This past month, Children’s HopeChest sent Samantha Kerr on a 3-week trip to Uganda, Swaziland, and South Africa. She was able to attend a Christmas celebration with Pastor Frank Harawa and the orphans of the Luganda Community in Durban. We only met Frank about a month ago, and 5 for 50 is proud to partner with him to bring Christmas to about 100 orphans he works with. Here’s Sam’s report:

Orphaned and vulnerable children from the Luganda Community just south of Durban, South Africa celebrated Christmas this year on the beach. The party was in two parts: Part I began on a Sunday with a presentation and refreshments with sponsors from a local Durban church (Westville Presbyterian).

Part II was held the next day with over 100 children going to the beach to play in the water and sand. The kids crammed in vans (of which I’m sure there was double the number in the van that should have been) and headed to the beach around 9 in the morning. While they were on their way there, Pastor Frank, his wife Patricia, his assistant Simphiewa and myself (Samantha) headed to the grocery store to buy lunch, beach balls and drinks. What an experience to buy 25 rotisserie chickens and over 100 buns.

When we arrived at the beach, the kids were waiting somewhat patiently and Pastor Frank gave them the rules. Then we headed off to the beach. I wish I could replicate the screams of joy as they chased the waves.

No snow for Christmas but big white waves and the kids had a great time! One of the girls that attended the party lives in a family house for orphans in Luganda. We’ll call her Ann. Ann is 10 years old and has already experienced more pain than a little girl should. Her mother was shot, her dad died of a stroke and she has been raped several times.

When I asked her what she likes about living in the home her reply was “I get to eat every day and have a place to live.”

We must continue to fight for these kids. For the Ann’s of the world. Her life is being redeemed. I found myself just thankful that she could play in the water and the sand. To experience a carefree day at the beach…

Please remember to pray for these kids during this Christmas season. To support the 12 days of Christmas, please go to this link and make a gift today.