I had the most incredible weekend. My husband and I were priveleged and honored to meet Dave and Jean Ohlerking. The Ohlerking’s are founders of the organization Children’s Cup. There was one thing I just really loved about them–is they are so intense! This couple has a passion to help the hurting and to share God’s love to those that many of us in the western world has turned a blind eye to.
Children’s Cup works to feed, clothe and educate Aids Orphans in Africa. They establish Care Point Centers . Currently Children’s Cup has 12 Care Points in Africa and are looking to
continually establish more centers around the world, as well as to continue helping in Africa.
Children’s Cup APPROACH:
It takes a comprehensive approach to the orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) issue and requires treating the whole child. A CarePoint becomes a central point for providing the multiple services necessary. Physical needs are met by providing a meal and vitamins daily. Immunizations and voluntary HIV/AIDS testing are offered. Volunteers teach HIV/AIDS education. Children’s Cup invests in these children mentally by making preschool, basic literacy programs and job training available. Social support is important, teaching life skills through a youth outreach program. Kids’ Clubs on Saturdays give extra support and moral education. Extra care and attention is given to orphan-headed households.
Dave and Jean are doing an incredible work to help these precious children. Aids has left over 60,000 orphans in Swaziland alone and the number is expected to rise. These little children are exploited in ways that are humanly unimaginable. It’s not uncommon for children as young as 2 years old to be raped. My heart broke as we talked at a local restaurant for hours. Within moments, I knew that this was a global problem- not just an africa problem , or an aids problem..and then I realized, this was my problem. Many of you have come to know me through my art, then you knew my heart to help and give back. I have to do something to stand up for the innocent and defenseless ones who can’t take care of themselves alone.
Soon you will be hearing more from me with an opportunity for you to join with me and Children’s Cup as we make a difference. Please consider helping feed, clothe, and love these precious little children.
I’ll post more as my mind can clearly communicate just what my heart is feeling!
I’ll post more as my mind can clearly communicate just what my heart is feeling!
The rock artist Bono, of U2 said it like this:
The poor are where God lives. God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is where the opportunity is lost and lives are shattered. God is with the mother who has infected a child with a virus that will take both their lives. God is under the rubble in the cries we hear during wartime. God, my friends, is with the poor, and God is with us if we are with them.
