tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79501191455591932002024-02-21T09:25:54.612-08:00Beautiful Feet Global Outreach~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-3698396113856342742021-10-01T12:55:00.003-07:002021-10-01T13:17:11.508-07:00Videos of Recent Happenings<p> Hi friends,</p><p>Please enjoy these fun videos of the kiddos you are loving well.</p><p>Here are the Zim kiddos and our sweet Orphanage Director. I hesitate to share this because she/they are thanking me personally, despite my constant request that they not. They KNOW that I am just a voice and that God is providing donors and supporters, but they are ever grateful for my voice. I just want you to see the kiddos - so enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwZmSav5woe9DV3fyEqwvFmHJe4L2Dtlp1AdcAZYNMRHE03VyipRx6xsXToNDcY8k04jwc1BIRs6hWPp9iSBA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>My first site visit to our new orphanage partner in Guatemala was incredible. See some of the amazing kiddos here. I cannot put into words how joyful they are. The blogger platform won't allow me to post iphone videos here, so please visit our public instagram page</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/bfgo4orphans/" target="_blank"> CLICK HERE</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As always, thank you for continuing to love and serve through your financial support. We praise God for you!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-31349282847357117552018-05-08T07:53:00.001-07:002018-05-08T07:53:58.620-07:00This Summer In Zim & a GiveawayHi Friends - thanks for coming here to check up on our latest news and needs from Zim. It means so much to us when you take an extra moment to understand the needs of our Zim kiddos.<br />
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We have been serving in Zimbabwe for TEN YEARS! Oh my gosh - that makes my heart race in the best possible way. It has been difficult and stressful but also rewarding and glorious. There will never be enough hallelujahs to adequately praise God for His goodness in connecting us to these children and Fatima. As much as I'd like to believe that BFGO has been a blessing .... what I really know to be true is that this work has enriched my life and expanded my heart in ways that nothing else could have accomplished. And I thank each and every one of you who've partnered with us along the way.<br />
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I'm heading to Zim in June with one of my sons - and here is what's currently on the hot list.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Political Climate in Zim and FOOD:</b></span><br />
There have been big changes. The 30+ year dictator is no longer president and the current leadership has made some positive changes, but they aren't changes that improve the quality of life for our orphans. Unfortunately - food costs have skyrocketed. Our board member, Elaine, is there now and has reported back some disturbing information to me. Our kiddos have been eating very little and all have lost weight. The food has simply been too expensive. Some days they only eat bread. We need to raise some emergent funds to purchase foods that offer a balanced nutrition - to feed over 100 mouths. While Elaine has been there, she has implemented some changes herself with her missions travel funds. The children now have eggs thanks to our revived chicken project. <b><i>$5,000 for food to stockpile for the next couple of months.</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>SCHOOL FEES:</b></span><br />
BFGO's mission from the beginning has always been about education. There is a 93% unemployment rate in Zimbabwe. Only those who can afford education stand a chance, so we are always striving to help provide in this area. We currently have 8 students who've completed high school AND qualify to go on to university. (Due to grades, not everyone qualifies.) Their school fees and books will cost approximately $950 per year. So, for $8,000, we can send 8 kiddos to University. All schools will begin in August, but they need to be registered now to confirm their slots. <b><i>$8,000 total.</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>BLANKET DRIVE:</b></span><br />
Over the past couple of years our body of kiddos has grown to over 90. With caregivers, we are feeding, housing and serving over 100 people everyday. The orphanage founder, Fatima, has requested 100 blankets and has received a discounted bulk price offer of $26 per blanket. When it gets cold in Zimbabwe, it's extremely cold. There isn't a heat source pumping warm air into the houses so blankets are all they have. <b><i>$2,600 total.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">MISSIONS TRAVEL:</span></b><br />
My 13-year-old son and I are traveling to Zim in June and are still underfunded. We could use approximately $1,500 more. $1,000 will go to our needs/expenses while we are there. The other $500 is for the emergency that will pop up, because it always does. ;) As a side note - our plane tickets are already purchased. I have personally funded a chunk of those expenses on my own by working extra shifts and by doing a few photography sessions. I've also already funded the side-trip that my son and I are taking. We've had 5 generous supporters so far for the Zim leg of our travel. I'm looking for a few more souls to fund our "go". See link below to give directly to the missions fund.<b><i> $1,500 goal.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Our immediate grand total goal is $17,100. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>To donate toward Missions Funding, click <a href="https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NjA4Ng==" target="_blank">MISSIONS TRAVEL</a>.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>For all other donations, click <a href="https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NjA4NA==" target="_blank">BFGO GREATEST NEED</a>.</i></b><br />
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Finally, <i>are you following us on Instagram?</i> You should be! We have an awesome social media dude, Henry, regularly researching and posting news from Zim and about our kiddos. We are trying to build our audience on Instagram and are giving away an iTunes gift card. Please follow us <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beautifulfeetglobaloutreach/" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more about that!<br />
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~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-60473975881554363572018-02-05T13:41:00.001-08:002018-02-05T13:42:22.426-08:00Update on the aging out crisis in our Zim orphanage.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5CSdqRzX8Zg" width="459"></iframe>~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-74996250382229654992017-11-27T12:38:00.000-08:002017-11-27T12:38:45.405-08:00Victorious 2017 & New BeginningsHere's what is next for Beautiful Feet Global Outreach!<br />
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Our 2017 was indeed victorious. Together we SAVED THE BETHEL HOUSE! Yes, we did. It required blood, sweat and tears (or at least that's how it felt) but it is a done deal. The Bethel House was our largest goal in 9 years and the first huge victory.<br />
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Zimbabwe has also realized it's own huge victory. Just 2 weeks ago, the President of Zimbabwe was ousted in a military coup. He had been in power for 37 years. His tactics were cruel and corrupt, deadly and devastating. This could potentially mean great and positive changes for the people of that sweet country. The biggest dream that we could possibly dream would be for the orphans to no longer need BFGO - and I do pray it gets to that point. Zimbabwe could blossom and I'm excited to watch it unfold. Until then we will continue to dig in and press on to bring them aid and relief while the rebirth of a nation takes place.<br />
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Our ongoing greatest needs continue to be food and school fees. Many of our oldest kids are now hoping to go on to very affordable universities in Zimbabwe, trade schools and technical academies. And of course our grade-school kiddos are still in need of tuition assistance.<br />
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The best way to conquer these financial obstacles is through child sponsorship. We have a ton (seriously a TON) of kiddos without sponsors. The more kiddos sponsored, the more affordable these needs become. It's that simple.<br />
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Our website is full of kiddos needing to be sponsored. Please consider selecting a child or reach out to us by email and we can help match you with one. Many of your questions can be answered at www.beautifulfeetgo.org but we are always happy to assist you.<br />
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We are so excited for 2018!<br />
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<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-28025124249645553312017-01-18T08:37:00.003-08:002017-05-05T17:54:11.825-07:00Save The Bethel House - Orphanage in Zimbabwe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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***UPDATE: As of 5/5/2017 we are up to almost $24,500 in funds to "Save the Bethel House".<br />
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Inside this house in Zimbabwe live 20 infant/toddler kiddos and 4-6 upper level students. We are in real danger of losing this house - and it is more than a hub for our operations over there - it is the very heartbeat of it all.<br />
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"The Bethel House" is the most convenient and in the best shape of all of the houses (4) that are part of our orphanage cluster. It is walking distance to the school that was founded a few years ago by our orphanage director, where her offices are also located. If we lose this house - we also lose the school and the offices. Furthermore - the children of the community lose their school as well - so the loss of this house will have a gross, negative domino effect.<br />
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The owner of this house is in a desperate situation and needs to sell it promptly. We've leased it for many years but that option has expired. The owner is only asking $55,000 and it is easily worth $90k - but we must act quickly or it will go to the highest bidder. Our appeal is that you will help us save this house. From the bottom of our hearts - this is so important because we would lose the children back into the social welfare system - and the school. It wouldn't be as simple as just finding another house to rent. It would devastate us on multiple levels.<br />
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We've raised $7k so far - that's a tremendous blessing! Historically - it takes BFGO a long time to raise funds for extra projects because we are tiny, unknown and we do not have a marketing budget. We hope you will help us to grow organically. Word of mouth. Share to Social Media. Email your friends. Pick up the phone. I know that together we can do this.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTQ3NDM=" target="_blank">The link to "Save The Bethel House" is here. </a>All donations are 100% tax deductible.<br />
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Meanwhile, my prayer is that God is moving His Holy Spirit through each of us. I pray that our faith and hope surrounding this matter will reach farther and wider than our hearts even know to dream. That Heaven would come down and God's Name will be glorified with this provision - and that our orphanage director would be renewed and refreshed, and that the children will know His great love.<br />
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In humble service to Him - our great Father,<br />
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Melissa Irwin<br />
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Some photo updates below:<br />
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Elaine and our orphanage director celebrating extra food!</div>
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This is my namesake - sweet baby Melissa.</div>
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Elaine doing what she does so sweetly - loving on a toddler!</div>
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This is Richman - he recently graduated from Bible College! (A BFGO First!)</div>
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2 Receipts showing repairs needed for 2 of the 3 vehicles. But the 3rd one isn't working either... </div>
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Celebrating the toddlers achievements!</div>
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Our fearless orphanage director, Fatima.</div>
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Students from our International School - many of these are also part of our orphanage. The are Head Girls, Head Boys and Prefects. All of excellence!</div>
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Thank you for taking a moment to see some of these updated photos. I hope it helps you to gain a feel for who we are serving and some of the sweet things being accomplished.<br />
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<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-58759333792922360742016-09-19T10:31:00.000-07:002016-09-19T10:48:11.670-07:00They Need FoodDear BFGO Community -<br />
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I'm begging for your forgiveness as I have been silent far too long. Life has tossed me a few good excuses, but please know that I am aware that I could have done better at keeping you up to date. This is my effort to jump back in.<br />
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BFGO is still moving and shaking, even when I'm silent. We are still serving and ministering in the day-to-day, even though you may not be hearing about it.<br />
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<u><i><b>*If you would like to skip directly to the immediate needs, please scroll to the bottom.</b></i></u><br />
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It has been a hectic year in Zimbabwe. If you care to follow along with the news headlines, I do prefer the BBC application or website for accurate information. There is civil unrest, violent clashes between the people, the military police and government, including bombings and burning down business establishments. It's not good. There is a cash crunch and food shortages, and where commerce is operating, prices have been grossly inflated. It is more difficult than ever to be one of our kiddos over there. And it is nearly impossible to be the orphanage director. Along with running operations of the orphanages and the school, our sweet Fatima has endured tragic loss. Her husband passed away. One of the children died of illness, and just this past week, one of her brothers was murdered and his body was discarded into a river. And somehow she still manages to provide excellent care and direction to the children with the gospel as her first priority.<br />
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The children are growing to be oh so big, and babies continue to be registered with us. I think we are up to 18-20 infants and toddlers. I truly wish each one of you could experience living with 20 babies and 5 teenagers in a 3 bedroom house. Or, if that isn't your cup of tea, perhaps you wouldn't mind experiencing 25 teenagers in a 3 bedroom house? Or 22 elementary age? It's bananas.<br />
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Our Board Secretary, Elaine, has spent a lot of time in Zimbabwe over the past year and is on her way back again in November. She personally oversaw the training of new caregivers, and she took one of the babies in for eye/neurologic surgery, then stayed with him for several weeks for his recovery. We've recently learned that his surgery was a total success. We truly praise God for His hand in making it all possible, especially for all of the funds donated to cover the expenses and the hands of the gifted surgeon. Little Muna would have a completely different future if it were not for the movement of hearts stirred to care for him. We are forever grateful for this.<br />
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<b><i><u>Here are the immediate needs, one of them being quite urgent:</u></i></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">1.</span> The orphanages have enough maize and beans but they are almost completely out of perishables. Because of the volatile economy, we need to make an immediate push to raise funds to stockpile more food. There is an immediate concern that food will not be available to purchase in the very near future (October) because the government is trying to issue a new "fake" currency. The last time this happened, people died from hunger. Unfortunately - I have only learned of this today and only because I reached out to them and asked for an update on the food situation. They are afraid to ask for too much - but in times like these, they need more than we could every give. If I could send them $2k - $4k by the end of September (over and above their monthly support), I do believe it will sustain them for another 3-4 months. Please, please consider donating to this fund immediately, <a href="https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NjA4NA==" target="_blank">HERE.</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">2. </span>Our young man, Richman, is nearing the end of his 2 years of Bible School. He will be graduating on December 2nd. He still has outstanding school fees and a graduation fee that need to be paid before the end of October. We are hoping to raise $500 for this. Direct link to support Richman: <a href="https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NTkyOQ==" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">3.</span> This last need isn't urgent, but it is important. I personally am looking for monthly support to cover my missions travel fees and to contribute toward a salary for myself. My goal is to raise at minimum of $1,000 per month and to have that split 70/30 for salary and missions travel expenses. Please consider partnering with me directly, <a href="https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NjA4Ng==" target="_blank">HERE.</a><br />
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Our website: <a href="http://www.beautifulfeetgo.org/">www.beautifulfeetgo.org</a> will direct you to all giving and sponsorship opportunities.<br />
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Thank you for taking the time to read and catch up. Please know that we are continually grateful for our supporters and that the children are living drastically better lives because of you.<br />
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Humbly and gratefully,<br />
<br />
Melissa Irwin<br />
Founder / Executive Director~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-72149282162573700922015-12-21T10:29:00.000-08:002015-12-21T10:29:00.142-08:00When Cash Makes More Sense Than ClothingSo often ... way too often, a well-meaning line of questioning about BFGO turns sour because the inquisitor wants to know what they can purchase for the kids because they'd prefer to give a tangible object rather than money. I'd never suggest that this feeling/belief/desire is wrong, but it's often not best.<br />
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No two mission trips or charities are the same. Some countries are easier to serve because they are geographically closer, goods are more readily available, ships or planes make multiple daily stops, economies are friendlier (low prices), and multiple other reasons. <br />
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I love that people want to send backpacks full of books to Zimbabwe. The heart for this is precious. But that will not ever make sense - and here is why: school supplies are easy to buy in Zimbabwe. Very easy. Some items are more expensive than in the USA but some are cheaper - together it all works out. To ship a SMALL 10 lb box from Franklin, TN to Zimbabwe costs us $150. Then the recipient in Zimbabwe has to pay a customs/import tax. By the time we've paid the fees, the shipping costs far exceed the value of what was in the box.<br />
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Almost everything that our Zim babies need can be purchased right there.<br />
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When our missionaries travel to Zim, we do cram as much "free stuff" in our bags as we can. Over the years we have taken dental supplies, clothes, vitamins, medications, books, bibles, computers, printers, etc. Often we have to pay $100 for each additional piece of luggage over the airline limits. If we pay an additional $100 for a box of toothbrushes, we have spent way more than it would have cost to purchase toothbrushes at the Zim market. This is true for most things.<br />
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The exceptions to the above are (1) technology (2) medication (3) certain text books.<br />
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We cannot send the children Christmas Presents but we can send them each $10 to go shopping for their favorite hair clips, small toys, ball caps, or earbuds. We cannot send them warm blankets but we can purchase them brand-new $30 each. We cannot send or deliver school supplies, but we can fully supply a child for $20.<br />
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Zim has nearly all of the goods but our orphanage partner simply lacks the funds to purchase them. This is straight economics. In a country with a 90% (usually higher) unemployment rate, the sad fact is that for our friends, it is nearly impossible to obtain the needed items. This is why people die for no good reason ... lack of water, lack of medication, lack of shelter. And these reasons go back to the root of why we partnered with them in the first place, even why we formed BFGO. It's so simple... they need money to buy necessities and to pay for school fees, medications and some food items. And although we haven't shared much about the other details, we are also helping pay the salaries of the caregivers and teachers as well as the rental fees for their various shelters. (They rent 5 houses: 3 orphanage houses, 1 school and the Poultry farm).<br />
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During this Christmas season, I know how fun it is to pack boxes for Samaritans Purse, donate coats for the homeless, deliver meals to the shelters and choose an angel off the tree to provide for a vulnerable child. These are beautiful - in fact, stunningly beautiful. My family also has participated in all of these activities. It is so important to give in tangible ways and to teach your children. My kids have had fun in selecting items for those boxes and for those angels. They have gone into homes with me to deliver groceries and we've left in tears. Donating much needed funds is also a beautiful activity and it's impact shouldn't be diminished.<br />
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A financial donation online isn't quite as touchy and feely, but for organizations like ours where money does the greatest amount of good for our orphaned kiddos, your donations are almost too impactful to measure. Please consider a financial donation to BFGO during this Christmas season. We are raising money specifically for unpaid rentals and a Christmas Gift for each child - that they will select at a market in Zim next week.~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-22241515934484768012015-11-30T10:25:00.001-08:002015-11-30T10:25:17.056-08:00Zim Baby UpdatesI was just in Zimbabwe for 2 weeks and captured these cuties! They are adorable and we are honored to have them in our lives! Their needs are costly and we'd love to have a team of financial supporters to help provide their food, formula, diapers, and medical visits.<br />
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Baby Elaine</div>
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Peace (boy)</div>
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Ruva (girl below)</div>
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Tadiwa (boy below - he has extra medical needs)</div>
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Tafadzwa (boy below)</div>
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Baby Kundai (boy below - preemie with extra medical needs).</div>
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Tariro (girl below - normally smiling. :) )</div>
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Makanaka (girl below)</div>
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Munashe (boy below)</div>
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Nyasha (boy below - special emotional needs)</div>
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These kiddos have a special fund setup through our donation platform. Click <a href="http://www.beautifulfeetgo.org/donate" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you would like so specifically support their needs each month or for a one-time donation. In the drop down fund menu, please select Zim Babies. Thank you!</div>
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** There are many other needs in addition to the babies. If you'd like to help the older children transition to University or give to our greatest need fund, we'd be so grateful for your love, prayers and support.</div>
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Email: beautifulfeetgo@gmail.com </div>
<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-78860509585957751612015-10-15T08:43:00.001-07:002015-10-24T06:39:15.686-07:00Lawn Party for Marlena's Orphanage - Awareness & Opportunity<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On The Lawn with Marly Mae </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">UPDATE: EVENT IS CANCELLED</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friends of BFGO, friends of mine and friends of the precious Marlena ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Please join us on Saturday October 24th from 3pm - 5pm in Franklin for a lawn party.</u> It will be important for you to bring a towel or blanket for seating. We are offering worship and uplifting music by the ridiculously talented and beautiful Marcia Ramirez. Marcia is currently on tour with Christopher Cross but is joining us on this day. You will love her voice, her heart and her stories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Marlena, an orphan from Zimbabwe is going to be sharing her story. She has been in America for just a little over 1 year and will graduate high school in May. At that time she will return to Zimbabwe if not awarded scholarships to attend University here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is no cover charge for this event, however our goal is to raise awareness and raise funds for the various important needs including but not limited to 1) Marlena's tuition fees, 2) needs for her orphanage in Zimbabwe, 3) scholarship funds for orphans. Please bring an open heart and mind. We can't wait to share BFGO with you. (Beautiful Feet Global Outreach, Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization offering orphan care and ministry to orphans.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We will have various things for sale including t-shirts, jasper stone necklaces (these are great inspirational reminders of the Heaven we long for. See Revelation 21). We will also have some African wares straight from Zimbabwe. The cashier station can accept checks, cash and all major credit cards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To RSVP - please go to the Mission Marlena Facebook Page and leave a comment. Also while you are there, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marlenasvillage" target="_blank">please "like" the page.</a> (<-- link) (Location: 405 Meadowgreen Drive)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May God bless you and forever keep you in the palm of His Mighty Hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">humbly His,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~ melissa irwin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">founder / executive director</span></div>
~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-44298094085172738692015-07-23T06:07:00.000-07:002015-07-23T06:07:06.966-07:00Chickens, Babies and GoodbyesBFGO has experienced much in the past year... great things and hard ones.<br />
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We struggled as an organization through some fundraisers. We bit our nails and gritted our teeth as our Zimbabwe Poultry Project kept getting more and more expensive. We celebrated the great news that Marlena, from Zimbabwe, gets to remain in high school here in the USA - but still without funding, and then most recently, our Zimbabwe orphanage is going through two major changes: 1) Many of the older children are completing school and aging out. A hard reality! 2) Social Welfare in Zimbabwe continues to bring babies and toddlers into the orphanage...lots of them.<br />
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Our Zim Chicken Project has finally opened for business and we are so grateful. It will take a little while for it to turn a profit for the orphanage but we are well on our way. To recap, because it has been a long while, BFGO established a water source and electricity, and then we provided all of the funds to construct a large building that includes 3 interior chicken coops. We purchased a generator and provided for various systems to be put into place to feed and water the chickens. Someone else outside of BFGO also donated some funds and they finally have chickens. The photos below are from the day that the chickens were delivered. Please rejoice with us - this has been a long and difficult but amazing project to be part of. We owe so much gratitude to the various people who contributed approximately $16,000 of the $20,000 to complete it.<br />
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Our next big thing happening in Zimbabwe is LOTS OF BABIES!<br />
Our orphanage partner has been flooded with babies and toddlers. Social Welfare takes in children that have been abandoned and they find placements for them in orphanages. Our older kiddos are moving out due to age and those spots are filled with precious little ones. Several of these kiddos were abandoned roadside and others found in the brush. Our youngest was placed at just 7 days old. As a result, our board member, Elaine Smith, went to Zimbabwe and spent 9 weeks caring for them around the clock and to develop a baby/toddler program. A caregiver was hired and also trained. We currently have more kiddos than the homes have room for, but that is often the African way. There is not enough money to fund their formula and diaper needs, so this is an emergent need. We've established a baby fund at our website for donations. The photos below are a few of our newest residents.<br />
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Finally, a large number of our Zim orphans are completing school this Christmas and it will be time for them to exit the program. Our orphanage director has already worked tirelessly to help find many of them jobs and placements. In fact, several of those kids are already working at markets during the night and still going to school all day, while maintaining their studies and their chores. They earn very little money, but with a 95% unemployment rate in Zimbabwe, we believe that any opportunity is valuable. This is one of the hardest aspects to this type of work - having to let kids go, but it's mandatory per social welfare. A few of the kiddos have achieved academic excellence, and for those, we desperately want to help them go on to higher learning opportunities in Zim or abroad. </div>
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Please consider partnering with BFGO in one of the following ways:</div>
<div>
1). Sponsor a specific child. You can research our kiddos over at the website.</div>
<div>
2). Don't want to sponsor a specific kiddo? You may choose our Zimbabwe Orphanage partner via the website and set up a monthly donation of any amount. Your donation will be allocated directly to their greatest needs.</div>
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3). If you believe in the work of BFGO and want to offer your general financial support, you may set up a one-time or recurring monthly donation of any amount into our Greatest Need Fund.</div>
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4). If you feel compelled to help specifically with education costs for the kids who are aging out, you may make a one-time donation, or monthly recurring of any amount into our education fund.</div>
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<div>
All of these can be established at our website by clicking onto the donate tab, decide on the amount you want to give, and then choose the fund you desire by clicking the drop down menu. It's so simple and yet so impactful. You may visit our website <a href="http://www.beautifulfeetgo.org/" target="_blank">HERE.</a> </div>
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Thank you so much for taking the time to read our updates. We continue to be deeply grateful for every engaged heart. God bless your tenderness and generosity.</div>
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<div>
Melissa Irwin and the BFGO Team</div>
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~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-158701875553968032014-07-30T07:33:00.001-07:002014-07-30T07:33:17.677-07:00A Diminished God?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">(no time for editing/spellcheck) - deal with it. ;)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">I was thinking about ministry. In general.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">The Sunday before I left to come to Zim, my pastor asked my husband and
I to come up and share a bit about our missions calling with the congregation.
First of all – yay – what a sweet opportunity. Secondly, I kinda bombed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Sure, I shared 2 minutes worth of vision and hope and excitedly got to
share that sweet Marlena is returning with me. But! At one point Darren asked
me what we (BFGO) mostly do when we are with the kids at the orphanage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">My stupid response: “mostly just ministry”. Okay I shared a couple of
brief specifics, but I woke up the next day thinking…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">…GAW! JUST ministry?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Seriously, couldn’t the Holy Spirit have inspired me to recognize that
ministry isn’t just a little thing – like maybe not even worth mentioning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t even mention the chicken
project BECAUSE MY BRAIN WAS DEAD.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">What is ministry if it isn’t everything? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">When you encourage a child – it is ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">When you teach and love and discipline your children – it is ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">When you forgive your spouse for being aloof – it is ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">When you hand out programs at church with a precious smile on your face
– guess what? Ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">When you wrap your arms around someone who count their life’s hugs on
one hand – yep – ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Just ministry is Just Jesus and He is All in All. I cannot even fathom
that I reduced the work He shaped for me as some small thing. Such a reduction
makes Him a tiny man on a tiny cross shedding just a tiny bit of blood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">How could I?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">I’m an ambassador of Christ, a Christian soldier, a child of God and a
co-missioner with Jesus. I am a carrier of the Holy Spirit and with that I have
the power in me that God used to raise Christ from the grave. I am small and He
is large – but His ministry is huge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Do you feel small in your ministry? Well stop it. You may be small – but
the ministry He gave you can never be less than all that He is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">I remember this as I sit and talk with Misheck and learn of all the ways
he has heard Jesus in the past year and the ways that the Holy Spirit has
managed to remove greed and replace it with an earnest desire to love his
neighbor. Yes, sweet Lord!! These kids want to serve as much or more as they
are being served in their great love for the God that created them in His
image.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">I remember this as I speak with Eric about his great love and
appreciation for his sponsors – the people who write letters and pour love and
life in his otherwise sometimes lonely heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">I remember this as I read (with permission) the diary of one girl who
was raped at approximately the age of 8 and her continued desire to rid her own
life and body from this earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">This ministry carried out by you and by me – it delivers hope and love
and healing into the lives of the hurting. It feeds a hunger for a greater
understanding of who God is to the hurting world at large. Jesus – you show up
in our “just ministries”. Jesus is, in fact, the minister through His Holy
Spirit. If we reduce this in our minds and heart – we reduce the power to
nothing and we fail to leave a trail of love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">It’s catastrophic. The hurting world cannot afford for us to diminish
the value of the ministries He gives us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">I pray that I never do this again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">I tell you – Zim is a learning place. It is a microscope that I
personally need to see through. So much is revealed. The eyes of my heart open
to greater wisdom and insight and my heart is leveled to a new place of
humility. I could never thank Zimbabwe enough for her precious people, her
reception to the gospel and to the warm hugs that minister to me in a great big
huge way.</span></div>
~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-58284087188887150402014-07-29T00:19:00.000-07:002014-07-29T00:19:04.590-07:00Zim Baby - I've Lost CountHome sweet home away from home sweet home.<br />
<br />
I love being here. It helps that 70 degrees is my love termperature - (like a love language but different). The air is singing me super sweet love songs and I feel like a butterfly.<br />
<br />
Sunday was landing day and also the day for groceries. I'm all stocked up on peanut butter, crackers, eggs and coffee. Thank sweet Jesus for Kind bars because it looks like my only supper will be rice and a small portion of vegetables. I must add this though - the cook prepared some kale 2 nights ago that was to-die-for. And no, this isn't some sort of manipulative mind game for Pastor Darren - it was actually awesome. I'm pretty sure that was one heck of a massage.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was all about conversation. The house of teenage boys is swelling now with many many guys. It is heaven to me as I get to spend time with guys that I haven't really had the precious fortune to before. Blessing me down deep into my toes. I could dance. Again. <br />
<br />
And there is the cook. Auntie Dorcas.<br />
<br />
She came into the living room where I had been sitting alone for a few moments reading my devotionals for the day. So poised, as they all are, she folded her arms across her legs and smiled so big, as they all do, indicating hope for a talk. She began with all the pleasantries of how "heyappy" she is to finally meet me and a string of kind of words that it seemed she had delicately knitted to present as a gift to me. Warmer than a blanket. I could have cried.<br />
<br />
Before I asked, I knew her story. I could feel it coming. Imagine walking into a library and every book on the shelf is exactly the same, only the names are changed. Her pages read like so many. Her husband left. She gave the baby to her momma. She came to the city to find work to pay for food and school fees for her little girl. She sees her daughter once per month when she can find time and money to travel to the rural areas. End of chapter 1. Chapter 2 is still being written.<br />
<br />
The thing that she said over and over that is haunting my mind is how she is the bread winner for her family. Auntie Dorcas is 24 years of age, the 9th born of 11 children. Her mother is 66. Her baby girl is 7. Auntie cooks and cleans for a household of 10 boys and makes $200 per month. She is the bread winner.<br />
<br />
You know, in our culture, the bread winner is the money-maker. Our bread winners win cars and houses, clothes, jewelry, internet access, vacuum cleaners, x-boxes, paint, facial cleansers, Clorox wipes, wine and Starbucks venti-mocha frappucinos (no whip please). In this culture, the bread winner is the person who actually wins literal bread. The bread winner here wins fertizlizer and seed for the small maize crop just outside of the mud hut where 8 people sleep side by side on the floor. Bread is lunch and often, it is the whole of their lunch. Nothing else.<br />
<br />
For Auntie Dorcas to be the bread winner she has had to forfeit a full-time life with her daughter.<br />
<br />
I can't even…<br />
<br />
I don't know.<br />
<br />
The pain.<br />
<br />
The people in Zim give me so much to chew on. So much to wrestle with. Right now my shoulders are pinned to the mat and I can barely move.<br />
<br />
I love people. I love and hate their stories. I love that Jesus gives me tears for them. I know I'm alive.<br />
<br />
I wish I could tell you that the Holy Spirit moved me with just the right words to speak into her. He does that sometimes and it rocks but for now He is working in me quietly. He's knitting a gift from Himself, in me for her and I will give it to her before I leave.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-73431831478144155242013-09-29T17:06:00.000-07:002014-03-02T09:08:51.371-08:00ZIM CHICKEN PROJECT : the details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz2YDXYNMRYgSirjYIOmkVyEDX0fc5fQq1v37QmITwvdT6_9RpfLwJB1yYW-0kuksyW3rjUbVyo2iq90CbX08Oi2NoNXs-rBV7nKrGUjoYuSVu05x7YY-ssJl3uF7N52g7YQioMsoxe6d/s1600/Zim-Chicken-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz2YDXYNMRYgSirjYIOmkVyEDX0fc5fQq1v37QmITwvdT6_9RpfLwJB1yYW-0kuksyW3rjUbVyo2iq90CbX08Oi2NoNXs-rBV7nKrGUjoYuSVu05x7YY-ssJl3uF7N52g7YQioMsoxe6d/s1600/Zim-Chicken-Logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We are Beautiful Feet Global Outreach, Inc.; a 501(c)3 Non-Profit. A faith-based organization committed to global orphan care. Our orphanage partnership located in Zimbabwe (Africa) involves 50+ children from age 3 - 19. International adoptions are not permitted for this country, therefore they will spend their entire childhood in an orphanage.<br />
<div>
<br />
**To donate to the chicken project, follow this <a href="http://www.beautifulfeetgo.org/donate" target="_blank">link</a> and then choose "Zim Chicken Project".<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><i>THE ZIM CHICKEN PROJECT DETAILS</i></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Goal: To increase the monthly cashflow for our Zimbabwe orphanage partner in an effort to help them better help themselves!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Currently our Zim orphanage is able to harvest approx 100 chickens every 6-7 weeks. This has been a successful project going into its 3rd year. They have the knowledge and the space to operate a 1,000 chicken project, <i><b>but they lack the water capacity, equipment and start-up capital. </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To establish this expanded project by <strike>April 2014</strike> AUGUST 2014:<br />
BFGO seeks 120 people to invest $28.00 per month for 6 months (beginning in October or November).<br />
This will accomplish raising the necessary capital of approximately $20,000.<br />
The benefit to the orphanage is 2-fold.<br />
(1) more protein for the children<br />
(2) approx $1,000 - $3,000 monthly profit from the sale of marketable chickens. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To JOIN NOW in this poultry gift endeavor please click on this <a href="https://beautifulfeetgo.kindful.com/user/sign_in_or_sign_up?amount=28.00&fund=29" target="_blank">link</a> and complete the online donation process. Make sure that you select MONTHLY verses a one-time gift. Please set a reminder for yourself at the end of <strike>April</strike> August 2014 if you'd like for your donations to cease, or if you'd like to change the fund and/or amount. Anything not cancelled or changed will automatically be changed <i>for you</i> to go to the "Greatest Need" fund. (Thank you!)</div>
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***All donations are tax deductible. </div>
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**Skip to the end of this post for photos. </div>
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Would you like more <b><i>detailed</i></b> details? This section is for you. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The overseer of this project is a Zimbabwean native and the founder of the orphanage organization. Her name is Fatima. She is an accountant with a Masters Degree and has worked for the United Nations as well as a lecturer at a Zimbabwe University. She is well respected in her country and has completed thorough research and evaluations for the Chicken Project startup. </div>
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<b>This project will have 3 phases. </b></div>
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<b><i>Phase I</i></b>: Borehole Drilling & Accessories (this means local & continuous access to clean water).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Borehole installation, electric generator, 2000 liter tank, metal stand and pressure tank estimated $9,150.00 (Drilling $6,500; Generator $1,500; 2000 Litre tank $500; Metal Stand $300; Pressure Tank $350)</div>
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<b><i>Phase II</i></b>: Fowl Run & Equipment</div>
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Broiler fowl run & equipment estimated $3,112.40</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>Phase III:</i></b> Chicks, Feed & Vaccines</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Initial Chicks Purchase $3,650; Vaccines $30</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>MISC</b>: $4,000 for unexpected costs; fuel, transportation, driver, consultants, & donation transaction fees.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Are you interested in<b><i> the story</i></b>? This section is for you.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
These photos are of our kiddos in the Zim orphanage partnership as well as the "space" for the future chicken project and the man who will direct the full scope of the project in an ongoing basis. He lives in the little green house with his wife and children. See photographic footage of the current chicken project (100 chicks per every 6-7 weeks). The older children participate in every aspect of the harvesting (slaughter, defeathering, cleaning and packaging). </div>
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Our chicken man (love him).</div>
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The field for the future chicken project.</div>
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Thank you for spending time to learn about BFGO and our current fundraising project to further aid our precious kiddos in Zimbabwe. We also have a child sponsorship program and an ongoing "greatest need" fund. You may learn more about us at our <a href="http://www.beautifulfeetgo.org/" target="_blank">official website. </a></div>
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Questions may be directed to melissa@beautifulfeetgo.org</div>
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Thank you and God bless you every day!</div>
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~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-84206207449934427332013-05-16T15:07:00.000-07:002013-05-16T15:37:44.315-07:00On Our SleevesHe instructed Moses to teach them not to neglect the poor. To make a case while He had Moses's attention on the mountain, He specifically noted women who had lost their husbands and therefore lost their livelihood. Losing a husband meant losing his income, his potential. His promise.<br />
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When God relayed the importance of teaching the people (His people = the Israelites) He also used the example of the fatherless. A child without a father (or a mother ... eh'hem) was directionless and un-nurtured. In many cases, unloved. Alone. Without resources. Without help.<br />
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God loved poor people so much that He asked those near them to care for them and to make sure that they had food to eat.<br />
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God loved the fatherless so much that He instructed the Israelites to make sure that they were nurtured, fed and loved. That they would know they had value and worth in the eyes of the One true God.<br />
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When Jesus came, He taught God's children how to serve and love with their hands - hands that would represent the hands of God. He motivated them to move, love and serve with feet that would represent the feet of God. His own feet. The feet of Jesus.<br />
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Jesus modeled love for us. He carved it out in the shape of His big heart, placed it in our hands and then asked us to deliver it to the world. He wants us to walk around with His heart on our sleeves.<br />
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For the past two days I have personally worked via social media and email to try and raise money for a specific, special and urgent cause. Warm, heavy winter blankets for the Zim orphanages. Overwhelmingly and swiftly, people ran with the feet of Jesus and loosed the grip on money for <i><b>them</b></i> in order to give what was from <i><b>Him</b></i> - to meet this need. Sweetly.<br />
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It is incredibly beautiful and valuable that this happened - but if you played a part in that in any way I am asking that you look down at your palms and stare at them for a moment. And then look at your bare feet and try to see the journey that Jesus has walked with you. In your palm, I ask you to try and see what He has given you. My prayer for you, for your benefit and for His that you will always see that your hands and feet belong to the Lord of all and that He has great plans for the steps they will take, the work they will do and the for the things they will let go of.<br />
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You are dear.<br />
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You are treasure.<br />
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You are beautiful.<br />
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You are His.<br />
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He loves you.<br />
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Don't ever forget this.~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-49252672646604378542013-05-14T05:58:00.000-07:002013-05-14T05:58:53.335-07:00Winter Blankets - a tremendous and immediate needShe gave up a comfortable life to rescue them and give them a home. Her story still blows my mind. She left her job. Her husband left her. She is the one on the ground doing it every single day - serving orphans with her fibers. She gives it all she's got. A remarkable and brave woman. She lives her life at the foot of the cross giving everything she has to the One who gave her life. Daily she worships. Daily she petitions. Daily she sacrifices. Daily she gives.<br />
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The kids need SO much! To run these orphanages she needs so much more money that she is currently earning and receiving. Top priorities are always food and school fees - meanwhile some of the structures are falling apart. Rents go unpaid. The truck breaks down and sits for a time unrepaired. There is no "credit". There are no food-stamps. I honestly don't understand, emotionally or literally, how she decides what to do and what to ignore. I cannot fathom that struggle.<br />
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But right now - truly <i><b>right now</b></i>...... winter is setting in and they <b><i>NEED</i></b> blankets. The blankets have not been prioritized over the past couple of years and as a result they deal with a lot of winter sickness. Without heat the children are so cold at night and most of them develop colds and flus. They have blankets now but they are lightweight. What they really need are heavy winter blankets. The orphanage director, Fatima, has made this a priority.<br />
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Winter in Zimbabwe is starting right now. Nights are cold and within the next 2 weeks it is going to get much worse. We cannot purchase blankets here and ship them because the cost is outrageous. Even though blankets are expensive in Zimbabwe - it is still far more cost effective to purchase them there. They have been priced at $30 each and we would love to purchase at least 50 blankets. When? <i>Right now! </i>We need to raise $1,500 by Friday 5/18 so that we can wire the funds on Tuesday 5/22 and they will have the blankets by the end of next week and then can use them year after year during the winter seasons.<br />
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Please tweet this post, share it on Facebook, point to it on your blog! Do you know a business owner who might willing to be a great blessing to these kiddos? <br />
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We are offering BFGO t-shirts to anyone who can donate at least $30 for a blanket between now and Friday 5/18. Just go to our website, click on the Donate tab and follow instructions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.beautifulfeetgo.org/">www.beautifulfeetgo.org</a><br />
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Below is a photo of the founder and director of the Zim orphanages. Her name is Fatima! She is an angel and she needs our support. Please keep her and this great work she is doing in your hearts and prayers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVX1ev6Qd_9OzlHGrCxrdQ9pv7C3pe7Mylkanc_uryn64xn_jvtqYTM2EO_F8oEZ39hVoK0_VqtaT9GwFE7_cNlNJnu_02qJpLPiYqiSOi3ggt0bw-jKUHAhGU2lFopxHVU7JaSFGRlEtZ/s1600/20130421-IMG_4704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVX1ev6Qd_9OzlHGrCxrdQ9pv7C3pe7Mylkanc_uryn64xn_jvtqYTM2EO_F8oEZ39hVoK0_VqtaT9GwFE7_cNlNJnu_02qJpLPiYqiSOi3ggt0bw-jKUHAhGU2lFopxHVU7JaSFGRlEtZ/s640/20130421-IMG_4704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-26459743906813152872013-05-08T11:59:00.000-07:002013-05-08T11:59:07.230-07:00Power of Three<br />
We knew that establishing a child sponsorship program for our Zim kids was going to have to be unconventional. Zim is expensive and complicated. It would be so fantastic if $28 per month could cover school fees, food and a roof over their heads but it doesn't. We have figured that honestly to sponsor a Zim kid would cost more like $120 per month. Even so - we landed on $90 and we've divided that up 3-ways. Each child needs 3 sponsors - and to offer monetary level diversification, the sponsorships are set up at $35, $30 or $25 per month. We at BFGO thought it would be simply AWESOME if people would gather in groups of 3, whether it be friends, neighbors, family or co-workers, to join together in sponsoring one child. This way they could share the prayers and the love that a child needs.<br />
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Matthew 18:19-20<br />
"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in Heaven For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."<br />
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One person can agree to send $90 per month to sponsor a child - but what happens when two or three of you are gathered together praying for that child in the name of the Father? How might that strengthen you? How might it strengthen that child? What happens in the heavenlies when this takes place? When you join with another in prayer for the health and well-being of a BFGO child, or for their safety, or their education and their future - doesn't it say that it will be done?<br />
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I believe in the power of 3 believers coming together. I believe so strongly! We are averaging about 52 kids in Zim right now. If each child had 3 sponsors that would be 156 people strong! If we aren't believing that this power in prayer and love couldn't change the trajectory of their lives and futures - we aren't trusting who God says He is.<br />
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Are you getting ready to believe?<br />
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I hope you'll listen to the song in the youtube video above. This man is a native African singing a gorgeous inspiring song called "I'm Getting Ready".<br />
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Below are images of several children in our Zimbabawe Orphanages who do not yet have ANY sponsor. They each need 3 people to step up and help them live out the purpose of their lives. If you are feeling so bold and brave - would you consider approaching your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to join in a sponsorship with you??? You will never regret that decision.<br />
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This is lovely Miriam.</div>
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Sweet, quiet Panashe.</div>
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Our newest and youngest babe, Tino.</div>
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Fast, Jackson. Full of smiles and great hugs!</div>
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Sweet, Pamela. </div>
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They are all waiting for 3 sponsorship levels to be filled. They are eager to write letters and make you pictures for your refrigerator. Are you getting ready?</div>
<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-82348063100913788472013-04-26T05:52:00.001-07:002013-04-26T05:52:58.898-07:00Earth in Other Places<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One Earth</div>
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One Sky</div>
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One Love</div>
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We only get one chance to live in this - One Life</div>
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(lyric from song: Conviction of the Heart - Kenny Loggins)</div>
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roots</div>
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stacked stones (meaning of the word Zimbabwe)</div>
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raw granite</div>
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massive tree</div>
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african cattle</div>
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broken down african farm equipment</div>
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african storm brewing - much needed rain - just in time</div>
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withered african sunflower</div>
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1Kings 8:22 & 23</div>
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"Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. He said, "O LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart... "</div>
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~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-68101508445565524702013-04-18T09:55:00.002-07:002013-04-18T09:55:59.250-07:00Sisterly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_ObbTkPfwGmCdMu1blBJtNWpMrK8uBYWXT1uOWiP5SkTEGUpr72cPd3lYbDde-JXcmaS8W5URzz8r5J4QKl97PcP18MpZmgyfNZ4FFpHbVg9VamkZgxFLsl6iYo7joWpQ8yeRMOc7jpt/s1600/20130414-IMG_4237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_ObbTkPfwGmCdMu1blBJtNWpMrK8uBYWXT1uOWiP5SkTEGUpr72cPd3lYbDde-JXcmaS8W5URzz8r5J4QKl97PcP18MpZmgyfNZ4FFpHbVg9VamkZgxFLsl6iYo7joWpQ8yeRMOc7jpt/s320/20130414-IMG_4237.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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click <a href="http://www.bfgomelissa.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to read about these siters~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-17017353426146208222013-04-04T05:28:00.000-07:002013-04-04T05:28:11.651-07:00Coming up for BFGOI haven't been a great blogger this year. Our year end for BFGO was so incredibly intense that it zapped 4 months worth of my energy, evidently. I suppose you could say that this first quarter has been a period of resting my mouth (and thus my fingertips). Not that we haven't needed more support, because we do. And I presume that we always will because our goal will always be to reach more children for Christ. When we do finally achieve a comfortable financial goal for our Zim partner, we will find another and another and another until God tells us to settle down.<br />
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Next week I am returning to our Zim partner orphanages. Simply understated, I cannot wait. The joy is rising up inside of me and it feels like I could spread my arms and fly there without the needs of a modern aircraft.<br />
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This is the first time since the launch of our child sponsorship program that I'll be with our kiddos. For the first time, I get to take letters, photos and small gifts to the kids there who have sponsors. I cannot wait to share new loves with them - for the children to hear the voices of their sponsors through written words. It is going to be beautiful. Out of the 50+ children there in the orphanages, only about 12 of them have a sponsor. It hurts me to have to leave the rest of them out of these festivities, but they are all hopeful that by the next time I visit they will be able to celebrate collectively and in joy for one another. May the Lord of lords make it so that every child will be sponsored within the next few months.<br />
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Here are just a few of our unsponsored kiddos. Is their a pair of eyes here that you can see into? Anyone who pulls you?<br />
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Arkinia</div>
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Pamela</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9Qr-2qAf7F24Cz2li2T10T2iw1gjfQD7nkb0pzjX1FN_9kbCjofpOh7SI3PkjIq9UtMGdpkVNrVFKj69zuDlC_NunpVPCUtlzJ6uqFNH1s_nHEIuh_d-fJvoJ085VQMfxxSSDEm02plU/s1600/Pamela+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9Qr-2qAf7F24Cz2li2T10T2iw1gjfQD7nkb0pzjX1FN_9kbCjofpOh7SI3PkjIq9UtMGdpkVNrVFKj69zuDlC_NunpVPCUtlzJ6uqFNH1s_nHEIuh_d-fJvoJ085VQMfxxSSDEm02plU/s320/Pamela+(1+of+1).jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Sarah</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQAGxhvUQYfth46ojFrzXCpn4glMATMNtiHMk7Plql9DxtxUwbMbEpKEu7KqbY5s2WvLfwHrXup0r7Sc0EB0CZ2fzFtDjPiyEOA4kO16qzt5IZk6Pi8koD2jWj3zcKt5FBgGs1O2qQhxA/s1600/Sarah+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQAGxhvUQYfth46ojFrzXCpn4glMATMNtiHMk7Plql9DxtxUwbMbEpKEu7KqbY5s2WvLfwHrXup0r7Sc0EB0CZ2fzFtDjPiyEOA4kO16qzt5IZk6Pi8koD2jWj3zcKt5FBgGs1O2qQhxA/s320/Sarah+(1+of+1).jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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Pretty</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n1XldTr00-acnn7tkoGrp09b0Sy49w8DG_lpo7I0kpcS50FiDi2ixoqv1X9UujN3CPz8N6G9pQkYGOaDvm6wSewCxB3FETFdZStxvYWfRhD0mbOriV02g9Mp5yT0-6ih3GQdcpV11eHj/s1600/Pretty+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n1XldTr00-acnn7tkoGrp09b0Sy49w8DG_lpo7I0kpcS50FiDi2ixoqv1X9UujN3CPz8N6G9pQkYGOaDvm6wSewCxB3FETFdZStxvYWfRhD0mbOriV02g9Mp5yT0-6ih3GQdcpV11eHj/s320/Pretty+(1+of+1).jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Tadiwa (boy)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ua2CpfDNmDWMLyZ-h4Qrd7wpShNSOMIBdFBXzYoRsJDb-4vQdPahCsiRgJvtTPjeKNAaDTXguFCurAkQHfEawikv-bnc4s6l96OSF8DOwFwjPOpxWhpshXq2AhE2Uearoy8qpYcvWGjV/s1600/Tadiwa+Matemba+(boy)+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ua2CpfDNmDWMLyZ-h4Qrd7wpShNSOMIBdFBXzYoRsJDb-4vQdPahCsiRgJvtTPjeKNAaDTXguFCurAkQHfEawikv-bnc4s6l96OSF8DOwFwjPOpxWhpshXq2AhE2Uearoy8qpYcvWGjV/s320/Tadiwa+Matemba+(boy)+(1+of+1).jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Farai</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPL3k-L4pcak9Ee5aDoSz3HG6AGdmMazm2YN3RAovn1GGP3KCZ3d8ua3OEfxg08-2VDc7-Njchrp85YZ6jWn72ckOppS8w7KloT-tLTd95oNcOqKOnb9olZfcDFFQ7QMOWTQNeDLYXgWWm/s1600/Farai+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPL3k-L4pcak9Ee5aDoSz3HG6AGdmMazm2YN3RAovn1GGP3KCZ3d8ua3OEfxg08-2VDc7-Njchrp85YZ6jWn72ckOppS8w7KloT-tLTd95oNcOqKOnb9olZfcDFFQ7QMOWTQNeDLYXgWWm/s320/Farai+(1+of+1).jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Misheck</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZRdWVSXGCPPhDIgpKCV9YGoZoUmyqejHBJy9ATfUqewUu0HuP6QO5AXBmvqPTliCwv7wueYiGNmkf_iGzcsWk2y9PASsegqyf6h78KSbjKFq7udgBLsIKn4-7U-5VMa7rPHtv2-4TfRG/s1600/Mishek+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZRdWVSXGCPPhDIgpKCV9YGoZoUmyqejHBJy9ATfUqewUu0HuP6QO5AXBmvqPTliCwv7wueYiGNmkf_iGzcsWk2y9PASsegqyf6h78KSbjKFq7udgBLsIKn4-7U-5VMa7rPHtv2-4TfRG/s320/Mishek+(1+of+1).jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Godknows</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_i6ghONWgXxzhXbCUjDGyQ9WYwGb70_kaXhvRy4Ha1S9CA-Ami0V7kZe2cs5xRYfMIbvUvkTzxHNTASstRyk7cPaoRpIC_AD-ePwM2ou0zOu8mDUf3eX7O70AeUfAxKfG390NtVZiJUyX/s1600/Godknows+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_i6ghONWgXxzhXbCUjDGyQ9WYwGb70_kaXhvRy4Ha1S9CA-Ami0V7kZe2cs5xRYfMIbvUvkTzxHNTASstRyk7cPaoRpIC_AD-ePwM2ou0zOu8mDUf3eX7O70AeUfAxKfG390NtVZiJUyX/s320/Godknows+(1+of+1).jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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You may locate these children and several others through our <a href="http://www.beautifulfeetgo.org/" target="_blank">website</a> by clicking onto the "sponsor a child" link. </div>
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Otherwise, you may set up a monthly donation at any financial level you desire by simply following the donation link. You may choose a specific fund for your donation to benefit or you may simply choose "Greatest Need". Donations are tax-deductible. And we are SINCERELY grateful for $5, $10, $12 per month. Every dollar matters! We also gladly accept one time donations of any amount. </div>
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Please follow along for the next couple of weeks as I report from Zimbabwe. You may sign up to receive automatic updates through email by subscribing at the top of the page.</div>
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Thank you so much!</div>
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~ melissa irwin</div>
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founder / executive director</div>
<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-49260006147705334402013-02-15T04:10:00.004-08:002013-02-15T04:10:55.343-08:00Now Available<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm excited but mostly humbled to be able to share here that my first book is available through Amazon. While this book is not directly about the organization, I was inspired to write so that I might have more opportunities to share about the humanitarian work with orphans that God has led me to. My hope is that the opportunities I have to write and speak will help in raising awareness & resources. </div>
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Well-Watered is my interpretation of God's love for those broken in spirit, His eagerness to save us, increase us and transform us into reflections of Christ to be agents of His love. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk75M0wTafQKjh4SJIR3DlhUXZquWu8neO6cD6z5P1fiLjKkUJZ-DkUi4iQ1c9LT32x7DVGHAqaYGWZAYodEFGVizKBPnmDeMKWlUi2GYePZe4v_-dfJT2w0513CTYmfu0h0V6OOcJ45r/s640/Front+Cover_3965130.jpeg" width="425" /></div>
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thank you,</div>
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melissa irwin</div>
<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-1365353382295909142012-10-12T06:46:00.001-07:002012-10-12T06:46:06.500-07:00Steppin' Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-73990573326537134582012-09-26T10:09:00.000-07:002012-09-26T10:09:08.123-07:00special letters ~ meet Yvonne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was in Zimbabwe last month I asked every one of the children to write a letter to their future sponsor, of course with the hope and prayers that each one of them will indeed have sponsors. Below is one of those letters... it is actually only page 1 of 2 pages but I am having trouble with my computer today and cannot manage to save page 2 as a jpg file. Just wanted you to see a sample of a heart and soul living in an orphanage in Zim...this represents a child waiting for you to journey alongside him or her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yvonne and all of the others will need 3 sponsors each to cover their needs for school fees, food, housing and other basic essentials.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW0t6CLrbzP5Gdv3MHk2IGUtmjaXpZEXtymUNDIIj0sLMiZRbBHH1U6L0pLjeHvmEyQ1XvP7kRg9Gua3NLHayJL22a88zwqC2rWRVhNKqQa9VzZqBVgo7SlUK9KAMgdyTKccUhj3KAh0J/s1600/Yvonne+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW0t6CLrbzP5Gdv3MHk2IGUtmjaXpZEXtymUNDIIj0sLMiZRbBHH1U6L0pLjeHvmEyQ1XvP7kRg9Gua3NLHayJL22a88zwqC2rWRVhNKqQa9VzZqBVgo7SlUK9KAMgdyTKccUhj3KAh0J/s320/Yvonne+(1+of+1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yvonne is an amazing, outgoing, joyful girl! I love this cute little smirk on her face!</div>
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Our sponsorship program will be live soon and available through our website, but if you are interested in signing up to sponsor a child now you may contact me at melissa@beautifulfeetgo.org. Each child needs 3 sponsors at $25, $30 & $35 per month. You are welcome to combine 2 amounts or cover all three. We have divided it up into these amounts to make it easier for more people to participate.</div>
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God bless!</div>
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<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-90673794931998474272012-09-18T03:30:00.000-07:002012-09-18T03:30:02.827-07:00Look Who's Giddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I returned back to the States from my 6th trip to Zimbabwe 20 days ago. As you may recall, one of the BFGO Board Members went with me this time. Together, with all of the children, we had an amazing experience. Many of you generously contributed to a fund that made it possible for us to take the kids on a 3 day retreat. Those three days were packed with ministry, high-energy playtime and 3 big beautiful meals per day. Our ministry teachings were focused on the life of Joseph, although we also explored prosperity from a biblical perspective. It was such a beautiful retreat and we are so thankful to each and every one of you who made it possible through prayer and giving. <br />
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It's difficult not to just completely gush over these beautiful smiles. Joy amidst their trials doesn't make sense. I've had people state to me before that the children "look like" they are great and don't need anything. I'll be honest... that bugs me. Joy isn't an indicator that "life" is good. Joy is an indicator that Jesus is good. These children are filled with the hope of Christ.... more than any other children I have ever met. They sleep because they believe that they rest in the palm of His hands. They hope for tomorrow because He has promised to not forsake them. They love with abandon because they are able to rejoice that Christ sets the captives free. Oh yes, they have joy! <br />
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Michelle (BFGO Board Member) and I were able to have a wonderful, long and thorough meeting with the orphanage director and many of her staff to go over their monthly and annual budgets. Their very bare bones budget (barely scraping by) would be $10,000 per month. A better and more realistic budget is $12,000 per month... and even that doesn't take emergencies like truck repairs into account. As of right now, together with all funds coming in from various sources, they are trying to survive on $6,000 per month. Basically they rotate what they pay for because they cannot pay for everything. They are always behind on something...whether it is rents, school fees, utilities, salaries, etc. We want to be able to make up that shortfall. <br />
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The children are giddy! We shared the vision for the sponsorship program with them during the retreat. Each one of them has already written a letter to their future sponsors and they are so eager to be chosen... not just for the financial support but primarily for the relationships that can be formed via letters/photos over time. While I was there in Zim I received emails from two different people who had pledged so sponsor specific children. When we shared the news with them, those two children were celebrated in monumental ways. Their were roars and shouts and laughter and praises!!!!! It was overwhelming and so beautiful. <br />
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Beginning next week I will share some of those letters online. Please consider impacting the life of a child through sponsorship! Zimbabwe, financially, is the most depleted country on the entire continent of Africa. There is a 93% unemployment rate. 93%! This children need help, period. And it looks like we are the only ones trying. Help us make this dream a reality for them.<br />
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God Bless!<br />
www.beautifulfeetgo.org <br />
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<br />~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-76971778560261194532012-08-23T01:51:00.003-07:002012-08-23T01:51:17.433-07:00connecting the dotsThe latest blog post update can be read at <a href="http://www.bfgomelissa.com/">www.bfgomelissa.com</a><br />
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Thank you!<br />
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~ melissa irwin<br />
executive director~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950119145559193200.post-76671637874875278602012-08-21T07:16:00.000-07:002012-08-21T07:16:11.232-07:00RetreatGlory to you, O Lord. You are here.<br />
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We are now in our second day of the retreat that many of you helped us pay for. I knew beforehand that God would surprise us with His presence, but I never could have imagined to what degree. It feels like we showed up into His personal living room, welcomed with cups of tea, bowls of sugar and buckets of grace. It doesn't hurt that there is a flower blooming here that smells like it may have been transplanted from Heaven. Aroma. Joy in my nose.<br />
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Michelle has been made an official auntie. This took me 3 trips.. it took her 3 days. I love her anyway... what a blessing she is in this place, not only to the children but to me. We have been sharing in the leading and teachings. We've been studying the life of Joseph with the children. There may be nothing sweeter than to be reminded that at times in life we find ourselves in circumstances we never deserved, and yet, like Joseph, God is always with us. He can favor us in prisons or in palaces. He can have great plans for us in low rungs. Our destination is Heaven either way! Yes, Lord! And in my best Zim impersonation, I'm saying "praise Jesus, hey". <br />
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Last night we encountered a spider. And ants. Good times.<br />
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A sweet one came to me after a talk today and confessed that he/she doesn't feel any reason to live. The family situation has left a deep wound. Abandonment hurts. While we continue to pray for BFGO to be able to do good works among orphanages, can we please remember to pray for the tender hearts of the wounded?<br />
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We are beginning the work of collecting data for the Child Sponsorship Program. The children are eagerly writing letters for the sponsors they hope to have some day. I'm no longer praying and hoping for God to bring our sponsors for the children. I am thanking Him for what He has already prepared and planned. You guys... whoever you are... you are so lucky to have these children in your lives. If God would send me a windfall.... I'd sponsor them all and not share. But alas....<br />
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Thank you for catching up on our time here in Zim. It is so much more than I could ever write.<br />
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In His Love,<br />
~ melissa irwin<br />
executive director~ melissa ~http://www.blogger.com/profile/16564475251100373676noreply@blogger.com1