ARCHIVED STORIES AND NEWS UPDATES
2011-2014
Pastor Woody Fisher's Story
Shaped Into His Servants
Every year GPartner Associates & Partners around the world host teams from the U.S. with the purpose of making a lasting impact.
Individuals, churches, groups, and families come home beating with a new perspective. This Pastor Woody Fisher’s story from when he was on a helps team that did feeding progams and childrens programs in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Please visit GPPD Trip Pages for more information on our trips.
As I reflect back on my trip to Haiti, there are certain scenes that replay in my mind and will remain with me for the rest of my life. The first occurred as a group of us visited a tent city, where thousands of people have been living in homes that are nothing more than blue tarps stretched over wooden frames to provide at least a bit of protection from the elements. As we walked through the area we were led by a Haitian Pastor. He knew many of the residents.
We were introduced to an elderly couple. The lady greeted us warmly and asked that we pray with her husband. We walked into the tent and saw him lying on a cot covered with several layers of blankets, even though the temperature was well over ninety degrees. He appeared to be very close to death, and we prayed for him. At the conclusion of our time with him, he asked how he could know God and as we explained more from the Bible, his wife, who was standing by, made a decision to follow Jesus as well. As we walked away I experienced a deep sadness to see these dear people living in such deplorable conditions, and at the same time I also experienced a tremendous joy, knowing they had found the true hope of this world.
Another scene that continually haunts me is the image of the thousands of children displaced from their homes and living in orphanages. Their parents were either killed in the earthquake or their homes were so disrupted that their parents can no longer support them. Everywhere we went we saw beautiful children. As I flew home towards Miami on that Friday I kept thinking that something had to be done for them, and I also thought of my grandchildren, two of whom were also on the trip. While I wept for the children of Haiti, I prayed for Matthew and Rachel [his grandchildren that went on the trip] that God would imprint some of those same images on their minds, and that He would use the Haiti trip to shape them into His servants.
As a father and grandfather, I know of no greater joy than seeing my daughter and grandchildren involved, as they were on the Haiti trip, in spending themselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfying the needs of the oppressed. I don’t think a day has gone by that I have not thought of our Haiti trip.
Each time I recall the trip, I experience the twin emotions of sadness and joy: sadness at the depth and breadth of suffering the people there experience, and joy at having had the opportunity to do some small thing to minister to them. God has certainly used this experience in my life and I am grateful to Him for the opportunity.
JORDAN FLOODING UPDATE
Three weeks after the Flooding in Jordan things are getting back to normal, but for many refugee families the waters have robbed them of what little they had to survive. They have worked hard in order to make money to provide for their basic essentials. The Floods washed most of what they had away.
Our Gpartners Associates were able to show and share God's love to 450 families in the month of January. That is the most people helped in the history of their Community Center. Many families have been provided for. The Community Center's storage room has been emptied of most all its aid. Items like carpets are in need, and our Associates do not have these things to provide people.
About 90% of the Community Center where our Associates live and meet has been restored. There is still no electricity in some of the rooms, and things like school materials, costumes, and puppets have all been destroyed. The basement, where two women lived, was completely under water, so they lost everything as well.
Despite the Loss, Help & Hope have come to so many people.
Please continue to pray for our Associates and the Refugees of Jordan.
GOATS
Providing food and income for one's own family is an uphill battle for most people living in the overwhelmingly impoverished and populated country of India. In 2010 about 68% of the population of India was living on less than $2 a day, according to the World Bank. Overcoming adversities such as little education, regulations, the caste system and generational poverty make it very difficult to change the factors of poverty and malnutrition ruling over an Indian family.
Gpartners show God love as we help families to overcome these adversities!
Families and individuals here in the U.S. decide take action to help someone. You too can help a family in utter poverty.
Both sheep and goats can be a productive means of support for a family that is suffering from malnutrition and poverty. The animals can be used to supply food, such as milk and butter for the family. The surplus of milk and offspring can be sold for income to help the family survive.
Joseph's family reeived the gift of two goats that will provide food and income for there family of five.
In the rainy season Joseph is able to find jobs to make enough money to feed his family. He will do whatever job he can find: pick rice, dig water irrigation for fields, or make patties of cow dung to sell. During other seasons it's impossible to find jobs and it's during those times is when his family doesn't eat.
When Joseph was given two goats as a gift from someone here in the U.S., he was overwhelmed with thankfulness. He said, "These goats will give milk to my family, and when they have babies, we can sell them for money for food. I will tell everyone of God's great love. He has provided for my family."
Through the relationship built with this family, Joseph's wife, Suvarna had the opportunity to go through GPPD's training classes to start her own Sewing Micro-Business in 2013! From the skills she learned during her training, she can now help contribute to her families income all year round as well!
If you would like to be a part of making a deifference visit Gpartners Gift Catalog, or see ideas to start your own Campaign or be a part of a Fund-raiser.
Together we can bring lasting hope to those in desperate need around the world!
AMBER 2012
GPPD Associate, Amber Hasson returned to Haiti in February for a second stay to assist fellow friend, Mallery Neptune and her team in running a Guesthouse. Taking on the role of Guesthouse Manager, Amber assists American groups serving in Haiti. Amber manages the group's experience by facilitating daily meetings and leading community projects. These projects include things like: painting a school medical clinic, delivering full bed-sets to Haitians living in a tent city, instructing an arts and crafts class at a local school, and assisting with orphanage feeding programs.
Amber was also involved in the “Peanut Butter 500,” where an American group made 500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and then distributed them to students and community members. Amber is expected to stay in Haiti until the end of March to support, encourage, and aid Mallery's team.
During Amber’s first trip to Haiti she partnered with a Children's School and Home. Amber was able to share God’s love to the people of Haiti by working in many different ministries. She was involved in the Little Angels Nutrition Program which distributes vitamins and nutritious peanut butter balls to poverty stricken infants and toddlers throughout the ravine. (The ravine is a dry river or creek bed where a large underprivileged community resides in tents and tin housing.) The nutrition program afforded Amber the opportunity to build relationships in the community, specifically in the ravine. During her daily distribution she was able to encourage the local people and share God’s love with them.
Although Amber was active in the community, she spent most of her time with the youth residing at the Children’s Home. At the Home, Amber said she was able to “love on them (the children) and teach them the truth of God's Word.” Amber was also involved in the School, helping teach students Biology and Consumer Math.
GPPD teams traveled to Haiti in July and August of 2012 and witnessed God’s use of Amber and the love she has for the Haitian people. The trip participants walked with Amber on her food distribution route through the ravine, as well as saw firsthand the impact she was making on the students at the School. To learn about future GPPD trips to Haiti, follow this LINK.
As Amber’s second stay is coming to a close, she is looking to God for her next steps. Unsure of how God is planning to use her in this next year, Amber is requesting prayer for direction and a “sustained passion as she waits on the Lord.”
Go & Show
Currently there is a Gpartner team serving villages, orphans and community leaders in India. We lead trips to places like India, Haiti, Jordan, Uganda and more. On a Gpartner team you will have the opportunity to serve others by using your gifts and talents in areas such as medical clinics, construction, training in micro businesses, working with children, teaching, etc.
On this trip already we dedicated two new clean water wells in villages, gave blankets to widows in need, visited orphans, oversaw construction for a new Training Center, and encouraged local leaders!
Our team has also been able to share God’s love with several villages, provide meals for them, and even join in a little tribal dancing!
A previous team member, Elizabeth Harris, shared about her experiences on Gpartners trips.
“My last visit was in April of 2012. The highlight of my trip was getting to know some of the orphan girls who were doing the sewing project. I have been with GPPD to India four times and once to Guatemala. I (always) trust that I will be safe and well cared for,” Harris said.
If you are interested in taking a trip with Global Partners, visit our Trips page. A Gpartners trip gives you the opportunity to share His love with people in desperate need as well as changes the way you see the world. He gives you His eyes for the people of the world.
LALITHA'S STORY
In the Spring of 2013 a Gpartners team traveled to India to teach women how to start their own Sewing Micro-Businesses. Their weeks were filled with many incredible moments of ministry and being ministered too. Stephanie shares with us a moment of her own. Names have been changed for protection. This story represents thousands of women living in India.
Meet Lalitha. When I first talked with Lalitha, I got a "clean" version of her story. It was only after I shared some of my own trials in life and after we got some time alone did she share her whole story. She said that she had never told a single soul what she was telling me. She gave us permission to share her story to make people aware of what is going on in the lives of so many other women and children in India.
Her father died when she was seven, the same day her younger brother was born. She doesn't know, but thinks he had heart trouble and died before a doctor could arrive. She has seven siblings. Lalitha is 23 years old and expecting her first child in a few months. Her mother used to sell mangoes and leaves and various things according to the season. Lalitha never got to attend school because her family could not afford the minimal fees required to buy supplies.
After her father died, someone took her away to work in their home. She was ten years old. She said the lady used to beat her and the husband and older son sexually abused her. She said, "There was no one to take care of me. No one looked at me with respect. There was no one to love me." Her owners gave her things to eat that they were throwing away. They used to wake her up at 4am and if she was unable to wake up, they would pull her hair and beat her. Her legs were damaged with cuts and bruises and boils. She spent the whole day working, cleaning, cooking. She slept on the floor near the staircase. She was in constant fear and unable to sleep a single night. She couldn't even bathe without the son or father watching her. She faced torture everyday, was constantly afraid and did not want to live. She remembers crying, "I want to go home," but there was no one to hear her cries for help. Once she tried to hang herself and another time she jumped into a well. Even after her attempted suicide, her employers' attitude was the same.
After 3 years of enduring unspeakable abuse, a compassionate God-fearing neighbor, who learned of her plight, helped her run away to another person's home. Her owners reported her to the police and told them that she'd eloped with a boy. She told the police that her owners were beating her up, so the police told her owners to return her to her mother. Unfortunately, instead of obeying the police orders immediately, the owners took her to their home and locked her in a room for a week before finally returning her to her mother. She said that they also "wrote bad things about her" on paper and gave the paper to her uncle who spread the rumors around the village. She said after that, people looked at her with "bad intentions" and as if she had done something very wrong. She was a child at the time, could not read, and never knew what was written about her.
When Lalitha was finally returned to her village, she went into her home to find that it was empty. Nothing was inside and her mother and siblings were no where to be found. She lived for a month in the house alone until someone sent her sister to check on her. Three of her siblings then came to live with Lalitha in the abandoned house. They lived there alone for a year with Lalitha taking care of all of them. She said she worked and earned enough to feed them, but it was not enough and they remained hungry.
After a year, Lalitha traveled to Delhi to find work and her siblings went to live with their uncle. Lalitha later learned that after she left, her aunt and uncle sent her younger sister somewhere and she has never been seen again. When Lalitha went to try to find out what happened and where her sister was, her uncle said that some people came and took her. Lalitha reported the kidnappers (child traffickers) to the police, however, they denied ever having seen little 14 year old girl.
Iraqi refugees have been living in Jordan since the First Gulf War, but in recent days there have been a large influx of Syrian refugees because of the civil war taking place in their country. It is estimated that 80,000 men, women and children have been killed in Syria since the start of the war. Around 1 million Syrians have fled the country and around 500,000 of them are now living Jordan. This number will most likely more than double by the end of the year.
The Syrian refugees are 99% Muslim. Many have fled because of fear for their lives, the death of family members, physical and sexual abuse, and for the safety and well-being of their children. For the most part, when they depart their homeland, they leave everything behind. They arrive to Jordan with just a few clothes and very little money that quickly disappears as they try to get settled. Many of the refugees will live in tents before they can find or afford more adequate housing. Many of them can't afford food for their families, much less being able to purchase items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers for children, feminine products and other basic needs.
Abir is part of a large Syrian family living near the GPPD Community Center in Jordan. They were one of the first Syrian families to move into the neighborhood. Originally there were 21 people living in one apartment! (Now they have two apartments.) They were the very first family to receive a refrigerator from Global Partners, “Refrigerators for Refugees” program. With a refrigerator they can now store food and milk and not have to go to the grocery store market each time they have a meal. Can you imagine sharing your refrigerator with 21 people?
Our GPPD Associates have been sharing and showing God's love to refugees for over a decade and with generous Christ filled hearts have embraced many opportunities to show these new Syrian refugees love.
We know we can't meet all of their needs but we know the one that can. We are sharing with them about God's great love for them and how He can impact every area of their life.
To learn more ways you can help Syrian and other refugees living in Jordan visit HERE.
Jordan has become home to many refugees of its surrounding countries. Edmon, an Assyrian was found on the Iraqi border by a friend of our GPPD Associate, Jody Miller. Edmon, who has dementia, was confused as to what to do or where to go. Jody’s friend felt compassion for him and took care of him like he was his own father. He helped Edmon with the crossing and paid for his transportation and food all the way to Amman, Jordan.
Edmon can speak Assyrian very well, but at times forgets how to speak English or Arabic. So when Edmond arrived in Amman, Jody connected him with other Assyrians who could help Edmon. They immediately began trying to trace his relatives in the United States and found his brother living in Florida. Because Edmon already had an American passport all he needed was a plane ticket.
For two weeks Edmon stayed with Assyrian friends living in Amman while they visited the American embassy and made many phone calls to the United States. Monies from our Associates Assyrian fund was able to help pay for the extra food, phone calls and taxis. Because of partnerships in Jordan, Edmon was finally able to get a plane ticket and fly his way back to the United States to be with his family!
Old Shoes Turn into New Wells
Proceeds for Poverty is an immense three day sale that uses 100% of the proceeds to give to those living in extreme poverty all over the world. Proceeds for Poverty is a unique event because everything that is sold is donated by people in the community.
This summer, despite the electricity outages due to the heavy storms in Virginia, the Proceeds for Poverty sale in Roanoke had astounding results. The 2011 Proceeds for Poverty sale raised $30,000 that will be used to pay for four clean water wells in India, a home for orphans in southern India, help for Syrian refugees in Jordan, food and clothing help for the people of Romania in winter, Christian Light School in Port au Prince, Haiti and for micro-business start-ups in India.
Proceeds for Poverty started in Roanoke, Virginia but is now starting to expand to other parts of the country. Georgia and Tennessee will be having Proceeds for Poverty sales soon. If you would like to have a Proceeds for Poverty sale in your area, give us a call at (540) 765-4300 and we will help you get started!
Roy Carter, the coordinator for Proceeds for Poverty in Roanoke, is looking forward to this year’s event. He asks that people begin donating as soon as possible.
“Anything that is sellable— furniture, kitchen stuff, anything you feel we can sell. We have a place to put it already,” Carter said.
Pickup times are normally on Tuesdays, but you can call Roy Carter at 540-537-2070 to get more information about donating.
Proverbs 22:9 “Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.”
GPPD Journalist
Amanda Fortner
Quaneisha heard a GPPD representative speak about people who didn’t have clean water and it tugged at her heart. This is her story.
“There are so many people who do not have the privilege of readily accessible clean water and I NEED to do something about it. Ever since a leader from Global Partners in Peace and Development came to a program I attended and spoke about this issue it has bothered me. The reality that there are people around the world without clean water is saddening and unacceptable.
This organization works with local churches in Uganda to build a well and reach out to the community. These wells are typical very low maintenance and built to last at least one generation. I'm asking people to partner with me and consider contributing a monthly recurring gift of 5 or more dollars until this well is built.
I know that one well will not fix a global problem but it will help a village ... a village is composed of people. People matter to Abba and they matter to me.
One of the most hilarious and challenging interactions of Jesus with His disciples to me is when Jesus and the disciples feed the 5000. In CONTEXT (one of my favorite things to say and reference), Jesus is teaching the masses and, as it is getting into the evening hours, the disciples tell Jesus to send the people away so they can go buy themselves some food. Jesus responds, "They do not need to go away. You get them something to eat." Although, I am not saying that you and I are to take 5 loaves and 2 fish to Uganda to feed thousands ... at least for NOW ... I am saying that I believe that this well would allow the natives to have more time to focus on gleaning from Jesus via the Holy Spirit and their local fellowships if they did not have to walk for hours a day to get water every day."
Janaki was a part of a Sewing Micro-Business training that took place in April 2012. She lives in a one room house with her husband and two children. The only income her family recieves is from what little work they can get from working in the fields.
Janaki only received an education through 7th grade. By the age of 14 she was married and soon after had her two children.
Before being trained by a team of Gpartners trip participants she had learned a little sewing knowledge from a tailor, but it was not sufficient enough to provide for her family.
Since her training, she has remained committed and disciplined to learning and getting better. We praise God in the fact that she has been able to double her income through sewing for people in her village. This extra income helps to provide the basic needs of her family. In fact, she's done so well that in 2013 Janaki came back to help train more women how to start their own Sewing Micro-Business!
The power of multiplication!
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime. That's our philosophy and we're thrilled to see how it is changing lives through Janaki's story.
To learn more about Sewing Micro-Businesses CLICK HERE.
GPPD began last year, working side by side with WOMEN IN GREAT NEED in India. We teach them how to sew and run their own Micro-Business, yet during that time we are able to pour into their lives the REAL HOPE they can have in God.
Last week a GPPD team set off for India to train 27 more women in desperate need how to start their own Sewing Micro-Business. The team included: GPPD President & his family, GPPD Administrative Assistant, & a Homeschool mom from the Roanoke Valley. Together they traveled to Northern India to train 7 women for a week. Then for the last part of their trip, they will train 20 other women in Southern India in Sewing 101 and Business 101.
When Carson Kistner arrived home in April of 2012 from a two-week trip to India to help with the first GPPD Sewing Micro-Business training, her basement was overflowing with donated fabrics left from the preparations for the training. A group of talented women had labored for months before the actual trip, designing the five Nations Hope dolls that are available in the Nations Hope Store. They created the patterns and accessories to reflect the dress of each people group, and tutorials for the training.
As Carson gazed at the piles of beautiful fabrics many people had donated for the dolls, she knew she wanted to continue using them to further GPPD’s goal of caring for orphans and widows. She began by making a few items to fit the Nations Hope Dolls (made to fit the popular 18’’ American Girl doll as well). Soon women who had helped with the original project joined her, and New Life Frocks was born.
Each Tuesday evening from 6:30 until 10:00, a “workshop” is open for any interested sewing enthusiasts to come and work on projects. Some who come are young homeschool moms with boundless energy and hearts for God. Most of them cannot make a trip to India at this season in their lives, but they are determined to do something to help the impoverished. Sometimes, one will bring a daughter who is eager to contribute as well. They also have several older women who participate with equal zeal.
The project list has expanded to include other items that can be made with the donated fabric scraps: little girls' dresses to match the doll outfits, children’s toys, “anywhere chairs,” women’s scarves, and casserole carriers. They always use only donated materials.
Their first sales were at GPPD’s Proceeds for Poverty in June of 2012. They sell items online at the GPPD Nations Hope Store, Proceeds for Poverty, and GPPD’s Saint Nick’s Fair in December.
Jess Lankford, one woman who helped start the group, talked about the reasons the group continues to sew together. “We get to have fun sewing crafts, and it’s hanging out with your best friends, and knowing that you’re working on a craft that will go to help widows and orphans — there’s nothing like it.”
Sovereign Grace Church, where Jess attends, had a huge response to the opportunity to use their talent of sewing for the orphans of India.
“People from churches in Roanoke and Salem are all coming together to help; it’s neat to see how God has brought different denominations and churches together to serve him; it really shows how the Body of Christ is supposed to be,” Jess said.
100% of the proceeds from New Life Frocks goes to help the orphans and widows of India. To see the products they make, visit the Nations Hope Store.
We are so thankful for all the sponsors, donors, golfers and volunteers who made our 7th Annual India Orphan Golf Tournament such a great success on July 13th in Roanoke, Virginia!
In years past funds raised have allowed us to meet the needs of more than 600 children in 15 different Children’s Homes in Southern India. Every day we provide food, clothing, shelter, education and a loving and caring environment for each of these children. With God’s provision we have been able to build a new Children’s Home for more than 60 children, renovate many of our existing Children’s homes, build water wells for clean drinking, build compound walls for the children’s safety, and purchase eating utensils, cookware, school bags, bed sheets and storage boxes for the children’s belongings. We are truly amazed at how this annual golf tournament can impact the lives of so many children!
With the help of so many, this year we were able to raise over $10,000 for our orphans in India. This will help us to complete a home that will provide a place of refuge for 30 orphan boys and 30 orphan girls.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these precious children! If you would like to learn more about Gpartners Annual Golf Tournament you can visit this LINK.
Orphaned at 7 years old, Rani was sent to live with her elderly grandmother to give her the opportunity to attend school. Later though, her grandmother began having some health concerns so Rani was taken out of school to care for her. As several years passed Rani still had a desperate longing to go back to school.
Rani is one of 35 million children that are orphaned in the country of India. Rani is not alone in growing up with difficulties attaining an education as millions of children in India grow up with little to no education. School, especially for girls, is nearly impossible for the poor living on less than $1.50 a day.
One day though, Rani's life was changed.
Rani's uncle had heard about a home for children and decided to take her there.
"There was good food, clothes, prayer, and songs in the home," she says. "I was happy and loved the other children there. There, I felt like I had a family."
Rani was brought to a Gpartners Children's Home where Caregivers loved on her and helped take care of her.
When a child is brought to a Gpartners home in India they are matched with a sponsor here in the U.S. who pays for their child's care. Through the generosity of a sponsor giving $30 a month they are able to provide food, clothing, a home, school supplies, education, medical care, personal hygiene items, and care for their child. Many sponsors write, send gifts, pray, and even visit their child.
Rani shares that "[My sponsor] took care of me like I was a part of her family."
She also explains what her time in the home was like.
"My caregivers cared for me like I was their own daughter and told me about God. I believed what they said about God, I had seen His great love, and I became God's daughter." Her life was changed forever!
"With God's help and love I completed school with good grades. I wanted to be a nurse since my childhood. I left the children's home and went to live with my uncle."
Rani had saved a lot of money, $175 and so she paid to go to nursing school, but quickly found out that it was a scam.
"They took all of the money I had." Because Rani did not want to be a burden to her relatives, but still wanted to go to school, her uncle encouraged her to get a job.
"Then I prayed to God."
Rani found work to do for several months.
"Then suddenly, God gave me a good gift. My former Caretaker told me about an opportunity to start a sewing business."
In 2012 Rani was a part of a sewing training class where she learned how to sew and run her own business through a Gpartners program.
"I am so thankful! I can use this sewing business to put me through nursing school."
"I thank Global Parnters in Peace and Development and all the people in America that gave me this opportunity."
"I believe this is all because of God's great love!"
Because of sponsors, prayers, and eternal investments of people here in the U.S. and Associates in India hundreds of young children are experiencing God's love and are being raised to be the future leaders of India. Gpartners wants to help raise up a generation of young people who know how to show and share God's love.
If you are interested in investing in a child's life or other opportunities to bring help and hope to the people of India visit one of these links to learn more about Taking Action, Child Sponsorships, or the Gift Catalog.
Cyclone Phailin
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Sunday, October 27 Update: This past week our Associates were on the coast handing out 25kg rice bags to a small village that was greatly impacted by the Cylone. They were also able to visit a tribal people, the Koya, who are more inland. Many in this village are sick because of all the rain that they have received in recent days. A doctor was taken to this village to help give care and also we handed out many warm blankets to help keep the families warm at night.
Monday, October 14 Update: Monday Morning Cylcone Phailin Update: All the children in our 2 Children's Homes, Peddathumbali and Nadimikella made it through the storm just fine. We thank God for this! Those who were evacuated from the coastal areas are heading back to their homes and seeing the widespread damage to their villages. The greatest immediate needs that they have right now are food (rice), clothing and medicines. Please help us meet the basic needs of some of the tens of thousands of already impoverished people devastated by Cyclone Phailin. They are saying that this cyclone was very similar in nature to Hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans because of the immense size and strength of the storm and the dense population that is in its path.
Since 2003, GPartners has been working the same areas of India that this cyclone hit, helping people in utter poverty and providing two Children's Home for more than 75 orphaned children. With your help we can help meet the immediate basic needs of these people. We will provide food, shelter, and other basic care, as well as helping families with an income by providing the fishing nets they need to survive in the coming months. Most have lost their boats and nets which are their only means of survival. Just $10 goes a long way and 95% of your donations go directly to help the people. Join us and take action now. |
Russel meets Raju from Global Partners on Vimeo.
"My trip to India took place in the Summer of 2013, but in all reality it began months before.
Jesus says very clearly in scripture states that it is our (the church) responsibility to take care of the poor, needy and orphans of the world. I wanted to try my best and follow Jesus in this teaching, not because I wanted to earn Gods love but because of God’s love compelled me.
So I went to Jonathan Grooms, president of Global Partners and asked him if I could sponsor a child from India. I picked the packet of Raju and fell in love. I was very excited to hear that Raju is staying in the Gonagondla home when I decided to go to India. This would be the home we would visit on the last day of the trip.
I met Raju that last day and it was breathtaking. I got to spend the whole day with Raju and learnt a lot about him and his lifestyle at the orphanage. The amazing moment that stood out to me was that Raju called me his big brother.
The care of the children in the homes, through the Caretakers that GPPD has placed, there is amazing. They teach the kids the Word of God. The most important thing about GPPD is that they believe in the Great Commission and fulfilling that commission.
Through this trip I learned of Gods great love for all people. The people of India blessed me beyond belief and taught me to Love God more and let my love for God not be based on material possessions. I encourage you to sponsor a child, because through that sponsorship you get to help give that kid life."
2012 Baby Kervenson Update
In January of 2011 Kervenson was brought to a GPPD Partnering orphanage in Haiti, Christian Light. He was brought by his teenage mom, who could not provide the care he needed. Because of this, he was extremely malnourished. It was decided that he would stay with the intent of returning him to his family when he became healthy again. Sadly, his mother never returned.
When Kervenson was brought to Christian Light, it was believed that he was approximately 15-18 months old, but his weight was that of a 3-4 month old at 12 lbs. His mouth was full of teeth that had yet to be used! Kervenson could hardly lift his arms or legs and was stoic during interactions.
During the first few months of his stay he was taken to a partner, Dorothy Pierce who runs Faith Hope Infant Rescue. Dorothy and her amazing crew of nannies were able to continue Kervenson down a path of healing. By the time he returned to Christian Light in November of 2011 he was beginning to walk, trying to talk, and laughing the cutest little laugh you could ever hear!
Kervenson recently started at Christian Light School in the Little Angels program and his teachers say he is doing very well! We are looking forward to seeing his continued physical and spiritual growth.
Among the few elderly in the country of Haiti is a 96 year old widowed woman named Terez. Her home is one amongst a small tent city in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. The first time our Associate Amber Hasson met Terez she was laying on the floor of her tent. She slept on the floor so that her daughter and two grandchildren could share the only bed in their shelter. She was extremely malnourished, very weak, and needed help. Through a translator, Terez told Amber that her stomach was eating away at her from the inside.
Because of her desperate need, GPPD provided her with Daily Vitamins given by generous doners through our Gift Catalog. She was also routinely provided with food. As God opened the door to show her Christ’s love in such a tangible and needed way, Amber and GPPD Partners in Haiti began to develop a stronger relationship with Terez. This relationship allowed them to show and share God’s love to the entire tent city where Terez lived. They began to provide healthcare and shoes to the people and began a Bible program with the children.
When Terez turned 96 years old, Amber and orphans from a nearby orphanage where Amber worked (Christian Light) baked Terez a birthday cake. It was her first cake in all her 96 years! This began a special bond between Terez and the orphans. They would ask to visit Terez and Terez would come to visit the kids in the orphanage.
Through the gifts of vitamins, healthcare and food, a friendship a life is changed. Please continue to pray for the elderly of Haiti, as they have little to no means to help themselves or receive help. You can help the people of Haiti through the GPPD Gift Catalog HERE.
Preston Burling, a Junior RA (Resident Assistant) at Liberty University was compelled to challenge his dorm guys to take action somehow, someway in helping others beyond their own college campus. Preston is burdened for the hurting people of the world and their unawareness of the one who can heal them, Jesus.
Hearing about the growing hardships for Syrians, Preston wondered if there was a way he could help. He soon learned that GPPD has a presence in Jordan working to bring help and hope to Syrian refugees.
Since March of 2011, 2.5 million refugees have fled Syria. The Jordanian government estimates that 576,000 (and rising) refugees have entered their country. Our GPPD Associates Jody & Ruth Miller and Ruthann Czerenda provide help and hope for hundreds of Syrian and Iraqi refugees in one of the poorest districts of Amman, Jordan. Being a refugee in Jordan means they are not permitted to work and have no access to education. As a result, a growing number of them face extremely difficult living conditions.
Refugees depend on help and generosity of others to meet their most basic needs. There are numerous ways that our Associates help the refugees and they are able to do this because of giving people like Preston Burling. Preston loved the idea of giving a food box to a refugee family, and that they not only would be shown God’s love, but also hear about God’s great love for them.
Preston knew that getting other people on board would create a bigger change than if just he were to help. So he shared his burden with his dorm guys, inviting them to join him in giving a gift of help and hope to a Syrian refugee family through GPPD. Over the next two days his friends and dorm guys brought him money, whatever they had. He encouraged them to give up something that day or week so a family in Syria could have the gift of food and God’s love.
Two days later he counted the money: change, ones, fives, tens, and twenties totaled over $150 dollars! By Preston just sharing about a need and a way to bring aid, he helped provide hope for five refugee families!
To learn ways you can bring help and hope to a world in need, visit GPPD’s Take Action page.
A son of a pastor, Suresh grew up knowing about God’s love. He developed a love for God and desired to share God’s love with his native people. Suresh’s family sent him to live with GPPD national partners in India when he was 13 years old. They cared for him as if he was one of their own son’s. Suresh’s father had dedicated Suresh to the Lord’s work, which is why he sent him to live with our national partner, where Suresh could attend school and learn more about God and sharing God’s love.
Suresh’s desire to share God with his people grew, and he began to assist GPPD’s national partner in ministry. Each month he would travel to do meetings with pastors in the villages. He later became the pastor of a church with a congregation of 120 people.
At the age of 25, Suresh got married, and he and his wife became the main caretakers of a GPPD Children’s Home. God put on Suresh’s heart to teach the children in his home the depth of God’s love and plan for them. He wanted them to learn the Bible verses that held these truths. He and his wife put together a routine to help the children learn more about God.
The children wake every morning at 5:30 am to read the Bible, memorize and pray. Between 6:00 and 7:00 am they get ready for their day, then have quiet time for 30 minutes. At 7:30 Suresh’s wife tells Bible stories to the children over breakfast. During the day they go to school or church on Sundays. Then in the evening they work on homework and have dinner from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Between 7:00 and 8:00 pm the children have prayer time, sing songs, then one boy will lead in prayer and read from the Bible.
The children in Suresh’s home see the tangible love of God through Suresh and his wife’ s care for them. Many of these children have never been truly taken care of and shown any love. Suresh wants them to know that God’s love for them runs deep and has no end, and that is why Suresh is dedicated to sharing God with the children and people of India.
Abir's Story 2013
Iraqi refugees have been living in Jordan since the First Gulf War, but in recent days there have been a large influx of Syrian refugees because of the civil war taking place in their country. It is estimated that 80,000 men, women and children have been killed in Syria since the start of the war. Around 1 million Syrians have fled the country and around 500,000 of them are now living Jordan. This number will most likely more than double by the end of the year.
The Syrian refugees are 99% Muslim. Many have fled because of fear for their lives, the death of family members, physical and sexual abuse, and for the safety and well-being of their children. For the most part, when they depart their homeland, they leave everything behind. They arrive to Jordan with just a few clothes and very little money that quickly disappears as they try to get settled. Many of the refugees will live in tents before they can find or afford more adequate housing. Many of them can't afford food for their families, much less being able to purchase items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers for children, feminine products and other basic needs.
Abir is part of a large Syrian family living near the GPPD Community Center in Jordan. They were one of the first Syrian families to move into the neighborhood. Originally there were 21 people living in one apartment! (Now they have two apartments.) They were the very first family to receive a refrigerator from Global Partners, “Refrigerators for Refugees” program. With a refrigerator they can now store food and milk and not have to go to the grocery store market each time they have a meal. Can you imagine sharing your refrigerator with 21 people?
Our GPPD Associates have been sharing and showing God's love to refugees for over a decade and with generous Christ filled hearts have embraced many opportunities to show these new Syrian refugees love.
We know we can't meet all of their needs but we know the one that can. We are sharing with them about God's great love for them and how He can impact every area of their life.
To learn more ways you can help Syrian and other refugees living in Jordan visit HERE.
Siddipet Boys Rickshaw Accident
Recently a GPartners team was traveling throughout India sharing and showing God’s love to unreached people groups, widows, orphans living in GPPD children's homes, and to many others. On Saturday July 27th, the team planned to spend some time at the location where we are building a training center and Children’s home for the boys living in our Siddipet Children’s Home. While awaiting the arrival of the boys, the group received news that the boys were in an accident just down the road from where they planned to meet.
Unfortunately 7 of the boys were hospitalized and 3 remained hospitalized for several days. One boy broke his arm and another had damage to his jaw and teeth. By the following Tuesday all but one boy, Emmanuel, had been released from the hospital. Emmanuel was taken to a larger hospital where he will receive work done on his jaw and teeth.
Thank you for your continued prayers for these children and also for the provisions to cover the cost of medical bills and a new larger vehicle to transport the orphan boys.
UPDATE: Jonathan saw most of the children on Sunday, August 4th. They were all doing well. Emmanuel remains hospitalized and will be having surgery on Wednesday, August 7th to replace some of his teeth and other work on his chin, inside his mouth.
The medical bills up to date (not counting tomorrow's surgery) is nearly $1300. Also, to fix the rented rickshaw is more than $200. Please pray for these provisions. If you feel led to give a special gift you can do so below.
A new vehicle to transport the boys (and girls in the future) form this home to/from school and other places will be around $15,000.
Team of 40 Travels to Haiti
Team of 40 Travels to Haiti - 2013
Haiti, a country ravaged by natural disasters is ranked the poorest country in the western hemisphere with 75% of the population living on less than $2 a day. Port-au-Prince, the nations capital was the area hardest hit by the 2010 earthquake. Still many live in tent cities and are burdened by the loss of their loved ones.
On Saturday, June 29, a Global Partners team of 40 people from PA, IO, VA and FL will hit the streets of Port-au-Prince sharing the love of God with the Haitian people. During their week stay they will minister to the people through VBS's, dental work, and construction. They will be loving on orphans, building a home for a widow, encouraging our partners there and much more!
Please be in prayer for this team and the people brought into their path as they are there. Pray that many will see and know God's love!
Thoughts on the Refugee Crisis (Part 2 of 2)
So what should be done to bring an end to this refugee crisis? The best case scenario that I think would work is to have refugees be able to return to their home country to start a new life. Albeit there are lots of difficulties and time needed to complete this plan, I believe this would benefit the refugees the best. Many refugees think “the grass is greener on the other side” but really life can be very difficult for them in western countries. Not speaking the language, the differences in culture, etc. can make life very hard for them. Not impossible, just difficult. Most refugees that I have met say they do not ever want to go back to their homeland. That complicates the issue, but I believe there needs to be:
1) Countries that strongly financially support nations that are hosting refugees, such as Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. It can’t be just token support. It must be enough funds that will help provide not only for the refugees but for the host country to build up their infrastructure and to provide jobs to their citizens, as well as for the refugees until they can go back to their mother country
2) Build a strong, aggressive coalition to rid Iraq and Syria of ISIS so families can go back to their homeland
3) After ISIS is taken out we help to build infrastructure, schools and industry in these newly developing countries.
Should We Allow Syrian Refugees into the US? In my opinion I believe that there are a number of Syrian refugees, mainly women and children, who can be trusted and can go through a strenuous security process. If we are only going to take 10,000 we can easily find those who fit that criteria that we can help. Do we have that security process in place now? I don’t know. I have read both “yes” and “no”. Just from what I have heard and know from friends that work with the UNHCR, the US has the most stringent process of any country in the world. We are also protected by geography so that refugees are not fleeing to our country like they are to Europe. Did you realize that Canada is trying to get 25,000 Syrian refugees to their country by the end of this year? They will not reach that number most likely by the end of the year, but they are actively pursuing this. A refugee would have already been recommended by the UNHCR, but after that Canada will take only 3-5 days to “vet” them and put them on a plane. I personally think that this is a bad idea.
As an American citizen I understand that it is our government’s job and civic duty to protect the people of its country from danger and harm. While the proposed process to Canada may possibly take 3-5 days, the process to enter into the US is much, much longer. A good article to read about immigration law and practice click here.
Ultimately, whether Syrian Muslims should enter into the US is not the most important issue. I believe the refugee crisis as a whole is a much more important issue than what America decides to do or not to do. As a Christian, I believe we must look at the refugee crisis from a different perspective than through the lenses of a “US Citizen”. As Christians we “do not belong to this world” (John 17:6), our citizenship is in heaven, we are just sojourners here on this earth for a short time. I read a post the other day from a Christian saying “I have a right…..”. Yes, as Americans we do have certain unalienable rights. I like what Oswald Chambers said many years ago “The only right a Christian has is to give up His rights”.
As I look at this refugee issue from a Biblical perspective it changes everything for me. How?
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:44-48, John 20:21, Acts 1:8) Just the thought or mention of a Syrian refugee coming to America has caused Christians to react in a number of ways. As a follower of Jesus my first thoughts should not be safety, security and comfort. Unfortunately, this has become the anthem and norm of the American church. This is not Biblical. This is wrong. Our prevailing thought and focus should be Revelation 7:9, that a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages …..crying out with a loud voice “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”. We must change our mindset (Romans 12:1-2). In order for people from every tribe, tongue and nation to come to know Christ we must take risks. We must give up our “right” to security and safety. As a follower of Jesus Christ, this cannot be just a political issue; it is also an issue of the heart. Too many Christians have bought into the idea of living in safety and security is what the Christian life is all about. When that is threatened they are overcome with fear. Just read many Facebook posts over the last week. What I read between the lines in many Facebook posts is “my rights” and “fear”. Look at the fate of Jesus and many of his disciples. They were killed for their faith. Are we willing to give up our life (including our safety and security) for the sake of the Gospel? You may say, some people have chosen to do that and have gone to tell others about Jesus, but I did not choose that life. Wrong! When you became a follower of Jesus Christ that is what you committed to. Unfortunately someone may not have explained that to you clearly, but that is what it means to be a follower of Jesus. This paragraph is not implying that the only way for this to happen is to open up our borders, this paragraph is intended to have us look deep within our hearts to see what we are more concerned about: safety or people in need of the Gospel.
- The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) Simply stated: love God and love others. You have read probably countless verses this past week about caring for the orphans, for widows and for the refugees, and we must admit that they are all true (Lev. 19:9-10, Deut. 10:19-19, Exodus 23:9). We must show God’s love and compassion to all people. He didn’t say, love only Christians or people that are kind, nice and look like we look. He said to love others, this would include Muslims. Jesus was a friend of sinners. He was not a friend of the religious crowd where you would have thought it was “safe and secure”. It was actually the religious crowd that brought him to trial and had Him crucified.
- A Sovereign God: Isaiah 46:10 ‘My purpose will be established and I will accomplish all my good pleasure”. God does all things for His glory. He is not surprised by this refugee crisis. To me, God is using this refugee crisis as a way to make His name known. How does God make His name known? through His church, through followers of Him. How many Christians were in Syria sharing their faith 5 years ago? Not many. Because of God’s sovereignty… through war, tragedy and natural disasters people have seen their need for Christ and turned to Him. Reads Acts 8:1, God used persecution to spread His message to more places to more people. Syrians are now in countries like Jordan where His love can is more readily shown to them. Syrians are/will be in America, Australia, German, Norway, France, Sweden, etc.. This is an unprecedented opportunity for us to get the Gospel to Muslims and “Christians” who have never had someone share with them how much God loves them and that He truly gave His life for them. We must not miss this God-ordained opportunity. We have heard story after story of refugees from Iraq share with us that they are thankful that God brought them to Jordan because it was here where they found what it meant to have a relationship with Christ.
| I often think of when ISIS members were young boys and girls. What if someone was in their village or city that took the time to love them and share God’s love with them? I realize that is not the cause of terrorism because someone didn’t love them when they were young, but if someone did show love to them it could have made a difference in their life. We have children on our streets that throw rocks at us, at our vehicles, and at the church. These are children who need love. The more I have found out about these children the more my heart breaks. Their dads are alcoholics and one has terminal cancer. If we do not show love to them where will they end up one day? |
- Reality of Life after Death: Hebrews 9:27 It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgement. As someone who believes in the inerrancy of Scripture I must believe in a literal heaven and hell. Our life here on earth is short (James 4:14). Eternity is forever and ever. If I truly believe that people (both “Christians” and Muslims) that do not have a relationship with Christ will spend an eternity in hell apart from Him it must change the way I think and the way that I live my life.
Once again, please understand that I am not advocating for America to open up its borders to all Syrian refugees. What I do want to advocate through this article is that we, the church, followers of Jesus Christ, do something NOW to help refugees who are in need. What I am not advocating is speaking unkindly to each other on Facebook because of differing opinions. We can debate, but let’s debate in a Christ-like manner. Also, let’s not constantly badmouth our government and national/local leaders over the issue. We can disagree with them, but let’s do it respectfully. Don’t say “Jesus would do that”. From what I read in the Bible Jesus attacked and used strong words with the religious crowd, not the government. From my perspective the government is not the problem, it is the church. Yes, there is time for debate, but more than that, we need solutions and action. Sadly for many people this issue will end in debate. Unfortunately, in two to three weeks this will possibly be old news and many will be on to the next "hot topic" of the day. Some will spend a lot of their time typing their opinion but will never lift a finger to help a refugee in need.
I am not saying that I know the solution to fix the problem, but one thing that I do know is that there is something that we can do today to provide help provide for refugees in need.
There are many amazing organizations doing a lot of tremendous work with refugees in the Middle East and Europe. Of course I am biased and I think Global Partners in Peace and Development is doing an amazing work in the Middle East, but there are many others who can use your help. Here are some of the ones that I know that are doing a great job here: World Help, Hope & Trust, World Vision, World Relief, Samaritan’s Purse, Preemptive Love, and Doctors without Borders. There are also organizations in Europe that need your help (World Relief Germany). You can partner with a church that is helping to care for refugees in Europe. Choose an organization, visit their website or contact them and find out how you can help. You can help provide basic needs of refugees especially during the winter months. The temperatures are beginning to drop here in the Middle East. It started to be in the 40’s at night and will get much colder over the next few months. Refugees need food, clothing, money for rent, rugs for cold floors, medical help, blankets, heaters, gas bottles, milk for babies and more. Come to the Middle East to love on refugees: sit in their homes, sip tea with them, play with their children, cry with them and love on them.
We can’t do everything, but we ALL need to do SOMETHING! It is time for the church to rise up and be a voice for the hurting and broken. This is our opportunity to show the world whose we are and what we are all about! As we partner together we can make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of refugees! Unfortunately, this crisis will not end for a long time, maybe not until Jesus returns, but you can help provide for a refugee TODAY!
Matthew 25:35-40 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Jonathan Grooms
President, Global Partners in Peace and Development
Please click here visit our new video series called "People In-Between" to more about the plight of refugees in the Middle East.
Thoughts on the Refugee Crisis (Part 1 of 2)
I must admit these last 12 days I have spent more time than normal reading articles by individuals and the press regarding this historic issue. I’ve read good and valid points both for and against bringing Syrian Refugees to the United States. This is a serious issue, one that involves the lives of real people: people whose worlds have been turned upside down in the blink of an eye. We must realize that these are people who are just like you and me. They were living normal lives, working jobs, running businesses, going grocery shopping, watching their children play sports… then war, civil war and ISIS came causing many to lose nearly everything!
As I write this article please understand that I do not claim to be an expert, I am just someone whose life has been touched deeply by the hurt and pain of refugees that I have met and have come to love. I have been a part of work in the Middle East from afar for more than 15 years and have recently moved to this part of the world in the last year. My perspective is written from serving refugees in Jordan.
Iraqi Refugees:
One of the forgotten people lost within this national debate are the Iraqi refugees. There are an estimated 30,000-40,000 of them still in Jordan. They are discouraged and depressed. They can’t work. Their kids can’t get a good education. They feel forgotten. The eyes of the world are now focused on Syrian refugees and they ask the question “What about us?” I know some Iraqi’s that have been in Jordan for more than 10 years and no hope of immigration in their near future. Sources working with the UNCHR have told me that they have put all Iraqi’s “on hold”.
Some of the Iraqi refugees have become my best friends. I trust them with my wife and children. They would do anything in the world for me and my family. Most of the Iraqi’s I know are from a Christian background. Recently two of my friends made the trip to Turkey, crossed the Mediterranean Sea by boat to Greece, and then made their way up to Germany by train, bus and foot. Why did they go? They had lost hope! One of them is single. He desires to be married, to start a family one day. That is not possible here in Jordan as he can’t get a job to provide for his family. My heart broke to see one of my best friends leave, but he made it to Germany just fine and is starting a new life there. I miss him, but I am thankful he is there and that he is learning German and will be a productive citizen of that nation in the near future. I am thankful that Germany allowed him to get a new start.
I believe that America can and should open up its doors to Iraqi Christians. Many of the refugees I know in Jordan once worked for the United States Armed Forces and other U.S based contractors during and after the second Iraq war. Many of them risked their lives for our country. Many of them received “promises” that they could easily immigrate to the US, but they are still stuck here in Jordan. It is easy to see that they are from a Christian background through their documents and they would not be a security risk to the United States.
I think many may agree with this perspective, but the greater issue at hand which is causing much debate is whether we should allow Muslims into our country as refugees, the majority of which would be Syrian refugees.
Syrian Refugees:
“Fatima” was a fairly wealthy woman from Syria. She and her family are Muslim. Her husband was in the film industry. Because of the civil war it became very dangerous for their family. Her family fled Syria when their home was attacked. A big piece of concrete fell on her husband as he was fleeing with their son in his arms. It badly hurt him and his son. When they made it to the Syrian Camps across the border into Jordan, they received some medical help, but their eldest son died and the father couldn’t use his arm any longer.
A year later when they were able to leave the camp, to reside in Amman, Fatima was pregnant again. Her husband was sad because he could not work in Amman, and one day he left her and their child to care for themselves. They have no idea where he went. She cleaned homes to help care for her son and herself but many of the homes she was cleaning in the men tried to take advantage of her sexually. She has registered with the UNCHR and now is just hoping a country will allow her to immigrate.
This is the similar story that you will hear from most of the Syrian Refugees. I think it is important for us to understand this: refugees are not terrorist. Refugees are people who are fleeing their homelands because of terrorist. Secondly, being a Muslim does not mean you are terrorist. The Eastern World (Middle East & Asia) view all of America as “Christian”, just like the majority of the Western World (America) view the Middle East as “Muslim”. Thirdly, we must admit and it has been clear that terrorist are using the refugee crisis to help further their mission.
I will never forget the first time I visited the Middle East in November 2001, soon after the terrorist attacks on our country. I must admit I was very nervous to come to the Middle East. I remember getting on a Middle Eastern airline at JFK airport and most of the people were Muslim’s on the plane. I felt like every one of them was staring at me. As I write that, I am almost laugh now, but that is the way I felt. I felt that way because of my lack of understanding. Once I arrived to the Middle East I was shocked. I was walking down the street a couple of times and people that we didn’t know were standing outside of their homes tried to get our attention. They invited us into their homes. They wanted to serve us tea. They didn’t want to kill us; they wanted to show their hospitality. When we went into their homes you could definitely see that they were Muslim. They knew we were “Christian”, but they generously welcomed us in. They showed hospitality. This is a part of their culture, this is who they are. This began to change my view of Muslims. I could no longer lump them into one group and believe that all of them have evil intentions and want to kill the” infidels”.
In my opinion, many Muslims are “cultural Muslims”. Just like many Christians in America are not truly followers of Jesus, they are just “cultural Christians”. Both "Christians" and "Muslims" go through the motions but truly do not live out what is taught in their Holy Scriptures.
So what should be done to bring an end to this refugee crisis? To be continued.....
Part 1 - Iraqi & Syrian Refugees
Part 2 - How To Repsond
2012 Report
The largest amount of funds in the history of GPPD to go projects around the world. Nearly 1 million dollars was given to GPPD to bring help and hope to people in need. This was around $230,000 more than 2011.
8 Clean Water Wells built in India which help an estimated 30,000 people. These clean water wells have brought hope to thousands of Indians living in villages where they had little or no access to clean water. They have helped many children to remain healthy and have blessed mothers who have not had to walk so far each day to get water.
89 people adventure on 5 different GPartner Trips. Our teams were blessed to share and show God's love in Haiti and in India. We loved on orphans and widows, children with special needs, provided dental and medical care for the sick, did construction work, dedicated clean water wells, fed and clothed the poor, shared and showed God's love!
Locally people have gotten involved. Saying yes to what every is on their heart to do. Through Proceeds for Poverty, Golf Tournament and St. Nick's Christmas Fair we raised nearly $55,000 to help people in poverty! Accross the world we are blessed to begin new relationships with friends that share our same heart and passion for their respective countries!
The Bulega and Nzigu Projects in Uganda are coming closer to completion. These two community centers will help these local and nearby villages by providing them medical care and health clinics, education and a place for people to gather and encourage each other with God's love.
Food, Medical Care and Education provided to over 200 Slum Children in Haiti. Each day in Haiti our GPPD Associate would go into the ravine to provide the young children and mothers a nutritional meal so that these children will grow strong and healthy. Children that would have been malnourished because of the lack of food and proper health education for their parents are now running, playing and getting an education
Warm Clothes and Food provided for Romani Children in Slovakia. The winter months in Slovakia are bitter cold. Most of the Romani children do not have proper clothes to wear nor food to eat. Many children are sick during these months because of the cold weather, improper clothing and lack of nutrition. The food and clothes help children to remain healthy so they did not miss school.
20 women in India begin a small sewing business. Teams of ladies from the US headed to India to teach women in poverty and older orphan girls how to sew and basic small business skills. The 60 advent calendars they made are now in the homes of families across America, as well as many of the nation dolls. These products raised nearly $10,000 for the Siddipet Training Center.
10 impoverished families giving goats to start a small business. The goats provided the families with milk to drink and sell, and also provided the offspring to grow their business. They can sell the goats to make enough to provide for their families in the non-harvest times.
The Building Project for the Siddipet Training Center began. This dream will soon become a reality! The construction began in August and because of your generosity, all the funds have been raised for Phases 1 and 2 (Ground Floor). Only $75,000 more is need to complete this project!! This center will house 30 orphan boys, 30 orphan girls, widows, a training center for women to learn how to start small businesses, training center for workers, conference hall, prayer hall, kitchen, dining hall, library, playroom for orphans and printing press!
Refugees were provided with education in Jordan, refugees are not allowed to attend school so all of the education provided greatly helps them to have a brighter future, especially as their families are trying to relocate to the West.
The Jordan Refugee Community Center comes closer to purchasing. The building we have been renting for years will soon be ours. Please pray for further renovations on the building.
Syrian Refugees receive vital help. We were able to provide refrigerators and heaters for people who fled to Jordan, leaving everything behind. We also were able to share with them about the true hope that can transform their lives.
From nebulizers for needy orphan children in Haiti, to shoes for bare children's feet, to Bibles in the hands of a seeking refuges in Jordan. Only heaven will tell of the marvelous things He has done through and in obedient hearts this year. Thank you again for partnering with us in 2012 to impact the lives of people around the world. We can't wait to see all that God has in store for 2013!
But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising Him to everyone.For He stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them.
Psalms 109:30-31
Vupada Village Fire Relief
We were able to distribute 15,000 pounds of rice on January 12, 2012, to the people of this village whose lives were affected by the fire. Michael Grooms & Houston DeWeese, along with Steeven Kumar and his team, were able to distribute 10 fishing nets to those who lost theirs during the fire.
HOUDESHELL MARATHON PROGRESS BLOG
Everywhere you look we have access to clean water and most of the time we take it for granted. It's not until there is a problem (e.g., flooding, natural dissaster, boil order) that we think about our need for water. Unfortunately, milliions of people around the world don't have that luxury because they don't have access to clean water. It doesn't have to be that way. Building one clean water well can support a villiage of around 4,000 people and last beyond a lifetime. Rather than wait for someone else to do something, I've decided to take action and run 26.2 miles for clean water! Would you consider supporting me in this effort today? Together we can make a positive impact on the world that doesn't take an act of Congress!
Published on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 @ 8:55 AM CDT
At this point, I've put in most of the hard work. The challenge in the next couple weeks is staying motivated and concentrating on proper nutrition. I missed one workout this week but ran three times for a total of 26.5 miles. Looking at four workouts this week for a total of 19 miles. I'm so grateful for the donations that have come in so far but need to pray for more supporters. Continued prayers for health and injury-free workouts is much appreciated.
Published on Sunday, October 6, 2013 @ 8:45 PM CDT
It's less than three weeks to the marathon, I've logged well over 350 training miles and am beginning to taper off on my weekly miles. My longest run was 20 miles a couple weeks ago. It was a strong run but I was exhausted at the end. I'll have to push to get to 26.2 miles. I had the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls last week. It was incredible to see the power of water as it fell from the top of the falls to the bottom. As I reflected on this experience, I thought about the power that clean water can have on a villiage. For so many, it is the difference between life and death. Thank you for partnering with me to build a clean water well and make a positive difference in the world.
It's less than three weeks to the marathon, I've logged well over 350 training miles and am beginning to taper off on my weekly miles. My longest run was 20 miles a couple weeks ago. It was a strong run but I was exhausted at the end. I'll have to push to get to 26.2 miles. I had the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls last week. It was incredible to see the power of water as it fell from the top of the falls to the bottom. As I reflected on this experience, I thought about the power that clean water can have on a villiage. For so many, it is the difference between life and death. Thank you for partnering with me to build a clean water well and make a positive difference in the world.
Published on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 @ 7:05 PM CDT
I had the priviledge to spend the last week on vacation in Vail, CO. The mountains offered two challenges: thin air and big hills. Despite the difficult conditions, I finished my mid-week training runs and the scenery was incredible. I finished the week off with my long run of 18 miles. Somewhere around 12 miles I began to realize this has to be the toughest thing I've ever attempted to do but I keep reminding myself that these struggles are small in comparison to the challenges of not having clean water. Looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow!!
Published on Sunday, September 15, 2013 @ 8:43 PM CDT
I've just started my 12th week in a 17-week training schedule and I continue to be amazed at what God allows me to do. So far I have logged 262 miles, my weekly long runs are longer than a 1/2 marathon and I have overcome a lot of hurdles. Two weeks ago, I sprained a toe on my left foot and got to the point I couldn't walk. Three days later, my foot was healed and I ran 8 miles pain free. Praise God! I spend a lot of my training time worshiping and praying for friends and family. Lately I have been thinking and praying for those lives that will be impacted by having a Clean Water Well.
Published on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 @ 2:26 PM CDT
WHAT IS GOING ON IN SYRIA?
You may have heard a recent, loud chatter coming from your news feed, TV, Twitter, or paper column. All with the same common topic... SYRIA. All of the information leads us to two main points...
#1 MANY HAVE LOST LIVES
In March 2011 popular demonstrations began in the country of Syria which were a wider part of the Middle Eastern protest movement called the Arab Spring. By April 2011, the demonstrations that were demanding the resignation of their president had turned into a nation-wide civil war.
Since that time over 100,000 people, including women and children, have lost their lives. Today many Syrians are living in fear; causing them to flee the country, but many of those who are left behind are terrified of losing their own lives or the lives of their children.
#2 MANY HAVE FLED FOR SAFETY
Today, the UN has registered more than 2.1 million refugees and acknowledges more than 200,000 who still await registration. An estimated 576,000 have fled to Jordan. Other refugees have fled to the neighboring countries of Turkey and Lebanon.
There is hope for each refugee beyond the escape of terrorism and the hurt and pain they have experienced. Through partnerships and generous people like you who have supplied, prayed, and visited, refugees are finding true hope and peace.
