The Challenges the Children on the Big Island Face
Recently I wrote about the tremendous needs that the children on the Big Island have for clothing and school supplies. It’s overwhelming at times to consider the cost of buying basic items like shoes and socks, pencils, erasers, and backpacks. In the U.S., these items are relatively affordable, but on the Big Island, they’re much more expensive. They are out of reach for many families. Our dear friend Yaima asked if we could send $30 to provide enough socks for 27 children. I shared her request with you.
The Impact of Your Generosity
Thanks to God’s grace and your generosity, we were able to do more. Forty-three children received two pairs of socks, some pencils, and an eraser each. Yaima said that the children were so happy to receive these gifts, especially three siblings, from a very poor family. She said, “I wish you could have seen their faces when we gave them their school supplies. Their mother had not been able to buy them any socks for school.” Yaima not only gave the children some school supplies she also prayed with them. We desire to bless people both with their physical and spiritual needs.
It’s hard to imagine people living without such basic needs, that most of us take for granted. I give thanks to the Lord for allowing us to bless some of these children and their families. I pray that Hannah’s Toys of Hope, this ministry to the children, will continue to grow and touch more lives.
Ongoing Outreach that Brings Hope and Transformation
Pastor Rene and Yarelis have continued their outreach, blessing children throughout the summer with food and toys for their VBS program. The Lord is working powerfully through them and other partners, like Pastor Justo and Sara, to bring children and families to Christ. Sara, (photo above) for example, shared the story of Yessica, a young girl who is about to turn 12. Sadly, Yessica’s mother abandoned her when she was just 3 years old. The hardships these families face are heartbreaking, but Sara is demonstrating the love of Christ to Yessica and other young girls in similar situations.
In the midst of this, we’re grateful for the light of Christ that brings hope to dark and difficult situations. We give thanks that we can bring the good news of the gospel, and help them with some of their needs. There is a sense, because of all the lack, all of the scarcity that we would love to be able to do more.
Extend Your Hands to Support a Child
Please join us in prayer for these families and their children. Ask the Lord to care for and provide for them. We invite you to extend your hands and help meet their needs.
Dawn and I encourage you to prayerfully consider extending a helping hand. By sending a gift today, you can support a needy family and advance the gospel on the Big Island. TOGETHER, we can make a difference!
- $30 – socks for 27 children
- $17 – a backpack for one child
- $17 – a pair of shoes
- $10 – a toy
Whether you choose to support a family with a backpack, provide shoes, or bless a child with a $10 toy through Hannah’s Toys of Hope, your generosity will make a lasting impact.
Click to donate today.
Video: Hannah’s Toys of Hope
In this video, created with the help of my colleague Jim DeWitt, we show how God is using toys to reach families.
Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.
In His Grip, Dave
P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja, and Beyond
