Hope for “Dependents”

The life of a pastor in Uganda is an eye opener. We’ve been in Lira, northern Uganda.

We arrived to find the pastor hosting us in mourning. He just learned his 6 year old “daughter” died. She drowned. Digging deeper, we learned it was actually his brother’s daughter. Culturally, he considers his niece his own child. That’s important because his brother and his wife are both “sick” (meaning they have AIDS). The pastor embraces that their children will one day be with him in his home – his children.

We had only a short time with the pastor before he left to prepare for the burial ceremony. In that short time at his home, we found he now has 22 children he’s caring for. 7 are his biological children. The rest are “dependants.” These are orphans from relatives or nearby friends. The burden of care has fallen to the pastor, and they are family. He does all he can for them. This is the way – reality.

Hearing this, we surveyed other church leaders in the room. Each one cares for dependants in their homes. One man has no biological children with his wife. They have 5 dependants.

Here’s the problem…

There are too many dependants who have no one like the pastor or other leaders in the room. This extended family system is beyond saturated. Consequently, children suffer and die.

This is where you all come into play, GO family. We work with churches to expand their capacity to care for the children at the bottom – the ones with no support network. We don’t take the dependents from the pastor’s house. In this cultural fabric, they should be with him. Rather, we help the local church reach those who have no one to be dependent upon.

In Lira, the church has started its ministry to these hurting children. The first 20 girls arrived in care in June. Malnourished, sickly, scared, they arrived alive. Praise God. The local church body has poured love into these girls in a simple and safe environment. The children go to school, many for the first time. That’s not easy. For example, a 9 year old girl is enrolled in what we’d call kindergarten. It’s not easy. But it’s good.

Local church leaders are spending time with the children, each day. It’s not just the children and the mommas, alone. That’s the beauty of the local church. This is an extended family that has grown.

One church leader, Tomali Okao, is in her 60s. Her husband was murdered by the Amin regime, and she raised 7 of her own children and the dependents God placed in her care. Tomali now embraces these children as her own. She bought 20 small pine tree saplings and planted them with the children behind their homes to grow with them. Tomali has hope for the kids, offers great wisdom to them, and shows her love in practical ways. Tomali and many others now have more dependents, more family members. They just need a little help to carry this burden. GO family, you’re providing that modest help.

And look what can happen… Here are a couple of clips of the girls at Lira, just 2+ months since they arrived filthy, hurting, and malnourished.

Don’t get me wrong. There are and will be many challenges with these girls. But Jesus is much bigger than our circumstances, and He provides many, like Tomali, to stand lovingly in the gap.

Just take a minute to celebrate this scene. The girls just got home from school. They’re playing. They’re laughing.

God is good.

Faithfully yours,

Joe

Welcoming More Children

Pastor Moise Vaval, Live from Haiti:

This week, we welcome 20 more children into the village. All of them missing a mother or father; only three of them have parents but are among the neediest. They are coming from a very difficult area: Delmas. These children are very vulnerable; of course, some of them will stay here only for a period of time (while their families continue to rebuild their lives).

Twenty children welcomed to the Orphan Transition Village this week.

Linked-In Thru Him

Yesterday, Adrien and I went to Lincoln, Nebraska to meet with some of our die hard GO Project friends. The Lord rattled me pretty good.

Listen to this…

In 2008, I got a random call from a woman in Lincoln, Nebraska – Susan Browne. Susan heard of C3 through someone who heard from someone else, etc… The Brownes, adoptive parents, have a heart for orphans. Susan said that her family and some friends wanted to get involved in C3. After a couple of conversations, I agreed to come to Lincoln for an intro meeting with Susan and several other ladies. Fox and I drove up. I remember that we made that trip about a week after going to Gonaives, Haiti.

We met at Susan’s church, Lincoln Berean; walked into a conference room; and greeted a group of ladies. One of the women, Kristin Heaton, had a balled-up Kleenex in her hand and puffy red eyes. The whole crew had been crying before we arrived.

Mike and I got to talking; Kristin got to crying. We’d stop. Start again. More tears. (Fox has been known to make women cry, but for me, this was highly unusual.) We really couldn’t get into the meat of what we wanted to say. So we stopped the group and turned to Kristin.

“Are you okay?”

“No. My heart is broken right now and I just can’t stop crying.” Kristin explained why. She and her husband were in the 2nd year of the adoption process for a little girl, Bettania, and it was going nowhere. Even more painful in the moment, they had another young girl, Dieunette, at their home on a medical visa – they sponsored her so she could have brain surgery. All had gone well. God had knitted this little one into the Heaton family. Here’s the problem: their time had seemingly come to an end. The next week, the Heatons had to part ways with Dieunette and their hearts ached at the thought. As we started to talk of the global orphan pandemic, Kristin had specific little ones wrenching her emotions. She couldn’t see past the pain. None of us could after we heard.

We asked Kristin, “Where is this child from?” “Haiti.” “Haiti? Are you kidding?” (Kristin didn’t know of our work in Haiti.) I pressed, “Where in Haiti?” “It’s not a place most people have heard of.” “Where?” “Gonaives,” she replied.

“Gonaives? (I can’t believe this!!!) What if I told you Mike and I were just there last week?”

You could have heard a pin drop. This was one of those God-orchestrated moments where everyone knew to just chill out and soak it in. God is at work in and around us, all the time – and sometimes he shouts a real-time reminder.

Well, the Heatons courageously shepherded Dieunette to Haiti and kissed her “goodbye.”

Over time, Dieunette’s mother couldn’t care for the child. Dieunette was in danger. Upon referral to social services, Dieunette was placed in an orphanage. The Heatons, still embroiled in Adoption #1, began to fight through Adoption #2 – both long shots. The Heatons also joined with gusto what has become a growing and passionate group in Lincoln – The Nebraska Global Orphan Project – battling with us to bring more children into care.

The struggle to adopt Bettania and Dieunette raged on for 2 more years. Nothing. The girls were in an orphanage in Port au Prince, with no end to the adoption in sight.

On January 9, Kristin sent some family and friends an update that the adoptions were going nowhere. She and Scott were losing hope. Here were Kristin’s closing words: “I have to figure out how to live with all of this which I’m not doing very well with at the moment. Hope it get’s easier but I just don’t know how it can. For now I will peel myself off of the floor put one foot in front of the other and try and find joy in each day.”

On January 12, Haiti shook.

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One facet of GO Project’s relief effort in Haiti has been to deliver food, water, and supplies to other orphanages in Haiti that collapsed during the quake and had no resource pipeline. There are so, so many in this category. We’ve gotten to the ones that the Lord put in our path.

In the immediate aftermath of the quake, we got an email from Dan Southerland, a pastor and friend in Kansas City. CNN ran a report of a collapsed orphanage in PaP with scant and soon-to-be gone food and water for 151 children. A friend of Dan’s let him know, and Dan, in turn, let us know. Dan was able to track down contact information for the orphanage, and Moise got the address: Publin 4 (behind the local of djoumbala), Rue Lamothe, impasse Petion 2. Moise and I had phone numbers for 3 ladies at the location: Jamie, Ali, and Margarette St. Fleur. We got hold of Margarette. She confirmed the problem. She had some food, but no water. Margaret believed this was a short term problem, but needed water, especially, right away. So we delivered water and supplies to Margarette at the orphanage, and encouraged her. We left and moved on to the next location.

That was that.

Honestly, I haven’t given that place, Bresma Orphanage, another thought. Until yesterday…

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Back to yesterday in Lincoln. Like I said, we met our GO Project friends there for a meeting. But no Kristin and Scott. I asked Susan about them. Susan: “Haven’t you heard about the girls?”

Kristin and Scott are rather busy these days. The girls are home with them! Susan went on to explain God’s amazing provision. After the quake, the Heatons had no idea what happened to the girls or the orphanage they were in. They stayed glued to CNN to follow every detail of coverage, hoping to glean some information about the state of Port au Prince and all there. To their shock and amazement, they learned the fate of the girls through a CNN story of a ruined orphanage with a dwindling food and water supply and no help. While the orphanage was down, the kids were alive. Susan explained the miracles… The Heatons learned the girls survived from a CNN story. Unknown people in PaP responded with food and water. Many of the children were flown to the United States. Adoptions pending for years were completed. Bettania and Dieunette – home.

I heard this and thought, “Hey, I know this story.” “Susan, what was the name of that orphanage?” “Bresma. It’s run by a couple of young ladies named Jamie and Ali.” Yep, I know this story!

God allowed me to share with Susan and the group our little slice of this story – we had the privilege of being some of the unknown others.

God gave us another moment – another reminder.

Scott and Kristin, the Lord’s got His hand on you all. He always has. And GO Family, we’re more connected by God than we can possibly imagine.

Lord, You are trustworthy – no matter what.

Faithfully yours,

Joe

P.S.: I’d love to have a statistician run the odds on these circumstances and call it chance.

Renise Matters

Hello, GO Family. Many of you have been faithfully reading this blog since Jan. 12. You’ve become attached to these children, like Renise.

On Saturday, March 20, Renise gave birth to her little daughter, Kimberly. We’ve been mum about the events surrounding that day, and the amazing God story that continues to unfold. During a dicey time of uncertainty for us (not for God), we needed to just be quiet.

Now we’re sending a full Renise update that Trace penned.

In the year before the earthquake, this little girl was sold into slavery by her parents; was sent back to her parents only to have her mother die in her arms; lived with her mother’s corpse; went back to her owners where she was sexually assaulted by 2 men at gunpoint; got fired from her slave work unworthy of even that; and was turned to the streets with a troubled pregnancy that would have taken her life. The earthquake freed Renise. Since January 12, she’s found a new hope in a most miraculous chain of events and the deep, daring love of others.

Guess where she’s at today? School. Her first day.

Hope. Love. Redemption. If you sometimes think these are words of mere bloated inspiration tossed about by preachers and politicians, consider Renise. The same God in her life is at work in yours. He can be trusted, even when the chips are down and we can’t understand.

Enjoy… CLICK HERE>> to read Renise’s story.

Haiti Earthquake Updates

Haiti Rescue Update (1/29/2010 7:58 am CST)

Via Joe Knittig;

“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matt 19:13-15

God is showing a divine creativity in bringing the children.

I’m on my way back from KC to the Village. And a funny thing happened on the way to the forum…

Mike Fox and I met a guy from Cypress about a year ago.  He introduced us to a new GO friend from Australia, who now lives in San Francisco.  That’s Bobbi Dunphy. Bobbi has a friend, a doc, serving now at a hospital in PaP.  The doc has a problem.  There are 10 orphans at the hospital with nowhere to go.  Doc wants to help – he is compelled to help – but doesn’t know where to turn.  Doc connects with Bobbi.  Bobbi connects with us.  We’ll take these little ones, and welcome them with a hot meal and lots of love.  God willing, we’ll have them tomorrow.

Let them come, Lord.

We all have our roles to play, huh?  We wouldn’t know of these children without the Cypress to Australia to San Francisco to Haiti to GO connections.  We couldn’t greet them without your backing.  And someone out there is going to sponsor a village that these children will call home.  Individually, we’re in way over our heads.  Collectively, we’re right on.  That’s faith ALIVE.  Thank you!

Please pray that there’s no interference to hinder these children coming to receive a new chance.

Haiti Rescue Update (1/28/2010 5:17 pm CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

1 home. 47 more needing a home.

With NPR at his side, our ten-year-old friend, Johnny, returned to his home and to his Mom earlier today. Courtesy of your generosity, we sent Johnny off with a care package which included a 12-man tent and a large bag of food. Johnny and his family now are together and have a little wind at their back thanks to you and the rest of The GO Project family!

This afternoon World Vision introduced us to Julie, a Haitian woman who cared for 47 orphans. The earthquake destroyed their home, and Julie led her children out on foot headed for the Dominican Republic, literally an ultramarathon away. For the last several days, Julie has cared for her kids in two temporary locations, looking for someone to take them in. We will. That is what God has called us to do.

Early next week, our Transition Orphan Village will add 47 more children, whose resilience is inspiring, their current house Mommas, and Julie, a lady with a heart as big as Haiti

Soon after they are settled here, we will work with partners to create a GO village; a new home for these kids, who will know that God cared for them in the midst of crisis. They will feel His love through your love, and we will be here, on your behalf, to welcome them into our GO Project family. What a privilege to serve the Lord with you by loving His kids!

Medical Team Update (1/28/2010 8:57 am CST)

Via Charlene Garrison, Live from Haiti;

Our pastors on the team have just been awesome!  They have prayed over the team as well as all our patients.  Both Jim and John have had the opportunity to lead one person each to the Lord!  John showed the card that asked ‘how can I pray for you and your child’ to each person and they were so excited to have their child prayed for.  One mother asked who is Jesus and so John got the interpreter and shared the gospel to her and she accepted the Lord.

About 1/2 the team went to Biggarouse today to do a general medical clinic with the kids.  They are all in good shape!  We have one child that needs surgery due to a hernia and 7 that will be coming into Cambry tomorrow to see dentist Mitch.

The other half of our team is working at Brenda Hospital.  They truly have been an answer to prayer as they have been able to care for many patients.

I could write much more but hope that gives you a picture of what is going on here.

Haiti Rescue Update (1/27/2010 10:58 pm CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

Most families hold their reunion in the summer. This year, our GO Project family is having some great reunions the last week of January.

This afternoon, just hours after bringing him to our home, we were able to locate Rogelen’s sister, who lives in Miami. (Rogelen is the 15-year old who sought refuge with the 82nd Airborne after the earthquake.) His sister received word that their parents were dead, but knew nothing about her little brother. When we were able to connect them via phone, a huge celebration began that transcended the miles between them. We are committed to doing everything we can to reunite them. It won’t be easy, but as usual, God is way ahead of us. NPR was here tonight and interviewed Rogelen. NPR asked, “Rogelen, what would you be doing if The GO Project hadn’t picked you up today?” Rogelen answered, “I don’t know. I was thinking about selling myself to a family as a slave. That happens in Haiti.” NPR then asked, “What do you want to do now?”    “I’d like to go live with my sister in Miami, finish my schooling and become a doctor.”

As you’re reading this on Thursday, we’ll be on our taking Johnny back home. Like Rogelen, Johnny was separated from his Mom when the earthquake hit. We picked up Johnny when he was discharged from Love a Child healing center. With some excellent directions from Johnny, we were able to find his Mom. Now his stitches are out. He’s walking without crutches, and he’s going home. This morning he told me, “I’m going to come visit you even after I get home. I will never forget you.”

Last night 13-year old Renise came to us, scared, alone, and pregnant against her will. Understandably, she was beaten down by her circumstances; couldn’t take her eyes off the ground. This morning she meekly waved to us. Later she sat by and watched our team unload a supply truck. This afternoon, Renise spent held hands with Beth “Momma” Fox. We learned that Renise has a beautiful smile. She’s a sweet, young girl.

World Vision came by today. After watching our kids jump rope, play soccer, and just cut loose a little, Sergio, their Dominican Republic Representative took my face in both of his hands and said with tears in his eyes, “This is the first time I’ve seen children having fun since the earthquake. Congratulations!”

“You should hear them sing,” I replied. “It’s a beautiful sound.” These are special children. They are the King’s kids. They are our brothers and sisters, and this family reunion has moments of great joy!

Tomorrow we will meet again with World Vision to see if we can bring hope to 17 orphans who need it. I appreciated Sergio’s affirmation, but we know the good we see is not of us. It’s the Lord, working through your giving hearts. Thank you for praying! Thank you for caring! Press on! Aslan is on the move!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/27/2010 1:53 pm CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

We’re in the heart of Port Au Prince. If traffic is good, tonight’s GO Project boys’ soccer game will have a new star player. Rogelen is 15. He lived near Moise’s church, but lost both of his parents in the quake. As the 82nd Airborne was patrolling his neighborhood, Rogelen grabbed onto one of their legs and wouldn’t let go. The 82nd heard about The GO Project, and Rogelen is in our family now.

Rogelen claims to be quite a soccer player. I bet he’s right. He’s such a great kid! Thank you for giving him a home. Thank you for being his family.

Thank you, God, for sparing Rogelen and for the plan you have to give him a future and a hope! Amen!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/26/2010 6:47 pm CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

He makes all things new…

I want to introduce you to our new sister, Renise.  Renise is a sweet girl, 13 years old. Her parents died when Renise was 6.  Before they passed away, they sold Renise to a family for cash.  Last year on an errand into town, Renise was abducted, raped, and is now pregnant.  Thrown out by the family she worked for, Renise has been living on the streets of Port Au Prince the last five months and was picked up today by UNICEF.  They needed a safe, loving place for her and called us.

You have heard about our kids singing, playing, and laughing.  Most of them are doing great!  Their strength is a blessing and example to us.  Renise is not there yet.  Her wounds are too raw.  She came in tonight alone and scared.  She’s no longer alone, and soon, she won’t be scared anymore.  Renise will soon learn she can trust us.  She can trust you.  This is a safe place for Renise and the child inside her.  And as we love her, we will introduce her to Jesus.  He can make all things new.  Tonight, Renise has reason to hope.  She will soon discover that she has a family;  a Father who loves her greatly and brothers and sister (you and me).

I don’t know where Renise would be without your giving.  On her behalf, I thank you.  On your behalf, I will let her know that you love her.  Thank you! Press on!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/26/2010 4:46 pm CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

We are heading back from Port Au Prince.  The highlight of the day was that we found Johnny’s mom.  That was no small task in PAP, especially now.  We took a picture of Johnny, who we learned today was separated from his mom at the time of the quake.  We wont’ forget the joy on his mom’s face when she realized that her son was alive and well.  Johnny will stay with us two more days as his feet recover.  On Thursday, we’ll take him home to be with and hug on his mom.  Tonight, we look forward to showing Johnny the picture of his loving mom.

Beth and I have a meeting tomorrow with the Haitian head of child protection services.  The situation is fluid and the rules change on a dime.  No worries!  We are all in! God gives us the strength to run whatever route is in front of us.

Carrie “Flow” Davidson, RN, worked the nightshift at the General Hospital downtown.  While many colleagues clocked out at 5 pm, “Flow” covered four peds tents (two critical care) as the lone nurse….she’s all in!

God has given us a great opportunity to be His Hands and Feet.  What a privilege to help reunite Mother and son, to help James get surgery, to care for the wounded, to welcome and love the orphaned and abandoned!  We can’t do this without you.  This is your work, your ministry!  We love you!  Press on!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/26/2010 6:06 am CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

God continues to move for our little brother James. James has a large, deep wound on his face. While he’s fortunate to be alive, the resulting scar would follow him for life, unless someone did something BIG. God arranged it so our GO Project home at Eben Ezer is 20 minutes from a hospital called Love a Child. It’s quite a place. This morning, a plastic surgeon from Operation Smile is coming in. He will operate on James. Only God could have brought in an accomplished plastic surgeon to operate on a seven-year-old Haitian orphan. God loves James, and so do we. If you were here with us, he’d lift his arms wanting you to hold him. He recently snookered two people on our team to take him out of our recovery area and into our team’s room for a nap. He’s hard to resist. He’s part of our GO Project family now. Thank you for welcoming him into the family with us.

Pause the Stuff  (for now)

You all are a machine! We have multiple 40? containers en route to the Dominican Republic, and ulimately to our depot at the Transition Village in Haiti. Tents, tarps, meds, food, beds, mats, etc…

For now, we need to hit the PAUSE button on non-cash donations intended for shipment to Haiti. We have a very targeted focus on the Orphan Transtion Village and related needs. We must be careful not to clog our distribution channels, or allow supply chains to overwhelm our staff and focus.

So three points:

(1) What we need most is cash donations. This allows us to stay nimble and meet needs as they arise, with speed and efficiency.  Here is the link to our Haiti Relief Fund

(2) If you have bulk foods you’d like to donate, please contact us.

(3) In the coming days and weeks, we will likely have specific needs for additional goods. As we do, we will communicate them to you.

Thank you for being a community of ACTION! Keep it up.

Faithfully yours,

Joe

Haiti Rescue Update (1/25/2010 2:01 pm CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

Several members from the Longhollow team went with Beth Fox to pick up two more children. We met “Small Joe” (as opposed to our Joe Knittig) last week at the General Hospital by the Presidential Palace.  He’s three and lost whatever parents he had in the quake.  We are so excited to have him in our family.  At the HHS Hospital, the 82nd Airborne called and confirmed a little guy named Popeye (not sure how it’s spelled yet, so I just went with the tried and true for now) is an orphan that needs to be discharged.  How can you say no to Popeye?  We’re going to get him as well.  Beth’s team took a Tap-Tap ( kind of a cross between an El Camino and a tied-dyed T-shirt).  Knowing Beth, she may come back with a few more .  Kids abandoned at a hospital.  Kids adopted into the GO Project family….because of you!  We love you! Press on!

A Surgeon’s Story (1/25/2010 7:47 am CST)

We’ve got a team of 17 folks arriving in Croix des Bouquets early this morning.  Most of them traveled from Kansas City on Saturday, and many of them are clinicians.  They spent Sunday in Fort Lauderdale hoping for a medical missions flight to Port Au Prince, but nothing would be available for days.  So, they hopped a plane to Santo Domingo at midnight, landed there at 3 am, and took off for Croix on bus.  They will be caring for the children brought to Eben Ezer and some will be making the drive down to Les Cayes to do the same there.  Please keep them in your prayers!

Dr. Bill Gossman, a surgeon, has been at Croix for a while now.  He has performed countless surgeries in Port Au Prince and overseen hundreds of patients.  He has one scheduled this morning on a young boy with head trauma.  Here’s his experience:  ‘It is not unusual to be the only doctor for 300 patients!  The doctors here are from all over the world and the French have sent a surgical team that are now doing surgeries.  The horror is indescribable.  Setting countless fractures, doing amputations and putting back dislocated joints all without anesthesia for the patients.  These people are in horrible pain.  There are people dying all the time of infections and injuries that are too severe to treat.’  He has seen and cared for some of the worst situations.  Courage in the face of calamity.  Thank you Dr. Bill!

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/24/2010 6:56 pm CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

This morning, we drove through Port Au Prince, it often looked and smelled like the Valley of the Shadow of Death.  Some of the worst parts of the city are by Moise Vaval’s church.  We arrived at 7:30 am, and their corporate prayer had been going on for an hour by then.  People sat on wooden benches that had been pulled from the destroyed church building.  Consistent with Haitian hospitality, we were given the place of honor underneath the only tent they had.  Just a few feet away the crumbled wall of their church lay on the ground.  People came from the streets to worship.  The same people who had their homes destroyed, who lost loved ones.  These people sang praises to the Answer.  For more than two hours they worshipped the King with all their hearts.  The sun beat down, they lifted their hands in praise.   Buildings fell, their belief in God still stands.  Lives were lost, faith was found.  After the gospel was shared, 14 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  “People are turning to Jesus” Moise said.  Their hope is well placed.  As they walk through the Valley, Jesus is with them.  You are a part of His love here.  Your gifts are being delivered.  Your prayers are being answered.   Thank you!  May God bless your heart to help.  Press on!

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/24/2010 1:23 pm CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

30 children have been reportedly found by the press at 2:30 am this morning in the basement of a building.  The GO Project has been working to verify, assess, and care for the kids.  We may have 30 more children in our care soon.  We are developing a great relationship with Hospital Generale.  8 more kids needing homes.  There is such a need for what we are doing.  Thank you for giving.  Thank you for praying!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/23/2010 8:04 pm CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

Some days you reap. Other days you sow. An unbelievable traffic jam in Port Au Prince made the city nearly impassable. Drivers coming to get us for appointments were stymied, so today, we did a lot of sowing. Three tractor tractor trailors full of supplies were delivered. We loaded one dump truck with close to 10,000 pounds of food for our GO Project kids in other communities. Our new friends from Nebraska, Wisconsin, and New York  (Carrie, Bill, and John) arrived and provided medical treatment for dozens in a nearby community.  Rob Boyer’s Haitian-genius-friend, Blanchard, even found a Wi-Fi connection for us.  Eureka! Yes, you heard that right.  Hello, world! The ability to communicate just got a LOT easier here.

God is enabling us to build an operational system that can care for our growing number of Haitian children, independent of how fast the overall national recovery occurs.  We hope macro-recovery happens quickly, but we simply can’t wait on that or depend on that.  These children are too important, too precious.  They are singing again tonight.  We just checked on Moliva.  She was in a bit of pain and needed some meds so she could sleep.  It’s such a privilege to care for them in the name of Jesus with you!  We love you!  We’ll be in touch soon.

Haiti Rescue Update (1/23/2010 8:54 am CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, Live from Haiti;

Joe Knittig and Adrien Lewis left this morning for the DR.  Both gave their all as servants of the King and now look forward to seeing their families who have been amazing in their support of what God is doing here. Please pray for their swift and safe return.

This morning Franzie (11 year old girl) was reunited with her Dad. We loved seeing them together!  He was grateful for the care she received here, and we are grateful that God used us as a safe place for Franzie during a scary time in her life.  The word is getting out that we are here, and we hope for more of these family reunions as a result. We recognize each one as a blessing and a small miracle.

This morning a one-year-old boy was brought to us with burns. 80 percent of his body was raw as a result of a post-quake accident in the home caused by a kerosene lamp the family was using, because they were without elecrtricity.  Our on-site nurse examined him and was able to quickly move him to the nearest hospital. Please continue to pray for God’s healing Hand to move in Haiti. We see the pain and suffering here, but we see it through the lens of Jesus Christ, who loves us, who gave Himself for us, and who commands us to love one another.  I hear our children here singing His praises in the background during their morning devotional time. A beautiful sound! Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow!

Big Aid – All Hat and No Cattle (1/22/2010 5:04 pm CST)

Via Joe Knittig, Live from Haiti;

Little ones – orphaned or displaced -  are starting to flow in from the hospitals.  Thank God.

These warriors serving at the hospitals are in a terrible position.  They have these children.  They’re setting bones, amputating limbs, cutting in impossible conditions.  They can’t keep track of them in a sea of desparate need.  Trafficers are free to waltz in and sneak out with the kids who are alone.

The hospitals and camps can’t wait for big hand wringing aid groups to formulate “strategies” in endless meetings.

We went to a Child Protection “strategy” meeting with major organizations.  I kid you not…  The next 4 days we can, if we choose, attend meetings for hours.  No thanks.  We can recognize a child left alone to die.  We’d rather move NOW for that child.  No meetings needed.  It ain’t rocket science.

So enough!!!

We’re offering an option to the hospitals to give them the help they NEED.  We’re getting the word out to them.

And now the neediest of children are coming.  These are mainly little ones pulled from the rubble.

The first, a little boy with an IV and barely alive.  No one knew his name.  He is Patient 1013.  He is in danger.  Broke his pelvis and back, it seems.  But he’s still fighting.

Pierre has a broken femur.  Stanley will likely have his arm amputated.  James has a head injury.  Moliva has an infection in her leg.  Franzia is scarred and disfigured.  Etc…

All are beautiful.  And they are bonding.

What a joy they are.  Keep ‘em coming hospitals.  They matter to you.  They matter to us.

A Plan of Action Haiti Earthquake Update (1/22/2010 10:30 am CST)

The Global Orphan Project team has had some time to access and formulate a real, executable plan of action for our short term and long term needs in Haiti.

Download our ACTION PLAN HERE>>

New Life (1/22/2010 8:37 am CST)

From Trace Thurlby

Last night, the second baby was born at our transitional village in Croix des Bouquets.  Weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz, Maliko arrived just after midnight.  It brings great joy having a small part in creating a safe place for a child to enter the world.

Took a short break from logistics and inventory management to play with a child this morning.  A 2 year old named Kiki just needed to be held.  She’s no different than my kids or yours.  The same tears, the same beautiful smile, the same need to be loved.  That’s why we are here and that’s why you give.  Thank you!

A Haiti Rescue (1/21/2010 5:13 PM CST)

From Joe Knittig;

On our way home with a sweet boy with a winning smile!  Welcome Pierre Pietel.  Pierre has a broken femur – now casted.  We promised him yesterday that we would not forget him.  When he saw us today, he lit up!  Today at the same hospital, a man tired to kidnap a boy.  That’s happening.  And that is why the transition village makes sense.  Hospitals and camps are overwhelmed.  They need a safe and IMMEDIATE outlet for the Pierres.  We can’t wait for hand wringers to come up with “perfect” solutions.  Trust me, predators don’t tarry.

Anyway, welcome little Pierre.  He has a purple tee shirt and a small black plastic bag with a coloring book and snack – all given by the docs who love him.  Those are his worldly possessions as he enters the exciting journey – the rest of his life.   God bless you and keep you.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/21/2010 3:52 PM CST)

Via Joe Knittig Live from Haiti:

Just got done w a series of meetings at UN re identifying the orphans and displaced kids in a mass of humanity.  And doing so in a way to prevent child trafficing, which is a serious problem in this mess.

Went well.

We’re in a position to help provide a safe, loving environment for the little ones NOW.  That’s the huge need here.  Risk.  Urgency.  Distribution.  Execution.  We guaranty that’s what you’ll get with GO Project.  Good’s the goal.  Not perfect.

We have a follow-up at UN noon tomorrow.  Pray for that, please.

We’ll keep you posted.

Haiti Update: 2nd Team Engaged (1/21/2010 2:15 PM CST)

Via Trace Thurlby, live from Haiti:

We are starting to understand the working systems that Mike, Joe, Paul, Alan and others so quickly established. Basically we are running a small town with basic services: security, food, shelter, childcare, medical, etc. The interesting part is doing this in the middle of a third world country ravaged by earthquake on top of language and cultural differences. While we embrace the eternal importance of this work, sometimes we have to step back and smile. Today while unloading our supply truck we discovered about a ton of salami and about 40 crates of Haitian smoked herring. No, we didn’t order that. We’re not sure if the shipping company just threw that in to thank us for our business.

On a more serious note, Joe Fox, Mike Helmuth and Paul Dennison joined us today in Haiti. Beth is leading an effort to build records on all the kids we have here. Joe and Rob are at a very promising UN meeting to help find the newly orphaned. After that, Joe will go check on a great little guy named Pierre to see if we can bring him here. Pierre was orphaned and broke his leg in the quake. Adrien has coordinated the loading of trucks for one of our partners that will feed an entire town tonight. Processes and control systems are developed to handle two hundred plus more children and to do it well.

Your giving makes it all possible. Today Moise Vaval asked if we had an extra tent. A widowed Pastor’s wife lost her house and her husband. The last week she has slept in a field. Because of your generosity, we can help her! God bless you!

Haiti Relief Fund>>

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/20/2010 8:00PM CST)

Via Joe Knittig live from Haiti:

Just picked up Stanley, he is pretty banged up – asleep in Beth’s arms in the car.  Pierre, 10, has a busted leg.  Well have to have that set tonight and come to his new home tomorrow morning.  Many more Stanley’s and Peirre’s are now alive in Haiti.  I’ll check in on the little guys tonight and keep posted here.

Thanks for you continued prayer and help.

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/20/2010 2:20 CST)

From Joe Knittig, live in Haiti:

While we were at the Hospital this a.m. the Lead Administrator and Doc had us leave with a little boy, orphaned, pulled from the rubble.  We had to drive 2 hrs in a tap tap holding his IV bag.  Barely hanging on.  Don’t know his name or age.  I think he’s about 4 – he’s about the same size as my little guy, Isaac.  I consider today his birthday.  Pray for him.  Going back to the hospital to get more children orphaned by the disaster that the hospital has and cannot house.  Many are injured.  Doc Bill is going to be busy.  Trace and Beth have arrived and are with me now.  They’re like a breath of fresh air!

6.1 Aftershock Hits Haiti -Update (1/20/2010 10:00 AM CST)

From Joe Knittig live in Port au Prince:

Driving through PAP to Eben Ezer hospital, a sick boy needs immediate attention, injured from the most recent aftershock.  Doctors and team are readying for his arrival back at Eben Ezer.  In addition to and many other kids that are in need of help that we are bringing there.  There is no room in PAP hospitals for them so we are having to begin taking these kids and help as best we can.

Continue to pray for Haiti and engage as you are led >>

6.1 Aftershock Hits Haiti -Update (1/20/2010 6:46 AM CST)

From Joe Knittig live in Haiti

We’re on our way to Carrefour, got a late start because a 6.1 earthquake hit a little while ago (Eben Ezer is fine).  Entering the heart of Port au Prince now.  We’ll keep you posted on further damage due to the new quake.

CNN Link >>

Update from Haiti (1/19/2010 6:52 PM CST)

From Joe Knittig in Croix des Bouguets, Haiti

36 more children showed up this afternoon to the transitional orphan village we have set up, I’m in the truck with 15 more right now, That’s 87 from one devastated community (where Moise’s church is).  Not sure all the kids are “orphans” as we might think of them.  What I am sure of is that all are in serious trouble and are without help.  We’re confident that many of these kids can be reunited with family through the church when the dust settles.

Pray for that.

We’ll pick up the pace a bit tomorrow on penetrating the make-shift refugee camps.  Kids who have lost parents are flocking there. They’re just hard to get in to with the mass of humanity. The air in PAP is brutal.

Update from Haiti (1/19/2010 3:35 PM CST)

One of the two trucks filled with water and food our field team has put to use as a cavan between the Dominican and our Transitional Orphan Village in Croix des Bouguets, Haiti. With so many images of devastation its fantastic to see real help getting to where it needs to go!  No doubt that its a great deal of work to make this happen but somehow our team is making it all work well.

Also, an interesting article posted about how critical our transitional orphan village is and will be in the days ahead. Read it here>>

Live from Haiti (1/19/2010 9:00 am CST)

Our next two ‘food and supply’ trucks arrived from the DR this morning, it is perfect timing!  Because, we have more children arriving at our transition village in Croix des Bouguets.   Our team will be adding more and more kids because there are so many without parents, relatives, food, shelter in Port Au Prince.

Some of the team is riding is a broken down, bald tired, raggedy Suzuki to deliver food and water to a local orphanage of 151 children who are bone dry and without anything.

In addition to the desperate need for more food and water for orphans, they also need folks who will love on them and help them to recover and rejoice again.  We’ll be updating our trips page on the web site with upcoming trips starting in February – they need you.

Haiti Update from Joe (1/18/2010 10:00 pm CST)

I felt the most at risk in the wee hours of the morning.  Not on the streets.  Not in an aftershock.  But in a truck with 10 others.  We were flying on a road heading north and a horse ambled out on the road…  And stopped!  We rubbed that horse’s bottom as we whizzed by.

Today was a day of prep for the next wave.  We’re planning to scale the transitional orphan village.  A lot of planning must occur on the fly.  We are ready to rock.

As I write this, the kids are playing buckets as drums, singing, and dancing.

Look, the people here aren’t thugs.  Hungry?  Hurting?  Heartbroken?  Oui.  But also helpful, hopeful, and humble.  Look at these kids’ eyes and you’ll see.  Feel their breath on your cheek when they crash in your arms.  Listen to them rejoice.  There is good news.  You are investing in children here and in your own hearts.

We vow to keep telling you the good news.

I’m beat.  I have a chance to slip in a bit of sleep and I’m taking it.  I’ll get up early and give you more substance.  What’s needed for the transition village?  What else is needed?  What about coming to serve?  All that and more.

Goodnight.

Joe

P.S. To Dan Southerland.  We connected with your buddy’s orphanage in PAP.  151 kids.  One of their homes fell.  They have some food.  But they’ll go bone dry on water by tomorrow night.  We’re bringing them water in the morning.

Haiti 2nd Team Update (1/18/2010 6:00 pm CST)

Our group of four leaves early tomorrow morning, and thanks to your generosity, they will have bags full of medications for the clinic at Eben Ezer.  And, Team #3 is being assembled as I type – clinicians who will leave on Saturday and need even more medications and formula to take with them (if you are interested in going, respond quickly to info@theglobalorphanproject.org).

You all are an amazing Go Project family.  The online giving and churches and businesses – we are awestruck by your generosity.  And…please keep sharing the story and giving – as Joe shared last night ‘We’ll likely bring in hundreds more in the coming days, and, God willing, take care of many more than that in damaged and ravaged orphanages.  If resources allowed, we could take into permanent care many thousands of orphans.’ You can make that happen!

Haiti Rescue Update (1/18/2010 10:00 am CST)

MP3 update from Trace Thurlby, take a listen:  Haiti update 90 seconds 1-18-10

Haiti Rescue Update (1/18/2010 8:30 am CST)

Here are some fast updates:

- Our team of four is headed out early tomorrow morning from KCI, please pray for them and donate meds or baby formula to our C3 Offices today.

- There are some awesome folks who are stepping up in great ways to help:  Ed Barber and our Buckhead church team from Atlanta are filling a 20ft container full of tents, tools, clothing, meds and baby formula that will ship out of Miami on Wednesday and arrive in the DR on Saturday.   Maria Barroso is coordinating all the shipping and clearing for the container.  Many people are bringing meds to us today.  More stories to come – just love seeing folks engage with their hearts and hands!

Moise’s Prayer (1/18/2010 7:30 am CST)

From the rubble at Jean-Marc’s school, here are the verses Moise shared;

Psalm 34:1-7 ‘I will praise the Lord at all times;  his praise is always on my lips.  My whole being praises the Lord.  The poor will hear and be glad.  Glorify the Lord with me, and let us praise his name together.  I asked the Lord for help, and he answered me.  He saved me from all that I feared.  Those who go to him for help are happy, and they are never disgraced.  This poor man called, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles.  The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear God, and he saves them.’

A Note from Joe (1/17/2010 10:00 pm CST)

Last night we distributed food in PAP until 3:00 am this morning.  We went to an orphanage that was destroyed, but all the children survived.  They were under a tarp with no food and water.  When we arrived late at night, their caretaker was praying for food.  Imagine his excitement when an old beater pulled up in the middle of the night with provisions.

I had the blessing of staying with Moise at his church in a rough area of Port Au Prince.  Hard hit.  The church building didn’t make it.  The church body sure did.  The group went thru the area waking up mothers (most of whom who were sleeping amidst sewage with their children) and giving them food.  Some praised God saying, “manna!”   Then we  all laid on the ground at the church watching choppers fly, and slept a couple hours.

This morning at 6 am, we went with Moise to Jean-Marc’s school.  We know that JM’s little brother, Moise Jr., narrowly made it out.  He got his belt stuck in the door.  He ripped it off and escaped by a whisper.  JM would never leave in front of his responsibility.  And he didn’t on Tuesday.  This morning Moise honored JM and the Lord.  He climbed atop the rubble, and read Psalm 34: 1-7

praising the Lord always.

And the day just started…

Andrew, Paul and Pete continued their amazing work keeping the DR pipeline moving.  Mike and Adrien readied for a medical team and supplies.  I got to go to church with Moise.  Really, we just picked up the blankets and worshipped.  This group – who has lost so much – praised Jesus to a fevered pitch.  They then took to the streets singing and dancing.  And hundreds more joined the procession.  They are so certain that Jesus is who He said, that nothing – not even the pain and stench of death – can move them.

The rest of the day was almost too much to handle.

We set up a medical clinic at Moise’s church.  Instantly, we got jammed with need.  Infections.  Gangrene.  Too much.

The climax of the day was that we launched the transition site for hurting PAP children at our base camp at Croix de Bouquet.  We brought in the first truckload of 38 children tonight.

As we refine the process, we’ll likely bring in hundreds more in the coming days, and, God willing, take care of many more than that in damaged and ravaged orphanages.  If resources allowed, we could take into permanent care many thousands of orphans.

The process of getting the children is brutal.  There are probably hundreds of thousands of parents sleeping in urine soaked trash who’d give their left arms for someone to take their children – because the kids are fading and getting sick.  We have to select the orphans and highly vulnerable children in our path, and turn away from so many.  Such are the decisions to be made minute by minute.  Not heroic;  just tough reality right now.

Tomorrow we’ll let you know more detail on need.  Here’s a foreshadow:

1.  keep spreading the word and raising funds – that dictates speed and scope.

2.  we’ll start planning for teams to go – needing your service here (particularly at the transition site).

3.  we’ll likely need 10-15 churches, businesses, families to sponsor a village to take care of the orphans we’ll need to permanently place.

You all amaze us.  You continue to move the chains.  There are too many of you to thank, individually.  Please, keep it up.  You are making a huge difference!

Let me close with this.  Praise God.  We started the transition village and fed so many orphans and hurting children just today.  A special day.  Today is Jean-Marc’s 9th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Jean-Marc Vaval.  The Lord is using you to keep us strong so that many children may live.

Joe

The Orphan Village Begins, and a Group is Going (1/17/2010 6:15 pm CST)

Right now, trucks are driving from Port Au Prince to Croix de Bouquet filled with children who will be cared for at the new Orphan Village there.  They shared it was tense and very emotional finding all these little ones scared and alone.  It is a new beginning.  More to come.

We have four folks flying out from KC very early on Tuesday, January 19 – headed to the DR and then Port Au Prince to provide some additional aid to the team.  They are Beth Fox, Mike Helmuth, Joe Fox and Rob Boyer – please keep them in your prayers.  Each can take two 50 lbs bags with them, and we want to fill them with antibiotics (like leviquin) and pain medications – which are in extremely short supply in Haiti right now.   You can help! If you can donate some (and can network with others who can) we need them at our offices at 3000 NW 50th Street, KC, MO 64150 tomorrow/Monday.  If you have questions, reach me at aland@theglobalorphanproject.org.

Haiti Orphan Relief and Rescue Update (1/17/2010 3:30 pm CST)

There is so much to share, I will try to be brief.  Our team did another food and water distribution last night at Moise Vaval’s church campus until about 3 am this morning and then worshipped there at sonrise.  Then, they went to Jean-Marc’s school for prayer.  The Lord was definitely present and touched everyone there.

We are entering a new phase of our work in Haiti. Everywhere the team goes, they encounter numbers upon numbers of children wandering around – lost, vulnerable, hurting emotionally and physically, not knowing where to go or who to turn to.  The refugee camps are ‘tough places’.  The Global Orphan Project is partnering with Eben Ezer to create a transitional Orphan Village in Croix de Boquets for orphaned and displaced children.  The purpose – to care for them while we work out their future.  For some, they might be re-connected with relatives.  For others, they might stay with the church family, and for others – we will need to build homes for them in Haiti.  This village will also include newly widowed mom’s with children who need help for their kids for a time.  We don’t know how many we’ll encounter, and feel this will be significant.

What can you do? A lot!  Immediately, we need to get tents, mats, generators, more food, water and medical supplies to Croix for all of these children.  Right now, that means we need funds to purchase them.  Please Please give generously to our Haiti Relief Fund – 100% will go to this.   Then, we’ll have many trips in the next weeks and months and will need clinicians and people who love kids to go and care at this village – check out our trips page later this week for details.  And, we’ll have specific supply needs and will look to churches and groups to be able to fill containers with needed supplies that we’ll ship – more later on this.

And, please keep praying – it is impossible to overestimate the power of your prayers for these children and our team!

Port Au Prince at Night (1/16/2010 8:30 pm CST)

Our team has spent the evening distributing more food and water, and planning for the transition center for the mass of newly orphaned children they are uncovering – more to come tomorrow.  Tonight, they are going to sleep outside under the stars at Moise Vaval’s church campus with many Haitians who are without homes – they will be lifting their voices in song to the Lord.

Haiti Team Update (1/16/2010 5:45 pm CST)

I just received some GREAT updates from the team;

- Our team has been delivering food and water to many people in Port Au Prince today, including 3 local orphanages that had nothing.  While there is a mass exodus of Haitians fleeing Port Au Prince, those that remain are resilient and bonded to each other.  The team is headed back to Eben Ezer to load up with more food and water and will do another distribution tonight.  Our great friends from Austin on the team are ‘amazing workers, selfless and industrious’.  During this outing, they all spent time with the orphans at Carrefour – the kids were good and conditions are fine.  These little ones opened their hearts and prayed for Moise and his son Jean-Marc.  Joe also shared that, riding down the streets of PAP at dusk, people are sleeping in the streets and singing praises to God.

- Tomorrow/Sunday, they will have an early service at Pastor Moise Vaval’s church, which was leveled by the quake.   Then, they will proceed to the  site of Jean Marc’s school and pray there.  We should all join them and  lift up the Vaval’s, the team and the church tomorrow morning.   A truckload of medications will arrive at Eben Ezer tomorrow and will be used at the clinic there.

- There will be two more truckloads arriving with food and water on Monday, to be distributed.  The team will spend tomorrow and Monday setting up a transition center for orphaned and displaced children – there are many, many of them, and they are vulnerable and desperately need our help.

You’ve probably heard this a lot by now, from the Presidents to every organization involved – funds are needed.  100% of your gift to our relief fund will go to food, water, medications and the transition center for these newly orphaned children.

Haiti News (1/16/2010 2:15 pm CST)

Here are some descriptions of Port Au Prince from one of our partners;

One school has 350 children buried under it.  Another nursing school, 100 students.  No food.  Day 4 without food and water in PAP.   Interviewed a family that lost 12 people.  PAP not a city that can be rebuilt easily.  Hundreds and thousands of people sleeping on the streets.  Visit to the hospitals-no antibiotics, no medication, not enough personnel to minister to the people.  No gas in PAP.  Lot of people still in need of help.

Haiti Update (1/16/2010 11:15 am CST)

Our  trucks arrived in Croix de Bouquets, and our team is distributing food and water locally to those in need.

We believe that Jean-Marc Vaval is in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I spoke to Moise, and he has asked for continued prayer for his family.

Joe shared that they have witnessed bulldozers moving piles of corpses in Port Au Prince.

The greatest need now is for funds to purchase food and water.  Our team will do as much as they can – please contribute to our relief fund to support this.

Haiti Medical (1/16/2010 7:30 am CST)

This story comes from a couple who are clinicians and live near Port Au Prince in Mt. Joli;

Haiti Update (1/16/2010 7:00 am CST)

Mike Fox and team have crossed the border with trucks and are headed to Croix de Bouquets.  Distributions of food and water in PAP will begin today.

Excavations have started on the school where Jean-Marc (Moise Vaval’s son) was.  There are not words to describe these things.   Please continue to pray for Moise and his family.

Haiti Update (1/15/2010 8:00 pm CST)

Here’s an evening update:  Mike Fox and team got their two trucks loaded and will be heading for the border of the DR and Haiti in an hour, where they will spend the night and then proceed through into Haiti at 6 am tomorrow with the UN, en route to Croix de Bouquets and Ebenezer to unload.   They spent all day loading, and will sleep in trucks at the border tonight.  Joe and Moise are together searching for Jean-Marc – please continue to pray for them.

Haiti Update (1/15/2010 2:30 pm CST)

Just spoke with Mike Fox, he is in Santo Domingo with two 30 foot trucks loading 400 five gallon water jugs, 100 lbs bags of rice and beans as well as containers of oil, sardines, salt, spaghetti, sugar and tomato paste.  Its all being done by hand, and they can not yet get close to the dock – so, its some heavy lifting.  Their plan is to leave tomorrow morning at 4 am headed for Croix des Bouquets.  Let’s pray for their work tonight and for safe travel tomorrow.

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/15/2010 11:25 am CST)

Listen to Trace Thurlby, Global Orphan Project Board Member, with an update on our situation: Haiti Update with Trace and Andy

Haiti Earthquake Update (1/15/2010 11:00 am CST)

OUR TEAM IS IN HAITI: After 2 days of travel trying to get into the ravaged country, Joe Knittig and Adrien Lewis just arrived at Croix de Bouquets, a small village just northeast of Port Au Prince. GREAT NEWS!!  Pastor Claude Mondesir and all 109 children at Ebenezer are fine.  There was minor damage to his campus, and Claude is exhausted – his clinic there is overflowing with injured people.  There are ‘after-shock’ tremors occurring today in the area.  Dony St. Germain and Dou Dou are there as well, and shared that they will want to move the 106 children to Ebenezer from Carrefour as the rubble and stench are very bad.

Joe will be headed to Pastor Moise Vaval’s church to assist him with the search for his son, Jean-Marc, at his school, Ecole La Source.  Please continue to pray for them.

And, this means – all of our orphans in Haiti are well – but, they will need much food and water throughout Haiti.  Mike Fox and his team are on their way with some right now.

Haiti Earthquake: Statement from The Global Orphan Project

New Year’s Resolution Realized

Thanks for the outstanding Year-End support.  You’re Huge!

Welcome to 2010…

In our last ’09 story, we told you about Doug Portell’s New Year’s Resolution.

In short, here’s the story…  Doug Portell, financial advisor in KC, decides to take make a change.  He resolves to help care for orphans – wherever a door opens and for as many kids as presented before him.  David Kaissling, Doug’s friend of 25 years from Gretna, NE, shares Doug’s passion.  His family is “in.”

There’s an opportunity to fund a children’s village in Liberia.  Ravaged by more than a decade of civil war, Liberia (now relatively stable) is left in tatters.  Children everywhere.  On their own.  Rampant AIDS.  Families torn apart.  John Travis, a gifted and loving Liberian man, fled Liberia during the war to save his life.  He’s back home.  His church is praying for an opportunity to help the kids in the surrounding communities with nowhere to go.

Back to Doug and David.  They pool resources.  They fund 4 homes.  And they fund the monthly care for children they’ve never known at a place they’ve never seen, working with a Liberian refugee they’ve never met.

The intersection of Doug, David, and John is a splendid thing.

From January 1 through December 31, 2009, a couple of bank accounts shrunk here.  And as they shrunk, a bare plot of land in Liberia transformed into loving homes for 52 orphans.

A man we’ve never met just returned from Liberia.  He’s been going for years.  He knows John and his church, but hasn’t been for a visit in quite some time.  What he saw this year blew him away.

Doug & David’s New Year’s Resolution from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

Doug and David have a little less disposable income nowadays.  Regret?

“I honestly believe this work is the most important work I’ve been involved with in my life.”  David Kaissling

“My whole family loves the idea of helping the kids in Liberia.  They are all looking forward to the day they can go and spend time with the children.”  Doug Portell

So, what is The Global Orphan Project?  It’s the facilitator of Doug + David + John + Church = 52 Orphans.  The Global Orphan Project is a story, not a sound bite or sterile result.  And it’s a story that celebrates Jesus Christ, the Author.

Let the Lord write an amazing story in your life.  Take a plunge with us in 2010!

Still time to give to our Food Campaign >>

Holiday e-newsletter

A Christmas Message from Joe Knittig:

Lead a Christmas season of TRANSFORMATION.

Romans 12:2 says:  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Conformity is a drag.  It’s isolationist; fearful; suffocating. It stifles sound risk-taking.  Today it tells us governments should take more money and “solve” more problems – not you through the decisions of your hearts.  Conformity today is hand-wringing and regressive.  Conformity is bondage.

What I love about The Global Orphan Project – about you who engage and give – is that you all are a growing Transformational group.  You’re counter-cultural.  Refreshing.  Unselfish.  Generous.  You are willing to take a risk for others – with your money and your hearts – even when the chips seem down.

I’ll prove it…

Let’s look at 3 pieces of information:  2 big picture and 1 tiny picture.

• First:  Philanthropy in America is down.  In 2008, giving in America was down 5.7% (adjusted for inflation) – the biggest drop since giving has been statistically tracked.  The numbers are expected to be worse in 2009.

• Second:  Poverty in the world is up.  An estimated 1.02 Billion people in the world are chronically hungry (i.e., starving to death).  Roughly 100 Million were added to this roll call in the last year.

• Third:  Amidst these global trends, there’s a plastic bag on the side of a road in Malawi.  The bag’s contents?  A baby girl infected with HIV, a rope around her neck used by a hopeless mother to try and choke the coming misery to death.

The pattern of this world says to grab our wallets and hold tight.  Ride out the storm.  Protect investments, just in case.  These problems are not our personal concern – let someone else deal with them until the economy improves.  And that little girl:  shed some tears, talk about what others should do, blame; but do nothing.

Your way, our way, is different.  Here’s what we’ve done:

• First:  While “philanthropy” trends down, you’ve grown The Global Orphan Project.  You doubled the growth in 2008, and are on track to grow the work another 25% – 35% in 2009, depending on December’s year-end giving.

• Second:  By God’s grace, your growth has our organization prepared to take care of many more children going forward – not get swallowed by poverty trends.

• Third:  That little girl survived.  She’s the first child in our GO Project in Malawi.  Her name is Alpha (First) Alanane (God With Us) Maseko.  She’s not trash.  She’s a beautiful child of God.  And we’ll help our partner take care of her and love her for as long as the good Lord allows.  She’s a gift.  These children, like Alpha, unearth a love in our hearts many of us didn’t know we had.

That’s TRANSFORMATIONAL.  You all drive and inspire this ministry.  This Christmas, I want to thank you.

I encourage all of us to kick it to another level.  Right now we have the perfect opportunity to grow this work to new heights, counter to “trends.”  Whether that happens is up to all of us.

Merry Christmas.

Faithfully yours,

Joe Knittig

Field Update

By God’s grace, we’re at the front edge of another growth burst.  Let’s look at 3 countries:  Haiti, Uganda, Malawi.

Haiti

Haiti’s been our training ground, our heart and soul.  We have more than 2,000 children in care in Haiti, alone.  In 2009, in the brutal aftermath of the hurricanes, we’ve focused a great deal on shoring-up and improving orphan care and schools in 16 existing children’s villages.

Our partners have been able to reunite children in care with family members who once could not care for the children, but are now able and willing to do so (with the church’s help).  That effort continues.  We pray that we’ll see MUCH more of this going forward.

We’ve sought out Village Sponsors – primarily churches, businesses, and families – willing to take on an existing village and take it to the next level of care.  That means funding needed infrastructure improvements, and taking on orphan care and school improvement costs for three (3) years.

For example, a family in South Florida is becoming a Village Sponsor of Cambry.  Churches in Kansas City, Lincoln, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Shreveport, and Las Vegas are stepping-up to become Village Sponsors at existing sites that need this relationship and attention.

If you, your church, or your business are interested in becoming a Village Sponsor in Haiti, Africa, or South Asia, contact us.  We’d love to make that happen.

We’re also growing new villages and homes in Haiti.

Long Hollow Church in Nashville is sponsoring an entire Village in Jeremie from the ground up.  Land, church, school, clinic, and a lot of children’s homes.  We’re targeting 300 children over the next year!

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church (right here in Kansas City!!!) is stepping-up in an exciting new project.  We’re at the front end with PV and a field partner in Haiti to develop a new village at Mole St. Nicholas in Northwest Haiti.  Stay tuned for updates about “The Mole.”

The Nebraska Global Orphan Project is official, focused on taking care of the children Fayeton village in the Gonaive region.

A family in Denver is stepping-up to help with a special needs orphan home in Haiti.

Folks from Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Georgia, Nevada, Michigan, and all over the country are sponsoring homes:  $5k to build the home for 10 children and momma; $400/month/home for 3 years to sustain it.  This is happening in various locations in Haiti.  In Port au Prince; Croix de Bouquet; Northwest Haiti.

We’re at the front edge of another growth explosion. And that means operational expansion.

In January 2010, GO Project Haiti will be in operation in Haiti.  We will have excellent Field Staff to help our partners oversee the work, train local leaders and caretakers, manage projects, and communicate better with you.

So many of you have walked with us through the brutally hard challenges of orphan care in Haiti.  We can’t thank you enough.

Uganda

Uganda is our fastest growing work in Africa.  We are thrilled with where we see the Lord taking the work there.

We have 2 existing villages.  Our first is in Masaka.  This is a small, solid, anchor work in Uganda.  The children in care there are thriving two years after they came in totally alone.  The other village is in Rakai District, Kyotera – the epicenter of the AIDS pandemic in Africa.  That village is quickly expanding from 48 children to 120 children.  Our local church partner at Kyotera is doing a wonderful job.

Here’s a fun clip of the kids with Mike Fox at Kyotera.

For the past year, we’ve been laying the groundwork for an expansive partnership with the Church of Uganda.  That hard work and planning is now bearing fruit.

Our first 2 villages with COU are under way.  One is in Kabale, in southwest Uganda (on the Uganda, Rwanda, Congo border).  This work is being funded by an all women’s group here in KC, led by our own Marsha Campbell.  (Way to go ladies!)  It’s an amazing story.  You’ll hear all about it soon.  The other village is in Lira, in war torn Northern Uganda.

At each location, by God’s grace, we’ll bring 100 orphaned children into 10 new local church based homes.  Our target is to have the first groups of children at each site in care by the time the next school term in Uganda begins – February 1.  We are on track for that reality.

We are now starting to plan the next Uganda village in Gulu, also in the north.  Truly, as we complete our initial villages with COU, the possibility to develop scores of children’s villages throughout Uganda is there – in a huge way.  Please pray that this will happen.

Like in Haiti, all of the Uganda growth means a growing need for a field presence.  In 2010, we will launch GO Project Uganda to help our partners in the field, and communicate better with you.  This will likely serve as a hub for all of our works in East Africa.

Malawi

Pothawira means “safe haven” in Chichewa, Malawi’s native language.  We’re pleased to report that Pothawira Village, at the direction of Peter Maseko, has launched!

The church, school, and first orphan homes are under construction.

This work epitomizes The Global Orphan Project.  Spanish River Church in Boca Raton has funded the church.  Mizzou for Malawi – a grassroots and viral student group at MU – has funded the school.  Multiple families have stepped-up to fund children’s homes.  Colonial Church in Mission, Kansas, has funded 1 well, and Watering Malawi another.  One5 (formerly ILF) and a group of St. Luke’s docs are planning and funding a birthing center and pediatrics clinic.  And Colonial Presbyterian Church in Kansas City (different than Colonial Church) is stepping in to sponsor the Village and care for the children.

This eclectic outpouring of generosity comes together in one simple village, owned by the local church, with all of us in a background supporting role.  Only God can orchestrate this.

And amidst this whirlwind we see one simple, representative little girl – Alpha.  That’s us.  That’s that stuff of transformation.  That’s The Global Orphan Project.

Pray for the Lord to continue His favor on and multiply this work to show many Alphas the love of the Lord Jesus.

Million Dollar Challenge Update & Unique Opportunity!!!

Donors agreed to match $500,000 dollar for dollar in 2009, as you all contributed funds for these needs and the basic, ongoing care of the kids – up to $500,000.  We ran the Challenge up through The BIG Event ’09, on November 8.  This was a huge challenge amidst the fears of a down economy.  But you all responded and nearly hit the full $500k!

Way to go!  The final tally you gave towards the Million Dollar Challenge was $973,303.10.  We fell just $26,696.90 shy of the target.

And as they say in the infomercials:  “But wait, there’s more!!!”  At year-end, if an individual or group will donate $26,696.9 to hit the full $500k, the matching donors will MATCH this gift.  They will put in a full $500k by year-end.

DONATE NOW

The BIG Event ’09 – The Power of Prayer

Thanks for making The BIG Event ’09, on November 8, such a memorable night.

So many of you who attended have contacted us to ask about our biggest needs, ready to contribute at year end.  Ready to spread the word to others.

We’ve set out our targets for Christmas and year-end, the most important giving time of the year.  We need all of us, all of you, pulling on the oars to meet these needs.  Let’s make our year-end push a huge success!

What We Want for Christmas…

It’s Christmas time.  Year-end time.  This is the most generous time of the year; a season that launches ministries, like ours, into the next year.

We need your help.

Check out our Christmas Catalog.  We have set out our biggest needs; our year-end targets.

Highlighting our push is the most basic need of the kids:  FOOD.  Outside of funding from home and village sponsors, we expect we’ll need to raise another $500,000 to meet the most basic food needs of our children in care, and the children coming in.  We plan to use this funding to produce food, too, via agricultural ventures.

We guaranty that every dime donated at year-end will be used in our orphan care programs.  100%.  None of it will be used to cover our overhead here.

Here are our “asks” of you

1. Please make a generous year-end donation to launch 2010;
2. Push this out to your circles – your family, friends, colleagues, churches.

You can give on-line.  You can give by check to C3 Missions International, Inc.  Just mail us at:

The Global Orphan Project/C3 Missions International

3000 NW 50th Street

Kansas City, MO 64150

You are, indeed, a Transformational group who show your love with your actions first.  You are doing something terrific in the world, and just getting started.  It’s a privilege to be your conduit.

God bless you.

New Food Distribution Program for Haiti

Feeding orphan children is not easy, in fact when things like Hurricanes hit it is downright hard.  That’s why continuing to improve food distribution in Haiti has been particularly important.

Some facts on Haiti:

• 80% of the people live off of less than $2 per day, 56% on less than $1
• It’s estimated that 1 in 4 people are considered ‘starving’ there
• Haiti was once a major exporter of rice and sugar, but foreign food subsidies destroyed the market
• 2008, four hurricanes (one of the many factors effecting food distribution) ravaged the island, impacting millions, and ruining crops that still have not recovered

The Global Orphan Project’s model for building self-sustaining orphan villages has included funding those villages to purchase food supplies on their own.  ”This is the single highest cost item in orphan care, representing anywhere from 50% to 80% of the total child care cost”, according our Operations Officer, Alan Dietrich.  Our village Pastors have traditionally acquired all of their food from local markets and been subject to wavering pricing and inconsistent sources.

So in September, 2009 we set in place an improved strategy for food distribution in Haiti by building and/or  borrowing ‘food depots’ in three major regions; Les Cayes, Gonaives and Port Au Prince.  These depots’ not only distribute food weekly but also store supplies for the next storm.  Additionally, we have acquired Feed My Starving Children’s vitafood, which will provide one meal per day for our orphans and meets or exceeds most of the US RDA and World Health Organization’s nutritional standards.  Curious what all kinds of nutrients these children are getting, check out the spreadsheet below.  In the future, we’ll be helping with training our cooks as well as agricultural and livestock development and continuing to add and tweak the program.

There is much to be done, and some of the simplest things become very challenging in Haiti, but the result is more than worth it.  To see these precious ones beginning to thrive as we reach out to more and more – that is definitely worth it!

Cookies Cure Hunger?

Who doesn’t love cookies, but can cookies cure hunger?  We love cookies at our offices, we also happen to eat lots of salads at The Global Orphan Project (in part to balance out the cookie consumption). In fact a few of us have a favorite place to frequent to fill up on all the best foliage and greens in the area.

That’s where the cookies come in, Sharon, a very helpful associate at our salad joint, decided that she would ask her store to let her sell her homemade cookies and donate the proceeds to GO Project.  She asked her sister and a friend to help her bake as she wanted to have lots of cookies to sell.

So they baked.

Then they sold cookies and a few brownies at her store on Friday and Saturday as a way to serve for September 11th. Their cookies brought in  75 cents each.   Monday afternoon, Sharon, who has never been to the office, dropped in to let us in on what she did. She arrived with 3 bags of cookies and a paper sack. She plunked the sack down on my desk and with humble and proud air asked me to “see what’s in that bag”.

Dollar after dollar tumbled out and with each dollar her smile got a little bigger, quite a sight. Sharon, had managed to sell over $400 worth of cookies, and since GO Project has a match going on (called the $1 Million Dollar Challenge) we turned her $400 into $800!! We did the math together, she fed almost 80 kids for a whole MONTH, or 8 kids for a year!  Either way there are some hungry children that won’t be hungry, because Sharon made cookies.  No, they’re not being fed cookies…they are getting nutritious meals.

Sharon let me know, “I didn’t go to a fancy school or have some big job but I LOVE TO BAKE, and that’s what I can do to help”.

So, can cookies cure hunger?  If you ask Sharon, the answer is an emphatic YES!

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