Sunday, January 14, 2018

Jan 2018 Annual Sponsor Letter

January, 2018

Dear Cherish Sponsors and Supporters,

Each year at this time, as we begin a new year, we think of our students and their families in Meru who are starting a new school year.  What a blessing it has been to walk with these young people through the year!

Over the last year, CHERISH and HOPE have worked together in providing sponsorship for almost 200 children.  Through special donations, we have provided for the administration of the HOPE 
program and we sent over $8,000 to help our families and their neighbors with famine relief.  We rejoice that another 26 of our students were able to graduate from their high school, Form 4 !   There is much to be thankful for.

Most gratifying are the relationships we have built with our brothers and sisters in Meru and with each other.  We are touched by sponsors, who, upon the graduation of their student, ask to sponsor another student.  Or when hearing of the death of a student’s grandparent, the sponsor sends a card or funds to add to the community custom in Meru of helping the grieving family pay for funeral costs.  It was touching to hear of young girl in our congregation who asked for donations for the child her family sponsors instead of birthday presents.  And it is wonderful having people decide to give undesignated funds that can be used when special needs arrive. Letters to and from sponsors are treasured.  Relationships are precious !!! 
This year will bring more opportunity and new experiences.  A mission team will be traveling to Meru during the summer of 2018.  This time there will be families with children among our travelers.  We will hold an evening of comedy, music, and food to help raise funds for the trip: Sunday evening, February 11, 2018.  Save the date and watch for other ways you can be involved.   

Once again, we ask that you note our trimester wiring deadlines, March 5, June 5 and November 5.  If you are unsure whether you have already paid or not, just email us and ask. This year, the directions for giving online have changed a bit.  You can find details on our website.

Thank you for sharing in the blessing of this ministry.  Please check our website for updates on what happens through the year. 

God is good, all the time; All the time, God is good !

Blessings and Asante sana,

Karen Lau – Sponsorship coordinator

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