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.

Tragedy strikes the Steven Curtis Chapman family

Today, as we pray for foster children and orphans, I’m also praying for a teen boy whose world just fell apart—a precious young man who unexpectedly became a key player in a family tragedy that is shaking the world.

The young man, son of adoption advocate, and award-winning Christian singer/songwriter, Steven Curtis Chapman, ran into his youngest sister, five-year-old Maria, when driving his car in the family’s driveway. Maria later died.

Little Maria Sue was adopted from China, as were two of her sisters, also adopted by the Chapmans. The Chapmans' heart for adoption is depicted by the work of their nonprofit organization, Shaohannah's Hope, which serves to help Christian families to adopt by offering financial aid.

Read the entire story in the Nashville Tennessean.

Or read it on FOXNews.com."

See this moving video of Steven with two of his adopted daughter-—including little Maria-here.


url - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-eXJM4vVmQ

Ironic that this tragedy took place the same exact week that has been dedicated to praying to foster children? (See www.FamilyLife.com.) No, not ironic. Perhaps God will use this tragedy to make our prayers more powerful, to wake up the sleeping giant—the church—to grab hold of her responsibilities and reach out to orphans. Perhaps God will use this to raise up families to adopt and foster.

Yes, this tragedy will shake the world. But let’s pray that it will also wake it up. Let’s pray the world will be stirred so that the tears of a young man crying over the loss of his sister—tears mingled with sorrow, confusion, perhaps senseless all-too-human guilt—are not in vain. And let’s pray for this boy also.

May God use this calamity to open our eyes to those in need, to the beauty of adoption, and may He probe our hearts constantly so that we all do our part in helping the fatherless.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © May 2008

United We Stand

In my last blog post, I shared about the Battle of Kruger. That impactful video has not left my mind. I feel strongly that God has something to tell us. It’s all about being willing to fight for what is right, for what is biblical—by dropping our differences and being united.

I recently wrote an article on Tom Tancredo and how he fights for what he believes in—sometimes going against the status quo. (I’ll let you know when and where the article is published.) Tancredo, a friend, is brilliant. An inspiration.

Reading in the book of Judges recently about how the people of Laish were defeated confirmed my thinking. These people who lived peacefully, without contention, also lived isolated, without having direct connections with people around them (Judges 18:7 & 28). Thus, when they were attacked, they were easy prey because they couldn’t call on help. Isolation was their problem. It is often ours.

Foolish are we when we think we can live this life alone, isolated from others. And while I understand that people are often disappointed with church, I encourage anyone who knows Jesus to connect with His people in some way—on a regular basis. It’s the only way we’ll make it against the oncoming onslaught. And with elections as coming—and the feeble choices before us—the onslaught is surely coming.

Chapter 18 in my book, Heaven Help Me Raise These Children! focuses specifically on spiritual warfare: https://www.carepointministry.com/parenting.html. And it applies to every area of our life.

For those interested in Orphans First, please read the recent prayer requests as we consider partnering with an orphanage in Romania which was founded by Richard Wurmbrandt. Check out Prayer Chain: www.orphansfirst.org And, since this coming week, Prayer Vigils for Foster Children & Orphans will be held all over the country, let’s join together pray for orphans foster children this coming week: www.fostercareprayervigil.org. May all find godly forever families.

***I’m organizing a Prayer Vigil for Children at Risk on June 6th at North Coast Calvary Chapel for anyone in the area.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © May 2008

www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

What can the Battle at Kruger teach us?

The task of rescuing helpless children from the clutches of predators often seems hopeless. The enemy’s tactics to inflict pain on the little ones through abandonment, neglect and fear seem so powerful. Like lion’s teeth.

Many foster children are caught in the grips of a cruel system, dragged from one home to another, and viciously tugged away from any sense of home or belonging. They might as well be clamped between the teeth of lions and crocodiles, awaiting their doom. But we can change this. And there’s a video out there that shows us how.

Yep, I saw it on YouTube—an authentic safari video of the Battle at Kruger, where lions and croc fight over a baby buffalo using their bare teeth. Since the devil roams around like a lion ready to pounce and devour the innocent (1 Pet.5:8), the analogy is flagrant. The message couldn’t be clearer. The little ones are the devil’s primary target, and there’s only one way to release them from his clutches. Together. The battle is won as we join hands and fight together.

Before I say more on this, I highly recommend you watch this 8 minute YouTube for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM
Or here: http://www.BattleAtKruger.com

What is God telling us?
This spontaneous video of nature reflects God’s thoughts. A pride of lions chases a troop of buffaloes. The baby buffalo, the obvious target, flees to escape and falls into the nearby water. Gripping him their teeth, the lions attempt to drag him out. As they try to extract him from the water, an enormous crocodile lunges at him, clamping deadly fangs around the baby buffalo’s legs. Then the torturous battle begins as lions and crocodile pull and tug together—each side greedy to devour the tender prey.

The lions manage to yank the little buffalo away from the croc’s grip, and then encircle the now-listless creature ready to devour him.

When all looks lost, out of the blue, the lions find themselves surrounded by a troop of buffalo. Together the burly beasts surround their foe, waiting (you’d almost think this was a prayer vigil). Some move to the back of the circle, as if afraid. Still, they remain together. United.

Suddenly, swat! One huge buffalo moves forward and kicks a lion. Another throws a giant feline up in the air. Some lions run away, pursued by angry buffalo. Others saunter into the background cautiously, but their distance only enrages the buffalo who chase after them with attitude: You will not take one of our little ones. For as long as we’re alive, we’ll fight for him.

Who could withstand such determination? Little by little, the lions withdraw. They are vanquished and forced to abandon their prey. But surely, it’s too late. the baby must dead by now.

As the video rolls, you can hear the cameraman’s friends saying, “It’s too late. They’re way too late now.”

But they were wrong. It was not too late.

Against all odds, the little one wobbles to his feet and scrambles back to his family. Everyone is stunned. Thrilled—and stunned. The situation had seemed hopeless, but a victory was won. A victory echoing the heartbeat of God.

God is speaking loudly through this video. He is telling us it is never too late. We should never give up. Never, no never. Not when it comes to a suffering child. (Chapter 18 of my book, Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!—biblical direction for practical parenting issues, is reveals how to fight so that the little ones will be delivered from the enemy’s territory. See here: https://www.carepointministry.com/parenting.html)

The struggle at Kruger dramatically depicts the message prevalent at the Orphan Summit I attended in Ft. Lauderdale recently. What God is sharing with us, the body of Christ, is that if we work together to help the little ones who are caught by lions and crocodiles—in foster systems, abused families or other seemingly desperate situations—then we’ll win the battle. We must band together, unite and fight. We must rise up and surround our enemy in prayer. And then we must act. No matter what it costs us. If we want to win the battle for the children, here’re some keys to implement:
Work together,
Surround the enemy together (in prayer)
Never give up, remain determined to go forward,
Be bold and fearless, even when we’re scared,
Be willing to give up our lives so the children might have theirs,
Lay down our agendas, logos and labels for a Higher Cause—that of saving the little victims,
Pray, pray and pray some more.

Prayer is a key component to usher in victory. To pray specifically and regularly, you can join the Orphans First Prayer Chain and receive prayer requests in your mailbox by going to www.orphansfirst.org and clicking on “join.” You can also be part of an upcoming Prayer Vigil this. Find out more here: www.fostercareprayervigil.org. There you will find materials to help you, as well as a registration page and map displaying local vigils throughout the nation. You can also participate or organize a prayer vigil during the first weekend of June, the National Day of Prayer for Children at Risk! Find out more here: www.viva.org.

Let’s take the bull by the horns and release him from the lion’s grip. Oooops, I mean baby buffalo. We can do it—together!

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © May 2008

www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com