THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 23, 1994 TAG: 9406220167
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: 940623 LENGTH: SUFFOLK
The purpose: To raise $500 to purchase a heifer for a needy family in a third-world country.
The group first heard about Heifer Project International, the sponsoring organization, through Vicky Wright, coordinator of Magnolia's children's ministry in 1993.
{REST} After reviewing material provided by Heifer Project International, the children faced a difficult decision. Should they work toward a smaller monetary goal, like money for fish or rabbits? Or should they reach higher, even all the way to the heifer, the most expensive option?
``In the beginning, they weren't too motivated,'' Babey said of her cattle crew. ``But then they got really enthusiastic about going for the highest goal, and I was excited, too.''
The real work began in January 1993. Aaron French mowed the lawn at home, washed dishes and set the table for extra cash.
``I didn't like the work, but I loved bringing in the money,'' Aaron said.
Jeff Flythe kept his mom's car shipshape, cleaned his room and cut grass for his weekly contributions to the class project.
Melissa Stripling worked around the house and made sure she got good grades on her report card to earn extra money.
``It felt really good,'' Melissa said. ``I like helping people.''
At first, Brian Babey found it hard to part with the money he had earned as a baby sitter with his sister and caring for Maximilian, the family dog.
``But then I thought about the end result and the people I would be helping, and that made the work worth it,'' Brian said.
Alexandra Filer handed over hard-earned cash from hours of baby-sitting. Christi Hill and Jessica Neild also baby-sat and cleaned. And Luke Cotturone fed rabbits.
Most of the students gave a few dollars each week. But Stephen Wright hung onto his money until he could give big.
``I liked saving up the money I made cleaning my mom's office and cutting the grass and then giving a large amount,'' Stephen said with a grin.
Jinks Babey kept the momentum going throughout the year with two parties - a fellowship at her home after the class raised its first $100, and a recreation night at the Suffolk YMCA when they hit $400.
Rick French, Aaron's father, helped the class chart their progress with a large cow poster marked in segments by dollar amount. Each week, the class collected money, counted it, and recorded their earnings on the cow.
Babey also encouraged her class by matching funds dollar-for-dollar as students brought in their money.
``I figured if they were working hard to do this, then I could contribute from the pay I earn,'' said Jinks Babey, a professional graphic designer.
The ``Cow Crusade,'' a class-written and class-produced newsletter, kept other members of Magnolia up to date on the project. The four-page flier featured news clips about participants and educational information about the worldwide ministry of Heifer Project International.
With their $500 contribution, the group purchased a pregnant heifer for a family in an underdeveloped country.
After giving birth, the cow will produce up to 30 quarts of milk daily for its new owners - a rich supply of protein and energy.
Surplus milk also will provide the family with butter and cheese, and selling a portion will give them a small income.
Cows also feed on grass and crop by-products that humans cannot digest. They can be used as draft animals and produce manure, which can be used as fertilizer.
They aren't sure where their cow's new owners will be.
``But regardless of the location, the Lord knows the best place for our money, and I know He's going to bless all our hard work,'' Jinks Babey said.
by CNB