“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4
The Impact of Your Support
From birth to young adulthood, Patmos Children’s Village provides a safe home for kids to learn and grow. Désiré, the Patmos Director, recently shared several stories that exhibit the positive impact of such an environment. Lives are being transformed because of the care that YOU help to provide. Thank you for making a difference!
The “Banana Baby” – Today
Some of you may remember, almost seven-years ago, the arrival of one “banana baby” boy. Désiré recently shared an update on this child. With a shadowed past, he may be the youngest to ever arrive at Patmos. Yet, thanks to a loving home, which you help to provide, the boy is now thriving. This is his story.
On Christmas Eve, 2018, rain poured heavily upon an Idjwi Island banana plantation. There, cold and wet, a baby lay abandoned among the leaves. He could not even cry. By God’s guiding hand, fishermen discovered the child at 5:30 a.m. They rushed to save the baby as it shook with tremors. It’s a miracle that he did not die!
Although the government searched for any who may be connected to this mystery child, no one came forward. That is when Patmos stepped in to welcome the “banana baby” home. They named him Samuel.
Today, Samuel is a joyful six-year-old, at the top of his class. He loves to eat cookies, play soccer, and sing in the children’s choir. Every Sabbath, he learns about Jesus. Samuel helps around the house, too. He is growing into a healthy, intelligent, and courteous boy.
“To our cherished sponsors and donors, thank you for your incredible love and support towards the orphaned and abandoned children like Samuel,” said Désiré. “Your kindness is the light guiding these children toward a brighter future, and we are truly grateful for your steadfast commitment.”
Backpacks and Uniforms
The start of the school year is full of excitement at Patmos Children’s Village! During this time, children receive new school uniforms and backpacks. These items are more than just school supplies. They represent the importance of education in transforming lives.
“Education sets a person free and increases one’s confidence,” said Désiré. “We have drawn a conclusion that education constitutes the first inheritance that a parent should leave to their children because it goes with us throughout our lives. Educating a child is the best way to make their future bright and help them fulfill their dreams so that they live their ideal life.”
Thanks to you, these children get to celebrate new beginnings. They get a chance to live full and meaningful lives. Thank you for making a difference!
Independence Ceremony
At Patmos Children’s Village, great care is taken to prepare young people for independent living. Children leave the village when they reach a milestone that will set them up for success. For example, two young men recently celebrated their independence ceremony after completing higher education: Henri and Japhet. Désiré shared a bit about that special day.
It started at 10 a.m. with the national anthem and an opening prayer. The day continued with choir performances from all age groups, meditations on scripture, and speeches of encouragement.
One thing that stood out in almost every speech was that the young men should never hesitate to seek support and advice from their very own family: the Patmos Children’s Village.
A former Patmos Child shared the following, “Remember the lessons you’ve learned, and know that the community is here to support you… Together, let us create a cycle of empowerment, ensuring that every young person knows they are worthy of love, success, and happiness.”
For the young children in attendance, the ceremony paused in the middle for spiritual-themed games! Finally, Henri and Japhet received gifts and enjoyed a special group meal. The ceremony ended at 4 p.m.
Henri and Japhet worked together to write the following message to the family of ICC sponsors and donors:
“Thanks to your efforts, we have access to education, nourishment, and the opportunity to pursue our dreams. We choose to define ourselves not by what we have lost, but by what we have gained and the positive impact we wish to create… Thank you for believing in us and for being a part of our journey toward independence.”
Will You Take Action?
Many children’s lives have been transformed thanks to the care of people just like you! Yet, even more children continue to arrive in great need. Will you take action to change a life – today? You can make a difference!
