2025 in Review

As we look back on 2025, our hearts are full of gratitude. This year was marked by stories of growth, reminders of God’s provision, and the incredible ways you, our community, partnered with us in The Raining Season’s mission.

Here are some of our favorite highlights from the year.

In January, a group of young professionals, including lawyers, accountants, and other professionals, visited The Covering. They brought gifts, but more importantly, they shared their personal stories and encouraged our children.  Many of these young professionals came from challenging backgrounds, but emphasized the crucial role education played in their success. They are proof of how education cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and active citizenship.

In February, six children and four caregivers attended World Hope International’s annual Enable the Children beach outing.  World Hope International’s Enable the Children Project is serving families with disabilities in Sierra Leone.  This event invites families and children living with disabilities across Sierra Leone to help strengthen the community, empower families, and reduce the stigma.  Approximately two thousand people attend the event each year.  During their time there, our children and staff enjoyed eating, dancing, and games.  While the children enjoy this outing, it is also uplifting for our staff to meet other caregivers and hear testimonies and encouraging speeches from donors and government officials.

In March, The Raining Season Preparatory School held its second annual Thanksgiving Service.  This year’s Thanksgiving service was an opportunity to give thanks for all that the Lord has done and what He will do for The Raining Season Preparatory School.

In April, our children at The Raining Season Preparatory School and those at Rising Academy had the fun opportunity to participate in one of the most anticipated events of the school year - Sports Day!  It is always a day to make memories filled with energy, laughter, and teamwork.

On Easter Sunday, a very special celebration took place for The Raining Season family. Twenty-seven of our children publicly declared their faith in Jesus through baptism in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  The baptism journey began in November 2024, when these children expressed their desire to learn more about baptism and deepen their walk with Christ. Over the next five months, Pastor William spent time teaching and preparing them through intentional discipleship and baptism training materials.  A baptism class was held that included Bible-based teaching, interactive discussions, and regular assessments.

Also in April, nineteen teenagers from The Raining Season had the opportunity to attend Young Life Sierra Leone’s three-day camp in Hamilton. That weekend, Young Life Hamilton opened its arms to two hundred fifty teenagers, including the nineteen from TRS. Young Life in Sierra Leone is an organization that seeks to introduce teenagers to Jesus and help them grow in their faith. At camp, they experienced love, acceptance, and the chance to simply be kids while laughing, playing, and connecting with peers and mentors who genuinely care. Through games, sports, music, and faith-based teachings, Young Life creates a space where these teens can learn about God’s love, discover their self-worth, and envision a future beyond their hardships.  

In June, The Raining Season Preparatory School marked a very special milestone with its second graduation ceremony.  The event honored students transitioning from Nursery 3 to Grade 1 and from Grade 6 to Junior Secondary School. This year, we celebrated ten Nursery 3 graduates and twelve Grade 6 graduates, including seven children from The Covering.

In September, our children returned to school with new supplies, including uniforms, backpacks, school shoes, and books. This school year was special because we celebrated the launch of our Junior Secondary School (JSS) program.  This milestone is an answer to prayer that will have a lasting impact on both TRS and the surrounding community for years to come.

In October, we introduced the James 1:27 Sponsorship Drive with the goal of 27 new sponsorships by Orphan Sunday on November 9th. In total, this goal represented $14,580, which would be enough to fund 27 sponsorships for one full year.  As the campaign drew to a close on Orphan Sunday, we were grateful to watch God’s hand at work moving hearts, stirring generosity, and reminding us once again that He provides in His perfect timing. Together, we raised $10,700 in pledged sponsorship dollars toward our $14,580 goal.

The Raining Season ended 2025 with its annual Christmas celebration in December. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the children enjoyed a festive evening with food, drinks, and music. Our staff in Sierra Leone brought in a DJ that kept the celebration going as the children danced and laughed late into the night.  What fun memories they were able to make! All of the children received new African dress clothes and shoes.  

Thank you for praying, giving, and sharing in what God is doing through The Raining Season in 2025. We are looking forward to watching the children continue to flourish and continue our mission in 2026.

Many blessings,

The Raining Season