November 15, 2024

Safe Haven Updates Winter 2024

UNDERSTANDING SAFE HAVEN

At Kids Alive, we walk alongside vulnerable children as they navigate the harsh realities of trauma such as abuse, sexual violence, and neglect. Our team is committed to providing a place of safety and protection - a safe haven - to heal those traumatic wounds and build communities where violence and trauma are reduced. As a Safe Haven Champion, you support our family strengthening, protective care, and justice advocacy programs. These programs involve residential homes, reunification, job skills, parent trainings, government collaboration, and victim advocacy and restoration.

“And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth” - Luke 1:14

Guatemala Safe Haven Updates

Safe Haven Snapshot: Damaris*

What do you like to do for fun?

I like to read and listen to music. My favorite books are the ones where they tell stories and talk about God, helping me to learn more. For about a month, I have been reading a book called Captivating: Revealing the Soul of a Woman by John and Stasi Eldredge, and it is quite interesting.

What does integrity mean to you?

I believe integrity refers to being consistent in what we are doing. Knowing that what we’re doing is right and having a plan to make sure that we’re going to do it. If we follow those kinds of rules, then we will have integrity.

What is something you have learned?

I think that I have learned a lot, especially about the rules that we have here. Many times, I think we don’t understand that everywhere we go, there will be rules that we must respect and follow. The atmosphere here is quite relaxed, and we get to learn a lot about God. It’s important for kids our age to know that God will be with us and will be our greatest support.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

I don’t really have a favorite, but I read the Bible a lot because I like to learn. So I have several, but one verse I really like is Joshua 1:9: “Fear not, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God will go with you wherever you are.”

Damaris is about 17 years old, and she has been at Oasis for about 2 months. She recently made the decision, after 2 weeks in prayer, to join the Oasis Wednesday devotional leadership team. Damaris is now part of a group of leaders at Oasis who are in charge of planning and running the weekly Wednesday devotionals.

Why did you choose to join the leaderships team, and how do you hope to impact the girls around you?

About three years ago, I participated in the church where I was working as a children’s teacher, and I was also president of the youth group. So it really caught my attention. I think God has given me the talent to be able to work, and I want to manage it well. I think the main thing when joining the leadership team is to understand that one must conduct oneself well to be a good example for the girls, so that they can see that we are an example to follow and that through us, they can see a light of hope.

Peru Safe Haven Updates

Safe Haven Snapshot: Spencer*

What do you like to do for fun?

I love singing, playing with my sister, and most of all, sleeping.

What does integrity mean to you?

For me, integrity means that I always need to behave like a child of God everywhere, and at all times, and I should follow the rules I was taught: ‘We stick together, we don’t hurt each other, and we have fun together.’

What is something you have learned?

I learned how to cook rice! My mom and dad help me. I also love the Niños a la Vida space and how we all play soccer together. It’s the best.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

I have two: Philippians 4:13 and Psalm 23. For me, these sacred words were more than just text; they were a source of strength and
comfort. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Haiti Safe Haven Updates

Safe Haven Snapshot: San*
What do you like to do for fun?

I like to dance, read, listen to music, and cook small dishes. I like talking to others. I also enjoy taking a shower.

What does integrity mean to you?

Integrity is the virtue that refers to someone who is upright and righteous and without partiality.

What is something you have learned?

Lately, I have learned that we all have fears, but it’s important to still be able to express who we are and who we want to become. I love the freedom I have at Kids Alive to be who I am and be able to share that with others.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

I love reading the Bible, and my favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Dominican Republic Safe Haven Updates

Safe Haven Snapshot: Darline*

What do you like to do for fun?

I like to read books like Bambi, play with friends, and sing music. My favorite subject in school is mathematics.

What does integrity mean to you?

Telling the truth because it is important to God, and it’s the right thing to do. Keeping my promises is important.

What are you most excited about at Kids Alive?

I like to live at the Ark (Kids Alive Children’s Home) because I can be with friends. I also like to play, especially with visiting teams when they come. Eating food like pizza and cheese that we receive sometimes is also fun!

What is your favorite Bible verse?

My favorite bible verse is 1 Timothy 5:1-2: “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”

(The Kids Alive team has been talking with the kids about treating each other well, and this was one of the verses we discussed together.)

Zambia Safe Haven Updates

Safe Haven Snapshot: Panji*
What do you like to do for fun?

I like listening to rock music, and my favorite artist is
Benson Boone. I also enjoy hanging around with my
friends, telling stories, and reliving old memories.

What does integrity mean to you?

To me, integrity means to say the truth at all times because the Bible tells us that the truth shall set us free.

What are you most excited about at Kids Alive?

Kids Alive brings us together as one, no matter where you come from. Also, I enjoy taking part in our weekly devotions, as they help my spiritual growth.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

My favorite bible verse is Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” I love this scripture because it encourages me to be strong and fearless.

Kenya Safe Haven Updates

Safe Haven Snapshot: Rei*

What do you like to do for fun?

I’m interested in handball, and it makes me feel fulfilled when I play it!

What does integrity mean to you?

Integrity is being honest in your actions and words.

What is something you have learned?

I now understand the importance of choosing friends. Since I was enrolled in the center 10 years ago, I have found a home and a lovely family who are kind and God-fearing.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite verse, which always reminds me that God has a perfect plan for my life. It says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Lebanon Safe Haven Updates

Safe Haven Snapshot: Alex*
What do you like to do for fun?

I love playing football with my friends.

What does integrity mean to you?

Integrity means to walk straight with Jesus and stand firm on our faith. It means to keep my promises.

What are you most excited about at Kids Alive?

I love my friends at Kids Alive Lebanon. I enjoy their company, especially when I play football with them.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

My favorite verse is John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

May Your Christmas be merry & bright!

*Pseudonym for safety

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