Over the past year, Hartness-Thornwell Memorial Church youth have participated in many philanthropic projects. They have collected donations for cancer research, wrapped and sent Christmas presents and written notes of encouragement to needy children across the seas, and collected canned goods and monetary donations to support the local food bank here in Clinton, SC. Currently, they’re raising money and awareness in support of the children of Namibia, who’ve been made orphans by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Sahara, Africa.


The project is called Beads of Promise, Seeds of Hope and the goals are toBeads_of_Promise1 raise awareness and raise money to house, educate, heal and clothe the orphans and widows of Namibia. This hands-on activity is designed to connect the children of Namibia with American children, as they work together to create ‘YOU-nity Bracelets.’ Half of the bracelet is assembled by each of the two partners – one in America and one in Namibia. During this time, the American partners collect ‘seeds of hope’ (money) for the cause and pledge to pray for their YOU-nity partners and their families.


‘I’m going to raise $100 for my prayer partner,’ said one of our teenage girls with enthusiasm.Beads_of_Promise2


What an encouragement it is to see our young people open their hearts and share the hope that they have found at Thornwell with others in need.