Bulverde, Texas, September 1, 2011 – Bracken Christian School received a thank-you letter from Father Mathew Legge, Director of the Department of Religious Affairs, State of Central Equatoria, Juba, South Sudan.
“I wish to thank you for your most wonderful gifts to our children. Your exceptional contribution made our children very happy. With their new backpacks, they are able to protect their precious (and few) books and school supplies from the heavy rains while walking to school,” wrote Father Legge.
Bracken teacher Lynn Stafford introduced some of her students to her friend Dorothee “Dottee” St. Germain, President of African Children’s Services, two years ago. The students were so interested in her ministry that they wanted to help.
They sold sodas during lunchtime and raised over $400, hoping to provide something for the children of Juba Orphanage Home. Jansport employees used their own money to buy 75 backpacks for the children, and the $400 was spent on school supplies to fill the backpacks. Jansport paid for the shipping of the full backpacks.
Besides the letter from Father Legge, the Bracken students received a letter from Ms. St. Germain as well as personal letters from all the recipients of the backpacks, handwritten in English, usually with the help of the older residents of the orphanage. As return gifts, they enclosed kitenges, which are wax print designs on fabric, a part of their traditional dress. They also sent books for the students to learn more about their country.
Last year, the 8th grade class decided to continue the relationship with Juba Orphanage Home. They sold baked goods and bracelets in an effort to raise funds for a particular resident of the home, Justin. Justin has a severe epileptic disorder and has been approved for humanitarian medical care. Due to his special needs, his transportation will cost in excess of $100,000, and all money raised was given toward that fee.
Bracken Christian School, a K4-12 school in Bulverde, partners with Christian families through the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit to provide an excellent education within the context of a biblical worldview, equipping students to impact their culture for Christ.
For more information, contact Angela Gilbert at 830-438-3211.