Our team just returned from Bulembu, Swaziland! We will give you a full
update on the latest trip in the September newsletter. We are extremely
excited about what we have planned for the upcoming months so please stay
tuned!
URGENT NEED
Currently,
one of the greatest needs in Bulembu and one that Partners In Action has
committed itself to is providing health care to widows and orphans. This
is critical to the well being of many people who will not receive care
without access to the local medical clinic. The medical clinic currently
serves over 300 orphans and widows. The average cost per visit is $10
including medication. We need to raise $16,000 through December 2006 in
order to keep the clinic operational through the end of the year.
Most
of us are very fortunate to have access to medical care and not just medical
care, but good medical care. Take a moment to think what we have
at our disposal even just at our corner pharmacies - it's a concept that
the people of Swaziland cannot fathom and one that we take for granted.
We desperately need one-time or four monthly donations for the remainder
of the year to successfully continue to provide ongoing treatment. We
need support from our donors who will stand with us to help meet the health
care needs of the widows and orphans. No donation is too large or too
small.
Bulembu
When
was the last time you slept on the street? When was the last time that
you had to watch your child go hungry? When was the last time your child
had to fend for himself and not have a safe place to go? Like most of
us, the answer is never. However, for thousands of families in Swaziland,
the answer might be yesterday. What would you do if your child was in
such danger? What if there were people who could help, but chose to turn
their backs? Would you accept it?
It is easy to forget and ignore the plight of children and widows who
are 10,000 miles away while we are safe and secure in our world. You have
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference. With your help,
we can change their future so.. that they may have life.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John
10:10 NIV
Partners in Action has a great vision for Bulembu! We are transforming
Bulembu, an abandoned city in Swaziland, into a place of hope for thousands
of orphans and widows so that they may have life. Our vision is to provide
jobs, housing, medical care, and schools to those who have no other place
of hope, and to turn the City on a Hill into a thriving place full of
life.
God
puts opportunities in front of us to serve Him by helping others. This
is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunites to make a real difference.
Our faith and commitment to carry out God's Word and His work will have
a huge impact on the widows and orphans of Bulembu. While the children
and widows need life's basic necessities, without Christ's teachings,
their lives will not be complete. We need to minister...that they may
have life.
Remember the Poorest Newest Success Story in a Little
Girl Named Haimanot by Yeshi Mengistu
Born
on February 5, 1997, Haimanot Mekuanint is the only child of Seniyte Fiseha.
Haimanot's father was a small trader who was a cloth dealer until he died
in 2000. Her mother did the best she could to raise and provide for Haimonot,
but could not do it on her own. Because Seniyte couldn't afford to pay
rent, they had to live with other people and the general living circumstances
were not good. Seniyte's desire for her daughter to have the best possible
life led her to make a difficult and painful choice - she decided Haimanot
would have a better chance if she was raised by a community orphanage.
In 2004, Haimanot was registered with Remember the Poorest Community
in Uganda. She began to receive basic necessities like clothing, food,
medical care, and an education. She has taken a shine to school and is
a very sociable and affectionate little girl. She is also a highly motivated
student in and out of class; she loves to read and works at her lessons
diligently. As a result, she has come out on top of all the sections in
grade 3 in her school. Haimanot is also doing remarkably well in her spiritual
growth; she attends her Sunday school quite faithfully. It's a joy to
see her progress!
Haimanot wasn't the only person in the family that RPC helped. Haimanot's
mother was not doing well. Seniyte had been ill and was bed ridden due
to an infection and she didn't seek treatment. She was losing weight at
an alarming rate and was becoming extremely depressed. RPC heard about
Seniyte's plight and became involved. She was given medical treatment
and it was discovered that she was HIV positive. If RPC hadn't been involved,
Seniyte would not have received medication and counseling that she desperately
needed. Subsequently, Seniyte has made such progress that her entire outlook
on life has completely changed. Her hopes have been revived and she is
working hard to be a good role model for her daughter.
It truly makes those of us involved with Remember the Poorest grateful
for Partners In Action and their generous donors. The good and generous
hand of PIA has changed and is still changing lives here at RPC. Many
people who had lost hope for themselves and their families have seen what
a helping hand and faith in God can do. With God's guidance and love,
we will always believe that life can change for the better.
Children's Plight: Whose Responsibility? by Ezra Simon Ssemwanga
The
future of any nation is dependent on children. Therefore, protecting the
children means protecting the nation. We must nurture and develop the
children to avoid a chaotic tomorrow. This can be achieved if we create
a just and peaceful world - a world in which all children get the love
and protection they need for a good start in life so they can develop
into good, responsible citizens who are able to contribute to our nation.
In Uganda, hundreds of thousands of children do not enjoy a life like
this. Although several factors are involved, two primary ones are the
HIV/AIDS pandemic and domestic violence.
The impact of HIV/AIDS on the children of Uganda is very devastating.
According to the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, an
estimated two million orphans in Uganda are infected with the disease.
Most, if not all, families in Uganda have been impacted by AIDS with at
least one death within the family. In some cases, both parents die from
the disease thus creating families that are headed by children. Without
life skills and education, these child-headed families are doomed.
Domestic violence against children illustrates another horror story for
children in Uganda. Silence, inaction, and bribery have allowed it to
continue unabated. Domestic violence includes beatings, humiliation, starvation,
and sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Children - the voiceless and
least able to protect themselves - are vulnerable to these crimes, which
are often committed by the very caretakers who are meant to protect them.
Suubi
saw the plight of the children of Uganda and established an orphanage
in 2005. It began with ten orphans and has now grown to accommodate fifty-four
orphans who were once abandoned, unprivileged, and living on the street.
Children at our orphanage are provided with all the basic needs ranging
from free education, shelter, food, clothing, and medical care. The orphanage
has two dormitories: one for boys and one for girls. Each dormitory has
a house mother who is the main caregiver for the children.
We also have a nurse who normally comes twice a week to attend to our
children. She treats the sick children, inspects children's general hygiene,
and recommends medications. She also talks to the children and educates
them to be clean. There is also a visiting counselor and pastor who also
visit at least once a week to teach and reinforce God's word with the
children.
With the full support of PIA and its donors, the calls of once hopeless
children have been answered. We continue to be extremely grateful for
your support and prayers. May the Almighty God continue to bless your
helping hearts.
On
May 31, 2006, three girls arrived from Springfield, Missouri, to do mission
work at Mercy Home of Children. Amy, Stacy and Bethany said they came
not knowing exactly why, only that they had heard the voice of the Lord.
Little did any of us know the impact they would have on our life.
These girls directed a three-day Kid's Camp at the orphanage for 250
kids. With multiple games, teachings on Faith, Love and Joy, skits, multiple
choirs, foot washings, and a whole lot of food, Mercy Home and community
kids experienced the love of Christ in a new way during the camp. We played
different games that taught lessons on faith, love, and joy. There were
also multiple choir and skit performances. The day then ended with dinner
and prayer.
The girls also committed to teaching for two months at Kajjansi Parent's
School which our Primary Kids attend. They taught everything from English
to Math to Creation to sports. The girls woke up faithfully every morning
at 6:00am to help the little ones get ready for school and to make sure
they were on the truck on time.
The girls have also committed to making a promotional video for Mercy
Home of Children. They took all kinds of video footage of the children
at school, in their dorms, during choir practice, and during feeding time.
They also recorded several interviews with the kids about their lives
before they came to Mercy Home and their lives now.
August 1, 2006 was the last day for Amy, Bethany and Stacy at Mercy Home.
It was a tearful goodbye to our three new family members. Although it
was difficult for all of us, we know that they left part of their hearts
at Mercy Home. They will be returning on an annual basis.
When the girls first arrived in Uganda, they felt they set out on a two-month
mission "to change the world." But by the end of the trip, "the
world and Mercy home changed" them, not the other way around. We,
too, believe that our lives at Mercy have changed - so for all that Amy,
Bethany and Stacy have done for Mercy Home, we say "Thank You."
Mercy Home of Children's VISION for the Future by Angela Namatovu
Mercy
Home of Children has a vision to construct a school on the property for
our kids and for the community kids. We recently had an architect draw
up a plan for us. We envision a school that has: ten classrooms; a physics,
chemistry, and biology laboratory; a library; vocational classrooms for
carpentry, mechanics, tailoring, weaving, and home economics; a computer
lab; fine arts classrooms; a music classroom; staff room; and a school
canteen.
Why have we had this plan drawn up? The Bible says in Habakkuk 2:2-3 And the Lord answered me and said, "Write the vision, and make
it plain upon tables, that he may run that read it. For the vision is
yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:
though it tarry, wait for it; because it shall surely come, it will not
tarry."
We believe this vision is from God; therefore, we want to be obedient
to His word. We believe at the appointed time, God will provide our school
and we will faithfully serve Him.
During the month of July we were very busy with the Dios Con Nosotros
Family camps so there wasn't much time to get out to do any special
ministry projects or even to do our regular visits, but that doesn't
mean there wasn't a lot going on in our ministries here in Mexico. This
month's newsletter is being written by a couple of the people who participate
in our ministries. You will be getting a chance to see things from another
perspective, I hope you enjoy their stories and insight.
Teens From RSJB Go On An Adventure to Mt. San Pedro
Martir
Ten teens from RSJB attended a special expedition with Sea and Summit
Ministries. They went on a 9-day trek into the mountain of San Pedro Martir
where they had many adventures in the wilderness. Here are their thoughts:
Our
trip to San Pedro Martin on July 1-9 was very pleasant for all ten of
us who went camping. We slept in three-man tents but there were only two
of us in each tent because one of us decided to sleep outside the whole
time and another changed tents. I believe that this camp helped many of
us to overcome challenges and fears that we had, and we had a chance to
spend much more time together. Those who went on the trip were: Paul Luis,
Juan, Daniel, Helio, Manuel, Ricardo, Jesus, Arturo, Israel; and the leaders
who invited us to this wonderful adventure were: Glen, Tyler, Ennd, Shelly
and Ruth.
Our big adventures and challenges were: to climb, rappel, and of course
to walk like 5 hours a day, but the most important thing was the time
we spent with each other and our leaders, and in God's creation with the
plants, the animals, pines, etc. It was a super adventure for us in our
lives as friends or rather as brothers at the Youth Home where we live.
We also had the opportunity to spend more time with God and everything
that he created. It was an incredible and unforgettable adventure for
each of us. It was incredible that we managed to keep going with the amount
of food that we brought with us. It wasn't much but, thank God, we lacked
nothing and were very glad to eat what we had to eat. We all took turns
working like cleaning, cooking, and the taking care of the paper for you
know what...
We also had to carry our food with us every day, besides every day we
had a new leader and a new navigator. We rotated shifts as leader and
navigator so that each of us had the experience of being a leader or a
navigator. That part was very exciting because sometimes we felt that
we could not go on but we had to rely on one another like the good team
that we are.
We give thanks to God for having helped us along the way and in the whole
week that we were there in the camp and to the persons who helped us so
that this camp could be done for us, the boys of Rancho San Juan Bosco
God Bless you all.
-Luis and Paul
About the authors: Luis and Paul are residents at Rancho San Juan
Bosco. Luis is 16 and enjoys being a leader at the ranch. He graduated
from high school this year and will be starting his college career in
August. He has hopes to become an accountant or a lawyer. Paul is 14
and he really enjoys anything athletic. He was the regional champion
in Javelin of all age groups at the age of 14. Paul is in his second
year of high school and has goals to be a professional athlete.
Everything
started with a challenge for all and I really was scared. I heard rumors
about the last trip and really it was not pleasant for me to think about,
but I took a chance even though I was very afraid of going. Well it was
hours away and it was a bit uncomfortable but really that was the first
thing that I learned to overcome.
When we finally arrived the place was beautiful and wonderful even though
there is something about being in the clouds that I don't like. The first
day I really thought I could not make it because it was a very long walk
to know the surroundings of the camp, but I really changed my opinion
about the whole thing and I had a good time. It was an unforgettable experience.
-Juan Jose
About the author: Juan Jose is also a resident of Rancho San Juan
Bosco and he is 15 years old. Juan is in his second year of high school
as well and he enjoys basketball and playing the recorder. Juan also
enjoys oldies music and his favorite band is the Beatles. Juan has goals
to become a psychologist and work with young people.
Two Members Of The RSJB Family Travel To Alaska On
A Mission Trip
Pepe Morales Trejo and Luis Alberto Fregoso recently made a trip to
Alaska to participate in a special mission. They were involved in events
like Vacation Bible School and said it was a great experience. Here is
their story:
I
give thanks to God who allowed me to visit the state of Alaska. For me
it was a blessing and the first time in this place. I never imagined that
I could walk in such beautiful places where it is possible to appreciate
the nature of the snow, the trees, animals, mountains, and so many other
things. The purpose of the trip was to work in a Vacation Bible School
at a Lutheran church called Lutheran Church of Hope. Since it was the
first time that I had been in a Lutheran Church, it was something very
different from what I am used to, but the most important thing was the
that it was a great blessing to work with the American children.My job
in this Vacation Bible School was in arts and crafts and that was a bit
difficult for me because I don't speak a lot of English, but thank God
that he helped me to understand.
-Pepe
About the author: Pepe is 26 and is the administrative assistant
at RSJB. Pepe serves the boys at the ranch and in his church. He is
a great asset to the ranch and his servant's heart makes him a very
special member of the ministry team.
The truth is that this was a great experience in my life because it is
exciting to think that although I am in an orphanage I could go on this
trip up to Alaska. Thank God I had an experience with other people that
I did not know very well. I had other experiences and learned a lot about
Alaska like this place is very pretty, there are lots of plants, the mountains,
the different types of animals that were there.
I
stayed with a few Americans from the church family. They were very good
to us when we were there. At first I didn't have much confidence but later
I began to endear myself with the family and it was very nice the way
they received us in their house.
We had a little Vacation Bible School at the church in which we were
congregating these two weeks. The people at the church treated us very
well and even invited us to their homes to spend some time with their
families. Every day was very pleasant with every family in addition to
all the experiences that we were having with every family and with the
nature of Alaska.
Another experience was in the Vacation Bible School with all the children.
It was a bit difficult because I was entrusted to organize the games with
all of them and it was very difficult because they were doing what they
wanted to do but finally near the end of the Vacation Bible School the
children and I grew fond of one another and ultimately it was very difficult
to leave the children.
It was a great blessing since they went away with God's word and that
was more important than every other experience.
There were always a few girls that invited us to go out and to get to
know us more than they already knew us and I enjoyed that experience with
them as well. Thank God we could go and receive or rather see how we are
blessed with things that maybe we were not even waiting for. It was a
new and beautiful adventure and I left with many desires to return some
day. The people that I met there were very amicable; they were acting
as if they already knew us. I think that made them more endearing to us.
Besides I think that I learned more about my friend Pepe and we became
closer friends because of our trip. Also it was very pleasant for me and
I think that it helped me to realize that I must work together more with
my friends and brother at Rancho San Juan Bosco. I say that this is the
most important thing in these moments of my life, to have a good friendship
with my partners or rather my brothers because that is what they are.
It is a family that we have formed knowing that if we live there we must
be a part of this family. I give thanks to God for this unique experience
and in all the aspects for my life.
-Luis
About the author: Luis had a life-changing summer, and at one point
he was about to give it all up and quit school and go back to trying
to live on his own. In fact a few days before he left for this trip
he had decided to leave the Ranch. The trip changed his heart so much
that he has become very dedicated to the ministry and will be joining
the staff this fall as an assistant care worker. Praise God for the
way he works in the lives of these young men!
Some
of you might have met me down at Rancho San Juan Bosco or have made it
by my website with some of my trip's photos and videos. My name is Don
Crowley. As of this August I will be down there working at the RSJB for
the ninth time. But back in '98 I had no way of knowing that God had planned
for me to do work in this place. Even though I fought it most of the way,
everything came into place and I signed up to go. When I got there I was
pretty nervous and did not know what to expect as I was in a new place,
new country and I did not speak the language at all.
When I was there, one boy - I think he was 10 at the time - asked me
for some help. I did help with his chores. We ended up playing games together;
he helped me work on my Spanish, we ate meals together and we hung out
over the next few years. But he has since moved on.
Every time you go down there is a new boy who is looking for some of
that attention or in need of something special at that point in their
lives. That is the reason I keep coming back and give some money to help
support that mission, as all of the boys are there due to things they
have no control over.
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he
is old he will not turn from it.
I know I only play a small part in this ministry and the staff are the
ones that have the most work to do to help get the boys ready to live
on their own some day.
One story that I remember happened just last year. There was a boy that
was new to the ranch and he just had his birthday and someone in his family
promised to see him around that time. As the day had ended the boy did
not want to go to bed. The group I was with was having our devotion time
and the staff came in with him and asked us to pray for him and we did
right then. But I felt a few minutes after they left that I needed to
go see him. I did not know why so I left the group to go see him and I
found out that he ran away and was hiding. One of the boys found him and
told me where he was. I went over and sat with him and talked to him and
played a game with him, and I finally got him to agree to go to bed. As
we were making our way back, the staff asked if we all could circle up
and pray for him again before bed and we did. He then went right to sleep.
From that point on he was very attached to me and he followed me and we
ate most meals together. It was hard to leave him and that trip was the
only time I got to see him.
But one of the boys had me look up a verse I think was about him and
all the other boys that are there.
Psalm 27:10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the lord will
receive me.
These boys are there for a whole bunch of different reasons and I feel
they really want to feel wanted and important to somebody. These are just
a couple stories I could tell you. I want to say that we all need to step
out of our comfort zone and see what God has in store for us. We will
learn that we will get more out of it than we will give.
I hope this helps you understand a little bit of what goes on at Rancho
San Juan Bosco from my point of view and that you might feel lead to give
a little of yourself to help this ministry and keep it moving forward.
About the author: Don Crowley makes regular visits at least twice
a year to Rancho San Juan Bosco from Snohomish, WA. His sincere acts
of compassion and friendship work to make a tremendous difference in
the lives of the children at the Ranch. He has also become a child sponsor
and has been a faithful member of the Partners in Action support network
in Latin America.
You can make a difference too! Join us for an Across Culture Encounter
as part of a group, family or as an individual. Visit www.partnersinaction.org/ace for more information.
One of the things that I enjoy most about learning about different cultures
is exploring the variety of artistic expressions in that culture. I love
to see the local art and clothing. I truly enjoy immersing myself in the
richness of the literature, the dance, and the music. Of all of the artistic
expressions that I enjoy, perhaps music is one of the things that I enjoy
the most.
Here in Mexico there are several varieties of music, ranging from very
traditional to very modern, that you can hear on the street on any given
day. The funniest thing is that you never know what to expect to hear.
I have seen the young people in their cars hanging out at the stadium
and of all the things that they have pumping in their super systems you
hear the distinctive "oom-pah" beat of the traditional Norteña
music. Many people are familiar as well with the Mariachi music, and that
tradition is still very much alive. In the streets it is not uncommon
to see itinerate musicians traveling from person to person and restaurant
to restaurant playing their music. Mariachi music is still very much in
demand today and a good mariachi band can charge as much as $500 an hour
to play at a party or wedding.
In the church the music is an interesting mix of the traditional sounds
and Latin beats and the emerging American sound. Many churches will sing
adaptations of popular American, Canadian and English songs and some churches
will also sing hymns that originated in the American church.
What is even more interesting is the favorite music of the youth in Mexico,
Reggaetón. This is a style of music that originated on the streets
of New York in the Puerto Rican communities, and has become a very popular
form of music among the Christian youth in Mexico. Reggaetón is
a fusion of the traditional Caribbean beat and sounds and rap. The words
are often a mix of English and Spanish and reflect the duality of the
Puerto Rican culture. Reggaetón is especially popular in the border
region where all American art forms are in high demand and valued. There
are a number of Christian artists that are using Reggaetón as an
outreach tool.
Music brings people together and that is definitely true of the musical
traditions in Mexico. Whatever the style is, it seems that people love
to come together to enjoy a great song.
To hear some samples of the music in this article visit www.partnersinaction.org/ace and visit the media section.
What a month it has been. A month of cultural experiences and a month
of learning to just "be still and know I am God." Three weeks
out of the month of July, the Dios Con Nosotros Convention of Baja California,
Mexico, uses the campground for their family camp, youth camp, and a private
church camp. I have never seen so many tents and so many so close together!
It was awesome. They never gave us a grand total of attendance (we only
wanted to know out of curiosity), but at one point in the first week there
were over 400 people here. The worship services were awesome too. Some
went from 8 till midnight or after. The youth camp was smaller, about
70 kids, and lots of music too. They were neat to interact with, especially
given our background of working with youth. The last camp was very calm
and more reserved. They were all from the same church in Mexicali and
the campground was just filled with a feeling of family. We really enjoyed
the three weeks of camps and the cultural experience it brought. It was
a nice time to just remember that He is God and He is in control. He is
present with His people and we need to take time out for Him, maybe even
relearn some lessons. Camp was a great reminder of that.
Jeremy and Karen Francis - Field Directors Of Latin
American Ministries Ministry Profile
Jeremy
and Karen Francis are the field directors of Latin American Ministries
for Partners in Action and are stationed in Tecate, Mexico. They live
and work with their two small children: Noah, age 3, and Belén,
age 2.
Jeremy and Karen both grew up in Christian homes and were taught early
on about the importance of serving Christ and serving others. Their families
encouraged their ministry and their endeavors as pastors and later as
missionaries.
Jeremy graduated from NAU/Universidad De Granada, in Granada, Spain,
majoring in Spanish and minoring in International Politics. He also earned
his ministerial degree from the Berean University of the Assemblies of
God, majoring in Bible and Counseling.
Karen graduated from Evangel University of the Assemblies of God and
received her ministerial degree majoring in Missions and minoring in Spanish.
Jeremy started his ministerial career in 1998 serving as interim youth
minister while still in college.
Karen started her ministerial career supporting her father's ministry
as an Assemblies of God Pastor. She became the youth minister and worship
leader in 1996 and worked in children's ministries at Central Assembly
of God in Springfield, Missouri, while she was in college
After Jeremy and Karen got married, they worked as a ministry team. They
worked as missionaries in Spain ministering to college students and later
as full-time staff pastors at Flagstaff First Assembly of God in Flagstaff,
Arizona. Jeremy then moved on to work at a group home for troubled boys
in the Arizona Foster Care system while Karen began working part time
as a translator and Early Intervention Therapist while caring for their
new baby son, Noah. It was at the boys' home where Jeremy began working
with Partners in Action and was later asked to manage a campground in
Northern Arizona. During that time Karen continued her work as a therapist
until the birth of their daughter, Belén. After one year of managing
the campground, Partners in Action asked Jeremy and Karen to join their
international ministries team as the Field Directors of Latin American
Ministries where they are currently serving.
Their ministerial experience has led them to fifteen international missions
as participants in eleven missions, leadership staff in one, and as team
leaders in three. They have traveled to thirteen countries and have helped
to plant two new outreach ministries. Jeremy has also developed a training
program for orphanage care staff and a discipleship and mentoring programs
for youth that are being used by several ministries today.
Jeremy and Karen believe that it is important to develop relationships
and friendships with the people they serve and their ministry philosophy
is to minister in the context of culture, using each individual culture
as a tool to minister to those in need. This philosophy has allowed them
to become a part of the community where they minister, and they are rarely
viewed as outsiders.
God is blessing their family and their ministry in Mexico and they look
forward to many years serving the Lord wherever he has them.
What Partners in Action Latin American Field Ministries Does on
a Daily Basis
We are involved two days a week with the orphanages, offering counseling
and children's and youth services. We are also involved two days a week
with staff development, training, and counseling at the orphanages.
Every weekend we are either at RSJB coordinating work teams or involved
with promoting the ministries.
Weekly we visit the local churches and missions to continue to develop
relationships with them and to keep up to date on how they are doing
and what their needs are. We also visit the clinic twice a week to check
in on their progress and their needs.
We coordinate Missions teams on a weekly basis and work with visitors
at the orphanages conducting tours and giving them information on the
ministry of the orphanages.
We regularly spend time in preparation and study so that we can be
prepared for the ministry that we are involved in, as well as promotion
and fundraising.
The Results:
Partners in Action Ministries in Latin America have seen tremendous
growth in their first year. We have seen the construction of a new medical
clinic, the construction of a new church, and several major projects
have been accomplished at the orphanages.
We have seen results in our work with the children in that they are
doing well in their counseling and their discipleship and incidents
of negative behavior have been reported as being lowered in the orphanages
where we are working. The children report feeling better about themselves
and being better able to face the challenges of their days.
Misael Morelos, the Director of Rancho San Juan Bosco, one of the orphanages
that we work with, said that they have seen a vast improvement in the
behavior of the children and the staff interaction as a result of putting
the training that they received into practice. He reported that the
staff are using the counseling and crisis management techniques to help
reduce the incidence of negative behavior among the children and an
improved feeling of self confidence in the staff.
Our fundraising efforts have helped to complete the construction of
the clinic, provide salaries for orphanage kitchen and laundry staff
and for a full-time medical assistant at the clinic. They have also
helped to raise sponsorships for some of the children in the orphanages.
Jeremy and Karen Francis are currently in the process of raising support
for their next year of ministry. If you would like to support their ministry
please send a check to Partners in Action and mark it "Tecate Jeremy
and Karen" or you can donate online.
Please pray with us for the following needs in our ministries in Latin
America:
Jeremy and Karen are fundraising - please consider them in prayer
and consider supporting their vital ministry. For more information on
supporting the Francis' please contact Jeremy Francis at jfrancis@partnersinaction.org
The Francis's are also in need of a new vehicle. They are looking
for donations to help purchase a suburban or similar vehicle or a vehicle
donation.
Wa' Ta-Lus Kuateí is in need of a 15-passenger van, or donations
to purchase one.
Rancho San Juan Bosco is in need of staff sponsorships, specifically
$2200 per month to hire direct care staff and two teachers.
Both orphanages have many children who need sponsors. Please consider
becoming a child sponsor.
August 7-8 - New London Vineyard Church August 15-17 - RSJB Camp-out in Rosarito August 21 - Classes Begin August 26 - Calvary Chapel Escondido, Calvary Chapel Anaheim September 2 - Medical Mission September 2 - Grace Church San Bernardino
Currently,
one of the greatest needs in Bulembu and one that Partners In Action has
committed itself to is providing health care to widows and orphans. This
is critical to the well being of many people who will not receive care
without access to the local medical clinic. The medical clinic currently
serves over 300 orphans and widows. The average cost per visit is $10
including medication. We need to raise $16,000 through December 2006 in
order to keep the clinic operational through the end of the year. 
Most
of us are very fortunate to have access to medical care and not just medical
care, but good medical care. Take a moment to think what we have
at our disposal even just at our corner pharmacies - it's a concept that
the people of Swaziland cannot fathom and one that we take for granted.
We desperately need one-time or four monthly donations for the remainder
of the year to successfully continue to provide ongoing treatment. We
need support from our donors who will stand with us to help meet the health
care needs of the widows and orphans. No donation is too large or too
small. 
When
was the last time you slept on the street? When was the last time that
you had to watch your child go hungry? When was the last time your child
had to fend for himself and not have a safe place to go? Like most of
us, the answer is never. However, for thousands of families in Swaziland,
the answer might be yesterday. What would you do if your child was in
such danger? What if there were people who could help, but chose to turn
their backs? Would you accept it? 
Partners in Action has a great vision for Bulembu! We are transforming
Bulembu, an abandoned city in Swaziland, into a place of hope for thousands
of orphans and widows so that they may have life. Our vision is to provide
jobs, housing, medical care, and schools to those who have no other place
of hope, and to turn the City on a Hill into a thriving place full of
life. 
Born
on February 5, 1997, Haimanot Mekuanint is the only child of Seniyte Fiseha.
Haimanot's father was a small trader who was a cloth dealer until he died
in 2000. Her mother did the best she could to raise and provide for Haimonot,
but could not do it on her own. Because Seniyte couldn't afford to pay
rent, they had to live with other people and the general living circumstances
were not good. Seniyte's desire for her daughter to have the best possible
life led her to make a difficult and painful choice - she decided Haimanot
would have a better chance if she was raised by a community orphanage. 
The
future of any nation is dependent on children. Therefore, protecting the
children means protecting the nation. We must nurture and develop the
children to avoid a chaotic tomorrow. This can be achieved if we create
a just and peaceful world - a world in which all children get the love
and protection they need for a good start in life so they can develop
into good, responsible citizens who are able to contribute to our nation.
In Uganda, hundreds of thousands of children do not enjoy a life like
this. Although several factors are involved, two primary ones are the
HIV/AIDS pandemic and domestic violence. 
Suubi
saw the plight of the children of Uganda and established an orphanage
in 2005. It began with ten orphans and has now grown to accommodate fifty-four
orphans who were once abandoned, unprivileged, and living on the street.
Children at our orphanage are provided with all the basic needs ranging
from free education, shelter, food, clothing, and medical care. The orphanage
has two dormitories: one for boys and one for girls. Each dormitory has
a house mother who is the main caregiver for the children. 
On
May 31, 2006, three girls arrived from Springfield, Missouri, to do mission
work at Mercy Home of Children. Amy, Stacy and Bethany said they came
not knowing exactly why, only that they had heard the voice of the Lord.
Little did any of us know the impact they would have on our life. 
Mercy
Home of Children has a vision to construct a school on the property for
our kids and for the community kids. We recently had an architect draw
up a plan for us. We envision a school that has: ten classrooms; a physics,
chemistry, and biology laboratory; a library; vocational classrooms for
carpentry, mechanics, tailoring, weaving, and home economics; a computer
lab; fine arts classrooms; a music classroom; staff room; and a school
canteen.
Our
trip to San Pedro Martin on July 1-9 was very pleasant for all ten of
us who went camping. We slept in three-man tents but there were only two
of us in each tent because one of us decided to sleep outside the whole
time and another changed tents. I believe that this camp helped many of
us to overcome challenges and fears that we had, and we had a chance to
spend much more time together. Those who went on the trip were: Paul Luis,
Juan, Daniel, Helio, Manuel, Ricardo, Jesus, Arturo, Israel; and the leaders
who invited us to this wonderful adventure were: Glen, Tyler, Ennd, Shelly
and Ruth.
Everything
started with a challenge for all and I really was scared. I heard rumors
about the last trip and really it was not pleasant for me to think about,
but I took a chance even though I was very afraid of going. Well it was
hours away and it was a bit uncomfortable but really that was the first
thing that I learned to overcome. 
I
give thanks to God who allowed me to visit the state of Alaska. For me
it was a blessing and the first time in this place. I never imagined that
I could walk in such beautiful places where it is possible to appreciate
the nature of the snow, the trees, animals, mountains, and so many other
things. The purpose of the trip was to work in a Vacation Bible School
at a Lutheran church called Lutheran Church of Hope. Since it was the
first time that I had been in a Lutheran Church, it was something very
different from what I am used to, but the most important thing was the
that it was a great blessing to work with the American children.My job
in this Vacation Bible School was in arts and crafts and that was a bit
difficult for me because I don't speak a lot of English, but thank God
that he helped me to understand.
I
stayed with a few Americans from the church family. They were very good
to us when we were there. At first I didn't have much confidence but later
I began to endear myself with the family and it was very nice the way
they received us in their house.
Some
of you might have met me down at Rancho San Juan Bosco or have made it
by my website with some of my trip's photos and videos. My name is Don
Crowley. As of this August I will be down there working at the RSJB for
the ninth time. But back in '98 I had no way of knowing that God had planned
for me to do work in this place. Even though I fought it most of the way,
everything came into place and I signed up to go. When I got there I was
pretty nervous and did not know what to expect as I was in a new place,
new country and I did not speak the language at all.
Jeremy
and Karen Francis are the field directors of Latin American Ministries
for Partners in Action and are stationed in Tecate, Mexico. They live
and work with their two small children: Noah, age 3, and Belén,
age 2. 
