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March 2001 Table of Contents
Special Feature
Operation ZipLoc® Bag
By Becky Jake
Christian country recording artist Becky Jake and husband International pianist/composer Enoch, spread God's love in India
My husband, Enoch was born in India and has been there many times since his move to the States; but for me, this was only my second mission trip there. I couldn't wait to get to The Children's Haven of Hope orphanage my father-in-law founded over thirty-five years ago. We packed three large plastic bins with gifts and supplies for the children and their caretakers.
One of the bins was filled with large ZipLoc bags-each containing items such as pens, pencils, erasers, crayons, a coloring book, toothbrush, toothpaste, and comb. I named this mission Operation ZipLoc® Bag. Everything was brand new; so I prayed we wouldn't have trouble getting through customs. I also prayed the bins would make it through baggage without anyone tampering with their contents. It had taken me weeks to organize everything; so I felt incredibly relieved when all three bins made it off the baggage carousel with their duct tape intact.
The orphanage lies about thirty dusty miles outside of Madras. Boys with freshly washed faces ran to the gate to greet us. After we all settled down, the children sang songs and quoted Bible verses for us. I was so eager to give out the ZipLoc® bags, my toes tapped with excitement. When it was finally time to open the first bin, and the children realized they would each receive a bag filled with gifts, they shyly grinned in disbelief and amazement. Inside the second bin were inflatable toys, games, a camping type air mattress and chair. The chair blew up to be as big as an upholstered piece of furniture! Each took turns at the hand pump I'd packed. I am certain our orphanage is the only one in the whole land of India with inflatable toys and furniture. We opened the third bin; and each child was given a brand new backpack. All of their earthly possessions will fit inside this backpack.
After lunch, the children closely inspected their gift bags. The squirt guns quickly became their favorite toy. I'm certain the cool streams of water felt good in the tropical heat. The kids were having so much fun squirting each other, my concern about the squirt guns being "politically incorrect" quickly vanished. Laughter and happiness filled the air. By adding these small comforts to their lives, our hearts were filled with great satisfaction and purpose. I was sad when it was time to go; and my heart ached as I kissed each child good bye. Perhaps next time I'll pack sleeping bags and tents so we can stay longer.
Enoch and Becky Jake Fernando are members of Dr. Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. Becky Jake recently released her debut CD, "Never Give Up." The single, "Island of Stability" from this project is already being heard on over one hundred radio stations nationwide.
Enoch is currently in the studio working on his sixth CD release. He is vice-president of Christ for India and travels over 200,000 miles a year for his concerts of "Piano Praise International." As artist associates for World Vision, approximately 4,000 of the world's neediest children have been sponsored through their concert work.
Remember to keep those happy and blessed who cause your services to be successful. These “techies” are wonderful people. Bless them by sending them to a conference where they can improve their techniques and enjoy the fellowship with other soundmen.
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