Before the Backpacks

Sowers4Pastors officially started backpack distribution, but so much work goes into prepping for this important event, we should talk about it to give some recognition to the S4P staff for all the hard work they do prepping for teams.

Alejandro shared, “It’s a new year, and our hearts are full to be able to bring a seed of hope to all the children. This fills us with joy because we know God is helping us to share the Gospel with them. As we’ve mentioned before, the children are the future of our country. But not just our country—they are the future of the Gospel.”

The Weeks Leading Up

Behind the scenes at Sowers4Pastors, the staff had to work tirelessly to prepare for the arrival of the backpack distribution teams. Everyone has a role to play:

• Secia worked on the logistics—finalizing lists of children, preparing letters, communicating with teachers, and ensuring that there would be enough supplies such as registration sheets, clipboards, pens, gospel tracts, and everything else a large project like this might need.

• Nicki was focused on the backpacks themselves, ensuring they were ready to go and organizing shoes for distribution.

• Rene was helping Nicki while juggling errand running and trying to finish up the 2024 ledgers.

• Brandy, Kirstin, and Alejandro spent time coordinating with teachers and schools while tackling anything else that needs attention, such as writing schedules, talking to hotels, talking to teachers, talking to team leaders. They also had to prep for projects that some of the teams would be doing on the ground, such as playground construction or repair projects. Finally, they also had to order and pickup Bibles for distribution - every third year the kids in the sponsorship program get Bibles as a gift, and this is the year!!

“There are many things to do, and everything requires extra effort from the entire staff,” Alejandro explained. “We want to give our best to our brothers and sisters from the States and to each child and teacher. When we are handing out backpacks, it doesn’t matter how tired we are at the end of the day. Seeing the children happy and smiling because they’re starting school, and seeing the parents relieved because these backpacks make it possible for their kids to attend—it makes it all worth it.”

A Special Connection

Backpack season is more than just distributing school supplies. It’s an opportunity for the staff to connect with the pastors and Sunday school teachers involved in the program. These pastors don’t only preach in their churches; they also deliver the Gospel message to kids in the schools. It’s a chance to celebrate the partnerships that make this work possible and renew the shared mission of showing Christ’s love to every child.

How You Can Help

Please join us in praying for the staff, the teams, and the children, parents, teachers, and pastors. Prayers for safety are always appreciated, for everyone. Prayers for the vehicles are also appreciated, as this season of ministry tends to take one or two of them out of commission! Finally, and most importantly, please pray that the efforts of S4P staff, the teams, the teachers, and the church leaders will serve to advance God's kingdom. Or, as Alejandro put it, “Pray that we can show the love of Christ to each of the villages and schools.”

-posted by Christi