In 2009, twenty hungry children in Kalieka Township, Malawi enjoyed an unforgettable Christmas holiday.
On Christmas Eve, the core group of children in our orphan program went shopping for school shoes and gifts of new clothing. While this may not sound exciting to the average western child hoping for the newest Wii game or, better yet, an iPad under the the tree – the Chifundo kids were thrilled beyond words with their gifts. On Christmas Day they arrived early and watched with awe as the nativity story unfolded before their eyes on the colorful flannelgraph board. Then they donned their new clothes and visited a wilderness retreat together, ending the day’s celebration with a huge Christmas feast, Malawian style – chicken, and vegetables and nsima. It was a wonderful day these 20 children – but so many more went hungry on that day.
Over the past year, as we have continued to care regularly for the Chifundo children with hot, nutritious meals, many other children have come weekly for the Bible stories and games, a few biscuits or a slice of bread. Pastor Moses tells us he hasn’t the heart to turn them away and there are days when there are as many as 70 children scattered across the grass and sitting in the dirt with hands extended for a biscuit, a cup of water, a crayon or a toy to play with.
Obviously we would love to be able to feed and care for every child that comes through the gate, as we do the core group. Moses says that it is so hard for his team to see the disappointed expressions on their sad faces when they have to send children away hungry and feeling left out. Unfortunately, right now that’s not possible.
But on Christmas Day perhaps it could be possible. If we all help, no child needs to feel left out and noone needs to be sent home hungry.
And for only $10 per child.
For just ten dollars you can buy a child a delicious, nutritious Christmas feast and a Christmas present of their very own.
You can sponsor one child to Christmas – or two or three – or more! To donate online, click here. Or write a check to Ancient Path and specify Chifundo Christmas on the memo line. 100% of every donation will go directly to the children of Kalieka Township, Malawi to give them a Christmas they will never forget.
And neither will you!