Give a Child an Eternal Gift!
I’m a writer and words are my life, but a few weeks ago I was in a situation where there were no words.
I sat in a small schoolroom in the slums of Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya. We were there with AWANA International. I cannot tell you the depths of awe I felt as I saw those children–mostly orphans–praising God and quoting His Word. I was amazed how AWANA is training leaders in Kibera, and around the world, on how to disciple children. So wonderful!
Yet I also was overcome with pain/concern/ache for these children. They live in the worst conditions I’ve ever seen. The slums are made up of small make-shift shacks, muddy paths, garbage everywhere and open sewage. Yet as we neared the school I heard children singing, praising!
This “school” for 200 children had a few dedicated volunteer teachers, a chalk board, a few posters and no books. I felt ashamed for my clean home, stocked pantries, and shelves of books. As a homeschooling mom I had enough workbooks to help MANY schools. As I sat there, I wished I would have packed a suitcase with books to bring. What hadn’t I? As I sat there, I also wished I could bring some of those children home with me! But neither was my job.
I journeyed with AWANA for one purpose: to return and tell the stories. To let people know of the children and their needs. To also REJOICE over all God is during through AWANA.
There are over 80 AWANA groups in the Kibera slums alone. Each one of them as 200+ children. In a place where most children get one meal a day (if they are lucky) they KNOW God. They are growing in knowledge of Him and hiding His Word in their hearts. How amazing is that?!
These children cling to God because He’s all they have. And in a place without hope they have ETERNAL HOPE because of AWANA.
My own children have been involved in AWANA for many years, but after traveling to Kenya I’m even a bigger fan than ever. AWANA International reaches children in 104 Countries! In fact there are now more AWANA groups outside of the United States than there are in.
Tomorrow is my 43rd birthday, and I’d like to ask you to give me a SPECIAL gift. Would you consider sponsoring a child in Kenya for $10 a month? For just $10 a child will be disciplined by AWANA leaders to know and follow Christ!
Reach ONE MORE child with the good news of Jesus
To give me this gift, go to: www.Awana.org Then click on Donate by Country and pick KENYA.
I’m thankful that I can be a voice for these children. And I’m thankful for GREAT readers and friends like you who believe in giving good gifts to God’s Kingdom! And I’m excited for my BIRTHDAY! If you choose to donate will you leave a comment and let me know?!
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Happy birthday, Tricia! How awesome is it that you were able to travel to Kenya and visit these children?!
“I cannot tell you the depths of awe I felt as I saw those children–mostly orphans–praising God and quoting His Word.” Wow. Praise God!
Becky, it was AMAZING! Something I’ll never forget!
Happy birthday, Tricia!
Wow, what an experience YOU had!
I’ve never been to Kenya, but I have been to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. I agree, there is such need there and I know I felt like I should have brought so many more things to bless their schools etc. Like the kids in Kenya, they knew their scriptures. It was awesome to see and hear.
I’ve heard friends mention AWANA a couple of times before, but I must admit I’ve never really known anything about it. I’ve been considering sponsoring another child for a little while now. At present, I help World Vision take children off the streets so that they don’t have to be child prostitutes or child soldiers with my funds. I’ve sponsored children through World Vision before. I have been considering sponsoring children through Compassion, but now I will have to find out more about AWANA and consider sponsoring a child in Kenya through AWANA.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thank you so much, Trish! Thank you for considering AWANA. It truly is amazing program. They do MUCH with so little!
Happy birthday, Tricia! I’m so glad you were able to visit the kids in Kenya. I imagine that was a blessing for them and you.
Blessings,
Andrea
It was a blessing to them and to me!! I’d love to do it again!