Congratulations!

Ninety-two students from Rehoboth Christian School, Oxford Reformed Christian School and Jordan Christian School (all in south western Ontario) took part in a 24 hour hunger awareness campaign to raise funds for John Calvin Christian School in Barranquilla, Colombia. Well over $14,000 was raised to pay for the salaries of two of the teachers there!

Word & Deed extends a hearty thank you to all the participating students, Rehoboth student council for organizing the activities, the team of chaperones who sacrificed a lot of sleep and to all the generous donors.

Two teachers also played a pivotol role - Mr. Dick Naves as even organizer, and Mrs. Sarah Vlietstra - thanks very much both of you!

Cazuca, Colombia - note from a student

Jessica Marcela Gómez Naranjo(sponsor student at Altos de Cazuca School)

11th Grade

I have lived in the neighborhood El Arroyo for seven years now. Few days ago, a landslide took place around my block. Many houses were destroyed and the authorities requested me and my family to leave. We had to leave as soon as they asked us to; we had to take out all our belongings at 1:00 a.m. and we had to sleep on the street that night. The following day, we moved into another house located in the same neighborhood, we left our things there and sleep in an improvised shelter with many more people, while the relocation problem is solved.

Thank God we have received many blessings. I want to thank CDA (Word & Deed's partner) for being with us during these hard times, for all your help and support and for all the assistance they have provided us with. At this moment, thank God, my family and I are very good and we are closer than ever as a family!

I never thought we would receive so much support and solidarity. To me, it is very rewarding to know that my family and I are not alone.

On behalf of my family, I want to thank you with all my heart!

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU!

Spring Magazine

Take a look at the most recent magazine! Click on the picture above to read articles.

Colombia - collapsing homes

Over 47 homes have collapsed near the CDA Christian school in the Internally Displaced People (IDP) Zone of Altos de Cazuca just outside Bogota, Colombia. There are another 140 homes at risk. A number of the families affected have sponsor children in our school (jointly supported with Word and Deed Holland). Word & Deed North America has sent $10,000 in emergency funding to purchase beds, blankets, tents, food, personal care products as well as health care (a health brigade is also being organized).

The cause of the multiple dwelling collapse was apparently the cumulative affect of rain water, ground water and sewage slowly undermining the homes, perched on steep hills and cliffs, and causing them to collapse down the hillside.

Please pray for the families and the CDA workers. If you can support this recovery effort please send donations with "Cazuca Recovery Project" on the memo line or donate by clicking on your country's flag on the right of the screen.

Click here to find out more about our projects in Colombia.

Below is a picture taken near the school in February.