The Penny Connection

Since we last update the happenings and workings of The Penny Connection, we have been seeing wonderful things happen.
• a 4th Mission Team traveled to Kumasi, Ghana in January to deliver gifts and much needed materials to the children at the King Jesus Childrens Home. The trip was emotional and gratifying, especially when the travelers were able to see what the efforts of The Penny Project and our new youth mission team, The Penny Connection, have been able to do and provide for these children.
• we are exploring the possibility of partnering in the establishing of a new, smaller orphanage in Kumasi that will be led by some of the dedicated women we have met in our travels. The need is great in this region and their are children waiting for a place that will care and feed, educate and protect them. We want to be a part of this mission work.
• a 5th team will travel to Ghana in December of this year. The team will be made up of both youth and adults, including returning "soldiers", Sally Meese (our Ghana Task Force adult leader), Emily Smith (The Penny Connection co-president, and a junior at Seaholm High School), and returning from what will be her freshman year in college, Mallory Hinz (current co-president of The Penny Connection).
• Since "morphing" The Penny Project into The Penny Connection this past fall, youth efforts have raised more than $5,000 more for the orphans.
• Sponsor the Children opportunities have been sold for $100 each. Donors are matched up with specific children at KJCH and encouraged to make a connection, long distance.
• Jewelry sales have been brisk from the loads of glass bead necklaces, bracelets and earrings that were donated to The Penny Connection by Rochester, Michigan artisan, Jan Brooks. Selling these glass bead pieces after church services has generated additional funds for feeding, clothing and educating the kids at the home.
• Youth have planned a March 28th fundraiser for The Penny Connection -- The Penne Pasta dinner will be held at 6pm at First United Methodist Church, and will include a presentation from our partners at Opportunity International, the micro-lending organization we have invested with in Kumasi.
Wonderful results from wonderful work, all to help these wonderful children in Ghana!