As a Christian organisation, we believe that God is good and His goodness is evident all the time. Sometimes when we crave a quick “fast food” type response to our prayers, we have to remind ourselves that it’s oftentimes the answers that took a bit longer to “prepare” that really satisfy. Just because God may not immediately give us an answer, does not mean that He is not in the process of answering. Our job is to pray, be patient and trust in His timing knowing that He is cooking up something good for us all the time!
We are excited to give you a little "taste of ZOE" this month as we share stories of hope. Children who have been found, rescued and restored, radiate life! If ZOE were a food, its ‘flavour’ would be freedom, hope and healing. Fresh and delicious!
This month, in Australia, we are highlighting one of ZOE’s greatest areas of need. You guessed it: Food!
Anyone raising growing children and teens knows just how much they can eat! I certainly do! Families in Thailand are no different and, like all mums and dads, the ZOE parents want to feed their growing families with wholesome nourishing meals!
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Have you had a “taste” of ZOE yet? If you’ve been to ZOE in Thailand, heard us share, seen one of ZOE’s videos or just follow our social media channels, you know what I’m talking about. I don’t know about you but when something tastes good, I want others to try it too. So please join me in sharing a little taste of ZOE this month!
One of our goals in Australia is to raise awareness about child trafficking. Although this can be a dark topic, I love how ordinary people like you and I can use our skills, talents and interests to bring about conversations and change. Just like the right foods can heal and turn a life around, at ZOE we get to see hopeless situations, broken lives and lost children experience new life in an amazing way! I’m going to be using my interest in cooking to highlight the monthly need for food as well as to share stories of hope and life - the taste of ZOE!
“We had two main goals going into the trip,” David and Andrea Cross shared after their recent trip to Australia.
Focused on the theme, “You Hold the Key” they shared about ZOE’s work internationally.
1. Prayer for ZOE’s work.
Understanding the power of prayer, David and Andrea hosted four prayer nights, which saw people from various churches, denominations, and geographical areas, joining their faith and believing for breakthroughs in ZOE’s work in Australia and globally.
Everyone at ZOE needs protection, wisdom, and discernment as the work expands into new nations and continues the fight against child trafficking.
There were several answers to prayers that were seen almost immediately. But importantly, seeds were planted on those nights, which will, one day, bear much fruit in the lives of children who are right now being rescued.
2. Raising finances.
In Australia, the financial year comes to an end on June 30th, so a campaign was set up to raise finances to go towards RESCUE.
ZOE’s Child Rescue Team’s desire is to not only rescue children, but to also empower families and communities to properly safeguard and love their children.
“You hold the key to unlock the door to freedom, hope, and love for a child who is trapped in slavery right now. Unlock that door by giving towards RESCUE.” (Facebook campaign)
It was so exciting to see that in the month of June alone, over $34,000 was raised in Australia to specifically go towards the area of RESCUE! Those who gave in June received not only the blessing of being a giver but also the gift of a charming “You Hold the Key” leather key chain made by local Thai artisans.
Entrust
Throughout the trip, many relationships with ZOE donors were strengthened.
David and Andrea were encouraged to hear about Entrust’s projects in 15 different nations and, in turn, be able to share with them about how their support is helping to shape children’s lives in Thailand.
Entrust Foundation’s passion is to serve the poor and oppressed. They support individuals and communities living in tough places and see themselves as the link between donors who wish to make a difference, and trusted local partners working to change lives.
Payton Capital/Payton Foundation
David was grateful to be asked to share about ZOE’s work at Payton’s Gala Night on July 27th with James Morrison (world class musician, composer, conductor). Held at the Arts Centre Melbourne, David was honored to communicate with those who have given either as a Payton Capital client, or via donation directly to their Foundation. Payton Capital also gives 20% of its dividends to the Foundation each quarter to help fund projects that transform the lives of vulnerable people in both Australia and overseas. Payton Foundation is committed to supporting ZOE’s Vocational Training Program and Learning Center.
Rating it as one of the “best trips back,” David and Andrea were blown away by people’s gifts of time, support, prayers, and donations.
“Even for ourselves, this trip reinforced that we actually do all hold a key to unlocking freedom. Some people may not be able to contribute finances, but ‘prayer’ is one key to opening doors and a good reminder that there is always something that we can do.” – Andrea Cross
