|
The pictures have been
coming in on an almost weekly basis from Thomas Moses over the last year. It is
difficult to believe that it was a whole year since he was with us but during
that time the piece of waste land that he bought has been transformed.
When I walked the site in
2006 with rubble and rubbish strewn everywhere it seemed like a dream that just
wouldn’t come true. The sum of £30,000 seemed an impossible figure to raise
given that we were struggling to send £1,000 each year from our own fundraising.
Yet the story of Thomas’ own personal sacrifice in selling his home to buy the
land and living with his family in one small room in the rented orphanage
waiting for his prayers to be answered touched the hearts of the people in
Exhall and beyond.
Thomas’ three week visit
resulted in cash being raised on a scale I’ve never witnessed before. By the
time of his farewell service the target had been achieved and God had answered
some very heartfelt prayers.
Thomas returned and the
site was immediately cleared. The pictures reveal just how fast the work then
progressed but also how much on going prayer went into the building of this
home. And home is the only word to describe it. Thomas was asked during his
visit at what age the children left. He said they left when it was right for
them to leave – just like any of our own children leaving home for the first
time.
The new building is
designed to accommodate 50 children and staff and will allow the work to expand.
For the first time many of the children will sleep in their own bed instead of
the current system of floor mats in the cramped conditions of the existing
rented building. For the first time with their own property the children and
staff will have a security that they have never had with a landlord, able to
call for their eviction at any time.
Members of St Giles have
sponsored children and committed to support them with monthly donations.
Michelle Ensor’s visit last year strengthened our links considerably and her
co-ordination of the sponsorship and additional fundraising has been an
inspiration.
Last month the building
was officially opened. The smiles on the children’s faces said it all. It has
been a great example of what partnership between churches can achieve, a good
testimony to the power of prayer and an example of the difference that an active
Christian faith can make to the world.
Children who have had a
tough start to life are being given love and security. Many of us have been
humbled and blessed by our own involvement and the kingdom of God continues to
be furthered both near and far.
With every blessing
William Smith |