MARCH 2012 Letter - LIVING WELL

How would you feel if you suddenly became deaf and blind?  

Helen Keller

Most of us would not be happy; in fact, we would probably be depressed. However, Helen Keller who was deaf and blind, said, "I can see, and that is why I can be happy, in what you call the dark, but which to me is golden. I can see a God-made world, not a man made world."

Helen Keller’s concept of sight was different than most of us. To her, the loss of sight and sound was not a handicap but a gift. How I see life, and consequently my happiness, has more to do with my own heart and mind than it does with my eyes.

In our November letter, we wrote about the connection between happiness and gratitude. We quoted some statistics from Dr. Henry Cloud’s book The Law of Happiness: How Spiritual Wisdom and Modern Science Can Change Your Life. In the book, he points out that 50% of our happiness factor has to do with our internal makeup (genetic characteristics) and only 10% has to do with our circumstances. Even that 10% factor is short-lived. But 40% of our happiness quotient is tied to habits or attitudes that we can choose and cultivate.

We do not have to get stuck in life, thinking that nothing will ever change. Research shows the list of factors for happiness closely aligns with behavior and attitudes that God shows us in His word. In our next post, we will write more about the Law of Happiness.

We shared in our last letter that we visited Wisdom Community School in Ndola, Zambia. The school is in a slum area and provides instruction for 160 children in grades 1-4. It was started by a local ministry so that these disadvantaged children would be able to get an education. Their public schools are free but the families must buy uniforms, books, school supplies, and lunches for the children. In the slum areas, most families cannot afford any of these expenses. The children are orphaned (one parent has died) or twice-orphaned (two parents have died). They now live with an elderly grandparent, older sibling, or other family member.

The ministry which started the school is no longer in Zambia but a new ministry has taken on the oversight of the school. The school has no means of support. They have three teachers and a caretaker. The school has two rooms in which to teach 160 kids. They have no running water, electricity, restrooms or playground. Their teaching materials are very limited.

Part of our next mission trip to Zambia this summer will be to work on improvements to the physical building and minister to the kids and teachers. We are expecting to take a team that can provide a Bible school and activities while some work on painting and other aspects of the building and grounds. Our young married Bible study class is providing $400/month to pay the teachers and caretaker. If you are interested in this project, please give us a call (405-792-2586) or see more information on our website.

We cannot even begin to tell you how much your love and support means to us! Your prayers and donations are an essential part of our ministry. Thank you!

Our love in Christ,

Donna and Ed Edwards