A "Class" Meets Their Sponsored Child (Well, At Least a Rep Does)

March 13, 2012

Showing Bo the photos of the class, his sponsors.

Today I write again as a sponsor.  My wife and I are part of a Sunday School class of very mature senior citizens.  (We're not senior citizens, but we just love the people so we attend the class.  They call us the "kids."  Maybe that's why we keep going back!)  Our class has sponsored a boy named Malumbo for about five years.  Since the class members have a hard time pronouncing Malumbo, they have nicknamed him "Bo."  Today was the day I was going to meet "Bo."  He arrived at the church compound, and I talked with him, videoing my conversation with him so that the class members could enjoy it later.  He even had a special message directly for them.

And then, I had the greatest pleasure.  When the class members learned that I was going to visit Bo in Zambia, they took up a special collection so that I could go shopping with him and purchase things that he needs.  So, after checking with him about what he needed, Mailes, Oscar, Bo, and I took off for a clothing store where he tried on all sorts of clothes.  It was such a pleasure to buy these things for him!  He has only had brand new clothes once before in his life - when the class sent an extra cash gift and Mailes bought him a new shirt and pair of pants.  He has always worn clothes that were passed down to him.  Well, after this trip to the store, he is sporting new clothes - and a great big smile.  He was so excited, he didn't really know what to do with himself!  It was obvious that his self-esteem had taken a leap.  Our morning ended with lunch at a pizza place - another first for Bo.  He liked it.  (That's pretty universal, isn't it?)

The afternoon was spent meeting with Mailes regarding financial records, program requirements, procedures, etc.

My last full day in Zambia ended with dinner with the Ndao family around their table.  Outstanding, committed people.  Rich fellowship.  Great time.  Wonderful program.   Excellent visit.

Dr. Paul Maxfield

Executive Director

March 12, 2012

I awakened eager for this day.  The Zambia program expanded a couple of years ago to a village area, and this would be my first visit there.  I was very excited to meet these children, and to see how they lived.    Mailes, her husband, Oscar, and three other members of the COP Committee joined me in a 5:00 a.m. departure.  We drove through beautiful Zambian countryside.  Monkeys crossed the road several times - right in front of our vehicle.  People and bicycles had to be watched for, as the shoulder was narrow. 

As we traveled further and further from Lusaka, it became obvious that life was becoming much more rural, much more simple, and much more driven by the basic needs of every day. 

About six hours later, including one hour on dirt "roads," we pulled into the church yard in a remote village with no electricity, no running water, and groups of round mud huts with thatched roofs.  It was what I would consider a typical African village scene.  Time had stopped here.  We were not only in another world, but another time.

Sponsored Child Outside Her Home in Petauke Village

The church women immediately started to sing and dance a welcome song.   (Click on video below.)

I noticed several young children staring at me intensely and scurrying when I came close.  (Mailes later told me that many of these children had never seen a white person before.)  After introductions, we moved into the church building for our meeting.  Again, we had a question and answer period as well as sharing regarding the bracelets.  In the session, I also shared about the importance of education.  The committee had shared that it is not uncommon for parents to send their children to tend the cows instead of go to school.  Few of the parents are literate.  Tending the animals is what they grew up doing - and that is how it is.  An education is really the only hope for a better life for these children.

Families Gathered across from the Church of God in this Petauke Village

The children had a little more difficulty answering some of the questions in the interview process. The program here is young, and they have not had much exposure or time to grow through the program yet.  When asked what they would like to do when they finish school, most answered “to be a teacher.”  That is the only "profession" they see modeled for them in their lives.  There simply aren't other jobs besides farming in their village - but they were aiming for the one they did observe.  I am excited for them to continue to grow and develop.  I believe as they physically and spiritually grow, they will also grow in self-confidence.  I'll bet their dreams will grow too as they get a glimpse of how wide and big God's plans for them can be.

Getting Ready to Say Good Bye.

As we prepared to leave, the children presented us with gifts.  A very overwhelming experience.  These families have nothing materially - but here they were presenting us with 10 chickens, 9 pumpkins, a bag of pumpkin leaves, about five pounds of ground nuts, and 6 limes.  The chickens were in a homemade cage made of tree branches.  These gifts were great sacrifices for these families.  I graciously accepted them on behalf of their sponsors - because those are who they were really for.  It was hard to choke back the tears as one by one each child brought me their sponsor's gift.  (The chickens and food will be shared with those in need in Lusaka.)

Receiving the Chickens - Don't Worry, They Already Have Homes and Are Peckting in Zambia.

Another long day.  We arrived back in Lusaka at about 11:30 p.m. What a day - what an experience.  What a wonderful thing is happening in the lives of these village children because of their sponsors' care and commitment.

Dr. Paul Maxfield

Executive Director

March 11, 2012

My day started at 2:30 a.m.  Ron Baker was kind enough to cut his night short in order to take me to the airport for my trip to Zambia, via Nairobi, Kenya.  Flights were smooth, and I arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, on time.  I was met by Mailes and Oscar Ndao.  We drove straight to the church compound in Lusaka, where the morning service was in progress.  Immediately after the service, I met with the parents in a question and answer session.  Some excellent questions came out of that session, and we had a great time together.  I also shared the salvation bracelet, and the story of my 92-year old mother's ministry making the bracelets that are shared around the world.

Then the child interviews began.  Several things were noticeable.  First, these children's English was really good.  Many of them could answer in English without translation.  Second, they had dreams.   Pilots, teachers, engineers, accountants, even a professional soccer player (every Zambian boy's dream - Zambia won the Africa cup this year!).  Third, the children are receiving very good care and follow-up.  Mailes Ndao, the director, and the COP committee are well-organized, dedicated, and passionate about the children. 

Sponsored Child in Lusaka- A Very Happy One!

A long day.  A very long day.  An excellent day.  One that ends in good sleep, framed by a smile.

Dr. Paul Maxfield

Executive Director

A Sponsor Meets His Kids

March 10, 2012

John, left, and Aloyce, right

Today I write as a sponsor.  I had the privilege of spending part of the morning with two children I sponsor.  The first is John, whose family lives near Arusha, Tanzania.  We met at the Church of God in Arusha.  My wife and I first sponsored John when he was in the 3rd grade in 2002.  Today, he is seventeen, and in the third year of high school.  He has grown so tall!  The last time we met him was about five years ago.   He has really shot up since then.  He is doing well in school, and he is active in the church.  The longer we talked, the more he told me about his family and his school.  As out time came to a close and it was time to pray together, he grabbed my hand and didn't let go even after pray was done.  His hug was long and strong.  What a great kid he is, and what an honor to be a part of his life!

The second boy, Aloyce, is sponsored by a small group that my wife and I are part of in Indiana.  Our group has sponsored him since 2003.  He has just finished the fourth year of high school, and is awaiting his appointment to a school for his final two years.  He did execptionally well on his exam, scoring at a high level.  We learned also that at age 20, he is also the worship leader at the church.  He pulled out a CD that he had cut at a studio of original songs that he has written and sung.  He played one of his songs and sang along with it for us.  That a fun surprise.  I didn't know he had this additional talent.  It was so gratifying to see and learn of his leadership already in the church.  His family lives in another part of the country, and cannot afford to keep him in school, so his sponsorship, coupled with the hospitality of a family in the church who allow him to live with them, make it possible for him to be in school.  I can't wait to get home and show our group the video of Aloyce singing and giving a short message of "thanks" to the group.

What an emotion-filled morning!  But I highly recommend it.  Plan to visit your sponsored child.  You'll be glad you did!

In Babati Town

March 8, 2012

Today we stayed in Babati town where we visited with about 80 children.   I was so excited to see Pendo again.  Pendo is a high school girl that was sponsored a number of years ago.  I well remember when she was sponsored.  I was so excited that day - because, you see, Pendo, has some challenges that other children do not face.  But, honestly, I was even more excited today as I observed how she has grown, and what a fine young lady she is.  

Pendo is very small for her age, and she has deformed legs, although she can walk with the help of a walking stick.  She is a dedicated student.  Her English is outstanding!  I don't think I ever glanced at her today when she wasn't smiling.  As she interacted with her friends, she was constantly encouraging them, laughing, and helping.  She is obviously very well-liked.

Just another story of a girl from a village who would never have been able to get an education in addition to dealing with her disabilities.  But, because someone was willing to sponsor her, she has a bright future ahead of her.  When asked today what she would like to do in the future, she replied that she wants to work for the government as the district commissioner (that would be equivalent to a county commissioner in the U. S.).  More power to you, Pendo.  I believe you'll do it!
See you tomorrow.

Dr. Paul Maxfield
Executive Director

Meeting the Kids at Aldersgate

March 7, 2012

Today we met with the sponsored primary children at Aldersgate Academy in Babati, Tanzania.  What a great group of kids!  They are actually from various parts of the country.  Some board at the school and some live with their families in Babati.

We interviewed children from ages 5 - 15.  (Grades preschool through grade 7.)  It was delightful.  Here are a couple of lively preschoolers who not only spoke with me, but provided me with entertainment as well:

At the end of the interviewing, several of the older kids presented me with a special letter to all the sponsors of primary children at Aldersgate Education Center.  which I am including here.  One girl read it aloud to me in front of everyone. 

Dear Sponsors,
We are glad to see you coming to our school - Aldersgate Academy.  Actually all pupils under the Children of Promise programme appreciate the support they get, for it enables them to interpret their ambition.  So together we say, "May God bless you and we are still praying to wish you a long life."  Further more, we would like to inform you that we learn hard to make sure our good performances remain constant.  For example, a pupil called Mariamu Leopold who completed standard seven in 2008 became the first pupil in the region in the national examination, and she was supported by Children of Promise.  Likewise, the school administration receives congratulations from different secondary schools where COP pupils are learning.  Again, thank you so much.  Prepared by puils under the Children of Promise Programme (Safina).

Tomorrow we interview the children in Babati Town.  I'll be looking for you.

Dr. Paul Maxfield
Executive Director
Onsite in Tanzania

A Lot of Mud, and Then a Village

March , 2012

Kiru, Tanzania.  A village way off the road.   It rained last night, so the dirt road into Kiru was now a mud road.  We forded streams, navigated huge HUGE puddles (I wondered if they had bottoms to them), and bumped and slid all over our seats as Ron Baker “drove” the landrover over ruts, mud beds, and questionable detours.  It was a typical African trip to a village during this season.

Ron and Carol Baker, directors of Children of Promise (known as “Safina”) in Tanzania, are my hosts this week.  I am so impressed with them and their ministry.  They know the children well, pray and cry over them, do everything in their power to make decisions that will benefit the kids, and love the people deeply.  As I watch them interact with the parents, children, and committee members, I am so grateful that God can be trusted to provide just the right people for just the right places and times.  They are doing such an incredible job.  The people love them deeply.

Today we met a young man who is studying in the level (Form 3) equivalent to 10^th grade in the U. S. system.  He has never known his father.  He and his three brothers were raised by their mother until she passed away in 2008.   At age 21, he is working hard to finish high school.  He has two more years.  His desire is to be a secondary teacher.  During school breaks, he boards with family members.  During school months, he lives near the school by himself in a one-room apartment and rides a bicycle that the program provided for him.  He is doing the best he can in a very difficult situation.  The deep feelings behind his eyes betray him, though.  He has so much on his mind.  So much in his heart.  I pray that God will give him peace and joy as he walks into adulthood.  Who knows where he would be today if he had not been sponsored.  He has never received a letter from his sponsor in the twelve years he has been sponsored.   I pray they will write soon.

Well, a goat was butchered as we arrived in Kiru, a tradition when visitors come.  So, after the interviewing and wonderful singing by the children, the rice, goat, and beans arrived.  And, of course, those special little finger bananas.

I could write and write, but you have other things to do.  Tomorrow we interview children at Aldersgate Education Center – the children sponsored in the primary levels.  That will be fun.  See you then.

Dr. Paul Maxfield

Executive Director

March 5, 2012


Welcome to Tanzania!

Mother of a sponsored child - and who knows, perhaps a future sponsored child!

Magugu is famous for its rice.  As you approach the village, you pass by large fields of rice, each plant working hard toward the goal of harvest.  (Well, probably not, but it was poetic.)  As we visited this first site in Tanzania today, the people in the Magugu church demonstrated that they are really working toward their goal of harvest – that of bringing their children to adulthood as healthy, spiritually alive, educated, contributing members of Magugu.  The local committee knew each child, was knowledgeable about each child’s circumstances, and showed compassion and love toward the children, even as we met. 

Homes in Magugu are simple.  Made of mud and stripped tree branches, they provide shelter from the elements, but not much comfort.  Yet, their own comfort seems of little significance to these people as they go about helping the children, sharing the love of God in the community, and meeting together to encourage one another and to worship. 

The children in Magugu stared at me with wondering eyes.  It was hard to imagine what was behind their stares.  But when I began talking with them individually, I found humble, sincere, and very loveable people in small size.   I always talk with the children about what they want to do when they finish their education.  Today, these children had dreams – to be policemen (for sure, Magugu needs Christian policemen!), teachers, nurses, doctors, carpenters, pilots, drivers, journalists, engineers, and ministers.  And then there are the two responses that really warmed my heart in a special way:  One boy replied, “I want to help my parents.”  Another boy answered, “I want to work for Safina (Children of Promise).  Wow.

Well, I should tell you that at the end of the interview sessions and a meal of rice and beans, these precious people dressed me in the traditional blanket worn by men and gave me a mat handmade by one of the COP committee members.  They kept saying that they were small gifts.  They weren’t small gifts.  They were big gifts from a people who have so little materially, and so much in so many other ways.

The Magugu Committee takes such good care of the children!

Capturing the moment for the sponsor.

Tomorrow it’s on to Kiru.  I hope you’ll join me.

Dr. Paul Maxfield

Executive Director

Rwanda Looks to the Future

March 4, 2012

As I rode for the last time through the countryside and small towns from Ruhengeri to Kigali, Rwanda this morning, I was struck by several realizations about the progress this country is making despite the lingering challenges.


I encountered a prevailing spirit of anticipation for the future, a positive outlook toward what will develop.  I noticed this in the attitudes of the people I talked with both in the church and in the community.  There seems to be a focus on the future rather than a living in the past, at least among those I came in contact with.

There seems to be pride in the process of rebuilding after the atrocities of the 1994 genocide.  While they could be remaining in the dregs and shame of what happened among themselves just less than two decades ago, the people seem to be committed to building a better Rwanda.  They speak of their country with pride, its accomplishments, and its people.  This is significant when you consider what their people did to each other and their country in 1994.


I looked and looked, but I did not see one piece of litter anywhere!  The country's roads, parks, and cities are clean and manicured.  Of course, there is prevailing poverty, but it does not have the same look as in many other developing countries.  There is pride in the cleanliness of Rwanda these days.  Rwanda could certainy serve as a model for other developing countries in this area.


Add to these a prevailing spirit of determination and perservance and you have some important ingredients in the recipe for success.  Rwanda has a long ways to go, but they are out in front of many toerh developing countries in some significant ways.


My humble view.


Thanks for joining me today.  I am at the Kigali airport awaiting my flight.  See you later in Tanzania.

Rwanda's Treasures

Rwanda’s children are unquestionably its most precious treasure and most valuable resource.  Over the last few days, I’ve walked the streets; talked with children; and listened to the comments, burdens, and successes shared by Charles Nsengiyumva, national COP director in Rwanda.   I am more convinced than ever that sponsorship is so vitally important to this country.  We must continue to invest our love, our resources, and our prayers in these present and future leaders of Rwanda.  Yes, they are present leaders.  They are leading in their schools and Sunday schools, learning how to lead and support in Biblical ways.

This morning, Charles and I took a break from our intense administrative work and visited another of Rwanda’s treasures – the gorillas in the wild.  We trekked with a small group straight up the mountainside into the national forest outside Ruhengeri.  There we were able to spend an hour with a gorilla family of 14 in their habitat.  We observed the chief of the family, the silverback male, exerting his leadership, two youngsters wrestling and playing (the smaller one ran by me and slapped me on the leg because I didn’t move out of his way fast enough!), a 3-month old nursing and riding on the mothers’ back, naptime for the family, and the familiar gorilla stare as they contemplate your presence, but make no move to interrupt it.  It was an incredible experience.

And, from our guide, I learned so much about the families of our sponsored children who live in this area.  Their struggles with farming (the government is telling them what they can grow and what they can’t grow on their plots of land), their challenges in providing for their families, the pride in which they work, and the traditions which guide them in their everyday lives.

Well, they say the key to a successful blog is to be brief, so I’d better quit now before I completely obliterate that rule.  I’ll be traveling tomorrow from Rwanda to Tanzania, where I will be interviewing several hundred children in a number of sites, as well as working with the local director and staff.  So you may not hear from me for a couple of days.  But thanks for joining me today. Even more importantly, thanks for supporting Children of Promise and partnering with us in bringing help, health, and hope to children in 26 countries. 

I’ll be back soon.

Here are a some of my new friends from the Kuryama family group in Rwanda.

Dr. Paul Maxfield

Executive Director

Kids Can Make You Feel So Welcome


Evening, March 1, 2012, Rwanda Time 

"Hello.  You are welcome!"

There is just nothing like a group of kids running alongside the vehicle as you pull into a village or community.  This morning outside Ruhengeri, Rwanda, this group of children eagerly greeted me as I arrived to visit the church where seven children are sponsored.  "Hello."  "You are welcome."  Familiar echoes that always make me reach for the camera so that I can later recall the moment. 

When we arrived at the church, a group of church members were working hard to build an outside restroom.  Men stacked the homemade clay blocks while women carried handsful of mud to use as mortar.  All the while we were talking to these faithful workers, the children were smiling, tugging, giggling, and laughing.  I imagine some of their giggles were at this white, goateed stranger in their midst.  No matter, it was great fun.
The program here in Rwanda is doing great.  I spent the day with the COP director, Rev. Charles Nsengiyumva, and I am glad I did.  He and his committee have been working so hard to not only meet the needs of these desperate children, but also to improve and develop their program beyond the basics.

A great first day.  Enjoy the photos, and thanks for checking in.

Dr. Paul Maxfield
Executive Director