During a fundraising event, it is often hard to gauge who receives the bigger blessing – the giver or the receiver. This definitely rings true for some recent SEAPC Coins for Kids campaigns held at local Walmart stores.On one occasion, I approached a small family consisting of two parents and three little girls. I received a quick “no” to my request for a donation, as the parents mumbled something about having no extra cash on hand, and tried to direct their girls toward the parking lot. One of the little girls was equally quick to pipe up and say, “But mommy I have change in my purse!” Before her mom could reply, the child dumped all the coins from her purse into the collection box. The second little girl followed suit. Not to be “one-upped” by her sisters, the third girl also plopped a handful of coins into the box. There may have been a grin on my face as I watched this little drama un-fold, but I am willing to bet that there was an even bigger grin on the face of Jesus!Another fundraiser heralded an unusual exchange which put a new spin on the saying “it’s a small world,” proving that it can be more accurate to say “it’s a big kingdom.” Hearty, dedicated volunteers braved the bitter cold elements during another SEAPC Coins for Kids collection day. Freezing temperatures combined with gusts of wind carrying swirling snowflakes made most folks reluctant to chat, or even stop long enough to drop their coins or bills into the collection box. Despite conditions, Ryan, a young man from a local church group, agreed to brave the elements and help to run the collection table for a few hours. Ryan had one especially amazing conversation during his shift. As two men approached, Ryan started talking to them and discovered that the two men were brothers from Myanmar, one of the countries that SEAPC serves. Not only were they from Myanmar, but the two brothers had grown up in an orphanage that had relational ties to one of our partner homes in Myanmar. These brothers were overjoyed to personally meet someone directly representing SEAPC, and gave a generous donation.Only God could arrange for two brothers from Myanmar to “happen” upon that Walmart on that particular day, and encounter representatives from SEAPC. In God’s kingdom there are no boundaries, only bridges connecting one place to another.As both of these fundraising exchanges attest, God’s blessing truly abound!

For more information about SEAPC Coins for Kids, please click here.SEAPC is dedicated to changing lives through prayer. If your heart is moved and you would like to partner with us, you can donate here.

Duyen and Thao Nguyen, mother and daughter, attend Vietnam AGAPE Family Church and serve under Pastor Vinh Duong. Both women radiate life and illuminate the love of Jesus and it is a delight to spend time in their presence.

Two decades ago, Duyen’s husband passed away. The financial burden from his unexpected passing left her with scant resources to feed her three young children. Unable to provide for her kids, she quickly became depressed. Thao wanted to help her mother and began selling vegetables at a local market alongside Duyen. A friend saw them in the market one day and told them both about Jesus. This friend suggested that Duyen send Thao to Sunday school instead of having her sell vegetables. In time, Duyen saw a change in her daughter’s countenance. Whenever she returned from Sunday school, Thao was happy. This intrigued Duyen and made her hunger for more of God.While Thao was at Sunday school, she heard the song “Jesus Loves Me” and immediately wondered who Jesus was and why He loved her. It was hard for her to believe that Jesus died for her before she even knew about Him. After the death of her father, their entire family shunned them for being so poor. As a result, Thao retreated internally and began to develop a low self-esteem. This made the love and complete acceptance of Jesus mesmerizing. When Thao returned home from Sunday school that day, she shared with her mother the song she had learned along with the meaning behind it. Duyen’s hunger for God increased.

Things remained hard for the Nguyens. The pressure of feeding three hungry children began to weigh on Duyen. At one point, she lost all hope. The kids hadn’t eaten for three days. Duyen told her children to go somewhere and locked the door behind them. When they returned home, there were noodles, rice, and oil inside the house. They asked everyone if they brought the food and none of their neighbors admitted to it. In fact, they said that Duyen was so crazy that no one would have entered. Eventually, they discovered that someone had given money to one of their neighbors to buy the Nguyen family some food. The person that gave the money remains a mystery to this day. A few years later, Duyen was admitted to the hospital. She suffered a heart attack, was in need of immediate surgery and only had a 70% chance of survival. In the natural, things did not look favorable. Out of options and nearly out of time, Duyen prayed, “Jesus, if you are real, can you please heal me?” Right then and there she heard the voice of God clearly say that she was healed. The doctor came to check on her two days later and was stunned. He exclaimed that it must be God, because Duyen was miraculously healed. This was the first time that she experienced the healing power of God. With joy she returned home to her kids. Duyen was relieved that they would not become orphans.

When Thao was in secondary school, she knew that she needed to study hard if she wanted to improve her future. She worked with incredible perseverance in the hopes of continuing her education. In order to progress, however, she needed money for the first semester of high school. Money was tight and Thao had limited options. She cried out to God for help. Amazingly, one of the church members randomly blessed Thao with the exact amount needed in order to further her education. The Nguyens experienced many miracles after Thao’s initial encounter while listening to “Jesus Loves Me.” Even so, Christianity was not very big in Vietnam 20years ago and all that Duyen and Thao knew about God for years was that Jesus was their savior and He loved them. Now, they are both core leaders within their church. In fact, Duyen is a regular fixture within Vietnam AGAPE Family Church where she cares for the sick, cooks whenever there is an event, and serves the poor. And Thao eventually graduated from high school and furthered her education in Singapore where she studied Theology.While Thao was studying abroad, she took a class about divine healing. She suddenly remembered that her mom had a tumor and prayed for her in class. Duyen called in that same moment because the tumor dropped out of her body. She was completely healed. Thao couldn’t help but smile after sharing this testimony and talking about the power of God. His healing touch is not limited by location. Duyen and Thao are filled with stories that directly usher people into encounters with the goodness of God. They joyfully serve their local church and it is exciting to imagine all of the people that will have the privilege of making their acquaintance. One thing is for sure: their stories are so full of God’s faithfulness that it would be difficult to walk away from time spent in their presence without seeing an increase in your own faith.To learn more about where and how SEAPC serves, click here.SEAPC is dedicated to changing lives through prayer. If your heart is moved and you would like to partner with us, you can donate here.

As we continue to lift up in prayer people around the world who have been affected by recent natural disasters, we are excited to share with you our finalized relief team dates and information.SEAPC will be joining with Samaritan’s Purse to take a team to Rockport, TX in a month. Read on below for further details. Dates: November 12th - 17thProject Description: Volunteers will be assisting homeowners affected by Hurricane Harvey. Teams will be tearing out damaged drywall, removing flooring, tarping roofs, and clearing debris.Background Information: Hurricane Harvey devastated the coastal Texas area with 130 mph winds and heavy rainfall, which led to severe flooding.Additional Information: Meals and sleeping quarters will be provided for overnight volunteers. Volunteers need to bring a twin size air mattress or cot, linens/sleeping bag, pillow, towels, and personal hygiene items. Tools will be provided, but volunteers may bring their own tool belts and small hand tools. Volunteers should dress in long pants and bring work gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy boots. Volunteers should bring rubber boots for working in flooded areas. Minimum Age: Volunteers must be at least 14 years or older. Youth ages 14-15, must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian and youth ages 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone (age 21 or older). All youth must have a signed Youth Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability. If not accompanied by their parent, this form must be notarized. Transportation:Fly from Pittsburgh to HoustonRent vehicles and drive to Rockport, TXTravel meals: $60-100 (approximate)Trip cost: $400/personContact: If you are interested in this trip, please contact Bill Richardson, Missions Director (billrichardson@seapc.org) or Carly Davis, Missions Coordinator (carlyd@seapc.org).If you feel led, you can also give a financial contribution. SEAPC has arranged to receive these through our online giving platform, which you can access here. Simply follow the links to the donation page, and when prompted enter your donation under “Global Disaster Relief.” All donated funds will go towards providing supplies for rebuilding homes and churches in the area affected by Hurricane Harvey.

We are in our 10th year of SEAPC Coins for Kids. Since it was established in 2007, SEAPC Coins for Kids has raised over $196,000! Here are some ways that it was used:~ New bunk beds and bathroom renovations for children at Charity Children’s Home in Myanmar~ Salaries for teachers at the Cambodia Christian School Network~ Allowed youth to attend a Nexus Student Ministry retreat in Pennsylvania~ Vacation Bible School by R.E.A.C.H.at several of the NHO children’s homes in Cambodia~ Sports equipment to Cambodian schools to start a baseball program~ Heart procedures for children in Tibet~ Backpacks and school supplies for at-risk children in Ohio~ Blankets for children in northern India~ Renovations of the boys’ dormitory at Charity Children’s Home in Myanmar~ Lunch for the families of the victims of the Connecticut school shooting

In 2014, SEAPC Coins for Kids built a playground for Charity Children’s Home. This playground is enjoyed by more than 200 kids every day. Sometimes it is filled with children from the surrounding area as well, which brings laughter and joy to the community.

This past spring, a church in the Pittsburgh area decided to collect its annual SEAPC Coins for Kids offering to benefit the Takeo children’s home in Cambodia. Their youth ministry visited this home just a few months before on a short-term trip, when the children were still living in a temporary home nearby, and felt an immediate connection with the children. The children there moved into their newly completed buildings in May, and the church wanted to help make this house into a home for them. When their SEAPC Coins for Kids collection came in, it was used to purchase a playground and all of the necessary kitchen supplies for the Takeo home!

We love to get kids involved in collecting for SEAPC Coins for Kids! Lots of contributors choose to simply gather up their loose change from cars, pockets, and purses, but if you’re looking for more ways to contribute check out these suggestions.

Letter Writing Campaign - Send a letter about the SEAPC Coins for Kids Campaign to your family and friends. A template can be provided for you to use as a guide. These letters are a tool to ask for donations as well as help raise awareness of your participation in the campaign.Chores for Rewards- Ask your parents, grandparents, or neighbors if you can do some simple chores in exchange for some coins. Also, if the chores involve cleaning, ask if you can collect any change found while doing so.Container Placement- Ask store or restaurant owners, where you frequent, if they would place a container on their counter during the course of the campaign. It is recommended you provide the container or bottle with a label as well as brochures and a poster for their establishment so questions can be easily answered.We would be happy to send you digital files for these items! Please contact us at info@seapc.org to request them.Matching Gifts - Once you have a grand total of the amount collected, present it to a parent, grandparent, etc., and ask them to match it. This is a great way to raise funds as the average amount collected is a very reasonable amount for a loved one to match.

For more information about SEAPC Coins for Kids, please click here.

SEAPC is dedicated to changing lives through prayer. If your heart is moved and you would like to partner with us, you can donate here.

When I was 12, I believed that if I worked hard I could become whatever I wanted to become. My parents and teachers taught me to believe. They taught me that faith, prayer, and hard work made the United States a great nation. Can you imagine if I was told to drop out of school, run across the border and go get money for the rest of my family to survive? Can you imagine having to instruct your 12-year-old child on how to run away? This was a recent reality facing the majority of the children living today in Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia.Ten years ago, a small group of friends took exception to this reality and agreed in prayer that through the platform of education an entire nation would be changed. Their statement of faith, called “Cambodia Arise” simply stated that only through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ and the implementation of the Judeo-Christian ethic could a nation emerge from their civil war in just one generation. The vision was received and tested in one rural school district, Rongko, of Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia. That district rose to be ranked first nationally in science, mathematics, and English. The district held its ranking for five consecutive years.

Over eight years of faithful testing, evaluation, and prayer, the small group of friends grew. Local, national, and international support for the vision multiplied and word spread of the rapid changes occurring in Rongko. When national government leaders came to honor the work of this team, the multitudes from the community professed their belief that “through the resurrection power of Jesus a generation would emerge that would change a nation.”The national government took notice of the changes, and invited the group of friends to expand their work from one district into all nine districts of the province of Banteay Meanchey, agreeing to support the vision of “Cambodia Arise.” On that day, April 14, 2015, SEAPC Cambodia accepted the challenge to teach 130,000 students across 488 public schools the principles of “Cambodia Arise” and the disciplines that would cause a nation to prosper. Word of the program reached the top of the nation, who then placed a greater challenge before this group of friends: “If you can show that the dropout rates in Banteay Meanchey decrease, that the graduation rates increase, establish nine skills training centers for economic growth, and cause prosperity in the region over the next two years, then we will take this program nationwide.”Since receiving this challenge just two year and half years ago, SEAPC has taught teachers from each of the 488 public schools, provided educational resources to every school in Banteay Meanchey, built the second of nine skills training centers, established businesses, launched local leaders to teach educational programs province wide, and have received faith commitments from thousands of students, teachers, and principals.

Heaven has opened over Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia. The national government has responded by bringing electricity to the province, building new roads and high school facilities in each of the districts, and ensuring that this program will be implemented without disruption. This month, the results come in!Let faith arise. We will see dropout rates decrease. We will see graduation rates increase. We will report of great prosperity across the land. Please stand with us in prayer. This month SEAPC will also begin construction on the remaining skills training facilities. This $800,000 project will set aside sacred space for faith and the Judeo-Christian ethic in education to perform itself across these 130,000 students who are now beginning to believe that they can change a nation.We need your help! We need your prayers! Please take this moment to pray for “Cambodia Arise,” the team that has given their lives to serve this work, and the ongoing recourses necessary to meet the daily demands.

Today, 12 year olds across Banteay Meanchey are reading a new and very precious book. This book that tells them that they are loved, that they are chosen, that they can do all things, that they do not need to fear, because there is a God who sent His Son to die for them, and who loves them, and who will make a way from them.They are staying home in Banteay Meanchey, and they are rebuilding a nation.For more information on what is happening in Cambodia, please click here.SEAPC is dedicated to changing lives through prayer. If your heart is moved and you would like to partner with us, you can donate here.

Meet Isaias and Blanca Acosta. He a is a lively and captivating fatherly figure overflowing with joy and she is a welcoming presence filled with an abundance of love and warmth. On a recent SEAPC trip to Mexico, it wasn’t surprising to find that the Acostas were fondly referred to as Mami and Papi. This couple functions as spiritual parents to many. Together they travel throughout Mexico, and other parts of Central America, to encourage local believers and share their passion for prayer walking.

Isaias formerly taught Physical Education and Blanca designed custom dresses. They also previously owned a gym where Isaias coached gymnastics. When their children were in elementary school the Acostas became friends with an American couple, Richard and Fonda Hays. The Hays had a child in the same elementary class as the Acostas. Richard and Fonda were Christian missionaries living in Mexico. As the Acosta’s and Hay’s friendship developed, Isaias gave his life to the Lord. He proclaimed his love for Jesus first with Blanca following only half a year later. Isaias began attending conferences Richard Hays was speaking at. In jest, he told his wife that he was going to “gringo meetings.” Curiosity got the best of Blanca and she eventually went to these meetings where she also decided to follow Jesus.The Acostas’ initial relationship with SEAPC dates back to roughly six years ago. However, their first point of contact for the organization was through Carol Missik, nearly two decades ago. Coincidentally, their relationship with Carol was first established through their children just like their relationship with the Hays. Recently, Isaias translated “The Attack Lambs” by Mark Geppert into Spanish, a powerful teaching on prayer, and it is now being spread throughout Mexico. Whenever the Acostas travel, they bring copies of this translated text to give away.

The Acostas have four children and six grandchildren. When they were younger, two of their children worked as translators for Carol. They did this on and off for twenty years. Currently, one of their children works with Richard Hays. Small world, right? The same man that led both Isaias and Blanca to the Lord. The Acostas beam with pride while talking about their children and how they are all walking with the Lord. When asked what he wanted to see the Lord do in Mexico, Isaias said he would love to see a more favorable atmosphere for Christian culture. He also desires to see the gospel preached in every educational center. With a heart for the lost, it proves fitting his favorite Bible verse is John 3:16. While the Acostas love Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize they both sense a calling to Cuba and faithfully visit each year to encourage the church. Witnessing their beautiful legacy build and unfold is a gift from God. Their story is rich, and full of divine moments with the Lord.To learn more about where and how SEAPC serves, click here.SEAPC is dedicated to changing lives through prayer. If your heart is moved and you would like to partner with us, you can donate here.

Our guest author today is Chris Ngai. Since 2005, Chris has seen an extraordinary work of God take place at Arizona State University through a united movement known as LoveASU. He is also part of an initiative to raise up movements on college campuses across the nation.

During the Pray Americas tour last year, Matt Geppert and the SEAPC team visited and prayer-walked many of America’s college campuses and universities. This is highly significant for several reasons:- On many American college campuses, the percentage of Christians is less than 5 percent of the student population.- Among students who begin their college life as Christians, 75 percent will fall away from their faith (mostly during college) and many will not return.- The 18 to 30 age group is almost completely missing from churches across America today. College campuses have become a great stronghold against God in our nation with college students as one of the most unreached people groups in America.

In June 2016, Matt and his team joined campus leaders in Arizona to pray over Arizona State University, the largest main campus in America, and Grand Canyon University, a rapidly growing private Christian university. The prayer-walk at ASU began at the Campus Christian Center (C3), while the director, Ben Sanders, shared the overall state of the campus and issues that needed prayer. From there, several teams went out to pray. One team partnered with an ASU instructor to pray over the international students of the university. While praying, God led this team to minister to a Muslim girl, who was willing and glad to receive prayer ministry! One team was given favor to enter the fifth floor of a building that overlooks the largest stadium on the campus. God began to show them visions of revival gatherings, so they declared God’s purposes over the stadium in the years to come!At Grand Canyon University, one prayer group felt powerfully that the Lord was setting apart this university as a place of unity for the people of God. Matt’s team had an amazing divine appointment that day. Matt was led to begin talking to a man nearby, and ended up leading this man to the Lord! Peter Nam, a regional prayer leader with Phoenix Fire, shared afterwards: “Overall, it was really encouraging and I was able to see the hope rising as we were praying for the campuses. It was awesome to see a group coming together to invite God’s presence and pray for revivals for our campuses.” We believe that significant seeds were sown in prayer that day. History truly belongs to the intercessors, those who will partner with God’s heart and call forth His promises through faith-filled prayer. We are confident those prayers have significantly altered the destinies of these universities for many years to come!God is doing something amazing on college campuses in this hour. In the same way that a nation turned away from God through college campuses, we are sensing that God is turning a nation back to Himself through college campuses! Will you commit to praying and believing for another Great Awakening in America, in this next generation and on America’s campuses?

SEAPC truly believes in the power and importance of prayer on college campuses, and Chris has written a wonderful book called “A Vision of Revival for College Campuses.” From the back cover:We are losing a generation during their college years. Yet, in the midst of this, God is raising up a remnant of students and campus leaders who are desperate for the presence of God, who won’t relent until heaven comes to earth, and who will give away their very lives for love! They will turn the tide of a generation by accessing the very heartbeat of heaven. In this book, you will:- Receive vision for transforming revival on your university- Understanding the significance of college campuses in God’s purposes- Discover keys essential to opening the heavens- Learn common pitfalls on the path to revival & how to overcomeAre you interested in reading this book and learning more about how to get involved in revival on college campuses? We have many copies of this book and would love to share them with you. Please email us at info@seapc.org to request your book today!SEAPC is dedicated to changing lives through prayer. If your heart is moved and you would like to partner with us, you can donate here.

As part of a series of blog posts about child sponsors from around the world, today’s guest author is Jenna K. Jenna is 15 years old and has a passion for missions and photography.Matthew 21:6 says, “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” I love that verse. It is so simple, yet full of a wise message. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to care for those in need. Specifically orphans on the other side of the world. I always had my mind set on missions. As I got older, however, I started to think, “This could never happen” or “I couldn’t ever do something like that.” I didn’t know how to change the world like I wanted to in middle school. But God said, “Stop right there, don’t worry, I’ve got something for you!”About three years ago, I went to a church service that changed my life forever.The pastor shared stories about a trip he had taken to Africa and the amazing people he met. I was in awe. I hung onto every word he said, imagining myself in another country, helping people, and surrounded by orphans that needed God’s love. I wanted to be in his shoes. After he finished sharing about his journey to Africa, some of their church volunteers walked around with packets. Those packets contained information about children in other countries who needed sponsors. It took everything inside me, and I mean every restraint I had, not to shoot my hand up. I was 13 years old and was not with my parents. I knew I shouldn’t make that decision right then and there. It crushed me. I wanted to snatch one right out of their hands.I couldn’t help a child that night but I still got something pretty important. At the end of the night, I heard God’s whisper that I needed to sponsor a child and be a part of the missions world. It was as clear as day. I went home that night and told my parents what I heard from God and that I felt a huge pull to become a child sponsor. The next few weeks I searched for a child. I landed with a beautiful 10-year-old boy named Tihn. Tihn was abandoned at birth and now lives in an NHO children’s home in Cambodia. I couldn’t wait to start my new journey in life with him being a part of it.

Since then we’ve exchanged letters, I’ve sent him gifts, and I’ve received many pictures of him. Receiving pictures of him makes me feel so excited. Nothing makes me happier than seeing him or reading a letter from him. He is now 12 years old and I still get a rush when I think of how all this happened. It’s amazing how you can bond with someone on the other side of the world just through words on a piece of paper. I’m so grateful for SEAPC and how they’ve connected me with him and the missions world in general. This has been quite an amazing journey getting to be part of this little boy’s life. When people find out I sponsor they all say the same thing. “Wow that’s amazing! You’re awesome!” And I think the same thing every time: “No, what’s amazing is that God is using me to help make sure a child can eat and have an education.” Me… God is using ME. If anything, sponsoring Tihn has changed me. I may be the one supporting him but in doing so I have learned so much.I have fallen along the way but God’s whisper still rings in my ear from three years ago. This brings me back to that verse in Matthew. “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” I did not let my age or the concern of financial responsibility stop me. I figured out how I was going to be able to do it and I did it. I took action to what God had told me to do. It was the best decision I have ever made. I am hoping to take my very first missions trip to Cambodia and Myanmar this coming summer of 2018. If everything works out I hope to meet Tihn!

If you are thinking of sponsoring I encourage you to pray and talk to God about it. If you feel called to do it, do it. There are many children and teens in the SEAPC Raising Kids program who still need sponsors and could use your prayer and support. If you feel called to take action talk to SEAPC and find that special kid that God has waiting for you.Thank you for reading my story!To learn more about becoming a SEAPC Raising Kids child sponsor, please click here.SEAPC is dedicated to changing lives through prayer. If your heart is moved and you would like to partner with us, you can donate here.

Her leprous hand reached for alms. Although the pagan idols, sari-clad women, and towering Himalayas already set the scene, this detail highlighted the incontrovertible fact: we were in Nepal, not America. There should have been culture shock. But God had our backs: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.” - Isaiah 43:2. This July, a team of healthcare professionals and prayer warriors set out on a medical mission to Kathmandu, Nepal. We began with prayer walking through Hindu sites. At Pashupatinath, the dead are cremated on platforms, their remains deposited in the Bagmati River that flows into the Ganges. It is a dark and evil place, as are all the centers of idol worship. But God was with us as we passed through the waters. The river did not overflow us. The flames did not scorch us. Instead, the Holy Spirit lifted us up to pray for the nation and the people of Nepal. Our medical mission began with the plea to heal souls.

Over the following three weeks, we treated almost 900 patients around the Kathmandu Valley and in the mountains. From orphanages, to schools, to churches, to villages, the people came. Women dressed in colorful saris, many with red Hindu blessing marks on their foreheads, brought their children. Old men in traditional vests and baggy pants came with faltering steps. The blind, lame, deaf, pained, injured, sick, and well all sought a caring touch.We provided that care, as well as medicines, health teaching, and the integral fact that we were there in the name of Jesus. The promise of free medical clinics is what led people to us. And although our small team of two nurses and one doctor gave good, basic treatment, the prayer warriors represented the Great Physician who heals body and soul. We saw problems such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, tooth decay, and skin rashes. A woman came with her hand swollen from a snakebite. A teenage boy believed demons made him fall down, foam at the mouth, and bite his tongue. The results of poor nutrition manifested in undernourished children who eat only rice — with one egg a week. The darkness of poverty and untreated illness is eclipsed by the true darkness of worshipping Vishnu, Shiva, and the many other false gods of Hinduism.

It seems impossible to diagnose without the benefit of blood tests or other screenings, and appears hopeless to hand out only a month’s worth of medicine — or to fight the cultural beliefs of fatalism and apathy. But God came with us as we passed through the waters. Even at a Naga festival where over 10,000 came to worship snakes in the lake, the Hindu faithful came to be seen by the Christian doctors.Some medical problems were easy to manage: cream for a rash; antibiotics for infection; removal of an infected great toenail. Others couldn’t be cured with our resources: eyes occluded by cataracts; ears that couldn’t hear; arms that no longer lifted. These people had no hope through medical intervention. But there is always hope in prayer to the God who brings us through the fire. Two women with cataracts received clear eyes with no evidence of cloudiness. A deaf man’s hearing was restored. An arm with a torn muscle moved with ease. And these are just a few examples of the miraculous. Because not only did healthcare professionals and prayer warriors show up in Nepal this July; so did the Holy Spirit. He made real miracles happen for the sick and for the neglected.

Many are skeptical when they hear about healings. It’s supernatural. Bizarre. Oh-so-Biblical. The nine members of this mission team, however, witnessed these things and more. Even the fact that the trip took place during monsoon season — yet rain never once interfered with a single prayer walk or clinic — is a miracle. As is the overwhelming joy we all experienced in serving the Lord, even in the midst of hardships. Being physically restored through prayer is a miracle. Even greater is the miracle of those who chose to give their lives to Jesus and experience restoration of the soul. In a nation where persecution is real, where Hinduism is a way of life, where myth and superstition reign, the Holy Spirit spoke, and the Nepalese listened. We took medical care to Nepal to bring in the people. Once they were there, the presence and power of God flowed to touch the least and the lost. Many are now no longer lost.This core medical team has traveled the world for Jesus. Some comment that the expense of going to a faraway country would be better spent if donated to a worthy cause. What cause could be more worthy than building relationships, healing the sick, and bringing souls to Jesus? It is under His call, His plan, and His care that we travel. It is within His blessing, His healing, and His provision that miracles happen. And it is through His grace, His mercy, and His love that both the healed and the healers draw closer to him. Without fear of waters, rivers, or fire.Praise God who makes the Living Water flow!

Want to see this medical team in action? Watch the video below!

SEAPC is dedicated to changing lives through prayer. If your heart is moved and you would like to partner with us, you can donate here. For more information about joining a short-term team, click here.

Our guest author today is Jana Williams. Jana is currently an intern at SEAPC’s Oakmont offices, and spent eight months living in Cambodia in 2014, assessing English skills in each of the New Hope for Orphans children’s homes.“Play duck, duck, goose?” The soft brown eyes of a child look eagerly at me waiting for my reply. Then for the 100th time I smiled, agreed to play, and sat criss-cross applesauce on the floor. It always amazes me how easy it is to bring so much joy to children who come from heartbreaking and horrendous backgrounds. The children who live in the New Hope for Orphans children’s homes previously lived in poverty, had parents with HIV, parents who abused them, parents who abandoned them, or parents who passed away. But now these children live in a safe and loving home. They are the happiest, most generous, and most playful children I have ever met. At all 13 of the children’s homes I stayed in, the kids captured my heart and made me part of their family.

The family these children are a part of extends far beyond each home and beyond the rice fields of Cambodia. They have been adopted by a God who knows them to the depths of their soul and loves them more than they could even imagine. In joining His family they have become part of the community of Jesus followers that extends over the entire Earth. One of the main ways they are able to experience God’s love flowing in this community is through their connection with their sponsor. At every home I stayed at, many of the children were eager to tell me about their specific sponsor and some even showed me a treasured picture. New Hope for Orphans is one of the local ministries that SEAPC Raising Kids partners with to provide sponsorships for kids. The connection between sponsor and child, however, is far greater than just a monthly check. Throughout the year, sponsors receive updates about their child that include things such as pictures and letters.The most touching aspect of the bond between sponsor and child that I witnessed was prayer. The children pray for their sponsors every night and consider them a close part of their family. They want to know what is happening in the sponsor's life just as much as the sponsor wants to know what is happening in theirs. The children lift to God specific and powerful prayer requests on behalf of their sponsors. They also praise God in gratitude for His provision. Prayer goes both ways because even more important than the sponsor's financial contribution is their willingness to pray for their child. These prayers advocate for both the physical and spiritual needs of the child. The children of the New Hope for Orphans Children's Homes are being raised up with an awareness of God's power to bring people together and change lives.

My eight-month journey in Cambodia gave me the opportunity to spend the Christmas of 2014 at the Pursat 2 children's home. A few days before Christmas, two New Hope for Orphans staff arrived with a mound of packages and at least 12 bicycles. The kids were beyond excited but like other kids around the world would have to wait to open their gifts. It was evening on the day after Christmas when the house parents finally brought out all the packages. They gave each kid his or her specific gift that had been either sent by or purchased by their sponsor. The atmosphere was electric with excitement. The opening of Christmas gifts in a household with a few kids is usually pretty exciting so you can imagine how magnified that experience was with 35+ kids. One teenage boy received a blue guitar from his sponsor and it brought me to tears to see him absolutely beaming. He generously shared the guitar anyone who wanted play it over the next couple of weeks and he started practicing worship songs to play at the evening worship services. The gift of that guitar was so meaningful and so special to him. He knew in that moment how much he was loved.

Another thrilling event that happened at many of the homes I stayed at was a birthday party. A child's birthday is an opportunity for a sponsor to again provide something special. Even a small amount of funds or a small gift can go a long way in creating a treasured memory for a child. The main attraction at these birthday parties is usually the cake. (I was surprised to find that in Cambodia, while the frosting is white, the cake itself is usually green.) There is nothing quite like seeing a beautiful, large cake placed before a wide-eyed child. While the child is celebrated as an individual, everyone is sure to be included in the party. After being sung the birthday song, the birthday kid's first responsibility is to distribute a small piece of cake to every kid living at that home. All the kids also get to wear a party hat and join in a special meal, song, and dance. This is just another way that an orphan comes to see himself or herself as valuable and wanted. They gain an even greater sense of family and belonging. A child can go from being abandoned to having a family that cares for them in Cambodia, a sponsor who supports them from across an ocean and a relationship with a God who will love them all their life. They have become rich not by this world's standards but in all the things that truly matter.

Through these experiences I learned that love is not limited by genetics, borders, or distance. In God's family we are all connected, we all matter, and we all can become part of a Kingdom movement that is changing the world. I am so excited for the day that I will be able to sponsor a child through SEAPC because I have seen firsthand how powerfully God works through that relationship.To learn more about becoming an SEAPC Raising Kids child sponsor, please click here.SEAPC is dedicated to changing lives through prayer. If your heart is moved and you would like to partner with us, you can donate here.