In a note from Elwood and Shirley Rake, a couple we got to know while traveling together in Australia and New Zealand, we learned the Osage couple was again on the road traveling. This time on a short-term mission to Nicaragua. They support a young girl there through the Rainbow Network.
This isn't just any support organization for the twosome; some of the Rakes' high school classmates are involved in the program. In their four days in Central America, Elwood and Shirley's lives were touched forever. They traveled in a town of 500, which is supported by the Rainbow Network. "The whole community's annual support is $20,000," penned Shirley. She wrote that on December 24, a dozen or more fortunate families will have their names drawn in some sort of lottery-type system to receive a "new home": a cement block house about the size of a single stall garage. But outstanding abodes for the families who are the recipients.
"We were treated like celebrities," Shirley said, "Everywhere we went people would thank us for our support." Their Rainbow Network 'daughter', Jessica, is 12 years old. While there was an English/Spanish barrier, their gestures and smiles were universal. The couple showed them Jessica's picture which they had with them; Jessica in turn showed them their photo, which she carries with her. They were told types of gifts which would be appropriate. They chose a small cross necklace, notecards, a notebook, various smaller items, and a $20 bill which could be shared with her family. Jessica's family includes mom, dad, and three siblings. Dad was in salt production and farming for which he earned about $50 per month.
In order for Jessica to be retained by the Rainbow Network, she must have a certain grade point in her school, not get pregnant or marry. She told the Rakes that she wanted to go to the university to become a dentist. Then return to her community to care for the people there, for which dentists receive $5,000 annual salaries.
"The people we met were always expressing their thanks to God and wishing us well as we traveled," Shirley said. "If the Rainbow Network was not present, people there would not survive." The Rakes support Jessica at the rate of $22 per month. Some people pay monthly; others have a bank deduction. The Rakes choose to write out one check for Jessica one time annually: $264.
I don't know anything about the Rainbow Network. When I learned that the Rakes were going to travel to Nicaragua, I asked her to share their experiences and I would pass them along in Karen's Korner.
In this Thanksgiving week, may we take our lead from many Nicaraguan people and "always express our thanks to God" for His many blessings to us!
The Nicaraguan people's blessings are limited, yet they express their thanks to God openly and often! We have so many blessings we can almost lose count; may we do the same!
"Thank You, God, for the Rakes and for each person reading Karen's Korner today; thank You for.........."