“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” Then said I, “Here am I, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
This is the command we follow. This is what we live by. We asked God, “break our heart with what breaks yours.” And He did. He sent us on a journey we can never return from.
It began here in the United States with a calling to meet needs in our local communities. We gathered and provided food for the food pantries. Helped underprivileged families receive clothing and necessary medical attention through local churches and outreaches. Assisted larger organizations like the Salvation Army to brighten the lives of children around the holidays with bikes and other Christmas wishes. And in so doing, we have attracted a small army of volunteers to both donate money, time and energy to join us in meeting those needs.
Then God sent us to Africa, specifically Uganda and South Sudan, and broke our hearts even more. He opened our eyes to His hidden treasures, the children and asked, “Are your children in America worth any more than my children in Africa? Are you willing to stand up for these children and meet their needs too?” When we said, “Yes Lord,” He opened doors for us and put us in contact with those best suited to meet those needs. Experienced people on the ground in Uganda who already had a God-given love for the people. Those who knew how to get things done efficiently and effectively.
So be assured, this is not about us. But us meeting the basic physical and spiritual needs of those who have no one else to turn to. Needs that most of us take for granted each and every day.
We are just Lila and Richard Vilain who have had our hearts broken by God to Follow the Need. To be obedient to His will.
When He was on earth Jesus told us, “The harvest is ready, but the laborers are few.” It was true then, it’s even more so now. Time is running out. So many still don’t know what our Savior did for them. We have to tell them. We do that by showing them the love of God in first meeting their needs. Then introducing them to the Gospel with its transforming power to make them new creatures in Christ. And fulfilling his great commission to advance the kingdom of God.
If God has also broken your heart for the least fortunate, please join us and support us as we change lives forever. Just click on the button below.
Follow The Need International exists to save lives and alleviate suffering in times of humanitarian crisis. We are a Christian faith-based humanitarian organization that exists to provide physical and spiritual nourishment to needy and impoverished communities, as well as communities in crisis through effective, locally established programs. Follow The Need does exactly what it says…we fill the need wherever our heart is called. It is our obedience to our God that sets us on our path in any role we play.
We work in four countries Uganda, South Sudan, the United States and Ukraine. First and foremost, we focus our support in saving lives, survival, and rebuilding lives. We give special attention to the vulnerable children. Secondly, we strongly emphasize education and economic development. Thirdly we believe in working with Local people who know their communities and culture and have a stake in their communities. We identify and train potential locals and indigenous leaders that have God’s spirit and can run with our programs. Fourth, We believe in working partnerships with other organizations with the same values that have the expertise or who can compliment our programs. Sharing resources, knowledge and experience can create a greater impact on communities. And Finally, we know that to have a lasting change and transform situations is by making Christ the cornerstone and foundation of their daily lives.