From Villages, Urban Settlements, Islands, Deserts, Jungles, and Highlands . . . News from Children of Promise
www.echildrenofpromise.org
August 10, 2009
“If we don't stand up for cildren, then we don't stand for much.” Marian Wright Edelman
One Person Makes a Difference!
Over 35,000 children and families around the world have heard the salvation story through the efforts of one woman in a small town in Oregon. Mildred Maxfield, soon to turn 90, has personally made over 35,000 salvation bracelets for distribution through Children of Promise. The bracelets are made of 5 colors of thread that represent different aspects of the salvation message, along with a pearl to represent the “Pearl of Great Price.” As Children of Promise staff and volunteers visit the children and churches around the world, bracelets are presented and left for distribution.
Mildred makes the bracelets in a step-by-step process that includes a specially-designed board. She states that most of the bracelets are made during the cold winter months. The widow of long-time Church of God pastor, Rev. Leland Maxfield, Mildred prays as she makes the bracelets. Knowing that for every bracelet made, a child or adult will hear the gospel, motivates her to keep producing bracelets.
On a regular basis, the Children of Promise Office receives a box from Mildred, filled with bracelets for distribution – anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 in a box. She is excited to know that each director attending the “Sponsorship to the Max” conference this past June received bracelets to take home to share in their churches, neighborhoods, and communities.
Executive Director Paul Maxfield relates that as staff members return to countries where the bracelets have previously been distributed, they often find people still wearing them. Last year, when he visited a small rural village in The Philippines, he looked down and was thrilled to see a small girl wearing one of the bracelets around her ankle.
When children and adults receive the bracelets, they are encouraged to share the simple salvation message using the colors of the bracelet (dark – sin, red – blood of Jesus, white – clean heart, golden – heaven, green – Christian growth). The pearl reminds the listener that the greatest treasure in life is his/her relationship with Jesus.
Mrs. Maxfield relates that anyone can make the bracelets, and that it is a great way for groups and individuals to share God’s love with people.
Thank you, Mildred, for your efforts and commitment to sharing the gospel with the children and families served by Children of Promise and the Church of God around the world.
Please Pray for the Following:
For Directors who attended “Sponsorship to the Max.” Pray for wisdom as they
implement the ideas, knowledge, and skills gained during the conference.
For Joshua Galvez, a sponsored boy in The Philippines, suffering from leukemia.
For Charles Nsengiyumva (Rwanda), Sanjay Murmu (India), and Jeanet Nessim (Egypt) who were not able to attend the conference.
For Linda Mason, Wendy Weeks, Juliette Wilson, and Monica Carrier as they interview and visit the children and their families in Uganda (August 1-15).
For wisdom as new programs are considered for sponsorship.
For Karen Lambert, director in Ecuador.
For passion for the “Making It All Happen” budget.
For children who are victims of sexual abuse around the world.
For families in Uganda suffering from drought conditions and lack of food.
Dr. Paul L. Maxfield
Executive Director
Children of Promise