One Thousand Strong

November 26, 2009 No Comments

The sun rises. A twelve-year-old boy sits up from the floor of his small one-room house and begins to get ready for school. Trying not to wake up his baby brother, he slips on his uniform and shoes. Grabbing his book-bag, he checks the status of the thin thread that is strung on the noticeable hole near the bottom to make sure his books do not slide out. His stomach growls, but today, like most days, there is no slice of bread for breakfast. He will have to wait until lunch at school. He pulls open the crooked door, pushing the thin white fabric to the side, and begins his trek to school.

To some, this might seem like any morning before school. But Bevon relishes in the experience. He loves his uniform and shoes. His book-bag is torn but he wears it proudly. He loves getting up before the others and having a place to go. He admits that he loves everything about school – except for math, a subject he particularly struggles with.

But a struggle with a subject in school does not faze him. He asks for help and eagerly shows up to be tutored. Even when I am unexpectedly unable to attend our scheduled sessions, he forgives and eagerly awaits the next one. He always manages to convince me to play with him on the playground afterward – apparently a humorous sight according to onlookers. For all the struggles Bevon has been through, it is amazing that he is still able to let loose and play like a normal twelve-year-old boy.

Bevon’s mother is physically handicapped and his father is dead. Not being able to provide for her children and watching them suffer, Bevon’s mother had severe bouts with depression and repeatedly attempted suicide. She didn’t have enough money to feed her children or pay their school fees. Bevon did the only thing he knew how to do to support his mother: spend the day wading through garbage to collect scrap pieces of medal. Instead of a book-bag, Bevon carried a trash-bag. Instead of books, he carried scrap pieces of medal. Instead of studying math, he was counting trash.

With the 20 shillings ($0.25) he earned, he would buy vegetables to bring home to his mother and siblings. The hardships continued for some time, but unlike so many other children, Bevon was given a chance to attend school through the CSCM Education Support program. The family started attending church at Springs of Life. Pastor Meeker baptized Bevon’s youngest brother, and Deaconess Lorna helped his mother start a fish selling business. Two months down the line she was able to pay her own rent and purchase her own food. When Bevon outgrew his uniform, his mother was able to purchase him a new one.

Bevon is currently attending a school in the Kibera slum, but as customary for his age group in Kenya, will be attending boarding school starting in January. When I asked him about going to boarding school, his face lit up. I remember him mentioning something about his own bed, a drastic improvement from his current position on the floor. He is hopefully counting down the days until January, and remembers that not long ago, he was hopelessly digging through trash.

Thanks to the generosity of the Sunday School at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Chicago Heights, IL, Bevon will be able to continue in school. The Sunday School has committed to supplying $35.00 a month to ensure that Bevon will be able to receive a quality education.

Unfortunately, there are almost a hundred other children who do not have sponsors. Their future in the program is uncertain. As the Kenya educational system is set up, payments for the first of three terms are due up front in January. This time is quickly approaching and CSCM will be unable to continue supporting many children in school. After examining the budget for education support, it is clear that unless CSCM raises $10,000 by January, many children will not be able to go to school.

I cannot imagine telling children that have had experiences similar to Bevon’s that CSCM will no longer be able to keep them in school. We need to raise $10,000 in just over a month. But by God’s Grace, we pray that there are a thousand people who would be willing to give $10 each to keep our children in school. This would give the necessary short-term boost as the sponsorship program has time to mature and take root.

$10,000 is a lot of money. $10 is not. If CSCM can recruit 1,000 people to donate $10 each, we will be able to continue providing education for hundreds of children. Our campaign has taken the name “One Thousand Strong.” A shared burden is a lighter burden. None of us can do this alone, but together, we can become One Thousand Strong.

CLICK HERE or visit the “One Thousand Strong” page to learn how you, your church, bible study, youth group, or business can get involved. Request flyers from CSCM headquarters and spread the word. Coordinate the campaign at your church. We cannot do it without you.

TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY.

Community Support, Education Support, Sponsorship, Supporters, Updates