James 1:12 - Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

The story of “Way to Go John” was inspired by a very close friend who lived his life for Jesus. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior and Lord you will meet John in heaven. He was a faithful husband, father, and friend to many. John had a bone infection as a child, lost a leg in a welding accident as an adult, and suffered from a lung disease much of his life. His life was full of struggles, but you would never have known it. Even in his last weeks of life his motive was to share the love of Jesus.

A children’s story about a three-legged dog named “John” has been written. Matt Weide, a talented artist, provided the illustrations. This story (translated in the native language) accompanies a stuffed toy dog that explains how life can be difficult, but with Jesus as our friend we can overcome our struggles and find joy. Forty five John dogs, sewed by volunteer seamstresses, were given to orphans in Russia in the fall of 2005. Mission volunteers read the story to the children and did a short devotional as they gave these dogs to the children. This is an effective and personal way to encourage orphans to look to Jesus.

In the spring of 2005 one of Kathie’s sewing students, Kassandra Lewis (11years old), sewed her first “Way to Go John” dog as a gift to her father. Kassandra was adopted from Peru when she was only one year old. When Kassandra learned that her daddy, Greg Lewis, had cancer she wanted him to be encouraged as he went to the hospital for treatments. Kassandra was so excited to give this gift, however she was not able to finish the button on leg before his first appointment. So John made his first visit to the hospital with Greg with only 3 legs. Greg was pleased to share with all of the nurses and staff the story of John and that he too had hope in Jesus. Greg went home to be with Jesus in the summer of 2005. Kassandra has already begun to dream and pray about taking hope to other orphans from Peru through CASMI one day.

John’s message of hope in adversity continues to touch lives and we pray that it has touched you. If you would like to help sew John dogs for orphans we would LOVE to get you started! Contact us

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