Children of Blessing & An Exciting Graduation

Several of the group members traveled to the care/treatment facility we have heard so much about in our weekend services.

This boy suffers from extreme Cerebral Palsy.

Children of Blessing is a care/treatment facility for children born with or suffering from many mental as well as physical disabilities.  Cerebral Palsy and Hydro-Encephalitis are the most common.  This is mostly due to the people not taking malaria medications, either due to superstitions about Western medication or just the inability to pay for it.  Africa has a huge problem with mosquitoes and until they can eradicate them or medicate their people, the problem will continue.

 

This little boy has no legs and walks on prosthetics.

 Our Eugene First members worked with kids on simple tasks, such as "sewing" eye-hand coordination exercises, but most importantly they were Jesus in the flesh to them.  If it weren't for Children of Blessing, many of the children would probably not be alive.  Our team assisted the organization greatly by just providing extra hands and loving on some children who need to be loved.  The people who run it are from the UK and have hearts for the Lord bigger than the continent!

Proud graduates: Justice, Leviticus, Dennis, Isaac and Peter

Saturday, June 25th, was the graduation from Nazarene Theological College of Central Africa.  There was a total of 55 students scheduled to graduate but one had passed away before the ceremony (the reality of AIDS in Africa).  However, for those 54 graduates and for the people of Africa it was a great day!  Many of these young men and women wish to serve God wherever He sends them.  Like most people, they long to travel and visit other countries, but they have a love for one place in particular.

They all chose to serve in Africa.

Pastor Moore was one of the speakers at the graduation.  With his usual enthusiasm and spirit-filled heart he inspired the graduates and guests alike.  He achieved numerous laughs with the able assistance of his translator, who often appeared to be ad-libbing at times.  But Pastor playfully caught him and they created quite a duo at the early morning ceremony.

College Chaplain Chinsinsi Phiri, Pastor Les Moore and Academic Dean Joe Lilema

PRAY For:
- The sick children due to the serious Malaria problem.
- The leaders/facilitators of Children of Blessing.
- The new graduates as they enter the world of ministry and reach out to Africa.
- The team from Eugene First - their health, energy, and call to serve.