Visiting Africa in the summer of 2003 changed my life. I had an urge to go for a very long time and although somewhat hesitant, when the opportunity came, I jumped at the chance. While visiting Africa, our team spent two weeks building what would be the first houses of Otino-Waa Village that would become home to eighty orphans in desperate need. I did not realize the impact of the trip until we were introduced to the children. They ranged in ages of four to sixteen. As I looked in their faces, I realized these children were just like me and the terrible circumstances in their lives left them virtually helpless. I immediately asked myself, if I didn’t do what I could for them, who would? They were dressed in rags and looked like they had missed many meals; however, they gathered together to sing to us with all of the pride in the world. I felt as if I heard the sound of angels. At that moment I knew I would never be the same.

In the years that followed, we have been faithful in financially supporting Otino-Waa. We have sponsored two children and have given beyond to help with the daily living expenses as well as the building of their own school, computer lab and church. We have seen expediential growth. The orphanage began with 78 children and has grown to 150 and has a goal of supporting 400 orphans by the year of 2010.

That’s Bags has given us one more way to continue the work in supporting the orphans. 15% of all net sales are given every month. In conjunction with the giving we are able to use our parties as a platform to talk about the kids and create opportunities for more sponsorship.

The great needs all over the world can sometimes leave us with a feeling of “I can’t make a difference or the little that I give is not significant.” I too had this same feeling prior to visiting Africa. This all changed when I looked into the eyes of the children. At that moment I realized that even if I could only help one child, it did matter and their life would be forever changed.

Please join us in helping the less fortunate. It has been said that “True religion that is faultless in the eyes of God is to care for orphans in their distress.” Please visit the link to www.pathministries.net to learn more about how you can help.