Every 14 seconds, a child is orphaned by AIDS in
Africa. Zoe Ministry is dedicated to empowering
these children with the skills they need to
become self-reliant. Lilla Marigza shows us how
technology is helping to share success stories.
SCRIPT:
(Locator: Wilmington, North Carolina)
Teenagers in the southern United States are
making friends in Maua, Kenya via Skype.
(Teen on computer chat) “What do you sell?’
Jacob Hill, Teenager: “What do I think about the
Skyping with an orphan? It’s a really
cool experience. Kind of like pen pals, but to
another level.”
In 2009, one hundred youth from United Methodist
churches in North Carolina raised over 30,000
dollars to support ZOE Ministry, a program that
empowers AIDS orphans in Africa. Zoe teaches
youngsters to grow their own food and to start
small businesses.
Sixteen-year-old Adrian McKeown collected money
because she was inspired by Caroline. Caroline’s
father died when she was in her teens, and her
mother became sick. Through ZOE Ministry,
Caroline learned to raise chickens and started a
small business to support her four siblings.
Adrian McKeown, Wesley Memorial UMC: “She’s
paying her mother’s medical bills, which is
incredible. I think it's so awesome that someone
can be so strong when you’ve gone through so
much.”
Tonight, Adrian and Caroline are meeting for the
first time. It’s morning in Kenya, but midnight
in America.
Adrian on Skype: “What am I doing right now?
We’re having kind of like a gathering, I guess.
A lock in, where we’re all staying overnight.”
Adrian McKeown: “I know she owns a hair salon,
which I think is awesome. I think it’s really
cool, because you don’t think of those as the
jobs people are going to pick up. You think
farming or market kind of person. But I think
it’s cool that she has that unique job.”
Kids in North Carolina raised funds and teens in
Kenya walked 10 kilometers in an event called
Hope Walk. The walkers are now self-sufficient
and they march to help other orphans prosper.
The Rev. Arthur Jones, ZOE Ministry: “Long term,
I see Hope Walks happening all across the United
States. I see a movement of young people that is
spreading not only what ZOE Ministry is doing,
but really what God is doing in the hearts and
the lives of these orphans. We didn’t predict
that these orphans would go off and help other
kids in their area. It’s what they do because
they know Jesus.”
(Orphans walking, singing, carrying a banner)
TAG:
For more information on the annual ZOE Ministry Hope
Walk, visit the
ZOE Ministry website or call 1-800-951-0234.
