Dance 4 Lifesong

Any of you readers have high schoolers who like to dance?  What about their friends?  Why don't we give them something worth dancing for...

This year Kids Caring 4 Kids is raising money for Lifesong School in Zambia by inspiring high schools to hold a dance-a-thon.  Fun, right?  Kendall Ciesemier shares more in this interview...

What a creative and fun way to do fundraising!  Thank you, Kendall, for all you do for Lifesong Zambia and kids throughout Africa.  You are an inspiration to us all.  I have a feeling that $1 million mark isn't too far off.

Check out the Dance 4 Lifesong website here. 

 

Zambia Update

Big things are happening in Zambia for children, once without hope... now with a future!

Please enjoy this update from Lifesong Zambia Director, Dru Smith:

Every child has a right to education. However, for many Zambian children, even though it may be provided by the government, it is unaffordable, unavailable in their neighborhood, or substandard.  For over 100 families in Garneton, Lifesong School is the answer to their prayers. Currently we have 210 children from the poorest of the poor families who attend school each day, even during the three months of break.  When representatives from the Ministry of Education came to inspect our school-they were overwhelmed by what they saw and asked us, "Do you plan to open more schools like this? We really need them!"Lifesong is setting an example and making a difference in Zambia.

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We were astonished to see all of the work accomplished by 11 friends from Thunder Bay, Ontario.  They spent two weeks volunteering at Lifesong School... leading a workshop with our teachers, teaching our kids about oral hygiene, building us an amazing playground, and more!  We are so very grateful for these dedicated volunteers!

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When I visited William last month I was amazed to see the improvement in his left foot after his first surgery. It is straight, and the bottom of the foot is flat on the ground! He struggled with balance, but once he stabilized himself, he started walking.  William had surgery on his right foot on September 2 and is making a speedy recovery. His leg will be in a plaster cast until he returns to the clinic early in October. If all is well, he will be fitted with special shoes to help him walk.  Praise God!

Thank you for your continued prayer and support as we serve children in Zambia.

A Trip to Zambia

This past January I had the opportunity to travel with a small team of Americans to visit our Lifesong School in Zambia and lead a week long Vacation Bible School program.  The week was filled with songs, games, skits, crafts, and many hugs.  

You know, many times we go on these trips hoping to make a difference, never quite prepared for the change that takes place in our own lives.  Such was the case here.  I think my fellow team members would agree, that these beautiful children changed us in ways we won't soon forget.

Zambia Team Video from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.

Thank you, Lifesong Zambia staff, for your hospitality, warmth, and service.  We were blessed to play a small part with these kids, but you are the ones who sacrifice for them daily and through the grace of God make the difference that changes their lives.

Zambia at a glance...

 Thought we'd share some pictures that a team brought back from a visit to our school in Zambia.  To learn more about Zambia & our current projects, please visit our website.

 

 

 Thanks Taryn for these pictures that have captured the life, joy, sorrow, and HOPE of Zambia....

Help William Walk...

Meet William.

William was born with club feet, a condition easily fixed at birth in the states, but often left untreated in parts of the world that do not have the financial or medical capabilities to perform surgery.  He is one of our little guys who attends the Lifesong school in Zambia. 

A team from central Illinois visited this past January and their hearts were touched by the sadness in William's eyes as he stood on the sidelines watching the other children run and play.  Touched as they saw him carried over a mile by his older brother to school.  Touched as he walked completely on the sides of his feet.  So touched that they, along with others, have been moved to action in seeking medical help for William.

They are in the process of contacting doctors both in the US and Zambia figuring out the legal, medical and financial issues of this situation.

Please pray that our Father will bless this effort and that there could be a healing for William's body and that through this effort Christ will ultimately be glorified.

If you would like to help financially, please make checks payable to Lifesong for Orphans or donate online.  Please include memo "Help William Walk".

What to stay updated on William?  Join the Help William Walk Facebook fan page for more pictures.