Aslan's Field Director, Leneita Sherrin, once again takes you this month "inside the lives" of two of our Aslan children.

"Sitting in McDonald's I am not sure whether to laugh or cry.  Chattering away - talking nonstop over each other with fries flying - are two girls from my Afternoon Bible Class.  Cousins - one 11 and the other 12 - they are worldlier wise than I could ever hope to be.  Our discussion is all about how horrible their lives are and about shoes (sneakers to be exact), which both girls need a new pair of.  First, Tawanda shows me her cracked and worn out sneakers.  Then Danchi holds up her foot for me to inspect and starts yelling, 'Look at these! I can't even tie them 'cause they're too small.  Look at my toes all bunched up!'  My heart goes out to these girls, and my first reaction is to go out and buy them new sneakers (something I simply cannot afford to do).  Dispersed in the discussion are hints about running away from home and life being not worth living.  Suddenly, I realize that this is not really about shoes.

Tawanda and Danchi both live with their grandmothers.  Tawanda's sister (who has until recently lived with their mother) has now come to live with Tawanda and her grandmother.  Apparently, Mom drinks, gets angry and hits.  Tawanda is enjoying life without her sister and resents the fact that she has moved in.  There isn't as much money to go around (for important things like new sneakers)!  Danchi, on the other hand, is not angry with her grandmother.  She's mad at her mother - a cocaine addict who lives only two streets down from her.  Danchi says, 'She can afford drugs, but she can't afford to buy me something I really need!'

As I take in this whole scene, I am left speechless.  Back at my car, I pray for the girls.  Quietly, I ask for the Lord to take them in His arms and let them know how much He loves them.  Then, I am left to ponder.  Which is more important, a pair of shoes or unconditional love?  Obviously, it is unconditional love - something neither of these girls has received from their mothers.  Then I remember something else Danchi said, 'I just wish my mother wouldn't make promises that she doesn't keep.'  In their minds the sneakers are a promise not kept.  What they both need is for their mothers to tell them they love them and mean it."

Your vital support helps us keep our promises to these precious children through Aslan's Love In Action!

Most sincerely,

 Craig

S. Craig Bogard