This is Asif and Banoo. They were orphaned a year ago when an earthquake hit Pakistan, killing 80,000 people, including their parents. 20,000 children like them were orphaned and live in tents. They have little to eat. With winter coming, they are poorly prepared to face the cold.

A year and a half ago, the Lord had me begin a correspondence with a couple of pastors in Pakistan, Emmanuel and Hanif. I didn't understand why at the time, but have kept up the correspondence. After the earthquake, Emmanuel sent me information about how to help earthquake victims like these two children.

Whatever else God may be intending in my relationship with Emmanuel, this Thanksgiving, Asif and Banoo have reminded me of how much I've got. I'm thankful for my beautiful wife, Karen, and my children, Talia, Seth, Estie, Emily and Leah, all home (3 from college) to eat turkey today. I'm thankful for my parents, who are still alive, and after retiring, took on a second career helping the poor in Kenya. I'm thankful for so many of you reading this who love Jesus and understand his love for the poor. You've enriched my life immeasurably.

And I'm thankful for enough spare change in our bank account to be able to provide Asif and Banoo with some food and a blanket (thanks to the help of Emmanuel and his father, Sadiq Sarfraz). They've helped me realize that I have a much greater ability to give than they have a need for my giving.

[ feel free to write me and I'll put you in touch with Emmanuel and any number of orphans.]