CARING FOR CHILDREN IN CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE
Bringing a child into this world begs many questions. “How will I provide for my child?” “Who will care for my child while I’m at work?” While many families are fortunate enough to afford daycare or live in places where they are granted maternity/paternity leave, childcare is a far-fetched and unattainable luxury for many
Since 1996, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) has struggled with social unrest and rebellions, resulting in extreme poverty, violence and high illiteracy rates throughout the whole country. These hardships are magnified when it comes to women, as they have less access to education and jobs.
By Kathy Nguyen
The Salvation Army’s world missions department, in partnership with women ’ s ministries, helps to support a vocational training centre for single mothers and vulnerable girls in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville). This school teaches women valuable vocational skills, such as beauty care, hair braiding and tailoring, to help them build their own careers.
In order to come to the school, many of the single mothers had to bring their children with them, which resulted in frequent disruptions in the classroom. And once the need for childcare was identified, a nursery was built in the centre to assistthe single mothers in attendance
centre in Brazzaville
Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays
‘Cause no matter how far away you roam
When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze
For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home.
— Written by Al Stillman
Christmas is a magical time of year.
During the holidays, our thoughts turn to family and friends,and our mindsreflect on home—a place of memories, shelter, belonging and acceptance. Sadly, many around the world today do not have a place to call home.
In this issue, we highlight programs that provide a safe haven for the young and the old, male and female. You will find out about Peter and his experience of finding “home” again. You will learn about a special Salvation Army residence in India that welcomes young orphan girls and elderly women, and how the support they give each other has brought them together as family.
As you read the articles and turn the pages, it is our hope that you will be encouraged and blessed knowing that because of your donations, others have a place to call home. After all, every individual has the right to say, “There’s no place like home.”
With every best wish for a glorious Christmas season. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Lt-ColonelBrendaMurray
Director
Continued from cover...
By giving single mothers a sanctuary for their children, they have the freedom to complete their training with ease and without interruption.
The vocational training centre’s nursery was fully funded through the BrighterFuture’sChildren’sSponsorship Program. The women and children who benefit from this nursery extend a sincere thank you to those who so generously support BrighterFuture’s!
ROLLER SKATES FOR CHRISTMAS
By Major Donna Barthau
Christmasis a time of celebration and joy! While many are privileged to open Christmas presents, eat delicious food and share laughter with friendsand family during this joyous season, many children have no place to call home.
The Salvation Army Dr. Eno Girls’ Home in Colón, Panama, seeks to change that. Opened in 1967, the home offers a temporary residence for girls who are victims of abuse, abandonment or who simply come from impoverished families. This shelter provides nutritious food, counselling, health care, education, recreational resources and important life skills.
“I was very happy to receive the support you gave us, especially for our Christmascelebration,” says Yessica, a resident of the home.
“We ate well and deliciously. I always wanted roller skates, and thanks to you, I was able to receive them this Christmas! I give my thanks to God for all your support.”
Yessica continues to thrive while staying with The Salvation Army. She, like many other residents, has significantly improved her academic skills and passed this year’s school exams. This is an amazing accomplishment for girls who were born into impoverished communities.
For many people around the world, The Salvation Army becomes their family. Your faithful sponsorship continues to provide tremendous care and a brighter future for vulnerable girls in Panama, who send their heartfelt thanks to you—their overseas family—for supporting them in remarkable ways.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
By Yamuna Kanagalingam
Peter was separated from his family as a baby in Sri Lanka.
Following his father’s death, his mother remarried Peter’s grandmother, sensing insecurity in his new environment, registered him at The Salvation Army Children’s Home, where he lived and attended school
Despite several attempts to locate his family over the years, Peter received no contact from them. As he watched families visit other children in the centre and go home during the holidays, the only home Peter knew was with The Salvation Army
When the time approached for Peter to register for his Ordinary Level exams to receive a General Certificate of Education qualification, The Salvation Army applied for a new birth certificate—a requirement to complete the exam registration process. This changed Peter’s life forever
The village representative from his birthplace recognized his family name and contact was made with his grandmother. Arrangements were made for them to meet, and when the special day arrived, Peter found himself surrounded by the love of his two grandmothers, three aunts and two cousins.
For the first time in years, Peter felt the love of his family —particularly his grandmother, who never stopped praying for him. Now, he can finally go home for the holidays.
Thanks to your generosity, The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka and other countries around the world are able to find families of forgotten children like Peter Your support to our BrighterFuturesChildren’sSponsorship Program continues to transform the lives of children and their families around the world.
SAFE AND SECURE IN INDIA
GBy Kathy Nguyen
ender inequality has been a long-standing issueacross the globe, and mostcertainly, in India. Research has shown that girls in India receive fewer opportunities for adequate education and medical attention, and have poorer nutrition than boys. For girls and women to have a fighting chance at success in a male-dominated society, they need access to opportunities and essential resources. This begins with a home
In Chennai, India, The Salvation Army Home for the Aged and Girls’ Home serves as a safe space for girls and senior women to receive the support and care they need to thrive In this home, girls as young as 13 and seniors as old as 90, live alongside one another in harmony and camaraderie
Many of the girls who live in this shelter are orphaned or have been abandoned, and many of the senior women stay at this shelter because their families could not afford to provide or care for them. This home not only brings them refuge, but a place to belong and an extended family.
All of their basic needs are being met in this home With regular meals, comfortable beds to sleep in and spiritual support, they have a strong foundation for successand a dignified tomorrow
The Salvation Army continues to be a catalyst of change for many marginalized people around the world as we offer safe spaces and hope for the future Thanks to your support, the girls and senior women in Chennai have a place to call “home” this Christmas.
FEEDING BODY AND SOUL
By Kathy Nguyen
“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.”
— Leviticus 19:32 (NIV)
Did you know that according to the United Nations, Russia has a low score on elderly welfare, ranking 65th out of 96 countries?
“I wouldn’t say my life is easy,” says Lyudmila, a senior citizen living in Vladivostok, Russia. “The pension is very small—7,000 rubles. This doesn’t cover much.”
Lyudmila’s life was changed one day when a friend introduced her to The Salvation Army, calling it “ a place where there is food for the body and soul”
The Salvation Army in Russia operates an adult daycare centre that seeks to provide practical and spiritual support to the elderly. At this centre, Lyudmila is able to join fellowship, attend church services and receive warm, delicious meals.
“Thanks to this centre, I get a monthly grocery bag,” shesays. “This is a huge help. I am very grateful to God and this ministry.”
Due to your generosity, The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory has provided the centre with food parcelsthat will last a year, board games, craft supplies and books, and enabled them to renovate their kitchen.
This daycare centre opens its doors to seniors every day with the intention of restoring hope and resurrecting faith. Lyudmila and others who benefit from the program are thankful for your help
THANK YOU!
Children’s ministry is an invaluable part of the life of any church. It provides the younger generation with a strong foundation on Christand creates leaders for the future.
By Kathy Nguyen
The Vacation Bible School (VBS) at St. John’s Citadel, N.L., chose to give back and raise money for an ongoing Salvation Army goat project in Zambia. The efforts of the 126 children and 53 workers resulted in $2,460 being raised in support of the Giftsof Hope ethical giving program. These fundswill supply 61 goats to impoverished communities in Zambia. The animals will provide excellent nutrition, income generating activities and allow families to meet their basic living costs.
When we teach children the importance of generosity and selflessness, we are creating a giving generation. Thank you to all the cheerful givers involved in this hearty and generous initiative. Your donations will surely make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
To learn more about the GiftsofHope program, visit salvationarmy.ca/giftsofhope