By Sherry Boyd

We’re in the middle of our annual Latin America ChildCare Christmas parties.  We were wondering how the recent terrorist attacks would affect our program, especially the giving of our sponsors.  In spite of all that has happened, God has been faithful.  We have actually received more help from our sponsors this year than we received any year before!  If you are one of these sponsors, God bless you for your generosity.

We sent out a student report from Panama in October to all sponsors.  We wanted to give them a little glimpse into the life of their student from the perspective of his teacher.  This has prompted more participation from our sponsors, which has been wonderful.  One sponsor was so thrilled to receive the report that they sent us an email telling us they wanted to do something special beyond providing a gift for their child.  We were able to carry out his wishes by having a class Christmas party that included a Happy Birthday Jesus cake, a special gift for the teacher, as well as a small gift for each child in the class.  This was such a blessing to this group of 6^th graders.

The program has grown in Panama.  We now have more than twice as many children sponsored than we did six years ago, in three times as many schools.  We just surpassed the 1,000 children mark!  It’s becoming harder and harder to “personalize” Christmas shopping.  We always buy the same gift according to grade and sex.  In this way we treat all children fairly.  But the number of children in each grade has grown to the point where it’s almost impossible to find 50 of a single item.  But we’ve discovered that the more “personalized” we shop, the more content are the children.  The children enjoy the Christmas parties and take the time to write a thank you note to their sponsor.

We are making lasting memories for these students as they see the giving-spirit of their sponsors.  I overheard a conversation between two fifth-grade boys at a party just yesterday.  One boy told the other how excited he was to receive the model motorcycle he had just opened.  He explained to his friend how special the gift he received last year was and that he still plays with it.  I was so blessed to hear what LACC meant to this boy and was reminded of the privilege I have to be a part of this great ministry.

Over two hundred children are still waiting for someone to become their sponsor.  It is impossible for us to purchase a Christmas gift for children who don’t have a sponsor.  Would you consider becoming a sponsor?  The $28 monthly commitment helps a child attend one of our Christian schools where he receives a quality Christian education.  In addition, we ask you to remember your child on his birthday and a Christmastime, with suggested $15 offerings.  If you’d like to sponsor a child, call the Latin America ChildCare office toll free at 1-800-289-7071, or visit the LACC website at www.LACC4Hope.org.  Thank you, in advance, for making a difference in the life of a Panamanian child.