MARCH 2003(1 John 3:16-18,NKJV): By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
This is the scripture that compels us. |
Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
Below is a letter from one of our children that I wish to share with you. I am sorry I cannot find her picture at this time, but will try to send it later.
********************* Dear Supporters of Love,
My name is Thai Thi Phuong. I am at 10th grade, Ngu Hanh Son High School. I was born and grew up in a poor family. My father died when I was young, leaving my mother who is a farm worker alone with 3 young children. Because of poor condition, my older sister had to stop going to school. Now she helps my mother with homework and learns how to sew. My brother is in 6th grade, at Hoa Quy School.
Without your caring and helping, I and my brother would have stopped going to school not because of being incapable of study but the school fee, clothing as well as books, notebooks. In the beginning of the school year, my mother, as a farm worker, cannot provide for two school children to go to school at the same time. I thought that I would have to stop going to school. However, with your help I can go to school as my friends do now. Today when I am in my high school I feel very happy because so many of you (supporters of LOVE) are concerned about people like me. Now I write these lines to express my gratefulness to the Love of Vietnam Expressed Charity organization that makes the opportunity for me to continue going to school. I do not know how many words of "thank you" I say are enough. I only know that I owe too many thanks. I wonder what do I do to return the favors and I think I have to study really hard so that you are happy. Wish all of you a healthy and happy life.
Writer
Thai Thi Phuong
*********************
A copy of Phuong's letter is below if you read Vietnamese. LOVE has helped Phuong since 2001 and we are very proud of her and so many like her. Several parents have told us that they "cannot say thank you because the words are not enough to express what they feel in their heart". Think about that and read Phuong's letter again. I want to do so much more for them, but we just do not have the funds. Most need repairs on their houses, some need new houses. I visited one today. The sides and roof of the house was a combination of rusty tin, clapboards, and plastic tarps. I sensed so strongly, God's love for this family. Even as I type, my eyes fill with tears. God's love is the only real hope they have.
Blessings, Reggie, Chi, and Duc |
