Refreshing Waters - how a Norfolk author is changing children's lives

Changing the Lives of a Million Orphans

Norfolk journalist, Sandie Shirley, spotlights the inspiring stories of men and women from the region and beyond that have seen them reach for victory. For more stories visit Facebook: Refreshing Waters Christian Media.

Aformer footballer from Norwich has won the hearts of the Chinese Government to change the fortunes and lives of a million orphan children. Robert Glover (OBE) who experienced near death on a Royal Navy submarine, cemented an unsurpassed alliance between UK and Chinese Governments, vowing to give his all to serve the country. Robert founded the Norwichbased charity Care for Children, and as a result, orphan children are living with families as an alternative to institutions. His remarkable story can be heard in Attleborough on 29 September during a two-course meal at various venues, as an introduction to the Alpha course at Christ Community Church. It tells of a former social worker who, 23 years ago, gave away his possessions and burnt the mattresses from the family beds, before boarding a one-way flight to Shanghai with his wife and six young children, after leaving the rural idyll of their Guernsey farm. “I had been a believer all my life, but God broke my heart and called me to China. I wanted to give 100% or nothing,” says Robert, who has seen far-reaching miracles and blessings. They moved to the wealthiest city in China and embraced its people, including a family with a disabled child. “We involved them with the church and the community were interested in what we did, so we invited the whole village to our house for Christmas trifle, cakes, turkey, ham and mince pies,” says Robert. “One little orphan girl, all skin and bones, went to live with a family and needed an operation on her heart as she made a health comeback. When the surgeon came to do the operation, he wiped a tear away when he found nothing wrong with her heart. It became national news in China with the story: ‘Miracle baby healed by the love of a mother’.” Robert, now an adviser at international conferences, events and consortia, continues: “We are all orphans before God takes us into his family. One five-yearold orphan said she was like a caterpillar, but she became the butterfly she was always meant to be when she lived with a family.” Now, 85% of the children in state-run Chinese institutions have been fostered or adopted by families. Children of Shanghai documents the turnaround stories of the 90s orphans who have flourished through family living. Overcoming prejudice and serious development difficulties, they have made their mark in the arts, finance, technology, tourism, and sport (as an Olympian medallist) in the fast-paced economy of Shanghai. The video can be seen on Sky TV, or www. childrenofshanghai.com where the full documentary is available on Vimeo on Demand.

‘As many as the Stars: a story of change for the children of China’ is published by Hodder and Stoughton.

(www.careforchildren.com info@careforchildren.com)

To book the Christ Community Church Attleborough event contact: admin@

christcommunitychurch.co.uk

(01953 452865).