Jonathan's Boys

 Isaac Zimba is 10 years old, and lives with his mom and dad, 2 older sisters, 3 older brothers, and 3 other dependents. He lives in John Lieng community, attends the LCA, and occasionally attends a community church. His prayer requests include finishing school to be an explorer and healing for his mom's poor health. She tells the children in the home she may die from her illness. He is a sweet young boy, and desperately needs a sponsor.

Alick Mulenga is 10 years old but does not know his own birthday. He lives in a 3-room home with 12 other people. Because there are so many, clothing is scarce. He and his family eat 2 meals a day, unless there are leftovers for breakfast the next day. His mom sells cookies down the street with his older brother. Alick loves attending the LCA because he realizes his education is his livelihood. He desires a "good life for the future." 

Henry Simanda was by far my most outgoing and welcoming boy. With a contagious smile he wears his positive outlook on his sleeve. He is 10 years old and lives with his mom and stepfather. It saddens Henry that his father is separated and does not support him and his siblings. His mom sells skin cream, but tends to drink alcohol using the trivial earnings. Occasionally, his stepfather beats his mother. Henry loves attending LCA and receiving the meals there. With so much potential, Henry is desperate for a sponsor.

David Meene (he goes by Davy) is 9 years old and lives with his parents, 3 siblings, and 4 other distant relatives in a 2-room home. Sometimes, his family attends "Bread of Life" Church. However, he admits his father drinks too much and becomes verbally abusive to everyone in the family, even their neighbors. His mom is a janitor at a school. He feels privileged because he eats 3 meals a day. Davy wants to finish school and become an accountant.

 Matias Banda is 10 years old and lives with his grandmother and 8 other dependents. His mother has passed away, and his father's illness has him bedridden. Matias was visibly uncomfortable talking about his father's situation. Matias typically eats 2 meals a day. His prayer requests include common provisions such as food and clothing, opportunity to attend school, and healing for his ailed father. Matias could attend school and receive daily meals should he receive sponsorship.

 Richard Phiri is 9 years old. He lives with his grandmother because he doesn't know his father. His grandmother sells vegetables to support the 7 dependents living there. His mother is around but does not work. He recently had to stop attending the community school because of a lack of money. His prayer requests were to attend school and for more common provisions like food and clothing. Richard prayed to believe in Jesus during our 1-on-1 time. He is a sweet kid needing sponsorship.

John Bano is 10 years old, but doesn't know his birthday.He moved in with his grandparents to attend a community school. His parents remained in a village of the Eastern Province of Zambia. John lives with 8 dependents in a 2-room home without electricity. John receives 1 meal per day each evening. He fears his grandmother will not sell enough vegetables to support those in the home. He no longer attends the school because of a lack of money, and he misses it. John prayed to believe in Christ.

Abraham Phiri is 9 years old and is a double orphan having both his parents pass away. His oldest of 2 sisters cares for him and her child. Her husband (Abraham's brother in-law) is verbally abusive to Abraham. Sometimes, she'll take Abraham to a Reformed Church. He wants to attend school and finish to become a pilot. His other prayer request was for his family to be reunited.

Rogers Mashilira is 11 years old. He was my most soft-spoken boy at Camp Life. He lives with 6 others in a 2-room home, where an older brother provides money for the family. Although their mother lives with them, Rogers' father has passed away. One of Rogers' older brothers drinks alcohol, smokes heavily, and sometimes beats him. Rogers prayed to receive the Lord during the "bus announcement" at the end of the day. His prayer requests are to be able to go back to school and for his abusive brother to be freed from his addictions. Rogers said he wants to finish school and be a pastor, "work for the Lord."

Lyson Sakala is 10 years old and lives with his grandmother since both his parents have passed away. On Monday of Camp Life, he received a letter saying he was expelled from the community school, but he's not sure why. This made him very sad because he wants badly to go to school. His grandmother sells peanuts, yet they typically only afford 1 meal per day. His younger brother has been sick since he was born. An older brother smokes marijuana and is occasionally abusive. Lyson prayed to receive the Lord. He was such a pleasure to be around.