Posted By Nathan Taylor
Packet & Times (Orillia, Ontario, Canada)
Len Crow is a cowboy with a cause.
The Orillia pastor has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars over the past decade by travelling around North America on horseback.
His latest efforts, with the help of his congregation at North Country Baptist Church, allowed him to open the North Country Baptist Children's Home in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He has already aided in the construction of orphanages in the Philippines and Mexico.
Crow and two friends visited Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam in February 2006. While he noticed the deplorable levels of poverty and large number of orphans in each country, Cambodia "is probably the worst in the world," he said.
He felt a calling and, as a result, the North Country Baptist Children's Home was built. With room for 100 children, the orphanage currently houses 16, providing extensive services that will soon include onsite education.
Crow said he looks forward to the day it can run at full capacity.
"That's the hard part. We're turning children away every day," he said, noting six kids between four and eight years old recently begged to be taken in. "It breaks my heart."
With the help of 25 volunteers and 35 paid Cambodian workers, construction began in February 2007. In just three weeks, 70,000 bricks and 3,000 square feet of concrete flooring were laid and a roof and septic system installed.
Crow and his church host Ride for Missions events to raise money and awareness. Last year's 80-kilometre ride from Phelpston to Coldwater to Orillia consisted of 17 riders and 18 horses. The first local ride, it raised $23,000.
Crow is planning another for September to cover the cost of washroom and shower facilities ($15,000) and roof work ($20,000).
The orphanage is officially an extension of the North Country Baptist Church in Orillia, where many in the congregation make monthly contributions toward the operation.
"I look at the plight of children in these countries - we can't help them all, but we can help some," Crow said. "It brings me a great deal of joy and satisfaction that we're able to help a few."
Donations are appreciated, but what's most needed is for people to sponsor children. To find out more, visit www.canadianponyexpress. com or call 329-1638.
Crow will have a display set up at the Orillia Square mall today from about 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ntaylor@orilliapacket.com
The Orillia pastor has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars over the past decade by travelling around North America on horseback.
His latest efforts, with the help of his congregation at North Country Baptist Church, allowed him to open the North Country Baptist Children's Home in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He has already aided in the construction of orphanages in the Philippines and Mexico.
Crow and two friends visited Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam in February 2006. While he noticed the deplorable levels of poverty and large number of orphans in each country, Cambodia "is probably the worst in the world," he said.
He felt a calling and, as a result, the North Country Baptist Children's Home was built. With room for 100 children, the orphanage currently houses 16, providing extensive services that will soon include onsite education.
Crow said he looks forward to the day it can run at full capacity.
"That's the hard part. We're turning children away every day," he said, noting six kids between four and eight years old recently begged to be taken in. "It breaks my heart."
With the help of 25 volunteers and 35 paid Cambodian workers, construction began in February 2007. In just three weeks, 70,000 bricks and 3,000 square feet of concrete flooring were laid and a roof and septic system installed.
Crow and his church host Ride for Missions events to raise money and awareness. Last year's 80-kilometre ride from Phelpston to Coldwater to Orillia consisted of 17 riders and 18 horses. The first local ride, it raised $23,000.
Crow is planning another for September to cover the cost of washroom and shower facilities ($15,000) and roof work ($20,000).
The orphanage is officially an extension of the North Country Baptist Church in Orillia, where many in the congregation make monthly contributions toward the operation.
"I look at the plight of children in these countries - we can't help them all, but we can help some," Crow said. "It brings me a great deal of joy and satisfaction that we're able to help a few."
Donations are appreciated, but what's most needed is for people to sponsor children. To find out more, visit www.canadianponyexpress. com or call 329-1638.
Crow will have a display set up at the Orillia Square mall today from about 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ntaylor@orilliapacket.com
No comments:
Post a Comment