Nourishment

Jason mentioned a gift that I received today on behalf of our congregation. It's an expertly carved pair of beautiful wooden milk jars. Our ZOE leader extraordinaire, Epiphanie, explained that such jars traditionally are given to mothers as a blessing in the hope that "they will always have what they need to nourish their children." 

Mothers--and fathers--nourish their children. We work hard to promote their growth, and our efforts begin before they are born. Today, Jason, J.J., Price and I heard several New Hope children say that ZOE has become their family: their mother, father, and siblings. As Jason mentioned, they honored us (and the whole BUMC family we're standing in for) as "parents" by preparing the first fruits of their corn harvest for us to all share.

This New Hope group, one month in to their second year in the program, has responded incredibly to the nourishment offered them through ZOE. Where they were once malnourished in body, soul, and spirit, there is now growth. They are healthier. They have food security. They are no longer alone. They are each working toward the goals they set when they began their journeys. They have tasted and seen--as we did today--that the Lord is good. It's something they didn't know before ZOE.

Ephiphanie's comment to me about the symbolism if the milk jars sent me here: "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." (1 Pt 2:2)

Lord, may the children of New Hope group continue to grow and thrive. We're so grateful to be playing a small role in nourishing these who are so precious to you.

J.J. helps harvest corn.

Alice Ingabire's recent eggplant harvest.

The beautiful poster sent by BUMC VBS kids to the New Hope Group.