How did a church in Denton, Texas become involved with an orphanage in Lima, Peru?
Our journey began in the fall of 2008 with a college student at DBU. That fall, Lauren (who grew up at Southmont), called her parents to talk about changing her major. The change would allow her to graduate in three and a half years instead of five, as her original degree plan required. She would graduate in December of 2009. Lauren and her parents had never planned for her to graduate early, and would not have worked toward that end, but since the opportunity arose, they decided she should take it. They all believed that God had something planned for Lauren in January of 2010.
In the spring of 2009, Lauren was at work when a friend came and told her of an orphanage in Peru. The friend had just returned from a mission trip with Buckners International and had spent a few hours at this home to over 700 children. She knew it was the type of place Lauren would love to work at. After doing some research, Lauren learned the name of the orphanage and got in touch with Olive Branch Ministries, a group out of Austin, TX who has been working with the orphanage for about five years. With their help, she and another DBU student, Nancy, made plans to work in the orphanage for six weeks in the summer of 2009. They were excited about getting to share the love of Christ with the children there.
As the summer approached, Nancy learned that she would be unable to go on the trip, and Lauren's parents decided she could not go by herself. Lauren was dissappointed and burdened for the children who needed to hear about Jesus. Lauren's passion for the children impacted her mother, Lisa, who couldn't stop thinking about them. She called to talk with Lauren early one morning and suggested that Southmont get involved in some way. Lauren immediately remembered her first conversation with Scott from Olive Branch; he had said what he really could use was a large group to go and have a Christmas party for the children. At the time, Lauren couldn't imagine what large group she knew who would get involved - but God did, and Southmont's mission to Peru began to take form.
Lisa talked to Southmont's pastor, Bro. Bruce, and Southmont's college ministry about the possiblity of a mission trip to Peru. After a couple of meetings with representatives from Olive Branch and a meeting with the mission committee at Southmont, funds were approved for Lisa to visit the orphanage in October of 2009, to determine what the needs were and what Southmont could do, if we were to take a trip.
Our journey began in the fall of 2008 with a college student at DBU. That fall, Lauren (who grew up at Southmont), called her parents to talk about changing her major. The change would allow her to graduate in three and a half years instead of five, as her original degree plan required. She would graduate in December of 2009. Lauren and her parents had never planned for her to graduate early, and would not have worked toward that end, but since the opportunity arose, they decided she should take it. They all believed that God had something planned for Lauren in January of 2010.
In the spring of 2009, Lauren was at work when a friend came and told her of an orphanage in Peru. The friend had just returned from a mission trip with Buckners International and had spent a few hours at this home to over 700 children. She knew it was the type of place Lauren would love to work at. After doing some research, Lauren learned the name of the orphanage and got in touch with Olive Branch Ministries, a group out of Austin, TX who has been working with the orphanage for about five years. With their help, she and another DBU student, Nancy, made plans to work in the orphanage for six weeks in the summer of 2009. They were excited about getting to share the love of Christ with the children there.
As the summer approached, Nancy learned that she would be unable to go on the trip, and Lauren's parents decided she could not go by herself. Lauren was dissappointed and burdened for the children who needed to hear about Jesus. Lauren's passion for the children impacted her mother, Lisa, who couldn't stop thinking about them. She called to talk with Lauren early one morning and suggested that Southmont get involved in some way. Lauren immediately remembered her first conversation with Scott from Olive Branch; he had said what he really could use was a large group to go and have a Christmas party for the children. At the time, Lauren couldn't imagine what large group she knew who would get involved - but God did, and Southmont's mission to Peru began to take form.
Lisa talked to Southmont's pastor, Bro. Bruce, and Southmont's college ministry about the possiblity of a mission trip to Peru. After a couple of meetings with representatives from Olive Branch and a meeting with the mission committee at Southmont, funds were approved for Lisa to visit the orphanage in October of 2009, to determine what the needs were and what Southmont could do, if we were to take a trip.
While there, Lisa met with Miguel, the owner and director of the orphanage. He shared his priorities: interaction with his children, completion of the school at the orphanage, and training for his teachers. Lisa knew we could help with the first two, the third came together later in the planning.
As Lisa shared about her trip and the needs of the orphanage during a service at Southmont in November, the congregation responded; thousands of dollars were given and many expressed an interest in going. Now, thirty missionaries, including Lauren and Nancy, are committed to going and preparations are being made for the trip. Please pray for the preparations, as there is still much to do. God's leading has been evident from the beginning, and we know He will continue to guide, direct, and supply all of our needs. To Him be the Glory!
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