It never ceases to amaze me the accomplishments children can achieve, but more importantly and impressively, their hearts behind it. The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but one of the largest hurdles the families in our programs have had to face is watching the prices for their basic needs increase dramatically. Parents are doing all that they can, going above and beyond working long hours, extra jobs, and difficult jobs to provide for their children. And God has been good and faithful to care for them and take care of their families.
But in the midst of this we’ve seen something that we didn’t expect: Children desiring to use the hobbies they enjoy to find ways to help provide for their families financially.
Alexis, María and Enmanuel all live in Cuba and attend our children’s program there. They have each discovered tasks they can complete with their own hands to help provide for their families’ basic needs.
Alexis learned from a relative to make aluminum rings out of useless coins. He now gives the rings to a friend to sell them, and uses the income to help the family.
María plants cactuses of different kinds in old various containers and once the plants are established, neighbors come and buy them. María joyfully gives the money to her grandma to buy the loaves of bread they need for the day.
Enmanuel was given two rabbits and decided this was a good opportunity for him to start a business raising rabbits for extra food and money. With no animal shelter or means to buy anything, Enmanuel began collecting used materials from around the community and built his own make-shift cage for his rabbits.
None of these children were asked to carry out these duties, but these three amazing kids found ways to help their families meet their most basic needs, while doing something they enjoy.
I’m humbled as I have learned about these incredible children. They were not asked to help out. They initiated finding a way to help on their own. They found the tools they needed to complete their tasks. And more impressively, they have done so with joy. Enjoying their hobbies and desiring to be a blessing to those they love most.
We have been gifted with so much and yet we often find ourselves grumbling to complete our tasks. These children do so with a smile and find joy in doing it. They find joy serving. They find joy being used by God to make a difference in the lives of others.
My prayer is that we too would not only be grateful for the opportunities we have to provide an income for our families, but we’d also find joy in looking for opportunities to bless others. What a difference this would make not only in our own lives, but in the lives of those around us that need a Savior and would see Jesus in us.
In the extremely poor village of Kijabe, Kenya, there lives a crippled widow named Mary. After her husband died of AIDS a few years ago, she struggled to find food. While she suffers from HIV, too, Mary’s greatest challenge is a nerve problem in her legs. She has to use crutches
In Cuba, where basic food staples are often scarce, the power of prayer and small acts of kindness have brought hope to families in need. From a miraculous provision of rice to a life-changing gift of fresh produce for Walter and his children, we’ve witnessed God’s love in action. Discover how a simple head of lettuce became a sign of divine provision, and how faith continues to transform lives in our Cuba program.
When I introduce new people to Forward Edge, I’ll often describe what we do this way: we help children around the world overcome poverty, discover their true worth, and pursue God’s extraordinary purpose for their lives. I believe these three descriptors are distinct and important. Let me explain a little
The decision to join a mission team It all started with two sisters who chose to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua. Val spontaneously joined her sister Donna at a trip team meeting, and decided during the meeting that she too wanted to serve with the team. A Humbling Experience During
10 yrs. old
Entered the program: October 2025
Teki lives with his parents, his two younger brothers, and his paternal grandmother in a house which was built in 2024 with help from his father’s friends and other community members. Their former house was so old and run down, it was almost uninhabitable.
Teki’s father works as an interior house painter and his mother stays home to care for the family. Teki’s family is from a Muslim background but they are open to Christianity.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
