A Chesapeake, Va. teen’s choice for her 16th birthday party some two years back has resulted in a home for 50 orphans in Africa.
Megan MacDonald, 18, decided two years ago to forgo birthday presents in exchange for donations to build an orphanage that would be overseen by the International Cooperating Ministries, Christian Newswire said.
In the blog myfrienddebbie.com, Megan’s grandmother wrote about the story and said, “Our young people are capable of far more than we think—once they catch the vision. I hope you enjoy Megan’s account of what she learned about trusting God.”
When Megan was 15 she and her father were trying to choose a theme for her forthcoming birthday.
Megan thought about helping the Salvation Army or donating to food banks. However her father kept asking if she wanted to do more. That was when she decided to raise funds to build an orphanage, according to an article on myfrienddebbie.com.
She was able to raise $4,000 which she wanted to use to build an orphanage in India.
However, when Megan and her father met the head of International Cooperating Ministries, he suggested that Megan raise additional funds and build an orphanage in Africa where there was likely a greater need.
The orphanage, which would be in Katali, Kenya would require an additional $26,000.
Megan said of the experience later, “As we left the office, God reminded me that He was in control.”
In a little over a year the money was raised, and on the dedication date Megan and her parents were in Kenya for the ceremony.
Megan said, “When we drove up to the church, I was blown away by the size, and all the time and effort put into it. It was evident that people really put their heart and soul into this project. And when I saw the orphans, my heart just broke. It was difficult not to cry and not want to take all of them back,” Christian Newswire said.
Debbie said she was encouraged by family and friends and was particularly helped by Colossians 1:27 which says, “Christ in you is the hope of glory.”
She noted, “It’s amazing what God can do through anybody, as long as you have the faith and are willing to do what He asks.”
