A Forever Home

The number of orphans in Burkina Faso is growing. It's estimated that 1 out of every 10 children is an orphan...which adds up to over 700,000 children without parents.

There are several reasons that children become orphans. Aids and other diseases, mental illness, poverty, and death of one or both parents lead children to be abandoned, sent to relatives or taken in by orphanages like The Sheltering Wings Orphanage (Les Ailes de Refuge) in Yako.

The children at the orphanage, whose ages range from newborn to 22 years old are given special care and a chance for a better life. They receive schooling, clothing, nutritious food, medical care, love and the hope that comes from having a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Some of the children stay temporarily at the orphanage with the hope that they can be integrated back into their families. Others will be at the orphanage their entire lives unless a family comes along and and adopts them, giving them a forever home. This is what every child dreams of.

Sheltering Wings has helped many children find families to call their own. This week, Jule's parents are coming to pick him up.

Jule is one of the babies that captured Delaney's heart when she visited last January. He was always ready to climb up in her lap and had such a sweet disposition. Jule made her laugh with his habit of finding someones shoes, putting on only one of them and running around. He thought this was pretty funny too!

Delaney with Jule (note: one shoe!)

Please pray for Jule and his new family. Pray that all goes smoothly and that the transition for him comes easily. Also, please pray for the other children who would like to find their forever homes.

Love and blessings!

Amy

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.  --Psalms 68:5-6

Every Child Deserves A Chance

...And whosoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.  -Matthew 18:5

One of the important programs that Sheltering Wings has is a Child Sponsorship Program. The needs of these children are critical. Their life circumstances are hard and offer little hope. Tragedy and misfortune have left them with very little opportunity for medical care, proper nutrition or schooling.

Mariam Ouedraogo, Age 9

One of the children who is in need of sponsorship to continue her education is nine year old Mariam Ouedrogo. Her father is living, but is not well mentally. There are not many programs to assist the mentally ill in Burkina Faso, so much of the time he is found wandering the streets. Mariam lives with her mother and three older brothers. Her mother supports the family by collecting wood to sell in the market, however it is not enough to meet their needs. Mariam is the only one in her family to receive an education. Her mother has made great sacrifices to send Mariam to school, however this past year she has been very ill and unable to cultivate food for the family. There is no electricity or running water in their home. Despite the harsh reality of her life, Mariam has done exceptionally well in school receiving very high marks and has remained healthy. Right now she is in desperate need of finding a sponsor...she is in desperate need of a chance.

Child Sponsorship is a $35 a month investment in the life of a child. Sponsorship provides food, clothing, education and medical needs. Please pray for Mariam and the hundreds of children like her. Consider becoming a sponsor and make a tremendous difference in the life of a child.

I have packets for children and will be happy to review the materials with you. You can find me at Hollywood Community Church every Wednesday evening and Sunday morning. You can also e-mail me at reachburkina@gmail.com. For those living outside of Florida, you can find more info on becoming a sponsor at http://www.sheltering-wings.org/.

Love and Blessings,
Amy