ITMI partners with local church
to benefit Zambian Orphans

ITMI is pleased to share that the Lord chose to work through us on behalf of our partners, these dear people who are laboring in the fields to reap His harvest. The most recent victory to give Him praise for has two encouraging dimensions.

Early this summer, ITMI partner, John Jere of Samaritan Children’s Home (SCH) sent ITMI a wonderful progress report, in which he shared with us the heart wrenching story of a nine-year-old girl named Memory Sakala. Memory had lived on the streets for four years before John and Joyce found her and took her in to Samaritan Children’s Home. When they found her, Memory was suffering from two STDs and was very scared because she had witnessed the death of one of her friends who fell sick and could not get medical attention. Memory now has a home with John and Joyce Jere, where she received a clean bed to sleep in, food to eat, medicine for her diseases, and the love of a family. This beautiful story was tainted by the fact that John and Joyce must turn down 25 children like Memory each day , but He is to be praised for the 63 children, including Memory, whom He has allowed to be taken in by John and Joyce.

Just after we received this report, ITMI received an invitation from Joy Morse and Kathy McDaniel of First Baptist Church of Tempe to be a part of their Africa-themed Vacation Bible School program, a one-week program for the children of the church and the surrounding community. The children attend VBS at the church each morning for a week, where they hear a presentation of the gospel, listen to Bible stories, and participate in crafts and games. This is a tool the church uses to build relationships with people in their community-and the kids love it. First Baptist Church of Tempe asked if ITMI’s Samaritan Children’s Home in Zambia could be the “mission project” of the week. ITMI gladly accepted. Bill Bathman, Steve Evers and the office staff begin preparing to share with the children about Samaritan Children’s Home, using Memory Sakala as a representative, or poster girl for the project. Complete with real, smelly trash, ripped and dirty clothes, and photos to illustrate life in the streets, Steve and Bill shared a story each day of what Memory’s life was like on the streets, and how much better it is now that she has a home at Samaritan Children’s Home.

During the week, the boys and girls competed to see which group could bring in the most pennies to send to Samaritan Children’s Home, to help more children like Memory. They were also encouraged to bring in small, light-weight toys, which could be transported to Africa for the children at SCH. At the beginning of the week, based on past years, the leadership of the VBS estimated that about $300 USD would be raised for the mission project. The VBS was extremely well-run, and the kids really seemed to be excited about all the activities.

By Friday, the children’s pennies equaled more than $500 USD. At the closing program on Friday evening, the Spirit led their parents to respond to the information they received about SCH and took the total to over $1200 USD! In addition, they collected four boxes jam-packed full of small toys for the children of SCH. We must again look to Jesus and shake our heads in amazement: the success of the mission project was not about the number of children in attendance, it was about His Spirit moving. If He moves in five little hearts, more will be accomplished for His kingdom than if 500 brains get together without Him! A deep expression of gratitude goes out from ITMI to those at First Baptist Church who responded in obedience to the Spirit’s leading and provided funds for John and Joyce Jere to care for their 63 children, adopted from the streets of Zambia, and to FBC leadership for their part in creating the opportunity for the Spirit to move.

If you are a part of a local church that does Vacation Bible School as a part of your children’s ministry, ITMI would be happy to partner with you in impacting the kingdom of God in such a wonderful way. Please contact the ITMI office at 480-968-4100.