He was just a little guy, no more than two and a half years old, struggling to put on a pair of shoes while his father sat drinking away the family’s already meager wages. Ignored and unloved, his enlarged belly mirrored that of most of the children in this forty block radius: malnutrition.
While parents attempt to drown the pain and poverty with a stiff drink, the children are suffering the consequences of this vicious cycle. Unfed and unclothed, these children looked at us as if we were superheroes when we handed them a basketball and asked them to play, or gave them a piece of candy. Affection is foreign. Compassion is unknown.
As I watched naked and starving children splash and play in sewer water, I prayed, “Lord come soon. How much longer will you let this go on?” These thoughts continued to flood my mind as we built latrines that would each be shared by more than ten families in Welfare Ville, a Metro Manila slum the size of a forty block area that 80,000 people call home.
As part of the team built latrines, I saw that God was answering my prayer. The others focused on medical and dental outreaches and helped with the feeding programs that were in place. We saw that God is faithful to the children and has given them people that have dedicated their lives to working with them daily; they give all they have and do all they can for these children and their families.
Despite these harsh circumstances where it seems as though the enemy has taken everything, the children have not been robbed of their joy. They greet us and accept us with big grins and open arms. What a responsibility and an opportunity we have to learn from these little heroes.
– Joshua Acob, Times Square Church
Growing up in Bujumbura, Burundi, I remember looking forward to parties for one reason: the food! On very special occasions we would be given Fanta soda, samosas, and ibitumbura–similar to small donuts. We would eat them until our bellies hurt.
When I was growing up, Burundi was at peace. My childhood memories were filled with wonderful stories and laughter. I am disheartened at the condition it is now. The streets are flooded with children survivors of the genocide, years of ethnic conflict, and the horrific AIDS epidemic. Most of these children don’t have a party to go to, or a home to live in.
With the help of ChildCry, these children who are merely fighting to survive are being fed the same delicacies I used to look forward to as a child! Just the thought of this overwhelms me with an unspeakable joy. I am convinced that this practical display of love and affection will touch these children tremendously and remind them that they have not been forgotten by their Heavenly Father.
– Alice Sibomana, Times Square Church
More than just a rehabilitation center and a homeless shelter, the City of Refuge also serves as a safe place to restore people emotionally and spiritually. The women’s program is geared to minister to women dealing with life controlling problems such as addiction, prostitution and abuse.
As a result of the lifestyles these women have led, their children come to us very ill; many suffering from malnutrition and dental decay. Prior to their mother’s entry into the program, nothing was ever consistent and they would instinctively ravage any food put in front of them. However, through the help of ChildCry, the Lord has truly been their provider. We are now able to feed them three meals, plus two snacks, each and every day! For most of these children this is the first time in their life they have had regular, consistent meals and not had to worry about the next time they would be given something to eat.
– Harry Dietrich, City of Refuge
A hungry child is not able to learn. How can they concentrate on their studies when their stomach is hurting? We were so glad to hear that ChildCry is able to help us to feed the hungry children in our schools!
For many of them, school is more than a place to learn. It is also a place to be nurtured and cared for; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Children deserve this basic care and love. Without it, no one will survive.
– Lineke, director, African Hope Learning Center
“I do not really need to explain what it meant to us, I was not exaggerating when I phoned you – we were going to have to stop the whole project. Your news that ChildCry will provide the funds to feed the orphans and children in our day care centers brought life-saving relief. We deeply appreciate this help.”
– Dr. Albu Van Eeden, director, LifeChild Center
When we first began getting involved in the street feeding in Lusaka we came across a young boy that said, "Last night I was hungry and I prayed that God would feed me, and today you came with food."
During the free medical clinic at Kakabalika in May 2007, a woman and her three small children came for a pre-medical screening before being seen by the doctor. The woman explained that she believed she and her children had worms. When she was asked to explain what symptoms her children were having, she lowered her eyes and whispered, "we are so hungry we have been eating dirt."
– Kate Conlon, World Aid New York
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