Brent and I visited Nkiliji a few days ago to visit the orphans and vulnerable children supported by the Task Force, and also to see the progress of the BFC-sponsored garden there. We traveled with Mary Magagula and Evelyn Shongwe, over rain-washed, pot-holed roads and through what seemed to be small lakes! The most recent GO Team in August left behind many children’s clothes and toys to be distributed, so we were bearing many gifts. Mary and Evelyn also brought school supplies which had been donated to the Task Force, so the children would be getting clothing, a toy, a bar of soap, and school supplies. We were all excited for this day.
The Task Force has recently joined the ranks of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries as one of their Child Development Programs. This is the vehicle through which children are sponsored and provided school fees and other support. As a part of this program, the children are gathered once a month for a meal, a Bible story, and life skills training. Since they are more orphans and vulnerable children in the area than are sponsored through NCM, these monthly gatherings include many more than just the sponsored children. Most of them are orphans, or at least have lost one parent. Most of their parents have died from AIDs, or AIDs related illnesses. Evelyn told me that many of the children are themselves HIV+ and are undergoing treatment.
Usually the Nkiliji group meets under a tree since the Nazarene church is far away; but this day they had requested the use of a nearby Methodist church building to use. When we arrived, the children were well into their Bible lesson and I was surprised by how many children I saw! There were at least 60 children from 2 months through 15 years, sitting on wooden benches and listening to the story of Abraham. We were also able to hear them sing and recite their Bible verses.
“Gogo” (Grandma) Magagula introduced us and we spoke for a few minutes to the children. We explained who are and how we are working in partnership with the Task Force. We also explained that the gifts we brought were not only from people in the US and Canada, but from Jesus, who loves them and provides for them. We moved outside for the gift-giving, where the kids lined up oldest to youngest to receive the goodies. With each child we tried hard to find at least one piece of clothing that they liked and fit them, then they received a bar of soap, a small beanie baby or ball, and school supplies.
When it was all said and done, there were many happy faces and somehow we hadn’t run out of clothing, soap, or toys! The care supporters were just as pleased as the kids were, and thanked us and the people who donated the supplies. Once again we were privileged to be in the "middle man" position, where we can pass along the generous gifts of others and see the joy that it produces!
