2011 in review

Dear friends and supporters of Asia’s Hope,

I’ve spent a good portion of the last twelve months just shaking my head in astonishment at God’s amazing provision. My prayers this year have alternated between “Help!” and “More, please!”

Despite a constant barrage of bad news — stock markets, unemployment, foreclosures — God has allowed Asia’s Hope to not just survive but thrive in 2011. Time after time, as seemingly impossible challenges rise up in our path, God has come miraculously to our aid. 

Charitable contributions are down across the board in the u.s., Canada and around the world. I know that times are tough; I have seen first-hand struggles among Asia’s Hope’s donors and sponsoring churches. 

I have also seen unprecedented — even heroic — responses to God’s call to join him in answering the prayers of orphaned children. In Mansfield, Ohio — a town with 13% unemployment — Crossroads Community Church raised $370,000 to clothe, feed and raise kids-at-risk half a world away. 

Young couples who have saved for years for a down payment on their first house have instead decided to use that money to help build a house for orphaned kids rescued from the streets of Cambodia.

Business owners who have cut their own salaries due to economic pressures have increased rather than decreased their support of the children they’ve grown to love through the ministry of Asia’s Hope.

Clearly, something is going on here that is bigger than any of us, something that can only be described as a work of God. And as I look forward to the formidable commitments we’ve undertaken — new homes, new staff, new kids, new countries — I pray this blessing from Psalm 41:1–3 (nlt) for all of those who work for, with and on behalf of Asia’s Hope:

“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.”

It truly is a joy to serve these precious kids, and it is an honor for me, for my family, and for the staff of Asia’s Hope to partner with you in changing the world one child at a time. 

I pray that you’ll be encouraged as you take a few moments to review some of the blessings 2011 has brought.

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Check out this digital version of our 2011 year-in-review. If you would like printed copies of this material, please email us and we'll send them right out!