Colour Supplement

Articles by Christians around the world

Sunday 6 January 2008

 

A special gift

by Tricia Anderson - Reader at St. Andrew's Church

 

A special gift .......... that's what the card said.

Peter, our middle son, asked what we would like for Christmas. Well, when you reach our age, there isn't much we want, not that can be bought for money, anyway, so we suggested a goat (as in "Henrys Goat", who may return from his travels to become the next Poet Laureate). What he gave us were Computer Classes - not for us, I hasten to add. Inside the card it explains:

"Many children want to be computer whizzes. Schemes like that of Christian Aid's partner AMO-Congo (A Better Future for Orphans) give them a chance to do just that. It has helped Beni, whose parents died from HIV-related illnesses. Through AMO, Beni attended computer literacy classes and found work in an office services bureau.

Beni stays with his aunt. While he has a room, his brother and sister sleep in a ditch without a roof over their heads. With the money he makes, Beni intends to pay rent on a house for them all to live in.

Gifts like this help people build skills so that they have the prospect of a more secure future."

Yes, this was a very special gift - the best we've had for a long time. Thank you, Peter.

Tricia

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