Two years ago I was visiting my dad and met two amazing people, Raj and Juyona. They're married, from India, and they run a ministry there that includes an Orphanage, Evangelism, help for the widows, and the handicapped. They founded the Orphanage a few years before I met them after seeing the need for a loving and caring place for children in their region to live. These children have been abandoned at hospitals, by mothers who can't care for them, or they are found by orphanage workers, living in the streets. They are brought back to Mercy and given a home. They are given food, family, and an education. In short, they are given a future. I don't have the statistics in front of me, but a huge number of these children would have ended up in the human trafficking industry. The Orphanage has a big wall around it and is gated. To keep the children safe.
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Raj and Juyona again. This time they had a book with photos of their experiences. As I was flipping through it with Jasper, my little boy, he stopped me and pointing to a photo asked me why that women didn't have any fingers. I took a second look and realized what I thought was a photo of the widows they've been visiting were actually photos of a leper colony they'd visited. It wrenched my heart but was such a good opportunity to share with Jasper.
Slum kids scrounging for food- they're now at Mercy.
In the Bible God asks us to take care of the children, the widows, and the outcasts. I've struggled in the past to see how I fit into this. God made me an artist. I've wondered how I could use these skills to help others. I make pretty things. They aren't necessary items but they do reflect the beauty around us. The beauty God created for us. By giving from my sales to this ministry I feel like I'm helping. I'm not there visiting the widows, or cooking for the orphans, but I'm helping the way I can. Although you can choose to sponsor an orphan, I've chosen to give my contribution to their general fund or building fund. They're currently building a second orphanage. This one will house 450 orphans and widows and is set up in family units so that the widows without families, will have 3-4 children to care for and mother. It's an awesome, inspired idea that I just love. 100% if what I give goes into their ministry. I want to encourage you to visit their site. Find out more, tell someone else- God can use you in this way too.
Below is a video of a visit to Mercy made by the woman who coordinates US sponsorships and aid. She is handing out letters from the sponsors to the children. It's a great look at how huge an impact a small act can make.
Today I'm sending off this little heart to a benefit event in Josephine County, OR. The event is called Hearts and Heroes and will be selling heart art from many different artists. I was contacted via etsy because they were looking to add some more sculptural hearts to their collection.
Art Helping Others One of my biggest reasons for pushing myself to sell my work was the hope that it could somehow benefit others. I wasn't sure how, but I wanted what I did to make a difference in the world.
My vague plan was: I would make it, others would buy it, and I'd send money to help the people who need it.
Definitely vague. What a blessing it was, a month later, to meet Raj and Juwonya, two of the individuals who run and care for the children at Mercy Orphanage in India. I love that the money I give them goes for important things, like another building so they can house more children and widows, chickens, and pillows. The necessary things in life we take for granted. I give 10% plus of my etsy sales to Mercy. Everyone who purchases from me makes that possible. Thank you!!!!
But lately I feel like I want to do a little more. So I am very excited that this opportunity came along. The fundraiser is to help children in need and those abused. Children that hurt aren't just a third world problem but are everywhere and those who give of their time and selves to save these children, to rescue them, to love them are definitely heroes to me. SO if you happen to be in the Grants Pass area of Oregon I know they'd love to have you attend this event.
PS- The heart I donated is one of my scribble hearts decorated with some of my 5-year-old son's art supplies. It needed to have something childlike and free spirited and to me that means crayons, silly straws, and paint!
