Children’s Relief International

I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him. The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.  Job 29:12–13. Chica sang today. She sang songs of praise and thanksgiving to God because in the midst of her poverty He has met her needs. Chica has outlived her husband and all seven of her children. She is elderly and cannot work. She has no one to care for her—except God and His people. Today Chica felt God's love as she was handed the keys to a brand new house. She will always have a place to call home in this life and the next. Thank you to our generous donors who made this gift possible. Today you made the widow's heart sing! To donate a home for a widow visit our Green Door Blog to read about our future home recipients. Then go to our Donate page and click on Other Ways to Give to donate.

Here is a newspaper article printed in the March 7th edition of the Livingston Enterprise (Montana). Story and photo are by Jean Skillman.   Shields Valley third-grader Reace Lannen, the 9-year-old daughter of Jamie and Katrina Lannen, came into the Bank of the Rockies in Clyde Park March 2 with four jars of money. When asked what she was doing she replied, "Raising money for a little boy in Africa." "Why?" was the next question asked her. To which she answered, "Because he is sick." Recently at the Shields Valley Bible Church, Reace heard Faith Petersen tell about her summer experiences at Children's Relief International Tessa Grace Center in Mozambique. Petersen spent two weeks at the nutrition center there, where mothers of sick children come once a week for Bible study, prayer, education on child care and nutrition, and where they are given food packets. Reace saw a picture of a severely malnourished child, Fernando, and set a goal to raise $365 by the end of March to support an African child for a year. On March 2 she sent her first installment of $592.66. Reace related she had not asked for money, only told people what she was doing, and AWANA kids, family and friends gave to her project. She said the money "came from God." While the bank coin counter took most of half an hour to count the coins, several bank customers and employees gave to her cause. Petersen has arranged for Valerie Dorsey, a registered nurse who runs the program at Tessa Grace Center, to come to Bozeman, Mont., April 30 to speak at 6:30 p.m. at the Commons on Baxter Ave. Thank you, Reace, for collecting coins for our kids in Mozambique. You are making a difference! If you would like to join Reace in helping malnourished babies around the world, click here to find out how to Collect Coins for Kids.

Carl Califano (also known as "Uncle Carl") is visiting India this week! Carl has served with CRI for 9 years. He trains our native leaders in effective project management skills, organizational planning, and micro-enterprise development. He is putting his skills and experience to good use, and we are so thankful to have him on board. After several visits to our ministries in India, the kids now recognize him and affectionately refer to him as "Uncle Carl." Today they showed him all they have been learning—reciting their numbers, the English and Bengali alphabets, and rhymes with hand gestures. Before Carl left the preschool, the kids crowded around him for a picture. Next stop, the Rajah Children's Home in Rajahmundry. Safe travels, Uncle Carl!    

Dear friends of CRI and the Ray of Light Project,
On the morning of the 29th a fire swept through much of the Cessito's home. The roof, office, all the computers, books, printers and modems were burned and destroyed. With the rainy season coming, they fear their will be more damaged due to the missing roof and no way to protect the inside of their home.
The Cessito's have been part of the CRI family for 11 years. Their loss and heartache is ours too.
We would like to raise $10,000 to help. Please consider a gift to the Cessito's to restore their home and replace items that were destroyed.
To give a gift via credit card, go to our donate page.
Under Give to our Projects you can choose Emergency Fund - Cessito's Fire Repair. (All gifts are tax deductible)

Anita Fredrick, CRI Missionary is hosting a "Taste of Africa" Benefit Dinner in the Chicago area. This year the Taste of Africa event will feature experiencing Africa. Awaken your senses to smell and taste authentic African cuisine; feel the rhythms of Africa in music and dancing; see A Day in the Life of Louisa, and hear stories about children in Africa. Date: Sunday December11, 2011 Time: 5 p.m. Location: Veterans of Foreign Wars 39 E Saint Charles Rd, Villa Park, IL60181-2411 Parking will be next door in the Jewel parking lot. RSVP: RSVP to the event by purchasing your tickets.  Once you've purchased your tickets an e-ticket will be e-mailed to you within 24 hrs. Purchase Tickets Here. Photo taken at last year's "Taste of Africa"