The number of kids that are being fed in Bujumbura, Burundi, has increased significantly; however, the growth that touches my heart even more is that of the spiritual nature. In the beginning the children were so desperate for food that they would hide their plates in hopes of getting more food and, they would fight with one another to be the first in line. What a difference we see in them now! Before they touch their food, they wait to make sure that everyone has received some first, and before we serve the food, someone usually shares the Word of God with them. The kids used to sit impatiently waiting for that part to be over, but now they listen intently to the message. They bow their heads in reverence and thanksgiving to God for His provisions. Some of them even volunteer to pray! It is truly an amazing sight. We have five cute kids that volunteer their time to clean after the others have left. The kingdom can truly not be measured by sight!
– Therese Sibomana, Feeding Facilitator
A few weeks ago, in my personal time with the Lord, I was asking Him to give me the sensitivity to feed anyone who comes to my gate hungry. We have really been struggling with the need here; it is hard to see the grinding poverty and children begging for food on the streets daily. As a result, it is easy to grow cold and turn away from what you see. After my time of prayer, I went about my day as usual. I home schooled the kids and then proceeded to cook lunch. For some crazy reason I wanted to cook a big pot of beans. Then I noticed how I had too many vegetables in my fridge – I was worried about them going bad.
A few minutes later our gardener came to tell me that there was someone at the gate who wanted to talk to me. I went outside to find the tiniest old man you have ever seen, and this is what he told me: "Madam, I have not been able to feed my children in two days. I prayed last night and God gave me a vision of your gate. God told me 'Go to that gate and my servants there will help you' "
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Now, you must understand something. This man did not know what he was going to find. He had no idea who we were or what kind of greeting he was going to encounter. All he knew was that God gave him a word and he had the faith to believe that God wasn't going to let him down. So with the utmost faith and courage, that man walked 14 miles on an empty stomach to come and find our house.
Now, please understand something else. I was just going about my day as usual; I wasn't looking for any great ministry to fall into my lap. As a matter of fact, I had even forgotten about my prayer that morning – but God never forgets! Because of God's faithfulness we were able to be a part of that man's miracle, and not because our family did anything to deserve it. He didn't have to put his children to bed hungry that night and his faith in God was strengthened beyond measure.
God used that moment to remind us of why we are here and the importance of living our lives DAILY to the glory of God. It was probably the most humbling moment I have had in my Christian walk so far. That precious man left my house with big bags of food and tears of gratitude in his eyes. Do you think that God sent him to test the sincerity of our hearts? Does it matter? That’s the heart of our God: "When I was hungry you gave me bread".
– Lou and Myranda Morales, Kakabalika House
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
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
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