As many of you know, I have been going to the same government run orphanage twice a week for almost 1 year (in January will be one year). I get to provide occupational therapy to 3 wonderful kiddos there, I get to interact with the staff, and I have recently started taking a group from my church there on Saturdays to do a simple Sunday school lesson. A few months ago, when I was working with one of the kids, playing with animals you might see in a zoo, God put in my heart a desire to take these same kids on a field trip to the local zoo. This orphanage has a lot of rules to protect the kids, including not being able to go and get them from their rooms for therapy, so I thought for sure that this was an impossible dream....BUT it wasn't, because NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE for our God. As I started to share my dream with others in the orphanage, one of the therapists that works there told me that it WAS possible, we would be allowed to take a few kids out to the zoo! So, after a formal letter was written to ask permission from the director, and all the logistics were figured out of who would go to help, when, and how we would transport the kids, the day was set.
This day was yesterday, and I have to tell you, it was the BEST day I have had here in Peru! This day topped my vacation, other awesome serving opportunities I've had, and even my adventures rappelling down a cliff. The reason it was so great, was that God reminded me that the things that seem impossible to us are possible with God. To you this may seem like a small victory, but for me, this is exactly the encouragement I needed for something bigger and grander that God has given me as a vision for this orphanage for this up coming year in which I've been told is nearly impossible to do. In Matthew 19, Jesus was talking to his disciples about how hard it was for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. He told his disciples that it was easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than for a rich man to be saved. His disciples then said, "Who then can be saved?". Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. For me, this day was a reminder from God that ALL things ARE possible with God, and that if God wants this to happen, this big dream I have, He will make it happen.
Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to help make impossible things possible for the individuals with disabilities in Peru. My heart is full of hope and expectation to see what God will do in this next year here in Peru.
As I close, I wanted to again thank you all for your support in prayer and in financial contribution. I would not be able to be here if you were not so generous with your financial support. I know you have MANY options to give to so many good causes, especially at this time of year. If you are planning to make a year end donation above and beyond your regular support, please prayerfully consider donating to me to continue to support the work I'm doing here. Below is the information you need to know to make your donation. Thank you so much, and God Bless you all during this holiday season.
WAYS TO GIVE
Personal Check:
Please make checks payable to “The Antioch Partners” and note “Alfonsi
support” on memo line. Please mail checks to:
The Antioch Partners
7132 Portland Ave, Suite 136
Richfield, MN 55423
Phone: 800-720-4733
e-Giving:
You may give without having to remember to mail your check by completing the
Electronic Giving Request form found on TAP’s website www.theantiochpartners.org.
Click “Giving” to locate and download the form.
Online Giving:
To give online using your Visa, Master Card, Discover, or American
Express card (or e-check), go to www.theantiochpartners.org
and in the left column, click “Giving.” Then click “Donate Now” which will take
you to a secure online form where you can enter your name and billing
information. Under the category, “Donation Information,” select “Partner
Support” and then select “Alfonsi, Lisa” as your Partner of choice. TAP will be
notified after your gift is received