What began as addressing the urgent needs of hunger and then education is expanding to include all aspects of our sponsored children’s lives.

We are giving the children we serve the opportunity to improve their own lives.  On our last trip to Zambia, some of the children built desks that are now being used in the second school we are funding.  Some of the children made jewelry that was sold in the US and the money was used to purchase books for their own school.  We will continue these projects as we look for other opportunities for the children to learn skills that can contribute to their financial independence as they continue their academic education.

We have met with pastors from the community to discuss the needs that they are dealing with every day.  Through further discussions, we hope to join in the work they are already doing, as well as better tailor our ministries to help the families there.  Once again starting with urgent physical needs, we will be mending the roofs of homes on our next work trip but our longer term vision includes adult education and financing small businesses.

HIV and AIDS continue to devastate the community.  The first steps toward addressing the pandemic are education and testing.  We will be educating the children through the schools and working with the pastors to extend that into the community at large.  We will also be offering HIV testing and coordinating treatment with programs already available in the area.

Another trip to Zambia is planned for the summer of 2010 and there are many opportunities for volunteers in both the planning and execution of the mission.  People with a heart for any of the areas mentioned above can become involved by donating resources or their skills and knowledge for the further development of our humanitarian efforts.