October 2025 Newsletter
“Christmas in a Backpack” is here! The African Moons Golf Tournament got us started and now the anticipation gets real!
Every November we travel to Arusha focusing our efforts on Shalom Centre Orphanage. The children and young people who are under the care of Shalom staff come from hardship and heartache. They look forward to “Christmas in a Backpack” and we are blessed to share with each of them. This outreach testifies of the love and compassion you have to bless their lives.
God has inspired our friends to donate each year so the backpacks can be delivered to Shalom. In addition, we are able to provide school shoes to the children. The school year is from January to December with breaks each quarter. These children are so excited when we take them into town and they get new shoes.
- $40 provides 1 Backpack
- $200 provides 5 Backpacks
- $400 provides 10 Backpacks
We want to give each one a backpack and school shoes. This is also the time to raise the funds for the food budget – $3000.00 a quarter. This year the number of children attending school and needing scholarships has exceeded our scholarship funds. We share this with you so that you understand the needs of Shalom. The leadership of Shalom knows that we can only give as our friends give.
Shalom Centre Orphanage is indigenous and is always looking to network with local businesses. They also invite tourists to visit and engage in the care Shalom provides to the children. We want to assure you that Shalom knows we can only do as God provides. Our desire is to do all that we can.
The partnership we have with Shalom Centre is the opportunity to give these children avenues to pursue their dreams. We have witnessed young orphans become business owners and medical professionals!
Now begins the shopping, organizing and preparing for the safari to Arusha. Our departure is October 28th. Sally and I are so excited to share an early Christmas with Shalom. This annual “Christmas in a Backpack” is eagerly anticipated by the children. Please do all that you can to meet the needs of these children and you will be blessed with the thrilled responses.
In summary: The total budget is $10,000. This will cover the backpacks, school shoes, the first quarter Food Budget, baggage fees and a gift for each staff member.
Tanzania for Jesus!
Joel & Sally