FACT: The Sudanese central government has an expenditure of about 8% allotted to education and about 1% allotted to health.

Government spending on defense in Sudan, 28%.

Fact found on unicef.org.

Arizona.

Illinois.

Indiana.

Kentucky.

It reminds me of that song that we sang in elementary school to memorize the states…

So, this weekend, Holly is visiting with our friends at Hazel Dell Christian Church in Carmel, Indiana.

At the very same time, I will be giving a sneak peak of our documentary film to high school students at The Grove Bible Church in Gilbert, AZ.

If you will be in the neighborhood, come by and say hi!

What’s coming up for us? Well, the next few weeks are quite busy. We are having the LIA Benefit Dinners at three different locations throughout the country. Dr. Muindi will be speaking at each event and we will be premiering our documentary film as well. There are a few seats available at our Phoenix event, so please register below if you would like to attend!

10/4 - Geneva, IL (full)

10/11 - Phoenix, AZ (seats available)

10/18 - Louisville, KY (TBD)

The recent world economic trouble combined with the erratic and unstable weather patterns plaguing Northeast Africa has led to some disturbing predictions for the very near future.

An article entitled, “Millions Facing Famine in Ethiopia as Rain Fails” from The Independent states that; “Millions of impoverished Ethiopians face the threat of malnutrition and possibly starvation this winter in what is shaping up to be the country’s worst food crisis for decades.”   Each month this year the number of people that are in need of emergency food aid has been on the up rise.  Last year the number of Ethiopians that were being supplied with food aid totaled about 12 million.  With still three months left in the year however this number has already been surpassed and yet continues to grow.

A great fear surrounds the predictions for the main harvest in Ethiopia this year due to the extensive water shortage caused by the inconsistent rain patterns.  Influenced by the effects of El Nino the two main sources of rain that typically sustain the area have failed to supply the land with enough water to cultivate their crops and nourish their livestock.  Droughts such as this cause farmers and nomadic herders to sell their assets in order to merely survive, leaving them ill equipped when the next growing season begins.

The classification of “food shortage” vs “famine” has one main difference as stated in the article; “whether enough aid arrives to keep the starving alive”.  The amount of emergency aid that has been supplied to these areas has seen a great cut in typical provision.  In an attempt to stimulate their own faltering economies, contributions from wealthier countries have fallen drastically at times when it is most needed.

Words such as economic downturn and recession have plagued the media a lot these days.  Everywhere we look we are reminded of the negative economic situation that has impacted all on various levels. In our own economic struggles however we must not forget those that suffer on a much greater scale and yet played no part in the initial economic disaster.

The desperate situation of the people in Ethiopia as well as surrounding countries in Northeast Africa is a harsh reality to face, and a hard concept to grasp.  The consequences are extensive and the amount suffering is unimaginable.  Keep a watchful eye and a prayerful heart over these counties and continually seek to empower the people of this area.  In our own struggles we must still recognize the needs of others and never cease to carry the burden.

Learn more about LIA’s work in these countries here.

FACT: Ethiopia counts as one of the largest population of orphans in the world.  13% of children throughout the country are missing one or both parents.

This represents an estimated 4.6 million children – 800,000 of whom were orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

(Fact found at UNICEF.com)

During the first week of August a team of 23 from Southeast Christian Church arrived in Makueni, Kenya to host a free medical clinic for the people within this community. Upon arrival, one could not help but realize the extensive dryness; it was so barren. We were informed that it had been years since a hard rainfall had hit this area. With help from the LIA staff and volunteers, as well as our 5 Mi2 summer interns, we began to set up camp… turning a huge abandoned building into a hospital.

Over 2000 patients were cared for during the week as needs were met and aliments were treated. I saw the team love and care for the elderly and provide glasses to those who couldn’t see.  Dentists and hygienists pulled teeth and taught about dental care, doctors and nurses gave out medicine and offered prayer, and kids were entertained with coloring books, games, songs and kazoos as they waited for their family members.

The medical clinic was not the only great aspect of this trip, there was so much more that was experienced and witnessed throughout our time there. Through many home visits, our team was able to learn more about the people of this community.  Words of encouragement and inspiration were exchanged. We were touched by their stories and amazed at their wisdom, steadfastness, and devout trust in the Lord.

One unique event we got to experience was the wedding of Gus and Rose; two LIA Kenya staff members. It was a privilege to share in this special day with two very hardworking and faithful members of LIA.

Our team left Makueni in awe that so much was done in so little time. There were so many stories of transformation to be shared with our friends and family back home. We were encouraged by the community workers and local churches that had vowed to continue to do the hard work of meeting the needs of the people. It was both powerful and humbling to see that with little resources so much was still able to be given back to the community.

To hear more about how medical missions works in the LIA strategy of empowerment, we encourage you to check out the Medical Missions Conference in Louisville, KY on November 12-14.

The community transformation taking place in Africa is amazing.  God is truly moving through these impoverished areas and working in the lives of the community members, LIA staff, volunteers, and teams.  Sustainable and positive change is happening through God’s power! 

Fact: A morning cup of coffee costs you about $3; of that the farmers in Ethiopia that grew the coffee beans get about 3 cents.

(Fact from; Williams, Jessica “50 Facts that Should Change the World“)

With my most recent trip to one of our target communities coming to a close, I wanted to take some time to reflect on the powerful and encouraging transformation happening amidst the desperation and suffering of the people in this area.

I began my trip with a rather unfortunate experience - the airlines lost my luggage!  Insisting I check my bags I ended up left without a change of clothes and other necessities for a few days.  Initially I felt bad for my misfortune and myself however I soon shaped up and changed my outlook.  I felt ashamed that I was making a big deal about my situation seeing how this was nothing compared to what the families that we have been visiting are currently experiencing yet they still manage to fill their lives with such joy!

It has been very tough times for the families in these communities as we saw firsthand the extensive damage that has been created from the recent unexpected heavy rains and flooding.  Prior to our arrival, there had been three days of continuous rainfall in which led to the closure of many roads, and the collapse of many homes and settlements.

With houses, shelters, and roofs constructed from mud the displaced people of this community have suffered the worst.  Some of the families moved to their local churches for shelter - however those have collapsed as well from the storm.

Sadly the worst is not over.  In the following weeks more rain is expected making it impossible to start the rebuilding process.  Families have lost their homes, children are without a place to play, and the pit latrines have filled with water.  The outbreak and susceptibility for diseases is a great concern for all.

Yet, in the midst of all the destruction I have been simply amazed at the joy and strong faith that these people display.  Our friends from the community met with us and were still enthusiastically worshiping and praising God despite the circumstances.  It is both encouraging and humbling to see such hope founded on more than can be seen.

It has truly been a blessing that Dr. Yared (our LIA program director) and myself have been able to spend time with the board, staff team and church leaders of this community.

Please keep these communities in your prayers.

Pray for their safety throughout the rest of the rain and storms.

Pray for the reconstruction process.

Pray for the health of the people that they may be safe from any diseases.

Pray for the churches that they may respond to help their brothers and sisters in their community.

True joy and trust in the Lord can sometimes seem hard to fathom in times of great struggle and desperation.  Let the people of this community encourage and show you just what it means to fully believe in the steadfastness of our Lord.

Thank you for your committed partnership with LIA to empower the church; especially in moments such as this.

Fact: Less than 1%  of the world’s spending in 2005 on weapons would have put every child into school by the year 2000.

The reality of today however is that nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.

Fact found on Global Issues.org.

Highlighted in one of the  “Reject Apathy” sections in the September/October issue of RELEVANT Magazine you will find a full page dedicated to spreading the word about LIA!

Check it out on pg. 29!

This brief overview of the organization and our work in northeast Africa is both exciting and encouraging! The stories of transformation taking place throughout the LIA partnered communities are powerful and inspirational. We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to share a little bit about the LIA Vision with RELEVANT readers.

Dedicated to feeding the masses with topics surrounding issues of life, God, and progressive culture, RELEVANT Magazine is a great source when seeking to expand your worldview; as well as your musical interests.  Embracing the culture in which we find ourselves engulfed in, RELEVANT Magazine offers a refreshing yet challenging perspective as to what it means to be a follower of Christ in today’s world and provides stimulating articles aiding in the journey for a deeper spiritual quest.

Pick up the magazine.

Check out the LIA article.

And stay connected with LIA! The fall months are bringing about some very exciting events and opportunities to further serve the poor and marginalized in Africa.

Debre Birhan, Ethiopia

Ginghamsburg Team

The previous post regarding the time spend in Debre Birhan focused on the incredible impact of Full Gospel Church in its community.  In our visit with this church we also met some amazing individuals as well whose stories need to be told.

During several home visits with the Ginghamsburg team in this community we got to witness firsthand the dire needs among the people.

One day in particular we met two different blind boys- each of whom were being ministered to by the church.  One of the boys we met, a mere ten-years old, had been locked inside of his home by his demon-possessed mother.  With the church seeking to help both the boy and his family over time, the mom has softened to people visiting her boy and loving on him.  We were able to give him blankets and sing songs with him.  His smile brightened his one room home and touched our hearts.

The Full Gospel Church has cared for the other blind boy we met for some time now as well.  He is 11 years old and goes to school where he enjoys hanging out with his many friends. As an active member of the church we got to witness firsthand his beautiful voice that he shares with the congregation.

Getting to know these two boys and understanding their situation has proven how important commitment and investment can be in the life of another.  The Full Gospel Church has worked diligently to impact the lives of those around them supporting the members of the community in a wholistic manner.

Keep praying for the Debre Birhan community and the committed work of Full Gospel Church.