Letter from India

My family supports several ministries, but one we especially appreciate is “Compassion International”, a ministry which supports impoverished children overseas. The program will provide schooling, clothes and food, and medical treatment through the monthly contributions of the “adoptive” family. The sponsored child also writes updates on what he/she is doing as often as the delayed overseas mailing service allows.


Our precious sponsored child is Lidiya, a thirteen year-old girl living in India. We attempt to communicate and share what's going on in our lives as time goes by, but the delay in the mailing service is about two months making communication more difficult. However, we recently received an update from Lidiya, which was so cute I had to share it with you (she now writes English well enough that she doesn't need a translator);

Most loving Gary Duff uncle and Sheri aunt. Loving greetings in the name of Jesus. I received your loving letter, photographs, and Jonny's short notes. Jenni and Emily are looking very beautiful in that photographs (smiley face). Their dress also looking nice. Whose hair is long, Jenni's or Emily's (picture of girl with long hair)? How old is Caleb? Where is Josh? I wish to know more about Josh.


Happy “B” day to Emily and Jeremy. Nobody should not say Emily is 21 years old. Happy wedding anniversary to uncle and aunt.


My family and me are doing well. But my father is taking medicine now also. My mother is working a nursery school near our house. I have promoted to 8th grade. I have more subject to learn. My height is increasing day by day. So, all dress are short to me.


I participated in sports meet that was held on 26th January at K---. I got 1st prize in Badminton. We celebrate my mother, brother and myself “B” day together. Our project manager call the children who are celebrating “B” day and pray to them each day. Then he gave sweets, other children wishing “B” day greetings. I have got color dress from compassion. I wore it on my birthday. We presented a school magazine in our school. I was the chief editor. Let me conclude here with lots of love and prayers-


Lidiya (lots of flower drawings)

Sponsor a child through Compassion

To my future husband on Valentine's Day

So it’s Valentine’s Day. It’s such a big deal to some people; the pressure to find the perfect gift for a girl or boyfriend. A lot of people view this holiday as an excuse to eat chocolate, steal a kiss, or just enjoy the fact they have someone to call their girl or guy. There are so many couples out there today; young men and women with their arms draped around each other; kissing, hugging, and escaping the modern day discomfort of walking into the mall without a partner.

Do you ever find it hard to watch the young people of our day being paired up, while you wait for me? I know it’s so hard to go against the flow… and waiting to finally enjoy each other’s company without hesitance and restriction can be such a challenge. But I want to thank you; for the times when you struggle to keep your mind and heart pure for me. When you turn down a date, treat other girls with proper respect, and refrain from giving your heart to others, I am truly grateful. Love only becomes true when bestowed, finally, as a result of great sacrifice and endurance, and every moment you and I strive to save our hearts for each other will only strengthen our love when we are finally united.

Some celebrate Singles Awareness Day (or SAD), as opposed to the celebration of loving a partner in Valentine’s Day. I, however, choose to celebrate my devotion to you today. Though so often I fail to remember you in my thoughts and actions, I will do my best to save my heart for you, in hopes that wherever you are today, you are endeavoring to do the same for me. May you be richly blessed this Valentine’s Day!

Your future wife,

Jennifer