Jesse’s memory lives on
at kids’ home in Africa
Members of Solitude Baptist Church traveled to Africa for the dedication of a new dorm at the Good Shepherd’s Happy Children Home.
The dorm was named for 10-year-old Jesse Brooks, who was killed in a van crash while on a mission trip in 2002. Her parents, Chris and Tammy Brooks of Boaz, made the trip to Africa and presented a picture of their daughter to hang in the dorm. Pastor Joey Canady and Rod Bryant, a member of the Sand Mountain church who lives in Alder Springs, also went.
The Jesse Brooks Foundation, started by the Brooks family and the Solitude Baptist Church, raised the money to build the dorm. The foundation was started because Jesse wanted to be a missionary in Africa when she grew up.
About 1,000 people gathered in the city of Aflao in the Ghana region for a 5-hour worship service and dedication, where Pastor Cannady spoke.
“It was truly an amazing experience to travel to Africa and see what all is going on in that part of the world,“ Pastor Cannady said. “We are excited as a church and as the Jesse Brooks Foundation to be a part of what God is doing to help change the lives of children in Ghana.“
The Foundation will provide funding to help feed, clothe, house and meet the medical needs of 40 children at the home. It cost about $100 per child per month.
“We also hope to grow the foundation to build another 2-story dorm and a training facility at the site to help even more children,“ said Pastor Cannady. “We have the opportunity to really impact the lives of many people in Aflao.“
“We hope and pray that many people will want to be a part of this unique opportunity to help the children in this area of Africa,“ Mrs. Brooks said.
Tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Jesse Brooks Foundation at 2935 Solitude Road, Albertville Ala. 35950. For more information, call 558-6118 or visit the web site at www.Jesse-BrooksFoundation.org.