Sponsor a resident of the Jamaa Letu Orphanages
By Barbara Dadd Shaffer | Photos by Eric Sparkman
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, about 68 children and teenagers live in Jamaa Letu Orphanages (JLO). Who is responsible for them? Who is raising them? Who is funding for their care?
These orphanages are a joint effort of The Pacific Northwest Conference and The South Congo Conference of The United Methodist Church. Day-to-day care is the responsibility of the Congolese while funding is a joint responsibility. An increasing amount of local support is coming from the Congolese supporters of the orphanages. Most of the funds come from here.
How do we – meaning The PNW Conference – raise the funds?
There are a variety of ways. The largest source of funds is from sponsorships of the residents. If you are a sponsor, you have the opportunity to include the child or teen in your thoughts and prayers, to receive a photo, to share their story and yours with your friends.
Your financial donation makes the difference in the life of a child or teen. The suggested annual amount is $493 (donors often round it up to $500). More than one sponsor is need for each resident.
Does this amount need to come from just one individual or family? No. There are a multitude of ways to share the opportunity. For example, if four donors agreed to donate just $10 per month, the total would be close enough to the suggested annual amount. Or perhaps the entire congregation may choose to sponsor a resident.
If you would like to make a donation to Jamaa Letu Orphanages, you can send your gift to the PNW Treasurer’s office and indicate in the memo, “Jamaa Letu Orphanages”. Contact Barbara Dadd Shaffer for more information on how you and your church can sponsor a resident of JLO.
Visit hopeforthechildrenofafrica.com for more information.
Barbara Dadd Shaffer serves as the Chair for the Bishop’s Task Force, Hope for the Children of Africa.
