I love cake and I love you

In my time in the mission field, I learned pretty quickly that when you reach out to help someone in their physcial need, deeper things begin to grow... emotional connections, concrete heart connections and spiritual connections both with those that help them and with God.

My first year in Kenya took us to the street corners of Nairobi to reach out to those in need. We did our best to help homeless boys who were sniffing glue in order to get high to forget their woes and rejection from family and society. We preached to the businessman passing with his briefcase. We showed love and prayed with anyone that wanted to follow Jesus. Some even came with disease and wounds, wanting us to intercede on their behalf. One teenage boy who knew very little English approached me. We commnunicated some with my archaic form of Swahili and his broken English. At some point he pointed down to my shoes, indicating that he really liked them. I thanked him and we moved on. After several more days passed and we had completed our ministry in the parks and slums, we came back to the street corner for our last day. I saw the young man again and decided to give him my shoes. He was shocked and so proud when he put them on. They were a bit large for him, but they were so much nicer than the dilapidated, holey ones he was wearing.  A year later we returned back to that very street corner. I was shocked and touched when he approached me with a big smile and a handshake and a nod downward for me to see that he was still wearing my former shoes. We made a heart-connection and he stayed to hear the Word of God preached again.

The children that we serve here at Orphan’s Lifeline... that YOU give to and provide for... feel and know that same heart-connection with you even though they have never met you in person. They truly do love you. How is that possible? Many times they ask in their letters how it is possible that someone so far away would care for their situation... care for their needs... someone that has never even met them. “Why would they help me? Who am I that I deserve such love when others still beg on the street?” They are humbled and learn that it is actually possible by the love of God. They KNOW your love. I have even read letters from some of our kids that thank donors for giving up some of their own pleasures and sacrificing in order to give to them. They KNOW and UNDERSTAND that you care and put forth effort to do so.

It is humbling to look and see just how many Special Needs that you, our donors, paid for in 2025 to make the lives of the children better, productive and healthy. Our staff and the multitudes of children that we care for are so thankful for your relentless generosity. Together, we have been able to do so much.

At the David Board Memorial Vocational College in Liberia, two trade buildings were constructed, a bus was purchased for transporting children to the schools and air conditioning and refrigeration tools and supplies were purchased. The nearby Tonita Clinic was provided with a truck for transporting children and for medical campaigns in the area and Safe Home underwent dorm and school renovations and painting.

In India, a washing machine and smart TV were purchased and a water purifier, water heater and live camera security system were installed at Errabalem. Renovations were made at Learning Estate installing new fans, lights, a water system, window glass, door locks, cement and stonework.

In Kenya, Bibles were provided for the community at Acts of Charity. At Home of Champions, new bed covers were supplied, replastering and painting of the dining hall was done and a new bathroom was constructed.

In Uganda, pavers were installed at Life of Favor and sewing, cooking and baking supplies were purchased for Nantale.

For Barnaul in Russia, crutches, an orthopedic pillow, inhalers, a tonometer and medications were provided.

And this was all done alongside giving for education, the general fund, sponsorships and so much more!

There are so many reasons that the orphaned children in our homes love you. You give them what they need and you even just give them some things that make them happy and that they love... like cake.

Just recently, Fahad Habomugisha was found in Kampala, Uganda by a good Samaritan who took him to the police station. At about 6 years old, he didn’t know where his parents were... and he was alone. The police referred him to our Nantale Home where he now lives. In his short letter, he speaks of the cake that the kids at Nantale Home received and ate for Christmas just over a month ago.

Not only did Fahad eat cake, but he also was front and center with his hand on the knife to help cut the cake. Fahad felt your love on Christmas Day because you gave the money for Nantale Home to have their Christmas Celebration... and to take him in. Many children felt your love on that day.

I now will share with you a portion of a letter that was sent to Krishnaveni’s sponsor this past December. She is from Swap Trust/Rose of Sharon Home in India.

“I pray to God that you are as happy and healthy as I am. I am writing this letter to share my feelings with you as I understand your love and support. Our teachers conduct seminars for easy learning. They teach about controlling impulses and being emotionally balanced. So now I am becoming good in nature and helping all people. This change surprises everyone in my town. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating such a favorable environment for me.

Krishnaveni recognizes your love and the change in her that everyone can see because of your love and its effects. Your love for the children is clear by what you give... and the children’s love for you is clear by their words and smiles and drive to be better for what you have given. God bless you for all you do. Know that you are loved... along with cake.