Last month we told you about Barrett (click here to read more) and how he’s walking 3,475 miles from Miami to San Francisco to raise awareness and support for orphans. Barrett has now treked over 250 miles across Florida and continues to head north. You can follow Barrett on his journey HERE>> and watch his explanation of this adventure below…

To read more about Barrett and his walk for orphans CLICK HERE>>.

More of your ideas on what to name the GO Guy or Gal are coming in. Thank you for sharing your stories about the children who have touched your heart…

Odlin (from Mary)
Beth’s memories of Stanley took me back to my refrigerator where crayon drawings and written names still hang as frequent reminders of a trip to Les Cayes in October 2009. One name stands out – Odlin – he was so sweet.

Sam or Samitha (from Tommy)
To lead into sharing the story of the Good Samaritan.

Emmanuel (from Amy)
Meaning meaning: God is with us

Many of you know the story of GO Project’s partnership with Pothawira (Hope) in Africa. God’s finger prints are all over it. (Click here to read more) Over the last four years, God has brought people from all over the world to Malawi. From California to Maryland, with a lynchpin right here in KC (Colonial Presbyterian), people have supported and served with Pastor Peter Maseko. The common goal? To develop a clinic/orphan care village to serve the great needs of the community in Jesus’ name.

Yesterday, we received this e-mail from Peter:

“Amazing development, tomorrow at 8 o’clock in the morning we will receive a set of 3 wk old twins who lost their mother a week after delivery as the first orphans to be admitted at orphan homes. One of the relatives came to our church service at Salima this morning to break the most unfortunate news and requested for help which was granted with great pleasure as we saw the hand of God in this unexpected but timely development. Please pray for us and the children. We are extremely excited and ready to take up the challenge in the name of JESUS! Peter and Emma Maseko.”

To all who have given and gone, thank you! God has used you to provide a home for these two orphans (and 58 more later this month)! As we celebrate all the Lord has done to date, please remember to pray for the twins, for Peter and Emma, for the house mamas, and the 58 other children God will bring into care later this month at Pothawira…the adventure begins!

by Marsha Campbell

It is a sunny afternoon as we venture to the Gulu Sewing Center.  The sewing center is a local business enterprise empowered by GO Threads, a creative partnership launched a year ago by GO Project. The U.S. partnership is driven by individual teams.  Friendly competition.  Creative entrepreneurship.  Changing conversations.  Moving from pure aid to production.  Big collective impact.  All fueled by love for children the world’s left behind.

The Global Orphan Project started GO Threads to: (a) generate revenue to sustain the costs of orphan care; (b) provide quality clothing, including school uniforms, for children in care and other hurting children; and (c) create local jobs in some of the poorest communities in the world. GO Threads represents a new and creative partnership to address poverty devastating children at the end of humanity’s line.  So our desire through GO Threads is to help pay for orphan care in a way that promotes dignity and production, not institutional dependency.  To promote grassroots change.  To promote personal connections that matter.

GO launches sewing centers that, in their own small way, can begin to change the cycle of poverty in some of the poorest villages of our world.  An order sent, not only clothes a child…but also gives the men and women doing the work a chance at a better life, with the dignity that comes with having a job and providing for family.  These men and women then spend the money they earn in their local economy, helping to create more jobs and giving others a chance to improve their lives, as well.  They help put local clothes on the backs of their own precious children.  They get out of aid lines and become part of solutions.*

In strides a smiling, tailor named Godfrey.  Today he is delighted to give us a tour and testimony of the sewing center’s production, measured both in lives and garments.  Several treadle sewing machines line the perimeters as hanging school uniforms and sweaters decorate the walls in bright blues, radiant reds and cheery prints.  Godfrey introduces us to many of the sewing center staff.  We sit in a circle and share Fantas and Cokes as their stories unfold.  Godfrey shares that his life is now better.  He is able to provide for his family and save a little as well.  His colleague has been able to purchase a bicycle that allows her easier and faster transport where she needs to go.  She laughs aloud saying she is so very happy.  Pride and a new found dignity are shared by this team of seamstresses and tailors.  In their first year they have produced over one thousand uniforms.  They are hoping to gain a new order with a nearby secondary school for 1,500 uniforms.

He then took us to meet another tailor.  Together, they showed us how they “pump iron.”  (left) Their irons are heavyweights as they are designed with a large reservoir above the plate which holds red-hot charcoals to power their press!  Every day, they tailor their work-out with these heavy smoking irons to smooth out every wrinkle.

These are truly Iron Men and Women—pressing on and “sowing” a future of hope for themselves, the community and the school children that will look and feel so smart.

*(GO Threads: Year 1. Thirty-seven Threads teams across America.  4,856 children get a school uniform. Our sewing centers generated enough profit to care for 90+ children for an entire year. That’s an entire village!)

by Marsha Campbell

Sunday morning in the Pearl of Africa.  The land of a thousand hills, Kabale, Uganda.  I love the rhythm of a Sunday, the launch of a new week, a cadence of slowing and spending time with family and friends on the Lord’s Day.  I remember as a child, hearing the church bells toll a melodious greeting and invitation to come to the Father’s house for worship and thanksgiving.

This morning we are greeted with African “church bells”…amazing hide covered, timpani…like native drums we both hear and feel deep within us.  It takes a troupe of four percussionists, taking turns without missing a beat, to orchestrate an amazing rhythm that calls the community to church.  A battle of the bands—with a mesmerizing beat.  For a full ten minutes they drum a syncopatic cadence that evolves as a compelling invitation and celebration of what is to come… (CLICK HERE>> to listen and watch.)

I am not is Kansas anymore…I can hardly wait for what else is in store.

Our team is warmly welcomed and ushered in as honored visitors to sit in the first front pews of All Saints Cathedral in Boroboro.  Music fills the air with raised voices and hands and envelops us with humility in sharing the joy of these dear people who have so little materially, yet so much spiritually.  The service continues and we have an opportunity to share an offering.  We are so pleased and grateful to give.  More singing and words of affirmation we can sense but can’t articulate in their Luo tribal tongue. 

The next act of worship captures our full attention.  A stately woman saunters up the center aisle and sets a live chicken on the ground by the altar.  We continue to sing…yet, soon, another marches forward with a large stockpot and lays it down…one more follows with a plump red-headed rooster.  More prayer, more singing and our eyes grow large at the sight…a proud couple stride slowly up the aisle with a very oblivious, healthy, well fed goat on a rope.  Hmmm… Who knew? 

My friend, the Canon Rev. Dr. Alison, conspiratorially leans over to me and urgently whispers, “Marsha, you need to buy that goat for the Father’s House, and the red headed rooster for the Bishop!”  Well… Ok, then—Sure!  That is my immediate thought!  NOT.  I have always prodded my teams with the adage:  Go with the Flow…SO, what to do?  Let’s go with it.

Turns out, this is a Thanksgiving service.  Happy Thanksgiving!  African style

I learn quickly, that each one bearing live gifts for the church altar, are giving thanks to God and wish to celebrate their recent blessings.  Their stories follow, as each turns to the congregation and shares their gratitude and praise:  One had been very sick and now is well, another suffered a “boda-boda” accident which broke his leg, but now he can walk with just a limp.  A slight and smiling woman had an infection in her uterus—but she now is healed.  The last couple is celebrating good health and the upcoming marriage of their daughter this April.

Ovation, prayers, arms reaching the stars and joyful, heart shared praising breaks forth…

After a time, we all sit down and settle back into our pews.  It has been quite a day…but more lies ahead.  What follows, for the blessing of the church, is an amazing, African style, totally (as in chickens and goat) – LIVE AUCTION!

I, as the honored, front row Mzungu (Swahili slang for “white visitor”), was in the throes of my very first competition to win that goat and the red-headed rooster!  No complacency, you snooze and you lose…so the heat was on and I was going to win it for the Father’s House.  You betcha’—not a dull moment, I can’t remember church ever being this FUN!

So, the dealing begins…many stand and shout their bid.  The auctioneer cajoles and prods for higher bids…and they come.  I rise once, sit, wait and counter…SOLD!  One plump red-headed rooster.  My savvy ally, Alison smilingly accepts and presents the trophy rooster to the very happy Bishop! (right)  This is a very thoughtful gift—I am to learn.

OK, now…I am gearing up.  Another chicken and a huge stockpot pot of simsim (a favorite roasted sesame dish) are open for bids.  I rest and study the crowd of my competitors…I know the jackpot is looming…the great goat will soon be put on the block.  I ready myself and the bidding begins…I stand quickly to edge the first bid…another and another…(I lean over to Alison—I have no idea–how much is this???).  A bit of frenzied bidding ensues…however, I am determined and not to be denied…for the sake of the children, of course!

On the edge of my pew, I jump to excitedly counter with a rambunctious  “70,000 for The Father’s House!”  A hush falls over the crowd…a little whispering amongst the auctioneers…and then three more people gleefully bring up schillings in hand.  The Father’s House has not only won—but had others contribute more schillings on top of my winning offer!  WOW—this must be a holy goat!  I am called to come forward and claim our prize—so, there I stand at the altar, with a goat on a rope in my hand.  What’s better than that? (left)

How about a goat that reproduces eight more ‘kids’ to be then sold for a cow?!  The children will then have milk for their African tea, cream and cheese!   That’s the plan– a holy and healthy investment for the children of The Father’s House.

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works. Psalm 26:7  Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30  Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. Psalm 95:2  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4  Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing. Psalm 107:22 

 Holy Goat – Holy Cow – What a  Sunday!  Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

We asked and you answered with some great names for the GO guy! Here’s a few you sent in and the reasoning behind them. We haven’t made up our minds just yet, so it’s not to late to send in your idea. Keep ‘em coming!

Agape (from Marie)
“‘Agape is the Greek word for love that is based upon principle and is, by far, the noblest type of love. It is love that is wholly selfless, spiritual and unselfish; Agape is a form of love which is both unconditional and voluntary.’ In the New Testament, it refers to the fatherly love of God for humans, as well as the human reciprocal love for God; the term extends to the love of one’s fellow man. It is “Christian” love. I love these children as I’m sure you all do and I know they love us. Why not have a name for them that represents not only our love but, more importantly, God’s love?”

Maisha (from Michael)
“Maisha” is Swahili for “life.” the GO Project gives life physically and spiritually in so many ways.

Oh Honey (from Matt)
“First thoughts when I see it? “Oh, Honey!” I can hear my grandma saying this as she looks as the beautiful child/children in all of your photos. ‘Oh, Honey! God loves you so much, and so do I, let me give you a big hug!’”

“Cool shirt, but what is it? What does it mean?” Many who wear the GO Project, black T have fielded this question. To us, this image represents a child, but to others, the O-H can be confusing. So, starting today, we’re embracing the “what is it?” question as an opportunity to talk about God’s kids. We’re going to name our “GO Guy or Gal,” and need your help! The first idea, “Stanley,” comes from Momma Fox. For those of you with kids, Beth’s inspiration is not Flat Stanley, but rather a precious 10-year-old boy who deeply touched her heart after the earthquake…

Hi Trace,

I wanted to throw my idea in for naming the little orange guy. My nomination is STANLEY. Stanley is a name that could be recognized anywhere from America to Africa.

Stanley is also the name of a little boy in Haiti that truly taught me pure love. You may remember him, after the earthquake we found him at the Seventh Day Adventist hospital with a head injury and crushed arm. His mother and sister were killed before his eyes. We took him in and enjoyed his sweet smile, and tears of hope. After partnering with Love a Child we transferred him to the Dominican Republic for treatment and probable amputation. Even though we only had him for 10 days, the connection of pure love was so beautiful and strong.

As we spent nights in that make-shift hospital tent connected to the OTV, I remember his precious arm around my neck holding on so tightly, so trusting. He knew he was loved and cared for. He knew that we were searching for the best medical solution for him. I had many talks with him about his hopes, fears and dreams with a translator’s help. We talked about God’s plan for his life and how trusting in Him could get him through anything. What a beautiful picture that child painted for me of the love that Christ has for us all!

After sending Stanley to the Dominican I searched and searched for him with Unicef, the Red Cross, the hospital, and many other agencies for his return to us with no success. I know God gave me a glimpse into Stanley’s life just for a little while for a reason, and that is to enjoy the lesson of pure and simple love.

My heart is to name our GO guy “Stanley” in honor of the little boy that held me in his hand and taught me lessons that have change my life.

Beth

How about you? CLICK HERE>> to tell us your idea as to what our GO Guy or Gal should be named and why. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share your thoughts, pick a name, and celebrate future “What is it?” questions as opportunities to share stories of transformational love found when caring

by  Marsha Campbell

Conferences and offices are over rated I’ve decided.  Power meetings can really be energized in a circle under a mango tree (above).  My team and I were privileged and honored to sit in on a very pivotal Father’s House management committee meeting recently in Gulu, Uganda. 

Moses, the Chairman of the Committee, shared an overview of the challenging realities of St. Phillip’s parish community.

We have survived over 20 years of debilitating war.  The only choices of the war were to join the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) or the UDPF (United Democratic Patriotic Front) — both Hellish survival by fighting and horrific violence.  Those who remain have no education, no family.  Many have grown up in IDP camps.  We have retaken our land, but don’t remember how to work it.  The children are now grown with children.  Job rates are low and 25% in our parish are HIV positive.

“We must reawaken our hearts desire to care for these children who are orphaned and abandoned!“  Our first two homes are almost finished and we need to create our policy and methodology for child selection.

Those who participated were grappling with the upcoming child selection policy for the soon to open homes for orphaned and abandoned children in their community.  GO Project is committed to the vision of identifying children at the “end of the line” who are most vulnerable and in need of life care.

The question of HIV was put on the “table.”  Honest discussion centered around whether HIV positive children should be accepted.  The dilemma of what that could mean was stark and sobering.  These children would surely require extra care and cost.  The Mamas who would live with them would need additional training; the children would need a modified diet with extra nutrition.  The additional cost of medical monitoring, medicines & ARV’s (anti-retroviral prescriptions) would be ongoing.  Transport to hospital would be necessary in case of infections – would we need a bus or vehicle?  How could this affect the other children in terms of possible exposure and infection?  One member suggested: as we are just getting started, perhaps we should only take children who are healthy.  How would we know—unless we require an AIDS screening?

These children, hoping to have a new home, would then be subjected to a potential double rejection, of possibly learning they have HIV and then being dismissed to struggle on their own with their “new” condition only to be shunned by the community…

Uncomfortable silence grew loud in our ears.  I could feel and hear my heart beating.  Most eyes were downcast as we struggled in the collective silence.  Then, one posed the question:

What would it look like if we re-framed this question?  What could we do to prepare to care for these children?  Could we train the Mamas?  Could we work to plant some crops that have a higher nutritional value—could we learn from AIDS Child, an NGO nearby that has been caring successfully for these children for some time?  Could we get ARVs and training at the clinic just down the road?

Another reminded us of the GO Project and Father’s House vision of serving the children at “the end of the line.” “Surely, these children are indeed at the end of the line.  Shall we not pray and ask the Father to send us His children as He sees fit?”

Thoughtful, yearning, straining quiet…hearts wrenching. 

The Vicar of Gulu broke the silence with this powerful question: 

“How do we escape the Good Samaritan?” 

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”  He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’: and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers.  They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.  Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.  The next day he took out two denari and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”  The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”  Luke 10:25-37

And so, in answer to a harrowing question, a circle of champions for “their neighbors”— the  children at the end of the line, committed to follow Jesus’ admonition, to “GO and do likewise” for The Father’s House.

 There in the shadow of hundred year old St. Philips Cathedral (right), under the swaying branches of the mango tree … we sat upon holy ground.