Bastian's New Bed Has Him Jumping For Joy

Cheerful young Bastian grew up near our Arica sponsor site in Chile, with his mother Elizabeth and older sister, Pia. Elizabeth raised her children on the income she earns as a laundress, which worked out to be less than the national minimum wage. She was grateful when Bastian was chosen by a Chalice sponsor when he was seven years old. "My son is a blessing from God, who has given us much joy," writes Elizabeth.

In the winter of early 2021, Bastian and Pia went to the market to buy vegetables. While they were away, thieves broke into their house and stole Elizabeth's entire month's earnings. When she next met with her Chalice family circle, she broke down in tears. Her family circle rallied around her, and held a food drive. They also formed a spiritual circle of support around the family, sending them prayers and loving kindness through mobile messages.

"Elizabeth felt that God loved her deeply as she received so much love from them," writes the Arica site staff.

Bastian was particularly excited about the food items they received - 'he was jumping for joy," they recall.

Thanks to everyone who supported Chalice's Gift Catalog, Bastian has a new reason to jump - a new bed! He was so excited, he ran to Elizabeth and Pia and gave them a big hug.

Bastian's old bed was unfit for him. It sagged and he did not sleep well. Now he is getting a great night's sleep.

"I want to thank you, from the depths of my being, for giving happiness and a better quality of life to my son Bastian with this new bed," writes Elizabeth in a thank-you letter to Chalice supporters. "It was necessary to change his bed, but they are so expensive that I couldn't buy one. May God reward you for so much good you have done to Bastian."