We can’t wait to share with you all the blessings we experienced at Stir the Fire a few weeks ago. Your prayers were felt and experienced.
Accomplishments were:
- introduction of a music program to the secondary students
- teacher evaluation
- pastor training
- checkup on the library and medical rooms
- photos of all students and the construction of yearbooks.
- counseling training of teachers and pastors
- distribution of shorts and dresses
- .production of a video about STF
- and games, games, games with the kids
And the 7 days topped off with an afternoon safari and an evening of praise and worship with Pastor John’s worship team! OUr musicians joined in and it was such a blessing.
Thank you for supporting us in whatever way that you can. God has taken this ministry to places we could have never imagined and we stand in awe that a fledgling program which started out to feed 35 orphans grew to a primary school for 250 and now a secondary school for over 400! To top it off we will have our first graduation class next year.
We were thrilled to watch a demonstration by our chemistry students. So impressive for a first year program.
And a thrill to see the garden producing hundreds of cabbages which can now be sold in town to support the ministry. Word is that the orphans get a bit tired of eating cabbage!
John also showed us his pond containing over 400 bream fish which are soon to be harvested. These will go in the freezer for future meals for the kids.
This trip especially opened our eyes to the need to have a plan for these students as they graduate. In Zambia a high school diploma is more ceremonious than utilizable. There are very few options for our orphans without an advanced degree. Meeting with the minister of Education we were able to explore options for offering community college level courses while they are still in high school so that they are immediately employable when they leave our gates.
In addition we are looking at income generating options within Zambia, something our secondary students can participate in and essentially help pay for their education. These students are out of school at 2:30 and often hang around the schoolyard for hours. They are more than willing to be put to work for the good of the school.
Please pray for the many decisions that we face in the near future. God has been good and we know that He is in this place. He loves His creation and His kids everywhere. How can we not join Him in his plan?
