This time around I'll be working with the Child Development Program (CDP) for about 3 months. The CDP job is to mentor and disciple the children at the orphanage and make sure that they all know who Christ is, and secondly, who they are in Christ. It is incredible to be a part in the life change that I see taking place in these kids. Some of these kids spent years fleeing from the war. Some of these kids fought in it. Others can only barely remember their parents before a bullet claimed their lives. But all of them have a name, a dream, and a destiny. It is the CDP's goal to encourage those dreams, and to equip them to realize those destinies.
This week has been testing week, so I've spent most of my time helping the children study for their tests. The way the Liberian shool system works is this: a teacher copies the text from a book on the board and the kids copy everything the teacher writes in a "copy book" (a small paper notebook). If the kids don't understand, they receive little or no help. They memories everything in the notebook and are tested at the end of each period. I've had to use lots of rust arithmetic and geography to help the kids learn or relearn some of the things that they have been taught. I'll let you know how the kids did as soon as they get their report cards.
It has been so encouraging to come back 4 months later and see the change that has already taken place in the kid's lives. They are getting the attention the need and the love they deserve. I am incredibly humbled at the thought that I will be partnering with God to bring His kingdom in their own person lives. I'll try to keep posting pics of the kids as I take them. Maybe even do a story on a particular kid...
