. . .To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. . . ~James 1:27a

Hello! My name is Julia and I am 14 years old.

The Lord has put it on my heart to raise funds for widows and street children. He has given me a burden for widows and orphans for awhile, and I believe they are close to His heart too.

When I hear about what these people go through, it makes me so sad.
In South Asia, when their husbands die, the wife is accused of their death no matter how he died. They are shunned by their community, society, family and are considered bad luck. They aren't often able to provide for themselves because their husbands were the source of income. They are forced to beg or into prostitution. They often have children that they have to provide for. They live a life of hopelessness. Often, their story ends in suicide. Most likely, they haven't even heard the very name of Jesus let alone His gospel.

And then the children. There are so many different ways that they could end up on the streets. Their parents could die. One parent could die, and the other leave them because they can't provide for them. Their parents might abuse them and so they run away. Their parents have to abandon them because they don't have enough income to provide for them. And then they end up on the streets and often are kidnapped, sold into slavery, fall into gangs, and other things. They are in a sense, "fatherless". They too will live a life of hopelessness. They too will die without ever having heard the name of Jesus Christ, the very One who created them.

Both widows and these children who live on the streets do not know that someone loves them. All they know is hurt and struggle and pain. What if one of them were your mother or your child or sibling?

So, I ask, would you consider and pray about giving of your resources to help bring these women and children out of misery and hopelessness?
For widows, you would be giving them a practical way of income-a sewing machine, farm animals, or other things. You would be giving them daily needs such as water filters and blankets. As these gifts are given by the local church, they will have new friends and a loving spiritual family.

For street children, you would be giving them an education, security, daily provisions, a loving, godly family in the individuals who care for them at the street children's home.

Most importantly, you will give both widows and street children a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only He can change their hearts, but they will at least have the opportunity to know Him and experience His love.

If you donate $10 or more, I am offering to draw a portrait for you as a thank you gift. E-mail me at lodifamily8@gmail.com for more information about that :)

Thank you and may the Lord bless you!
Isaiah 46:6-7, 9-10