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EW Update #16
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Christmas at Eagles Wings

Like the world over in countries where Christmas is celebrated, in Zambia some shops have been putting up Christmas decorations and celebrations are beginning.  However, there is quite a difference between how you and I traditionally celebrate Christmas and the celebrations of many families and children in Zambia.  This was brought home to Mark when, with the aim of finding out more about how Christmas was celebrated, if at all, by the children in our care before they came to the farm, he asked Peter and Patrick if they received any gifts for Christmas last year.  They gave a knowing look and remained silent.

The exchanging of gifts is such a prominent way we in the west celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ, but is it the same in Ndola, Zambia?  As Lackson tells, our western ways are definitely becoming popular in Zambia as the youth today see films showing the attractions and trappings the world has to offer.  In the villages small gifts are exchanged at Christmas but nothing like on our western scale.  Sadly many locals also hit the taverns and quickly become intoxicated on Kachasu, a local type of beer.  For Christians however, there is a different focus at this time of year and many poor villagers celebrate by going to church on Christmas eve, singing and praying all though the night (drinking Umunkoyo (a non-alcoholic drink) to give them stamina).  The following morning they attend church once again followed a special chicken lunch.

Happy ChildrenSo how is the birth of Jesus Christ celebrated at Eagles Wings farm?

In a world greatly affected by commercialism yet in an environment so affected by poverty, celebrations at Eagles Wings farm are culturally appropriate and include attending church in the morning to worship our Lord with fellow believers followed by a special chicken meal for lunch.  Any gifts received at Eagles Wings (whether at Christmas or any other time) are appropriately distributed by Lackson and not necessarily at the time they are received.

Please remember the children and Eagles Wings workers this Christmas and pray that in this age of great consumerism, we all will celebrate our Lord?s birth in a way which glorifies him.

?Praise be to God for his indescribable gift!? 2 Corinthians 9:15       
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