That was the case on my recent trip to Bangladesh and the Philippines. Bangladesh has a population of over 150 million people in a country slightly smaller than the state of Iowa. You can't escape the mass of humanity wherever you go. Over 80% of the population is Muslim. We drove for hours, including transport over the river by ferry, to see a cou
ple of the village schools. Most of the Mission of Mercy projects are in the rural areas, and are inaccessible at times during the monsoon season. One of the things that really struck me was how little that they have as a point of reference to us in America. We encourage the children to write their sponsors regularly, but there is nothing in their culture to relate to. In these areas they have no mail service, and no need to communicate with anyone beyond their living area. There's no soccer league or dance school to write about. They live very simple lives - no electricity, no running water. Yet, you can see the hope in their eyes.When we went to the Home of Hope Children's Home, I saw children who are being raised to become leaders. The first of the children are now graduating and contributing to the church and the community in Bangladesh.
In the Philippines, we also traveled a great deal. On the island of Malapascua, there is a small population which relies primarily on fishing. With solar power, a few lights can be lit at night, but the homes are very simple bamboo homes - all cooking is done outside over an open fire. Since we were going to spend the night, our afternoon included a walk around the island, and some time just sitting on the beach speaking with the fishermen. I met one sponsored child and his mother. She was sewing ripped fishing nets, and we had the opportunity to speak. She is extremely happy that her son is able to participate in the Mission of Mercy program. He gets help and encouragement in his studies, and receives nutritious meals on a regular basis. Our last activity of the day was attending a children's church service. The kids led the singing - and were enthusiastic participants. Over 150 Mission of Mercy kids crowded the church, and I had a wonderful evening with them.The next day we visited several families whose homes were destroyed earlier in the summer by a typhoon. Upon my return, I had the joy of sending funds from Mission of Mercy to help eight of these families with sponsored children. Their homes will be rebuilt - and they will be able to move ahead with their lives.
After two weeks of exhaustive travel in Asia, my last full day was a Sunday. We were to attend church at the Happy Horizon's home. I was told that the children of the home, some of whom were rescued off the streets after much abuse, always led the worship. I thought, "this will be cute." I was totally unprepared for what I experienced. These kids are talented singers and musicians - and they know how to worship. Any church in America would be blessed to be a part of that service. I came out of that service refreshed and encouraged. The abuse that some of these children have suffered in their lives is unimaginable - yet they have hope in a God who deeply loves them and cares for them.My final activity was to speak at the two year anniversary of a church. We traveled on rocky
roads almost straight up the mountainside. The church started two years ago with about 15 people. There were probably 200 at the service that afternoon. The kid's from the orphanage came to help with the music. The worship was led by the pastor's wife. After the service, I found out that the pastor's wife was one of the first five girls taken in years ago when Happy Horizons had just started. Talk about ministry coming full circle!Though I didn't hang out on any popular beaches, or visit any tourist attractions, I experienced a side of life that very few of us in this country get to experience. I saw poverty, to be sure. But I also saw something that all of us need to experience daily - Hope!
