More than a Match...

Recently we got this AMAZING news...

Great, you say... a matching grant... it's pretty cool! It's a great time to give, for sure.

What's better than having your gift DOUBLED?

Well, to me... the Kingdom work being multiplied by YOUR dollars simply can't fit into a mathematical equation.

To me, this means more than a match... it's more than dollars being multiplied.

It's LIFE CHANGE.

It means that I can look at JoNAtHAN, in Baby class and say that next year, he won't have to sit on the ground outside... in the rain... or crowd with 252 kids bigger than he is into a small space to eat in a dry spot.

It means that I can confidently look at the double orphan on the street who desperately wants to come to school and say "yes, next year we will have the classroom space to add a class for YOU."

It means that the boys, who live on campus, can experience what it would be like to live in a home....

It means that I can look at 22 GRADE 7's and say... "Lifesong is here to FINISH WHAT WE'VE STARTED... we will be able to continue educating, discipling, and training you through graduation."

The kids sing a song here that says

"He give's me joy-O, He give's me peace-O, everything He gives is double...everything is double double."

This match means so much more than double to our team... it means continued growth in ministry. It means that we can continue being about what God brought us here to do. It means that the children who have been abandoned and forgotten in the past, won't have to feel that way again, simply because of a lack of financial support. It means "buying" more time for God to continue working in the hearts and minds of the children Lifesong has been pouring into for the past 6 years. God simply isn't finished with them... and we don't want to let them go due to lack of space.

I rarely ask for things on this blog... but I'm asking you to consider joining Lifesong in raising funds to help with our match! This isn't our personal support... this is directly going to the needs of growth at our school. Each and EVERY dollar will be going to construct the necessary buildings we are mandated to have in order to grow through grade 12 with our current students. I PROMISE your dollars will be MORE THAN DOUBLED by investing in the lives of these very special children...

To join us... email info@lifesongfororphans.org!

When the streets find your home...

(Ok, before I get to this serious post... Is it REALLY MARCH 20 and I'm JUST NOW posting my first post in MARCH?!?!?! Maybe I could blame the 30 member vision team that came, or KGs 4th bought of malaria, or E's stomach virus, or Zack's finger infection, or us being extremely short staffed, or KG's allergic reaction, or what I'm about to write about... But I'd just be lying. I'm a blog neglector... it's true. forgive me.)
Last Friday evening, I found myself opening the door to something pretty special.
I opened the door and am certain the look on my face was one of confusion. (they try to train you in grad school to control your facial expressions, but I'm certain I failed at that moment.) Some of the kids who were hanging out at our house came carrying big bags full of stuff and saying "they've come to stay with you." WHO? And around the corner crept 4 teenage boys with sheepish grins on their faces... like "hey... uh... haha... kinda need a place to live right now." There wasn't a moment of consultation, Shane and I both grabbed their bags and welcomed them in.
This is where the streets found our home.

You see, these boys aren't just "any" boys. They used to live on the streets... not just for a day or two, but for YEARS they lived on the streets. Some had abusive homes that drove them to the streets. Some had families force them to live on the streets and beg. Some had no family at all. Either way, they all had one thing in common... life on the streets. This life consisted of abuse, sometimes drugs, and a true "survival of the fittest" mentality.
BUT God had a plan for their lives. About 3-4 years ago, they were rescued from the streets. They were trained in structure, and given the nurture of Jesus Christ.
But this day, they faced the choice of living in a situation that wasn't healthy for them, or going to the streets. They desired to leave, and were told to go.
And they came to us.
There was no way that our spirit would let them go back to that life on the street, not even for one day.
Yes, you may think we are crazy... careless... or thoughtless. But if you were in my house this weekend, I can promise you a few things:
1. If you didn't know they had lived on the streets, you would have NEVER known. (actually, I'd be honored if someone tried to give me credit for raising these boys)
2. You would have been amazed at the work ethic and respect that NATURALLY flowed from them... truly the fruits of the Spirit flowed out of them.
3. You would have laughed your head off.
4. You would have had the opportunity to have conversations with them about how hard, yet worth it, making life change really is.
5. You would have seen them truly enjoy being around our kids, and you would have seen our kids enjoy having 4 big brothers around the house.
6. Your pantry would be empty.
7. You would see them for who they are... P is the clown, JR is the "tough guy", F is the smarty pants, and E is the super sweet, try really really hard kind of guy.
8. You would see brotherhood at its finest. They keep each other in line, and hold each other to a high standard.
And my favorite memory of the weekend was this:
We went to a pizza joint that we frequent. Our family is there often, and it happens to be where many of the street kids are... begging for food. We've tried to build a relationship with some of the boys there. They know that they can "watch" our car, and we give them dinner. It's our deal. Even our kids give them the food, we aren't afraid... and they've never tried to be rough to them. (now, each other... that's another story) So... here we are... our "family" for the weekend... 4 FORMER street boys. We eat until our bellies are going to explode. We had an entire pizza left (because we really have NO IDEA how many pizza's 4 teenage boys can eat). Before we even mentioned giving it... the boys looked through the iron bars that separated us from the streets... and saw them. I believe they saw what COULD HAVE BEEN in their own lives. They said "can we give it to them?" And of course, we said yes. They each took some food over and gave it to the street boys. (I could have fallen in the floor crying if it wouldn't cause a scene.) I saw the street boys looking as we were eating. They know our boys. Maybe they lived together on the streets. They see the life change. And I believe they want it to. That's the power of the Gospel. What you see in E, P, JR, and F... it's simply the power of JESUS CHRIST in their lives. They will say it themselves. They know truth. And now, they are living it out...
We are thankful that God reunified them with the people who have walked with them through their journey of change. They are in a great place. The best place for them.
I, however, will always treasure conversations that were had... and I am so terribly grateful we were able to be the safety net... and in turn start a wonderful relationship with 4 of the most amazing young men.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and the new has come." 2 Cor 5:17

Sweet "T"...

For those of you who receive our email newsletter, "T" will be no stranger to you. We have all been praying for him, and his family. He was one of the more troubled kids at LS when we arrived. He has a troubled past... and an uncertain future.

Fighting, insulting, and bucking at authority were only a few of his struggles. Not to mention poor school attendance, poor performance, and lazy attitude.

T is changing... God is moving in his life. To sum up what many of you already know, God has given Shane and I a unique relationship with this young man. He has given us many opportunities to show love to him in an unconditional way... to give him trust... and to challenge him to rise above his past. The coolest part is... IT IS HAPPENING. Often times, in ministry and even in adoption... I start to doubt the power of love... love alone. I KNOW it IS NOT ENOUGH to resolve-solve-etc... but I'm seeing it is enough to CHANGE.

Today, I'm sitting in my office at school when the grade 7 teacher comes in with T. I immediately start thinking in my head "Oh dear... He was doing so good, what could be going on now?" And the teacher starts by saying "I just wanted to thank you and Shane for what you are doing in this young man's life." WHAT? T... starts to break into a smile. Then the teacher starts singing his praises of how he is changing... noticeable change. How the entire class was disciplined today and he accepted responsibility and took his punishment with a respectful attitude!! I simply turned the praise back onto T and congratulated him for making good choices. IF YOU COULD HAVE SEEN HIS FACE! He was SO PROUD. I see a light turning on inside this kid... He's coming alive inside. He's seeing value of his life, and that God hasn't forgotten him... but LOVES him deeply... through us.

Grateful...

God is so faithful. He sees each of our needs, and gives us an opportunity to have them met... by each other.

Here in Zambia, school uniforms are standard. To go to school is a privilege, and so is wearing a uniform. Our children at Lifesong have not had uniforms in the past. They have come to school as they are.

Recently... God orchestrated a pretty cool event which ended in Concord Christian School in Knoxville taking on a project as a school to provide uniforms for our students at Lifesong! We are so grateful! Now, children in America will have the opportunity to learn about someone else's need, and to be on mission for it. Our children here will see that God hears their prayers and is our provider.

Check out what our students had to say...

Faces of the Future...

In January, we added a new preschool class of 20- 5 year olds. We had over 100 applications for these 20 slots. These children were prayed over and we know that they are meant to be at our school.

I am so grateful to get to walk through life with these children... to watch them grow.

I wanted to share with you some of them... They are all in need of sponsors, since they just joined our school! If you'd like to know more about sponsorship, you can leave me a comment or email me!

Enjoy these cute faces!

If there were no Lifesong...

We are just completing our (the McBs) 1st end of year break. It was one month. Some would think that with school being out, things would be easier here... a little slower. We've found this to be the opposite. I've found myself over the last month consistently concerned about our Lifesong children while on "holiday."

I have seen some in the streets, at the market... and they look different. They look tired, hungry, and more dirty than usual. Especially the younger ones. One of Z's good friends at school, Dennis, came to visit a couple of days. He reeked of urine, as his clothes hadn't been washed in days. He was hungry, but so happy to be in our home. Dennis is the #1 student in his class.

Clement, a 14 year old with major hearing impairment (anyone out there know someone who could hook us up with a cochlear implant?) had malaria and was hospitalized over the break.

(Clement is the 2nd from the left in the white shirt)

Richard, a young man who lives with his older sister... yet she's been gone for a month, has been able to work on the farm to help him buy food during this "holiday" break.

During this break, one of our brightest students showed up at our home after being beaten by his step-father. He now lives on campus with our foster family and is learning what it is like to be in a good family.

If there were no Lifesong...

Many children wouldn't eat

Some children would die from malaria and other diseases because of no medical care

children would remain in abusive and neglectful environments

and there would be many of our caregivers without a way to earn a living.

During this break, I was able to see what their life would be like if they were not given the opportunity to go to school. It means more than education... for some, it means life.

So grateful I get to be a part of making a difference... and for those of you partnering with us, you can rest assured you are joining us in making a difference too.

Glimpse of Redemption...

My Redeemer... My sweet Jesus. He is certainly about making whole, making beauty out of ashes, and filling any gaps, scars, and holes that a sinful world has left marked on His children.

Today, I saw it for my own eyes. It was such a beautiful outward display of what is in the hearts of two boys. Boys that have lived through the death of both their father and their mother. Boys that have wondered "what will happen to my life now?" Yet, they are boys who have experienced REDEMPTION, grace, and LOVE... They have experienced the hands and feet of Jesus in their lives through LifeSong. They see that there is more to life than the hopelessness they see around them. They acknowledge that God has a plan for their lives, and they want to follow him.

Just yesterday, we took them to get some clothes (which we need to do for most of the kids)... and Haggai had some extra money left over. He could have spent it on another pair of socks, or food for himself. However, He bought apples with it and gave it to the street boys at the market. He didn't do this to receive praise... but rather it was out of love and gratitude for what God's provision has given him... and so he has decided to share it with those around him in need.

Redemption... now being spilled out of one broken soul to the next. They will see Jesus in them. I know it. Because I see it.

These boys are wanted...

Loved...

Desired...

Chosen...

Made New...

and Redeemed...

"Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with love and compassion."

Ps 103:4

Help our program in Zambia Wednesday!!!

I do promise, that VERY soon, I am going to get back to "real" blogging! I have had so many things to process that honestly, I think it is easier to just delay. ha.
BUT, this post is something that is clearly close to my heart... and I would LOVE for each one of you to go and VOTE! Kids Caring 4 Kids is an amazing ministry that has a chance to win some very valuable awards! They partner with us, LifeSong Zambia, to help fund our projects and love on our kids. If they win these amazing awards.... $30,000 would go to help our kids in Zambia!!!!!!! ok... let's let that sink in for a second. $30,000!!! So... let's make it viral people!
What's not awesome about that alone? However, LifeSong has sweetened the deal! You can win some great stuff... including the grand prize: A FREE TRIP FOR 2 to Arizona to attend TOGETHER FOR ADOPTION!!! say it with me: "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!?!" So... get on that voting... share about it... blog about it... facebook about it... call in your favors. ;)
YOU ONLY HAVE FROM TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT TO WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT to VOTE!!!
Read more about how to get entered here....
Vote here....
Learn about Kids Caring for Kids here...

"But God makes it grow..."

***(4 More days to get entered into our giveaway here)***
When we were in Zambia the 2nd week of April, one of the big projects going on there was the "Strawberry Project." Luke, the farmer extraordinaire, was working with a consultant from South Africa, along with some amazing and generous people here in the States. SO MUCH WORK went into getting these plants from South Africa TO Zambia. They then drove 4+ hours from Lusaka in a van with ALL OF THESE STRAWBERRY PLANTS... with the AC cranked down... ha. It was like a fridge in there so they say!
They worked on this planting project ALL day EVERY day. Luke, Brian, and the amazing Zambians : both men and women. I saw them learning how to plant strawberries. I saw them take great care of watering... trying to get just the right amount. And to be honest, when I saw the plants... they looked a little... um... peak-ed (as my mom would say)... This is the field as they were being planted....




And now, not even 3 months later, there is this:






And if you want to see MORE... Click HERE




Praise God!! The first harvest is in! What's the purpose of all this, you ask?
on the basic level:
Jobs
Economic Development
Sustainability for the school project
but on a deeper level:
Self-worth
Pride (the good kind)
Hope for the future

Sitting back and watching this reminds me of Paul, in 1 Cor 3:6 when he says "I have planted, Appolos watered, but God made it grow." (now, I realize he was actually lecturing and giving some conflict resolution at that time) I read that scripture and it just seemed perfect. There were so many hands "planting" and "watering" in this project... working with both their knowledge (through consulting) and their hands (those on the ground). BUT... in all this, God made it grow. Here's to the body of Christ working together... and God's gracious growth!

Another side to Lifesong: Something Better

I wanted to share this story with you all. I have written and posted pictures of our project in Zambia, but LifeSong is doing so much around the world! I wanted to share with you this story, so you can see how God is working through LifeSong in the lives of children in India...

Imagine living in a house made entirely out of concrete, that heats up like an oven in the hot sun. Imagine a bare lightbulb hanging from the ceiling as your only light. Imagine having no toilet facilities or running water, but instead getting all your water from a community hand pump. Imagine having parents who worked in the field, barely able to provide from day to day. Imagine no hope, growing up in a hope of idolatry and severe poverty.

To Sindhu Babu this kind of life was normal. It wasn't until he (at age 10) came to Lifesong India that he knew there was something better. Something far better.

Today, at age 18, Sindhu Babu not only has a hope for a future as he studies to become an electrical engineer... not only does he live in a clean home with clean running water... and not only has he heard the word of God, but in 2003, his parents, who for years worshipped idols, gave their lives to Christ!

Praise God that He continues to replace hope for despair in the nearly six hundred children we work with and their families!

Thank you for your continued prayer and support as we serve children in India!