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5th grade studentsSchool in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) isn’t free. Schools can cost anywhere from $5US to $50US/per month. The more expensive the school, the better the education. Imagine being the sixth or eight child in a family of ten children and hoping your parents will be able to afford for you to attend school.The South Katanga District in Southern DRC has seen this need and has a vision to build schools, giving quality education to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it.  One of these schools has officially opened in the neighborhood of Katuba, in Lubumbashi.1st grade classWhen construction on the school in Katuba began in July of 2014, children would gather around as the first bricks were laid and walls started to come up. When we would ask the children where they attend school, they would respond, “Here.” “No, where are you attending now? This school isn’t open yet.” Again, their response was, “Here!” That’s when we realized so many children were waiting for a good education at an affordable price. On October 5th, Complexe Scolaire du Nazaréen opened its doors to the community of Katuba hosting Kindergarten through 5thgrade for $6.50 per month. Currently, there are over 100 students in attendance and more coming to enroll each day. Students are learning French (since most come from homes where only Swahili is spoken), Math, Science and Bible. Quality education with a Biblical foundation!
Source: Gettin’ Schooled from Fothergill – Africa

For the past 2+ months, the Highlands of PNG has gotten very little rain.  Gardens have been deserted, drinking water sources have all but dried up and many folks have suffered the ill effects of diarrheal illnesses from contaminated water sources. Thankfully, the heavens have opened up and rains have poured down on the Highlands of PNG once again.  Our water tanks are full, but the river is still pretty low, and there are many areas in PNG where the rains have not yet return to, so please keep praying for more rain. The only good thing about a drought is the hope of mangos.  Mangos need a period of time to grow without wind and rain to knock off the buds and the little mangos as they start to grow.  Droughts provide that period of time for the mangos to grow.  It has been years since our mango tree produced mangos, but it looks like this might be another good year for mangos.  Our trees have 100s of little mangos on them, hoping the rains don’t knock off the rest.
Source: Rain and mangos from Erin Meier – Asia Pacific

2-3 months ago, before I went to the US, I found out that Ambane, a little kid with leukemia (ALL), was no longer in remission and his cancer was back.  I explained, as best I could to his loving family that his cancer was back and that we didn’t have any other medicines to offer him.  It seemed like his mom understand what I was saying, even if he didn’t. After being gone for 2 months, Ambane and his mom came to my door a few days ago.  Ambane had changed so much in a short period of time, his belly was swollen, he was weak, he no longer had a smile on his face, he looked sick and in pain.  I knew just looking at him that we were losing the fight, that his cancer was winning and we weren’t going to win this thing.  After examining him, his mom started talking and then started crying.  She was sure that when I got back I would be able to save her son.   She knew I had given him medicine before that had seemingly cured him and was hoping and praying that when I got back, I would be able to do the same. My heart was breaking.  Breaking for Ambane, who for the past year and a half I watched fight his cancer and get to the point of regaining a normal life, and now won’t be able to play with his brothers, won’t be able to go…
Source: A fight we can't win from Erin Meier – Asia Pacific