St. Matthew Lutheran School 8th Annual Turkey Trot Is Tomorrow!
"Whatever you do for the least of these, you've done unto me." Matthew 25:40
Collins is a little boy living in Northern Kenya. His mother died during childbirth, leaving his elderly grandmother as his only surviving relative and available caretaker. Many nights, Collins' grandmother would go to bed hungry because she would give what little food she had to Collins. Often, she would pray and ask God to help her and provide a way for her to raise her grandson.
One day, she learned about Compassion International and the sponsorships that they provided to children living in poverty. After meeting with the designated staff, Collins was accepted into the program and provided with a sponsor. As a result, Collins now receives adequate food and clothing as well as access to an education, all which have dramatically improved the quality of Collin's life. In addition, his sponsor family frequently sends letters of encouragement to Collins, reassuring him how much God loves him and his grandmother.
A few months after his sponsorship, a vicious storm destroyed Collins' grandmother's mud hut, and their humble dwelling was washed away. Compassion learned of this tragedy, and as a result, they decided to provide Collins and his grandmother with a new and more stable home. After hearing the joyous news, Collins' grandmother burst into tears. Hugging Collins she professed, "Collins... God has heard and answered our prayers."
Nearly half of the world's population - more than 3 billion people - live on less than $2.50 a day. Worldwide, an estimated 1 billion children are living in poverty. However, with a "Small Dream" that involves 172 St. Matthew students participating in this year's Turkey Trot, we are excited to watch God work in BIG ways and provide avenues of hope to children who are in dire need.
Tomorrow, we will be celebrating our 8th Annual Turkey Trot, and our theme is "Dream Small and Run with Compassion". This year, our focus will be Compassion International, a nonprofit organization that helps children all around the world who are affected by poverty.
During this year's Turkey Trot, students will raise money for not only for our school sponsored child, Virginia, but also needy children around the world, like Collins. Each class has examined Compassion's gift catalog and established goals for what they hope to accomplish. You can see these goals displayed in the tummy of a turkey that is posted on the hallway bulletin board! Numerous goals include: Bibles, chickens, educational packets, dental kits, newborn baby kits, water filtration systems, and more.
Students are encouraged to seek pledges now for their trotting efforts. We are students to bring their pledge sheets and money in tomorrow, November 16th, which is the official day of the Turkey Trot. God will bless any amount that your child raises in BIG ways! In addition, students raising over $50 will receive a free Turkey Trot T-shirt the week after the Turkey Trot.
During the Turkey Trot, 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 dress appropriately for the 38 degree 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