Dear Friends,

Today I read a quote from Malcolm Muggeridge, which is an editorial of Matthew 25:31-40 which says: “How is it to be explained – The very heart and mystery of the Christian faith? To soothe those battered old heads, to grasp those . . .

Dear Friends,

Today I read a quote from Malcolm Muggeridge, which is an editorial of Matthew 25:31-40 which says: “How is it to be explained – The very heart and mystery of the Christian faith? To soothe those battered old heads, to grasp those poor leprous stumps, to take in one’s arms those children consigned to dustbins, because it is His head, and they are His stumps and His children, of whom He said that whosoever received one such child in His name received Him!”

There are clear and unquestionable directions for us all directly from the mouth and heart of God regarding how we are to care for others. As a child, I feared these commands because they demanded that I put myself in harms way and possibly expose myself to pestilence and disease. As an adult and having lived through many tragedies, I see that God is simply asking me to place myself in His hands as a servant. Still I would resist because of the pain that I have seen in the world and did not wish to revisit personally.

In 2007, I gave in, committed myself to the service of orphaned and handicapped children, and began creating Mission 4:86. I have explained to many people that after seeing these children (my children) in Belarus, Ukraine and Russia, I am unable to close my eyes to the suffering that they face on a daily basis. This is the truth from my heart, but not the only reason.

In April of 2002, my daughter died at the tender age of 10 attributed to complications from Spina Bifida. You see, Tori was born with a spinal abnormality which resulted in her being paralyzed from the waist down. In the years since, I have lived with the memory of her lying on the emergency room gurney with a host of doctors and nurses frantically working to save her – but to no avail. I watched helplessly as her mother caressed her, said her last good-bye, and kissed her as she took her last breath. I remember the surreal moments that followed when I stroked her hair, kissed her forehead, and then began the arduous task of calling the family to herald the horror of the day’s events.

You see, I now live with all of the memories of times when I could have spent just a little more time with my daughter, maybe been just a little more patient with her when I had a bad day, or spent just a little more time playing and hugging her. Herein lays the untold truth behind Mission 4:86. There are literally thousands of beautiful children out there with no one to hug them or tell them how remarkably special they are regardless of their conditions.

So I ask your indulgence; when I seem very passionate and maybe step on a few toes, that you understand my reasons and as God has granted me a task to perform, you grant me a little forgiveness and grace.

Blessings to you all,

David A. Jones
Founder
Mission 4:86