Christmas Drive for Tsunami Survivors
The teen participants at The Learning Center (TLC) are holding a Christmas drive on Wednesday, December 30th for the young survivors of the recent tsunami disaster in American Samoa.
About 35 teenagers met at the newly developed TLC, three days a week after school hours. These high school students that have often been labeled by society as “troublemakers”, “violent”, and “misbehaving”, come from various high schools. They have formed a support group to discuss issues and find creative solutions to the problems that they face in schools.
Some of them would develop their ideas through dance and drama, while others choose to communicate their messages through video production. In the process, they develop relationships and learn the meaning of trust, respect, commitment, and gratitude----all of these elements that tie them together as a team to build something they can call their own.
In the past few months since the group came together, they have performed at local events and festivals, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for their parents and families, and have been blessed by the philanthropy of local individuals. “His parents were always called in to the principal’s office because he was such a troublemaker,” said one of the uncles and village matai (chief) who gave monetary donation on behalf of his nephew. “If this is the result, I don’t want this program to stop,” was the comment of a business owner who donated five computers to TLC.
One of the most valuable lessons that the youth has learned is that in the midst of obstacles and challenges, God still loves and extends grace to touch the hearts of people that can believe in them. No matter what they face in life, they are never alone.
In honoring God’s gift of giving in this season of celebrating the birth of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the youth will be holding a Christmas party for the children of Amanave, one of the villages that was devastated by the tsunami. They are learning what it means to “give” and make happen for others what God makes happen for you. Your tax-deductible gift of $20 can provide a Christmas dinner and a toy for a young tsunami survivor. You can donate online here or contact us at 1.684.699.5313 to make your donation.
