Dear friends and family,

The end of the year is always a time of reflection, a time to look back and evaluate our lives and the ministry. We are grateful beyond words for all God has done in our lives: for His faithfulness, presence, love, guidance, provision and continuing to carry us through every season of our lives. We are thankful for every season, trusting Him, and knowing He has us in the palm of His hand.

Ministry Impact – One Child at a Time

It is easy to get caught up in looking for the big story, the big numbers, and the big miracles that would blow you away. But every big story starts with a small seed that has been planted, watered, and nurtured to grow into a big story. As I was reflecting on the ministry, I was reminded that Shared Blessings’ mission statement is “Changing lives, one child at the time.” We believe God is able to turn these seeds into big Moses and Joseph-like stories beyond anything we can ask or imagine because His word says so!

In Her Own Words: The Story of Oly Mbye

My name is Oly Mbye and I live in Lamin village. I have been attending Emmanuel Mission Centre since I was 3 years old and am now in 8th Grade. I am the second oldest of seven children and my parents have no education. I have become an emergency mama to my younger brothers and sisters as well as my oldest sister, who has down syndrome and needs constant attention. My mother has never fully recovered from her sickness after she had my baby brother and my father does little for my sister since he is a man so I take care of everything.

I am very grateful to God that I attend Emmanuel Mission School. It is clean and we learn in an environment that most people don’t have in their homes: running water and tiles on the floor. We don’t have to pay fees for the school or supplies and we are able to eat meals we aren’t able to eat in our houses. When I’m at home, there is barely anything to eat, but I only feel it on the days I’m not in school. No other school in the country has this food program. Once again, I am grateful to God and the founders of Emmanuel Mission Centre. If not for God and the founders, I might never attend school and could not have been educated.

In Her Own Words: The Story of Marie Therese Manneh

My name is Marie Therese Manneh and I am in 8th grade. I have been attending Emmanuel Mission School since I was 3 years old. I’m now thirteen years old and live in Lamin village. I did not find life very easy. My father left my mum to take another wife and I was raised by my stepmother. As a young girl growing up, the obstacles my family faced confused me. However, the low state of my family has not restricted me to strive toward achieving my academic aspiration. My parents have been a source of motivation for me all along. Emmanuel Mission Center is a blessing to me. I am privileged to have access to quality education and be able to receive food and stationary supplies. My teachers are awesome—they are always encouraging and help me out.

As of now, my dream is to become the President of The Gambia one day due to the dynamism of my teachers. Also, the school has been involving us in various leadership trainings and that has instilled in me the confidence that I am a leader. My life is gradually taking a new shape and I believe the sky is the limit!

Thank You!

Our hearts are bursting with joy to see how God is shaping and molding the lives of these children that He entrusted to us. We cannot thank you enough for investing in their lives through the ministry God put on our hearts and the love He gave us for this nation. Because of your partnership and God’s faithfulness, we are able to take care of needs and help kids dream of one day being the president of Gambia!

Please continue to pray with us for the following:

• Pray for the Christian teachers and staff to model their faith in God in a tangible way.
• Pray for the seeds that are being planted to be watered and nurtured.
• Pray for the president of the country and new government; pray for Christian leaders in the government to restrain from corruption while operating with honesty and integrity.
• Pray for the strongholds of the Islamic faith to be broken in the Name of Jesus and the truth of who Jesus is to be revealed by the Holy Spirit!

Thank you again for partnering with us to see a nation come to know our Savior! He is the only Way, the only Truth, and the Light of the world!

Merry Christmas to your family and loved ones. May He keep you healthy in spirit, soul, and body. Let His light shine this Christmas Season!

Blessings and much love,

Sol and Manuela Bah