Vanessa's "Treasured" Team with Dr. Lynn.
Vanessa is standing next to Dr. Lynn. |
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Dear Women of the World Partners,
This E-Newsletter will highlight our new WOTW partnership with "Treasured" in Sri Lanka. During our travels to India and Bangladesh, we also stopped by Sri Lanka to renew old friendships. During that time, I met a brilliant, godly, young woman leader who had begun a ministry to children and young adults with special needs. Unlike the United States and other parts of the world, in Sri Lanka and many parts of Asia, children and young adults with special needs are scorned and viewed as cursed. Their mothers also take the brunt of this experience because they are generally blamed for their children's special needs. Typically, the father leaves and the mother and child are left impoverished. It is difficult for the mother to find a job to earn income to support her family because there is no one who will care for her child in her absence. There are many reports that in her desperation to support her family, the mother will drug her child and strap him or her to the bed while she is at work. This is a horrible picture and yet it is the experience of many in this region of the world. Vanessa Perera is a woman who has a heart for these precious treasures in Sri Lanka and beyond.
A year ago, the Lord spoke to Vanessa about beginning a ministry after He had highlighted the scripture in Isaiah 45:3, "I will give you hidden treasures." The Lord told her these hidden treasures were the children and mothers who have been relegated to the dark, hidden, places of their society due to their physical and mental special needs. Vanessa was hand selected by the Lord, and even equipped by the Lord as a young woman for this ministry. As a child in Sri Lanka, Vanessa was a daughter of a single mom who struggled financially. She understands these mothers because she was brought up in a similar environment. As a young adult, Vanessa had the opportunity to receive an advanced education in Special Education in Scotland, then after completion of her degrees, she returned to Sri Lanka and worked for a high level International School overseeing their special education department. Please note: the international school system throughout the world is an expensive, private educational institution for expats and embassy children, as well as children of other prominent and wealthy citizens. It is an exceptional place that the vast majority of children do not have the opportunity to experience. The Lord allowed Vanessa this training for a time, and then called her out to provide a ministry to children and young adults with special needs called, "Treasured." But "Treasured" is not simply a ministry that targets their spiritual needs, but it is also a school for their education (which they cannot receive through the public educational system). Based upon age groups and level of function, the children and young adults attend specific days throughout the week for their education. Thus, "Treasured" is a 6 days a week ministry: education during the week with special services and ministries on Sundays.
After returning from my trip, the Lord laid upon my heart to partner with Vanessa and "Treasured." Vanessa did not ask to be a partner, but I believe the Holy Spirit sent me to Sri Lanka to see the need she was meeting in that region. The reason I went to Sri Lanka was to connect with Vanessa and her husband, Prasad, and make them WOTW partners. I also believe Vanessa has a calling to multiply this ministry throughout this region and, in the future, I would love for some of my current partners in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal to begin "Treasured" centers for the nurturing of these precious children/young adults and their mothers.
Can you give towards this ministry? Can you join me? I am sending a seed gift this month because I believe in it! These children and their mothers are treasures! If you desire to give a one time gift or provide monthly support, you only need to identify your contribution as "Treasured." It will be sent directly to Vanessa's ministry.
I believe the Lord sees those in the darkness; those who have been rejected and scorned. We are called to bring them into His marvelous light. They are treasures in the darkness...and we want to show them the Lord's love and the abundant life Jesus has brought them.
Please note: there are pictures below of this ministry, however, due to privacy there are no pictures of the faces of the children/young adults that participate in "Treasured" ministry. Believe me, I met these precious people and they are having the time of their lives as they exercise through dance, do art projects, sing, learn, and build new relationships through small group time.
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Pictured above and below are Treasured students doing art with a visiting US team.
They were making beautiful things with clay!
They also love making new friends! |
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Pictured above and below are the mothers of the "Treasured" students. During school time these mothers gather to talk with one another and have tea and biscuits. They even bring food to share for lunch. They look forward to this time of emotional nurturing, physical and mental relaxation, and relational support. They now have a support system with other mothers as well as the "Treasured" team. Most of these women are not Christians, rather Buddhists or Hindus. This is a special ministry to these mothers who have undergone tremendous pain and suffering. However, the love of Jesus is bringing healing and hope to them!
Can you see the difference in the pictures above and below? These group pictures are not exactly the same! What is the difference? Below pictured is one of the mothers giving a "thumbs up" sign.
The WOTW motto is "Change a woman, change the world!" This is why "Treasured" is a partner! This ministry is making a difference in the lives of these precious mothers! |
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Great news! Crossroads Christian Center is now on YouTube.com! This is the place to log in to for our messages but also our special "I Thirst For You" Holy Spirit Conference and "Tongues of Fire" Bi-lingual services where we are with our WOTW partners online in real time!
Please subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcO9M8WEnze4fLmaPwc9RHQ
Once we have 100 subscribers, we will be able to go live on Sundays alongside our FaceBook live streaming. |
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HOW CAN YOU GIVE?
If you would like to give to the Ministries of Women of the World, please visit our Website at www.wotw.co and click the "donate" tab (or see the link below)
You can also write a check to WOTW and mail to:Women of the World
145 Wright Avenue
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Please place the ministry name for your gift designation in the memo of the check.
You can send your contribution via Zelle at the above QR code. All financial contributions will receive a charitable donation receipt at year end. Women of the World International is a 501c3 charitable organization. A Tax Deductible receipt for tax purposes will be provided at end of year. |
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