The Least of These

In Matthew 25:40 Jesus says that whatever we do for those that are considered the "least" in the eyes of the world, it will be as if we did it to Him. Today we met a group of children that many would put into this category. Who really cares about 60 or so HIV positive kids in one poverty stricken area of an African city of 2.5 million people that most Westerners have never heard of?

Jesus cares and so do we.

Children lined up in the background waiting for lunch

The feeding program is run by Easter and Wozifera Ngoma, pastors at a large church in one of the compounds in the city. Compounds are what most of us would consider a slum, and there are many different compounds throughout Lusaka. Three times a week the program feeds children that are HIV positive in order that they are able to take their anti-retrovirals effectively and safely. Usually they have nshima and a vegetable. Sometimes they are able to provide some chicken also. The children are taught about God's love and promises, as well as given instruction on good health practices.

Many of the children live with grandmas or aunties that can be too busy to remind the children to take their medicines. Some churches in the area preach that they do not need to take their medicines if they have enough faith. The Ngoma's program exists to remove any barriers to growth and health.

Waiting for their lunch

Today when we visited the program, each child was able to take home a large bag of mealy meal (their staple corn product from which they make nshima) and a bottle of oil. This bag will feed a family of four for about two weeks.

While it was overwhelming to see the need surrounding us in the feeding program, it was also incredibly uplifting to see what a few Christ followers with little resources have been able to do. Through the Ngoma's vision, support of a few generous U.S. donors (including TLC) and community volunteers, there are over 60 HIV positive kids in Lusaka that now have a significantly better chance of growing into adulthood. Additionally the program will soon be expanding to include education and support for young adults ages 17-24 that are HIV positive.

I think that makes Jesus smile.

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