In past years, CFCM’s Christmas Outreach has taken place in one location and been organised and run by the staff team. But this year Elevate and Joseph wanted to give some of the volunteer trainers the challenge, the experience and the joy of making Christmas special for the children from their Bible clubs. The Christmas outreach budget was spread between 4 groups, from Phalombe in the southern region to Mzimba in the northern region.
Paul Gazeni reports from Milongo Christmas party in Phalombe district: “The Christmas party was so good and had a great impact on children’s lives. We ran sports activities as well at Bible stories and verses. The event was special because it was the first, and no one expected such gifts to the children. Even the local headteacher was so amazed and said “Really, there’s God in heaven who look on the needs of His children”. He asked me to continue working with the children so that their lives can continue be in influenced by Christ.”
The “gifts” Paul speaks of were exercise books and pens for every child, and school uniforms for 3 boys and 3 girls from the neediest families. One boy wept on receiving his first school uniform. Teachers who were assisting thanked CFCM for addressing the children’s educational needs as well as their spiritual needs. Parents thanked God and CFCM and all well wishers for the support provided to their children. They commented that the Christmas party caused their children’s faith in Jesus to increase, and to recognise that He is truly the provider of the needs of His children.
Ellness Mphalo ran a Christmas party for her Bethany Bible club, in Makumbo, Mzimba district. She also used her budget to provide school uniform for 3 children, as well as sweets, drinks and donuts for every child. Ellness was overwhelmed at the attendance, and how the children enjoyed eating together and learning the Word of God together regardless of their different denominations.
There were tears of joy from the parents of those who received a school uniform, and appreciation for the impact the Christian teaching at this CFCM Bible club is having on the children’s behaviour. Ellness expects that there will be increased attendance at her Bible club next year, and she will try to respond to the demand for Bible clubs in some of the nearby villages.
Esther Lipenga was assisted by Maclova to run a Christmas party for 100 children at Mwanyama Bible club in Mangochi district. She reports: “Children had enough time to sing Christmas songs, play ball games and other games, they had Drama and they recited Bible verses. They learnt a Christmas Bible Lesson entitled “Jesus is the Light of Life”. This area is strongly Muslim, and one parent came and removed their child during the Bible club, but all the other children fully participated.”
Esther continues: “For a lot of children this was the first time they had ever received a gift! That made this Christmas party so special to them for they were able to experience the Love of Jesus in sharing.”
A fourth Christmas party was organised by Patience Manda at her Khuwi Bible club in Ntchisi, attended by 200 children. A total of 468 children attended CFCM Christmas parties, and around 100 of them gave their lives to the Lord. We praise God for the work of the volunteers who rose to the challenge and made Christmas special for so many children and faithfully taught them the Gospel message. And pray that as they continue to work with these children, their faith will grow and they will become strong disciples of the Lord.
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