vouched for the newly converted Saul when others doubted the sincerity of his faith .Later, Barnabas brought Saul from Tarsus to teach the believers in Antioch. And it was Barnabas who wanted to give John Mark a second chance after his failure on a previous missionary journey. Dorcas came back to life for the same reason—her generosity and interests of others. Let this be our daily uniform.
The brethren at Church of Nativity under the exemplary leadership of Rev. Fr. White, Hope For West African Foundation under the great directional leadership of Mrs. Diane Blattner, other organizations, churches and individuals immediately come to mind. I have personally tasted their love and will say that they have taught me how to have and show that having the interest of others has eternal value and reward.
We send our Easter greetings to you all. May the resurrection power continue in our lives, homes and careers to His glory through great interests in others that will lead and sustain them in our journey to Heaven.

Pictures:
1. Women from the Faith Alive Social Services Counseling Staff and Sewing Class
2. Faith Alive Community Children
3. The Isichei family - Drs. Chris and Mercy and their children

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

The children at the Anawim Home were so happy to receive new mattresses. They were made possible by one of our donors, Marjorie Forrester who recently visited the Anawim Home, through the HFWA Anawim Operating Supplies Project.

The mattresses were much needed at the Anawim Home. The previous mattresses were old and thin. Now finally the children can sleep comfortably. When they say their prayers at night,"now I lay me down to sleep," the Lord hears the prayers of the Anawim children. Somehow God continually works through the kindness of people who give donations and their time to the Anawim Home. This helps Sr. Oresoa keep her dream alive to help the poorest of the poor.

The children at the Anawim Home are mostly orphans that Sr. Oresoa has found abandoned in the streets. Some young mothers and their children who have nowhere else to go also stay there. Sr. Oresoa and the other Sisters feed, clothe, and educate the children. The children at the Anawim Home are joyful children and thankful for what they have. The say a daily prayer for their benefactors.

If you would like to help Sr. Oresoa in her mission and donate supplies for her children contact:

dblattner@hopeforwestafrica.org
or donate online www.hopeforwestafrica.org/donate/


LET ME GIVE

I do not know how long I will live,
but while I live, Lord, let me give
some comfort to someone in need
by my smile, a good deed or kind word
and let me do whatever I can to ease
things for my neighbor. I want
nothing but to do my part to lift a
tired or weary heart to change people,
frowns to smiles than I will not have
lived in vain. And I will not care,
how long I will live if only I can
give and give-and-give.

ORESOA

Enfolded in His Peace

I haven't known what to write about for awhile. We do not have any new approved projects right now at HFWA foundation but some are in the process, so we will be sharing news of these soon. I have also had a hard time trying to think of what reflections I might want to share with you. However someone had spoke at an event that left a strong impression on my mind for some time. I was not sure whether I should share it or not. So I have been praying about it. Today because of the beautiful 70 degree weather we are having here in Baltimore I got in the mood to do some early spring cleaning. As I was going through some old papers I came across an old story I had written about Nigeria but never posted and it made me think of Tim Blattner's eulogy for his brother John. This was what had left the impression that has been on my mind. So I took this as an answer from God to share this story.

The Blattner family (Diane Blattner is the President of the HFWA foundation) suffered the tragic loss of their son John in early January. He had been suffering from a rare form of lymphoma for the past 3 1/2 years. He was only 27 years old with a lovely wife and young son. He fought his battle bravely and gracefully. In the end he was able to be peaceful with his family lovingly surrounding him. With all he had suffered he wanted his family to know that God was merciful. The Blattners have such a strong faith. Yes they were in pain that most of us can not even imagine. But I want to share with you about peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. And about how we can help people have peace in a time of adversity. In their great loss the Blattners still had a peace. The pastor of our church said that how we handle great adversity is the strongest testimony we can ever give as Christians. Also being there for others who are going through great adversity is another strong testimony we can give as Christians.

I attended John's funeral service. The whole family gave such beautiful, touching eulogies for John. I was especially touched by Tim Blattner's eulogy, who is John's younger brother. Tim shared a story of his and John's journey to Nigeria and their visit at Faith Alive. Tim, like many of us who went to serve there felt so overwhelmed by the great need of the people. He did not know what he could possibly do to help. He was scared. He so wanted to help the people at Faith Alive but he was scared at failure. But there was his big brother John as usual. Tim shared how John had always been there for him as they grew up together. He always helped Tim whenever he was afraid. So John came up to Tim when he was feeling really bad one day and put his hand on his shoulder and said it will be alright Tim. Don't be afraid. You can do this. We will do this together. We will do whatever we can. God is with us.

I heard such love in this story of the relationship of an older and younger brother. As Tim was telling the story of how his brother John was always there for him telling him not to be afraid; I saw John as being the light of Jesus Christ for Tim. I also saw John being the light in helping Tim getting over the feeling of failing. Who hasn't felt this way at times? I was just so touched by Tim's honesty and courage to share that he was afraid and worried. This is not always easy for us to share. Then to hear how John just always stepped up for his younger brother. Siblings do not always do this for one another. It is something we all should do for everyone not just siblings.

I thought what would Jesus do? Did he not always step up to help those who were afraid, sick or troubled? Jesus is there for us now. He is our strength when we are weak. He is our peace when we are troubled. Jesus wants to work through us to help others. John let Jesus Christ work through him to show strength and peace during a time of adversity for Tim. How beautiful!

When I went to Faith Alive to serve I was also overwhelmed at first. I also thought what could I possibly do to help. It was Dr. Chris who helped me understand that anything I could do would be of help. Dr. Chris showed the love of Jesus Christ to me by sharing strength and peace during my time of adversity at Faith Alive. His words to me were, "Have confidence in Jesus Christ, Teresa!."

We have to trust in God. Let Him enfold us! God will help us to help others when we are in types of service that seems overwhelming like mission service. We all have gifts that God has given us that are meant to be used to minister to others. Then there are those times when it is not overwhelming and it is actually quite simple. When a sibling, friend, or co-worker is afraid, or troubled, can we not take the time to put our arm on their shoulder or put our arms around them and tell them that we care and that God is with them?

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me...I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.

John 14:1,27 NLT

Praying for Peace

There has been civil unrest in Jos, Nigeria again and now even in Abuja which is the city where the Anawim Home is located. Christmas Eve bombings occurred in Jos and New Years Eve bombings occurred in Abuja. There have also been subsequent attacks on roads and villages. People do not feel safe anymore. This leads to very serious consequences for HIV patients at Faith Alive Hospital. The following is a prayer request we recently received from Faith Alive.

"Please pray with urgency that Save A Life (a program for HIV) patients will be able to access their lifesaving ARV's (anti-retro viral medications) during this season of political unrest and violence in Jos, Nigeria. It has been and will remain challenging for people to roam freely about the city doing their normal routines like working, banking, shopping, picking up their medications and seeing their doctors. A lapse in getting, and thus taking, their daily ARV's is dangerous because their bodies will most likely develop a resistance to the only type of ARV's that we have available for them. When this happens, their immune systems begin a downward spiral that leads to death. Your prayers for God to remain faithful and intervene are appreciated at least through May, when the next (or existing) Nigerian President is scheduled to be inaugurated and we look forward to a more peaceful atmosphere. The Faith Alive management is making efforts to ease these difficulties and Dr. Chris, his family, patients and Faith Alive staff send their appreciation for your support, concerns and prayers."


"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Pass It On

The Anawim Home had a wonderful celebration for Christmas. They send their best wishes to all of us. They are grateful for all the support that has been given them and say that they are praying for us. That is Daniel in the picture that Sr. Oresao is holding. He is so happy with his new wheelchair.

Dr. Chris also sends his best to us. He wants us to know he has been able to give his walker to a patient at Faith Alive. He says,"Pictures that are attached are for a patient I visited at home who was sent back from Lagos to Jos to come die but we are currently treating her for TB and will soon commence ARVs. Unable to walk a few weeks ago, she can now attempt walking with the walker God graciously provided for me through all your efforts while receiving treatment in the U.S. She has remarkably improved with some hope of life. I APPRECIATE EVERYONE OF YOU. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. Wishing you all a blessed 2011. Chris"

It is so wonderful to know how good can be passed on to others. Two small gifts have been able to be passed on that have made life changes for the two recipients. Happy New Year to everyone. May we pass good on in 2011 and may the Anawim Home and the Faith Alive Community have a year full of blessings.

A Catalyst for Hope

I had intended to post another reflection of my trip to Nigeria last week. But my son was very sick. I have had a lot of good intentions of what I wanted to accomplish this Christmas. But some of my good intentions just aren't going to happen. There will be less cards and home made cookies this year but that is okay. I want to be in the moment more and enjoy the holiday with my children. They are growing up so fast! My son Christopher is 13 years old and my daughter Sophia is 12 years old. I miss the time when they were little children. I feel like during that time I took the preciousness of it for granted and had a hard time living in the moment.

I have come to realize how much I love young children. I love the beauty of their innocence. This is what Jesus was explaining when he said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14. I am a leader in a Children's Ministry at my church. It is a ministry for children to have their own age appropriate worship while the adults worship. For our message series in September we encouraged the children in our ministry to help us lead the adult worship by coming on the altar to sing and do hand movements to the ending song of mass. The children enjoyed it so much. I loved their honesty and ability to be free and joyful during the song. It was wonderful to have the children leading the adults!

I also appreciate how Moms are so important to young children. They want to be with us every minute! I remember how difficult this was for me but now I have sweet memories of those times. My strongest memories of Nigeria are of the mothers and children. Moms in Nigeria are with their children every minute. They carry their children on their backs on a sling. At Faith Alive Social Services they have a sewing class. All the moms in the class have their children with them while they take the class. They taught me and other women missionaries how to make the baby sling and carry a baby on our backs. Many moms and their children are alone because of the fathers dying who had AIDS. The men are ashamed to seek medical treatment. There are also many children who are abandoned due to poverty. My missionary team went to visit a state run orphanage and there was not enough help or supplies. There were so many babies just lying in their cribs with no one to hold them. This is why it is so wonderful that Sr. Oresao takes in abandoned orphans and helps young mothers with children. She makes sure they are well taken care of.

The children in Nigeria were very excited to meet us Americans. They would love to just touch us and be with us. They especially loved to touch my blond hair. The children also would raise their hands in the air begging to be picked up. I remember after one support group meeting at Faith Alive how this little boy came running after me putting his arms in the air to be picked up. I picked him up and swirled him around and he was laughing and I remember feeling a special joy of being in the moment. At the support group and prayer meetings at Faith Alive the people worship by raising their hands in the air. I was touched by this because it resembles little children raising their arms up to be held and loved.

All children should be held and loved but this is not how it is in this world, especially where there is much poverty and illness. What the staff told us at Faith Alive is that by Americans helping (either by visiting them or giving donations) we are giving them hope. When they think of how people care enough to be helping all the way across the world it helps them believe God cares, because they believe God is working through us. To them we are catalysts of hope.

Let us pray for children everywhere this Christmas to know they are loved. They ARE all loved by God. The story of Christmas is a beautiful one. Our God loved us so much that he came down to earth to be with us as a vulnerable baby. God's message was hope fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal kingdom.

For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

All of us at The Hope for West Africa Foundation would like to thank you for your support. We pray for you and for our partners in Nigeria-The Anawim Home and The Faith Alive Hospital and their families to have a Christmas of joy, hope and peace.