Pastor Craig Bowler is the visionary leader and primary teaching pastor at Sanctuary Church in Kennesaw, GA, and has been a supporter of Saving Susan Ministry since the beginning. He introduced Jay to Dr. Baskin, who took Jay to Cambodia for the first time and has been to Cambodia himself to love on the children of Saving Susan. He is a prayer warrior for the ministry and we are grateful for his love and support!
Last year Saving Susan started what we call “The Christmas Give” with our partner company, Genesis Elevator. Friends and employees from the company donated money to a specific child in one of our orphanages in order for them to receive a Christmas gift. This year, we wanted to expand that opportunity to provide a gift to our church partners and the community within those churches, and the impact was significant!
How do I put the last 3 days into words? I wish I could open up my heart and let everyone peek inside. It was over flowing with squeals, giggles, hugs, singing, playing and lots of God’s love. You can feel God’s love here. Greg and Sarita, the Directors of House of Hope Zacapa, cultivate God’s love and the importance of family. There are 24 amazing, wonderful and unique children here at HOH. Each with their own personality and gifts, as well as their own devastating story. Greg and Sarita are the essence of being God’s hands and feet, pouring into each and every one of their children, physically, mentally and spiritually.
You see, most of these children still have parents, however, they have been taken out of their homes because of abuse or neglect. Greg and Sarita step in and welcome the children with open and loving arms, giving the children a safe and loving environment to grow in. Despite the hurt these children have endured, they are joyful and loved.
As a mother of two young adult girls, I know how challenging it can be to raise children and how fiercely I will fight for their well being. Five years ago, God placed the children of HOH in my life and I can say I feel the same about them as I do my own. I love being a part of teams and bringing new people down to experience what God is doing here. The love and joy is infectious. These children pierce your heart in a way you can’t explain. I feel blessed to be just a small part of their lives.
Our last day here during our devotion time with the children, we discussed how Jesus is our living water and in Him we are cleansed of our sins. We are then filled with that living water and it will flow from our hearts to others (John 7:37-39.) We then finished our devotion time with a water field day! To see the joy and excitement, and to hear the laughter of the children, it reminded me of the scripture Mark 10:13-16 “People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
I asked the Lord to make me like these children: “with immeasurable joy and laughter for you!”
Patricia Campbell
Less than 1% of nonprofits in the U.S. have achieved Candid Platinum status.
