A bed for every head

          As you read this paragraph, three children become orphans worldwide. An orphan is a child whose parents have died or have been abandoned by their family, because they cannot provide for them. These children are left on their own to survive.

Every day about 5,760 children become orphans, adding to the 153 million orphans worldwide. These substantial numbers (reported by the non-profit organization Sweet Sleep) are made even more tragic by knowing that most of these orphans do not have anyone to rely on and have no hope. Precious children have to hide in secret because of a stigma against orphans who are abused and HIV positive. Sweet Sleep, on a recent trip to Uganda to provide beds for orphans, drew 2,000 of these children out of hiding.

           Image by Sweet Sleep
Sweet Sleep's logo and motto.

“A Bed for Every Head” is the motto of Sweet Sleep. They are reaching out to the orphans who sleep in filthy conditions or who have no place to sleep at all. The beds that are provided by Sweet Sleep are catalysts to impact and change the orphans’ lives and get them back into good families, said Jen Gash, president and founder of Sweet Sleep.

The children who live in orphanages are not all orphans. According to Sweet Sleep, 80 to 90 percent of children living in orphanages actually have parents. These children are called social orphans. The orphanages that they live in are not necessarily better, because of poor conditions and no one to genuinely love and care for them. Abandoned children desire to have a safe place to sleep.

  

                                    Photo provided by Sweet Sleep
The beds before and after Sweet Sleep provided
new beds and mosquito nets to these three girls in Uganda.

            Not only does Sweet Sleep provide beds, they also provide mosquito nets, teach malaria prevention and how to care for the sick, and most importantly they provide Bibles and the love of Christ. Gash said that God gave the idea for this ministry to her ten years ago on the way home from a mission trip in Moldova, when He burdened her heart for the 153 million orphans who needed a place to sleep.

            “During our team meeting, someone prayed for the kids to have sweet sleep,” said Gash. “On the plane ride home, I knew that God brought me here for more than just a trip. I opened my Bible and it fell open to Proverbs 3:24, ‘When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.’”

                                   Photo provided by Sweet Sleep
Children have to sleep on filthy beds like this in orphanages in Moldova.

            This short mission trip to Moldova started a domino effect of trips around the world to provide love and care to orphans. For ten years, Sweet Sleep has provided over 20,000 beds for children in the United States and eight other countries in Europe, Central East Africa, and the Caribbean.

Biblically, it’s the churches responsibility to take care of the widows and orphans. Churches have more resources than any other non-profit organization to do this. The church needs to step up and obey God’s command to care for the little children and bring them up in the way of the Lord.

The church can be more intentional to support orphans by working with partners such as Sweet Sleep and social services. According to Gash, churches in Eastern Europe have been obedient in answering God’s call to give kids’ homes and families.

“In January 2013, Sweet Sleep launched a new ministry initiative called Heart for One,” said Gash. “This initiative embraces indigenous programs which provide integrated social services toward children and families so that the family is strengthened and empowered in a way they can provide loving and sustainable homes for the children they have and the children that they will foster or adopt.”

The orphan crisis is changing society. Millions of children with great potential never reach their potential, because no one is giving them the chance. Sweet Sleep can make a difference in these children’s lives with your help.

                             Photo provided by Sweet Sleep
Madelene Metcalf and Jen Gash are the founders of Sweet Sleep.

            Sweet Sleep has many opportunities for people to help them in their endeavor. Going on trips to hand out the beds to children; giving money which goes directly to providing beds, mosquito nets, and other supplies; and praying for Sweet Sleep. Discover how you can get involved and help Sweet Sleep change the lives of children by going to www.SweetSleep.org for more information.

           Children who have a safe place to sleep at night and perhaps even a family through the new beginnings of Heart for One have a better chance of succeeding in this harsh world. By helping Sweet Sleep combat the night time horrors and giving orphaned children the hope of Christ, you are helping a small child not only in this short world, but also in eternity.

“Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,’” Luke 18:16.

Joe Castillo performs SandStory art at UC

For Immediate Release                                                        

October 9, 2013

For More Information

Email: info@joecastillo.com

Phone: 800-670-5055

Joe Castillo performs SandStory art at UC



Photo from the University of the Cumberlands

Joe Castillo draws stories in the sand.  


Williamsburg, Ky. - Joe Castillo demonstrated his sand art storytelling at the University of the Cumberlands during the weekend of their 125th anniversary and homecoming on Oct. 4, 2013.

             Castillo created the art of SandStory ten years ago, which combines art with technology to tell God’s love story in a memorable way to audiences. He projects colored light onto the sand on the table and uses his hands to form pictures which are displayed on a screen for the audience to watch. The video records his art that only exists for a moment as it’s ever changing.

              “I developed sand story to tell the kind of stories that change people’s lives,” Joe Castillo said.

               Castillo is most well-known for his time on the reality TV show “America’s Got Talent.” He told the audience about his experience on the show that allowed him to share God’s love story with millions of viewers. The meaningful conversations that he had with the other acts, staff, and other back stage people were his favorite part of the reality show. 

  Photo from the University of the Cumberlands

This poster promotes Joe Castillo in the finals of "America's Got Talent."It features the host, Nick Cannon and the judges, Sheron Osbourne, Howard Stern, and Howie Mandel.

The amazing opportunity on “America’s Got Talent” gave Castillo a broader stage to share God’s love story in countries where he would not have been able to go as a missionary or pastor. He has performed for President Jimmy Carter, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, other dignitaries, and in 40 states and 18 countries.

                 “The great value of SandStory is that it requires no translation,” said Castillo about the impact it has when he travels to other countries. “In the grand scheme of things, I’m just a grain of sand,” Castillo said. “I’m not representing myself. I have to be willing to represent Him [God] well.”

“SandStory®” is a live-art presentation performed to music and projected on large screens for a stunning visual effect. Video clips of Castillo's work can be viewed on his website at http://www.joecastillo.com.

Joe Castillo is available to perform his artwork and seminars live at your conference or church. For booking information please contact: Tim Grable • 615-263-4143 • tim@nashvilleagency.com.

####

Annual Heritage Day hosted by Whitley County Historical-Genealogical Society

The Whitley County Historical-Genealogical Society and Museum in Williamsburg, Ky. was open for the public to explore on September 21 for its eighth annual Heritage Day.  

                                                           Lydia Huggins

On September 21, Heritage Day was held at the Whitley County Historical-Genealogical Society and Museum, which is housed in the old railroad depot in Williamsburg, Ky.

"We want to instill in people the value of history of the county," said Pat Jones, the president of the Whitley County Historical and Genealogical Society.

About 130 people attended the event. Jones talked about the first Heritage Day which boasted about 350 people in attendance. The rain may have kept people away this year and the society is considering moving their date back to October, she said.



                                                          Lydia Huggins

A display case in the museum that contains

a bowl, rolling pin, key, and gloves.  

                                                      

The festivities included exhibits of artifacts, door prizes, and vendors. Display cases contained vintage patterns for dresses, china dishes, jewelry, books, farm tools, old toys, and much more. The vendors were selling wares that were inspired by historical items such as arrowhead bracelets, quilts, baskets, and also food.



   ​         Some of the vintage toys were made by Mary Alice Siler, the society’s librarian. "I love it all. The museum brings back memories of the old things I grew up with," said Siler.

            The Whitley County Historical andGenealogical Society was formed in 1996, but recently moved into the old L & N Railroad Depot on Main Street in 2005 and turned it into their museum.

            "The University of the Cumberlands provided a building for us to rent each month for our museum. We've really been blessed," said Jones.

​            One of the rooms had a model train that was built and operated by Darrell Meadors, a former train conductor and currently a member of the historical society. Pictures, mementos, and videos of the old train station and trains were also displayed in the room.

   ​         The museum also has many records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, family trees, cemetery records, and other county documents. The records from Whitley County aren't exhaustive, but they also have a lot of records from Knox and McCreary Counties.

   ​         "Family history needs to be taught more in school," said David Moore, a visitor at Heritage Day. He was a high school teacher for many years and became very interested in his family history. He even found some relatives in Williamsburg that he didn't know about until he started searching. "Family history is fascinating," Moore said.

Freshman Fire on Monday nights

            “Freshman Fire” is held in the auditorium at the Bennett Building on UC’s campus every Monday at 8 p.m. According to previous freshman who are now leaders at the Bible Study, it's a great place to make memories and become involved with fellow freshmen at the Baptist Campus Ministries.

“We want freshman to transition well to campus and find a place to plug in and grow with other believers,” said Magan Atwood, the Director of Appalachian Ministries. “We started Freshman Fire five years ago when we saw a need to help students coming to campus find a place where they belong and they can be supported as they seek to grow closer to God.”

            Each Monday begins with girls and guys having fun, playing games, and socializing. Then the guys go to a smaller room for their devotional and the girls stay in the auditorium. After participating in a Bible study with the leader and the group, the larger group separates into small groups of four to discuss in depth what the lesson meant to each person. Atwood explains that the evening is all about connecting with peers who understand what you are going through as a freshman and to glorify God first and foremost.

            The valuable relationships made at the devotionals is what will “make this class bond in a way that will keep them close as Christians and close to the Lord,” said Dean Whitaker the Campus Minister. He wants to see “this place become a community for them to have fun and become deep spiritually.”

            As a former student and now an intern at the BCM, Kelsey Day said, “It was my first time in a small group with other girls connecting as Christians.” She loved it so much that now she is a leader at Freshman Fire and is investing in freshman girls and leading them to God.

           “There’s a very strong sense of community there,” said Lindsi Weis, a freshman who attended Freshman Fire. “The leaders have fostered an environment to be open and honest about where you are in your walk with the Lord.”

                                                      Jasmine Newport

Girls from Freshman Fire show off their ribbons that they made at the BCM's girls' night on September 27. From top left: Caroline Johnson, Abbey Cherry, Alisha Brown, Kelcey Day, Maggie Green, Chloe Fogle, Kaitlin DeJarnette, Lydia Huggins, Kara Cliffe, Kayla Sears, Kayla Smith, Julie Paris, Brianna Grooms, and Katie Reid.