The Plunge 2022

In the country of Burkina Faso in Western Africa, there is a haven called Paradise Orphanage. It is located in the middle of the country in a town called Kaya. Throughout the last twelve years this place has been a light in the nation, bringing God’s love and truth to the next generation of orphans.

 

Recently, Burkina Faso has fallen into troubled times. When ISIS was defeated in Iraq and Syria five years ago, it retreated into darkness in search of others to persecute. Over the last couple years, it has re-emerged in Burkina Faso, and the country has found itself at the center of ISIS and other Islamic extremist attacks. During the first six months of 2021, the UN reports that 237,000 people, mostly from the North of the country, have been forced to flee their homes. In total, 1.4 million people have had to flee since the begin of these conflicts, and at least 2,000 have been killed.

 

Kaya is at the center of the refugee crisis. Although the orphanage has very few resources to spare, it has been doing its best to help as many displaced families as possible. Charles (who runs the orphanage) and other believers are countering the evil in their world with good, putting into practice what Galatians 6:2 says: “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

 

The believers in Kaya are doing what they can with the little they have. Several donors have already sent extra funds to purchase rice, pasta, tomatoes and dried fish in order to provide for the refugees. Now as a church we want to do more.

On Sunday February 13th, Pastor Benjamin and a team of Calvary Gravenhurst members will take “The Plunge” into icy lake water in order to raise funds for our suffering brothers and sisters in Burkina Faso. The funds will be sent to Charles to purchase and provide lifesaving food in the name of Christ. Here’s how it works: 

Every $250 raised equals one minute in the icy water for one of our volunteers, who will tag team every minute to reach the time goal. Every $1 raised feeds a family of 4 in Burkina Faso for a day. 

More money raised = more time in the water = more help for the suffering. P

Depending on restrictions in place on that date, we hope to invite the congregation to witness “The Plunge” in person, on live video, or via video recording afterwards. Get ready to see some amusing reactions as the volunteers enter the water!