"Journeys of Joy"

Dear Friends,

Through this blog I will be documenting what may prove to be one of the most exciting adventures my family and I have ever been a part of. My husband and I will be taking an exciting journey this summer. It is not a journey to a distant land or an exotic locale. It is something far more special. It is a journey of the heart. Let me explain.
Recently, I heard a message that I believe God meant particularly for my husband and I. I learned of a special program called "Journey of Joy" being coordinated by a ministry called "Friends of Russian Orphans" (see http://www.fororphans.org/) Gesu church in Toledo, Ohio is serving as a "host community" for the "Journeys of Joy" program. Through this new program, a group of Russian orphans will travel to the United States this summer for a two week visit. During this time, the children, most of whom have never known a real family life, will be matched with a host family that will provide friendship, care, activities and love during their stay. The "host family" will continue to pray for, communicate with, and be concerned about the welfare of their guest child after the program ends. Host families will experience a special blessing that comes from expressing compassion, generosity and unconditional love.

It is my hope that this program will have profound effect on the lives of the children who come to visit. This program will allow orphan children to experience family life and understand that someone cares for them individually, and realizes that they are special and beloved children of God. "Journeys of Joy" will provide orphan children with an opportunity to engage with the larger world, to see that their lives can have a future, meaning, purpose and hope. In addition, the children will be supported by our church "host community" that will also present the Gospel to the children and through their expressions of friendship, care and love that will be offered to the chidren during their stay. And, because the program will involve continuing communication between the host family and the child, the program will also facilitate the rebuilding of trust, guidance, and the creation of a sense of self-esteem in children who have lost so much during their lives. The blessings that flow in both directions with "Journeys of Joy" are limitless.
I believe that God has called our family to be a "Journeys of Joy" host family. I am writing to you to seek your prayers for our guest child and to also ask for your practical assistance and help with the program. It is my goal to raise $1,000 before May 30th to help defray the travel and administrative costs associated with bringing our guest child to America. If you can help, please contact me (I'd rather not list my address on the internet!). You can send a check made payable to "Friends of Russian Orphans." I will assure delivery of these funds to FORO. All contributions are tax deductible and I can provide you with a receipt for your taxes.
While I know that this step of faith is one that will put our family on an unknown road, I am also certain that God will provide us light and direction during our journey. With your help, I believe our family can provide an orphan child with a once-in-a lifetime chance to realize the peace and contentment that comes from knowing that they are worthy of attention, kindness and love. Last year 9 of the 13 orphans that took part in this program were adopted by their host family. We are excited and open to all possibilities. Thank you for your time and your help!
Sincerely,
Terry and April Sroufe
To make a donation to FORO's "Journeys of Joy" program please contact me at aprilsroufe@yahoo.com or by phone
at (419) 367-0993.