Ladies preparing fish for Party
June is celebration time in Hand-in-Hand (HnH) orphan schools in the Central African Republic. The host local churches typically pack out their churches, often being forced to hold the program outside.
Ginger Hock attended four such celebrations the last week of June. Though each celebration is unique, the program usually consists of the children performing – usually recitations, readings, song and dances – prayers of thanks to God and partner churches in North American, speeches, special honors for excellent students, and of course eating.
“Jorge” was honored as the top student in his HnH school by being invited to read a long letter of thanks which included a brief summary of the school year. Ginger writes, “He did an excellent job. His voice was quivering because he was so nervous but his reading was good.”
Jorge - Top Student
Belvia with Grandma
Ginger was impressed with the children’s good behavior. She had opportunity to speak with them before the ceremony began and noted that “every single one said both parents were dead.” One child named Belvia is one of the children Ginger talked to. Belvia and her four siblings are being raised by her grandma. One of her little sisters will start in level 1 next year when she moves on to level 2. Belvia’s widow grandma said that all the children will go to the garden this summer to help her.
Thank God for Hand-in-Hand partner churches in North America – like in this case, the Delaware Grace Brethren Church – whose prayers and giving are making a way into the future for these children who otherwise would not be in school.