A Celebration of a Different Kind

Sometimes the Word "tired" just isn't strong enough.

This was how I felt last Thursday upon arriving home after a very busy morning celebrating national children's day with almost 160 children!

Every year I write to tell how many children came and how we celebrated.  However, this year there is more to the story than just the theme and outcome.  There is a story of how an outreach team stepped up to the plate to overcome difficulties with a victorious result.

For the past several years we have averaged around 100 children in attendance.  I have worked up a Budget that suits that number nicely.  So several months ago I set out to find sponsorship for the 100 children we expected. God answered our prayers quickly.  Sponsorhip came through 2 sources totally covering what I had projected to be our costs.  But as the date approached my staff began to inform me that the money they were given just wasn't enough.

How could that be?  I began to investigate and discovered that the staff had invited not 100 children but over 150 children!!!!  Could those numbers be accurate?  Where did all the children come from?  And how were we going to make up the $300 difference?

As it turns out, our programs have about doubled since last year-- but that is a topic for another blog. 

Because of this sudden growth we were ill-prepared for the Children's day event.

beautiful decorations made by our staff on a very tight Budget!

a view of the opposite end of the room, including table centerpieces

One thing I love about the staff is how ready they are to jump in and accomplish things.  Immediately they began to search for a cheaper place big enough to host the event and with catering services as well.  They found a place that would save us about $1 per child.  Then they negotiated with the owner to drop the Price another $.25 !!! Praise God for wisdom and favor!

Then David began knocking on doors and talking to friends and acquaintences.  He managed to secure a donation of cakes which saved us about $30 plus some financial donations.  When all was said and done we were able to get the event pulled off and still be in the black.

It was truly a combination of God given wisdom, creative ideas from the Holy Ghost, and the favor of God.

156 children turned out for the event.  Through songs, games, and activities we taught them to GO and share the góspel with others.  A huge hamburger, fries, and cake were served.  Each child was given a wáter bottle. 

the line waiting to get in

a room FULL of children, joy, and the presence of God

The event was a huge success.  We have already Heard testimonies about how much the children enjoyed the event and all that they took away from it (spiritually- not referring to the left over food and wáter bottle!). 

The children took away a deeper appreciation for all the Jesús has done for them.  I took away a deeper appreciation of my staff and God's favor over us.  So as the nation celebrated children, I was having a celebration of a different kind.

Can't wait to see what next year's event will bring!!!!!

Pastora Ana, a faithful volunteer

 

 

Just as we had finally packed up everything and were headed back to the base to unload, a storm stuck.  We had planned to have part of the staff walk back, but due to the rain decided to pack 9 people PLUS supplies into my SUV.  The fun never ends!!!!

David and a staff member's daughter in the trunk, 4 people on the back seat, 3 in the front: makes 9 total!