The Secret to Avoiding Compassion Burn-out
I’ve read some interesting reports recently on the effects of “compassion fatigue” on people. When nearly every news story borders on horrific or depressing events, with little hope of resolution, viewers begin to turn the... Click here to read more
01/01/2010 12:00 AM |
Among those Rich in the Joy of Jesus
By the time you read this we are surrounded by incredible love and the joy that overflows from the hearts of our grateful staff and orphans. It is always a little surprising to be welcomed with such incredible warmth.
Most often, the children... Click here to read more
12/31/2009 12:00 AM |
Rejoicing--We Return to India
In past six months, India has seen tremendous turmoil. In the west, the terrorist attacks in the city of Mumbai left more than a hundred dead and three hundred wounded.
In eastern India, where MOJ is located, anti-Christian violence has... Click here to read more
12/22/2009 12:00 AM |
Our Grateful Thanks
Setting new goals for our lives is important as we recognize areas that need improvement and ask God’s help in doing just that. I suspect the most common resolution at this time is starting a regime of diet and exercise.
I was... Click here to read more
11/30/2009 12:00 AM |
What a Difference--Six Years After the Tsunami
On December 26, 2004, the people of South Asia from Indonesia to India saw their world turn upside down, first by violent tremors and then by cataclysmic waves. Whole families, homes, schools, farms, fisheries and entire communities vanished.
It... Click here to read more
11/15/2009 12:00 AM |
Give Thanks--For Everything?
This month, we remember to give thanks. On Veteran’s Day, we give thanks for those who defended our freedoms that we give thanks for on Thanksgiving Day. At Christmas, we remember to thank God for freeing us from the bondage of sin... Click here to read more
11/14/2009 12:00 AM |
As Villages flood, Our Orphans have asked to send you a very special message this Thanksgiving
This year the world has seen a lot of floods in the United States and India is no different. In eastern India, flooding from cyclones coming off of the Bay of Bengal flooded several villages where Mission of Joy has pastors and churches.
... Click here to read more
10/31/2009 12:00 AM |
“Violence Against Christians Sweeps South in India
We have been contacted by a number of our supporters about news reports they have been reading about violence against believers in India. We want to express our thanks for your concern and mail on this issue. Let me use this short space to... Click here to read more
10/25/2009 12:00 AM |
Government opens an orphanage with children from MOJ
In the United States, abandoned or homeless children are placed into foster homes or facilities run by the state. Christian orphanages here are pretty much non-existent. For almost 20 years, Mission of Joy has been making room for these... Click here to read more
10/15/2009 12:00 AM |
As the banking system teeters, Keep your hearts and mind on Jesus--Your treasure is safe
As the U.S. stock market suffered a massive selloff following a failed Congressional bailout proposal, more than a trillion dollars in stock value was erased in one day.
Whatever your feelings about the bailout, you probably seriously... Click here to read more
10/10/2009 12:00 AM |
How Shall I Serve Thee?
Dear Friends of Mission of Joy—Greetings to you in Jesus Name!
Have you ever considered how utterly upside-down the words of Christ are in our world? Were Christ to be born into our world today, I think it would be few who would... Click here to read more
10/01/2009 12:00 AM |
Preparing our Children as a New School Year Dawns
Education in India isn’t a right. It’s a privilege—for a privileged few. That is because it is so expensive. It is certainly not something orphans and homeless children can afford. Even children in poor families cannot attend... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Quenching the Pain of Fire Accident Victims
When a fire breaks out in a poor village it is incredibly destructive. Houses with thatched roofs and bamboo walls go up like dry kindling.
There is no phone available to call a fire truck. Indeed, were a phone available there would be... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
A Christmas Miracle--A Fellowship Hall & Conference Center Gift
The Need — A Church & Fellowship Hall
3,000 believers gather outdoors (above) in the early evening because they have no place to gather inside. This has been very hard for them in the heat of summer and during the fall monsoons. Mangalagiri,... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Carry the Light Into the Darkness
Dear Friends of Mission of Joy—Greetings to you in Jesus Name!
We have a special commission from Jesus to carry the light into the darkness. When you read the newspaper or watch television, we see the power of darkness growing. In Asia,... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Even A Cup of Water. . .
Can you imagine not being able to turn on the kitchen tap and get a glass of water? Such a simple thing is far beyond the imaginations of those who live in the slums where we minister. Women carry large containers to draw water from a stream or... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
“The Poor Don’t Call the Fire Dept—They Call MOJ!”
While I was in Eastern India this year, I met the Mayor of the city of Mangalagiri—a city of 250,000 people. He stopped by to tell me how much he appreciated the work we were doing among the poor in his region. I was surprised when he said,... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Are you willing to Sacrifice More or Suffer more for these?
We live in a time and among a people who greatly desire to be blessed. Consider how many books and shows focus on becoming wealthy and retiring early. Can you imagine how many people would buy a book with the title of this article?
Yet,... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Fighting Child Trafficking & Prostitution--
I cannot think of a more destructive act upon a child than forcing them into slavery and prostitution. It is a problem that has no borders and few sanctuaries and it is growing at an alarming rate
While in India in January, I picked up... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Opening “Mission of Joy’s Sewing Center for Girls”
The girls above are receiving training as seamstresses. Rescued from a life they never chose, they now have a hope and a future. During their year of training at MOJ’s Sewing Center, we provide their shelter, food and clothing. When they... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
God Still Multiplies our Loaves—By Television Broadcast
I have often appeared on various programs in America from Fox News to The Harvest Show (last month, bottom). But I am more excited about how God just opened a television door for us in India.
For 6 years we applied to Indian television... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Bringing Victory to the Victimized
Dear Friends of Mission of Joy—Greetings to you in Jesus Name!
Since we shared our story of child-trafficking in Eastern India, we have received an abundance of correspondence from supporters asking how they can help.
Because of this, we... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
The Sweet Sound of Laughter
For the 80 orphans living in our orphanage in Mangalagiri, laughter has not come easily. Two years ago, we began to negotiate the purchase of a piece of land next to our facility. Six months ago, we completed that purchase and built a... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
A Taste of Heaven’s Welcome—MOJ Style
Arriving at Mission of Joy in India has often reminded me of the heavenly welcome all the faithful will one day receive.
As I get out of the car, I see the children lined up with flowers in their hands waiting to throw them on me as I... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Loving the Children who are a ”Little Closer to God”
Someone once referred to the disabled as a “little closer to God.” Whether they are closer to God or not, we have found these children to be very open to God.
Because of the guiding philosophy of Karma and reincarnation,... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
How Big is Your Spoon
Have you ever wondered what Jesus must have felt when he was surrounded by crowds of people pressing against him? Can you imagine the desperation of people who had no medical options for illness, especially the poor?
I am always amazed at how... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
MOJ Ministries--Reaching the Lost
In the early 1990’s, MOJ held evangelistic outreaches in large cities for tens of thousands. We saw more than 100,000 commit their lives to Christ in the first 4 years. After that, the Lord led us to go into remote villages and preach the... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
MOJ Ministries--Providing Medical Care
In the early years, MOJ was only able to provide medical care to our orphans and small staff. As the years passed, God blessed our hands to begin to reach out with medical assistance to the poorest of the poor. These medical camps draw thousands... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Heartfelt Dreams Grow Slowly
For many years, Cindy and I sought a way to reach the poor with Jesus’ love. We began in the inner city of Los Angeles and later aided refugees from Eastern Europe. When we were 35 (right) and SO much younger the Lord showed us how we... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
MOJ Ministries--Disaster Relief
After the Tsunami, MOJ took in many orphans who fled from the coastal areas. Beyond this, there are many less publicized disasters such as floods, fires, and cyclones that occur every year. We have found the message of Jesus is heard most clearly... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
MOJ Ministries--Planting Churches
Mission of Joy has been planting churches since 1990 in poor villages in Eastern India. We began training pastors soon after. Today, we have almost 80 churches in our growing fellowship. Many villages have no place for Christians to meet, so... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
MOJ Ministries--Digging Wells
MOJ meets the physical needs of the poor as God helps us. India is depleting it’s water supplies at a rate that will leave the nation dry by 2020 (World Watch). Many villages have no local source of water. For $750 we can dig a local... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
MOJ Ministries-Educating Children
When we began we had one classroom and one teacher for all of our orphans. Today we have a small school with multiple teachers and classrooms. We have children entering the primary grades and others who are entering the University. Our first orphan... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
School Starts in India in July
This month we want to share our excitement about all the work God has been doing among his people in India this past winter and spring. The Spirit of God is moving mightily among people and we rejoice to see His power to bring light into the... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Trusting in God in Unstable Times
In the past month, the US dollar fell 10% against the Indian Rupee. That means, as we send the same amount of dollars to India, it results in 10% less spending power.
We have also faced financial challenges, as the summer months... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Bringing the Gospel to Unreached Tribes
We have just concluded more than 100 nights of outreach to remote villages in India that have yet to hear the name of Jesus.
India now has a population of more than 1 billion people and more than 1 million remote villages. Each year we go to... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
For Jesus, Through Jesus, In Jesus Name
Greetings to you in Jesus Name!
Have you noticed that the name of Jesus has been slowly disappearing from our culture? People will often refer to God, but it is a rare thing to hear the name of Jesus spoken outside of the walls of a... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Widows Flock to Cities to Die
CNN this month, reported on a situation in India we have been long familiar with. Hindu widows are shunned in society, forced to shave their heads and wear white. Nearly 33 million widows flock to the cities to beg for daily food or perish. ... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Back to School Supplies--in US $500--In India $50
Education in India isn’t a right. It’s a privilege—for a privileged few. That is because it is so expensive. It is certainly not something orphans and homeless children can afford.
In the US, the average student... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
The Beginnings of MOJ's Fellowship Hall and Bible College
Has God planted a dream in your heart? If it is from the Lord, there is one thing that is sure. He will take you through a long and winding journey of the heart before you see that dream come to life. He must prepare the heart of His child,... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Will you follow Jesus, even into the valley of suffering?
Dear Friends of Mission of Joy—
What a strange question to ask? I’m not sure I ever heard a sermon on this subject. The one thing Jesus asked of those who sought eternal life was “Follow Me.” A rich man sought... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Seeking 50 New Child Sponsors
What would you do if dozens of children knocked on your door asking for food and shelter? We are facing such a recent influx of desperate children.
The long term effects of AIDs and shortened life spans are leaving large numbers of roving... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Why not Start Your Day with Prayer & Praise
One of the things that surprises our visitors is the daily routines in our orphanages. All of our children start the day by 6:00 am as they gather for praise and prayer. Our children grow up learning that praise is an essential part of the... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Reaching into the Darkness—one Village at a Time
We’ve been bringing the Gospel to remote villages in Eastern India for the past 15 years. Many have come to India to do the same thing. In time, we began to ask ourselves after each evangelistic outreach ended was: “What has been... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Discipling our Pastors to build Strong Christian Churches
Each year the seasons change. It is no different in the kingdom of God. When we began 17 years ago, we did large crusades in large cities. Later the Lord spoke to us about going to places no one else had gone—the remote villages. After... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
The Joy of a Contented Heart
Greetings in Jesus Name!
This month we begin to gather support for our orphans’ Christmas celebration that will soon be upon us. Our children are preparing their letters for their sponsors, many of them in English now. The fruit of... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
What Can I do this Christmas to Help?
MOJ sends funds to our staff in India to help them arrange a Christmas celebration for our orphans. They will purchase a new set of clothes, a coat and small gift for each child. After handing out the clothes and gifts, all enjoy a large... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Disciples of The Good News or the Good Life?
Working among the poor in India for almost 20 years, I know the darkness and opposition we face in bringing the Gospel of Jesus there.
What surprises me is that the most popular message in America would be scoffed at in India. What is this... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Books, Back Packs and Back to School Blessings
Indian education is very different from our system in the west. More than 25 million primary school-age children are not in school. More than 40% of first-grade children will not complete their primary grades (through 5th grade). Children of... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
The Movement of the Spirit among the “Untouchables”
There are more than 1 billion people in India today (1/6th of the world’s population). The “Untouchable” caste make up 200 million of that billion—nearly the population of the entire United States.
In spite of... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Have you Sought His Richest Blessing?
When you seek God’s blessings, what are you really seeking? Stop reading for just a moment, look into your heart and find the answer .
When people ask for God’s blessings, I usually hear requests for things that will... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
The Simplicity of Christmas-seen in a Smile
As we draw near to Christmas, our orphans anxiously await the festivities we are preparing for them. There is abundant laughter and a warmth of love many of them have never known. We send funds early to allow our staff the time to purchase... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
“Jesus”—Stumbling Block to World Peace?
It has been an interesting past month in the world, or as Alice said in Wonderland, things are becoming “Curiouser and Curiouser!”
Two events took place that caused me to ask, “Could Jesus soon become the stumbling block to... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Burning Up, Passing Away—How then shall we Live?
This past month, most of our nation watched with sadness and horror as fires raged out of control in Southern California. Despite the heroic efforts of so many firefighters and many other unsung heroes, more than a thousand homes burned. ... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
The Gift IS Jesus
How wonderful and how marvelous is the love of God. In our desperate condition, imprisoned by sin and destined for eternal separation from Him, God did not forget or abandon us. His love reached out to us in our misery, and was completely... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Simple Joys for our Girls and Boys
Many might find our Christmas celebration in India a little “bare” or “simple” compared to many in America. Yet, I have not found many celebrations filled with as much joy as found in our orphanages. Joy is found in... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Overwhelmed? Is it by Christ or the "Chris-Must" Rush?
We have a wonderful daughter-in law who was born in Chile. Her family lives there still and were stunned to see the news showing Americans sleeping in front of stores to get into stores on the day after Thanksgiving. They called her concerned... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
MOJ Reaches out for Jesus to Flood and Fire Victims
This year the world has seen a lot of floods and fires in the U.S. and in Asia. In eastern India, flooding from cyclones coming off of the Bay of Bengal deluged villages where MOJ has pastors and churches.
In 24 hours, more than 9... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
“I was naked and you clothed me”
When Jesus spoke to those gathered around His throne in the book of Revelation, he tells them that when they help those in desperate circumstances, they are really helping Him. It’s hard to believe that there are places in the world so... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Breaking Ground on Bible College & Fellowship Center
Have you ever felt God prompting your heart or speaking to you in a way you can’t deny? When He does, you have two choices; you can either respond to that still small voice, or ignore it. When we are willing to listen and obey, God brings... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Our 'Unknown' Children
One of our sponsors received a letter from their sponsor child “unknown Sharon.” They asked us to let this child know they weren’t ‘unknown’ but that someone loved them , cared about them, and “knew them.”... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
A Message for Our Kind Sponsors
During the past year we have seen the dollar fall almost one-third in value against all other currencies. It has been more than 5 years since we adjusted our sponsorship costs and we now must do itagain.
We need to do this to keep... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
America's Loss of Innocence: New Bathroom Laws Coming
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. . . Not so the wicked! They are... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Christmas Letters of Love from Our Little Ones
This letter comes from one of our mentally disabled orphans.
Beloved Aunt and Uncle,
I am studying in this orphanage and have a special tutor. He speaks in English every day and I am very interested in learning. I have a good bed to... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Beyond Compassion--Drawing on God's Resounces
I’ve read some interesting reports recently on the effects of “compassion fatigue” on people. When news reports on any situation are continually disturbing, and show no signs of resolution, viewers are tuning them out. Newspaper... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Finding Real Riches and the Abundant Life
Greetings to you in Jesus name!
Hello from all of our staff, children and pastors in India. As you read this, we pray you feel the joy that surrounds our orphanages, widows homes, and churches. It is always a little surprising to feel such... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Willing to Carry the Light of Jesus
Dear Friends of Mission of Joy—Greetings to you in Jesus Name!
We have a special commission from Jesus to carry the light into the growing darkness. In Asia, we face growing persecution against our pastors, churches, and ministries to the... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Remembering our Elders for Jesus Sake
We seem to live in a world that places less and less value on the wisdom of our elders. It was God’s plan that the young should learn from the wisdom of their elders. That is why God’s word tells us to , “Rise in the presence of... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Find our Hope as Many Abandon Their Faith
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 1 Cor 15:19
A recent comprehensive study of Americans conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public life, revealed some startling statistics. ... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Christians Worship by Candlelight
Once a year at Christmas, many of us celebrate the birth of Christ in a candlelight ceremony. We celebrate this way as a novel change from our normal worship experience. We do this, protected from rain and snow, within the warmth of a building. ... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
A father offers to sell his child in India—What might we do?
ABC News ran a special last month detailing the plight of a poor family whose one child needed an operation they could not afford. The 45 year old father of a 16 year old girl (lower right) who needed a heart operation decided to sell his... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
The dollar drops by 1/3--How do we Live?
Such an important question for such a small space you might wonder. Indeed, since a year ago, we have sent no less dollars to India but they now buy one-third less rupees. All overseas ministries, and most world aid organizations are facing the... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Food becomes like Gold as Fear battles Faith
Back in the 1970’s, Larry Norman sang a song that included the lines:
Life was filled with guns and war,
And everyone got trampled on the floor
I wish we’d all been ready.
Children died the days grew cold
A piece... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Compassion Fatigue? Not With Jesus
Dear Friends of Mission of Joy—Greetings to you in Jesus Name!
No one can dispute that the world has recently been inundated with news of great catastrophes around the world. The cyclone disaster in Myanmar and earthquake in China has... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Credit Card Donations to MOJ now possible
Mission of Joy has been asked by a number of people if we accept credit card donations. Until now we have not been able to do so. The cost of setting up a merchant account and paying the fees involved seemed to be higher than we wanted to... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Heavenly Hope-It's Different, it's Powerful
Dear Friends of Mission of Joy—Greetings to you in Jesus Name!
A few years ago John Hopkins University did an experiment with mice. The first group of mice was held tightly in the experimenters' hands so that they could not move. The... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Calif court "enacts" homosexual marriage--As in the days of Noah--keep your light shining!
Background:
Last month, the California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage. The 4-3 majority opinion said “sexual orientation, like race or gender does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Child Sponsors Lend to the Lord
The scriptures teach us that “He who is kind to the poor, lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.” (Prov 19:17) These 4 children are part of a group of 50 un-sponsored children that presently live in our... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Reaching out in the Darkness with Christ's Light
Dear Friends of Mission of Joy—Greetings to you in Jesus Name
We live in a world that is increasingly difficult to predict what will come next. I’ve tried to summarize some of these events and how we might respond as believers... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
MOJ Provides Free Medical Care to Poor
We have a lot of discussion in America about the lack of affordable health care. Yet, even the poorest of the poor can be taken to an Emergency Room and receive some care.
There are no E.R.’s where the poor can get such care in India.... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
The Joy of Bringing Kindness
Have you ever considered that God blesses us when we are allowed to bring His kindness to others? This past month a pastor in Cedar Rapids shared their experiences as the state asked pastors and churches to help with evacuation notifications.
Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
New Hope for Girls Rescued from the Streets
It has been a little over a year that Mission of Joy began an outreach to actively seek girls caught up in child trafficking along with other at-risk street children.
Because child-trafficking is a world-wide problem that is growing, we... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
ABC News reports
I was very surprised to see an article in the mainline news media this month stating, “Everything Seemingly is Spinning out of Control.” (ABC online news 6/24/08). Some of the events we are all becoming familiar with were... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
Are you able to receive the First Blessing?
Perhaps you heard about the man in Australia who offered up his life for auction on e—bay. He threw in his house, all its furnishings, his car and even his job to whoever who bid the most. He was asking for $400,000.
Twenty-four... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
School Supplies for those called "Untouchable
MOJ has 200 of our own orphans that we provide clothes and books for at the beginning of the school year each July.
Beyond this, MOJ has also reached out this year to more than 100 children that live in the slums of Vijayawada. No... Click here to read more
01/08/2007 12:00 AM |
