Christmas in Liberia with Giving Children Hope

This past December a local team of individuals from California (inspired by Todd and Jana Williams and their daughter Samantha) and accompanied by Je’net Kreitner, Associate Director of Development of Global Operations and Development/ Giving Children Hope made the 30 hour trip to Monrovia, West Africa, to make a special delivery. 2500 backpacks full of school supplies, books and toys were on their way to bring a measure of holiday joy to orphans who have had little to smile about in recent years.

Civil war has left this country devastated and wounded, both in body and in spirit. Many are missing arms or legs, and most are missing at least one family member. Countless young boys were kidnapped into rebel gangs and remain addicted to the drugs that were forced on them. Yet it is a country that sings with the resilient tone of recovery.

“The Lord’s Prayer” Children’s Home has become a model for the people of Monrovia. Sixty-two orphans live here with a “papa” and a “mama” and a true feeling of family. A loving staff attends to the everyday needs of the children, but these little ones truly take care of each other as well. Each child has their own bed, is fed three meals a day (a true luxury), has clean clothes to wear and, most importantly, a school on site that provides the gift of a Christian education for them and other children living in the villages nearby. The compound includes a playground complete with basketball courts, soccer field and swings. They have their own well and generator for electricity. The focal point of this growing community is the Church which serves as a gathering place of healing, freedom, celebration and hope for the future.

If you were never to leave the gates of this wonderful children’s home, you would almost forget that such devastation plagues the rest of post war Liberia. The streets of downtown Monrovia are riddled with bullet holes, the pavement is full of craters and the streets are still congested with the burnt out remains of cars. Trash burns constantly as there is no means of waste disposal. Gas stations sell their gas in glass jars because the pumps don’t function. There is no running water or electricity and worst of all, so few schools.

In the middle of all this chaos, word spread that there would be a Christmas party at this loving center, and the children’s excitement was tangible. They showed up by the thousands to receive their Christmas meal and gifts. They played games, sang and danced for joy, and gave thanks in prayer. These children, for a moment, forgot their losses and just lived in that moment. Feeling safe, feeling remembered, feeling loved.

The work goes on in Liberia. So many children needing a safe haven still live on the streets without shelter or food. Giving Children Hope, in collaboration with “God’s Kids/Liberia” stand together to fulfill a commitment to continue the work that has been started and to assist in the rebuilding of this beautiful country.

To partner with us on this important project, please prayerfully consider making a financial contribution to help support the quarterly shipments of much needed supplies such as building materials, nutritious food and vitamin supplements, over the counter medicine, and medical equipment. Together we can share God's love and begin the process of healing in Liberia.

Please click on the donation button now and you will enter a secure web page. How many lives would you like to change forever?