Kathy's Birthday

So, my birthday is next week.  I wanted to put this post up well before my birthday, but I'm realizing that every year that day is getting sneakier and sneakier and can come to surprise me a lot better than it did say, 10 years ago in my early 20's.  Today, I realized that I hadn't posted about it yet.

This year I decided to do something different than I usually do.  Something I haven't done in over 20 years.  This year, I'm going to publish a birthday wish list.  I'm gonna put out there all sorts of things that I really want for my birthday.  And y'all, it would be so sweet if you would oblige me.  Even if it's just this one year.

Now any of you who have seen my house knows that I don't need a thing.  Sure, I'd love a neat steam vac for my kitchen floors or an ice cream scoop (we don't own one) or really nice shampoo, but really, I don't NEED those things.  I have found a few things that I'd love even more.  And, some of them are more expensive than these things listed.  Some less expensive.  Are you ready for my list?

*****Drumroll, Please******

Kathy's Top 10 List of things I'd like for my birthday

10.  Water - $10

Every day, water-related diseases claim the lives of 5000 children under the age of five. Millions of people are stricken with preventable diseases because of the lack of clean drinking water.   We take for granted that we can just run to the sink and get water right out of the faucet.  Many people can't even do that, much less get water that is clean.  Would you consider donating a LifeStraw for my birthday?  Here's a link where you can do just that.


9. Bibles - $15
As people read the Bible in their native language, they can gain an understanding of God’s truth that’s available nowhere else. “The entrance of Your words gives light” (Psalm 119:130, NKJV). Samaritan’s Purse works with local believers around the globe to bring the light of God’s Word to thousands of poor, sick, and suffering people. For just $15, we can provide three Bibles, a dozen Gospel booklets, or other Scripture materials to people who are longing to know “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/gift_catalog/

8. Support an Adopting Family - $15

 A family like Jon and Lara who are adopting from Uganda.  But there are many out there besides them.  Adopting is a high Calling from our Lord and takes much comittment and even 'sacrifice' by American terms.  I have a hard time saying the word 'sacrifice' pertaining to anything we Americans endure.  Most of us have no idea what true sacrifice or hardship really are.  But that's for another blog post.  On Jon and Lara's blog right now, some mutual friends are throwing an Adoption Shower to raise money for them and offering a chance at a few nice prizes.



7. Buy a Necklace for yourself and Help Empower Women to care for their families in Uganda - $20
In the slum community of Masese, while many Ugandans desperately want to work, there are simply no jobs. Unsanitary living conditions, malnutrition, disease, and hopelessness swallow their dreams for their family.

To empower women and give hope, Amazima initiated a self-sustaining vocational program for mothers in the Masese community by creating handmade, unique, Ugandan magazine necklaces. Each woman in the program makes beautiful necklaces (a lengthy process), which are sold in the United States. Because of their new jobs, these women have been able to turn away from work that was harmful and dangerous for themselves and their families such as prostitution, alcohol brewing, and trash picking. Women in this program also receive money management training and spiritual discipleship. Your support of Amazima's vocational programs builds entrepreneurship, restores dignity, and empowers the Ugandan people to work their own way out of poverty.
Buy a Necklace for yourself or make a donation here

6. Donate or Volunteer to help Minister to the Homeless or Low-income families in the OKC area - $0- Whatever you can
Feed His Sheep

Our purpose is not to feed and clothe the needy and go home saying, "we did or duty". The food and clothes we provide are just a means to an end. When we meet someone, we extend a hand, introduce ourselves, and ask them their name. Something so simple yet often taken for granted, but these people need to know we care about them, personally. And when we see them again and call them by name, their face just lights up because someone actually cared enough to remember their name. We now have about 32 (about half are children!), of the most awesome people on our team and a long list of other supporters that donate money, clothes, shoes, and toiletries...just when we need it. I love how God is never late in providing exactly what we need. We are learning many lessons from our new friends as we attempt to see them with Jesus' eyes and listen to their stories with Jesus' ears. We invite you to join us Sunday mornings downtown OKC. Be prepared to be changed forever.
Feed His Sheep Facebook Page


5.  Donate to Foster Children in Oklahoma through Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children $20 (or more)

Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children provides residential care to children and gives hope and support to those who are facing an unplanned pregnancy without charge. This ministry is made possible by voluntary donations of time and resources from the people of Oklahoma.
OBHC is the organization that sponsored and cared for my brother and I in foster care most of my childhood.  I am grateful for God's Amazing Grace providing this opportunity for us.

Donate to OBHC Here


4. Sponsor a Special Needs Orphan in China - $35/month





As a General AOW Child Sponsor, your monthly donation of $35 will be used to sponsor a child where it is needed most. You will receive a report every month on a different child at the House of Love… you’ll see how your donation is being used, and you are sure to fall in love with the children, too!

3. Sponsor a Child through Compassion International - $38/month



Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training.  Today, Compassion helps more than 1.2 million children in 26 countries.

2. Educate a child - $300/year

Amazima Ministries was founded by 19 year-old Katie Davis in 2008. The organization, based out of Brentwood, TN, feeds, educates, and encourages orphaned and vulnerable children and the poor in the country of Uganda. In the Lugandan language, Amazima (uh-mahz-i-muh) means "truth." Amazima desires to reveal the truth of God's unconditional love through Jesus Christ to the Ugandan people.
Sponsor a child through Amazima ministries here

1. Provide Hope, love and prayer to children in Prisons in Africa - $0-$Whatever you can give

Sixty Feet is an organization that is caring for Africa's hurting and lonely children.  Children found in fields or in prisons.  Hungry and parented or parentless.  But all, most importantly, needing to hear of Christ.  I beckon you to scour this site.  Your heart will be moved..or should be.

0.  I know there's not a ZERO in a Top 10 countdown, but it's my birthday, so in mine, there is.
So, "0", Sponsor our friends the Harris Family as they prepare to be missionaries in Papua New Guinea. 

There's a permanent link above on the left or here's another link you can follow to learn about the Harris Family and their journey to PNG.
Learn about and Donate to the Harris Family HERE.

-1.  (It's ma' birthday, remember!)....I want you to share this with lots of others.  Share, Share, Share!!!  (I say this all day to my children--probably in my sleep too.)  I'd love to see lots of people stepping up and giving me a 'birthday present' and helping others.  If you or anyone else shares, please leave a comment below letting us know which ministry (this one or one on your own) that you gave to in honor of my birthday.

But, in all of this, may GOD receive glory for anything and everything that's accomplished.  Whether it be $5 to help a child or MOST IMPORTANTLY prayer for any of these ministries, be it all to the GLORY of God.  1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Amen.

"Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Matthew 25:40