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Children Step Up for Families

Tough Times

It never ceases to amaze me the accomplishments children can achieve, but more importantly and impressively, their hearts behind it. The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but one of the largest hurdles the families in our programs have had to face is watching the prices for their basic needs increase dramatically. Parents are doing all that they can, going above and beyond working long hours, extra jobs, and difficult jobs to provide for their children. And God has been good and faithful to care for them and take care of their families. 

But in the midst of this we’ve seen something that we didn’t expect: Children desiring to use the hobbies they enjoy to find ways to help provide for their families financially. 

Three Incredible Children

Alexis, María and Enmanuel all live in Cuba and attend our children’s program there. They have each discovered tasks they can complete with their own hands to help provide for their families’ basic needs.  

Alexis learned from a relative to make aluminum rings out of useless coins. He now gives the rings to a friend to sell them, and uses the income to help the family.  

María plants cactuses of different kinds in old various containers and once the plants are established, neighbors come and buy them. María joyfully gives the money to her grandma to buy the loaves of bread they need for the day.   

Enmanuel was given two rabbits and decided this was a good opportunity for him to start a business raising rabbits for extra food and money. With no animal shelter or means to buy anything, Enmanuel began collecting used materials from around the community and built his own make-shift cage for his rabbits.  

None of these children were asked to carry out these duties, but these three amazing kids found ways to help their families meet their most basic needs, while doing something they enjoy. 

Humbly Challenged

I’m humbled as I have learned about these incredible children. They were not asked to help out. They initiated finding a way to help on their own. They found the tools they needed to complete their tasks. And more impressively, they have done so with joy. Enjoying their hobbies and desiring to be a blessing to those they love most.  

We have been gifted with so much and yet we often find ourselves grumbling to complete our tasks. These children do so with a smile and find joy in doing it. They find joy serving. They find joy being used by God to make a difference in the lives of others.  

My prayer is that we too would not only be grateful for the opportunities we have to provide an income for our families, but we’d also find joy in looking for opportunities to bless others. What a difference this would make not only in our own lives, but in the lives of those around us that need a Savior and would see Jesus in us. 

Picture of melaniekruse@forwardedge.org

melaniekruse@forwardedge.org

Melanie has always had a heart for making a difference in the lives of others, especially those facing difficult circumstances. Deeply influenced by the love of Jesus, she longs for others to discover the same hope that has shaped her own life. She and her family sponsor three children and have been blessed with the opportunity to travel and spend meaningful time with them. Known for her love of organization and attention to detail, Melanie thrives in roles where she can use these strengths to serve others. At Forward Edge, she is grateful for the chance to combine her skills with her passion for ministry, saying, “I love that I can use my gifts to make an eternal difference in the lives of people around the world.”
Child Nutrition

Nourishing Bodies, Transforming Lives: The Impact of Meals in Kenya

In the heart of Kenya, where many children face the daily struggle of hunger, a simple meal can be life-changing. At Forward Edge, we’re not just filling plates—we’re filling lives with hope, strength, and opportunity. Our programs in Kenya provide nourishing meals that empower children to focus in school, grow in their faith, and dream of a brighter future. Discover how something as simple as a meal is transforming lives and bringing lasting change to communities across Kenya.

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stories from the field

Learning to Smile

Many of us have seen profile photos of children in sponsorship programs; they are often solemn, sad and sometimes down-right angry looking. I know I have thought at times, “Wow, that poor child must be so unhappy!” But then I come across a video from the same organization in which

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children's programs

Three Elements to Changing Futures

Two Lives Forever Changed  Adriana and Itzel both grew up with difficult home lives but everything changed for them when they joined Trigo y Miel, Forward Edge’s program in Oaxaca, Mexico. As children, they didn’t have many material possessions, but because of the program they were privileged to hear about

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Bringing Hope

Elvin’s Journey of Hope

“Every Saturday, my heart was filled with joy,” says Elvin, reflecting on the love and care he found at Cornerstone Kosova. Growing up in the harsh realities of Kosova, Elvin once faced a life full of hardship. But through the community’s love and the teachings of Jesus, his life was transformed. Now 15, Elvin’s journey of hope continues, and he’s sharing that same love with others.

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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Bonjou (hello), my name is Sonica

  • location

    Haiti

  • 6 yrs. old

    07-16-2019

Entered the program: March 2025

Sonica lives with her mother and older sister in a rented one-room structure with a sheet metal roof. They share one bed. Cooking and toilet facilities are outdoors and shared with other neighbors. They have no electricity and collect water from a public spigot that they boil to drink.

Sonica’s mother is a single parent and the sole provider for the family. She sells foodstuffs as a street vendor to take care of her daughters. The family usually has only one meal a day.


Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.