Gen 4: the Growing Wave of Love
The title announced: “The World’s Greatest Adventure”. Already during the preparations for the gathering which were done by the older members of the Movement for these little ones, you could feel that this congress was going to be like a game of love played in the light of the Sun which is God. The importance of the event was also underscored by its global dimensions. There was a live link-up with all the Gen4 of the world, with photos, experiences, songs, and skits, which they sent, and there was a link-up via internet. The Gen4 congress was made even more precious because of the offering made by the Gen4 who are suffering because of illness and offered their sufferings for the success of this event. One of the main topics was how God manifests himself in history: in Creation, in his friendship with the Chosen People as their protector, defender, guide, and saviour. His greatest gift was the gift of his own Son, Jesus, who reveals to us the very heart of God in the story of the Merciful Father who welcomes back the Prodigal Son. They were introduced to the Prophets, Saints, and all those who, like Chiara, were messengers of God’s love and whose message has reached us.
In a video, Chiara herself said again to the Gen4: “Do you know what true happiness is? Try it: It’s the happiness that people have when they love and love and love. When you love you are happy and if you always love, you’ll always be happy. What can you do for the world? Give it happiness. Teach everyone to love.”
Her message was received. Flavio said: “During one game we had to run back and forth without being captured. . . but then I saw a small score book on the ground. I stopped, picked it up and brought it to its owner right away.”
And Joe: “I made a paper airplane, but a boy had lost his. So I gave him mine.”
Besides many creative and recreational activities, the meetings with many of Chiara’s friends was another opportunity to “experience the secret of true happiness”.
One of these was the meeting with Maria Voce (Emmaus) who left them with a rather demanding task: “If we are united, we can carry ahead this revolution that God has sent into the world through Chiara. You need to bring a wave of love into the world. “
And the Gen4 accepted the task as can be seen from the echoes that have been arriving now that they have returned home. This is the great challenge that the little ones launch to all of us. One Gen4 invited his friends to a party and told them about what he had lived at the congress. Others updated the communities from which they came. One thing thing is the courage they gained from the Congress. One Gen4 declared that he wants to become a saint. This amazed his listeners and he was asked how he intended to do this. He explained that it is very simple: Holiness is loving each other, always, without measure.
The wave of love has been launched!
Food, health, primary and secondary school fees coverage, after-school programs. One hundred and thirty children and their families are now able to share in these services. These are some of the “fruits” of development programs begun in South Africa by the Action for New Families Foundation, financed by sponsorship from abroad. South Africa, an immense country with nearly 50 million inhabitants, the home of Nelson Mandela, is in the limelight these days for the World Cup, which instead of covering over, has actually highlighted the wounds of this society that was released not long ago from the terrible scourge of apartheid. However, alcoholism, drug abuse, child prostitution, and high unemployment (50%) remain among the main ills that afflict this country today. Even though they knew it would only be a drop in the ocean, the AFN Federation chose to work in South Africa since 1992 through its Distance Support Project. A solid team of volunteers who work on location, helps to ensure efficient coordination and service. It is involved in trying to improve the human and social condition not only of children, but also of their families, so that assistance will continue to bear fruit in their ongoing growth and development. Assistance does not end when children finish school. The plan foresees that beneficiaries continue to receive professional training and assistance through the activation of microcredit and college scholarships. There have been several projects to date. The first goes back to 1992 with a kindergarten in Zonda, a suburb of Soweto (Johannesburg), in the slums of Silver Town. A canteen has also been set up 10 km from the town of Mafikeng (North West Africa), operated in collaboration with Mary’s Mission. In Soweto (Johannesburg), children who have been orphaned by AIDS find welcome in foster care as they await adoption into a permanent home. Also through support from abroad Angolan military families who are living in economically disadvantaged villages receive support: in this case the project covers food, school fees, and transportation for school children. Finally there is support for some Congolese refugee families (and other African countries) through economic aid, and group and/or personal therapy. Worldwide, the AFN Foundation offers real opportunities for development to 16,400 children in 102 projects in 52 countries on 4 continents (Europe, Middle East, Africa, the Americas, Asia). In Africa, about 3,500 children are supported through 18 projects in Algeria, Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Republic of South Africa, Central African Republic, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.