The holiday season is upon us, and that "feeling of Christmas" is in the air, although, it feels a bit different on the equator (and we're not just referring to the weather). Christmas is less about the gifts that Santa brings, and more about the hope that Christ brings. Less about wanting what we don't have and more about appreciating what we do... It's interesting how much we have to learn from a culture that has so little.
Of course, after Christmas brings the New Year, which for many of us, is filled with anticipated plans and new resolutions. We are very excited for a few plans that we have in scope for the New Year. One would involve setting up a children's ministry. Currently, Joy in the Harvest has a feeding program where we distribute beans and rice three days a week to hundreds of children. This program is great for their starving stomachs, but does little for their starving hearts. These children, most of whom are homeless orphans, are hungry for love; for knowing the world cares about them, that they are important, that we love them and that Jesus loves them. We would like to implement a program that would address these necessary, yet neglected needs. The program would include Bible teachings, arts & crafts, snacks and games.
Another interest is doing a women's program. Many of the women here are widows and raising numerous children, often the children of their children, who have died of AIDS. It seems that most earn money doing manual labor. During the Friday People program a countless number of women come to us in need of support because they can no longer do manual labor due to old age or disability. We would like to provide job opportunities for the women who fall into this category so they can continue to support their families. One project, which is already in the beginning stages, is to design greeting cards that would be sold fair trade in the US and teach the widows how to construct them using local and eco-friendly materials. Another couple working with Joy has come up with this idea and we have agreed to help them see it through. Other projects that we would like to help facilitate include teaching sewing, knitting, and other craft classes for women.
These projects take a lot of time, hard work, patience, and money. We are dedicated to the first three categories, but are falling short in the fourth. This Christmas season we ask that you consider donating to our mission- to the projects we are working on as well as for our personal finances (we are much more productive when we can shower and eat!). A donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated and will be tax deductible. Checks can be made out to Joy in the Harvest- but be sure to specify for the "Paul and Sarah account" on the memo line- and can be mailed to:
Joy in the Harvest
PO BOx 496
Lansing, IL 60438
This Christmas, we encourage you to embrace the spirit of this African culture and appreciate all the gifts you have been blessed with. We are so grateful for the gift of you in our lives! For the support you have already given us, the words of encouragement you continue to offer, and love you share that spans half way around the world. Although we look forward to celebrating Christmas in a whole new way this year, we will deeply miss being with our loved ones, and will also be very grateful coming home to such wonderful friends and family.
Kuwa na Krismasi Njema
(Have a Merry Christmas),
Paul & Sarah Zdroik
**Double click on picture to enlarge it.
I think it would be a great idea to introduce and educate these children not only to Christianity, but to many of the religions of the world.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays, we miss you guys!