For the Children's Sake Foundation

Dr Deb Kukal

AIDS has devastated families in Africa, leaving children literally alone, trying to take care of themselves. As I allow that truth into my easy, full and comfortable life, I want to gather them up and care for them. But I am not there, and I have no way to help. For the Children's Sake Foundation does the work I can't do in the world.

FTCSF meets the kids on the ground, in their day to day life, and makes a difference. I love knowing that the money I give does something specific and concrete. It provides a real desk and a blackboard. It provides a meal each day and a school where a child can feel safe and nurtured. FTCSF is being Christ in the world, showing children Jesus' love every day, in the very tangible experiences of the world around them. 

Perhaps the thing I like most of all is that For the Children's Sake Foundation works with the Africian adults who have already been doing all they can for these children.  When Dr. Nancy teaches those teachers, when she supports the efforts to build a healthy future, she honors the work they have been doing, and allows them to work more effectively to transform the lives of these children.

I can't go to Africia, but even if I did, I would not see the pain.  I would see parks and cheetas, giraffs and dances, all the shows for the tourists. Fun, yes, and valuable...but not the heart of today's Africia. 

I would not be shown the orphan children as they huddled around a candle in the dark, studying for the hope of a future.  I would not meet the hungry child who saves back part of his only meal to share with his sick mother at home.  I am not there to comfort him when his mother dies.  I can't take the burden from the tired grandmother who is struggling to raise all the children left behind, or hug the teacher who has taken children into his own home, doing what has to be done, and going without himself.  I can't even give shoes to the teachers who walk for days and sleep on the bare floor, so they can learn how to teach, how to help.  I would never see them, never even know their sacrifice, or their need.

But Dr. Nancy has seen each one of these situations, and many more.  And For the Children's Sake Foundation has helped each one.  So now I can help too, because I can give.  And I am so glad to have that chance!