In our Kenya program, the power of meals is undeniably changing lives. Through the Mama Beth Children’s Program, we are witnessing firsthand the profound impact on the children and their families. These meals not only nourish bodies but also keep children in school, restore families, and spread the gospel message. It’s truly remarkable to see the transformative influence a simple meal can have.
Since Mama Beth’s program began providing lunches at multiple schools, attendance and test scores have risen dramatically. Attendance now stands at 99% because children no longer miss afternoon classes to leave for meals. To address the issue of older children dropping out due to a lack of perceived value in education, we started a preschool to instill the importance of education early on, leading to increased enrollment each year. Our goal is to create a strong foundation for these children, both academically and spiritually.
As we strive to create outstanding programs and make a lasting impact, we recognize that some changes only God can bring about. Joe and Sasha joined Mama Beth’s during a very difficult time in their lives. They were deeply hurt by their father’s struggle with alcoholism, which left him unable to provide for the family. However, God was working in their father’s heart. Over time, as he listened to his children talk about the meals they were receiving through our program, he felt convicted to provide better for them.
He eventually joined a rehabilitation program and is now recovering from his addiction, mending his family, and making up for lost time. We are incredibly thankful for our Kenya program and how God is using it to transform not only the lives of children but also the lives of their families.
At Mama Beth’s, children are initially drawn by the opportunity to receive a nutritious meal, but they always hear the gospel message as well. Through various events and teaching tools, many children have come to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
One example is a recent Vacation Bible School that focused on the theme “I am the vine, you are the branches,” from John 15:5. Organized into age groups, the children learned about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Younger participants explored faithfulness through the life of Abraham and learned how God shapes us for His glory through the story of Joseph. These lessons were conveyed through demonstrations, memory verses, skits, songs, and team-building activities. The teen group focused on the importance of faithfulness to Christ, abiding in Him, and becoming exemplary in conduct, speech, love, faith, and purity (2 Timothy 4:12). As a result, 21 children chose to give their lives to Christ!
The Mama Beth Children’s Program recently introduced a new teaching tool that provides a deeper understanding of the Bible, making it easier to engage with the students. This has led to a profound impact, with many children recently choosing to surrender their lives to Christ. With 53 students across three schools, we thank God for these new believers—all starting from a simple meal.
We’re immensely thankful and humbled to witness the transformative power of meals in Kenya through the Mama Beth Children’s Program. With children nourished, education sustained, families reunited, and hearts turned to Jesus, it’s evident that God is working miracles through this program.
By Melanie Kruse Off On a Mission Trip I’ve never been on a mission trip like this. This was the first time we served with Forward Edge and the first time our two daughters had joined us, but that’s not what made it different. On this trip I didn’t cry.
I just returned from a mission trip to our children’s program in El Cobre, Cuba and spent several days with not only my sponsored child but some of yours as well! What a joy to see them face to face, hug them, and to share some quality time. TyAnn Hunt,
It’s an exciting time at Forward Edge as we announce the launch of our brand new program, Create Hope Ghana, alongside our 40th anniversary celebration. We’re thrilled to witness the positive impact this program has already made on the lives of 75 children and their families residing in 10 different
1.86 billion people log into their Facebook account at least once a month–that’s almost 1/4 of the total global population! This number doesn’t even include other outlets like Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. People in developing countries are no exception to this global trend, and chances are, the child you sponsor has
6 yrs. old
Entered the Program: August 2024
Jemimah lives with her parents and three siblings in a three-room sheet metal house with a dirt floor. The house has access to electricity and they fetch water from a neighbor’s tap. They have an outdoor kitchen and use firewood for cooking. They do not have a bathing facility but use a pit latrine that is in poor condition.
Both of Jemimah’s parents are unemployed; they do go out each day in search of casual labor jobs, but work is hard to find. They struggle to provide the necessities and sometimes lack food to feed their children. The family is in great need.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
