Did you notice? Our newsletter has a new name!! For One Child of India Occassional News was not a catchy name- this is, according to our consultant for marketing, technology and social networking! She is right. It sounded tired. We are not tired, we are just getting started! So we will begin the newsletter again with a fresh name-- FOCUS! Focus means a state of clear definition, center of attention, or to pay particular attention to - That seems to be a perfect name for FOCI's newsletter!
In the Summer newsletter I talked about Veronica. She was the woman who wiped the face of Jesus. Some say she is the same woman who was healed when she touched the hem of his cloak. She is a bit of a mystery- humble, full of faith, but also very bold! She stepped out of a crowd in a dangerous situation to wipe the face of Jesus! She tried openly to offer comfort to him. FOCI is a little like that. We have a humble and small beginning and an awesome mission!
I have always believed that we were given our personal gifts and strengths to use them! I think God is sad for us when we waste them. Veronica used her gifts of courage, confidence and faith to step away from the crowd and toward her Savior. WOW! Way to go Veronica! FOCI will follow that courageous example.
Contemplating Veronica makes me pause to consider Jesus in this situation. Veronica was bold, but Jesus allowed it. He allowed her to express her concern in this small gesture that she could do at the time. His willingness to accept her gesture of comfort was his gift to her. Jesus, her big brother, allows his little sister express herself and show her concern for him. Jesus in God the Father, expects it because He knows her. He knows she is capable of this. And Jesus in God our Mother, encourages us to stretch our limits- step out of the crowd and step out of our comfort zone to do great things.
So we grow... And we try not to be too afraid to fall. Veronica shows us an example of courage. And Jesus, like a mother accepting the first fistful of dandelions from her child in the Spring, appreciates our effort and encourages us.
That is the reason I chose this newsletters picture- we will only know what is possible if we try! Run, Leap, Fly! Use your gifts to change the world!
Thanks again Veronica!
In our next newsletter, I will be able to let you know how many of the 37 FOCI children we helped in 2015 will recieve tuition help again in January 2016. Will you consider sponsoring a FOCI child? It may be that child -who changes the world!
The January 2015 FOCI video is still available !! Click on the video below to see a little of the beautiful experience of India 2015. I have archived past newsletters (and the first video) on the FOCI website at for1child.org You can point to the "About Us" link and another link called "FOCUS on FOCI" will appear. All of the past newsletters are there. Check out the updated website today!
God Bless You!
RaeAnn
