Thanks

Thanks to everybody who contributed to our chair campaign. We were able to purchase all 200 chairs and some new tables as well. The chairs filled the gymnasium at our Christmas cantata and are ready to serve our new students as they return to classes this month. Thank you.

Gratitude

You may know that CBC charges a symbolic fee for students to foster independence rather than dependency on handouts. CBC often forgives this fee for families in extreme poverty. At the end of 2024, a mother who had been unable to pay the fee arrived with a huge smile on her face. With all the joy in the world she handed over her relatively small debt in coins. She had been diligently saving everything she could because CBC was so important to her. We were humbled, thankful, and delighted to receive her offering. Even though it was only a fraction of the cost of helping her children, we know this lady values their education. This means her children are much more likely to succeed. It was beautiful to see the joy and dignity that her gift returned to her. We are looking forward to blessing her children at CBC in 2025.

Funny story!

Marc and Ruth were walking on the busy seafront area of Fortaleza one night before Christmas. They passed an entertainer dressed as Mickey Mouse who had a great costume and a fantastic Mickey voice. As they walked past, Marc had a thought, turned around and went back to have a word with him. He asked Mickey if he would come to CBC, they swapped numbers and Marc continued on his walk. Mickey Mouse texted Marc all the details but with all the Christmas activities already going on Marc forgot to reply. Fast forward to January 18th and Marc and Ruth were out walking again. “You didn’t call me back!” said Mickey in a sad squeaky voice. Ruth’s heart sank. “Marc, you have upset Mickey Mouse!” she said with a giggle. They spent a few minutes apologizing and even made Mickey laugh again. Crisis averted, Mickey Mouse is fine and will hopefully still make an appearance at CBC in 2025!

Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, and encouragement.