A History Maker Returns

As I write this I'm picturing a scene which is deeply embedded in my memory. It was the moment when Crystal and Jeff Kershaw met their daughter Meizi for the first time. When I saw that little family recently, twelve years later, it was like seeing the blessing of God on the work he had initiated way back in 1993 when my heart was broken by a dream about an abandoned baby being put to death.

Meizi made history when she was the first child (she was four years old) to be adopted out of Xining Children’s Home. I spent a wonderful couple of hours catching up on the Kershaw family news, which unashamedly centred on Meizi. She has blossomed into a beautiful young woman. My heart was bursting with pride and joy - you would have thought she was my own daughter!

Crystal, Meizi's mum, wrote to me after they returned home:

What has not changed is the heart Christian Action has for the children in the home, or the work they are doing in Christ’s name to care for and nurture them. We were inspired anew by their witness there, and truly touched by their testimony. The work that made such a difference in Meizi’s life continues to mould the lives of so many other children in Xining.

The highlight of our trip took place during our visit to the Xining Children’s Home. Meizi was able to see a couple of boys who were also there when she was a toddler. It was a joy to see them again, and see the progress they have made. One of Meizi’s friends, BinBin, has received many surgeries through the intervention of Christian Action. It was a joy to see him dance, and invite Meizi to join him on the floor. The reflection of God’s goodness, through the work of his people, shined brightly.

We praise God for Christian Action and for the people at the Xining Children's Home. Our second visit to Xining was even more joyful than the first, because it was truly a celebration of the blessings we have seen—in Meizi’s life, and the lives of so many children in Qinghai Province.

This will be my legacy: not wealth, not fame, but the lives of children who have been given hope and the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Christian Action could not have achieved all that has been achieved in Qinghai over the last 16 years without a dedicated team of people, loving the children in Jesus' name. That team includes you! Your support in prayer and in generous giving has been a great encouragement to us. With God, nothing is impossible!

On the Global Day of Prayer on May 19th, please pray with me that more children from China are adopted, particularly those from Xining Children's Home!