USA (MNN) — Students from Mexico, Peru, Venezuala, Bolivia and other countries often spend all they have to attend Rio Grand Bible Institute in Texas. This means they often simply do without items like shampoo, toothpaste and other necessities.
When Mary Newman, a missionary from World Gospel Mission realized this, she knew she had to help them. She was studying Spanish at RGBI at the time and decided to put together packages for the young women there.
Newman and her mother prepared bags filled with shampoo, toothpaste, detergent, lotions, first aid supplies, and other things. Then, the young women were all invited to a party where the bags were distributed.
Last year, stuffed animals were a big hit with the girls. Denise Love, RGBI professor who
hosted that party, said, "I dumped the whole bag on the floor…They all ran and screamed to grab an animal. They were so thrilled. It gave each one something very special to hold while they were so far away from their families."
Today, volunteers help provide all these "practical gifts of love." The project has grown so that young men and married students can receive gifts as well. They are all very thankful for the items which they cannot get on their own.
