by John Layman

My wife Peggie and I have always appreciated the unique approach of Heifer International. But after traveling to the Dominican Republic several years ago on a Heifer Study Tour, our commitment was cemented after seeing Heifer's work in action first-hand. My heart and spirit were touched as I witnessed deep poverty turning to renewed hope and a new life for people participating in Heifer's community prgrams. There was such joy, hope and gratitude displayed on the faces and expressed from the hearts of those impacted by Heifer's work. It was truly a transforming experience for me!

This summer my wife Peggie won a 2002 red Ford Mustang Convertible in a summer sweepstakes competition from our local bank. At the beginning of the summer, at the urging of the teller, she filled out a form, dropped it in the box and forgot all about it. At summer's end, she was notified that she was the grand prizewinner. We didn't believe it at first, but it was true! There was a lot of publicity, pictures and fun and then the red car was finally ours. We relished the thought of driving around town in a new red convertible. But Peggie asked, "Do we really need a new car? We did nothing to deserve this car. Is there any way to pass on this gift to other with real needs?"

After much prayer and discussion, we sold the car back to the dealership. One day while looking through the Foundation's country endowment catalog, our eyes and hearts were immediately drawn to Heifer's work with orphans both in sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe. Both Peggy and I were touched by the stories of Heifer's work with orphans around the world. So, we decided that we would establish an orphan endowment. With the money from our mustang, we want to be able to provide heifers for orphans for many years to come.

Why an endowment for orphans? My father was orphaned after his mother died during childbirth. His father was unable to care for him, so for several years he lived in an Episcopalian home for orphans. Later when Peggie and I married, we adopted a son who was orphaned in early childhood after his single mother passed away. Life is difficult enough with two loving parents, but what about children who have no one?

We have a friend whose wife is in a local nursing home after suffering trauma that resulted in severe brain damage. One day he said to me, "I pray everyday that she will know that she is loved." I was moved by this deep devoted love of a husband for his wife. It is that same heart yearning that Peggie and I have for children with special needs - that every day they might know they are loved. That every day they will feel valued and learn of God's overwhelming love for them. This endowment fits our hearts and passion and it is with deep joy that we have established the "Touch of Jesus Endowment for Orphans."

To make a contribution to The Touch of Jesus Endowment for Orphans click here.

View Complete Country Endowment List...

Letter from the President

Need more information?
Download a pdf on Country Endowments from our download center.

Do you have a story on your experience with the Heifer Foundation that you would like to share?
If so submit your story here.