January 31, 1997
Dear WMF Family,
Enclosed you'll find a photo of Solaima (Solai for short). Solai (pronounced “Solay”) was one of the first three children to join our first WMF children's home. We found her living in a slum built over an open sewer. When she was just an infant, her mother passed away. The only family she had was her father, who was uneducated, illiterate, and always struggling to find work. He was unable to meet his basic needs, let alone Solai's. Concerned for her well-being, Solai's father submitted her to the care of WMF.
If the WMF home had not been there to receive Solai, chances are she would have joined the 35,000+ children who daily die from malnutrition or related diseases. If she had survived the slums, there would have been very little hope for her life on earth and in eternity.
But because of God's grace, today Solai knows Hope. It is because of your involvement and prayers that Solai knows the Love of God. She came to us a malnourished, desperate 3 year old – today she is a healthy, energetic, bright 5 year old. Her life has been transformed and renewed – one can see that in her eyes. She is full of joy and shines brightly in a city that is filled with human suffering and spiritual darkness.
Thank you for your involvement, sacrifice, and prayers that make a difference in Solai's life and the life of many others.
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Chris has just completed a two-week intensive course called, “Understanding Poverty” at Fuller Theological Seminary. He learned a great deal and gained new insight and inspiration for the work God has called us to do. Now we are back in Wilmore attending to office responsibilities and enjoying our home. On February 24, we will return to India for 3 weeks. We will be attending one of the Indian Board of Directors quarterly meetings, assisting the staff, and making preparations for summer teams. Please pray that we have no trouble obtaining our visas and that we maintain good health during our short stay overseas.
Chris and I want to thank those of you who have sent photos of yourself and family. We really appreciate hearing from you and have started a collage of the pictures of our “WMF Family.” Please feel free to write to us anytime.
Thank you again for your constant love and prayers.
Your servants,
Chris & Phileena Heuertz