Who's In?

Alright, so here it goes: we are officially raising funds. 

While tons of people have to raise funds for their adoption--and they have had the opportunity to watch the Lord work through those efforts--the Lord blessed us by asking us to sacrifice (see blog about Philip's truck) and by leading us to a wonderful organization.  Therefore, most of our adoption costs have been covered.

This leaves us with an incredible opportunity to raise funds for a wonderful cause: to support an orphanage in great need in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The orphanage houses approximately 60 older children living with a wonderful woman who saw their need and stepped in to fill it.  Unlike the orphanage that adopting families support while their children are waiting, these children are not going to be adopted; they are being raised in the DRC to eventually make a difference in their own country.

But, their situation is dire.  The founder struggles to provide furniture, food and education for the children.  They must daily rest on God's provision and on people's hearts to move on their behalf.

That is where we come in. In this time of Thanksgiving, I would love to help this sweet home. Our fundraising goal is to raise $6300 by December 1.  That is a pretty hefty goal (and double what I initially expected to seek from you).  But, God has blessed us with some great friends with some big hearts.

What will $6300 cover?

• Currently, they do not have funds to send the children to school next term. As an educator, I would love to raise the $2300 that will cover the expenses to educate all of the children at the orphanage for the next term.
• The orphanage is also desperately in need of beds.  They need 20 bunk beds, which cost approximately $200 a piece.  We hope to help orchestrate the delivery and construction of these beds on our next visit. 

Would you prayerfully consider helping us raise funds to bless these children?

If you are interested in making a donation, please go to www.ourfamilyadoptions.org.  On that site, you can click to donate to Our Family in Africa.  When you donate, please select for the fund, "Other Special Relief" and state "For the Bell Efforts".  The director will know that these funds are going to help the orphanage.  In addition, please email me the donation information (kristenabell@gmail.com), so that I can keep everyone posted about our progress. OFA is a recognized 501(c)(3), so you will receive tax-deductible information for your donations.

Finally, if you would like to discuss OFA further, or have some creative fundraising ideas, please email me at kristenabell@gmail.com. 

Thank you again for your consideration. We look forward to watching the Lord work to help the least of these and to celebrate with you when He has used our little community to change lives.