The spring has been packed with adventures out west for the Children of the World team! From Hurricane Alley Water Park in Texas to the White Sands National Park in New Mexico, the spring months have been filled with breathtaking views, abundant sunshine, and lots of swimming—just the way the children like it!
While it’s bittersweet to see the 2015-16 Rescue Tour coming to a close . . . the team would all agree it’s certainly been a year to remember. The children will be returning home with wonderful memories of time spent together and making new friends all across the country!
“My favorite memories were when I met our team leaders, when we went to Disney World, and the joy of meeting other people.”
– Krisha (Philippines, age 11)
“It’s crazy the year is already coming to an end,” said co-Team Leader Joanna Studley as she reflected on the time she and husband, Tyler, spent traveling the U.S. with the team. “We have learned to look at the world through a child’s perspective again—which is healthy, even in our own spiritual journey.”
The amount of growth that can be seen in each of the children is truly astounding! It’s been a year marked by transformation—starting with members of the Children of the World team to church congregations across America, and most importantly, to the lives of impoverished children around the world.
“We are immensely proud of the growth of these children, particularly in their own personal walks with Jesus. Their curiosity about the Bible and hunger for knowledge is exciting, and it’s been a blessing to be a part of their journey,” Joanna said.
“I learned how to play American football and baseball, but I also learned how to speak English. I feel I changed the most in learning how to make good instead of bad choices.”
– Erman (Honduras, Age 9)
“I learned more about Jesus and how to speak English. I think I changed the most in what it means to really follow the Lord.”
– Yenifer (Honduras, Age 10)
“I learned how to play baseball, to sing better, and how to play Monopoly. I have changed the most over the last year in my prayers, in not being scared, and my hair.”
– Jofel (Philippines, Age 10)
“I learned more about Jesus Christ, how sponsorship works, how to take care of my things and myself. I learned how to do my hair by my own self and how to braid someone’s hair. I have changed the most in coming to America in not being lazy sometimes and in reading the Bible every night.”
– Gylian (Philippines, Age 10)
“We will truly miss this family: our staff and our children,” said Joanna. “It’s been a wonderful year of growing, praying, and learning together. It’s been a true pleasure to be at the forefront of World Help sharing about what’s happening around the world.”
Thank you for allowing this amazing group of children to become a part of your lives this year. Through your hospitality, compassionate support, and continued prayers, these children have come to understand the love of Jesus in a way that will impact the rest of their lives.
Please continue to pray for the children as they return to their home countries in June. Pray they will adjust quickly and continue to grow in the things God has taught them during their year in the states.
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