LOOKING BACK

Keeping Perspective Can we really transform a community? As was shared in the last update, this seems to be the challenge laid down to Eagles Wings. We can all see in a wonderful way, God?s hand on this ministry. Not only is He interested in those that we serve but He is interested in Eagles Wings as an organization as well and much growth and development in the programs and structure of Eagles Wings in taking place. Only a few years ago we were all very much ignorant to community development. We did not even know what this term meant. We just knew that something had to be done in this community. When you see a young boy or girl living on the streets, selling themselves for little more than a bowl of rice, or when you see young orphaned children living in compounds with no hope of an education one cannot walk away. While some of the issues related to developing communities living in extreme poverty may be complex, to the people we serve it is much simpler: Do we care enough to reach out to them in their time of need? So, while Eagles Wings continues to learn about effective methods of community development, our experience in dealing with children who are suffering helps to make clear a simple truth: Without love it is all meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:3).

Health Seminar for Parents and Guardians While we have really missed the services of our Head Teacher due to illness, the Education Program has moved forward. With the addition of the new Community School we are able to have a greater impact in the children's lives. The potential of this new facility was displayed recently when we were able to squeeze 90 parents and guardians into one classroom for a full day seminar on health and family planning. Thanks to a donation from Victoria Point Baptist Church, we were able to share information on health issues that directly affect the community. In a country where families are being decimated by a lack of education in health areas this is a vital step. In Zambia, one does not have to look far to see this, as daily Eagles Wings is confronted by death within the surrounding communities. It is sad to see children dying of preventable sickness and disease that is so easily treated in other countries.

Self Sufficiency at Eagles Wings In our Full Care Program we have been looking at increasing our self sufficiency in the area of food. It is amazing how much 30 growing children can consume! Some very committed supporters have been raising funds specifically for this purpose, which has allowed us to plant 200 fruit trees and build a chicken shed that will house 400 chickens. This will go a long way in satisfying the hunger of the children and God willing, there will be remaining chickens that we can sell.

We can't CONTAIN our excitement! A big thank you to all those involved in sending container number two! After many months it has reached its final resting point at Eagles Wings. The goods will be a lasting benefit to our work and the smiles on the faces of all staff tell the story of our appreciation.

MEET MIRIAM NAMUKANZYE

Miriam is 13 years old and attends Eagles Wings Christian Community School (Kanyala). Her mother passed away in 2003 and since then she has lived with her father. He works in a small shop as a security guard and earns a small salary to support his four children.

Why do you like school?
I like school because when I complete school I can be able to take care of my parents.
What have you been learning at school?
I have been learning English, Bemba and Maths.
What do you do after school each day?
After school each day I go through the lessons I have learnt and help my parents with house chores.
What games do you like to play?
I like playing games and netball.
What is your favourite food?
My favourite is nshima with beef and I also like bread.
When you finish school what do you want to do?
I want to become a teacher so that I can be helping people to learn.
How long does it take you to walk to school each day?
I don?t have a watch but maybe it can be 15 minutes or so.
What have you been learning about God?
I have been learning that God is good, so I should love all people and talk to God all the time.

A FEW WORDS FROM TEACHER, DANIEL ZULU
Daniel teaches the children at Eagles Wings Christian Community School (Kanyala)

I've been working with Eagles Wings for over three months now. As a community school teacher I have felt quite privileged and blessed to be part of God's life changing program through Eagles Wings. Working at the community school would have been more of just a task for me, but I thank God Eagles Wings started me with a rich spiritual training with Mr. Thomsen. The training has equipped me with all the necessary tools needed in this ministry.

I am glad to proclaim that God has been faithful. It's awesome how he works when we let him. I have seen his faithfulness in my personal life and the life of the children he has entrusted into my hands. When I first entered my class, my heart bled as I looked at the hopelessness in the faces of the children. I could almost read on their foreheads "dysfunctional backgrounds, orphaned and hopeless, unloved, abandoned and deserted." This list of what each face read could be endless. I am thrilled to know that, although we have not solved all their problems, together as a team we've managed to have them realize who they are in Christ and give them some decent literacy.

One of the good things I appreciate at Eagles Wings is the endless training going on for the staff members. I mean training ranging from spiritual growth, financial management through to academic enrichment, which provides me with just the strength I need in ministry.

To every one of you involved in this ministry in one way or the other, you may never comprehend the amazing life changing results of your prayers, material and financial resources and any other investment in this ministry. GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU. "he who began the good work in you will carry it onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

LOOKING AHEAD

It is almost that time again: Eagles Wings Camp for Disadvantaged Children begins on the 2nd of July. The first camp in 2004 was a wonderful time for everyone involved and already we are really looking forward to seeing new leaders and new children participating in this program. To fully appreciate what camp means to these children consider where they come from, how they live and witness the struggle of poverty, the hand of an abusive guardian or the hurt of losing parents. It is hard to imagine the excitement that these children will feel when they see with their own eyes the magnificent Victoria Falls, hear with their own ears the animals roaming in the Game Park and touch with their own hands the mighty Zambezi River. Such children are selected to join us on camp so that they may experience the love of God through Christian leaders, testimonies from those who have overcome life's trials and experience a life different from what they experience everyday. Through camp, Eagles Wings encourages these disadvantaged children that they can dream, that they can have hope and that they can know they have a purpose.

We continue to thank all those who support and partner with us in various ways. You all help to make this ministry to hurting children and their communities possible. We all dream of a better world and while we know we will always have the poor among us (John 12:8) we cannot turn aside or walk away from them. Eagles Wings must fight for those who cannot and speak for those who have no voice. May we all look to those in need and not walk away. May we always reach out in love to the hurting communities wherever we are.

FINANCES FOR THIS QUARTER
January - March 2006 based on K2400/AUD

Income - $26,949.75
Expenses - $30,752.55

Expenses - Programs - Education, Full Care & Community - 76%
Administration - 4%
Building Projects - Chicken Shed & Fruit Trees - 20%

2006/2007 Budget
Eagles Wings budget for the 2006-2007 Zambian financial year is inclusive of all daily running costs, Eagles Wings Camp for Disadvantaged Children and $55 000 to construct Stage 2 of Eagles Wings Christian Community School (Monkey Fountain).
Total Budget - $170,000.00

Monthly Running Costs
$9,000.00

Please note: In Eagles Wings previous update the word double orphan was used. This is a term used in Zambia to describe the situation of a child who has lost both parents. The term single orphan describes a child who has lost one parent. Also, Eagles Wings Christian Community School comprises both the original community school in Grace and Truth Baptist Church in Kanyala and the new community school in Monkey Fountain. They are registered under the same name and for ease of reference will be referred to as either Eagles Wings Christian Community School (Kanyala) or Eagles Wings Christian Community School (Monkey Fountain).