WEST JERUSALEM’S
BEST KEPT SECRET
A personal blog from Marcus Lamb | Posted September 14, 2018
Nestled on a hillside in West Jerusalem is a place you’ve probably never heard of. It’s beautifully landscaped and surrounded by lush greenery, but not unlike much of what you’ll see if you ever visit the Holy City. What sets it apart has nothing to do with what’s on the outside, but rather what you’ll find inside.
Saint Vincent Ain Karem is an orphanage filled with 55 children who have very severe special needs. Less than five can walk without assistance, and many are fed through feeding tubes. We discovered it through one of our incredible Daystar Partners, Lisa Parigi, who shared her experience there with Jonathan and Suzy. Moved by what they heard as Lisa told them about her godson, “John John,” who is receiving care at Saint Vincent’s, they immediately planned to visit during our trip to Jerusalem in September 2017.
So a few weeks later, armed with bags overflowing with toys, Jonathan and Suzy along with Josh and Rachel, made it their mission to share the love of Jesus with every child. However, as they entered the gates of the orphanage they soon discovered that God would impact their lives in a way they never expected. Through disabled children who simply want to give and receive love, our eyes are often opened to see life differently – unclouded by the cares and worries of the world.
In a facility filled with modern technology, run by a team of dedicated nuns, and staffed with volunteers from all over the world, these children are the true teachers. Each day, they approach life with joy in spite of their many physical limitations. Surrounded by people who are there to help them reach their full potential, I would argue that they are the ones inspiring the most change in the world around them.
That’s why I am so honored Daystar has been able to bless this amazing organization on two separate occasions, donating a total of $50,000 to help them continue caring for these precious children. They are, indeed, world-changers without knowing it. And I’m so grateful to our Daystar partner, Lisa, for connecting us and helping Daystar impact their lives through giving.
Together with our partners, we are reaching the world. I can’t imagine more faithful, committed friends of the Gospel than what God has blessed us with through Daystar. From the outside, you might see a massive global television network. But just as we discovered at Saint Vincent’s, it’s what’s inside that’s far more impressive.
Joni and I, along with the rest of our family, are so thankful for how our partners inspire us to go farther and do more than ever before. They are truly fueling the fire in our hearts through their passion for Jesus and people. United as one, we are joining with them, empowered by God to bless and be blessed as lives are transformed from the inside out.