Hard Lessons Learned Young

by Lydia Schaeffer - TOA Director

The realities of death are experienced too often and at such a young age here in Tanzania. By the age of 15, our five oldest children have already experienced a tremendous amount of loss through death prior to arriving at the orphanage. They have becomes veterans of deep grief in ways many children their age in the U.S. will never know. Recently, they had to face the death of a loved one yet again.

For the past year our children have been attending church in a town called Majengo, about fifteen minutes from the Treasures of Africa Children’s Home. They love going to Sunday school, attending the special youth prayer meetings, participating in worship practice on Saturdays and being part of the choir on Sundays.

The pastor and members of this church have also taken a special interest in our children. Last month they made a special visit to TOA, bringing with them bags of gifts for the children. The church had taken up and offering for the orphanage and with the money they purchased soap, sugar, flour, rice, and tea. We were so honored by their giving. This was all spearheaded by the pastor of the church, Bishop Mboya. The children loved and admired this great man of God and would even cheer when he stood up on Sunday mornings to preach.

This dear pastor, who showed such great love to everyone, including our children, suddenly and tragically passed away after a short illness. Jodie and I attended his funeral with our oldest children. They were visibly shaken by the loss of yet another loved one. Words cannot explain the sadness that the children are experiencing as they are now without their beloved pastor. Please pray for the Lord to give them strength and comfort during this time of loss in their lives.

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