As we finish out the year with the good news of December, we give praise to the Lord for all He has accomplished through ELI throughout 2020! We look forward to good things in 2021, and we wish all our friends a joyful and blessed New Year!
"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth: break forth in song, rejoice and sing praises.”
Psalm 98:4
Malawi Mobile Library
"The books are here, the books are here," sang the village children as they welcomed the Malawi Mobile Library. Children present at the first visit had told their friends about the wonderful time they had looking at books, creating art, playing games, working puzzles, and many new children were looking forward to participating when the mobile library returned. Jacob (EL Malawi Director) reports, "I tell you, that when the children saw the car coming, they were singing all the way until we stopped. Our car was surrounded by happy children."
The parents and village leaders are happy too; their children now have access to books and educational resources that provide tools for learning, and wholesome activities. The original plan for the mobile library program was to rotate the book selection every two weeks. Jacob was surprised to learn that all the books were still checked out in each village by both children and adults. A two week extension was granted, and more books were added to the inventory. In one village, the book monitor had already organized story time. Many children were just looking at the pictures in the books, unable to read even the simplest story. Kathrine, (EL Malawi staff and a nursery school director) was touched and encouraged. Kathrine feels this will motivate the children to attend the local school.
Jacob also reports that upon hearing of this new program, a primary school teacher from Lilongwe volunteered to help him and Kathrine. The extra pair of hands were greatly appreciated to help with the children who participated in all the activities. Several adults in the villages told Jacob that they had been unable to attend school as children and hoped that EL Malawi would start adult literacy programs in their villages. We're praying about this request.
Susu, Zambia - Light in the Library
As reported in the November Good News, the Pave the Way campaign to Light the Library was fully funded. The solar panels were installed and the lights are on! Electricity is not available in these rural areas and the farmers need all the daylight hours to work in their fields. Neither school nor community activities can be held after sunset, so the library will welcome hard working adults and eager children to evening literacy classes and educational activities.
It's beyond our imagination to consider all the lives both now and for generations to come that will be changed. We say a grateful and heartfelt thank you to all of you who Paved the Way with your prayers and financial gifts. May the Lord bless you.
Amazon Wish List
Please order a book or two or three for all the children enjoying books provided by our Mobile Library programs. It's not too late to order books from our Amazon Wish List for shipment in February. Click on the link, make your selections and then choose the Elizabeth's Library International shipping address.
Thanks to all of you, who’ve prayed and donated to ELI this last year. It has been a joy to report the good news of the great things that God has done through you. This past year has been one of challenge globally, but we serve a faithful God. As God provides, the new Malawi Mobile Library Program will reach additional villages and establish adult literacy classes.
The Susu Mobile Library program now travels to eleven very remote villages providing books and educational resources to almost 5000 children. They plan to add five more villages next year. In response to the community's request, the new Susu Community Library will host evening adult literacy classes and reading mentoring programs for children.
Please prayerfully consider making a year end tax deductible donation to ELI or become a regular monthly donor. Your gift of any amount is very welcome, and allows us to continue establishing libraries and literacy programs in rural African countries. Good News indeed!