Throughout the slums of Nairobi Kenya, Please Pass the Bread supports feeding programs established inside schools where children in dire conditions of poverty receive the opportunity of a primary education. These centers are uniquely situated in the heart of communities struggling to survive one day at a time. Operated by pastors and people solid in the Christian faith, the poorest children not only receive tutoring towards a higher education but are also taught about the love of Jesus through the pages of God’s Word – devotion and times of worship coincide.
Something New
An immediate invitation to experience a rebirth in confidence and trust is offered by the New Hope Education Centre. But it’s the heart driven passion to serve the better interest of those in need, unselfishly and without reserve, that validates the declaration of a “New Hope”. The compassion to witness a manifestation of the truth that “All things are possible with God” fuels the perseverance of Pastor Edward and his team to change the lives of the poorest children in the slums of Soweto.
“In our school we believe that spiritual growth and development is about a loving relationship with God, and with others, and this is what we want to instill in our students lives. We want our students to grow up and internalize values and beliefs that will help them be loving people in society, having received, having been transformed and renewed by the love of God.
Spiritual Nourishment
The mission of Please Pass the Bread is simple: Jesus, The Bread of Life – Physically and Spiritually. The assurance of a Christ centered life is fundamental in our programs. Pastor Edward and his team place the same importance on living a faith centered life by involving the children in routines of devotion and Biblical teaching.
Pastor Edward speaks: “Our classes begin each day with morning devotions and prayer time. Teachers encourage students to pray for their parents, teachers, Please Pass the Bread and for themselves. We encourage student participation so as to grow their confidence in praying for themselves and also enhance their relationship with their heavenly Father. On every Monday and Friday there is a one hour focus on Bible study.
“Our students also take Christian Religious Education each year until they finish their primary education. Students are also encouraged to grow spiritually through weekly Saturday and Sunday children services in our church. Students are invited to be a part of the worship team, and to share other God-given gifts and talents with their peers in a school and church setting.”
Children Growing In Christ
We asked Pastor Edward to express his experience with the children as they learn about the Bible, the Christian faith and the love of Jesus.
“The children have grown to love the Bible, they love memorizing scriptures and putting the Word into practice. Their faith has grown tremendously as seen in their ability to openly express their needs to God through prayer. They know that God is the Supreme Provider for both spiritual and physical wellbeing. Most importantly, they know that God is the provider for the food we receive from Please Pass the Bread.
“There have been difficulties with the children as they are encouraged to live out their Christian faith. Those children whose parents/guardians are not believers in Jesus Christ have a difficult time at home as they see their drunken parents/guardians exhibit all sorts of bad public behavior. To such children, the only place they experience family love is within our school and church surrounding. In fact, many see me as a pastor and a parent, at the same time, therefore they love spending time with me.
“Due to this challenge we have given our teaching staff formal Bible training so they can be spiritually and emotionally competent to help serve the ever growing number of children who need our guidance, assistance and nurturing”.
New Hope
New Hope Education Centre accommodates an average of 180 students daily with meals provided by Please Pass the Bread, twice a day / 5 days a week. Pastor Edward and his team at New Hope are held in high esteem as they humbly walk before God, caring for the future of children battling to survive life in the Soweto slum.
While many accomplishments have been made, many challenges still lie ahead. But with arms stretched wide open and the pages of God’s Word understood more with each day served, the children in the slum of Soweto have an inspiring chance to remain refreshed in the new found hope of Jesus Christ – the Bread of Life.