BLOG and E-MAIL UPDATES

UPDATE FROM MELODY'S BLOG

"To be honest, my experiences in the disaster area, with all that I have seen and the difficulties I have met, are overwhelming. I almost can not stand. One thing has been supporting me - I have been very grateful to have such an opportunity to help the people of Sichuan, to have such a chance to share my love."

Melody finally made it to Wenchuan Orphanage. She states the following about her arrival ... "When our two vehicles (a military truck and a Jeep) loaded with supplies arrived at Wenchuan orphanage, the orphanage director Mr. Lang was too excited to say anything."

Mr. Lang with some children. He is called Daddy Lang by every child.

This is one of the girls' tents. They were able to run back into the
building and hurry out bedding and some other items.

"Tomorrow, I will return to Chengdu. I will discuss with Mianyang and Chengdu colleagues about our next plan. I have some preliminary planning and thoughts - the basic point is that as a private charitable organization, we really need to aid local people during their most difficult stage; when everyone's attention has shifted to normal life, we really need to set up a long-term program to help the children affected by the earthquake."

Click here to read more from her blog and to see more pictures she's taken.


UPDATED PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE CHAPMAN FAMILY
The following email was sent by Shaohannah's Hope...

"Lifting Up the Chapman Family."

"I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me." (Romans 15:30)

"Last Tuesday, Maria Sue Chapman, adopted and youngest daughter of Steven Curtis & Mary Beth Chapman, was killed in a tragic accident in the family driveway. Such an amazing outpouring of love and compassion followed, and the Chapmans have so much appreciated the many prayers and words of comfort that have been offered. They very firmly believe that it is only because of the grace of God and the many, many prayers of His people that they are able to stand at all today in the hope of Christ.

It is a long road ahead for them, so please continue to lift them up, specifically praying for:

- The Chapman family as they seek God for wisdom concerning the timeliness of returning to their home from their friend's house, and slowly re-engaging back into life.

- Wisdom and discernment for those around them seeking to love, comfort, counsel, and encourage the family and friends affected by this tragedy, that they would know how, when, where, and what to share.

- Steven and his community to be good stewards of honoring God in this process, and that they will be message carriers for the good news of the gospel and the hope we have in Christ.

- All those surrounding the Chapmans who are being attacked on different fronts, that they might be able to take up the shield of faith and extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one, that they might be filled to overflowing with Christ Himself.

* We welcome you passing this along to others to pray, encouraging them to sign up for weekly orphan prayer updates."