Take a moment, cherish what you did today!

Make every moment count and cherish each opportunity to make a difference. At the end of the day, when you are sitting in that comfortable recliner and you think about your day, do you take stock of what you accomplished on that day? That is what I want to ask you to do in the next few minutes. Take stock of what you did today...

Today, you gave a child a warm breakfast.

Today, you gave a child warm water for a shower.

Today, you shared a devotion with a child.

Today, you helped a child learn to read.

Today, you laughed with a child.

Today, you wiped a child’s tears of hurt and loneliness.

Today, you listened to a child.

Today, you took a child on their first fishing trip.

Today, you put a Band-Aid on the knee of a child.

Today, you bought a child a pair of shoes.

Today, you helped a child find love and hope.

Today, you helped a child believe in their dreams.

Today, you gave a child a warm bed where they could find rest and peace.

Today, you gave a child a cone of ice cream.

Today, you held a child’s hand as they dipped their toes into the ocean for the first time.

Today, you created a family through foster care.

Today, you created a family through adoption.

Today, you screamed when a child brought you a green snake.

Today, you baked a birthday cake for a child’s first birthday party.

Today, you fixed three meals for a home full of 10 hungry teenagers.

Today, you transported children to summer school.

Today, you shared the love of Jesus with a child.

Today, God used your gifts of love to make a difference.

Each day our children’s lives are touched because you care. Each time we reach out to a child you are there. Our cottage parents and our foster parents are missionaries who offer warm, loving, and caring Christian homes. It is your giving that makes it possible for us to be there for each child that walks through our doors. I have often heard: “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” I am grateful to our partners in ministry. Thank you for putting your faith in action through your many gifts of love.

As you know the cost of providing the basics for so many children can be enormous. Gas prices and the economy is in front of us every time we open the newspaper or turn on the TV. Each time I go to the store, it seems that food prices have increased. As we prepare to buy clothes and school supplies, it can seem a bit

overwhelming. Then I am reminded of God’s provision through you. Our food pantries are full and I know our children will be well fed. Through our bed sponsorship program our children will have a warm and safe place to sleep. Children are helping our children through VBS offerings to help with our many needs. Churches and

individuals are already bringing school supplies. We are receiving calls daily to schedule speaking engagements to promote our annual offering. Each caller says, “We want to help the children.”

I know that you receive letters daily asking for help from many organizations. I know that stewardship of all that God has given you is important. Thank you for your spiritual investment in those we serve. Today and tomorrow, your investment will make a difference in the lives of many children, families, and individuals in need on their journey to hope and healing.

“Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and

clothed thee?

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25: 36-40).

For the child who came to us with all their belongings stuffed in a black plastic bag, for the frail aging adult who needed transportation to the doctor, for the father in prison who wrote,

“Thank you for caring for my child,” for children and families who come to us hungry and thirsty both physically and spiritually, for the tiny baby abandoned near our orphanage in Guatemala,

for the independence, joy, and care experienced by our IDDM residents, for the birth mom who chose life for her baby, for the family held together through support and counseling, for each one who entered our doors feeling helpless, alone, and lost, thank you for today!

Now close your eyes for the night and rest knowing you cared for the least of these. You made a difference! Be prepared to wake up tomorrow and walk this journey with us again.

Thank you for all you do. Click here to give today!

Written by Brenda Gray, Executive Vice President of Development & Communications