In Their Own Words...

The last two C2H2 blogs have been focused on development and how grieving children may respond to death and some practical ways adults can support them. I thought it would be interesting to interview a few adults who have had a loved one die when they were young. So, for the next two blogs I will be sharing what they had to say...in their own words... "The main thing I remember is being told how to mourn. My grandfather died after a four year battle with cancer and even though we had plenty of time to say goodbye, it was still sad. My grandmother was of course exhausted from taking care of him and I guess pretty much out of tears by the time he died. She told us we weren't allowed to cry at her house, during the memorial service, anywhere. The ten cousins, to obey, tried to keep things light hearted then would get scolded by our grandmother for not being serious enough. It was very confusing. Kids need to be able to express themselves....guided and monitored, but we can't be told how to express ourselves or we will never feel comfortable or really know how to handle grief the next time it comes."

- Jennifer's grandfather died when she was 15 years old

"Parents should know its okay to talk about the person that died and share memories. Allow kids to talk about things when they are ready. Also, during different times of our lives will bring up different pieces of grief."

- Katie's brother died when she was 10 years old

"Recognize that a child may try to take on the role of the second parent and that the parent has to assure them that they can handle things and for the child to not worry about the adult things."

- Amy's father died when she was 9 years old

As adults walking alongside children who are grieving we strive to support them to the best of our ability. With God's presence, love and guidance He provides what we need. He is with us.

Pray With A Clear Mind

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7

Recently as I was preparing to share some verses on prayer with our staff, I came across 1 Peter 4:7. It was a stark reminder that we need to be of sound mind, sober, calm and collected so we can pray.

The first part of this verse reminds us that we are to be aware that the end of all things is near. There should be an urgency to our prayers. Keeping our focus where it belongs - not on what is happening around us as much as on the Sovereign One.

What does it mean to pray with a clear mind?

When I think of praying with a clear mind, it reminds me of the innocence of children's prayers. They are so direct in their petitions, asking God questions without pretense!

Here are a few examples from a site called sermon illustrations:

Dear God: Who did you make smarter? Boys or girls? My sister and I want to know. Jimmy, 6

Dear God: How many angels are there in heaven? I would like to be the first kid in my class to know the answer. Norma, 8

Dear God: Please help me is school. I need help in spelling, adding, history, geography and writing. I don't need help in anything else. Lois, 9

Dear God: Do you have any helpers in Heaven? I would like to be one of Your helpers in Heaven when I have summer vacation. Natalie, 7

Being clear-minded also reminds me of coming before the throne with respect and reverence for our Heavenly Father. He is the one we can rest in and bring our every concern to no matter how great or small it may be.

The next time you enter into His throne room, may your approach be with a clear mind and an open heart to receive His love and blessings!

Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

 ..."I will put my trust in him." (Heb. 2:13)

'Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus--just to take Him at His word.  . . .  The words and melody of this old familiar hymn (words by Louisa R. Stead and music by William J. Kirkpatrick) have been running through my mind in recent days. We soon will celebrate Mother's Day, a day when I always pause to thank God for my wonderful godly mother. A very poignant memory for me is of my mother's voice, weak from a long debilitating illness and within a few days of her Homegoing, singing this hymn. She trusted Him for her salvation from sin into eternal life, in the "ups and downs" of her daily living, and in the valley of the shadow of death.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7

... I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. Psalm 52:8

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:4

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. Isaiah 50:10

Where ever you are in your life, whatever challenges and trials you may be facing, whatever celebrations you may be experiencing, our God is great, and worthy of your trust.

How To Support Grieving School Aged Children And Teens

 

Children  ages 7-11 generally understand a little more about death, although a young 7 year old may need to be reminded that death is permanent but can grasp the concept more quickly. Children at this age can sometimes think in terms of cause and effect. They may think that they did something to cause a death. Therefore, it is important to reassure the child that they did not cause the death and talk about death as being part of the life cycle.

 

Teens often look like adults but we must remember that in fact they are still teens. Teens have a lot going on in their world, it is a time of significant change. They are trying to figure out who they are and what they believe. Peer groups are highly important to teens. Therefore, providing an opportunity for teens to meet other teens who have had a loved one die can be very helpful. Be available to talk but also provide opportunities for another trusting adult (outside the family) to support the teen.

 

Here are some possible reactions and some helpful hints on how adults can be supportive:

 

Children 7-11 years old

 - Have a greater understanding that death is final

- Can view death as punishment

-  At this age children are very curious and may ask specific questions and desire details about death, for example, about the body, etc.

 

How adults can help:

- Answer questions appropriately and honestly

- Encourage expression of all feelings

- Offer choices

- Provide physical outlets to express grief

- Listen and provide a time to talk about the death

 

Children 11 years and older

- Understand death more fully

- Peer group is very important, may be more willing to talk to someone outside of the family

 

How adults can help:

- Encourage verbalization

- Provide choice

- Honesty

- Model, older children and teens look to adults on how to grieve and express emotion

- Be available but do not attempt to fix the situation

- Offer a support group where there are other children and teens who have had a loved one die

 

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

 

He is with you. He is close.

Praising God for Ghana Blind Camp 2013

Praise the Lord!! We were able to have a very successful Easter Annual Camp. March 27 - April 1.

God gave us a great line-up of Bible Teachers/Preachers. Pastor Alex Boamah, our old Camp Staff from Aburi, eastern part of Ghana; Pastor Joel Quansah our friend and also a former Camp Coordinator now serving under Joni & Friends and Pastor Richard Avavor a Blind evangelist, one of our old campers we had a part in training, now win souls and serve the Lord in his village and other Christian leaders were used by God to inspire our Campers.

Praise the Lord!! We were able to get enough food and donation to cover the entire event.

Eight weeks before the Camp, we started raising funds for the Campers. We needed 60 dollars for each camper, rental of additional Tables and Chairs, food to feed 200 Campers per day, fruits and vegetables for the guest speakers. Praise the Lord!! Each preacher paid for his own expenses in order to get to the Camp, for which we say – Thank you so much.

As usual our prayer partners in US were incredible. They sacrificed and gave the money they could. We were not able to raise all the funds, so we started asking for donations of food, firewood for cooking from our local friends and partners. God used some friends to supply us with all kinds of foodstuffs. We also contacted some women in the market to supply us with some food on credit.

Praise the Lord!! We had 15 saved and 16 for re-dedication. Each soul saved is fruit for your account.

The Spirit of the Lord was good and the excitement for the Camp was very high. During the meeting we averaged 178; we had approximately 45 first time campers. Many lives were transformed by the preaching and teaching of God’s word. This was great event with (11) Pastors present. We are excited about the Camp Ministry God is Blessing.

Statistical Breakdowns:

Youth with Blindness – 140

Elderly with Blindness – 10

Guides with no Blindness – 29

Children with no Blindness - 9

Praise the Lord!! We have already received the additional $10,000 to cover the cost of a pick-up-truck.

We love you all very much for your faithful prayers and investment in the lives of these precious souls. Please pray for our finances and the need for a pick-up truck. Recently $3,000 was received toward the purchase of used one. Additional $10,000 is needed to cover the cost.

Other Requests:

• We still have problems with our Land because of encroachment. Please Pray!
• Also pray that we can raise funds to buy our Blind Campers Braille materials. We can buy a Box of Braille sheets for $30.00. We have many Blind students in the Akropong School for the Blind who are in need for Braille sheets for class work.

Check Out the Pictures