The end to the chapter, but not the Book.
Nathan Bell founded the Home of Hope Orphanages in China close to 18 years ago. During that time, three Home of Hopes were opened: one in Gongyi, one in Xuzhou (administrated by Bob and Cindy Sayre) and one in Pingyu (administrated by Ben and Michelle Godard). Over 150 children have been helped together with all three Homes. Nathan was the administrator to the Gongyi Home of Hope, where most people there called him Grandpa. He was a man full of compassion, joy, faith, love, kindness and hope. In November, Nathan lost his battle to bladder cancer and went HOME to be with the Lord.
Ben Godard, along with David (one of Nathan’s sons) hosted one of the funerals that were held for Nathan. Several of the older Gongyi kids that grew up with Nathan, but have now grown and started their own lives, gave absolutely beautiful testimonies in how Nathan impacted and changed their lives. It was very evident that he loved them dearly, and they him.
Unfortunately, as you may have read from his previous post, “Memories from the Beginning” the local civil affairs had already built a brand new orphanage and was planning on moving Nathan and the kids to it after Nathan’s surgery. Shortly after Nathan passed away, the civil affairs decided to end the contract with the Home of Hope and move the remaining 24 children into their facility. A lot of decisions needed to be made, and made very quickly. After researching the Chinese law, and seeing that there was no other choice, we had to start making steps in closing down the Gongyi Home of Hope. For those of you who have emailed Nathan, who have been praying and waiting to see how his surgery went, and for those who have given this last month, please forgive us for not being able to respond to you any sooner than what we have. Our intentions were focused on taking care of all the Gongyi children, then trying to help his family with his personal items while being pushed by the local civil affairs to exit quickly.
Nathan had filled his freezer full of food that he had bought to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with. We thought one great way to celebrate his life with the kids was to make, bake, and intake all those wonderful treats.
For the past 10 years, Ben and Michelle Godard have been living in China working alongside Nathan and the Sayre’s. Ben and Michelle have been the administrators to the Pingyu Home of Hope since it opened in 2010. In recent years, Nathan spent time training them to succeed him when the time was needed.
This day was extremely hard on everyone, but if it were not for these people pictured above with Ben and Michelle,it could have been a lot harder on everyone. {Left to right: XiDong (Driver), YanMing (Nathan’s assistant), Seth (Driver and one of Nathan’s sons), Sam (one of Nathan’s sons), Ben and Michelle, Joey (Cook and one of Nathan’s sons) and Shanshan (teacher).}
Ben and Michelle are committed to going to see the Gongyi kids once a month. As you can see from the pictures, thanks to some friends in Shanghai, to some of the older Gongyi kids and some of you, the orphanage allowed Ben and Michelle to throw a Christmas party for the kids. A lot of the older Gongyi kids and staff were able to attend too, making it extra special for everyone.
Though the Gongyi Home of Hopes chapter may be closed, the Gongyi children story is far from over. As stated above, we (Ben and Michelle) are committed to making monthly trips to seeing the kids. We hope to be able to keep encouraging the kids and even throw birthday parties for those who celebrated their birthday that month. We also were given permission to invite the Gongyi kids to our annual Summer Camp we host each year. The civil affairs told us that as long as one staff member from the orphanage attends and as long as we cover all costs, then the Gongyi kids could join us at the camp in Pingyu. Also, all the older children know that if they get homesick, and need a little taste of Home of Hope, Bob and Cindy in Xuzhou and we here in Pingyu, told them they are more than welcome to join us anytime.
Blessings
Ben and Michelle
Posted: December 21st, 2017 under Uncategorized.