On My Mind......

This is not a solicitation!  This is a genuine reflection of where we’ve been, and an anticipation of what might lie ahead.  For the past 8 years or so, we (Gilbert Vineyard Church in Arizona) have supported and helped raise 4 wonderful girls and one boy from the remote mountain villages of the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal.  Here in the shadow of Mt Everest, are so many young girls, in particular, who will never have a chance for an education or to make life choices for themselves.  It has been our privilege to see these girls become educated, trained, and mature into young women who have skills to make their own life choices.  Two of our girls are nearing their completion of school (our equivalent of high school) and will be finding jobs or making decisions on what is next for them.  All of these young girls were at risk of being sold, abused, or just taken by someone as their own personal property. One of our girls was sold when she was 10 years old.  She is now 17, and is a remarkable young woman.  They are all bright, devoted and equipped for life.  I cannot communicate how fulfilling it has been to see this transformation in their lives.  They live in Kathmandu, Nepal at the Vineyard Church. This is wonderful environment in a family atmosphere.  I will be seeing them again in a few months.

It is easy to find young girls, like ours, who need help if they will have any chance at a quality life.  Getting more girls is the easy part, supporting them is a huge commitment of time, energy and money.  It takes about $100 a month to fully support these kids, and it is a 10 year commitment.  That gives you some idea of the investment that is required.  This is not an emotional decision that can be forgotten in a few months or years.  These are real lives we are involved in, and once begun, must be followed through.  Anything else would be irresponsible and self-serving. 

My question:  Should we continue?  Should we find more young girls (approximately 8-10 years old) and give them the same opportunity our girls have had?  Do we have another 10 years of that kind of commitment in us?  Are there others who would love to be part of this kind of rescue and redemption ministry?  Over the next few months, we have decisions to make.  Do we continue, is the biggest one.  Are there any of my FB friends who are looking for this kind of opportunity to change a life?  If so, message me and we can talk further.  In order to continue this ministry, we need more people involved. It is as simple as that.  I am not asking anyone to get involved.  I am asking if you have any interest or inclination to do this with us. 

Thanks for reading this rather long post, and for taking it into consideration.

Mark Morgan