October 17, 2024

Alive Moments October 2024

What an incredible month it's been across the globe! Our Kids Alive communities are buzzing with hope and transformation. These moments remind us of Jesus' deep love and how support from donors like you can impact lives.

Join us as we dive into October’s Alive Moments and celebrate the remarkable ways God is working through each of our programs!

Hope, Healing, & Justice in 7 Countries

Peru: Over 2,300 people received important medical care from 40 American doctors.

Lebanon: Our KAL team gathered for a 3-day retreat to kick off the 2024-2025 academic year.

Kenya: A young girl at Nairobi Hope Center embraces her identity in Christ and receives a scholarship to continue her studies abroad.

Zambia: The KAZ team visited 3 female correctional facilities, providing donations of toys, food, clothing, and hygiene items to children of incarcerated mothers.

Haiti: On International Youth Day, psychologist Holkens Camil led a talk on mental health and academic success for the students. 

Guatemala: Conviction of an aggressor was achieved for a young girl who was a victim of violence.

Dominican Republic: The new school year is kicking off, and this year, we're serving 2,500 students, with about 200 students entering a KADR school for the first time.

Peru

In Manchay, Peru, access to quality healthcare is often a luxury many can't afford, but through our recent Medical Campaign at CDE El Oasis, hope was restored to over 2,300 people in vulnerable communities. In partnership with MADEL and MMO, we provided medical care, consultations, medications, and educational workshops impacting children, adults, and the elderly.

One woman’s joy was overwhelming when she received new glasses: "I didn't think they would give me glasses, and then the doctor gave me another pair for the sun. I wanted to cry from the emotion because nobody knows what others are going through, and I didn't have the money to buy my glasses, which I had needed for a long time. Thanks to God and the doctors who came." Moments like this remind us how life-changing these efforts are.

We're grateful to the 40 American doctors who generously donated their time and expertise, healing physical ailments and restoring dignity and hope. Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger community.

Lebanon

In September, the Kids Alive Lebanon team gathered for a three-day retreat to kick off the 2024-2025 academic year! The days were filled with worship, prayer, and important academic updates as we launched our vision for the year: 'Growing Together,' inspired by Ephesians 4:15, "Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ."

We invite you to join us in prayer for our children and staff. They face many more challenges today than they may have anticipated when attending this retreat. Their theme of "growing together" has taken on a whole new meaning as they seek opportunities to support and care for refugees coming to their area. Pray for the Lord to keep them safe and guide them on ways to support the kids and families during this time.

Kenya

Meet Lily (pseudonym)! She is a brave young woman in her early twenties with a story of resilience and faith. After losing her parents and two brothers in a tragic accident at just three years old, she was raised by her grandmother. Now pursuing a medical degree in Nairobi, Kenya, Lily faced a turning point when the support she relied on was abruptly withdrawn.

In her darkest moment, a kind Samaritan rescued her and brought her to our Nairobi Hope Center, where she found the support she desperately needed. Through prayer, therapy, and a recommitment to Christ, Lily began her journey to healing and self-discovery.

With God's grace, she received a scholarship to continue her studies abroad. During her embassy interview for the scholarship, the interviewer asked her, "Who are you?" Lily confidently declared, “I am a child of God,” leaving a lasting impression on the interviewer.

At Kids Alive, we use what we call "Life Declaration Cards" to remind us of who we are in Christ. Thanks to support from donors like you, Lily has embraced her identity in Christ and no longer feels alone. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in faith and the hope that can transform lives.

Zambia

The Kids Alive Zambia team visited three female correctional facilities this summer, providing donations to children of the incarcerated women. By Zambian law, mothers have the right to keep their child aged 4 years and under with them while incarcerated. Children above the age of 4 years are placed with extended family or are admitted into alternative placements such as residential care facilities, foster care, or adoption.

We were able to share toys, food, clothing, and hygiene items to the children supporting their physical well-being. The team also shared the word of God with the mothers and encouraged them to initiate reunification discussions with their respective families.

Haiti

In celebration of International Youth Day, our psychologist, Holkens Camil, hosted a session with students focused on the connection between mental health and academic success. He explored key topics like youth mental well-being and the factors that can contribute to academic challenges. It was an insightful and preventive moment, equipping at-risk children with the knowledge to recognize early signs of poor mental health and take steps to avoid academic setbacks.

Guatemala

The victim was 9 years old when she first experienced abuse from her cousin in her own home. The violence was repeated at least 3 times. She forgot the events, but when she was 12 years old, her aggressor tried to abuse her again. She did not allow it and started to scream and cry, which was a trigger to remember what happened before. The only people who believed her were her parents and her brother. Her other relatives did not.

The violence this adolescent girl experienced left her feeling insecure and constantly sad, deeply affecting her self-worth and view of the world. However, the conviction of her aggressor brought her a sense of justice and hope, something she once thought was impossible for girls like her. 

In addition, Kids Alive has initiated additional protection processes for the girl and her family with another NGO, under the “Protección en Tránsito”(PTA) program of the UNHCR, because the family has suffered constant threats. This program is a refugee/asylum program that seeks to help relocate children.

With support from Kids Alive Guatemala, she has become more cheerful and has begun her emotional and spiritual healing. Thanks to donors like you, Kids Alive was able to also cover 50% of her medical costs when she contracted dengue fever and provided hospital care. Although she is still in the early stages of psychological recovery, Kids Alive continues to protect her and her family through the UNHCR's refugee program due to ongoing threats against them.

Dominican Republic

We eagerly began a new school year at our seven Kids Alive schools in the Dominican Republic. Approximately 200 students entered a KADR school for the first time with the vast majority being 3–4-year-olds. With our expanding holistic care and established good practices, Kids Alive schools represent much more than a solid academic education. They represent true hope for both our new students, their families, and their communities. The school year comes with excitement and joy. Nutritious meals, stimulating games like chess with friends, learning letters and numbers and studying the Bible are all part of regular routines. Additionally, medical care and supplemental nutrition help meet the needs of certain students as needed. We count it as pure joy to be able to reach the lives of children from vulnerable situations and provide this new hope in a difficult world. Overall, this year we will serve approximately 2,500 children and youth in our schools and associated programs while strengthening families, communities, and local churches in various ways.

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