Paul Myhill's Blog

The Chain (part two)

Jullio was brought to his current home by a woman claiming to be his mother. She signed a document asserting that she was abandoning him to their care due to extreme poverty and an inability to care for an impaired child. The home soon figured out that the woman was not who she claimed to be and that Julio was, in effect, dumped into their care as a result of a trafficking deal gone bad.

Born for cash, Julio now inhabits this world as a child struggling for identity and answers. This apparently triggers anger to well up in him, causing difficulty for the home and for the other children who are now part of his family. Those children receive less attention and care as the family devotes additional time and energy to address Julio’s special needs.

It is indeed a chain – a wicked one where every link tugs and pulls at others. Despite much love and counseling Julio may never feel whole. And the home’s other children, rightly or wrongly, may never feel that they got the attention they deserved because of his presence.

Lives are not things to be tinkered with. And they’re certainly not to be initiated for trade. Perhaps Julio’s mother rationalized her actions by believing that he would be raised in a wealthy American home. Maybe she figured that he would cast an unseen legacy, as a child that would find knowledge and prosperity that greatly surpasses her own.

She got it wrong...to a degree.

If not for the church, Julio might have been sold as a slave laborer or, far worse, as a sex toy for a rich Guatemalan pedophile. He could have just as easily been left on the pavement, like other children we have encountered throughout Central America. As a street child with a disability, Julio would have left a far worse legacy that his mother could have ever imagined. Her baby boy, the fruit of her womb, would have suffered abuse upon abuse...while the money in her pocket had long since vanished.

The Chain (part one)

Although we were told he has violent tendencies, Julio presented himself as a jovial and pleasant young boy. He stroked and tugged at my arm while continuously begging to have his picture taken. His broad smile was comprised of a mouthful of crooked teeth framed by parenthetical dimples. Just eight years old, he lives with fourteen other children at a church home we funded a few years ago near Guatemala City.

Julio was bred for a business transaction. His mother received money to get pregnant on the condition that she would turn over the newborn to a crime ring that specialized in sourcing children for international adoption. Sometimes these women collaborated with their boyfriends or husbands. Sometimes they were prostitutes that used unprotected sex to score a bigger payday. And sometimes they were conveniently impregnated by members of the crime syndicates. In all cases, poverty drove their decision to turn womb from incubator to factory.

As agreed, Julio’s mother relinquished her infant to an intermediary that would temporarily raise him before his sale to a home for ‘orphaned and abandoned’ children. There he would stay until a lucrative adoption could be arranged.

Julio’s intermediary owners soon began to suspect that he might have some sort of disability. Once confirmed, they were unable to pass him down the supply chain. The final organization wouldn’t take him. He was damaged goods with a no-return policy.

McCain's Adopted Daughter from Asia

Many people might be surprised to learn that US Presidential hopeful, John McCain, has an adopted daughter from Bangladesh. Below is an interview excerpt from Dadmag.com that was conducted during Senator McCain’s pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination in 2000:

Interview with John McCain

Senator John McCain waged a vigorous high-profile campaign for the 2000 Republican Presidential nomination. Among many compelling facts, we were interested to learn that one of his children is adopted. We asked Morgan Strong, a veteran interviewer and consultant to CBS' Sixty Minutes and The Early Show, to get some details. Strong talked to McCain shortly after the Senator's recent trip to Vietnam.

Dadmag: What are the up and downs of fatherhood?

McCain: There are too many joys to name the ups. The only sad part about it is that children grow up. I watch my daughter turn fifteen and my son turn fourteen and I see them getting ready to leave the nest, and I see their interest in me diminishing rather dramatically. (Laughs).

Dadmag: Your youngest daughter Bridget is adopted. Why did you decide to adopt Bridget?

McCain: Well it was primarily my wife's Cindy's idea. She was in Bangladesh and she and some of the medical personnel visited Mother Theresa's orphanage to try and help the children there. There were two little baby girls there. One had a heart problem the other a severe cleft palate. Cindy was very concerned about their ability to survive and their need for medical treatment, so she decided to bring them here for medical treatment. She fell in love with both of them. We decided to adopt Bridget. Two close friends of ours, adopted Mickey, the other child.

Dadmag: You knew about your wife's decision before hand?

McCain: (laughs) No. She arrived and said "Say hello to your new little daughter."

Dadmag: A bit of a shock?

McCain: Yes indeed.

Dadmag: And how has it worked out? Are you happy with the decision to adopt Bridget?

McCain: Oh yes! She has enriched our lives. She's a wonderful child, a complete part of our family and we love her.

Dadmag: Your other children accepted her well?

McCain: Oh yeah sure. She's the toughest of the four. The youngest always has to be the toughest.

Dadmag: During your campaign for the Republican Presidential nomination Bridget became something of an issue in South Carolina didn't she?

McCain: Yeah. There were some pretty vile and hurtful things said during the South Carolina primary. It's a really nasty side of politics. We tried to ignore it and I think we shielded her from it. It's just unfortunate that that sort of thing still exists As you know she's Bengali, and very dark skinned. A lot of phone calls were made by people who said we should be very ashamed about her, about the color of her skin. Thousands and thousands of calls from people to voters saying "You know the McCains have a black baby" I believe that there is a special place in hell for people like those.

Dadmag: That must have made you pretty angry?

McCain: Yes, except that you have to consider the kind of people who do it. Getting angry doesn't serve any useful purpose. But the calls increased my zeal for winning. (laughs)

Dadmag: There are an awful lot of African American children who could be adopted, but there are those who object, including African American organizations which have a policy against interracial adoption.

McCain: I see that barrier more and more breaking down. I think we are making great progress. We just need to make a lot more progress.

Dadmag: You had to go through an extraordinary process to adopt Bridget. A very intrusive process by the bureaucrats. They came to your home and rifled through your drawers. According to what I've read, adoption agency officials even asked about your sex life.

McCain: They were very intrusive. Unfortunately it is a disincentive to some parents because it's so much easier to go overseas. And that leaves us, in this country, with thousands of children who want parents and thousands of parents who want children. One of the goals I've had for a long time is to try to encourage a much less convoluted process in order for parents to adopt a child.

Dadmag: Is this necessary or is it just the bureaucracy gone a little mad?

McCain: A little of both. They want to make sure that those who want to adopt are fit to do so. I think sometimes bureaucrats stretch it out for fear of getting in trouble or getting something wrong. And I also think that there are state laws, probably the result of some bad things having taken place, that are legislative overreactions. I just wish that every state would review their laws concerning the process of adoption, to expedite it but at the same time protect the child.

Dadmag: Would the abortion issue be made less troublesome if the adoption process were made easier.

McCain: Absolutely. Since our own story has been publicized we hear a lot from many many parents who have experienced the same frustrations.

Dadmag: You have co-sponsored legislation in the Senate to streamline the process.

McCain: Yes, but it is largely a state responsibility. We have tried to encourage the states to review their adoption procedures. We can not do much at the federal level.

Dadmag: Political life at any level exposes the children to any number of potential calamities. As a candidate for President the scrutiny and curiosity is even more oppressive. Was it hard to protect them?

McCain: That's one of the reasons we decided to raise our children in Arizona. Because we felt it would be a much healthier life style for them. And that's been the case.

Dadmag: Any final words?

McCain: There is nothing in life like a child that you can nurture and love. The reciprocation of that love and nurturing is a thousand times more beneficial to you than it is to the child.

Maria's Miracle Fund

(Click to enlarge)

Dear Friends,

Almost eight years ago, a precious family stepped forward at our church and offered to pay for adoption costs for us to receive our first daughter from China. At the time, Lisa and I were on staff at the church and were wondering how we could afford an international adoption on rather paltry ministry incomes.

If it were not for the generosity of our dear friends, Faith Elizabeth Li Ke Lin Myhill would not be a part of our family right now. Perhaps she would still be languishing in a Chinese orphanage. Perhaps she would have been adopted by a family that rejects Christ.

Either way, God used our friends to change the course of an eternal life.

This, in part, is the ministry of Shaohannah’s Hope, the organization founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth Chapman. As most of you now know, Steven and Mary Beth tragically lost their Chinese-adopted daughter, Maria Sue Chapman, a couple of days ago.

"Maria’s Miracle Fund" has been set up by Shaohannah’s Hope in Maria’s honor. The Chapman family has asked, in lieu of gifts and flowers, to make donations to this fund, to help families rescue their own "Maria" from desperate situations around the globe.

Due to the commitment of a World Orphans donor, you can double your participation in this fund and help change lives forever.

From now until June 1st, all checks received at our office, with "Maria" written in the memo line, will be eligible for this matching gift, up to $10,000 ($20,000 total.) In addition, all online donations received during this time period will qualify for the same doubling program. World Orphans will be taking out no administrative fee on these donations. 200% of funds will be forwarded.

For those of you sending in checks, please make them payable to World Orphans and also feel free to enclose a message for the Chapman family. We will send on all the cards and notes accordingly.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS OPPORTUNITY TO FRIENDS WHO WISH TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE CHAPMANS AND THE BLESSING OF INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION!

Until They All Have Homes,

Paul
President

World Orphans
1840 Woodmoor Dr., Suite 100
Monument, CO 80132
1-888-ORPHANS
719-487-1700
Facebook Profile

All contributions are tax deductible and eternally significant.

National Day of Prayer...for families

I am truly blessed to work with the most amazing staff at World Orphans. I’m biased, of course, but I can’t think of any finer group of individuals to serve with. Jodi Vinson, wife of our Executive Vice President, Mike Vinson, is currently organizing a huge benefit concert this fall to raise awareness for the orphan, while also celebrating World Orphans’ 15th anniversary as a ministry. Jodi is also a prayer warrior who spearheaded the development of an interactive prayer room at the World Orphans offices outside of Colorado Springs. She has helped set up similar prayer rooms in various locations, including Jerusalem.

Today, my intention was to offer up a prayer on this blog, to commemorate the day’s Presidential designation as the "National Day of Prayer." However, after having just heard Jodi’s prayer for families on the steps of the administrative building in Castle Rock, CO, I’m compelled to share it with you also. It so moved my heart that there is nothing I can write that would serve God better this day.

I ask that you join me in lifting up this prayer again, to our Triune God who cherishes families...and loves the children who still seek one.

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Father God, Creator of all things,

From the beginning of time you created us as men and women to unite and create families. You created marriage and you alone can sustain it.

Reclaim and breathe fresh life into those families that have given up. You are the God of redemption and reconciliation.

Lord Jesus, seek and save that which is lost. Your enemy is prowling around, seeking to destroy your children, our marriages and our families. Lord, hear and act on behalf of your people.

Cause us to honor you by being in the world, but not of the world. Let us be different and so hold unswervingly to the faith we have. May we rest in your promises, Holy Father. For you alone are sovereign, faithful and true.

Lord Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, our hope is in you. Holy Spirit, renew our minds through the power of God's word, for your word is truth. Help us to recognize the enemy's schemes so we will not fall prey to them, but fight this spiritual battle with the spiritual weapons of prayer and the reading of your word. Transform us into righteous men and women whose prayers are powerful and effective.

Bind up the broken families. Surround them with people to encourage them and help them. Pour your grace upon single parents to rely on the power of God to show them how to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. Jesus, cause them to take your yoke upon them, as your burden is light. May they find rest and refuge in you alone. Please supply their every need. Through every hardship may your Spirit bring tangible consolation to them so that they will know they are not alone, for you will never leave us or forsake us.

Turn the hearts of our husbands back to God. May they love the Lord our God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and love their wives as they love themselves, giving themselves up for her as Christ loved the church. Make them wise and benevolent leaders of their families.

As fathers, tell your children of the Lord's faithfulness. Lord, make them examples of Christ's love and mercy. Cause each man to be lavish in his demonstration of love toward his family.

Fill each wife with the desire to honor and respect her husband in love and selflessness. Open our eyes to the pressures that daily fall on them. Give us grateful hearts as women who live wisely and make the most of every opportunity to edify one another.

As mothers, let us love and instruct our children, relying on God for His perfect provision for their every need.

May our children be obedient and so honor their parents. Help us to be effective parents, influencing our children to honor and obey the Lord their God. Fill them with a knowledge of your word and will.

For the families who build their foundation on Christ, make Christ visible through us in how we love one another, care for one another, bear each other’s burdens, and share with anyone in need.

For the families who do not yet know Christ, may the light of the Gospel shine into their hearts. Draw them into the faith community and give them a hunger for your word.

For children without families, please provide families to come forward to adopt them and show the love of Christ. Since we have been adopted in love into the family of God, may we also be the example, as dearly loved children of God, to live a life worthy of the calling we have received.

For it is only by the Grace of God that our nation and families stand. Our nation will only be as strong as the families that inhabit it. Help us, Father, to stand firm.

May we all have the love of the Father,

the obedience of the Son,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,

in the midst of every family and every relationship.

I ask all this in the powerful name above all names,

Jesus Christ,

AMEN

Many Would-Be Grandfathers

I received this e-mail from a friend earlier this week.

It really touched my heart.

Many children need a home. Many potential grandfathers are waiting...

In Memory of Doug Rice

Dear Paul,

Today, I am mailing the monies donated to World Orphans in memory of my dad. These past 6 weeks have been surreal, somewhere between sorrow and rejoicing. The void he has left in my life is profound.

God's mercy met my dad in the form of a blood clot. He had suffered all of his adult life with a severe chemical imbalance tempered only by a deep and resounding faith in Christ. It gives me great joy to know that at long last he has been healed and is where you and I long to be - with the lover of our souls.

Being Papaw was by far the greatest joy of my dad's life. He had six grandsons and only one granddaughter - our Devrah. Her life began on a sidewalk in China - abandoned, unwanted, but God had other plans. It's been three years since he brought our lives together miraculously.

I am so grateful for the cherished memories of Dad playing Candyland and eating pretend cookies she had baked in her toy kitchen. But by far, the sweetest memory is that he carried only one picture in his wallet. The very first one he had gotten of Devrah. Her adoption referral picture.

My dad's love for Devrah reminds me that there are many would be grandfathers in the world that are just waiting for an opportunity to share God's love with a child who needs it. World Orphans gives churches throughout the world the chance to let them do just that. Thanks Paul for your vision and commitment to abandoned and orphaned children.

May God continue the work until they all have homes.

With God's love,
Elisabeth Fung

In the world today, there are over 143 million abandoned or orphaned children. James 1:27 instructs followers of Christ to rescue orphans in their distress. To learn more, visit World Orphans' blog at www.abandoned-orphaned.com.

Welcome Home & Happy Birthday Norah!

On Friday, World Orphans’ VP, Scott Vair, and his family arrived home from China with their new bundle of joy, Norah. The Vairs had just missed Norah’s first birthday when they received her in China, so we threw a little belated party for her at our house – a ‘welcome home’ and ‘happy birthday’ for a precious little girl who is orphaned no more.

(Image: The newly-expanded Vair family, just as they were to enter their house for the first time with Norah)

(Image: Norah and her blob of a first-birthday ice-cream cake)

Comings and Goings

Today, one man completed his journey from China with his family to bring his new daughter home.

Today, another man completed his journey to Uganda to pack up the belongings of his family and deceased daughter.

As Scott Vair stepped over the threshold of his home in Colorado, new memories were being created.

As David Ochoa stepped over the threshold of his old home in Jinja, past memories came flooding back.

Possibilities and closure. Celebration and reflection.

Norah and Talitha.

An orphan rescued. A child remembered.

All Seems Right

"When they brought Norah out she was wide eyed. We hugged her and held her and fed her a bottle. We drove away, leaving behind a life in an orphanage to a new life in our family. All seems right now that our daughter is home."

- World Orphans’ Vice President, Scott Vair, reporting on receiving their new little daughter from China today.

(Image: Debbie receives Norah)

 

(Image: Proud Papa)

 

(Image: Trevor and his new sister)

(Image: Charlotte and her darker-haired sister)

To read the full account and view more photos, please visit here.

Paparazzi

Our Vice President of Projects, Scott Vair, is presently in China with his family to pick up their new baby girl, Norah. I do hope that many of you will visit his blog, A Heart For Orphans, to follow their journey in plucking one little girl from the future grip of the enemy. Many of these girls will be sold as wives or into the sex trade upon leaving a Chinese orphanage. Norah, on the other hand, will now be raised within a strong Christian family who will introduce her to her Father in heaven, the Father to the fatherless.

Scott’s latest entry speaks of a "great irony." The trip is about receiving their newest daughter who was abandoned because of cultural preferences and constraints. Yet, their first daughter, Charlotte, is getting an abundance of attention from the people.

(Images: Charlotte and the China paparazzi. Photos, Scott Vair)

I’ve seen it before, especially when we took our light-haired son, Caleb, on a trip to Taiwan 20 months ago. You are swarmed by throngs of people who want to take photos of your child. Your child feels like a rock star with bulbs flashing and people jostling for a position to get photographed with them.

 

(Image: Caleb and the Taiwan paparazzi, 2005)

Meanwhile, children are being discarded into institutions...perhaps by some of the same people seeking photographs with your own child. Often they are forced to do so. But ultimately they chose to do so simply because the child was a girl instead of a highly-prized boy.