WMUVMain

Jochebed & Hannah Project
(Exodus 2:1-10 and Numbers 26:59)
In the events surrounding the birth of Moses, his mother Jochebed found a unique way to save the life of her child. When she was called by Pharoah's daughter to care for her own son, Jochebed held him close and whispered the story of God's love.

(1 Samuel 1:1-2:21)
After many years of praying for a child, Hannah had a son she called Samuel. In gratitude she offered him to God's service. Taking Samuel to the temple, Hannah set aside her own dreams so he would receive the best spiritual training and education.

Jochebed and Hannah were two mothers who took great risks and used creative steps to insure health, safety, education, and spiritual training for their children. Can we follow their commitment to children in today's world?

Mission Statement: To call people of faith to commit to uplifting the needs of children and their families through education, advocacy and support on issues related to the health and well being of all children

Every Child Is My Child: We have heard that "children are our future". Perhaps we have become so concerned with preparing children to be productive adults we forget the value of being a child. While one of our responsibilities is to socialize children to become productive citizens and leaders of tomorrow, we should not overlook their present needs and their value.

Although family structures may change, children's needs remain the same. Love, security, nurturing, stability, respect, education, appropriate limits, and spiritual guidance take on even greater importance in today's world.

Jesus affirmed and celebrated the value of children. He encouraged adults not to hinder children, but rather to guide and bring them to Him.….."Let the little children come to me; do not stop them;…..". And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:14-16

Every child belongs to God. We are called to care for every child as our own.

The Jochebed & Hannah Vision:

By raising the awareness of children's value and the issues that affect them, the Jochebed and Hannah Project calls us to act on behalf of children from a preventative perspective.

Individuals and congregations will speak out for children in our community and the world.

Children will gain a voice and their contributions will be respected.

Churches, workplaces, and communities will become child and baby friendly.

Churches will support and provide resources for parenting skills.

Affordable, quality childcare will be available for all working parents.

Childcare providers will be appropriately trained.

Safe-haven places and activities for latchkey children will be established.

Education will be age-appropriate and encourage creative expression.

Basic rights of housing, health, nutrition, education, spiritual development, protection, and recreation will be available to all children regardless of race, gender, culture, or class.

HOW ARE THE CHILDREN?

Are you aware?

In Virginia, 219,000 children have no health insurance.

Diseases preventable by low-cost immunization are now chronic killers of children.

In Virginia, every 32 minutes a baby is born into poverty.

Families with children make up a large percentage of the homeless population.

In Virginia, 70% of fourth graders read below the proficient level.

In Virginia, every 52 minutes a child is reported abused or neglected.

HOW WILL WMUV HELP?

Provide training on the Jochebed and Hannah Project

Consult with congregations to assist in finding their area for advocacy

Serve as a clearinghouse for resources

Facilitate networking

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LOGO

The woman is anyone who gathers children to herself with love and respect and is willing to risk taking a stand on their behalf.

The children are multi-ethnic and multi-cultural. They represent the diversity of our communities and children everywhere.

We hold the key to the future in the way we respond today to the children and the issues that affect them. Lift up our child