Orphan Outreach

God bless you for giving to the poor. Isaiah 58:6-12

We've worked closely with Christine Tolbert Norman through her organization, REAP (Restoration of Educational Advancement Program), in our orphan outreaches. In 2007 we partnered with REAP in hosting Orphan Joy parties at Phebe Grey orphanage as well as Susie Guenter orphanage. At both parties we shared the love of Jesus through games, gifts, balloon art, stories, and special treats.

With each trip we've delivered supplies of clothing, books, calendars, sewing kits, toys, pencils and pens, coloring books and crayons, sports equipment and jerseys, medical supplies, spoons and bowls, and also provided funds for purchasing mattresses. Many of these were donated by friends, neighbors, and organizations like Operation Christmas. Among the materials we distributed was an algebra book that Nancy had thrown in. It was eagerly received by a young man who looked through it as we continued our distribution. We overheard him exclaim excitedly, "Polynomials!"

Most of the children are ages 3 on up, because there are no facilities for babies. We were given a donation of a pair of baby shoes, and we were anxious to see how God was going to use this offering. Sure enough, the Pastor's daughter had a shoe-less baby on her hip. How thrilled the young mom was to have a pair of pink shoes for her son!

When we were deciding where to put the "first in Liberia" merry-go-round well pump on our January 2009 trip, Christine recommended that we do the project at the Susie Guenter orphanage. We took Christine's advice and the project was a true blessing to Jefferson and Helena Zeon, and their orphanage, Susie Guenter, as well as to those who were involved in doing the project. Not content to provide "just a merry-go-round", we also built a swing set, a basket ball hoop, and two picnic tables.

Additionally, in January 2009, we hosted an orphan girls retreat for 40 girls and leaders which was held at the Isaac David school in Paynesville. Christine made the arrangements to use the facility including setting up mattresses in 3 classrooms for the overnight. She also enlisted the help of several of the Isaac David School teachers to help supervise and cook the meals, and hired 3 security guards to insure everyone's safety.

It was an amazing weekend as Judy Koci taught on the topic "I am special", and Ellie Kniffin, Nancy Molenhouse, Joelle Koci and Kate Molenhouse taught the girls numerous crafts. Christine closed out the weekend by teaching the girls "Steps to freedom in Christ".