February 24, 2004

Letting Children Know They Matter

Children at risk in Zimbabwe

Harare has increasing numbers of street kids hanging out on every corner and the median age is decreasing. Last month, Lovemore Home got a call from “Streets Ahead,” a day program for street kids, asking if they had room to accommodate six young orphaned boys who were living on the streets. The youngest boy is 6 years old. We met the boys the day after they arrived at Lovemore and we fell in love with them. They are so bright and cheerful, just precious. Imagine how we felt the next day, when we heard about their backgrounds. All of them have been severely abused sexually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually by older boys, men, and women on the streets. Three of the six have venereal disease. We were horrified and heartbroken. They deserve so much better. They need to know that they matter to God, and to us.

Additionally, we have located a loving extended family member who will care for this boy when he is on term break. The staff at the Home will continue to follow up with pastoral care, school fees, uniform fees, and travel costs. They will also maintain a connection with the boy’s extended family caregiver in order to ensure a high level of quality care for each of the boys.

PZCCR has had a significant role in helping to educate vulnerable boys and girls at the Presbyterian Secondary Schools at Mhondoro and Chitemere. In 2003, 45 at-risk students received scholarships through the Outreach Foundation’s scholarship projects for these two schools.

As we travel around Zimbabwe, we observe the rapidly escalating needs of children. The Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa (UPCSA) has responded to this need by requesting that the PZCCR expand its work beyond Harare, the capital city, to include the entire country. The target of this expanded work will be to provide church-based and community-based care for orphans and destitute children.

The statistics are so overwhelming that they sometimes do not compute in our minds. For instance, we learned recently that by the year 2005 there may be as many as one million AIDS orphans in Zimbabwe. The need for action is incredible.

Responding to these critical needs at this time in Zimbabwe’s history will not be easy, but Bobbi and I are convinced that we, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), can respond to this call if our congregations at home can be informed and motivated. Will you join us in the struggle to address some of these crucial needs? (More specific information is available on request.)

Here are a few ways you or your church or group can help:

• Every day hold Zimbabwe’s vulnerable children before the Lord in prayer.
• $1,500 fully supports a boy at Lovemore Home for a year.
• $400 will pay for tuition and uniforms for a year in a day school.
• $800 will pay for tuition and uniforms for a year in a boarding school.
• $40 will pay for textbooks for a year for one student.
• $50 will sponsor a child at pre-school for a year.

We are asking you to prayerfully consider how you might help impoverished children reach their full God-given potential.

Thank you for the way you encourage us through your prayers and your support. We are grateful for your partnership, especially in this ministry to vulnerable children.

Trusting in Him,

Bob and Bobbi Snyder

The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 64

To support children in Zimbabwe, contributions may be sent to: Central Receiving Service, Section 300, Louisville, KY 40289. Write the title (Children of Southern Africa) and the ECO number on the subject line (ECO #047937) of the check and put it on your cover letter, too. Send a copy of the cover letter to the Office of International Evangelism at 100 Witherspoon St. Louisville, KY 40202-1396. Or click here.

Please write or email us at rpsnyder@mweb.co.zw with any special designations and the amount of your gift, so we can make sure your contribution is used the way you intend.