Students Helping Students

Last week in the United States it was fall break for many schools.  Most students use fall break to sleep in and stay in their pajama's all day.  This was not in the schedule for Brent Frieden.  Brent is a high school Freshman from North Springs Alliance Church in Michigan.  Last week Brent used his fall break to travel with his Aunt Nancy and three other ladies to do some much needed organizing in the depots on the mission.


Brent's Aunt Nancy works for ABWE.  She has made several trips to Haiti since the earthquake and has made a huge impact in the medical supply storage depots.  This group spent many long hours organizing and sorting through mounds of boxes.  On Tuesday morning they took a special break from their physical labors and embarked on a journey.


Brent and his sister Kayla have partnered with their youth group from North Springs Alliance to raise money to support Smannley through the BHM child sponsorship program.  Smannley is a 4th grade student who attends a BHM school in Fermathe.  The journey for the team began by traveling to Smannley's house to meet her mother and other family members.

After arriving at the house the group walked up a steep muddy hill and were warmly greeted by the family of Smannley.  The group gave the family a variety of food items such as rice, beans, sugar, powdered milk, and cooking oil.  They also brought Smannley some toys and supplies for school.  It was great that the group went to visit her family before visiting Smannley at school.  She has quite a long walk to school and back so it would not have been possible for her to make the walk home with all of her gifts.

Brent and Kayla encourage each student in their youth group to give one dollar a month to support Smannley.  Brent brought a picture of his youth group to give to Smannley.  On the back of the picture was the name of the youth group and an explanation that the students were praying for and supporting Smannley.  It brought forth great smiles from Smannley as she learned that these students cared so much for her.

The child sponsorship program at BHM requires the donor to provide $25 a month to support the child.  This small donation covers a variety of expenses and benefits for the child and school.  Sponsors are encouraged to write letters to their child and begin a correspondence.  Letters and other small items such as ponytail holders, crayons, etc. can be sent in envelopes through the mail and do not have to go through customs.  Packages are not accepted due to the great expense of customs.


If you or anyone you know would like to be a part of this program please visit our website, http://www.bhm.org.