Shake-ups that Wake-up

Yesterday the house shook. So did I. It took a while before I realized I had, once again, felt an earthquake. It’s only a matter of time before So Cal gets the big one – or so they say. Meanwhile, we’re all receiving our share of shake-ups. And I believe those shake-ups are sent to wake up.

Seems every day I meet someone else who’s struggling with depression from some unjust, unexpected divorce, or a deadly disease, or the loss of their house. Life is shaking them up.

This past week, the son of pastor-evangelist Greg Laurie – Christopher – died. He left behind his younger brother, Dad, Mom, wife, baby daughter and another daughter on the way. Who can explain such loss? As Greg Laurie in last Sunday’s sermon, quoting from Job 1:21, “Naked I came into the world and naked I’ll leave it. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

He also said a lot of other inspiring things in that short, tear-jerking sermon. One thing’s for sure: when your faith is real, Christ is manifested and others can see Him through our response to the tragedies that rock our lives.

The weekend of August 15th, the Annual Harvest Crusade—founded by Greg Laurie—will take place again in the Angel Stadium near LA. These crusades draw thousands of people, and thousands get saved. (And you get to hear the coolest music.) I already know that Laurie’s messages will be the most powerful ever, and that there’ll be an incredible harvest of souls. God will use that pain for His gain. For His glory.

During foster care awareness month (May), the Steven Curtis Chapman family lost one of their adopted children. The story is convoluted (and I’ve blogged on it before so I won’t repeat it here). Why? I don’t know. Seems God allows a lot of shaking up to happen and the shaking up will bring waking up. God will use this tragedy to His glory – and perhaps in some curious way to bring more attention to the needs of the orphans waiting to be adopted.

My prayer today is that we could draw closer to the one who does the shaking so that our lives will be grounded in what cannot be shaken—so that what cannot be shaken may remain (Heb.12:27)—Christ.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © July 2008

Orphans First -- not last!

A little boy’s heart is broken this week. Shattered in little pieces.

Allen expected to meet his adopting parents for the first time last week. He had already seen their photo and dreamed of the life he would share with them. But that all changed suddenly when . . . the parents changed their minds.

For reasons only they really know, they got cold feet. But now Allen is left with a cold future and possibly a cold heart.

The majority of people on the streets and in prisons were society’s rejects. They either didn’t have a family—like Allen—or their family was totally dysfunctional. That’s why I believe God would have us pray for the foster children and the world’s orphans. That’s why I do what I do with Orphans First—www.orphansfirst.org. That’s why I believe we should storm Heaven’s doors and ask the Lord what our part is in helping these children.

Let’s pray more than every before for a solution for Allen, and the many orphans who share his pain.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got my work cut out. And a large part of that work is on my knees. If you’d like to join me praying for the needy children, you can subscribe to the Orphans First Prayer Chain (find it on the Orphans First website).

Copyright©July 2008
www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Love Lessons from Christian the Lion

Tonight I heard of a teen boy torturing a baby—and laughing at it. Sure, the boy will be punished, but will the baby boy ever recover from his wounds ? We need to pray that he will.

In one sense, children can mend fast—if they’re loved. And a child who is loved will never forget those who love him, even if he doesn’t know how to respond and spends forever testing that love. It takes loving,loving and loving . . . and lots of prayer.

Here’s a clip on YouTube you don’t want to miss. Guaranteed to warm your heart: Christian the Lion. This is a true story. As a cub, Christian was nurtured and raised by two boys. When he reached a certain size, they were obliged to take him to Africa (on some kind of sarafi park I guess). A year later, they decided to visit him. They were told he wouldn’t recognize them. But . . . well, watch for yourself. And get your tissues ready.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVNTdWbVBgc

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmc8gDzk2sg&NR=1

Sentinel: City of Destiny by Landel Bilbrey

As far as biblical analogy and teaching content are concerned,
Sentinel: City of Destiny by Landel Bilbrey is one of the finest children’s books I’ve read. (And, trust me, I’m really picky!).

Sentinel is written for both parents and sons (although I do believe girls would enjoy it just as much). Using creative biblical parallel, Bilbrey has woven a fantasy that any child would enjoy—one that keeps you wondering what will happen next and yet teaches you biblical truths along the way.

The book provides a beautiful story about two brothers, Jerol and Jadan, and the two opposing paths they choose. One listens to the King, and the other is drawn away to follow his own desires. But both are given equal opportunity to follow the path to Sentinel.

Sentinel helps parents shape character in their youngsters, and helps kids develop character as they apply what they read. As well as offering a good, fun story, Sentinel also supplies a study section at the back where readers can work out the practical sense of the story and apply it to their lives.

Sez Bilbrey: “Sentinel is a Christian fantasy novel ... a modern day allegory (Think The Chronicles of Narnia crossed with Pilgrim's Progress). Its story is aimed primarily at boys ages 8 to 12, but speaks to people of all ages. (There are suspense, battles with creatures, temptations, etc.) You might say it is an adventure story with a moral. It is currently available online at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Borders.com, Walmart.com, etc. I wrote it to capture the attention of preteen boys and crafted the allegory to be a teaching tool for parents (there is a study guide in the back of the book).”

So, what more can I say? I’ve read a lot of children’s books. A lot. This is one I’d highly recommend. It has backbone, gutz, zeal, excitement, story, character and a wonderful allegory to help kids draw closer to Jesus. Thanks Landel Bilbrey.

Check out more info on Sentinel: City of Destiny, and other writing by Landel Bilbrey here.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright©June 2008

Orphans First in Benin Africa, Summer News

Benin—the land where many of the African slaves were stolen and brought to America.

No wonder God is allowing Orphans First to make a serious dent for the Kingdom in that same country where we’re seeing children (& adults) become delivered from their carnal chains by the love of Jesus.

As I’ve shared before here—and on the Orphans First Prayer Chain—this year we hope to establish a new children’s home in Benin. (Prayers appreciated for this.) We already work with some seventy children there, teaching them about Jesus and providing some of their physical needs. But some of them need a home. And we’re trusting God to provide soon.

Koudjo, our key contact in Benin, is a Togolese man who was mentored in large by my husband through our Theological Institute in France. This summer, Koudjo celebrates the inauguration of the new Bible College. My husband and I are expected to attend. But the trip may possibly be postponed until later this year since we may be moving. We’ll see . . .


To read more on Benin—or any of our Orphans First ministries—check out the revamped Orphans First website: www.orphansfirst.org. (And check regularly since we’ll be adding more soon.) To find the page on Benin, click on: Our Work, then Africa, then Benin.

Thank you for your prayers.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © June 2008

Of Dogs and of Men!

It’s pretty sad when those who’ve accepted to defend our country—to protect the innocent and stand in strong integrity against evil—become evil themselves. Shame, shame, disgust to the marines who threw an innocent puppy over a cliff. (I won’t even include the link to the story because their gore deserves no more attention other than to remind us that there are dark spots in some human heart. No dog would act like these marines.)

I recently saw a photo of another dog—one who was apparently pregnant and found herself caught in a fire. She was saved by a fireman. Thank God for that fireman and other men of integrity who serve us, mere humans, blessing us with their brave integrity. As for the beautiful dog, she had a special thanks for this fireman. You can read and see it here.

On news tonight, we met Chester. Chester is a tiny dog who goes into hospitals and nursing homes pouring out his love and affection—and bringing healing because of it.

Meanwhile, my husband and I are meeting more and more disillusioned Christians. Disillusioned by the church. By Christians. By those who claim to know Jesus but whose actions show anything but. It’s a sad thing. Especially sad considering that, in France there aren’t even half a percent Christians, and most of the churches (the few there are), are dead. Here in America, there are churches on every corner. But so few are apparently really drawing people into a deep walk with Jesus. So few really coming alongside the people and licking their wounds—like a loving dog.

No wonder my husband, a pastor who truly loves people, finds his days filled as he pours out to hurting people hungry to know about Jesus. People have been through so much. They so need to be loved and heard.

I told a friend today, “Churches would have a lot less problems if they were filled with dogs.” Oh, those precious, humble, loving, giving dogs… They have a lot to teach us.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © June 2008

www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Prayer Vigil for Children at Risk -- So Cal

Yes, yes, yes-—we can make a difference. And here’s one way to begin. Prayer.

I recently spoke about the Battle of Kruger, and how we can make a difference for the hurting children—-if we band together in oneness of purpose. To that end, we're organizing a Prayer Vigil for Children at Risk at North Coast Calvary Chapel for this Friday. All prayer warriors, and would-be-prayer-warriors, welcome.

For recent prayer requests for children in need, go to the Orphans First website, and click on Prayer. On top of our other children’s ministries and homes, we have recently taken on an orphanage in Romania that was started by Richard & Sabina Wurmbrandt—and that is in dire need. The children and workers no longer have consistent support. We have begun helping them, and hope to help them regularly.

Still, there are thousands of millions of children in need all over the world. Please join us this week in praying for them-—whether you pray from home, in your car, in small groups, in your church, wherever. Find out more here. Let’s band together and make a difference.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © June 2008
www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Author of Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!—biblical direction for practical parenting issues.