The Orphans’ Home

FEMALE 1

My name is Fara (fah-rah). I was asked to manage the brand new Kid’s Hope Orphanage here in Madagascar. We’re so thankful to the world church for their support. This residence was built with contributions made to the 13th Sabbath Offering some years ago.

I’ve been here for one year now. Since I arrived, we have welcomed 10 girls who would have no family, home, or future if it weren’t for this residence. The youngest girl is 7 months old, and the oldest is 7 years old. Sadly, each one of them has a tragic life story-that’s why they’re here. I know they may not realize it yet, but God has a very special plan for their lives.

I’ll never forget the day they arrived. Since then, they’ve grown so much. They’re our family now, and we love them a lot! Raphaline is the only other caregiver. Every morning, she and I bathe the girls and teach them about proper hygiene. We prepare breakfast and eat together, then we study the Sabbath School lesson for morning worship. Raphaline teaches the preschool lessons. We always make time for games, lunch, and even rest in the afternoon.

As the girls rest, we think hard to find solutions for the many challenges we face here. The obstacles, at times, feel insurmountable. We need God to intervene soon. Our operational funds are scarce, and we need more caregivers. The residence can actually host more girls, but first, we need to become self-supporting.

Behind the building, there’s room for a vegetable garden, chickens, and even a cow for milk. There are also women in the village who are willing to donate handmade crafts if we can sell them. We have many plans, but we know the right solution can only come from God.

Sabbath is a special day around here. The girls eat a delicious meal, then we put on our best clothes and walk to church together. At church, the girls meet other young friends, listen to Bible stories, and worship.

Above all, we pray earnestly that God will help us teach the children to follow the right path. We house them here at the orphanage in hope that they will choose to live forever in our heavenly home.

NARRATOR (MALE PREFERABLY)

This quarter, a portion of the 13th Sabbath Offering will provide needed resources for the Kid’s Hope Orphanage in Madagascar. Your contributions will also sponsor the construction of an Adventist orphanage and HIV/AIDS rehabilitation center in Mozambique. More projects in the Southern Africa region will go toward building or improving schools and community centers.

Please pray for members of the Adventist Church working in Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe. And thank you for your support of the 13th Sabbath Offering.

NOTES

Fara Rakotoarivelo - Orphanage Manager

1 year now - put the fence around, prepare grounds and building to be ready to receive children.

She cares for the children’s documents and working with the government, fund-raising. Favorite work, looking for children and accepting them is her favorite activity.

Lack of budget, lack of personnel, we are trying to be self-supporting by growing vegetables on the grounds and raise chickens and care for a cow. Start young trees to sell, future project for women to create hand-crafts to raise funds.

Girl-only orphanage because there is only one building. The children will live here until they are 18 years old.

Pray for financial support, your prayers can make a difference.

Activities with the girls. Now they have a church beside but they may have a local church for the girls.

Girls favorite activity is play because they are children. They like books.

Orphanage

Youngest 7 months

Oldest 7 years old

Youngest and another girl's mom is a prostitute. Some have come through the government others through Adventist women's ministry

Raphaline Raslananangnara - Nurse and Educator

4 months now - Theology

She is here to serve God and practice her Theology

Early in the morning, we help them to take bath, breakfast, morning worship, on Sabbath school lesson, teach them pre-school, time for games, lunch, there is a siesta after lunch, play,

Help them to meet Jesus and prepare them for the Lord Jesus Christ’s coming.

Their behavior is amazing. I am not an expert at teaching but I know angels help us in raising them to become good children.

I enjoy the fellowship and unity with the kids. They are touching me.

Biggest challenge, not enough personnel for the care of the children. I cannot go to church on Sabbath, it’s a full time job for the caregivers.

Ask the world church to support this project of caring for the orphanage. So that the management of the orphanage will run well, as it should be.