He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles… Isaiah 40:29-31

LOOKING BACK

Friends, we would like you to celebrate with us as Eagles Wings Christian Community School has opened! Looking back, God’s hand can be seen at work in all that has taken place in order to see this dream fulfilled. Many people have helped, from those praying and giving to those going - you have all taken part in what is happening at Eagles Wings today! Orphaned children from the poorest homes and abused, abandoned street children with no hope now have an opportunity that is a right for all children.

While uniforms and desks were not yet ready, excitement levels were still high as children filled the classrooms for the first time on Monday the 16th of January. Soon the enrolled children were organized into their own classrooms. As these children met their teachers, other hopeful children were sent to Eagles Wings smaller community school at Grace and Truth Baptist Church, which has unlimited class numbers, characteristic of community schools within Zambia. Shortly afterward, the first-ever assembly at Eagles Wings Christian Community School was held. It brought tears to eyes as the children bowed their heads while Teacher Maureen prayed and then as disadvantaged children sang praises to God in English and Bemba.

There are now 56 children enrolled at Eagles Wings Christian Community School in grades one and two, their faces telling the story of what this school means to them. In grade two is Castro and Gift. Ten year old Castro turned to the streets when abandoned by his father. Gift, also ten years old, is a beautiful girl who knows rejection and extreme poverty. These children know what it means to be hungry, to lose parents, to be abandoned. Are they worth the effort? The answer is simple. Yes. You have believed that they are worth it and now they can understand through practical means that somebody cares for them. Praise God!

MEET RICHARD MUBENGO

Richard is 9 years old and lives at Eagles Wings under our Full Care Program. He is one of the students enrolled at Eagles Wings Christian Community School. He is a double orphan who, after living with an abusive guardian, ran away from home. Whilst he was offered accommodation from strangers this was always temporary and after spending three nights sleeping in a tree near a compound tavern, he was brought to Eagles Wings.

What Grade are you in? One
What is your favourite subject? English Literacy
What is your favourite thing about the new school? What the teacher tells me. She takes a very big Bible that she tells stories from. Then she asks if we like God. It’s funny ‘cause two of my classmates say they don’t like God.
Do you like God? I like God very much.
What is your teacher like? She is beautiful and she likes teaching us a lot and spending time with us. I like her a lot.
What are you learning about? Nothing! (With a little more prompting…) Reading and writing and reading about animals.
What do you like to do after school? Playing marbles and just sitting around.
Do you like living at Eagles Wings? Yes because I want to learn and finish school.

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR DIRECTOR, LACKSON MATOLOKOSHI

‘A happy moment for Eagles Wings and me is the opening of our new community school. This is one of our dreams that has come true and finally the school is open. It is lovely to see children from the poorest families coming to the new school. It is also good seeing Chantelle getting involved and setting up the administration. Upon seeing all this we now know that Eagles Wings is not going backwards but growing up and therefore we thank God for the work that He is doing in our lives and also the lives of the children under Eagles Wings. Thanks you and God Bless.’

LOOKING AHEAD

As we look at the work in front of us it is a little daunting to say the least! Surrounded by poverty and suffering it is important to remain focused on the direction God is leading us. At present, it seems as if God is focusing our attention on education for the whole community. Here in Zambia we feel a sense that, not only are we to educate the child, but we are also to look to this child’s existing parents/guardians and interested community members for adult classes. We feel peace that to create such a program will be more effective in relieving poverty within the community and strengthening the family. In Term 2, God willing, we hope to begin adult classes. This may be more challenging than teaching grades one and two but the long term reward should be a great benefit to the community!

Increasingly, we are being blessed to partner with organizations like minded in their vision and beliefs who specialize in areas that compliment our current programs. We would like to briefly introduce you to these partnerships that have formed, as you may hear more about them in future Updates.

Baptist World Aid Australia (BWAA) became our first partner organization in 2003. Their experience in development work and adult education is invaluable to us as we seek to look at ways in which we can improve our current programs. They have placed 30 children from their SAO program (Share an Opportunity) into our new Christian Community School and will provide an implementer to assist these children and their families within our community. We have also linked with BWAA for our Camp for Disadvantaged Children this year. We will continue to assist one another for the sake of the poor and oppressed in our community. For more information visit www.shareanopportunity.org

Project Dare is an exciting fundraising venture that will test the physical limits of those involved. Four climbers will spend 40 days on the side of a cliff in Tajikistan. Their cry is ‘Going to extremes for youth in need.’ They have chosen four organizations that will benefit from the funds raised including Teen Challenge, Jordan House, Scripture Union and Eagles Wings. All funds raised will go directly to these four organizations. We really admire and appreciate the courage and conviction of those involved in this daring adventure. For more information visit http://www.projectdare.org

International Teams (ITeams) specialize in training and equipping individuals and teams to participate in short-term missions. Their particular focus is on sending these individuals and teams to organizations that assist disadvantaged children. They have partnered with us for our Camp for Disadvantaged Children this year and we look forward to this partnership developing throughout 2006. For more information visit www.iteams.org

We hope this has given you more of an insight into the work of Eagles Wings and a glimpse of where God is leading us in 2006. We are passionate about God’s call to care for those who suffer and with your help will strive to give what we have to those who have not.

FINANCES

This section will start at the beginning of the Zambian financial year which ends on the 31st March.