For years we had helped assemble school and health kits with our kids as a Sunday School activity. We had no idea where those kits actually went. Imagine our surprise to now watch as hundreds and hundreds were passed out this week at the Child Care office! The kids signed their names on a register, accepted a school kit and a health kit and then sat down and excitedly looked through the bags! You could just sense the thankfulness as they waited on a hard bench to get their turn. It was a blessing to see. The little things we can do as Sunday Schools or churches really make a difference!

This week, annual check-ups were provided and medicine and vitamins were also handed out to each sponsored child. Sharing the love of Christ comes in many forms!

When the kids came to get their kits, they also have started receiving a hearty meal of either rice or pasta. The kids sit a long time to wait their turn; some a few hours, some stay most of the day! They are thankful for the food!

Child Care Meeting with Parents and Kids

Before school started there was an informational meeting for all the parents and their sponsored kids. It was held inside the local MEBSH church of Simon. Marie Lucie, the director, was in charge of this meeting. Each one that works at the Child Care office had a part to play, including us. We presented information on the Moringa tree and the many nutritional and medicinal benefits that all the parts of this tree has to offer. We tried to explain to them that by growing the Moringa tree they could really improve their family’s situation. It is truly a “tree of life” modeled after how Jesus can meet all our needs spiritually.

First of all, the meeting entailed the importance of writing letters to sponsors on a timely basis and to express more about themselves in their letters. Students were reminded what to bring to the Child Care office such as their church attendance cards, report cards, and birth certificates. It was also expressed to the students to work hard to show appreciation to the sponsors who pay for their schooling. Discipline was also discussed in much detail, explaining the importance of a good attitude and proper dress at the schools and when they come to the Child Care office. They honored the students receiving good grades to encourage the rest to study harder. Students were also encouraged to look for a trade in the future where they could be sure of a job.

When a child is sponsored, it is an enormous blessing to them. They look at it like they are one of your own children…it is that big to them! Unfortunately many are looking on and hoping their children can get a sponsor to help with educational costs. We are still getting asked for help every day… are you thankful for a government that provides education for every child? It is not the case in every country in the world!