The Village [August 2010 eMagazine]

Getting to know Luis Angel in Mexico

I have a friend in Toronto, Ontario, who told me that he can't read through our monthly magazine without shedding some tears. I have another friend in Ft. Myers, Florida, who told me the same thing.

Although we're not trying to make anyone cry, we can understand why our readers sometimes do. We cry too—as we're reminded of how blessed we are in comparison to so many others around the world. We're also thankful that we can sacrifice on their behalf—with the hope of wiping the tears of our suffering brothers and sisters.

Our planet is full of injustice that robs the poor, but we have a hope that the world will one day be a different place. Scripture not only tells us that Jesus will return to rule with justice, but that "He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain" (Rev. 21:4).

That is the day we will close the doors on the ministry of Heaven's Family. Until then, we are determined not to "grow weary of doing good" (2 Thes. 3:13). Thanks for persevering with us. — David

The Village by David Servant
The Village Development Fund at Work in Mexico

Deep in the mountains of central Mexico, an Indian woman has been in labor for a day. Her baby, lodged in her birth canal, has had no detectable heartbeat for many hours, and the mother's life is slipping away from hemorrhaging. A flooded river, normally crossable by a jeep, separates her from the ambulance, called in by radio, which is waiting on the other side. American missionaries Jason and Nicole Fitzpatrick decide to employ a canoe—tied to rope to prevent it from being swept away in the swift current—to transport the mother to the other side in hopes that she can reach the hospital before she dies. They decide to begin with prayer.... Read more...

Seven Bullets, One Resurrection by Karin Trotter
The Drug Rehabilitation Fund at Work in the Dominican Republic

Jonathon Fana shows scars of his old life, and smile of his new life

Not one, or two, but seven. That's how many bullets ripped through Jonathon Fana's body as he ran from island police.

I listened to Jonathon's story in astonishment as he showed me the bullet holes and the long, jagged scars on his neck and abdomen. How could he have survived such injuries? Yet there he stood in front of me, very much alive. I would soon learn from Jonathon that those seven bullets, far from ending his life, actually played a part in giving him a brand new life. Read more...

Daniel's Dilemma by David Warnock
The Books for Pastors Fund at Work in Kenya

Pastor Daniel Wanzala holding his copy of The Disciple-Making Minister

Kenyan pastor Daniel Wanzala was in trouble. The leaders of his denomination were not happy with the reports they’d been hearing about his church. So they summoned him to explain.

It all began when Pastor Daniel attended a leadership conference in the town of Kitale, taught by David Servant. What he heard that day was difficult for him to accept, because it contradicted some of his own beliefs and practices. Yet it had all been backed up with Scripture. So he faced a dilemma: Would he cling to his tradition or submit to the truth of God’s Word? Read more...

Glory Girl by Jeff Trotter
The Dorms for Orphanages Fund at Work in Myanmar

Chin Chin sitting on the steps of Beulah Orphanage

"Papa, can my hand be as it once was?"

Chin Chin's question stung Sonny Luai's heart every time he heard it. "I do not know how to respond to her," Sonny admitted as he tried to help me feel his anguish. My eyes told me enough, however, as I glanced uncomfortably at Chin Chin's right arm that was missing a hand, and the scars that disfigured her beautiful face.

Chin Chin is the daughter of Sonny's brother, but Sonny cares for her now as his own. She became an orphan when her parents divorced. Tragically, neither wanted a disfigured daughter whose appearance perpetually reminded them of a horrifying day they wanted to forget. Read more...

Robbed, Raped, Restored by David Servant
The Heaven's Family Mutual Fund Making a Difference

Odetta, Ildephonse and Samuel, sitting in their one-room house not long after thieves stole almost everything they owned

In last month's magazine, CJ McDaniel told the encouraging story of Ildephonse Bigrimana, a handicapped beggar in Burundi, East Africa, who was led to Christ by a Heaven's Family-sponsored national missionary. Through gifts to the Handicapped Christians Fund, we set Ildephonse up in a small grocery business, by which he was able to support his wife, Odetta, and their son, Samuel.

Shortly after CJ wrote his report, we received heart-breaking news about Ildephonse and his family. Read more...

Parting Shot - A Mere Mare