The way to the heart is through the stomach

From the outside, the construction work on the new dining hall seems unspectacular. Workers are using mortar, stones, and simple, homemade support pillars. For the children, teachers, and our local partners, however, this project means far more than just a new building.

Many families whose children attend the Christian school in Medan live in poverty. Even the school fees of about 3 euros a month pose a challenge. Often, their income is not enough. As a result, teachers frequently cover their students’ fees themselves, despite their meager salaries. Children who receive support from abroad through the sponsorship program are somewhat better off. However, this has so far only benefited about a third of the students.

Despite all the challenges, it is not resignation that defines our partners’ daily lives, but gratitude, joy, and a deep faith in a God who provides. It is precisely this attitude that earns them respect and recognition, even in a predominantly Muslim environment.

With the new cafeteria, a new chapter is now beginning for the project in Medan. Our partners also want to use this to make God’s love visible. Saying grace before meals will, in the future, provide another opportunity to plant seeds of faith in the hearts of the next generation.