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Words Of Wisdom

Education could transform this child's Life

Sending 1000 Kids Back To School

Through Wisdom For Asia’s Back To School Outreach,  hundreds of children in India are still attending school. Through this outreach we provide the necessary school supplies for the children to continue to attend school.

The Statistics About  Children In India

  • It is estimated India has over 440 million children.
  • Over 120 million of those children live in poverty.
  • 5.3 million children between 5 and 18 are trapped in the sex industry.
  • 50% of Indian children aged 6-18 do not go to school.
  • Only 1/3 of all children who enroll in first grade reach the eighth grade.
  • In nearly 60% of the schools, there are less than two teachers to teach grades 1 through 5.
  • 50% of girls are likely to drop out of school by the age of 12. The other 50% fail to enroll at all.

Why are so many children forced to work instead of being allowed to receive an education?

  1. To help their families. Millions of children work to help their families because the adults do not have adequate employment or income. Children are forced to forfeit their childhood in order to eat. They do not have enough money to buy food, much less the school supplies and textbooks required to go to school.
  2. No access to quality schools. Millions of children live in remote, rural villages or in slums. Most do not have quality schools in their area. They are surrounded by adults who are illiterate themselves and have no hope or vision for a better life.
  3. Deceived and abused. Poor and bonded families often “sell” their children to contractors who promise lucrative job opportunities in the cities. Instead, the children end up laboring in hotels, domestic work, and brothels. Those who are able to escape simply run away to find a life on the streets.

There is an adage that says, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” The children of India need both. Without an education or the opportunities an education provides, the cycle of poverty will never be broken. Without an initial investment and inspiration, education will never be possible.

HELP US SEND 1000 CHILDREN IN INDIA BACK TO SCHOOL THIS SCHOOL YEAR

Every school year, we would like to provide school supplies to a minimum of 1,000 children who would like to continue their education but cannot afford to buy the required supplies for school. With only $15 we can buy all they need to complete an entire year of school. This $15 will interrupt the poverty cycle and give children a second chance to receive a life-changing education.

You can sponsor online now by selecting one of the options below. The links below will connect you to our secure and easy to use giving site. Give now…make a difference!!

Sponsor 2 Children  Sponsor 4 Children   Sponsor 8 Children   Sponsor 10 Children

Please Note: If you would like to give a specific amount that is not listed here you can change the amount as you process your donation on our secure giving site.

Spiritual Discipline: The Doorway To Liberation

This is guest post from Tim Boykin, who is an ORU Graduate and a great Bible Teacher. We are glad to have him on board with us as one of the blog writers. We pray that his writings will be a blessing to your spiritual life.
SSpiritual disciplines help to free us from the things hinder us from spiritual growth; in Foster’s own words those things are “self-interest and fear” (Foster, 2008, p. 2). They place us in a position in which God does the freeing and delivering of us from “the sin that so easily besets us” (Zondervan New International Version Study Bible, 2002, p. Heb. 12.1). This must be the way they act as a door to liberate us for we know that only “the Son” can truly set us free (Zondervan New International Version Study Bible, 2002, p. John. 8.36).

I think the easiest implication to for the Christian to draw, is that the disciplines help us to be free from sin. Whether that is a specific sin like laziness, gluttony, lust, greed, fear etc. They also help us to avoid the danger of “idle hands” (Zondervan New International Version Study Bible, 2002, pp. Ecc. 10.18, 11.6). If focused upon they increase the time we spend doing the things that good Christians should be doing. They would help us to increase in certain areas like knowledge of scripture, philosophy, and time spent in prayer, fasting etc. Indeed I think Foster hints at this with his comment on “antinomianism” (Foster, 2008, p. 8) but this is not his focus. The implication Foster takes special note of is not as obvious.

He chooses to major on the transformation of the inner-man that can be brought about by such disciplines, contrasting it to the pharisaical “discipline” Jesus argued against. He makes this comparison primarily by defining the opposing views, perceptions versus regulations, and then observing the pitfalls most common with walking in the disciplines. Foster uses very “image creating” language throughout to describe the disciplines effects. For example, he uses the word “thicken” to describe how they affect his spirituality. However, as Foster explains, the disciplines help us not because they, in and of themselves, have any power.

I love Foster’s language of sewing a seed (Foster, 2008, p. 8); it’s such a “Jesus” approach. The practice of the disciplines sews us like a seed into the ground where then God can do the works of sanctification and “brought to the fullness” (Zondervan New International Version Study Bible, 2002, p. Col. 2.10). Foster notes early on that he was, despite his enthusiasm and training, unable to really help the struggling people in his congregation (Foster, 2008, p. xiv). His basic assessment was that his own spirituality was shallow (Foster, 2008, p. xv). To borrow his language of the “seed” (Foster, 2008, p. 8), he had no roots. He had to root himself through the disciplines so that God could produce fruit in his life. I believe that is Foster wants us to see the doorway of the disciplines opening to the “potter’s wheel” (Zondervan New International Version Study Bible, 2002, p. Is. 64.8), and to the dirt of God’s field of sanctification (Foster, 2008, p. 8).

Foster also remarks that the disciplines increase our want for God, quoting the psalmist, “as a hart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee Ps. 42.1” (Foster, 2008, p. 2). This I think is the heart of the whole matter that Foster wants us to see. Everything else we get from the disciplines hinges upon this truth, in Foster’s own words “The primary requirement is a longing after God” (Foster, 2008, p. 2). We must deepen our desire for the One who “makes all things new” (Zondervan New International Version Study Bible, 2002, p. 21.5) including us.

Which Truth?

This is guest post from Tim Boykin, who is an ORU Graduate and a great Bible Teacher. We are glad to have him on board with us as one of the blog writers. We pray that his writings will be a blessing to your spiritual life.
SSince I began writing, I have really wrestled with only a few major themes. Love, justice philosophies, and joy have dominated my work. Everything I write comes from the same perspective, a theological one, because my worldview is one in which God is central to all things. In my worldview He is preeminent to all things, so all things are defined by His construction and use of them. In other words, the purpose of those things in their usage and meaning, for me, cannot leave the scope of how He has defined them, or else they become something completely different. To make a practical example, if you say something that is not in line with its scriptural definition brings you joy, I am going to assume you have an incorrect definition of joy. Let’s say a woman claims that her dating relationship with her boyfriend brings her joy, yet he is abusive. I will assume that there are things about that relationship that bring her happiness… but not joy. I assume this because scripture teaches that in a relationship people should put one another first, sacrifice for each other, be patient, kind, gentle, 1st Corinthians 13 etc. NEVER does intentional abuse fall into the Biblical definition of a meaningful romantic relationship that produces joy. However, I cannot tell you how many Christian women and sometimes men, that get into and stay in abusive relationships by producing a self-justification that numbs the pain just enough. Obviously, this is just one of a multitude of possible examples, and an extreme simplification solely for the purpose of making a point. The purpose of this dialogue is to point towards the foundation from which I will draw all of the assumptions for the rest of my writings.

As with anything in life, foundations are necessity. When formulating any hypothesis there must be some assumptions from which we make conjecture. You cannot say, in a “real” discussion, this is right/wrong solely because this is my opinion. You must have some basis, be it logic, science, philosophy, religion… some assumption of Truth from which you draw conclusions. Now, I realize that I do NOT own the one and only view of Christian thought and practice. There are a multitude of positions taken on varying subjects, sanctification or the sovereignty of God are both good examples. Scripture provides space for disagreement and variation on many different topics. However, there are also quite a number of things that simply aren’t up for debate. Murder is an easy one, bearing false witness against your neighbor is also an easy one, adultery, hate, greed, lust, lasciviousness, covetousness and so on.

It is important to distinguish between those two categories, and to determine how you go about the distinguishing. Christians are often guilty of justifying sin in a Christian context. This is done by making a false assumption about God, and circumventing scripture to test that assumption. One such assumption goes something like this, “If God loves me wouldn’t He want me to be happy?” Now, I totally understand for the non-Christian this rhetoric is nonsensical and a simple emphatic “Yes!” However, for the Christian, scripture clearly delineates between happiness and joy. They are not equivalent.

Happiness is for the flesh, and joy for the spirit. Things that make you happy are often things that do not bring you joy. Happiness is circumstantial whereas joy is a result of who you are in Christ. Here are a few examples, many of them Christians won’t like. Eating fried food and sweets 3-7 days a week might make you happy, but it will NOT bring you joy. Never exercising but making certain to catch all your favorite TV shows might make you happy, but it will NOT bring you joy. Poor health, premature death, inability to do simple things that we take for granted can all result from choosing happiness over joy, and severely hinder your ministry and life in general. Playing video games for hours on end while you should be spending some time with your family might make you happy, but it will NOT bring you joy. A couple who works every day and doesn’t prioritize time for family might find moments of happiness in promotions and raises, but the day their child leaves for college and they realize they don’t know each other anymore and that they’ve missed getting to know their child… will NOT find joy in their current lifestyle. Living by culturally accepted truths that pander to your desires may bring you a measure of happiness, but the Truth that sets you free from those desires will bring eternal joy.

So to answer the question, “If God loves me wouldn’t He want me to be happy?” NO! No He wouldn’t. He wants you to walk in obedience with His Word, not because He will benefit from it, but because it will lead you to joy. For the Christian, scripture is plain; not just in Acts but virtually all of Paul’s letters we see a recurring theme. Regardless of circumstance, whether bond or free, abased or abounding, in little and in much, married or single, sick or well, we find joy in our walk with Christ. While on the surface this may not seem like a complex statement, it is basically the crux of all arguments between culture and scripture. The question to answer is whose “truth” do you want to follow… man’s or God’s?

WFA Charitable Outreach

Flip Flops for Children

It is common to see villagers in India walking without shoes. Due to financial hardships, even flip-flops (sandals) are considered a luxury. Children walk miles on their bare feet. They face dangers like lacerations, fungus, and insect bites that can lead to infection, disease, and even death. Our missionaries have identified hundreds of children and their parents who walk barefoot and are at risk of life threatening diseases. Providing flip flops and educating them about the consequences of not wearing foot wear could often save many lives.

The Center For Disease Control and Prevention states that “In many developing countries, it is also important to ensure feces are disposed of properly, to avoid walking barefoot outdoors, to sleep under an insecticide-treated bednet, and to avoid exposure to water that may be infected with the schistosomiasis parasite.”
This is why Wisdom For Asia has partnered with Chappal Charity–A Non-Profit Organization from California–to provide flip flops and hygienic supplies to many children and educate them about the benefits of using them. We have already helped hundreds of children in India and are now making plans to help more children in the future. We are very happy to be one of the Global Partners of Chappal Charity to bring the love of Christ to hundreds of children in India.

Wisdom For Asia Water Well

Edalavalsa Water Well Project

Edalavalsa village is located in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The residents in this village are primarily belongs to the Scheduled Cast. They are financially very poor and they live in a colony with poor sanitations. People here are very friendly and hard working. They walk almost 2 kilometers every day to get drinking water from a municipal water connection. It is common that water supply will be cut off for days at a time, but when the water comes, the entire village is running to stand in line to get a bucket of water. Sometimes, they stand hours in line to get a bucket of water. So these villagers were suffering a lot due the lack of clean drinking water and spent their precious time traveling, and or waiting in line for drinking water.

Our team also witnessed people cleaning their clothes in a near by open water channel that is contaminated by human and animal waste. They often take bathe in this water as well.

In 2013 September, Wisdom For Asia provided solution to this pressing need of this village with a  Bore-well that is 130 Feet deep in the heart of their village. Now by walking a few steps from their home, they can get clean water. During the inauguration, over 200 villagers gathered and the village officials were so thankful for this special gift. They were near the well all night as the workers were finishing up the well. It was a celebration night indeed.

This water well serves over 1000 people in this village. Our special thanks to  Kingdom Community International, Florida for making this possible.

Hukkumpeta Water Well Project

Our THIRD water well is located in a heavily populated tribal villages called Hukkumpeta. It is approximately 165 Kilometers from Vizag City. The Largest farmers market is located in this area. Our water well strategically positioned to provide clean drinking water for thousands of people. The people who live in the one mile radius of this water well used to walk minimum of 6 kilometers to get drinking water. Mr. Solomon allowed us to drill this public water well in front of his campus and will do the future maintenance.

Hundreds of villagers gathered for the inauguration of this well, majority of them are women. They are very excited to have this gift. Now they have easy access to good drinking water and use the extra time for the most important things–to take care of their children and family.

This water well is 100 feet deep, furnished with a hand pump and concrete platform. Thanks to The Ferrell Family, Fort Worth Texas for donating this well.

Paderoo Water Well Project

 

Paderu (Paderoo) is a tribal village located in the north-eastern region of Andhra Pradesh. It is approximately 150 kilometers (2.5 hours by car) from Vizag city.

Clean drinking water is very scarce in this region. People walk minimum 5 kilometers to get water 2 times every day. Majority of the people rely on open source water and they are often infested with malaria and other bacteria. Water often has muddy brown color.

In April 2013, Wisdom For Asia drilled the water well in this place. This is our SECOND Breakthrough Water Well Project in India. This water well was drilled outside the campus wall of a church where public can have easy access to the water. This church will take care of the maintenance of this water well. This water well is 100 feet deep and serves over 1000 people clean drinking water.

Our special thanks to all the members of Forgiven Church providing the water well to this community.

Water Well In Makkuva Village

Makkuva, a small village in Andhra Pradesh is located near Salur, has a population of approximately 10,000 people. Majority of them are farmers and day laborers. They heavily rely on rain water to grow their crops and personal use. During the dry months (usually from November-May), people struggle for drinking water. Most of the open water wells will dry up this season and people walks miles to get drinking water.

In June 2008, Wisdom For Asia launched its first Breakthrough Water Well Project in this village. This well is located in front of a Public gathering place (Church) and maintained by this members of this church. This water well is 200 feet deep and the water is coming out of solid rock. Villagers are so happy because of this well and the quality of the water. We also furnished a powerful electric motor and Water tank for this well.

This well was sponsored by Andreas Huebner Ministry, Germany.

Breakthrough Water Well Project

In June 2008, Wisdom For Asia launched its new humanitarian project to provide clean drinking water. We believe that every person on this earth should have access to clean drinking water. Sadly, many communities in the third world countries have no access to clean, and safe drinking water.

Water Facts:- Millions of people lack clean and safe drinking water. Here are the few statistics by region:

  • 345 million people in Africa
  • 196 million people in South, West, and Central Africa
  • 200 million people in Southeast, East Asia and Oceania
  • 32 million people in Latin America and Carribean
  • 10 million people in ALL developed countries

Currently, Wisdom For Asia is focusing on to solve the water problem in India. These are the facts about the water problem in India:

  • 97 million people in India lack safe drinking water
  • 814 million people have very poor or no sanitation services
  • 600,000 children die in India every year because of diarrhea and or pneumonia, often caused by toxic water and poor hygiene, according to UNICEF
  • There are over 593,000 inhabited villages  in India. 50% of these villages still don’t have protected sources drinking water.
  • 21% of India’s diseases are water related.
  • Women and children are affected mostly because of the water crisis. Women spent several hours every day searching for water and children are easily affected by water borne diseases and dies.

We use high powered drilling machine to go deep (100-250 feet) and use quality materials for each project. Every water well is equipped with hand pump and finished with concrete platform. Each water well  serves a minimum of 100-2000 people in a rural village. .

Does anyone really care?

Do you have people in your life who are completely clueless when it comes to understanding you? Do they always act selfish and think that only their feelings matter? It happens in everyone’s life. Even those closest to you can be the ones who can cause the most damage emotionally in your life! But even in those situations, lean on the Lord. He really is the only one who can comfort you in your times of trouble. Many times, no matter what you do to support and lift up others, they are never there to lift you up in your times of need. Sometimes you might feel like you are all alone. We have all felt this way in our lives. You mustn’t lose hope! Although people can disappoint, our Lord never does!!!

In my times of disappointment and despair, I think about the Lord. I think about how I have probably made Him feel that way, when I do not pursue Him as I should. But regardless, in my times of sadness, when I think of Him, joy fills my heart, because I think of His goodness in my life. He has brought me through situation after situation, when the whole world turns their back….He remains steady, firm, and ready to accept me as I am.

So today, do not give up because you feel alone. God does not respond to your pain, but He responds to your pursuit of Him. Take time to sit in His presence and reach for Him….I know He will respond to you when you reach.