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.
Step into Rosabel’s clown shoes and experience how we’re reaching children across Cuba with the love of Jesus. Each week, local leaders welcome hundreds of children into backyards and open spaces, offering a simple meal and a place to belong. For many, it’s their first time hearing the gospel.
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
Most families living in extreme poverty have very little opportunity to grow economically. Even if the will and grit to persue entrepeneurship is there, the start-up funds are not. Micro-lending is an increasingly integral part of international community development. Individuals wanting to start a small business are able to borrow
2025 was filled with moments that reminded us why every story matters. From clean water in Uganda to a young woman’s graduation in Mexico, each glimpse reflects the hope God is building through our Forward Edge Family. Read on for just a few of the lives changed this year—thanks to your faithful support and partnership.
15 yrs. old
Entered the program: May 2024
News Angel lives with her father and 32 additional extended family members in her grandmother’s home. With the help of donors, Forward Edge built this four-bedroom concrete block house for the Joseph family in 2017 to replace and expand an old sheet metal structure they used to live in. News Angel’s father built a separate room for them on the roof of the house. There are 13 beds in the home and they have an outdoor bathroom and kitchen. They have electricity but no running water.
News Angel’s father does plumbing and electrical jobs to support his daughter.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
