| United for Children provides warmth, rest, hope in Zimbabwe BY YVONNE J. MEDLEY UMCONNECTION CORRESPONDENT  During the winter, I sleep with my hands between my legs. The nights are always very cold. Leeroy is 12 years old. He is writing about sleeping conditions in his Zimbabwe home. Sometimes, I cannot sleep because the cold does not allow me. The body trembles, fingers and toes are stiff, as if no blood runs in them. The letter has a happy ending. Leeroy (last name omitted) later expressed how his nights turned warmer and movement returned in his toes again. He found rest. The change was due to the blanket, socks and shoes he received from United for Children, an Advance special of the Baltimore-Washington Conference approved for 2002-2004. Right now, we have over 100 children sponsored and we have pictures of probably another 50 that wed like to get sponsors for, said Becki Price, who along with her husband, Tom, director of youth ministry for the Baltimore-Washington Conference, co-founded United for Children about a year ago. The program is based in their church, Oakdale Emory UMC in Olney. United for Children provides blankets, school fees and uniforms, other clothing and more to children in Zimbabwe. The nonprofit organization is part of our partner relationship with the Zimbabwe Annual Conference, said the Rev. Don Stewart, conference council director. The officials at the Zimbabwe Conference requested something of this nature, Stewart said, because they needed more support for grassroots programs. The organization coordinates its efforts with Bishop Christopher Jokomo, the presiding bishop of the Zimbabwe Annual Conference. Were not there to change how they do things because theyre already doing what God has charged them to do and theyre working miracles with so little, Price said. We want to be the wind beneath their wings, to support them, encourage them and resource them. In 2002, the Prices traveled to Zimbabwe to meet with Jokomo and others, and to fellowship with the children and caregivers they would help. United for Children is able to make use of any amount that comes in from $2 for a fruit tree to $3000 to purchase a vehicle. Weve been able to help one of our projects get two vehicles, Price said. Caregivers are also of great concern because they struggle to take care of many children at a time. Most of these kids are orphaned because of HIV/AIDS, said Price. Prayers are needed too. In a small meeting room at Oakdale Emory, Price pours over photographs sent to her by Maria Humbane of Zimbabwe, who runs one of the programs linked with United for Children. The photographs portray groups of children proudly showing off their new school uniforms and blankets. While looking through them, Price stressed the importance of providing school supplies, mentoring, tutoring, and breakfast and lunch for these children. The meals not only provide nutrition, but also is an incentive for the children to attend school, she said. The Prices are co-directors of Joyful Noise! a 100-voice youth choir at Oakdale Emory. The choir performs year-round and conducts a summer tour to different parts of the county. They use that opportunity to promote the mission of United for Children. Its been particularly popular with the youth, said Stewart. When they see the pictures and hear the stories, they go back to their churches to ask for help. United For Children allows people a simple way to care for children, Price said. God didnt just tell us that we only had to take care of the kids that we can see. | 
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