A few weeks ago, our school received this letter from Virginia, our school's Compassion Sponsor Child:
Greetings in peace of God
Dearest Sponsors,
How are you doing? I'm grateful to God that I can write this letter in a healthy body. I want to wish you very happy holidays. I believe that God will always bless you. Even though this is from such a distance, I keep praying for all of you to be healthy and strong in God.
I have a big hope that I can see all of you in person someday,
Virginia
Two years ago, our student body voted to sponsor a Compassion International child, Virginia Tesalonika Mamahit, a little girl from Indonesia who is now ten years old. Virginia's family is very poor, and as a result of our monthly sponsorship, Virginia receives adequate food and clothing, as well as an education. In addition to our monthly financial support, each class has taken turns corresponding with Virginia and sharing how much God loves her and her family.
During this year's annual St. Matthew Turkey Trot, students will raise money for not only Virginia, but other needy children as well. Not only does Compassion offer opportunities for monthly sponsorship for children affected by poverty, but they also have a gift catalog where donors can purchase various items for needy families like Virginia's. After examining the catalog, it was endearing to hear the thought and discussion that went into each classroom's selection process:
"We want them to know Jesus so let's get Bibles," "It would be very sad if kids didn't have any place to play. Let's get 100 playrooms!", "I think it's really important to God that all children receive a good education," "The Income-Generating Bundle has a goat, chicken, AND vegetable seeds - that's a really good deal!"
Listed below are the goals that each class has established:
- Preschool - 8 dental kits
- Kindergarten - 5 playrooms
- First Grade - 10 Bibles
- Second Grade - 5 Safe playgrounds
- Third - 20 Bibles, 5 chickens, 2 goats, and 1 pig
- Fourth - 2 Income Generator Bundles and one Sports Camp Bundle
- Fifth - One Water Bundle, one Health Bundle, one Newborn Bundle, one Educational and Training Bundle, 3 Bibles, and 1 Chicken
- Sixth - Educational and Training Bundles
- Seventh - One Water Bundle, one Newborn Bundle, one Income Generating Bundle, two Health Bundles and 4 Vaccinations
- Eighth - 3 Goats, 6 Fruit Trees, 9 Bibles, one Water Bundle
Pledge sheets were sent home last week, and students are encouraged to start seeking pledges. Donors can sponsor for every lap that a student completes, or give a general donation. Students are also encouraged to bring their pledge sheets and money in on the actual day of the Turkey Trot. God will bless in BIG ways any amount that your child raises! In addition, students raising over $50 will receive a free Turkey Trot T-shirt the week after the Turkey Trot.
The Turkey Trot will occur on November 16th during the school day; students will run around our soccer field during their designated time. Preschool through Grade 4 will run from 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. and Grades 5 - 8 will run from 10:15 until 11:00 a.m. Please wear comfortable clothing/shoes and be dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. You can even dress like a turkey!
BUT WAIT!... THERE'S MORE! In attempts to help motivate the student body, our Student Council has developed a concept that they are calling "Batter Up"! As a result, the students that complete the most laps or raise the most funds will have the opportunity to select a Student Council member and turn them into a human pancake during a school assembly!
So let's work together to "Dream Small and Run With Compassion" and help those who are in need in the process.
We look forward to watching God bless our efforts in BIG ways!
In His Love,
Mrs. Palka & The Student Council