Patrick is the ultimate handyman and gardener. He is loved by all and full of goodwill. One day, Patrick arrived for work uncharacteristically late, not smiling. He had received news of his sister’s death. It was a shock. She left behind three young children. Patrick has four kids himself, a small house, and barely enough money for expenses. But he and his wife have decided to commit themselves to trust God and accept the responsibility of caring for his sister’s children as if they were their own. They realize that more than food and shelter, the kids need a mother and father and family.

In Kabwe, Zambia, not far from where Patrick works, there is a local orphanage that hosts about 50 orphaned children. These kids have no extended family able or willing to take them as Patrick is doing for his nieces and nephew. OM Zambia staff members visit the orphanage once a week, and there has been a change in the children since their first visit. Once sullen and quiet, the kids now run, laugh, sing, pray and play games. From the moment the staff members arrive, children run from one to another, jumping into arms, soaking up attention and hugs.

Of course, these children need more than weekly visits. They need a modern day Boaz like Patrick who will faithfully accept the responsibility of caring for them. But for now, through this local orphanage, they have food, shelter, education, and the knowledge of a loving God.

The staff at the orphanage can see a difference in the children after only a year with them. When the kids first came to the school they were starved, both physically and emotionally. Now they are healthy and know they are loved. They’ve been taught through word and deed about the love of Jesus and the truth of the Bible while getting a well-rounded education. The vision for the school is that these children will grow to be a light to their families and community.

Your prayers are needed for this OM partnership in Zambia. Please pray for the children and that all the needs of the orphanage will be met.