Sending Love, Prayers, and Warmth to Zambia

This year a VBS in Alliance, Ohio took their craft project to a different level.  Rather than making the standard popsicle stick cross or plaster of paris hands, children made blankets to send to orphans in Zambia.  Fleece material with “God Loves You” printed on it was purchased and fringed.  The students then tied two pieces of fleece together adding a special heart in the middle.  What makes this project extra special is that while making the blankets, these kids got the opportunity to pray for the orphan who would receive the blanket in Zambia.  The American kids also made cards to send with the blankets.

A month later, blankets were passed out in Zambia.  The children beamed with excitement as they were presented their blankets and told of the love of Jesus.  Even the teen age students who received blankets wore them around their necks like a badge of honor.  Each was excited to know that children on the other side of the world had been praying just for him.  Each blanket was given to one child, but in most homes will be used by two or three children.  A blanket, something many have never had, to share with their family and protect from the chill of winter.

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For everyone involved this was an experience to remember.  For the American children, they were able to make a meaningful contribution to an orphan across the globe both in a physical way through the gift of the blanket, and a spiritual way through their prayers.  They lived out Matthew 25:40 “I tell you  the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  The Zambian children were shown the love of Christ and have a constant reminder that “God loves you” as well as the knowledge that they have been held in prayer.  What a joy to see so many children’s lives connect through the love of Christ.

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