Many children at Lusungu Children’s Home in Chingola, Zambia, will soon go to sleep in comfortable, newly refurbished beds, thanks in part to the children who recently participated in Vacation Bible School at Okarche First Baptist Church.

Taking satisfaction in knowing they’re sharing the love of Jesus and a safe place to sleep for less fortunate children in Africa, their donation of $630 will go toward the restoration of 50 donated bunk beds to be included in a shipping container bound for the orphanage.

Also volunteering their time, members of Okarche FBC youth group helped move a portion of the donated items and presented the VBS check to 33 Welding representatives who are restoring the beds, along with Grant Gallupe of Area 81 Construction.

When finished, the beds will be added to the shipping container which volunteers have been packing for months with a large variety of supplies donated by Kingfisher County residents and surrounding communities.

Coordinating the effort for a second time, Delinda Barnett said she became aware of the children’s needs on her first mission trip to the orphanage in 2015 and continues to pursue ways to serve the children there.

“The children live in extreme poverty and appreciate every little thing,” Barnett said.

Since that initial visit, Barnett has returned six times, along with other volunteers, always bringing suitcases full of donations for the children, as well as having coordinated the previous shipment which overflowed with love and generosity from the community.

Witnessing the impact of those donations, Barnett said all of the donations are being utilizing to benefit the children.

A pavilion was built with a donated welder, picnic tables were added for the children to eat their meals on and new beds, clothes, toys, bikes, sewing machines, medical supplies and so much more have become daily blessings to the children, she said.

Currently housing over 100 children, the non-denominational, Bible-based organization was established by Bishop Caddie Ngambi and his wife Rodah to provide for the many orphans of Zambia.

Having been orphans themselves, Ngambi said they minister to children who “have been orphaned by one or both parents due to HIV/AIDS or are victims of child abuse.”

Furthermore, he said some children are victims of sexual abuse and babies who have been abandoned for various reasons.

Most of the financial support they receive for daily operations comes from the nonprofit organization Mercy Kids Africa located in Broomall, Pa., but special projects, such as those supported by Kingfisher County residents, are primarily funded from outside sources, Barnett said.

“We are dearly thankful for the steel beds we will be receiving and the many important items we have received thus far,” Ngambi said.

“Your donation of beds and other items to the orphanage will undoubtedly help the center provide a comfortable sleeping and relaxing atmosphere where the children can sleep peacefully, also increasing their concentration at school and boosting their mood.”

Although a significant cost is involved in the logistics of shipping the container from Kingfisher to Africa, Barnett said sharing the gifts of love are certainly worth it.

“Many of the items we send,” Barnett said, “are either unobtainable in Zambia or are of very poor quality and it’s making such a difference in the lives of so many children.”

Expressing her thankfulness for the abundant generosity provided by the local community, Barnett said, “We have received an overwhelming outpouring of love and donations and are so grateful.”

As volunteers have been steadily packing every inch of the shipping container, Barnett said more mattresses are still needed to accompany the bunk beds as well as additional funds for shipping expenses.

“Lives are being changed and with unconditional love and a better quality of life, the children slowly learn to trust and grow into adults who are making a difference in other lives,” Barnett said.

Quoting Mesut Barazany, Ngambi said, “‘Your future depends on your dreams…,’ and you’re helping each of these children to achieve their dreams.”

For more information, contact Delinda Barnett at (405) 684-3108.