I knew it was going to be a very good trip when I was stuck in a hotel in Atlanta for 2 days delayed by weather, missed flights and spring breakers. After arriving in Zimbabwe two days later than planned (with my luggage not arriving until two more days) I went to meet with the manufacturer/distributor of the blankets. Victor Cohen is the gentleman that has helped us the  last 2 years by providing the blankets (picture below). This year Victor gave his commitment to making available for purchase up to 10,000 blankets. The best news came when Victor was able to secure a blanket of the  same quality but larger for only $5!  I didn’t think it  could get any better until Victor made it clear that he would be picking up the tax on the blankets – this saves NNMSII another 15%!!!

We purchased the first 1,000 blankets and immediately began distributing them through the coordinators who had organized distribution efforts last year. The interesting thing is that those who helped “cover up” 300 kids last year are now asking for 1,000 blankets this year!

As I  start back home today we have distributions planned for all 1,000 blankets already purchased plus hundred more! 

Saturday I was involved in giving over 300 blankets to children. Their excitement is very difficult to describe. In most cases they have never had a blanket, much less one so colorful, soft and warm!

Operation Cover Up started 2 years ago, but there is something different about it this year! As I was preparing to talk to the kids about the blankets I was reminded that God is a lot like a blanket to all of His children. He covers us up! He protects us, provides for us, shields us from the elements and most of all shows us that He knows us and what we need! He knows our name! As I talked to the children, their caregivers, and others in attendance, I encouraged them to remember these  attributes of  God every time they are wrapped up in that warm blanket. I told them to think of their new blanket  as God’s arms wrapped around them because He loves them and knows their name! It turned into a wonderful time of “hugging” kids to show them that God loves them and knows where they are. He knows their name!

Thank you so much for all you are doing to help us show the love and concern of a Father God to fatherless children. We have no idea how we are affecting the lives of people by giving them a measure of hope - but it is significant.

I was asked at one point how long we were going to provide blankets for the orphans. My response was as long as there are children who need blankets, there are blankets to be purchased, and money to make the purchase. There are over 1 million orphans in Zimbabwe and we believe that everyone of them deserves a blanket that will be a life-long reminder that God loves them and knows their name!

Please continue to help us help “cover up” the kids. The kids are there to be covered, the blankets are available for purchase at a phenomenal price, and we are asking God to bless our efforts. For those who helped us purchase the first 1,000 blankets – your giving was multiplied already by the phenomenal purchase price of $5!

Your dollars will make a huge impact – just $5 for a blanket – just $5 to make a significant impact in a child’s life. You can be part of an impoverished child feeling the warmth of love, the warmth of God. Never underestimate the significance of the seemingly insignificant things. COVERING UP a child is significant!

You can give on-line by clicking on the “donate” button or gifts can be mailed to:
New Name Mission Society      507 Ashburne Glen Circle      Ovilla TX 75154