African bead party a success!

Wednesday night I had a lot of fun hosting an African bead party at my house to support our trip to Ethiopia! It was kind of a last minute decision to have it, but I am so glad I did. There was a steady flow of friends and family there to purchase beads and hear more about the vision God has given us to love and care for orphans in Ethiopia. It was so much fun and a friend of mine even offered to host another one at her house in a few weeks for her friends and any of mine that couldn't make it on Wednesday- she is SO sweet!

I was able to borrow a bunch of beautiful things from my Ethiopian friend to decorate with and it made it feel a lot more authentic- even down to the smell. I used Ethiopian fabrics and baskets and pitchers on the tables to hold beads in and it was just perfect. I wish I would have taken pictures of all of it, but I was too busy to really stop and do it- you get the idea though. :)

And the party was a success... we raised $966 for our trip and get this, our fees that are due right now are $1,000! What an answer to prayer- and yes OF COURSE we prayed over this party and God is so faithful as He always is! We have another set of fees due in a few weeks and we will cross that bridge when we get there, but it is so amazing when we step out and MOVE forward in FAITH, God's provision is always right on time!

I have lots more to share about our upcoming trip (only 7 weeks away!) and will hopefully have a way for you to purchase beads online soon if you'd like to support us that way. For now I'll leave you with this devotional that Tom Davis of Children's HopeChest sent to those who are or might be going on the Ethiopia trip.

Dear Friends,

I wanted to start your week with a meditation from Proverbs that relates to our mission trip. I hope you will go with us--either in person, in prayer, or in financial support.

"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." - Proverbs 25:25




When we approach missions, we often think about traveling into distant lands--lands with names like Ethiopia. They are far and unfamiliar to us.


But for the many orphans we will visit, it is the U.S. that is the distant land. In their minds, it is unbelievable that people who live in the distant land of America would come all the way to Ethiopia just to visit them.


They often do not understand their precious value to God the Father. In some cases, they are seen as cursed or unlucky. A burden more than a joy. A problem more than an opportunity.


These are the things the enemy has done to the orphans of Ethiopia. He has stripped them not only of their earthly protectors and loving parents. He has, with cruel elegance, planted the seed in their minds that they are without value to anyone.




But when you visit them in person, that starts to change.




When you tell a child you are there just to visit them, to become their friend and learn more about them, to exchange letters and have a relationship--it means more than they can even describe. It is like "cold water to a weary soul."


At HopeChest, we build on these mission trips and connect every orphanage to a caring church or sponsoring organization who will provide individual sponsors for every child and missions trips to their orphanage every year. It is the long-term, and these trips are just one part of a larger process. But that first cup of water is so important.




You can be that water. God can use your life to bring comfort and love into the life of an orphan in Ethiopia. Come with us...here's a few ways you can join this team:

1. Visit Ethiopia with the Team

Join us if you can in person. All of the details are on the invitation page, or you can e-mail matthew@hopechest.org and he'll get you everything you need to participate. The dates are Sept. 19-29, and the cost is $1,300 + airfare.

2. Commit to Prayer for the Team and the Kids

Satan does not want us to care for orphans. Our team and the kids need vigorous prayer from a team of people committed to pray. If you would like to commit to pray for the trip, the individual team members, and the kids we are serving, email matthew@hopechest.org to get more information.

3. Give of Your Treasure

Jesus said "Where your treasure is, your heart will be also." Give your heart to this trip by making a gift of any size. HopeChest can use it to purchase even more on-the-ground supplies, and assist others in going on the trip. Make a gift of any size by clicking HERE.  Just put "Ethiopia September Trip" in the note line.

Thank you friends. I know you care about orphans around the world, and I appreciate all of your prayers and support.

For the Fatherless,

Tom Davis

CEO, HopeChest

Check back soon for more info on how you can purchase some African bead necklaces and be a part of something bigger! A big huge THANK YOU to all those who were there Wednesday night. I love you all and am so grateful for you! :)