Orphan Sunday

There's a sweet little girl I know. She's nine years old with big brown eyes and a smile that will melt your heart. She loves learning, and even though she's missed quite a bit of school because of illness, she works hard to keep up with her studies. It's been tough, for her though, because the country's political situation is turbulent and schools have been closed off and on the past two years. When she's not in school, she has an older sister and they love playing together.

Two years ago, her father took another wife. Not too long after that, the new wife, and her father died, leaving her mother and the two girls alone. Now her mother's health is failing, and the future is uncertain.

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Around the world, hundreds of people are using today as a moment to highlight the plight of orphans in the world. Because this is such a vital ministry, I wanted to take today to share one way you can get involved. The mission group we work with, African Outreach Ministries, has recognized the needs of these beautiful children and in partnership with prayer warriors, supporters, and sponsors, are currently working with over 300 at risk children in southern Africa. Instead of placing these children in an orphanage, they live with extended family and church members and receive help with food, school fees, and medicine as well as spiritual and emotional counseling.












ZAMBIA

In the Western Province of Zambia within AOM churches, over 160 “children at risk” receive care and support from AOM. School fees are paid, school uniforms and shoes are purchased and the families of these children are supported emotionally and spiritually within the churches. AOM’s Zambian missionary, Grace Mulyata, oversees this work.


















ZIMBABWE

AOM’s orphan ministry arm in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe is Themba Le’Ntandane (Hope for the Orphan). The ministry of Themba is directed toward destitute children who have lost one of more of their parents. Themba helps these children and their caregivers by providing school fees and uniforms, securing medical care for both children and caregivers, and by providing spiritual and emotional nurture for the family. Because of food shortages in the country, AOM has also been providing food for the children the past two years through the generous donations of people like you. Themba Le’Ntandane is supported by sponsorship programs, both within churches and through individuals.

If you're interested in sponsoring a child, or learning more about the children, please contact Janelle Avery by email.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to
keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

May our love for these beautiful children reach far beyond today!

Lisa

Expired!

I've shared on several posts of the difficulties the people in Zimbabwe are facing. One of the factors that makes things difficult is the currency issue. I couldn't believe it the first time I saw one a Zimbabwe dollar with an expiration date!

"Pay the bearer on demand FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS on or before 31st July 2007."

After that, the money isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

Inflation since January of this year was about 2,200%, said to be the highest in the world. The exchange rate continue to fluctuate dramatically, but is currently around 15,000 Zim dollars to one US dollar (bank exchange) On the streets the exchange is a bit higher.

Scott has some Zimbabwean friends he often stays with while working with the churches in Bulawayo. They told him, for example, that they used to go out to eat with friends once a week. Then, because of the financial crisis they started going out only twice a month. Then it was down to once a month. Today, they can't afford to go out to eat at all.

Teachers are quitting because the cost of transport to get to the school is more than their salary. School fees are becoming out of reach for many. Doctors and other professionals are leaving the country leaving behind inadequate medical care. Every person has been affected.

Please pray for the people of Zimbabwe and especially the churches we are working with there. May they be a light for Christ during this difficult time!

Blessings,

Lisa