Months and months ago we sat down with the pastor of the local church here to discuss some of the greatest needs here in Camp Coq and how we could help. (I mentioned that earlier, here.)
Our hearts were broken over the level of poverty we encountered each day and the massive amounts of malnourished children we interacted with, so when they told us that one of the projects they were interested in implementing included feeding children and elderly that couldn't provide for themselves, we were immediately on board. We put the word out regarding the money we needed to get started and we shared our hearts with you and began praying that if this was God's will that it would work out.
Money was donated almost immediately for building the space needed for cooking. We were elated and the building project took off. (If you missed the posts that showed building stages, you can find them here and here.)
When the cookhouse (or outdoor kitchen) was completed we continued praying and even asked others to pray regarding the specifics and funds needed to kick-start the actual feeding. We had numerous meetings with leaders here and brainstormed optimal plans. A goal was set to try and feed 100 children/elderly, 5 days a week. While our hearts and hands were ready, things just weren't panning out. We prayed, many of you prayed and together we spent a good deal of time in the 'pray and wait' bracket.
About a month ago, Pastor Josue talked with a representative in our area that partners with organizations around the world to help feed hungry children. Feed My Starving Children targets feeding programs to children who are in the most severe circumstances, those suffering from severe malnutrition and threatened with death from starvation. Pastor Josue put in an application with FMSC and asked that we be considered here, in Camp Coq.
After reviewing our application, the committee sent someone to do an evaluation at the school across from the Mission House where we live. They looked at the physical condition of the children, the percentage of children vs adults (teachers), whether other food was available, whether or not we would be able to receive and store food safely, etc. During their assessment, they noticed the cookhouse on the grounds outside the church/school building. They commented saying that they were very impressed that this was already in place for cooking food for the children. It's customary that each application is prayed over and rated and food is allocated based on the rating each application receives. So as they left that day they told us that they would be in touch.
Then---just -like -that--- we got word that we had BEEN APPROVED!!!! Oh. My. Good. Great. God..... He had done it again! :o) While this actual plan didn't look like the one we first envisioned, we were so excited to hear that the children here would benefit from such a generous organization! Although we questioned the hows and the whens and the whats over the last 7 months, God had it all under His control (as He always does).
I am beside myself with joy as I share this with you!!!
The food that is sent by FMSC comes in MannaPaks and guess what....... EACH meal provided has 20 different vitamins and minerals that are specifically tailored to meet children's nutritional needs for one day. Did you catch that?!? Not only are the children being fed but they are also getting vitamins and minerals that will help with their overall health/growth. If money had been provided for US to cook for the children here, what they would've gotten would have been food.... now they get food AND vitamins AND minerals!
And that's not all.... (smiles)
While our initial goal was to feed 100 children/5 days a week, with this program in place, MORE THAN 100 children plus 7 teachers will now be fed 5 days a week!
My heart is about to beat out of my chest as I write this....... oh, the nights I wept regarding these precious children! Praise God for His endless mercy and provisions! Go God, you keep blowing us away!!!
I hope your heart is moved to rejoice in our GREAT GOD as you see some of the shots I got yesterday...
Each child was told last Friday that starting this week they would get to
receive food each morning during break (at 10:00).
They just had to bring a bowl/plate and a spoon.
Rice and beans were distributed to each child....
The children were led in prayer by their teacher...
And then they dug in....
Oh, God, you have heard our hearts' cry and you have (once again) shown us your faithfulness!
It's quite the privilege for children to get to go to school, here, in Haiti. Many families go without things (such as food) to be able to scrape up enough money for uniforms, books and supplies for their children to be able to attend school. We are so thankful for Feed My Starving Children and the work that they are doing. It is so surreal to be able to benefit from such a program but then, that's how our God works!
"Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
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