FALL 2007Ken Thompson
Seaville MMUnder the guidance of Betsey Barry, and with the contributing support and help of the meeting, the children of Seaville Monthly Meeting's First-day School have raised money for Heifer International to purchase livestock animals for impoverished families as a means of sustainable assistance. Through donations, Heifer International purchases and distributes many types of livestock, including cows, chickens, and sheep, that can be used for milk, eggs, and wool. Other livestock such as llamas and water buffaloes may also be used for draft work on small farms. The offspring of these animals are shared with other families within the community. Heifer International distributes livestock and trains families how to care for their animal in most every continent, including several areas within the United States.
art by Colleen BarryBut there is a lot more to the story than that.
Only six months ago, the First-day School program had reached a point of dissolution. There were practically no children attending, and few volunteers to organize and teach. Members and attenders searched for a process to revive First-day School. Even more important, they hoped to find ways to involve the whole meeting so that the children would have much-needed support and guidance. It was at this juncture that Betsey Barry proposed contributing to Heifer International as a theme for giving and caring for others in the world community. It would also be a way that the children could learn about animals and their important relationship to humankind. After much prayer and silent listening, it was felt that we were being led to try.
Soon after organizing for teachers and spreading the word to parents and their children, First-day School was re-created with lessons on animals and giving. The children decided on an amount to donate, and then asked members of the meeting for donations. Member Peggy Long suggested that the adults join in the cause at Easter by bringing in a donation for the children, and to combine our Easter celebration with a celebration of support.
Each week, the children color in the graph that shows the amount collected, and what animals the money can buy to help others. At this time, the children will be able to use their donations to purchase not just one animal, but many animals, including a water buffalo, llamas, pigs, chicken flocks, and goats! Many families and communities will be helped by the children of our First-day School!
Suddenly, First-day School has become the center of our attentions, and is growing again. We have found that through service, and coming together as a meeting, we can be led to doing great things, not only for those who have greater needs than ours, but for the children who will be tomorrow's generation of Quaker leaders. Hopefully we can continue to guide and support them as they grow up to adults.
If you or your monthly meeting would like to make a donation to Heifer International through the Seaville Monthly Meeting First Day School, or if you would like to have more information on this project, please call (609)624-1165 or visit our website at http://www.seavillequakers.org/.
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Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 11:28 PM
