October 2026 Newsletter
Ten Years of Christmas in a Backpack!
Excitement fills the air at Shalom Orphanage in Arusha, Tanzania. The children know it’s the time of year when you send them gifts. When we held our first “Christmas in a Backpack” ten years ago, they had never received a gift of any kind. Today, their faces show an excitement we did not see that first year
This Year’s Delivery:
On Thursday, October 29, we will board Delta Flight 0735 at DFW International with 100 gift-filled backpacks for the children and young mothers with babies at Shalom Orphanage
2026 Budget:
The total budget for Christmas in a Backpack in 2026 is $10,166.91. It covers the following expenses:
- 100 backpacks
- A shopping trip in Arusha for school shoes for all those attending school or University
- Monetary Christmas gifts for Shalom staff
- Hygiene items purchased in Arusha
- Rice, Cornmeal, Cooking oil, flour, and other staples purchased in Arusha
- Government Required booklets
Travel and Delivery
- Extra baggage fees for transporting the backpacks in 15 duffel bags, each weighing 50
pounds, on Delta Flight 0735 - Two round-trip tickets for Joel and Sally
- Lodging and meals
Remaining Funding Needed:
As we write this letter, we need $6,046.91 to pay all expenses for this trip.
How to Give:
If you would like to support “Christmas in a Backpack”, you can give in either of these ways:
- Online: Visit www.africanmoons.org and designate your donation for “Christmas in a Backpack.”
- By mail: Write a check and mail it in the enclosed envelope.
“He has distributed freely [he has given to the poor and needy]; his righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) endures forever; his horn shall be exalted in honor.”
Psalm 112:9 – Amplified
You, our African Moons partners have always underwritten this wonderful opportunity, and we will let you know just how this need was met once again.
Tanzania for Jesus!
Joel & Sally