BCI Program Director Cares for Wounded Child

It is always an exciting day when we receive photo updates of our children. We found a treasure in our most recent update – a video taken several months ago that warmed our hearts. Our Ethiopian Program Director was filmed providing medical care to Fitsum Girma. Until this summer, when she was able to have surgery to treat her Osteomyelitis, Fitsum required frequent medical care. Her wound had to be carefully cleaned and bandaged daily for many months.

We have a number of social workers and staff who could have provided this care. We found it touching that our Program Director took on this responsibility himself. In the midst of all of the tasks he has to complete to keep the program running for more than 200 children, he carved out time in his day to personally treat Fitsum. We feel blessed to have a Program Director who cares so much for each and every child in our program.

Take a look!

Our Resourceful Staff

We are blessed to have a wonderful staff in Ethiopia committed to helping us live out our mission. Our staff members are skilled at maximizing all of their resources. It is their passion for fulfilling the BCI mission that drives them to do this. Those who have traveled to Debre Zeyit on a mission trip or internship have witnessed this first hand.

An excellent example of their skill was recently on display when they took on the task of hand making new desks for our kindergarten students. The existing desk chairs were starting to break, and the older kindergarten students were outgrowing them. Rather than purchase new desks, which would have been expensive and not exactly according to the student needs, our staff made new, custom desks in our workshop.

Making our own desks saved money and the desks take up less room in the school, allowing more space for the students to move freely. Each desk is able to hold three children, and the new desks are comfortable.

We love to hear these stories of our staff making wise choices and stretching our resources. Not only does this help us do the most good possible, we also believe they are a great example to the children at BCI Academy.

Building Hope

Sometimes in life it is necessary to take a leap of faith and trust that God will take care of the details. We are doing this in a big way right now as we have just made a commitment to expand BCI Academy to add a fully licensed high school.

Representatives from the state government’s school administration office recently visited the school and informed us of the steps we need to take to fulfill the state licensing requirements for high school. These steps include a new addition to the school as well as various supplies and training.

With the new addition, we will be able to provide our children with a complete education from start to finish that meets all state regulations. This project has longevity, as it will touch students now as well as for many years to come.

This is a special opportunity for donation with name recognition. We are seeking six major donors to build four classrooms and two science labs. You may choose to have the room named after yourself or in honor or memory of a loved one.

Science Lab (2 available): $2,200
Classroom (4 available): $3,500

We cannot move forward with this building project without your help. Would you prayerfully consider whether leaving a tangible legacy in Ethiopia is right for you?

There are additional ways you can help. We need leads on:

• Capital funding grants for international Christian non-profits
• Gift matching programs
• Corporate sponsorships

We also have a variety of smaller needs.

Gifts of any amount will help move us one step closer to making this high school build a reality. Donations can be made online at http://www.blessingthechildren.org/donate or mailed to the BCI office:

Blessing the Children International
2267 Fraser Road
Kawkawlin, MI  48631

Please direct leads and inquiries to Info@BlessingTheChildren.org

Thank you for your continued support of our children. Please keep our school in your prayers as we embark on this new adventure!