This congregation has quietly and consistently, for over a decade, helped with orphans in Komsomolsk, Russia. It is so infrequently mentioned, and so far away, that an appreciation for that good work can easily slip from our heads and hearts. The brethren (from Kalispell, Montana, through whom we serve these young souls), send out a monthly report most of you never see. The following is a brief summary from the March report about orphans in India.

These orphans have been helped by Penke and his wife since April, 2002. In addition to his work as a preacher for the Church of Christ, Penke was gravely concerned about the orphans and he and his wife had reached out to help. The number had grown from 1 orphan in 2002 to 7 orphans in 2004. This night, in the rainy season, all 7 had gathered in one corner of their thatched roofed, one room dwelling, in order to stand out of the puddles formed on the dirt floor, because of leaks in the roof. That problem was added to the fact Penke and his wife did not have food for all of the children. Church members had helped some, but it just wasn’t enough. There also was a shortage of clothing, medicine, and clean water. With school starting, these orphans would not have uniforms, books, or school supplies.

The dream of Penke and his wife to help these seven homeless souls was falling apart. The general attitude about orphans in that area was that they helped increase crime, disease and hardships wherever they were. Penke and his wife sold a little piece of property they got as a dowry when they married, paying off debts they had incurred. The economic demands were too many! Penke, his wife, brethren, and neighbors gathered to “pray tears to God for the orphans.”

Shortly thereafter, Penke, on a website, saw Orphans lifeline international, with an application to fill out for assistance. God had truly opened a door!

In September of 2004 the first contact was made. By late October of that year, after a Tsunami hit the area, Penke was able to turn his dream into reality, caring for the orphans better than he ever dreamed! By August, 2007, there was a new facility, and Penke and brethren were caring for 46 orphans! These children continually receive awards at the schools they attend. Some have gone on to college and Tech schools. They read their Bible daily, sing worship songs each morning, and pray. They truly understand that God does love the little children!

As you prepare to eat today, think where this article began, and , as Paul put it, “be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15).