Microfinance program helps grandmother provide for her family

"My grandchildren feel very happy for such an opportunity and even help me."

Mrs. Hannah Fofanah is one of twenty-eight participants in the initial microfinance class, launched in February of 2017. As the grandmother and caregiver of Child Rescue Centre student Lucy Kamara, Hannah was invited to enroll in the first class, which was offered to 30 parents and caregivers who were struggling to make ends meet.  

The microfinance program was designed to help vulnerable families find the tools they needed to become self-sufficient. Hannah cares for seven additional grandchildren, supporting them all by selling firewood, charcoal, and now handmade soap. 
CRC staffer Victor Kanu counsels Hannah.
Dr. Amara examines a patient on rounds.
Dr. Amara settles in as Mercy Hospital Chief Medical Officer

Mercy Hospital's new Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sao Amara, is settling in well at at the hospital. Dr. Amara enjoys working closely with the staff, and is excited about the operating room. He is currently hard at work developing a list of equipment needed to get the OR up and running.

Dr. Amara has training and expertise in surgery, and is particularly interested in maternal health and surgery. These skills are especially critical for the hospital's expansion to include an operating theater.
First UMC of Colleyville kicks off Sponsor A Child and Run for Rescue

On Sunday, March 18th, First UMC of Colleyville held a dual annual kickoff event for their thriving Sponsor A Child initiative, and the Run for Rescue 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk to support missioners who serve in Sierra Leone. The church members' response was especially enthusiastic, due to a beautiful Sponsor A Child display with photos of students sponsored by church members, and children who need sponsors.  

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the event, with special thanks to Ruth Ann Meek, SAC coordinator for First UMC, Karen Roeming, partner church representative, and Sharon Gardner, Run for Rescue organizer. First UMC is grateful to partner church Otterbein UMC for inspiring their new SAC display.
A family at FUMC chooses a child to sponsor.
"A Gift for Her" honors women, benefits Helping Children Worldwide

Get your tickets today for "A Gift for Her," Saturday May 5th at Crossroads UMC in Ashburn. This event, benefiting Helping Children Worldwide, promises to be an evening of fun, fellowship and inspiration for women and girls of all ages. 

"A Gift for Her" features the Gift4U marketplace of local artisans and small businesses, a fabulous dessert buffet, and music and inspiration by Dove Award artists Point of Grace. There will be an opportunity to sponsor a Child Rescue Centre student through our Sponsor A Child program.  

October 2018 mission trip to Sierra Leone

Applications are being accepted for the October 2018 Helping Children Worldwide trip to serve at the Child Rescue Centre and Mercy Hospital in Bo, Sierra Leone. Projects may include staff development, medical outreach, and other opportunities to support the staff of the CRC and Mercy. Sponsors of Child Rescue Centre students will have the opportunity to visit the student they sponsor.  

The application deadline for this team is April 14, 2018. Projected trip dates are October 13 - 27, 2018.  An interest meeting will be held on April 7th at 9:30 AM by teleconference or in person at the HCW office in Chantilly, VA.

For more information on the application process, or for teleconference instructions for the interest meeting, contact Linda Reinhard at  mission@helpingchildrenworldwide.org
A Prayer to Serve

We thank you, God, that you have given us hearts to be moved by love and compassion, hands to be raised in praise and service, and minds to be guided in wisdom and discernment.

Strengthen our hearts, hands, and minds to follow more fully the path that you set before us.

Guide the steps of our journey
so that we can follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus, who has taught us by his own example that we are called
to humbly serve the orphaned, the widowed, the vulnerable—
all of those in greatest need.

Strengthen the work of your church—to bring justice to the oppressed, to help without hurting, to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, in a broken and wounded world.

Amen.