SMILE Everyone! |
May 2003 Review indexThe primary aim of SMILE is to create a programme through which young people will become more mature disciples and followers of Jesus Christ through good Bible teaching and discipleship, as well as their actual experience overseas.
Abraham Ajayi - SMILE Co-ordinator
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This year has been a very active time in the
SMILE programme. Last August we sent out a team of 15 young people (SMILErs) to a building project in the little town of Ndala, Tanzania, East Africa. “The hospitality of the Tanzanian people was overwhelming. Although most had few material possessions, the generosity with which they welcomed us into their homes and shared with us was incredibly humbling.” Also we sent out three SMILErs to take part in conservation work at the A Rocha Christian conservation centre in Portugal: “I had a very intimate time with God while I was there - He helped me to take a breather from my busy routine in England and get closer to him. The project is based on sound Biblical teaching and is a very different way of learning more about God and his beautiful creation.” Between last year and this a few changes have been made to the SMILE programme. First of all we said goodbye to Olly Leonard who was the SMILE Programme Coordinator for two years and he was replaced by Abraham Ajayi. Olly put a lot of time, energy and hard work into the programme and his work is very much acknowledged and appreciated. Also over the last year the focus of the programme has changed. The four foundations on which the programme is based on are:
2003 kicked off with a wonderful start. We currently have 14 SMILErs serving overseas in East and West Africa in various ways and we are hoping to send out some more SMILErs later in the year. As we look to the future we hope to make a more developments to the programme, in particular to do more work in the UK and Europe, and to encourage young Christians here in the UK. Being a young Christian today is very hard and we are hoping to reach these young people and encourage them where they are. Please do pray for the programme, for God's guidance and favour as we explore ways to make these two visions a reality. In all that has happened over the last year God has been very good to the SMILE programme and I would like to thank you for your prayers, challenge you to please continue to pray for the SMILErs we have overseas at the moment but most of all to thank God for all that has happened in the last year.
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