how Upstreet is changing the world (happy new year to Eric in Kenya!)

So, I promised I would give everyone an update about our own little Advent Conspiracy in Upstreet... called PROJECT GENEROSITY. I think it's appropriate that this be my post on the last day of the year.

We challenged the kids to sacrifice in some way to be GENEROUS to someone in the world who is poor and doesn't have all the stuff they have (like food, clean water, school, doctor visits, etc...). Project Generosity was all the kids in Upstreet coming together to bring in money to be able to SUPPORT A CHILD THEIR AGE who lives in Kenya through Compassion International.

Well, it's my privilege to introduce you to the child we have sponsored - Eric Base Kiria.
He is 6 years old and in kindergarten (and has a birthday coming up on February 4th!) Through a Compassion project he gets to attend a church in his village. His favorite hobbies are ball games and singing. He lives in a small village near Meru, Kenya which is in western Africa. His home has a dirt floor, mud walls, and a grass roof. He mostly eats maize and beans. Malaria and pneumonia are big health problems in his area that has also been devastated by the HIV/Aids virus!

With the $ kids donated through Project Generosity we are able to change Eric's world. He is now going to receive medical care, hygiene education, Bible teaching, writing classes, food and clean water, and recreational activity. All for only $32 per month through Compassion International.
The cool thing is that when Eric asks WHY he gets all this stuff now, the person giving him the food, etc... will get to tell him "Because there are some kids who love Jesus and love you and want to help you like Jesus said to do."

In a small way, one child at a time, we're helping our kids be a part of God's movement to CHANGE THE WORLD. That's the kingdom, Here & Now. pretty awesome

& because of the generosity of some kids in Upstreet & Compassion International & an amazing God... 2009 will be a WAY more awesome year for Eric than 2008 was!

Happy New Year everybody & Happy New Year to Eric!