66 million primary school-age children attend classes hungry across the developing world, with 23 million in Africa alone. --World Food Programme
They were in class learning double-digit addition. Those 50 first graders worked so quietly as their teacher moved from student to student checking their work. Every time I'm at Bauleni Lifeway Christian Academy I love being in this classroom. I could write so many good things about this teacher and her students. This day was special though, they were about to be the first class ever to eat a school lunch at our LCA in this compound. While they concentrated on their math lesson, just outside their window near the gate to the school there were volunteer moms cooking the rice and nutrient packets. They were washing the plates, cups, and utensils and getting ready to serve. The head teacher called for grade 1 to come, and just like that the school lunch program was launched. Honestly I expected a little chaos, but what I found was a school of students who waited patiently in line, accepted their plates and cups, and carried them back to their classrooms to quietly enjoy their meal. There wasn't even chatter in the classrooms-- just eating and smiles. I don't think I've ever seen a school lunch that was so quiet! As we watched the class eat, the grade 1 teacher told me what perfect timing it was to start the program this week because the students had just been learning about healthy eating habits and good manners. Ms. Phiri also told me how thankful she is that the children will be getting a meal every day because so many of them come to school hungry and it's hard for them to concentrate. She said that students who used to complain about stomach aches will now be able to have something to eat and they will be able to learn better and get "nice and fat" -- which here means having enough to eat to be healthy. I love that through our Father's Heart sponsorship program our kids get an education and a daily meal. 1 Peter 4:7-11 Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! The smiles tell it all! The kids here love their lunch! Please pray for the continuing growth of our students physically, academically, and spiritually. I am amazed every day at the way their lives are changing and how much they are learning. What a blessing!
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Why Anything?"Anything is a prayer of surrender that will spark something. A prayer that will move us to stop chasing things that just make us feel happy and start living a life that matters. A life that is surrendered, reckless, and courageous." ~Jennie Allen, Anything. In November of 2013 I moved to Zambia as a full-time missionary with Family Legacy Missions International. Everyone within the organization raises their own support to keep overhead costs at a minimum so donations to the ministry can go directly to the needs and programs for the orphans and vulnerable children we serve. I trust in God's faithfulness to provide monthly and one-time financial supporters for the work I do here for the education of thousands of children from the slum compounds of Lusaka. If you would like to support me, donations are tax deductible and can be made at www.familylegacy.com/alicia
"God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before Him. When I cleaned up my act, He gave me a fresh start. Indeed, I've kept alert to God's ways; I haven't taken God for granted. Every day I review the way He works, I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes." 2 Samuel 22:25
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