Zambia (MNN) — The government of Zambia says over
100,000 children die every year before reaching their fifth birthday. Poverty, starvation, abuse, and AIDS are the
most likely culprits to steal their lives.
Kids Alive
International began a project in Zambia in 1999, with a visit by members of
the Kids Alive Canada Board who were aware of the devastating impact of the
AIDS crisis on the children of the country.
Today, Kids
Alive Vice President of Operations Matt Parker says their ministry is
helping to provide hope and a future for these kids. They have six children's homes, three community schools, and care center programs in other parts of Zambia. There's always room for more. "We were recently
given land in Mongu, in western Zambia, by the government. We've just opened our first children's home
on this piece of land."
The dedication
of the home took place just six weeks ago, and it provides a safe refuge
for 18 children who were on the streets before being rescued.
The children and staff of Kids Alive
Zambia were joined by the members of a Work Team from the U.S. for a
celebration and the June 29 dedication of the new Home. Everyone
participated in praising God for His faithfulness, the children
shared sketches and speeches that they had prepared to mark the occasion, and after the cutting of the ribbon and a tour around the Home, everybody enjoyed
cake and drinks.
During the
dedication ceremony, one of the older boys shared: "We are so thankful to the Lord Jesus for saving us and for this
beautiful Home He has given to us. We pray that His beauty will be reflected in
our lives as we serve Him!"
Kids Alive
hopes to expand further in the near future. Parker explains, "Over the next few
years, we hope to be able to construct another five homes, a school, and
a community program in what we're calling the 'Lilato Children's Village' in
Mongu."
Lilato means "love." And love helps the children in their team's
care reach their potential. "Our goal is to provide each of these
children with a quality education and to introduce them to the transforming
power of Jesus," says Parker.
Find out how you can help reach more kids
in Zambia. Click here.
