If you get a chance check out “Touch a Life” ministry, which my brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Pam Cope, started to minister to orphans in Cambodia, Vietnam (where my niece and nephew are from), Nicaragua, and Haiti.
Even in their grief over their son’s death in the summer of ‘99, God has made them compassionate advocates for some of “the least among us.” Here’s how they describe it on the website:
Jantsen was our beautiful fifteen year old son. He was atheletic and loved life — living it to the fullest.
He died suddenly of an undetected heart defect. As a family, we were able to use Jantsen’s Memorial Fund to start Touch A Life Ministries. We strongly felt that Jantsen’s legacy needed to be helping children.
Through a series of events which led us to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, we felt God’s calling on our lives to cry out for the children whose voices are not being heard.
God allowed Touch A Life Ministries to be birthed when we allowed Him to show us the great needs of His children who so desperately need us to be Jesus in their lives. We have a passion to share the news of James 1:27 so that we will have a better understanding of intimacies of God’s heart for His people.
Here are the kinds of beliefs that God our Father accepts as pure and without fault.
When widows and children who have no parents are in trouble,
take care of them.
And keep yourselves from being polluted by the world.
~James 1:27
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After a final brain-storming session with the Zoe worship leaders yesterday, I’m really looking forward to this year’s conference called “Closer.” Lauren Winner, author of Girl Meets God
Mike,
Thanks for letting us know about Touch a Life Ministry. I know that a one time contribution or monthly support to the ministry would be sucha blessing. I know that many churches support Medina Children’s, Sunny Glenn, Children’s home of Lubbock, and others but what a blessing it would be to support this wonderful ministry as well.
Mike it is such a encouragement to see Christians making a difference in the lives of orphans.
God bless Randy, Pam and Touch a Life Ministry.
See you at Zoe in Nashville. I can’t wait to go this year. I have heard so many good things about it that I anticipate it with great expectations. I have been going to Otter Creek some since I moved here and have really benefitted from it.
Thanks for the link Mike. I’ll be attending Lectureship for the first time in roughly 25 years - looking forward to it immensely. Wish there was a way us blogophiles could meet for coffee? (or iced tea in Mike’s case
)
When I was a kid ACU leturships was a big thing. Every church in town closed for Worship on Sunday nights and the singing in Moody Aud. was heavenly. It was something that everyone looked forward too. I especially remember the big tent. What ever happened to the tent? I think they should bring the tent back at least so our kids can experience it.
So wanted to be there this year. Airfare from ATL to ABI is really high. And no place to stay we could afford. Will save up for next year. Really want to hear Don’s message, hope it’s on the web.
“Touch a Life” — what a beautiful ministry! Being familiar with so many non-profits over the years, I really appreciate the name — subtle and descriptive of the ministry of Jesus. Touching the lives of the children of Vietman and Cambodia reminded me of when Jesus healed the blind man in John 9. The touch of Jesus resulted in “God’s display.” When tragedy happens in our lives, instead of victims, we can become “God’s display.”
I’m so looking forward to Zoe……just a few weeks now!
Who wouldn’t want to come to ACU’s Lectureship and hear Preacher Mike talk about SEX??!!
Seriously, though, I got my Lectureship brochure yesterday, and this year’s looks better than ever. Wish I could come down. I’ll hafta order some CDs…
I know bunches of folks going to the Zoe conference, and to the ACU lectureship………but I am not going to be able to attend either. I am looking forward to hearing about both from those who are blessed with being able to go. I know I will end up buying some CD’s of the talks from ACU.
May God bless both of these efforts!
DU
Terry - Not only is Don speaking Tues evening — but I’ve stolen him for Sunday morning. It helps that we have two of his sons at Highland.
Zoe blesses me with their music at least 2-3 times a week. I look forward to getting the “Closer” CD. Can’t make it to Nashville this year but will catch them and you at Pepperdine in the spring for sure. Thanks for all your encouragement through this daily posting.
KR
Not gonna be able to make Zoe or Lectureship, Mike, but I pray blessings on both. Both of those ministries bless lots and lots of people in ways that we will probably never fully understand.
Is Chris playing football these days?
The one speaker I can’t wait to hear is John Siburt.
I highly recommend Lauren Winner’s books. She may be one of the most thoughtful younger Christian writers we have.
I’ll be coming to the lectureship for the first time since I graduated way back in the uh..hmm early 80’s. I’m looking forward to it for several reasons, but the primary one is I’m bringing my mom along. She lost her husband and my dad 4 and 1/2 years ago to lung cancer. She is my hero in the faith and a constant blessing to those she is around (though she would be very uncomfortable with me saying such) We look forward to worshipping at Highland sunday morning.
Mike-
Okay ya got me.
When are we ever going to hear you in ATL? I’ve lent out the CD on Women a few times and it has been very impressive.
Lecturship? In September? Did they move Sing Song as well?
Mike,
So glad Lauren Winner is speaking. Her REAL SEX book is outstanding. I also read her columns in each issue of Books and Culture. Good choice…
SG - Sing Song is still in Feb, but yes, Lectureship is officially moving to Sept……
Thanks for the link to the Touch of Life Ministry. What a God-honoring way for your brother and his family honor Jantsen and bless the lifes of others!
The Zoe Conference line up sounds great…I can’t wait!!
Blessings to you and yours,
-bill
I’m hoping and praying I’ll be able to attend at least part of the ACU Lectureship - but it’ll all depend on what info I receive the next few days. I’d marked in my catalog to hear the Jordans, Swimm and Wesley, as well as others but definitely don’t want to miss hearing these two dearly loved young people.
As far as Zoe goes, I’ve never been to Nashville in my life, and suppose this year will not be an exception.
I’d so like to hear Lauren Winner but no chance. It would be such a blessing to be able to attend both Zoe and ACUL but am definitely in the ‘wait and see’ mode. Grrrr
Wish I could be at the Lectureship, but Zoe Worship Conference will have to do—HA. Can’t wait for it! There’s always next year, the LORD willing, to travel to Abilene in the fall (?) And, CALIFORNIA in the Spring—yea!! To hear you, & see my kids is the highlight of the year for me.
Randy & Pam are being salt & light, for sure.
Terry — keep the pressure on Mike for me, will you? I can explain in person!
Matt-
Well, explain away. Be looking for you.
Hey, I’m just planning what I’ll wear at ACU Lectureship: I’m packing light since I will not need the usual wool coat, galoshes, and mittens. Let’s see, pack the sun screen, sun glasses…..
I remember reading about those ghanian kids in the nytimes and wondering what in the world I could possibly do to help them. And now you have actually rescued them, which seemed like an impossible task to me. I am deeply impressed and inspired.
Thank you so much!
Laurie benenson
I would like to get involved in your ministry. Will you please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can be of help?
My number is (626) 216-6461
Thank you,
Stephanie Bennett