Giving Voice to the Forgotten: Our Blog

Forgotten Voices has a NEW Blog!

2011-02-21T21:56:00.003-05:00

Forgotten Voices will no longer be using this site (travelwithfvi.blogspot.com) to post blog entries. Instead, please check out ForgottenVoices.org/blog to keep up with Forgotten Voices travel stories, updates from our south African project partners, insights from our leadership team and board members, praise and prayers updates, and other related information.

You'll notice on the new blog there's a place to sign up to receive blog posts via email, and also buttons under each post that enable you to share the story via facebook, twitter, or email. We truly appreciate your help with getting the word out about how we're empowering orphans in Zimbabwe and Zambia!

Please let us know what you think of the new blog, and thank you so much for your continued support of our partner pastors, community leaders, and the children they serve!

Ryan Addresses Tailoring Graduates

2011-01-27T18:41:00.002-05:00

During my last trip, I had the good fortune of addressing graduates of the New Life Christian Church's Widow Tailoring School. It was impromptu, but a special time indeed.

Enjoy!

-Ryan

Greetings from South Africa

2011-01-21T11:58:00.000-05:00

Greetings from South Africa from the flight lounge, as I await boarding to begin. Just connected with Michelle Lockwood, a missionary who hosted us on night 1 almost 2 weeks ago. We met to exchange things for her to bring home and for me to bring to the USA. :) International next day delivery at its best... :)

James is off to Washington Dulles as I type this. Rob & Remmy just wrapped up a game drive to see animals in Zambia's National Park in Livingston and I'm connecting here with you before going to JFK in NYC shortly, arriving tomorrow (Saturday) morning. Pray for safety & sleep for all of us as we travel.

We had WAY less internet time or access than planned. The days were too long and full and the places we were visiting were often too remote to justify special trips into town to wait for a working computer. but I do hope you were able to enjoy the posts from our team in the USA and the tweets.

There are so many amazing stories to share, as there always are. I could tell you about the 2 hr gathering we had in rural Solwezi, where over 200 people came 3-4 hrs walking away to greet us, pray with us, and share a meal --- even though they only heard we were visiting. They didn't know who we were, but wanted us to feel welcome.

I could tell you about our conversation with a pastor, who painfully shared about someone who had prostituted herself for the equivalent of $6, but was bringing charges to the police because she had only been paid $3.

I could tell you about some of the 300 kids who the Zambian Baptist Association helps to assist in 2011, believing God has called them to do so, yet they have little resources to provide tangible change for these vulnerable children orphaned by AIDS. Most of the pastors did not know why we were there, except to greet them and see how God was using them so we could share their prayers with others.

I could tell you more about the dozens of remote and urban churches we visited with over 10 days on the ground.

I could tell you about the 15 widows and 2 other women who expressed joy that I have rarely seen as they graduated from a Forgotten Voices supported tailoring program, receiving a machine, fabric and capital to provide for their children on their own.

I could tell you about the long 17 hr days we had some days, resulting in a need to support & encourage each other when very tired.

I could tell you about the late night PHASE 10 tournaments we had almost daily, with James winning "COPPERBELT PHASE 10 CHIEF" title on our last night together in Zambia. It was awesome to kick back, debrief the day, discern together, and enjoy some cards.

There are so many stories I could share and I will. Please look forward to my reflections and some from Rob & James in the days to come. Realistically, I'll be off most of this week to rest, then returning to the office on Friday - a week from today.

If you are local to Central PA, please consider coming to WEST SHORE E FREE CHURCH in Mechanicsburg, PA this SUNDAY. I arrive back into JFK Saturday, then will be speaking in both the 9am and 10:45am services on Sunday at WSEFC. I'm excited to see how God equips me to share, despite jet lag, emotional exhaustion, and being physically sore. But God is using us to bring hope. I look forward to being there with you.

See you then or see you here very soon. Lots of love!

-Ryan Keith, President, Forgotten Voices International

Journey updates from Solwezi, Zambia

2011-01-19T21:02:00.007-05:00

If you aren't already aware, Ryan is currently leading a team in Zambia, Africa. While they are meeting with various pastors in the rural areas of Solwezi identifying community needs and possible partners to provide for local orphans, here are a few updates they've posted via twitter:

"Many of our friends here daily work their tails off to survive. What an honor to learn from them & serve with them."

"Amazing 12 hr day for us. 5 Baptist churches who have identified 300 kids orphaned. No one but church would find these kids."

"After typing up notes off to bed after 17 Hr day. So beat. Please pray for strength tomorrow. Leaving at 8 for Kitwe"

"Visited with a friend to Remmy, wife to chief who lost sister. Always tough to be around death. After 16 trips still new."

You can tell that this journey so far has been both productive and extremely demanding in many ways. Please keep the team in prayer as they journey from Solwezi back to Ndola, then catch a flight to Lusaka tomorrow to meet with local pastors there.

Stay tuned for more updates ..

Brian

Images of Solwezi

2011-01-19T12:10:00.005-05:00

As you continue to pray for Ryan, James and Rob's travels through Zambia, here are a few images of the region they have been visiting. As you can see it's quite rural. Many resources, including church ministries, are stretched thin. But the strengths and needs that have inspired and moved us to action among our current projects in Zimbabwe and Zambia ring true in remote Solwezi as well.

The church is still alive and sharing the love of Christ in the community.

Mothers still have dreams for their children and long to see them grow up to succeed.

We still find many households devastated by HIV, where the oldest and youngest family members are left to care for each other.

Church leaders still meet - often under trees - to make a plan for the orphaned and vulnerable children needing their care

Resources like food, clean water, education, and skills training are still often out of reach, but vitally important, especially for orphaned and widowed community members.

Families still pray for rain so that their crops will grow and their family will have sufficient water.

God still promises to be with us always, no matter where His calling to serve may lead us.

Finding the Forgotten

2011-01-17T20:35:00.006-05:00

Off the map, out of range, and just plain out there are a few ways to describe the location of our team currently on the ground in Zambia. In actuality we don't know EXACTLY where Ryan, James, and Rob are, but from the itinerary they've left us as well as their occasional tweets we know they are moving through the rural areas of Solwezi.

It may seem strange for our team to be so far outside the normal thoroughfares and busy cities of Zambia, but their mission is to go beyond areas that may already have aid organizations to find those desperate communities that have been forgotten. You can hear directly from Ryan about the mission of this particular trip, about how through partnering with local churches in rural villages Forgotten Voices hopes to provide sustainable care to nearly 5,500 vulnerable and orphaned children this year. Just today, the team has already visited with 12 churches, seeking to identify potential partners that can provide holistic care to orphaned children around their communities.

Many experts estimate more than 700,000 AIDS orphans are currently living in Zambia, and with your help we have plans to continue building a strong network of sustainable partnerships with local churches to provide for as many vulnerable children as we can.

Check out TenTogether, our campaign to reach 10,000 orphans by the end of 2012 to see what you can do to help. It's easier than you think to make a real difference in the lives of others, and you can expect this movement to bring change to your own life as well.

Brian - Forgotten Voices {{{Volunteer}}}

Graduation Day

2011-01-16T20:10:00.008-05:00

As Ryan, James and Rob continue to travel through Zambia, they'll have limited access to internet over the next few days. In the meantime, we'll provide some additional insight and photos introducing you to some of the church leaders, families and children they are meeting.

On Thursday, the three travelers spent their first day in Zambia attending a graduation ceremony at New Life Christian Centre. Since beginning partnership with Forgotten Voices International, New Life Christian Centre has seen 60 women from the community - most of them widows - graduate from its Tailoring Program. This program gives women in extremely vulnerable situations skills training to financially support themselves and restore dignity to their family. Upon graduation, each woman receives a sewing machine, start-up fabric and capital to begin their own small business.

Enjoy these photos of just two of Thursday's 15 graduates, taken in November. Pray for them and the 13 other women now stepping out in faith to use their new skills to support their families.

More updates soon!

Greetings from airport - again

2011-01-13T02:01:00.000-05:00

After a wonderful meatball sub & avacados & salad meal with sugar mango pudding for dessert, we couldn't sleep with excitemtn - though we all tried. We were all too excited to sleep. Excited to finally be in Africa and pumped to continue getting to know one another. Already the conversation has started about how we can use our collected gifts to help tell the stories of people we've met already.

Stories of kids here always amaze me. About 150 kids were there for the first day at Aurora Primary School yesterday. Aurora is a K-7 school about 30 min from the airport, set on a beautiful farm. It will be two weeks until they have a better understanding of the count. Kids come from 30 kilometers away, some by foot or bus. We got to meet all the kids informally, in a mass setting while they were playing a game. The energy of screaming kids is always reenergizing. Many don't have parents, or have parents absent or abusive. It was clear that Aurora was a place of healing for some and will be for those that arrived yesterday for the first time.

It is always good to see my friends, the Walkers, who lead Aurora, but especially good. There is so much going on in their lives. Please join me in praying for a house closer to the school, building construction & adjustments underway, and plans to floor classrooms and pay more teachers. Some of ths they don't have funds for, but the are faithful people. We look forward to being ambassadors for them as we return to share their stories.

James rose early this morning to the sounds of birds outside. Rob managed to go back to sleep after awaking. I slept soundly until 15 min before we left for the airport. :) Oops. Just picked up some muffins and OJ at the airport lounge so, Katie, you don't need to worry. We will also eat on the plane. We leave in 50 min for Zambia. Excited to see Remmy again.

Thanks to the Lockwood family for picking us up, feeding us, and housing us. We are so thankful for your love and support. Without your assistance and encouragement - "a welcoming place" - we would not enter Zambia as refreshed as we are this morning.

Lots of love to you all. Thanks for joining us on the journey.

Until Zambia,
Ryan (for James & Rob)

PS if you follow our tweets - but especially for our wives - we wisely decided not to buy Ferraris at the Ferrari store. In fact, we managed to tick off the woman mopping the store. She scowled us out before we could even seriously consider it. :) Alas, another day without ferraris. :)

Safely here in South Africa

2011-01-12T11:09:00.001-05:00

Greetings from Johannesburg, South Africa. We arrived safely after 19 hrs on the plane. It was a long way, the longest north to south trip I've ever taken. For whatever reason the currents aren't as strong this month so it took us longer than my January trips usually take.

We are all in good spirits, but anxious for rest in a bed. Lockwoods are picking us up in the airport. I'm sending this as we await their arrival in the lobby. The beauty of WIFI in Johannesburg - the New York City of Africa.

James & Rob both went to Deer Foot, a boys' camp in upstate New York, so they bonded instantly sharing names and experiences. It was nice to see such a deep connection so early on. We have al ong road ahead and will need to be supportive of each other.

After being picked up by the Lockwoods, we will drive immediately to Aurora Primary School, a school where the Lockwoods volunteer their enormous talents as a family. We will be there for about an hour or two, then head home. Too quick, but it's going to be dark. Please join me in praying for our time at Aurora Primary School. I have met with the leaders of the school over dinner, but this will be the first time. We are going to see, learn and encourage those serving in the school. While this is not a project supported directly by Forgotten Voices, it has become a project near to my heart. It is not uncommon to encounter incredible work being done that falls outside of our mission. So, I'm grateful to share one of these projects with Rob & James.

Until later when we arrive home at the Lockwoods,

Ryan (for James & Rob)

Ryan Returning to Africa TODAY

2011-01-11T02:27:00.004-05:00

Friends - I begin my return journey to Africa in less than 12 hrs. Amazing that it is time again.I can't tell you how excited I am to return for this special trip. I just sense that the timing is right for the journey. The purpose of the trip is described in this brief video. Thanks for watching. You can read more below. We now know of over 10,000 kids who need a champion. This trip is for me to go meet more of them so I can share their stories with you. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we go.

Enjoy the ride! -Ryan Keith, President, Forgotten Voices International.

On the map below, you'll see the 5 new growth areas where we hope to reach in 2011 with the launch of TENTOGETHER.org, a campaign that asks you to join with 10 friends, each giving $10/month to Forgotten Voices and your team of 10 serving 10 hrs a year to a cause local to you in the USA.

Potential growth areas within Zambia, as TEN TOGETHER teams start, are numbered by order. Across the 5 cities, we know about 75 pastors who have about 18,000 kids within their communities. Each child is orphaned by AIDS and has unique needs that their local church is willing to help meet, but needs some support. We've spent the last 2 years identifying and networking these trustworthy graduates of TCCA, our seminary partner in Zambia. We praise God for the opportunity to meet so many and pray expectantly for God to use you and me to respond to this need through TENTOGETHER and supporting Forgotten Voices.

This trip I'll be joined by Rob Pepper, a friend from Messiah College, and James Masterson, a friend from Indianapolis. We will travel first ot South Africa to the Aurora Primary School and visit our friends, Steve & Michelle Lockwood. We then will be in Ndola (just south of Mufulira on map below) to meet up with Remmy (right), who some of you meet when he was here in October/November. Remmy will be our guide every day in Zambia. We will meet with about 15 pastors for a couple days in Ndola, including a graduation for a widow sewing program Forgotten Voices' supports. The ceremony will mark the 60th woman trained by New Life, a church we serve. After a Leadership Summit with all current project leaders in Ndola, we will be off to Mufulira (#1 on map below) for a meeting with about 12 pastors, then on to Solwezi (#2 on map below) to meet with 8-10 pastors over 3 days. After Solwezi, we return to Ndola before taking a 6am flight to Livingstone (southwest corner near Zimbabwe) via Lusaka. Once in Livingstone, we'll have a lunch meeting with about 10 pastors in the area before taking in the Great Victoria Falls - one of the 7 wonders of the world.

Over the past 2 years, we've been working with TCCA, our seminary partner in Zambia, to build a Graduate Network around the country. We've been finding trustworthy pastors to make sure your investments are wisely spent to make the wisest impact. During this trip, we'll be discerning where we should join with the local church first in responding to the physical & spiritual needs of children orphaned by AIDS. I'm delighted to go and meet these brave men & women serving kids who need a champion. We'll also be spending time throughout listening to what God is teaching the local church about service and how we can bring those lessons to the USA to help us love our neighbors more effectively.

All of this is for our new TENTOGETHER campaign to support our work at Forgotten Voices. In 2011, we hope to equip local churches in Zimbabwe and Zambia to reach 10,000 children orphaned by AIDS. These children will be found through this trip and others to come. Pray for wisdom for when, for whom and how we should join with the churches.

Please join me in praying every day for the trip. Particularly pray for wisdom as we meet pastors, joy with the kids we meet, and humility to learn and listen. Pray also for safety, as we will have many flights over the next 12 days. Please also pray for the role you may play in helping us reach 10,000 kids in 2011. Visit www.TENTOGETHER.org to learn more. Thanks for following our adventure, as we go for you.

New Year's Eve Memories and Prayers

2011-01-05T11:50:00.006-05:00

Six days ago, my husband and I were driving to spend New Year's Eve with his parents. I had one more task to complete - my weekly phone call to our Zimbabwe Director, Fibion - before I could relax and enjoy the long weekend with my family. Marveling at the technology that allows me to sit in my car in Pennsylvania and talk to a dear colleague in Zimbabwe, I gave Fibion a call. It was a short conversation, as we both had evening plans. Amidst the business items we had to discuss, I learned that his evening plans involved a 4+ hour prayer service at his church. I was challenged by his and his congregation's faithfulness to prayer, and asked Fibion how I could pray for them. He shared with me the story of Sipho, which I want to share with you. Perhaps, like me, you'll be challenged to make prayer a more intentional part of your life in 2011. And perhaps, like me, you'll start by praying for Sipho. Here is his story:

As millions of people welcomed the New Year with fireworks, we can only imagine what memories were going through this little boy’s mind. Three years ago, Sipho lost four fingers on his right hand and sustained burns to the right side of his body in a fireworks accident. He was on a holiday visit to his step mother in South Africa when this painful experience occurred. His grandmother tells us that Sipho was seriously hurt as he tried to join the celebration with a firecracker. The experience left the boy psychologically shaken to this day.

Sipho lives with his grandmother in Zimbabwe. His father has been imprisoned in South Africa on charges of theft. Sipho is one of the beneficiaries of the partnership between the local Free Methodist Church and Forgotten Voices.

In school, Sipho struggles to write with his left hand. He’s just learned that he did not do well on his grade seven exams. He used to succeed academically, but is now has learning difficulties at school.

Pray that Sipho will experience continued physical and emotional healing, as well as psychological stability. Pray for those around him who are seeking appropriate educational tools for him. Pray for his grandmother and for his father who is still in prison. Pray that the church’s involvement will bring about the total healing that is needed.

Ellen Shaffer, Director of Project Management

Prayer & Praise: January 2011

2010-12-31T14:47:00.004-05:00

Each month we receive prayer and praise updates from the churches with whom we partner across Zimbabwe and Zambia. Below are just a few of those updates. We hope you'll take some time to pray about these requests and praises, and remember the work of our church projects in Africa.

ZBA OVC Support Project – Zambia

Pray for the ten ZBA church planters and their families who are serving and promulgating the Word of Christ in some of the most remote areas.

Pray Mushili Baptist Church as their sanctuary is in need of repair. Ask that God would provide the resources, both physical and human, to refurbish the building.

Praise God that recent seminary graduates will be joining the ZBA workforce as church planters!

Fruit of the Vine (Vineyard World Outreach Church) – Zambia

Praise God that a number of leaders have experienced a direct call to love vulnerable children!

Pray that God would fill the leaders of this project with confidence and grace as they begin working with vulnerable children. Ask that the Lord would send His Spirit in power to equip these leaders to meet the needs of the many broken children in their community.

Free Methodist Church – Zimbabwe

Pray that God would attend to a young boy named Bright who was unable to complete his year-end ninth grade examinations due to sickness. Ask that God would completely and expeditiously restore Bright’s health as he recovers from malaria.

Ask that God would provide rain for the many farmers who have planted crops. Pray that God would provide a plentiful harvest to be shared among the community.

Praise God that many children successfully completed their year-end examinations with the love and support provided by FVI!

Thank you and prayers needed for Vuyani

2010-12-31T14:42:00.001-05:00

Friends - thanks for investing in the hopes and dreams of children in 2010. On behalf of the 5,200+ kids we served in 2010, I'm so thankful for each and every one of you. Personally, I thank you for the opportunity to guide you and introduce you to the children, our partners in Africa, and our network of Board members, volunteers, staff, and supporters in the USA.

When we started Forgotten Voices, we didn't know how or when the needs of those we met would be addressed. We knew that God would work through local churches to meet the needs of children we could not deeply know to a level necessary to determine which needs, when, etc. Every child is known personally by their church. Every child has a story that breathes more hope Dec 31 because of your investment in them. We are so thankful you have helped respond. We don't know all of you or how you came to know us, but we are thankful that these children are not forgotten.

Not every story in 2010 ends with joy, however. I just got off the phone with Fibion, our Zimbabwe Director, who told me that a dear young friend of mine is not well at all. Her name is Vuyani, age 17. She is suffering greatly tonight from anemia. We've featured her picture before (she is in the pink), but never her story. After losing her mother, Vuyani and her twin sister were unable to continue going to school. Fibion's church helps send them to school and meet other needs, such as retreats, food, and counseling. Vuyani's smile is contagious and she is one of my closest young friends in Zimbabwe. We humbly ask you pray for Vuyani. When I saw her in November, she was so frail she couldn't walk. She recovered for about 2 weeks after 9 months of bedrest. Her sister has been reading course material after school for almost a year because Vuyani had to stop attending because of her pain. In the past few days, she has turned for the worst. Now, she can barely speak and is very, very sick. We pray for healing, but also for peace as she suffers. Right now, people are caring for her on your behalf. Thank you.

As we go off to celebrate, please remember to pray for Vuyani as we continue working to help your investments realize the needs of the healthy and the sick children orphaned by AIDS in southern Africa.

Finally, Fibion's church wanted me to thank you for your prayers & support. Just today, we sent funds that will help the church care for 230 kids, including Vuyani. The church is entering the new year by hosting a 5 hour prayer service that is underway right now. As we pray for them, Fibion also wants you to know that they will be praying for you.

You can continue to give online to support our work at Forgotten Voices' website. Thank you.

Peace and love this new year,
Ryan Keith
President - Forgotten Voices International

Merry Christmas from the almost forgotten

2010-12-25T08:12:00.002-05:00

Last night at Katie's parents' Christmas Eve service, I watched with delight as my daughter quietly jumped up and down throughout the whole service...quite a feat for a six month old. On the inside, I could tell she was singing because her bouncing to the beat was so passionate. Only occasionally would a shriek of joy cry out. Being that it is our first Christmas, I'm soaking up every minute.

Her passionate joy taught me two things that I wanted to share with you this Christmas:
1) That as we celebrate our King, let us dance about with joy for the birth of Jesus. He's not just "the reason for the season", as the phrase goes. He's the reason for our salvation. He's the reason for our Hope. He's the purpose of our lives. He's redemption from death. He's life for you and me, if we believe and follow Him.

2) As I watched her dance, I was again overwhelmed by how much I crave this joy and security for the kids our ministry serves. I kept thinking about what would've happened if local churches weren't helping bring life after death of their parents. I couldn't stop thinking of the hundreds and thousands of people who live, in part, because of our ministry. This means that they are still alive, in part, because of your investment.

You can click on the captions below each picture to learn more about each child.

Eddie, a future pilot

Nelson, a future farmer.

Peterson, a future cameraman

Neatness, a future accountant or air hostess. Now, maybe a teacher.

Shelton, Concilia and Magret, back in their home for Christmas.

While I hope you take some time today to read back through the many reflections from our advent contributors, I wanted to also let you see some of the many faces who live and have the opportunity to teach us to live like Christ because you helped them stay alive. When Christ ascended into heaven, He left behind His church as Plan A. There is no Plan B. Through your investment in local churches, by God's grace, we are helping bring redemption and hope from death. I will, without exaggeration, be forever thankful for each of you.

On behalf of all the people we serve, our volunteers, our staff and Board, Merry Christmas from Forgotten Voices International.

With great joy and thanksgiving,
All the best,
Ryan Keith
President, Forgotten Voices International

Death to Life at Christmas: Part 2

2010-12-24T08:00:00.008-05:00

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

Yesterday, I shared a short reflection on why Jesus came. He came at Christmas to die, so that we may have life and have it to the full. In coming to die, we are offered a life of laying ourselves down for Him, just as He taught us with his life.

This year, that's what I'm learning about Christmas. At Forgotten Voices, as I reflected yesterday, we deal with death a lot and it can be incredibly overwhelming for me to process. Then, I think about our partners in Africa and the sacrifices they make by doing this day after day. How does a man like Pastor Fibion wake up knowing he'll likely encounter death several times today? How does Pastor James rise to care for children in his own house, knowing that more will come?

Over and over, our friends and partners in Africa teach us a lesson they have learned from considering the birth of Jesus -- He came to die. They consider this often in their day to day lives, offering themselves up for others to bring redemption in death.

Under this tree, the visit of Forgotten Voices was birthed. In the death of this woman, we saw redemption in partnering with local churches to meet the needs of children left behind.

Prudence, age 3, died in Jan 2006.

On just my 2nd trip to Africa before Forgotten Voices was birthed, I remember sitting with sick this woman slumping into the arms of her mother (pictured above). Her name is Mrs. Mpofu. Two Zimbabwean pastors (one, named Garret, pictured to woman's right), my friend Dale (white guy there) and my friend Trevor (Board member - not pictured) visited this woman with me the day before she died in January 2005. She would leave 2 kids, Peterson (pictured below with Ryan) and Prudence (Pictured left), behind in her death. You can click their names to learn/see more. I remember so distinctly sitting there crying out to God, "What do I know about this and what can I do?"

Working with pastors to decide what would happen to the kids.

Under the tree with Mrs. Mpofu and below around the circle, were pastors who did know what to do. They were offering themselves up before God so that Mrs. Mpofu's kids may have life and have it more fully. They committed their ministries to look after the kids and meet the physical & spiritual needs of the children orphaned by AIDS. They knew their names, histories, parents, situations, etc. They understood what was going on more than you and I could even imagine.

Through the death of so many people that we know at Forgotten Voices, our partners have continually shown us that God wants to redeem death through the example of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection. In the midst of our pain, God wants us to just come as we are and offer ourselves to Him. I don't think I would've committed so fully to helping develop Forgotten Voices until I saw such an extreme case of death and result. By partnering with the church, we've seen thousands of kids restored to life after losing their parents. We've watched hope win, when death and darkness appeared more logical.

Ryan and Peterson, visiting Peterson's mom and sister's grave site in 2007.

As I continue to walk hand in hand with some of the kids who have experienced death, like Peterson (pictured left with me and below), we get to partner with the church and help redeem death. By investing in the lives of the children left behind by AIDS, we don't just help them. We - you and me - get to experience life-transforming hope in learning more about God's deep love for all of us.

Ryan and Peterson, learning to use a camera in 2006.

On behalf of all the kids we serve and have been served because you all join us in offering life after death, thank you! Thanks for joining the pastors sitting under trees and offering life to their hopes and dreams for the kids in their communities.

As we celebrate our King's arrival tomorrow, may you be encouraged by the work God has allowed you to join. May you find peace in coming, as you are, before Him in worship. May the darkness of our world be enveloped by the promises of our God to redeem of all of this. May you know, without a doubt, that this baby came for you and me. This Christmas, despite the pain we see around us, we have redemption and hope because Christ is born so that we may live fully.

Merry Christmas,
Ryan Keith
President, Forgotten Voices International

Death to Life at Christmas: Part 1

2010-12-23T14:55:00.000-05:00

PART I. The story of Christmas is about Death to Life. Jesus came as a baby, born in a manger. The redeemer of the world. God - Literally here on earth. But He didn't just come to be cute and have us throw a party in His honor every year. He came as a gift - offered to all of us for us to accept. He offers Himself to take on the sins of the world so that we may have eternal life if we believe and follow Him. As a Father, God gave us His son, which we celebrate at Christmas, so that He would die for us, which we mourn and celebrate during Easter. He showed us His majesty and triumph over sin by RISING and offering us eternal life.

Can you imagine giving up a child to die for the betterment of others? As a father of a beautiful 6 month old girl, Avery Joy, I'm immensely thankful for this incredible gift that God has bestowed upon my wife, Katie, and I. Avery's giggles, new tricks, and even tears at 3am bring enormous joy to all who encounter her. When I think about Jesus being born for the purposes of dying for me, this strikes me in such a more powerful way now that I have a child. He came to redeem you and me and invite us into His Kingdom if we only believe.

The Christ-mas story of Jesus' birth and future death helps me see the redemptive value of death. Though our thoughts are of great anticipation for life at Christmas, I challenge you to also reflect on Christ's death this Christmas -- His death so that we may have life.

At Forgotten Voices International, we interact with death a lot. A LOT. I've now sat with hundreds of people in their final stages of life. I've met hundreds of parents, caregivers, and kids who are no longer alive. I've sat under trees, holding the hands of men and women...praying for them and asking God to grant them peace in their suffering. I've watched so many parents cling to life, fearing what will happen to their children after they pass away.

Because of Christ's example of sacrificing Himself so that others may have life, the Church has an example to follow. A promise of redemption in the darkness.

Tomorrow, in Part 2, I'd like to share pictures from a profoundly significant day in my life leading Forgotten Voices. Pictures I haven't seen in a couple years until preparing for this post. Pictures that are around me but I've been unable to look. But this year, by looking at Christmas as a story of Death to Life, I'm learning to love and trust in God in new ways. I want to show you what God is teaching me and how our partners in Africa are offering hope to all of us, in the midst of darkness. Jesus' birth showed them.

May God grant you peace and joy in the busy season that is Christmas in America. May you stop and reflect - with great anticipation - for the coming of our King.

Until tomorrow,

Ryan Keith

President, Forgotten Voices International

Breaking out of the bubble

2010-12-22T09:30:00.001-05:00

It is almost a year since my first visit to Africa. While I had worked with Forgotten Voices International for some time and understood the devastating description of conditions there – life expectancy in the 40’s, over 1.5 million children orphaned by AIDS, and the large number of households headed by children, I was still not prepared for what I was about to see. When I returned to my comfortable life in the US, I was struck by the words of a friend of mine following a trip to Africa, observing that those of us in the US “live in a bubble, insulated from the harsh reality that is always present in places like Zimbabwe and Zambia”.

As a way to avoid slipping back into complacency, I have taken some of the photographs from my trip to Africa and placed them on a digital photo frame in my office. Every morning I turn it on to remind me that there are places in the world where there is little opportunity to rise above the forces of poverty, illness, and injustice. The faces that appear on my digital frame are real people with names that I can remember - James, Fibion, Neatness, Petersen, and many others. They are not an abstract problem to solve. They are people whose faces call out to me to see them as God’s children and to respond through the eyes of faith.

My experience in Africa has convinced me that the Church of Jesus Christ stands as a beacon of hope and the manifestation of God’s love in the most difficult of circumstances. I have also come to appreciate that the FVI model of working through local churches is the most effective way to meet the needs of orphans. As a relatively small organization FVI can be very nimble in response to the needs identified by the local church, and can help to create solutions that have true local ownership. Africa is like most places in the world where empowerment and dignity go hand in hand. Working through the local church also provides a framework with integrity that is sorely lacking elsewhere. In short, a higher percentage of the dollars spent by FVI is reaching the targeted needs of those in distress.

I urge all of you who live in the “bubble” we call the United States to join the work of Forgotten Voices International. If you are looking to make a difference in the world, you have come to the right place!

Stephen Proctor - Chair, Forgotten Voices International

Learning from Hope

2010-12-21T09:30:00.004-05:00

Today's story is from one of my favorite people in Africa - my dear, young friend Hope. She is Remmy Hamapande's niece. Remmy is our Zambia Director, who some of you were able to meet in Oct/Nov 2010. One of my favorite things in all the world is to sit and learn from children. Hope's eternal joy and quiet smile always warms my heart. It is no exaggeration to say that she has helped me get through dark times. When I come to Zambia, I stay with Remmy's family, including Hope.

After spending a long day with children who have recently lost their parents or assessing a difficult situation, it is common for me to return home exhausted and out of steam. But, Hope - like God's gift of hope - always invigorates me with her request to play games outside or UNO. Her endless joy refreshes me and helps me refocus on God's hope for all who I've seen that day. She is always concerned to make sure I'm doing well and always enjoys a laugh. From Hope, I've learned to come home to my daughter ready to play, laugh, and love despite a tough day. For all the kids we serve, I long to create a family environment of laughter and hope - a lesson Hope has helped me learn again and again.

I'm thankful Hope offered to write this. Though she is shy, her heart is full of love for all of us. I hope that her reflection, offered with love, offers you hope.

Ryan Keith - President, Forgotten Voices

(Click to enlarge)

Hope Shanungu, 12 year old from Ndola, Zambia

Welcome to Starbucks, would you like to save a life or just coffee today?

2010-12-20T09:30:00.001-05:00

"I’ll have a grande extra hot soy with extra foam, split shot with a half squirt of sugar-free vanilla and a half squirt of sugar-free cinnamon, a half packet of Splenda, oh and put that in a venti cup and fill up the "room" with extra whipped cream with caramel and chocolate sauce drizzled on top?"

As Americans, we want what WE want, when we want it and how we want it. It’s hard not to be surprised by the labels we receive like “selfish, egotistical, or narcissistic,” when we have so much and millions of others have so little. The saddest part about this is that as Americans, we have to make sure everyone else around us knows just how much we have, compared to others.

In contrast, Forgotten Voices International (FVI) sees the needs of those that are suffering and less fortunate and humbly works to care for them. FVI focuses its energy in Africa, specifically within Zambia and Zimbabwe, to come alongside the churches and selflessly fulfill God’s calling to help those, specifically orphans, affected by AIDS/HIV. These orphans struggle to have even just one meal a day, medications, education, or even a parent alive to show them love --- and our biggest difficulty in life is trying to decide what kind of milk we should get in our coffee?!

Psalm 119:36 says, “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” The New Living Translation of this verse offers clarity, “Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!” The selfless nature of FVI, to go follow and serve the Lord demonstrates a sharp contrast to that of many people today.

Forgotten Voices does not simply swoop into Africa like Superman with a camera crew, a bunch of McDonald’s cheeseburgers and Nike sneakers to come save the day and receive instant gratification and personal gain. Instead, in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Forgotten Voices goes into communities and partners with the local churches to holistically empower and uplift the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the people. They do this by funding HIV/AIDS orphans’ schooling costs, hosting sewing classes for widowed women, equipping the jobless with the tools/skills needed to have their own farm for a financial/food source, and many other initiatives.

I support Forgotten Voices and work to help build and grow this organization because I see genuine needs of forgotten people in Africa who have nothing, while I have so much. I frivolously waste my money and time doing things that only serve myself. Did you know that it only costs $15 to send one child to primary school for an entire academic term (4 months)? Considering that a typical Starbucks coffee costs at least two or three dollars, it puts things in perspective. By fulfilling my own frivolous needs, I am, in essence, closing a door on the opportunity to change and perhaps save an orphan’s life.

This organization and the people that work with it are not trying to leave a personal legacy or receive praise and honor for what they do. Much of the work done through Forgotten Voices is “behind the scenes” and if you asked any of the assisted children what “Forgotten Voices” was, they probably wouldn’t even know what you were talking about. Instead, FVI is trying to demonstrate Christ’s GENUINE love and compassion through their service to those that have been forgotten or disregarded by society.

Working with Forgotten Voices is not meant to make me feel like a better person or to receive a nice pat on the back for “sacrificing so much of myself,” -- it’s about having no other option. We all cannot just sit back and go on with our lives as our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer and fall by the way side. We need to volunteer, donate (even if it is just giving up one cup of coffee for the week), pray, etc. because others’ lives depend on it.

Heather Murphy - Forgotten Voices Public Relations Intern and student at Messiah College

Crushed & re-made everyday on our journey to heaven

2010-12-19T09:30:00.003-05:00

Note: On a recent phone call with Fibion, I asked how we could be praying for him and his ministry. He began to tell me about the week he’d just had, full of dramatic emotional highs and lows, one after another after another. I was struck by the emotional toll that such a week would take on a pastor like Fibion, but also struck by the fact that this was not particularly unusual for many pastors in Zimbabwe. I asked if he would write about his week for our blog. His account of the week, as well as his reflections on how to respond, are below.
- Ellen Shaffer, Director of Project Management

On November 29th, tired from the chores of activities in town and from traveling 15km away from Bulawayo, I arrived home only to receive the news that my nephew was detained by police for juvenile crimes. I had to put aside my plans to plant maize in my garden to go and hear his story. The following morning as I was working in my garden, I saw one of our church members with a somber face. His father had collapsed and they had taken him to the hospital. Late in the afternoon someone came and told me that the old man had died upon admission. We had to start visiting the family every evening to comfort them until the burial day on Saturday. After the funeral, I had to rush for a class with the candidates for baptism the next day. Sunday morning saw thirty three individuals being baptized and one being admitted into full membership. We also had a Christmas party which included 85 children. Amidst the joy, we also had to announce sad news - the death of the beloved father of some of our church members and also of one member admitted at the hospital. On Monday morning, as I was asleep, I received a call that one of the high school students supported by our partnership with Forgotten Voices, had died and the burial was to be on Tuesday. Another painful moment!

How does one deal with such a mixture of experiences and emotions; sadness and happiness, sorrows and joys? It would seem God is crushing, mixing and molding us into special vessels for his noble purposes. In His Christmas story, Jesus says that He came to do [God’s] Will, to be crushed so that we are saved and receive His joy [Hebrews 10:5-7]. Let us pray that God will enable us to be used and spent for others.

Fibion Ndhlovu - Zimbabwe Program Director

Christmas in Zambia

2010-12-18T09:30:00.002-05:00

Typical Zambian child’s Christmas: Celebrating Christ’s birth, a gift of life to mankind!

It is Christmas time again! This period always reminds me of the days when, as a young boy in my father’s home in Livingstone, Zambia, my siblings and I would be so excited and expectant of what our father had for us. We would be playing with friends in the mud, but eagerly waiting for that moment when he would stand on our house veranda and call us inside so that we would try on the clothes and/or shoes that he had bought us sometime back, but kept from us for this special day of Christmas. This would be one of those days when being told to take a bath was a joy instead of a hassle. Bathing would be done from a huge basin placed in the shower room; and together we would scoop the waters and splash them on our soiled bodies with zeal knowing what is motivating us. Thereafter, each one would try on their new pants and/or shoes to see if they fit. Then we would all go to church for the usual Christmas service even though only mom would take us there. In the afternoon back home, as we wait for a meal that consisted of rice and chicken for the first time in many months, we would wander around so that friends would see the new clothes our parents bought us. This tradition showed how much our parents loved and cared for us.

Unfortunately, though this may still be a typical child’s way of celebrating Christmas across some families in our country, it is no longer like this in many homes. HIV/AIDS has decimated many families leaving children with no parents from whom they would expect new clothes; expect a heavy meal of rice, chicken, bread and sweets; and above all, expect this sincere love and care from a parent. Orphans have no one to look to for a gift of love like this. Christmas at church was normally celebrated as a service early in the morning, and later in the day families would gather in their homes and enjoy meal fellowships. As years went by, it was observed that many children being orphaned had nowhere to go for a feast after church. It was then when my church began to have not only a service, but also a meal fellowship together with the orphans at church.

Thank God, for through Jesus Christ, he has showed how much he loved and cared for us. As a child, I am sure Jesus grew to desire children’s play just like my siblings and I did; he yearned for His father, Joseph, to give special treats during special days for him and his siblings and therefore he knew what childhood life is like. Christ once said “I will not leave you orphans…” John 14: 18; meaning he understood how tough a life an orphan underwent. He now dwells in the Church, and through it he has championed the love and care for the many orphaned children. They find refuge; they find compassion, care and love in the church. This is why the ministry of Forgotten Voices International has identified partnership with local churches as the ultimate solution to the plight of the orphan. The Bible continues to remind us that; “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” James 1:27. These things are closest to the Father’s heart as He commands us to respond with love, John 15: 12.

Therefore, as we celebrate Christ’s birth, a gift of life to mankind, let’s remember the many orphans that have nothing or little to eat. We can do this by donating to the ministry of Forgotten Voices in its partnership with local churches in Southern Africa; we will make one more child’s Christmas life forever blessed and meaningful.

Remmy Hamapande - Zambian Program Director

Changing Lives Through Education

2010-12-17T09:30:00.001-05:00

All of us hopefully have or have had employment. Maybe we have had many different types of jobs. We may like the one we are in now or it may be hard for us to see the purpose in going to work and contributing our 8 or so hours a day to this corporate machine called American economics.

I myself have had the struggle recently of finding full time employment. It has been hard and there have been dark days, but along the way I picked up a part time job tutoring students in math. I have a math degree and am happy to use it to help these students. Many of them will not go to college or will have a very hard time in college with their current math level. For the couple hours I see them a week, I strive to change that. In helping them with their math right now, I am helping to shape their future. They realize that they can do it and that they are smart. Rather than math being a crutch, they realize their strengths.

Over in Zimbabwe and Zambia, many children aren’t just struggling in a specific subject. They are hoping for the opportunity just to go to school. Just to learn. Aristotle once said, “Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.” What these children need is a refuge; the opportunity to learn, to change their futures. This is where Forgotten Voices steps in. We, through the local church, allow these young minds to grow and learn.

So today while you are working, think about what you can do for the education system. Can you help out in your local school system? Maybe you want to help Forgotten Voices reach out to those forgotten students in southern Africa. If you are a student, count your blessings that you are able to attend school in this country. Think about what you and your classmates can do to help other students throughout the world. Give the gift of learning by contributing to Forgotten Voices International and visiting forgottenvoices.org.

Matt Kirkley - Volunteer Director of Student Relations

Nine Days in Zimbabwe

2010-12-16T09:30:00.004-05:00

I have been helping behind the scenes with Forgotten Voices International for several years now. Over five years ago, my friends began describing how God was moving through the dreams of young adults and Zimbabwean pastors. I wanted to be a part of God's movement, so I started volunteering. As the ministry grew, I agreed to take over donation processing and write thank you notes to our amazing supporters. After a few years, my service became more routine. This fall I was given an opportunity to see how my contributions help change lives through the work of Forgotten Voices.

This November, I spent nine days in Zimbabwe. Those nine days will forever change the way I view the work of Forgotten Voices. I met many families that are living in difficult situations: little to no food to eat, no seed to plant and suffering from the effects of HIV/AIDS. This redefined my understanding of difficult.

Since returning, I have been unable to stop thinking about and praying for the Moyo family. Luwazi, his wife and 6 month old twins, Emmanuel and Ethel. They live with five other people in Waybai Village about 8 km from Mtshabezi Mission station. Luwazi is suffering from AIDS related illnesses. His wife and Ethel are HIV+, and thankfully Emmanuel is not. The day we met them, they did not have any food to eat and no seed to plant. We talked to them, listened to their story, took pictures and prayed for them. Then we walked away. It was very hard walking away knowing that all we could do was pray for them, but prayer is a powerful thing.

Their story does not end there. The following morning, we met with Pierre, our partner with Foundation for Farming. Forgotten Voices partners with them to provide seed, fertilizer and zero-till farming training to families in southern Africa. We shared with him the stories of Luwazi and the other families that we met the previous day. Before we parted ways, we had a plan for him to provide seed, fertilizer and training for thirty families the following week. So as we were celebrating Thanksgiving, they were preparing their food supply for the rest of the year.

There may be times I may be tempted to slip back into mechanical routines or struggle with screaming kids, but those nine days bring life into perspective. There's real suffering and difficulties in the world, and there is a loving God already preparing a provision for those in need. Last month, God used Pierre, next month it may be you.

Julie Bunch - Volunteer Director of Administration

Less presents, more Christmas

2010-12-15T09:30:00.006-05:00

The story of Christ’s birth is a story of promise, hope, and love. God’s gift to us was built on love. When Jesus loved he loved in ways never imagined. He loved the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked, and the sick. He then commanded us to feed the hungry and to care for the widows and the orphans. Forgotten Voices has enabled me to follow that command. There are few places in the world where the need is more pressing than where Forgotten Voices is working.

It never ceases to amaze me how God strategically places us where He can best use us for His purposes and glory. I am constantly looking for God’s direction in my life and when the Lord blessed us with three boys in two years I knew I was needed at home. With the prospect of all three boys in school I wanted to find a way to use the skills God had given me for His glory. One thing I know is that when God is in the changes of life, it is exciting and filled with good things!

When Forgotten Voices approached me to help with accounting, I assumed it was just another organization that was helping people in Africa. Two things changed that view. What amazed me first was the unique approach that Forgotten Voices takes. Forgotten Voices works side by side with and empowers the local churches to come up with sustainable solutions for orphan care. This puts ownership and pride in the communities, not in the Board of Directors. Second, I was overwhelmed by the sheer numbers. There are over 2 million children across southern Africa who have become orphaned by the AIDS virus. At one board meeting Ryan was talking about the fact that even If we help 100,000 children this year there are still thousands of children Forgotten Voices will never touch. Where is the hope? A friend of mine told me not to let the great need overwhelm you, rather let it move you. I cannot change the whole world, but I can still make a difference.

This Christmas we, as a family, have decided to buy one less unnecessary Christmas present. I have been given many Christmas gifts over the years. Some were deeply thoughtful and greatly appreciated. Others, while appreciated, likely ended up in the white elephant gift exchange the following Christmas. By buying one less unnecessary present we can contribute to the mission of Forgotten Voices so that our family will be able to be a part of a gift that is lasting and life changing. After all, isn’t that what the First Christmas was about?

Dyan McAlister - Forgotten Voices Board Member and Director of External Reporting, Presbyterian Senior Living

Generosity Small Enough to Change the World

2010-12-14T09:30:00.002-05:00

One of our partners in Africa once told me “Even the mighty Victoria Falls began with one drop of rain.” I will never forget that conversation or the lessons I learned that night about God’s provision. When we respond to the call to service, there is no telling how God will enhance, magnify, and multiply each individual act of generosity into an enormously powerful and far reaching impression on the world.

To me, Forgotten Voices represents all that God can accomplish when even a few people are willing to sacrifice of their time and resources in order to serve the needs of others. Through what started as a very small group of committed volunteers, God has blessed our efforts and used the resources of our donors to make a difference in the quality of life for thousands of vulnerable children and their communities devastated by the AIDS pandemic.

Although, I am no longer involved in the day to day operations of the organization, our family is committed to continuing to donate our time and resources to Forgotten Voices throughout the year. We know from experience that a small sacrifice here can mean a world of impact for our brothers and sisters around the world.

Matt Hoover - Forgotten Voices Board Member and Director of Commercial Leasing, Triple Crown Corporation

December Prayer & Praise

2010-12-13T07:00:00.002-05:00

At this midway point in our Advent series of blog posts, it seems fitting to turn our and your attention to God's ever-constant promise to hear our prayers. Each month we receive prayer and praise updates from the churches with whom we partner across Zimbabwe and Zambia. Below are just a few of those updates. We hope you'll take some time to pray about these requests and praises, and remember the work of our church projects in Africa this Christmas season.

Northrise ECZ – Zambia

Praise God that many children have been inspired to achieve new educational goals with the provision of school fees!

Pray that the Lord would provide moments of dawn in the midst of discouraging times for many orphans who are attending school. Ask that God would provide encouragement in the form of friendships and pastoral care.

Echoes of Mercy Project – Zambia

Pray for a twelve year old girl who lost both parents to HIV-AIDS and has also tested positive for the disease. Pray that God would comfort her as she attends school and that He would cover her with a sense of love and purpose.

Pray that the project would continue to find new and sustainable ways to raise the required resources to serve children in their community.

Free Methodist Church – Zimbabwe

Praise the Lord that a number of woman have recently attended a literacy class in which they are receiving an education to help them better care for orphans! Ask that God would bring to bear immense fruit as a result of their studies.

Pray for the church to strive together in unity and for God to intervene in love when conflicts or pressure arise.

Pray for those who are currently looking for employment. Ask that God would bring about wholesome employment opportunities that will meet the needs of many families.

Pray for the encouragement and strengthening of local leaders who serve everyday with courage and compassion.

Why Local?

2010-12-12T09:30:00.005-05:00

What is so great about working through the local church? Why local partners? Why local projects?

These are some of the questions I’ve been asked about the mission of Forgotten Voices International. The answer that I try best to give is that change, change which is self-sustaining and the community that is called to bring about that change is the global Christian Church. We, the global Christian church are a community called together to embody, exemplify, represent, personify, characterize, bring to life (ok you get the point) God’s redemptive relationship with creation. The church communities, both locally in the United States and in Sub-Saharan Africa are the primary social structures through which the Gospel works to change the lives of communities and individuals alike. How do we, as the church in America best fight against the seemingly entrenched causes and effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in southern Sahara Africa? We stand alongside our brother and sister churches in the region, affirming that our roles are one and the same; we are the visible expression of God’s redemptive work.

We will as one, embody the hope of Christ by providing the children of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa a chance to no longer be defined by the disease that took the lives of their loved ones, but instead be empowered by schooling, health care, counseling, income generating projects and access to clean water.

We will as one, exemplify the call of Christ by empowering the pastors of sub-Saharan Africa to stand up and lead their congregations in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

We will as one, build long-lasting relationships with orphans, pastors, theological colleges, caretakers, and churches in order to unify that visible expression of God’s redemptive work.

We will as one, make mistakes, learn from them and humbly ask for God to continue his Great work of redemption in our individual lives, communities, government structures, culture, and all of creation.

Will you, join us, as we become one global Christian Church seeking to share the love of God through physical assistance and spiritual restoration in Zimbabwe, Zambia, the United States and around the World?

Lindsay Reilly - Forgotten Voices Board Member and Research Analyst at Global Scripture Impact

Two Million Voices

2010-12-11T09:30:00.006-05:00

Just about three weeks ago, my friend and colleague, Ryan Keith left for Africa to continue his work as CEO of Forgotten Voices International. He is returning with Remmy Hamapande, the FVI staff member from Zambia who has been visiting the US for the first time over the several weeks before Ryan left. Spending time with Remmy continues the education begun with my first trip to Africa last January. His visit is a powerful reminder of the profound difference between being a Christian in Zambia compared to the life of a Christian in the United States.

For many of us, going to church on Sunday must meet a number of important criteria - parking must be convenient, the seating comfortable, the music energetic and flawless, sermons inspiring (but not too long), and a quick exit from the church to get on with the rest of the day. In Zambia it is possible that orphaned children may arrive at the church on Sunday morning, requiring the cancellation of services. Congregation members may be asked to take responsibility for children who are without parents, helping them to find distant relatives or to take them home to meet their needs. Looking at the two experiences, one wonders what would be the effect on attendance at church in the US on Sunday if there was a possibility that you could return home with an orphan.

This contrast is one of the many reasons why I am drawn to the work of Forgotten Voices. My human nature acknowledges the attractiveness of being comfortable and inspired, but the plight of over two million orphaned children in Zimbabwe and Zambia calls out to me. Even though their voices seem weak and distant to those of us who live in the bubble of western society, something must be done. As Christians we are the hands and feet of Christ, in our own neighborhood and around the world. Next Sunday we may not be asked to take an orphan home from church, but we can support those who do – Forgotten Voices International.

Steve Proctor - Forgotten Voices Board Chair and President & CEO, Presbyterian Senior Living

Loving Locally

2010-12-10T09:30:00.004-05:00

During this advent season of brotherly love, Forgotten Voices International (FVI) is working to respond to God’s gift to us, Jesus, by supporting those in need through our prayers, personal contact and finances.

FVI seeks to provide an avenue where we can “love our neighbor as ourselves”, and more specifically enable us to reach out to orphans and widows. In doing so, FVI has narrowed its mission to victims impacted by AIDS, while seeking to support initiatives and projects proposed and run by local people. This emphasis is very powerful in that it seeks to build-up local capacity to handle the physical, spiritual, relational and economic devastation that this disease creates. Through FVI we in the USA are able to partner with, support and encourage the work in Africa, at whatever level we feel most comfortable, through activities ranging from one on one correspondence to simple giving.

I personally am a Civil Engineer by trade, with 11 years of working in developing countries, primarily in Africa. My personal experience is that the population that we are trying to help will become more involved in projects that they themselves help to formulate and run. As an outsider to their situation we often more clearly see the “big picture” and the desired trends while the insider has personal, relational and day-to-day inputs that are beyond us. The combination of the two groups, however, can be very powerful and impact many lives.

FVI’s strategy of working through local churches is not coincidental and adds a unifying cement to the FVI approach. Together we in the USA are able to reach out to Africa as joint members of the body of Christ who are seeking to provide comfort to the victims of this terrible disease. Together we can act as one family, under one leader, Jesus. It is Jesus, through the work of the Holy Spirit, that guides, unifies and encourages our hearts to reach out to one another and who multiplies our love for each other. It is this same Jesus, whose birthday we celebrate during this advent season.

Chuck Arnold - Forgotten Voices Board Member and Project Engineer, C.C. Johnson & Malhotra, P.C.

A Different Way to Think About the Holidays

2010-12-09T09:30:00.002-05:00

It is great to be a part of the Forgotten Voices team. I am just at the very very beginning of really getting involved.

It's amazing to read about what this organization is doing and what it means. We're approaching the holiday season and I'm thinking about the CRAZE that we all so easily become a part of- stressing out about what we have or don't have...but it makes me think about the real issues. There are children who have nothing that the Forgotten Voices team is helping.

It would be great to shift our thinking from what WE NEED to what we CAN give. I'm joining the 10 together campaign to do what I can to help a child. A little goes a long way in the countries that Forgotten Voices is reaching out to.

I want to be more involved in this work because I think it will keep me focused on others who are in need and it's neat to think about what I can do to help someone else, rather than thinking about my own needs! For me, it is a way that I can touch a life even though I am not physically out there- I can still be a part of it.

Amma Johnson - Singer, Songwriter and Entrepreneur

No Greater Joy

2010-12-08T09:30:00.002-05:00

The mission of Forgotten voices is to equip churches in Southern Africa to empower AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children. In so doing we directly help widows and the downtrodden of the world. I love this because it allows us to directly fulfill a biblical mandate; Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (KJV). Wow. It doesn’t get too much plainer than that. My son Stephen got me involved with Forgotten Voices International several years ago. Stephen went on his first trip to Africa in 2007 and I had the opportunity to go in 2009 and then again in 2010. While these trips are always a bit depressing because you experience first hand the horrors of the AIDS epidemic and other assorted atrocities it is also an unbelievable opportunity to serve. In my opinion there is no greater joy.

Forgotten Voices is making an immediate and direct impact on peoples lives in a very positive way. This is what I love so much about the ministry. The funds raised go to the people in need and they see immediate benefit. Period. I’ve seen this first hand and it melts my heart every time I see the results whether it be with an orphan feeding program, a farming program, school fees or whatever.

My work at Forgotten Voices has been the single most rewarding thing I have ever done. It makes me feel that I am playing a small role in not only helping people who are desperately in need help but I am also helping to build the Kingdom of God. What cold be a more noble purpose or fulfilling activity? If you are considering helping out in some way – there are so many ways that you can – I highly encourage it. I can personally assure you that you will not regret it.

Steve Bozzo - Forgotten Voices Board Member and Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, 1-800-Flowers.com

Together We Can Love the World

2010-12-07T09:30:00.003-05:00

When Forgotten Voices asked me to be director of student relations, I was surprised and elated and experienced a plethora more thoughts and emotions. To join an organization that is on the forefront of protracting change in southern Africa, one can’t help but jump in with both feet. I don’t know how else to do something except to jump in with all that I am and have. To be able to use my gifts and talents to save lives [bring hope to] and communities in southern Africa is something that I feel honored to do. The AIDS epidemic is so much bigger than me, but as Remmy reminded us, it starts with saving [helping] one child at a time.

The fact that Forgotten Voices isn’t going into a hurting area and telling them how to fix their problems is one of my favorite things about the organization. We don’t know everything and southern African communities are a completely different culture. Those on the ground in Zambia and Zimbabwe understand much better how to support those forgotten voices in their communities whom have lost their parents.

The fact that I get to tell stories and connect communities excites me. Forgotten Voices is a personal organization with stories of personal lives: the fourteen year old girl who takes care of her family, the teen in New York who gives up a car so that an orphan can go to school. It is through personal relationships that we will be able to not only change these lives right now, but also for eternity.

So what is my story? There have been many things that have brought me here. I spent my most recent time in Germany ministering to high school students whose parents were impacting communities all over the world. The gift to mentor students that had such a heart for their fellow man was a very special thing. They have had a special opportunity by growing up in places far from their home.

Students here have the same passions and abilities to change the world. They want to use their gifts now. They don’t need to wait for more schooling or a steady job to start changing their world. They want to help now. And they are. If I can help them to channel their excitement into helping their world, then I will jump at the chance.

So what can we do together? We can spread the word. We can raise awareness about the things going on in southern Africa. This Christmas season we can pray for those whose voice gets so easily lost in the hustle and bustle of American life. We can remember that Jesus came to earth to save the lost and hurting; that when we serve the least of these, we are serving him.

So after you finish reading this please do a couple of things for me. Look us up on Facebook and ‘like’ our page. Follow us on Twitter. And finally, pray about how to serve those who need your help, whether they are down your street or across the world.
And one final question. How are you demonstrating God’s love to your world?

Matt Kirkley - Volunteer Director of Student Relations

Mighty Mouse: Cartoons, Courage, and Christianity

2010-12-06T00:35:00.004-05:00

Source: Paul Terry Productions, "Mighty Mouse"

Mighty Mouse always amazed me when I was a kid. He was just a mouse, but seemingly knew no bounds for what he could do to solve adult problems all around him. No matter how hard they got, Mighty Mouse solved the problem with courage.

As you may have noticed today (Dec 6), cartoons have invaded Facebook in an attempt to raise awareness of child abuse. The simple idea that a cartoon seen would trigger memories of a simpler, care-free time where we remember just how vulnerable we were as kids... then realize that kids all over the world are being abused right around us. My prayer is that it causes all of us to take some action to empower and protect a child today.

When I learned of this Facebook movement yesterday, I was struck instantly by the story of a 6 year old child in Zimbabwe that I do not know and haven't figured out how to help YET. He dominated my mind throughout this last trip to Africa. Early in the trip, a dear friend of mine in Zimbabwe asked me for some advice about child abuse case law in Zimbabwe knowing I have studied under one of the most respected child rights advocates in the world during my time at Harvard (You can read some of my research on widow & child rights here). Yet, nothing prepares you for the story my friend told us. I don't want to trouble you with the same images that trouble me.

But the big picture is this --- A 6 year old child orphaned by AIDS was being abused by his own grandfather, yet no one in the family was willing to file a complaint to the police fearing reprisal and violating the sacred trust of family. Like in any society, families experience great shame in sharing family secrets of this horror and in a male driven culture this was especially true.

I didn't know what to tell my friend then, but I promised to ask everyone I saw who may be able to help her as she begins trying to intervene. This child needed a church champion. Pray with me for his liberation.

Over and over, as I asked pastors in Zimbabwe and Zambia, I was saddened to hear that abuse among children orphaned is VERY common. Every pastor had first-hand experience with my question and almost all of them had personally intervened where culture and lack of laws protected the abuser. Though I was struck by the horrors of abuse I heard, I was also struck by how amazing Christians can be by the courage that God provides. Pastors shared stories of their interventions, how sermons and time with families began changing cultural habits to value kids, and how Christ's love trumps pride we fear will be tarnished. Kids were being saved by these champions. Kids were being protected by churches that were taking kids in instead of leaving them alone and vulnerable.

Without their own "mighty mouse" in the local church, even more abuse would happen. These theologically sound, vetted pastors are checking in on the kids, taking many of them into their own homes or finding quality caregivers within the church community. They are doing what they can.

Daily, I hear stories of vulnerable kids our church partners in Africa know about but can't help because they lack funding. This trip, more than any before, I connected our actions to equip churches with stopping abuse of children orphaned by AIDS. We are not just sending kids to school, but getting them out of being home alone. We are not just providing them seed & fertilizer, but giving them their own food source so they don't have to beg or barter themselves.

You and I are like simple mice, presented with giant problems. How will we respond? Will we harness the courage of our childhood cartoon inspirations or let this suffering slip away into the busyness of our adult lives?

Our local partnering churches in Africa are working in very adult scenarios, full of bleak conditions, where hope should not win by all logic. But, the story of Jesus coming in a manger reminds us that hope springs out of the poor. The faith, love, sacrifice, and joy in the midst of fear for Joseph and Mary shows us that God can equip us to be champions and shepherds for His desired work in the world.

Jesus came to redeem the world. He came, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. As He left us to return to heaven, He left the church behind to demonstrate the love of Christ. To bring hope to the hopeless. To defend the fatherless. To take our mouse like bodies, inept by the world's standards, and offer ourselves up as living sacrifices to bring God's hope to our still hurting world.

This Christmas, I'm reminded of our need to not fear what we cannot solve in our world. Instead, may we offer our best before God and do what we can. Thanks for helping local churches be courageous to protect children from abuse. Their mighty efforts are made possible in part because of your mighty efforts. For that and for the kids we all get to serve, I'm forever grateful.

Have courage today,
Ryan Keith
President of Forgotten Voices International

Be a champion for a church looking to be a Mighty Mouse for a child orphaned by AIDS in their community. Give today at www.ForgottenVoices.org/donate.

I give because I'm a skeptic

2010-12-05T09:30:00.001-05:00

Some time ago, I graduated college and went about looking for a job that would make me exceedingly wealthy, powerful, and enviable. The job I found was just a shade different (about as different as chalk and cheese), but nonetheless provided me a unique opportunity to meet and train under the person I was to be replacing. It seemed he was leaving the company to launch a full time career in nonprofit racketeering or some such thing, which I didn’t give much thought to at the time.

Shortly thereafter, when I discovered my career aspirations with this company were a pipe dream, I began to learn a little more about this particular nonprofit (actually completely legitimate) and thought this person I had replaced may have had the right idea after all.

The organization I am referring to is called Forgotten Voices International, and its mission is orphans.

Now I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials of starving African children as many times as I have, and most likely you’ve felt as I did somewhat skeptical about where your money might end up should you decide to give. My skepticism began to train down on Forgotten Voices to see if their nobility was actually a cause worth giving for.

And shortly thereafter (about 2 years of skepticism), I had finally come to terms with the fact that this organization was and is of the strongest integrity in its mission to serve the weakest of people: orphaned children.

The heart and authenticity of the Forgotten Voices team is overwhelming and contagious, they just genuinely care about the well-being of the world’s most helpless humans. They aren’t afraid to partner with existing infrastructure or organizations, take advice from the local community, or make public that ultimately their goal for these Churches they sponsor is to be self-sustaining lifelines for children orphaned by AIDS in southern Africa.

My participation in the work of Forgotten Voices has been mostly behind the scenes getting the word out to others about the organization. Primarily, the conduits I use to raise awareness about the projects and work of Forgotten Voices and the stories of people they’ve helped are through social media. It’s an exciting medium to help nurture because anyone can get involved and easily help the cause. Inviting your friends to join the Forgotten Voices Facebook page, retweeting news from our twitter feed, sharing our YouTube videos, commenting on our blog, and forwarding our email newsletter are all simple and effective ways to contribute to the work of this incredible organization that gives voice to those who are forgotten.

Social media donations are pretty painless, but I would advise you to be skeptical about where you donate your money. If you’re looking for an organization that will be a good steward of your contribution, I would encourage you to consider Forgotten Voices as I have.

Brian Reilly - Volunteer Social Media Manager

Here I Am

2010-12-04T09:30:00.001-05:00

Two weeks ago today, I stepped off an 18.5 hour return flight from South Africa. I'd taken a group of pastors from Central Pennsylvania to see the work that Forgotten Voices is doing in southern Africa. In a two week whirlwind tour we visited Zimbabwe, Zambia and spent one night in South Africa. We visited with roughly 15+ families and met with only a handful of the 150 churches that partner with Forgotten Voices. We experienced humorous moments - see picture of baby monkey chewing on Julie’s ear - and heartbreaking moments - like the visits with families who had no food and no seed to plant. We prayed, we laughed, we cried, but most importantly we had the opportunity to meet true heroes of the faith. We spent time with devoted pastors, listening to what their church is doing to help their communities, praying with and for them, encouraging them and rejoicing with them over the work that is being accomplished.

Every single day these men and women arise from their beds and say, “Here I am Lord, use me.” Throughout the day they change their hats - one second they are a pastor, the next they are counselor, a social worker, a business man or woman working on income-generating projects to benefit their communities. They put on each hat with a spirit of humility and a reliance on God and the Spirit to lead, guide, and direct them. When you sit with these men and women you can begin to see what it means to be the Church in the community. Each of our project partners adds a unique approach to addressing the AIDS crises. They develop locally-relevant action plans for meeting the needs of children who have been orphaned by AIDS and other vulnerable children in their network.

I love volunteering for Forgotten Voices to help equip our church partners to fulfill their action plans for their communities. I have witnessed firsthand the value these action plans bring to a community and have seen our partners transforming communities one child at a time.

I serve by leading our volunteers here in the United States and helping run the day-to-day operations of our ministry. Forgotten Voices has roughly 30+ volunteers in the USA who help us equip our brothers and sisters in southern Africa. We are looking to grow our volunteer network throughout 2011. If you are interested in volunteering please visit this link for volunteer opportunities.

In closing, my challenge to you is to arise each day with the spirit of “Here I am Lord, use me.” Learn from our partners, grow along with us as God continues to reveal new things about Himself, and participate with us in making a permanent change in the life of children.

Nate Shaffer - Volunteer Executive Director

True Sacrifice

2010-12-03T09:30:00.001-05:00

As a “missionary family”, people are often saying thank you to us for the “sacrifice” we make in our work with Forgotten Voices. I am always a little taken back and never know quite what to say in response to this. I do not often think of what we are doing as a sacrifice on our part. Sure, Ryan travels quite a bit and Avery and I are not always able to join him. Sure, he works a lot of nights and weekends, since calling Africa and working with volunteers requires odd hours. Sure, we might be able make a little more money doing something else with our time. But sacrifice? After spending time in Zimbabwe and Zambia and hearing the stories from our partners in Africa, I certainly do not feel like we are sacrificing much.

I have seen first-hand what I would consider true sacrifice. Sacrifice is the grandmother taking in her twelve grandchildren after their parents have passed away due to AIDS related illnesses. Sacrifice is the twelve-year-old who stops going to school so he can work and care for his younger brother and sister. Sacrifice is the home-based care worker who volunteers her time to visit with widows and children who are orphaned. Sacrifice is the pastor who conducts many funerals in one week – week after week. Sacrifice is the pastor who works tirelessly to support his congregants as they work to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the hurting families in their communities. Sacrifice is giving when it would be easier not to – when it would be easier to focus on themselves, but instead focus on the needs of others.

Sacrifice was Jesus coming to Earth as a man and dying on the cross so that our sins would be forgiven. Christ’s love for us resulted in the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may have life. This leaves us with an incredible responsibility and blessing to honor Christ with our lives. I have learned so much from the pastors, volunteers and families in Zimbabwe and Zambia about what it means to honor Christ with my life through service to others. This Christmas, join our family in praying about how God may be calling us to serve those in our community and in Southern Africa. May we know what it means to truly sacrifice for the sake of others, and as we do, may we learn more about the love of Christ for us and for people all around the world.

Merry Christmas!

Katie Keith

Grandmas are my heroes

2010-12-02T09:00:00.002-05:00

Earlier this fall, my husband came down with a nasty flu bug which turned into a nastier sinus infection. He was sick for over a week, which left me balancing my job, our household, his care and our newly mobile eight-month old son. By the end of the first week, I was exhausted.

Enter the hero of our story - my mother-in-law. Armed with chicken soup and a stack of adorable baby clothes (she can't help it, she's a grandma!) she spent two days helping take care of our son so I could get work done. She played with him, fed him, rocked him to sleep, and I could relax knowing he was in good hands while I tended to other matters.

I read multiple reports each week from our church partners in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The week my husband was sick, I read through these reports with new eyes. Over and over, they referenced the needs of families made up of grandparents caring for grandchildren, after the middle generation of parents has died or become too sick to help. In Zimbabwe and Zambia, 86% of children orphaned live with a grandparent. Often these grandparents are both physically and financially unable to fully care for their grandchildren. The entire family faces hunger, children drop out of school, housing becomes unreliable and they become increasingly vulnerable.

I was tired after just one week of taking care of my child and sick husband. It's hard to imagine the impact of raising my son while my husband slowly died of AIDS-related complications.

I was relieved when my mother-in-law babysat my son so I could be gone for a few hours running errands. I can't imagine being HIV-positive and wondering who would care for him after I was gone - forever.

The holiday season is a time when many of us see our grandparents more than usual or remember the times we had with them more frequently. Will you join me this Christmas in making the grandparents in your life feel extra appreciated? And when you see them or think of them, remember to say a prayer for the millions of grandparents in southern Africa bearing an incredible burden of care for their families.

Ellen Shaffer - Director of Project Management

PS – One way to pay tribute to a grandparent in your life this Christmas is to give a donation to Forgotten Voices in their honor. Click here to find out more!

World AIDS Day; "the fight continues...!"

2010-12-01T05:31:00.006-05:00

Meet my adorable nephew, Usher. It is said that in Sub Saharan Africa, almost 1000 babies born each day are HIV+ and may never live to see their 5th birthday simply because they have unnecessarily been infected through their mothers. This figure is still very high and should be halted. With the strides achieved in medicine, it is possible to have 0 babies born HIV+; Yes, it is possible to have an HIV+ free generation if efforts are upped in the fight against mother to child transmission. I call upon everyone to join the fight. MTCT can be stopped; What are you doing to STOP this?!

Today is World AIDS Day, and the local church in Southern Africa is very much in the front line in fighting the scourge. Just yesterday I was talking with a pastor friend about the difficulties the local church is facing with the numbers of orphans that are growing. He was just narrating to me about a dearth of a father/husband that had occurred in his local church and the terrible misery the family has just been befallen. It's these and many more related stories that keep the local church at the helm of the social problems in this part of the world.

Forgotten Voices International has been one of the many NGOs that are making a difference in the ministry of local churches in Southern Africa. The local pastor, often times silently besieged with a lot of such suffering, has been given a lifeline, through the local church's ministry, to be a channel of hope for the future in the lives of the many orphans that come to his church door steps Sunday after Sunday. The fact that their education can continue, has given them much needed knowledge to manage the affairs of their lives with informed decision making; the fact that they are receiving food supplements, has given them strength to walk back to school and also manage to take their medication were necessary; the fact that they have been given seed and fertilizer, has given them household food security for most months of the year, bringing back family dignity and pride. This is the fight, and it continues...!

I appeal to everyone to respond to this fight by donating to the ministry of Forgotten Voices in Southern Africa. Your help translates into tangible and practical results. I believe nothing fills God's heart (and mine too!) with joy, than seeing children up and running because of what you are doing in their lives. Christ once said, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" John 14:18. Let's make a difference in these children's lives!!

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy Hamapande
Program Director - Zambia

Offering Gifts to Share Stories with You

2010-12-01T00:15:00.000-05:00

Advent Stories: Ryan reflects on the construction of this year's end of the year newsletter. While it may seem like a simple task that all non-profits do at the end of the year, you'll read that this was not a one-party job. It was a collection of people, each bringing gifts of love, to share stories with you. We are thankful. Through this story, we hope you see the love of God and not just a mailing.
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Nothing celebrates the spirit of Forgotten Voices like partnership and this year's end of the year mailing embodied that spirit. Just like our partners in the African church contribute what they can to meet the physical and spiritual needs of children orphaned by AIDS, we are always trying to look for ways to practice those principles in our day to day operations in the USA.

Daily, we meet talented people here in the USA who have skills and offerings that these folks want to give to Forgotten Voices. This year's mailing was a combination of these gifts.

A design firm, DuVoisin Design, led by Jean DuVoisin, designed the piece for us for free as a love offering to Forgotten Voices. The piece was written by 7 people. The stories within it were inspired by hundreds of faithful people in the USA and Africa, each person offering God their best to love kids looking for their champion.

The piece was printed, folded, stickered, and mailed by our friends at Dasher, a Harrisburg based company. Thanks to Brian Reilly, our volunteer Social Media Director, and friends at Dasher for their talents in producing the piece.

1800Flowers' CIO, Steve Bozzo (a Forgotten Voices' Board member) donated his services to help build a new online gift certificate form, making gift giving even easier this year. His team of experts and contacts provided us some cutting edge behind the scene tools at almost no cost to us, helping our gifts to kids go further.

Though it was our most robust piece sent to the most people in our organization's history, it was among our least expensive mailings.

It took almost 2 months to plan, compile, produce and mail.

I'm especially grateful to our volunteer leadership team (Brian - social media/mailing, Matt Kirkley - student relations, Nate & Ellen Shaffer - church relations story, Julie Bunch - kids serving kids and data on giving, Messiah PR Class - inspiring the TenTogether copy), staff (Remmy & Fibion - data & leadership, Ellen Shaffer - stories, data, and production), and our friends at DuVoisin Design, Dasher, and 1800Flowers.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas, I'm thankful for each of you for investing in our ministry and joyfully expectant for the coming of our King this Christmas. May you and yours know the joy of family that our organization strives to provide through local churches in southern Africa.

May you know God's love for you this Christmas season,
All the best,
Ryan Keith
President, Forgotten Voices International

Give a gift that matters this Christmas - Give a Forgotten Voices' Gift Certificate to a Loved One

World AIDS Day & the Coming of our King

2010-12-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

When I first learned of it during in 2002, I honestly didn't know what to make of World AIDS Day, marking events around the world to raise awareness of HIV, AIDS, and the plight of those impacted by AIDS. For me, December 1 had previously marked an important shift in my thinking to celebrate the coming of my Lord Jesus Christ on Dec 25. I also struggled because I didn't see the value of giving just ONE DAY to one of the most devastating diseases in the history of the world. Would new people really care or would it be just the people on board reading the stuff?

I have come full circle on World AIDS Day after starting Forgotten Voices. As each year passes, my expectation of Jesus' birth - one day that changed everything - I cling to this promise of redemption for all who accept and follow Jesus. My prayer is that this one day you consider helping bring hope to a seemingly hopeless crises.

First hand, for hundreds of people, I've shared final days with familes as they experience death and search for hope. Sharing truth about AIDS gives new life to all of us when we know instead o fear. I've seen how encouraging a culture of learning can address some of the societal and cultural challenges AIDS has presented us here in the USA and our friends in southern Africa.

This World AIDS Day, I invite you to do 2 things:

1) Learn about hope trumping AIDS: Follow our month long "advent", as volunteers, churches, and kids reflect this Christmas season on why they are involved in our ministry and what they are learning about loving like Jesus. As we expectantly await Christmas, gather your family each night and reflect with us. Stories will appear every day on our blog during the month of December.

2) Give: Give a gift to Forgotten Voices in honor of someone you love with our Gift Certificate option.

Even $10 helps pay for medical needs for a child for a month. $45 helps send a kid to primary school for a year. $100 helps meet the basic needs of a child for a month.

We need to raise $63,000 before the end of 2010 to keep 3,200 kids in school, provide seed & fertilizer to feed 5,000 in 2011, and provide other critical needs.

Thanks!

-Ryan Keith
President
Forgotten Voices International

Advent Countdown - Stories of Hope for all of us this Christmas

2010-11-30T21:42:00.001-05:00

This Christmas, we invite you to reflect with your families on stories we offer here. These stories come direct from our staff, Board members, volunteers, pastors we serve, and kids we are privileged to help care for in Africa. Stories will appear here every day throughout December.

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Hopelessness should win more than it does if logic and reason were the only judges of outcome. It doesn't win though. It loses again and again, with hope shocking us over and over.

Over 2,000 years ago, a baby was born in a manger. Jesus came among the poor to redeem all of mankind and help shepherd us into a relationship with our God. He came to die on the cross for our sins, taking the pain and offering us eternity in heaven if we believe and accept the free gift of forever relations with our God.

His humble entry is what I cling to every year as I lead Forgotten Voices. The fact that God chose the poor, not royalty, to usher in the King of Kings speaks volumes to me. The fact that God chose redemption through one small baby instead of a massive army offers hope to those around the world who suffer.

At Forgotten Voices International, we are constantly learning valuable lessons about sacrifice, love and hope in the midst of hopelessness. With kids dying all around our church partners, they keep going. They surely get overwhelmed. We've cried with them, cried out to God with them…seeking relief and comfort in our grief. But we keep going because the promises of our God to one day redeem all of this are embodied in the Christmas story.

At Forgotten Voices, we are daily experiencing healing and hope in the midst of our suffering. Those of us lonely and lost in the USA are finding incredible joy in ministering through service and volunteering. We are hearing stories of sacrifice of cars, xbox, and childhood birthday parties to love kids in Africa.

This Christmas, we invite you to reflect with your families on stories we offer here. These stories come direct from our staff, Board members, volunteers, pastors we serve, and kids we are privileged to help care for in Africa. Stories will appear here every day throughout December.

May their stories drive you to love like Jesus and pause to remember what all the chaos of Christmas is about - a small baby who came to redeem the world and again show that hope in God always wins.

Merry Christmas,
Ryan

Ryan Keith, President
Forgotten Voices International

Give a gift certificate from Forgotten Voices to someone you love this Christmas.

On their way home

2010-11-19T10:27:00.002-05:00

Our team is on their way home to the US, currently awaiting their 15+ hour flight out of South Africa. We hope you've enjoyed being able to follow their travels via twitter more on this trip than any other. Many reports will follow in the days ahead as they return with stories of the families they visited, church leaders they encountered and the ways they clearly saw God at work among His people to care for vulnerable children and communities in southern Africa.

While you await those stories from Africa, here's one from the US that's just too good not to share. As Ryan, Nate, Julie, Ian and Steve traveled to Zimbabwe, Zambia (and a bit in South Africa) to encourage pastors and leaders in their work on behalf of children orphaned by AIDS, they also found a way to encourage and support a passionate advocate for these children here in the US as well. Keegan is a college student in New York who grew up in a church youth ministry which partners with Forgotten Voices. Keegan (along with a few friends) has found a creative way to raise awareness and funds for the plight of orphaned children served by Forgotten Voices. He has committed to not cutting his hair or shaving his beard...for 328 days. His increasingly "unique" look will raise many opprotunities to share with people WHY he's doing this, and thus share the needs facing communities in southern Africa. Keegan is also taking pledges from friends, family, classmates etc who are committing to sponsor him (10 cents, a quarter, a dollar...) for each day he goes without shaving. You can follow his progress on Facebook - just search for "328 Days of Beard".

So in support of Keegan's ongoing beard-growing fundraiser, Ryan, Steve and Nate also choose not to shave for the entire length of their trip in Africa. They took this photo on their last night in Zambia and wanted you all to see it!

Pray for Keegan and other committed advocates giving voice in unique ways to kids in southern Africa.

Pray for Nate, Ryan, Ian and Steve as they travel home, arriving early on Saturday.

Pray for Julie, who was scheduled to come home before the rest of the team, but was delayed in south Africa and is just now arriving back in the States this afternoon.

Pray for the dedicated African pastors, leaders, caretakers and Forgotten Voices staff who continue the day to day, often grueling and discouraging work of being the hands and feet of Christ to communities devasted by AIDS and other struggles.

Pray about how God may be calling you to respond - we greatly need your prayers, your financial support and your encouragement as we follow God's direction in the new year.

Fleeing Rwandan Genocide to a Life of Service

2010-11-17T19:13:00.007-05:00

Separated during a brutal attack on their village during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, Pastor Murekezi and his future wife would not see each other again until years later at a refugee camp. Once married, the couple has since decided to follow a higher calling to become leaders of the Free Methodist Church outside of Ndola, Zambia.

Through the church and with help from Forgotten Voices, 26 orphaned children are able to attend primary school, and a community farm has been established that allows people without land to plant crops and feed their families.

The efforts of the congregation and leadership at this church have not only changed lives, but an entire community. More than a dozen families actively participate in their farming program, and plans are in place to use a portion of the crops grown to generate income that will sustain their efforts to send orphans in their community to school indefinitely.

What a powerful ministry. Right now, a team from Forgotten Voices is visiting the Free Methodist Church outside of Ndola, and bringing their expertise and encouragement to the congregation and Pastor Murekezi as they continue to care for those without a voice in their community. You can be a part of this exciting project, just one of nearly two dozen that Forgotten Voices is involved with.

Join our efforts through volunteering, donating, or sharing these stories with others.

We're focused on locally developed and run orphan care in Zimbabwe and Zambia. We hope you'll join in our efforts to help those without a voice wherever you are.

On to Zambia!

2010-11-15T18:20:00.007-05:00

After 6 days in Zimbabwe traversing between multiple project partners including Foundations for Farming, Mtshabezi Secondary School, and The Rock Church among others, the team from Forgotten Voices has moved on to Zambia. You may have noticed from their tweets that the team's schedule has been incredibly busy, a roller coaster ride of mixed emotions as they reunite with old friends and also become reacquainted with their hardships.

Today the team has landed in Ndola to visit the Theological College of Central Africa and meet up with Zambian Program Director, Remmy Hamapande. Leading up to this trip, Remmy had the opportunity to visit the United States for the first time, speaking at numerous events and learning a lot about America culture (and enjoying no small amount of pizza along the way!).

Tomorrow the team will visit Lubuto Church of Christ, an hour and a half drive from their current location in Ndola. Through partnership with Forgotten Voices, Lubuto Church of Christ has been able to send over 80 orphans to school, provide sewing and empowerment projects to 32 widows, and construct a hammer mill for the community.

With the hammer mill in place, the church is now able to generate enough income to sustainably provide for the orphans and widows it currently supports. This project is a powerful example of what successful international partnership can look like, a model that Forgotten Voices is seeking to replicate elsewhere. It's important to note that the ideas for these self-sustaining projects are generated and spearheaded by the local people, as they clearly know what's most needed in their own communities. Forgotten Voices can then act as a conduit for their plans to become a reality.

Please continue to keep the Lubuto Church of Christ in your prayers, as well as our team. May the team's visit provide encouragement to the local community and leadership there as they seek to empower a growing number of orphans and widows across the region.

You can also keep up with the team's journey on facebook as they continue their time in Zambia.

Updates from team currently in Zimbabwe

2010-11-12T15:01:00.002-05:00

Our team in Zimbabwe is doing a great job sending updates our way as much as possible, given their limited access to email and cell phone service. They've spent the last two days at Mtshabezi Mission, which houses the Brethren in Christ National AIDS Programme, one of our original partner projects.

Their itinerary at Mtshabezi included plans to visit the local school with Neatness, a young girl who's story you MUST hear if you haven't already. Learn more about her here.

They also planned to go with the AIDS Programme staff to visit families in the community who were being assisted by Forgotten Voices, or who could (and need to) be assisted if the reach of the program were able to grow. According a text from Nate this morning, these visits were hard. Many of these families are in desperate situations, lacking food or seed to plant for the next harvest. No doubt our team met some individuals who are living out their final days with HIV. These moments are difficult to put into words, whether it's a brand new situation or one you've been in more times that you care to count.

As you pray for our team, please also pray for the families they are meeting. I'd also encourage you to read the following two blog posts, as they may give some insight into what our team - both those seeing this for the first time and those who have been there before - are experiencing.

Both were written in the past few years.

The first is written by Ryan Keith, reflecting on one of the many times he's spent sitting with someone on their deathbed in Zimbabwe or Zambia.
The second is written by Stephen Bozzo, a friend of Forgotten Voices who has traveled to Zimbabwe several times to see our project partners in action. This blog is from his very first visit to Mtshabezi.

This weekend, the team will be visiting our partners at Foundations for Farming (think back to those families who are in need of food and planting seed - this partnership is part of our response). They'll also visit Matopos Primary, another school where children who have been orphaned are assisted by a partnership with Forgotten Voices. They'll worship at The Rock Church on Sunday before flying out Sunday afternoon, headed for Zambia.

Thank you for your prayers!

Ellen Shaffer, Director of Project Management

Team in Zimbabwe - Day 1 & 2

2010-11-10T10:35:00.026-05:00

Thanks for continuing to pray and check in here for updates on our team traveling in Zimbabwe and Zambia! If you haven't already noticed, the Twitter feed on the right-hand side of this page is the best place to get the most current updates. They've just posted 3 updates in the last hour - not too shabby!

We wanted to provide some visuals for you all as you're reading about the people and places referenced by our team.

First, here are a few photos from The Rock Church, which the team visited yesterday. Ryan commented yesterday on the newly installed irrigation system and improvements made to the well that Forgotten Voices helped to drill several years ago.

Before the well

Drilling the well in 2008

Garden planted after the well

Water tanks obtained in 2010

Click here to read a post from our Zambia Director, Remmy Hamapande, about the impact of clean water on a community.

Today, the team is spending much of the day with Pastor Fibion at the Free Methodist C hurch. They're accompanying Pastor Fibion as he visits with families supported by the church's ministries. Please pray for God's provision and comfort for the families they meet, and for our team to know the words to say (and the times to remain quiet and listen) as they have opportunity pray with and encourage these families.

Safely here in SA - thoughts on men saying goodbye

2010-11-09T02:14:00.000-05:00

We are beginning to descend into South Africa. We will say goodbye to Remmy, at least for a week before we rejoin him in Zambia. Remmy travels to Ndola, Zambia tomorrow after staying tonight with our friends, the Lockwoods, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Upon arriving, we will have about 2 hrs in the airport before traveling on to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Goodbyes are always sad, but easier when hellos are just around the corner.

During the flight, I learned a few things. My priorities seem to have shifted since the last time I flew. I usually get on the plane terribly exhausted, but want to watch movies most of the time anyway. This time, my exhaustion beat out my desire to catch up on movies out that I’ve heard about, but haven’t seen. So, I slept. A lot. I missed dinner, so they brought me one after many had finished. I almost missed breakfast. All total, I probably slept about 9+ hrs of the 14 hr flight. I’m thankful. I needed it, clearly.

I miss Katie & Avery more than I imagined missing them, which was a lot. But on the drive to JFK, I was also praising God for this sense of loss being away from them. It helps connect me to a glimpse of the suffering faced by men all over southern Africa. Due to high unemployment (90+% in Zimbabwe and 80% in Zambia), men have to travel great distances to find work and money to feed & provide for their families. I’ve always been sad to leave Katie, but we both reflected that this trip our dependence on each other is greater because of Avery.

Who will help Katie when Avery is screaming for no reason? When Katie needs a break? Needs to debrief about her day?

I’m not trying to get too personal, but instead connect to the men I’ve heard a lot about but couldn’t really relate to until I left Avery. Like many families in southern Africa, we have a great support system. Friends and relatives will help Katie care for Avery. We are thankful for them, but they are not me – they are not Avery’s dad.

I’ve heard lots of people in Africa share with me over the years that this prolonged time away – sometimes years – leads people to feel incapable of providing for their families and/or emotionally disconnected. Have no fear. This isn’t the case for us. But I am thankful for this glimpse of sadness that men seeking work might face leaving a child and wife. Unsure of how they will provide. If they haven’t managed to find work, ashamed to come back.

This feeling of helplessness – this critical season in a man’s determination of his own dignity & worth – is often the beginning of the AIDS cycle. AIDS is spreading in large part because of the time away. The hopelessness and worthlessness sets in and a man finds comfort with a woman close to his factory job or a local dive bar. He may even start a family with his person, unwilling to return “home” for fear of everyone in the community and family seeing him for how he sees himself: a failure.

I’m sad to say I’ve heard it before. But, until I thought about these stories through the eyes of a father – eyes I now have – I couldn’t really relate. I still can’t, completely, obviously for lots of reason: I have a job, purpose, and a determined time away. But I do thank God for this glimpse. This trip, for the first time, I’ll see differently the pains of a family who have lost a father to AIDS related deaths or a dad who is away indefinitely.

As we prepare to land, I can’t shake the feeling that God is going to rock my world and help me to see anew the challenges of AIDS and the church’s role in meeting the needs of children. I’ve never really looked at this from the perspective of a man, but always through the eyes of a child or mother. I’m scared, because my heart is already so full and I fear I can’t handle more love for more people – that it’s been easier to simply blame the men for the failures on their family. It’s been easier to not allow my heart to also break for the worthlessness they feel as men.

But, as we prepare to land, I’m also thankful that God is God and I am simply Ryan. I’m also thankful for 6+ yrs of lessons on listening to local voices…that the things I don’t know or scare me create an open space for people who do know – the men, in this case – to more honestly share with me because they will sense I am genuinely concerned and open to learn more about the pressures they face.

Like always, we land with more questions than answers. My prayer for us all – you, our team, and me – that we allow God to guide us in life. That we remain centered on him in our own travels, wherever they take us. That, even in our despair or uncertainty or doubt, we remain grounded in our God’s ocean-like love for each of us. It is that Christ-like love that I hope we share on this trip. And it is that unending, Christ-like love I pray you find ways to share while you wait for us to return.

Together – across the same ocean – we may learn to see more like Christ sees us. For those glimpses I’m grateful. For the rest I have just received, I rejoice so I’m ready and able to see this land I love through new eyes….and a new heart…as a new father.

Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep looking. Keep listening and seeing opportunities to love all around you. We will try to do the same.

We are moments from landing into Johannesburg, South Africa. Will write from the terminal, Lord willing.

All the best,
Ryan

Why we are going to Africa - Arrival at JFK

2010-11-08T09:16:00.000-05:00

After 14 trips and as I prepare to go on my 15th journey to Africa today, my wife Katie and I cling to the certain knowledge that despite the fears of our world, it is an honor to do what we get to do --- an honor to serve God, represent all of you who give so faithfully in prayer and financial support, and share the love of Christ with those who will likely not be with us by the trip’s end.

I am not going alone, but I am leaving Katie & our daughter Avery behind (1st time). I'm going with 5 others, listed below.

We ask that you pray for us as we go. Why are we going? We are going to listen to, learn from, and encourage local churches in Zimbabwe and Zambia who are faithfully demonstrating the love of Christ to children orphaned by AIDS in their communities. We are going to share love for the 5 year old who prays faithfully every night for our ministry. We go to share love in Africa for the youth group who helped raised $6,000 last year for Forgotten Voices. We go for a senior citizen who committed to praying last week for Forgotten Voices. We go for you.

PRAY WITH US!

THE TEAM:

Nate (TEAM LEADER) - Nate's wife, Ellen, is on staff with Forgotten Voices, leading project management and communication to you all. Nate is the Volunteer Executive Director of Forgotten Voices, leading our volunteers and helping me manage day to day functions within our small ship. :) Please pray specifically for Nate, who is our team leader. I'll be helping him as he learns all that is involved so he can lead trips on his own in the future, allowing me to take trips off or go to new places.

Julie - serves faithfully as our Volunteer Director of Administration at Forgotten Voices. Her husband, Trevor, is on our Board. Julie has a gigantic heart for kids and serves Forgotten Voices to model to her children the ways of Christ. Pray for Julie's children and husband, as well as for Julie to find opportunities to use her big heart for kids.

Remmy - our Zambian Program Director, who has traveled with us for 3 weeks around the USA, returns with us. He is the husband to Irene and father of Ginney, his 14 yr old niece that they adopted at 3 yrs old. Pray for Remmy's safe travel back home.

Steve - in the roofing business and on the missions Board at Carlisle E Free in Central PA. Pray for God to use his unique gifts.

Ian - our Missions Pastor at West Shore E Free, where my wife & I attend. He is a world traveler after 20+ years on the missions field. God has given him a gift of relating well to perfect strangers, which I have observed several times already this morning.

Ryan (me) - President of Forgotten Voices.

-------

This morning, 5 others and I depart from JFK in NYC. We will travel 15 hrs on the plane to Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, Remmy will leave us in South Africa after 3+ weeks of traveling around the USA. He will set off to Zambia after a night’s stay with our dear friends, the Lockwoods. Our team carries on to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. We arrive Tuesday afternoon.

We will hit the ground running on Tuesday, likely eating lunch in the car on the way to a place that rescues abandoned children before they are placed in the “system” for years. We’ll then visit our partnership with The Rock church to check in on their water project we’ve funded with this local church. Our first day in Zimbabwe will finish with dinner at a dear friend’s house -- a local pastor. If people are still standing, we plan to have a gathering around the croc pit (where they ACTUALLY raise crocodiles) to debrief the day.

Pray with us as we begin the journey.

THANKS!

-Ryan Keith
Follow our trip on twitter

Listening to Local Voices - MidAtlantic Orphan Summit

2010-11-06T21:29:00.000-04:00

Friends who were able to come to the midatlantic orphan summit, THANKS! At the event, I promised to post some reflections from Remmy, myself and a pastor named Ian Campbell from West Shore Evangelical Free Church in Mechanicsburg, PA...the home church that helped launch Forgotten Voices. Ian will be traveling Monday with Remmy, myself, and 3 others (MORE ON THIS SUNDAY).

For now, here are notes from today's session, followed by our VERY simple GAP Assessment tool.

THANKS again for coming to the summit! May God equip you mightily for His plans ahead.

All the best,
Ryan

LISTENING TO LOCAL VOICES
a workshop from Forgotten Voices International

“EQUIPPING CHURCHES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA TO MEET THE PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN ORPHANED BY AIDS”

Remmy Hamapande, Zambia Director: Remmy@ForgottenVoices.org
Ryan Keith, President: Ryan@ForgottenVoices.org

Ways to connect to the local voices (From Ian Campbell, Missions Pastor, www.WestShoreFree.com):
• be the prayer wall: allow the local people to "pin" on you what they know and believe
• be the magnifying glass: draw attention to what is essential, and champion the emergence of local leadership
• be the bridge: facilitate the converging of vision, people and resources
• be the fuel: model servant leadership that causes others to increase

How to Unlock Local Voices -- Methods used for success
• Gap Assessment
– Identifying gaps in Water, Food, Education, Health
– What is church doing, community, and what’s left?
• Action Plans, based on Gaps
– Putting leadership in place to act on gaps
• Prayer and Project Reports
– Reporting back on progress of Gaps & project
– Explore unintended changes to church & community

Consider Possible Advantages of Local Voices Approach
• More accurate targeting of the issue facing community, as they are typically hidden & multilayered
• Often more cost effective in long-run
• More likely to be self-sustainable
• Community owned
• Dignity of people often restored and protected
• Less exploitation by donors that simply want to feel good

Consider Possible Disadvantages of Local Voices Approach
• Often more time consuming or appear that way
• Often tougher sell to congregation or group, as "results" may take longer
• Changing narrative may cause alarm, as priorities change as local people figure out their own priorities
• Democracy is sometimes messier, creating observed tension within communities
• Opening other community wounds, such as women's empowerment, chiefdom power struggles, etc
What has worked for you? Share it on our blog at www.ForgottenVoices.org, then click NEWS.

Click here to view a GOOGLE DOC of FORGOTTEN VOICES' GAP ASSESSMENT TOOL:

Prayer & Praise: November 2010

2010-11-02T19:26:00.001-04:00

Kabushi ECZ Orphan Care – Zambia

Pray that the orphans who have recently returned to school through this program would be equipped with strength and determination to realize their hopes and dreams.

Pray that the many vulnerable children in this community will turn to Christ and develop healthy relationships with their peers. Ask the Lord to encourage them to exhibit godly habits in their interactions with one another.

Praise the Lord that through partnership a new group of vulnerable children are now being assisted and are receiving an education that provides temporal and eternal hope.

Echoes of Mercy Project – Zambia

Pray that God would provide a garden for this community to farm and cultivate. Ask that the Lord would use this garden to build the community, educate prospective farmers, and provide a much needed source of food.

Pray for all the children of the mercy Project who are entering the examination stage of their coursework. Pray that God would richly bless their preparation and provide them with the knowledge to pass their examinations.

Praise the Lord that many leaders have had uplifting visits with children and families throughout the community.

Bukwasho Project – Zambia

Pray that the Lord would provide the resources which will enable the church to finish construction of administrative offices that will be used to support the care of vulnerable children.

Pray for the church leaders to remain in unity and for the congregation to grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise God that a tailoring course has been offered at the church and that many in the community have benefited from this instruction.

Praise God that the maize harvest in this area has been plentiful.

Partnerships in Action, an on-going Story of Change in Zimbabwe

2010-10-22T16:51:00.000-04:00

Our God is not limited by geography, but is glorified by uniting the combined efforts of willing people scattered far and wide. Recent developments at The Rock Church in Zimbabwe are an encouraging example of this truth.

When Forgotten Voices first partnered with The Rock Church in 2007, church leaders identified access to clean water as a major need in their community. One year later, a church in New York accepted the challenge to partner with Forgotten Voices in raising enough money to drill a borehole (well) for this community in Zimbabwe. The resulting borehole had the capacity to pump 300L/minute and provide local access to clean water for between 500 to 1000 people.

Today, The Rock Church is expanding the impact of that borehole to further serve the community. Through the continued contributions of friends of Forgotten Voices, the church has purchased two water storage tanks – one for the community school and one for the community garden. The church is working with Foundations for Farming, a ministry partner of Forgotten Voices, to bring agricultural training and resources to the local community. To supplement the training, seed and fertilizer brought by Foundations for Farming, the church has installed an irrigation system, using pipes to bring water from the borehole and water tank to feed the newly-planted garden plots. Equally powerful is the fact that children can now spend their time in school, rather than walking for miles each day to find enough water for their family!

Each of these initiatives – drilling of the well, purchasing of water tanks, provision of agricultural training and supplies, installation of irrigation pipes – was made possible, in part, by churches, organizations or individuals who were strangers to each other, but were committed to the mission and model of Forgotten Voices International. As a result of their combined contributions, children are able to stay in school, families are being trained to grow their own food, clean water is available to an entire community and the local church is being recognized as the hands and feet of Christ in the community.

Help us give voice to pastors in southern Africa, who are reaching out to demonstrate the love of Christ to children orphaned by AIDS in their communities. Invest in their hopes at www.ForgottenVoices.org by making a gift today.

Meet Siphilisiwe

2010-10-22T16:42:00.000-04:00

Siphilisiwe was widowed by the age of 28. When her husband died from meningitis in 2003, she was left to raise four children under the age of ten. Seven years later, the physical and spiritual burden of losing father and husband weighs heavily on this family. Living in Zimbabwe, a country with 95% unemployment, and with limited formal education, Siphilisiwe earns money by selling food at a road-side stand near her home. But it hasn’t been enough to make ends meet. Siphilisiwe’s two oldest children dropped out of school two years ago when she could no longer afford to pay their school fees.

Hazel is the eldest child in the family and takes care of her siblings when her mother is not around. She had to quit school during Form 3 (equivalent to grade 10).

Nhlanhla is the second-born. Though only 14 years old, he has a responsibility to his family as the oldest male, and education is key to his ability to eventually support them. He had to drop out after grade 7, however, when money for school fees was no longer available.

This year, Siphilisiwe learned that the Free Methodist Church in her community ran a Social Ministries Program which, among other things, helped families in need with school fee payments. This church is one of the many across Zimbabwe and Zambia with whom Forgotten Voices is honored to partner. Siphilisiwe approached the church and explained her situation. Both Hazel and Nhlanhla were approved so have their school fees paid by the church, through their partnership with Forgotten Voices International.

Hazel has now returned to school to finish Form 3 and Nhlanhla has begun Form 1 (grade 8). One of the church volunteers who now regularly checks in on this family writes,

“Hope has been restored. The family can now smile again, though tears still run down Siphilisiwe’s face as she remembers her loss. On the other hand she has tears of joy as her kids are back to school. Thank you for joining God in demonstrating His love to the widows and orphans. Praise God!”

This is already a powerful story of the local Church reaching out to widows and orphans in their distress. But the story doesn’t end there. Siphilisiwe has begun bringing her family to church. Pray that they come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Pray that they will experience His love, healing and strength as they continue to face challenges ahead.

Prayer and Praise

2010-10-20T17:47:00.003-04:00

Echoes of Mercy Project - Zambia
Pray for those children who have not yet finished paying for their school fees. Pray that they would look to the Lord for provision in His timing.
Praise the Lord for our denominational centenial celebration that was held on August 15th.
Pray for us as we seek a parcel of land for cultivating maize during the upcoming farming season.

Christian Leadership Resource Center - Zimbabwe
Pray for our two-day business training workshop for all of our pastors, coming up in October. Following this workshop, the pastors will return in November for a four day leadership seminar. Pray that the necessary finances will be made available and for God to equip His church through these sessions.

Car $ & Xbox for Forgotten Voices?

2010-10-16T07:53:00.000-04:00

Find out more about Forgotten Voices at http://www.ForgottenVoices.org.

Remmy Hamapande - Schedule and Speaking Engagements

2010-10-15T08:07:00.000-04:00

October 15-November 8, 2010

All events, unless otherwise noted, are open to the public. Contact info@forgottenvoices.org for more information.

October 15th
Arrive in the USA

October 16th

Attend Homecoming festivities at Messiah College
Grantham, PA

3:00 p.m. Attend Forgotten Voices Short Term Missions Trip Reunion – Open to all who have previously traveled to Africa with Forgotten Voices

Contact Ellen Shaffer at eshaffer@forgottenvoices.org for more information

Dillsburg, PA

October 17th

9:00 a.m. Speak at West Shore Evangelical Free Church (Room 200A)
Mechanicsburg, PA

October 18th
6:00 p.m. Theological College of Zimbabwe Fundraising Dinner, Antrim BIC Church
Hear from … Remmy Hamapande on the significance of Theological training in
Southern Africa; President of Forgotten Voices, Ryan Keith, on aspects of
practical application of the Gospel in Africa, and Board Member & former
Acting President of TCZ, Glen Pierce, about the mission and vision of TCZ …
and be encouraged by the partnerships within God’s Church.
To reserve your free tickets, contact Brendan Earl, 717 496 4707, b_early_85@yahoo.com
Chambersburg, PA

October 20th
6:00 p.m. Co-facilitate Leadership Training Workshop, Christ Church of the Capital District – Invitation Only
Albany, NY

October 23rd

8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Co-facilitate TenTogether Training
Dillsburg, PA

October 24th

8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Share in Carlisle Evangelical Free Church services
12:30 p.m. Lunch, presentation and Q&A at Carlisle Evangelical Free Church
Carlisle, PA

October 26th

8:00 a.m. Speak at Nativity School Chapel – Invitation Only
Harrisburg, PA

October 31st

9:00 a.m. Speak at North River Community Church
Pembroke, MA

November 1st

Speak at Harvard University
Boston, MA

Speak at Gordon College
Wenham, MA

November 2nd

6:00 p.m. Attend THETA/TCCA dinner - Invitation Only
Contact Ryan at RKeith@ForgottenVoices.org if you want to hear more about
TCCA and how you can help the seminary that trained Remmy and partners with
Forgotten Voices.

Mechanicsburg, PA

November 5th

Attend Mid-Atlantic Orphan Summit - Register online or at the door
Hershey, PA

November 6th

Attend Mid-Atlantic Orphan Summit
11:45 a.m. Panel Discussion: Your Business and the Orphan
2:45 p.m. Listening to Churches Abroad for Their Economic Freedom
Hershey, PA

November 7th

9:00 a.m. Speak to West Shore Evangelical Free Church Sunday School classes
10:45 a.m. Speak at West Shore Evangelical Free Church Youth Service
Mechanicsburg, PA

November 8

Depart for Zambia

Through that door - Remmy

2010-10-15T08:05:00.000-04:00

As we wait just outside customs for Remmy to walk out into the USA, more than excitement fills my heart. I'm definitely pumped to see one of my closest friends in the world. No doubt. But I'm also full of anticipation for what God is going to do over the next 3 weeks with and through Remmy.

Wait till you see this guy's smile. He fills a room with warmth without trying. God has uniquely gifted him to serve and love children in oppressive situations. I get to go to Africa and leave to come back to share stories from him to you all, but Remmy is always there. Now he gets to come share his own stories in person.

Remmy is a game changer. God is doing great things through him. His last name, Hamapande, means to clear and prepare the land for a new start. I wonder how many hearts and minds he'll renew. How many people who will renew their lives for God. How many will dedicate themselves to listen to their neighbors, to live more fully after meeting him.

My worldview has been expanded and enriched by Remmy. My prayer of excitement and anticipation is that as you pray for Remmy's trip, pray also that your heart would be clear, open and prepared to be renewed by what God has for us through Remmy.

Any minute he's going to arrive. I'm giddy with excitement and anticipation.

Pray with us,
Ryan

- Posted using BlogPress from Ryan's iPhone. Follow him at http://www.Twitter.com/forgotttenvoices.

Rescue operation; one child at a time

2010-10-14T01:29:00.005-04:00

Just a few hours ago many of us were glued to our screens as we witnessed the rescue operation of the Chilean miners who had been trapped and confined for over sixty days underground. The first seventeen days were the very difficult ones as it was apparent that without communicating to the outside world, they would all eventually have died. We thank God for technology and for the successful rescue mission; our prayer is that they reunite with their families and live as normal a life as they would love to. God bless them!

In the same vein, I have been thinking about the

many children, especially orphans, who are trapped in poverty and unfortunately not many are willing to take up rescue operations and offer them a chance to have a descent childhood. Many have not lived to enjoy their childhood lives because they had to grow up soon enough to take care of their siblings. There are many child headed households to the extent that school is to them a luxury and not a right anymore. This 'poverty confinement' is killing many as they resort to all sorts of survival schemes.

Government leaders in some cases keep changing goal posts about meeting the Millennium Development Goals, especially halving world poverty by 2015. We need people after God's heart; people who will clothe themselves with Christlike selfless lives and show some love to the agonizing children. Thank God to those that have heard their cries and are willing to reach out no matter how insignificant their efforts may look; God is seeing and his heart is delighted. Be part of the ministry of Forgotten Voices International, as they partner with local churches in Southern Africa to demonstrate the love of Christ to meet the physical and spiritual needs of children orphaned by AIDS in their communities. Just like the Chilean miners, ours is a rescue operation of one child at a time. I know we can make a difference with "rescue operation, one child at a time"!

Micah 6: 8 "...what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God"

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Remmy to speak Sunday @ West Shore Evangelical Free Church

2010-10-13T15:18:00.000-04:00

Sometimes in life, we get to meet very special people who help us draw closer to the Lord, learn more about life, and love more deeply. For me, Remmy Hamapande is one of those people. He is now our Program Director in Zambia, while also serving as a Children's Pastor in his church and helping lead Christian Education for his denomination (BIC) nationwide in Zambia.

Remmy loves life and is coming to the USA on Friday, where Matt Kirkley & I will give him a tour of our nation's capital. Then, we will spend Saturday with Messiah College for Homecoming 2010.

While he is here from this Friday - Nov 8, you will NOT want to miss your opportunity to hear him share and watch his big smile fill the room!

This Sunday, Oct 17, Remmy is sharing at West Shore Evangelical Free Church in Mechanicsburg, PA at 9am in Room 200A (Blue Room). He'll then attend the 10:45am service, before going off to a lunch with my mom, sisters, and older sister's kids (visiting for my sister's 10th reunion at Messiah and to meet my dear friend Remmy).

If you are interested in hearing Remmy speak in the Harrisburg area, Albany (Wed, Oct 20), NYC, Long Island, or Boston, please check back here. We hope to have his full schedule up later this week, as we iron out some details and get places linked up.

We hope you can make it!

-Ryan Keith

Game Changers - Are you One?

2010-09-24T12:32:00.001-04:00

When Forgotten Voices started as a ministry of West Shore Evangelical Free Church, we were trying to discern how our young adult ministry and church should play a role in what God was doing through His Church to address the AIDS crises in Zimbabwe. Amidst so much going on, what was our part? What was not our part?

Early on, we tried to make sure we were looking for what God was doing first and then try to join Him in that work instead of trying to create our own path, then pray that God supports that. If you are interested in this approach to discerning God's will, I thoroughly recommend checking out Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God (workbook). I'm going through this now (my 3rd time since high school). I go through it every 4-5 yrs to remind myself of how I was raised and explore what God is doing around me.

Well, from the very beginning, this search for God's work around us has helped me become aware of Game Changers in my life --- people I meet who are not just talking about it and not just doing stuff to change our world's greatest dilemmas. These are people who are shaping the conversation, attacking problems with laser focus (with action AND original thoughts), while remaining grounded in a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is GROWING and not becoming bitter at a world that hasn't quite "got" what these game changers are trying to teach us. People who just keep going because Christ loved us, so we get to love others.

Today and in recent days, I've been thinking about these "game changers" in my life --- in Africa and the USA. Because we couldn't do everything in Africa or even several things, we had to discern. Through this process, we found Obert and Fibion. We then found Pierre with Farming God's Way (now Foundations for Farming), then rediscovered James and The Rock Church....among others. Then, in Zambia, we discovered God's work through Remmy and Sarah. On and on...

Back in the USA, I've met a few people in my life who are definitely game changers. I want to share briefly about one person who I met with this week. Later this week, I'll try to share about another. As I listened and discerned what God was showing me, I learned that I need to share her story with the hopes that you may join me in praying for her so that her work may blossom. What she had to say was too important to keep to myself.

1) Heidi Burkey at Discover the Journey is a Game Changer. If you don't know DTJ, visit their website. Heidi is definitely a game changer. She is part of an incredible 5 person team doing work around the world, telling stories of hope and possible transformation. Stories that need to be told, yet the subject of the story has no voice to share to a larger audience. DTJ tries to find these stories, then give voice to the story teller through documentaries that are created as the story unfolds before their eyes when filming. Lots of people do documentaries. What makes her a GAME CHANGER is the way they are telling them, the way their ministry has grown to reach the halls of power at CNN, UN, JAM...all over. The impact their stories have had on high school students, adult groups who gathered to watch Rescued. Heidi and DTJ are game changers because the stories are not about them at all, nor is the credit they've received from telling them. Incredibly, despite having their ministry's story on CNN.com for a few days after their documentary on CNN appeared, they yielded little more than a few more hits to their website. Heidi and several of the 5 person team were/are doing 2-3 jobs to pay the bills. Friends were/are filling gas tanks and buying groceries to help them keep telling these stories...often unpaid missions around the world to find and tell stories of hope in the midst of hopelessness. When I sat with Heidi today for several hours listening to what God was teaching her, it was clear that the attention they have received from the CNN piece had not changed her ego one bit. She remained grounded in the belief that God's role for her was to share love where apathy seemed to triumph, internationally and in the USA. In doing so, she is not bitter when action doesn't follow. It's a struggle to not be frustrated, but in that nexus between what she hopes people find and what they immediately react too from the story... she sees God's patient love and grace for her and those suffering in the USA and in the stories she is privileged to share.

I've followed DTJ's work since around its founding. The founder, Jonathan, and Heidi are people I've prayed for over a long time. Now, I invite you to join me in those prayers. That God's work would continue to flow through them. That they would be receptive to demonstrating love to their subjects in the story and those receiving the story. That they would rejoice in the knowledge that God is going to redeem all of this some day, even when the hope in the Sudan or Haiti or NYC or DC or Angola or wherever they are seems just a spec of smolder in a dark cloud of pain.

Specifically for Heidi and her 4 teammates (including Jonathan), pray for financial support so they can lose their part-time jobs to fulfill their mission full-time telling stories. Pray for Board members to emerge to help lead them into a new season of growth and maturity. Pray for some transition questions looming.

Join me in praying for Heidi and Discover the Journey. Certainly one of the highlights of my day today in California.

Do you know a Game Changer in your life?

"Great is Thy faithfulness O Lord my Father..."

2010-09-23T13:50:00.007-04:00

"Great is Thy faithfulness O God my Father..." was the song upon my lips as I witnessed what God is doing in her life. Yes, the words of Lamentations 3:22-26 could not depart my heart as I listened to her story...

Lwiche Chanda, is one of the orphans that was empowered by New Life Christian Center, Mushili's tailoring program. Lwiche lost her father in 1996 and was, together with her other siblings, raised by her mother who struggled to raise them through selling vegetables by the roadside near their home. "Life became very rough when dad died", she recalls; "none of our extended family members offered to take us on, especially when it came to school fees", she continued. Because of the difficult situation, she could not continue with her schooling and soon dropped out.

"Thank God", she says, "last year when I heard about the tailoring project the church was offering to the orphans and widows, I jumped at the offer and enrolled". She was among the first group to graduate and she has been doing quite well in her small found business as a tailor. She proudly displayed her products when we visited her at home and joyfully shared how she can now support her mother and the last sister whom she has been assisting to continue with school. Her future hope is to one day buy her own knitting machine which she only learnt how to use during her training. "With it I can knit jerseys and sell to school going kids, especially during winter" she said.

I thank God for this opportunity to convey her heartfelt gratitude over what God, through the ministry of Forgotten Voices, is doing through the local church. Her life is once again dignified as she can fend for herself and her family. Indeed, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fails. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness", Lamentations 3:22-23

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

What I want for my birthday

2010-09-20T11:04:00.003-04:00

Friends, thank you already for the tremendous outpouring of love and thanksgiving to mark my birthday. What a year it has been:

personally - my beautiful wife, Katie, and I celebrated our 1st child's arrival (Avery Joy - she was born June 6) and moved our family from Boston to PA into our first home.

professionally - I graduated from grad school, went to Africa 3 times, watched you help our church partners in Africa send our 5,000th kid to school among many other amazing things!

Along the way this year, I've met some incredible people and shared many memorable conversations around the world. Our God has abundantly provided for Katie and I. There are too many to list here, but know I rejoice with you at the Lord's favor upon our house.

On a sad note, I lost my grandfather this year...my dad's dad - Isam Keith. When he passed away, I was unable to go to the funeral because of bad weather. I lost many friends in Africa due to AIDS related deaths...too many to list here. For my grandfather and these friends, I dedicate this year to your memory and the love you have helped me learn to share with others.

Last year, I felt like God wanted me to share 20 stories of people and places that have influenced me and blessed my life. This year, for my birthday, I've been rather silent --- trying to talk less and listen more.

I've decided what I want for my birthday. It's simple really. I want you to pray for me. I'm inviting you to join me in praying a prayer for God's continued guidance on my life. I'm asking you to pray for me as I lead Forgotten Voices, stand in the gap for kids (it gets emotionally overwhelming), and for me most importantly as a father and husband.

Pray that I continue to listen to the Lord as He leads our ministry. Pray that I seek His wisdom, not my own. Pray that my life is a sacrifice, ready to be molded into a cup that serves the Lord's will. Pray that my eyes are open to see God's work all around me and join him where I should, yet remain fervent in prayer for those areas where I should not work, but others should. With our work, it's easy to get distracted with good things that are not ours to pursue.

From the bottom of my heart - whether I know you personally or you just read my blog - you all inspire me. You help me see and experience love through your support for kids you may never get to meet, but you love them just the same. Through you, I've learned how to love more deeply.

I love because Christ loved me. Today, as you pray for me, know that I continue to pray for you. That you also would come to know and experience the love of Christ in your own lives. That your love for our work at Forgotten Voices would also flow into a love for your neighbors and family. That you would delight in the presence of our God. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude today that you and I get to play a small role in extending love to those around us --- here in the USA and around the world.

Today - pray for me as I lead and serve. I'll pray for you. And take a moment to share love with someone around you who needs it. That's what I want for my birthday. I'm thankful for each of you and your warm greetings.

All the best,

Ryan

Demonstrating Christ's love in the village

2010-09-02T05:35:00.009-04:00

Meet Pastor and Mrs. Golf Lungu, 2007 graduates of the Theological College of Central Africa (TCCA). God has been using Pastor Lungu and his wife to bring hope in the rural area of Pemba in Southern Province of Zambia, about 522km from Ndola. They founded a ministry called "Perseverance Ministry", with the aim of making a difference in the lives of the least evangelized people of their community, through their local church.

Pastor Lungu is a full time teacher at Jembo High School and also pastors a local church called Kanchomba Pilgrim Wesleyan Church, 10km from home. The Pastor says, "though it is a challenge to walk to their village church every Sunday or whenever there is need during the week, we are always happy as we know God is honoured through our service". His wife has offered their living room to run a Pre-School/Day Care ministry initiated to take care of children of teachers from the High School. She has also initiated a Tailoring School that is focusing on youths, especially the grade nine school leavers in the surrounding community. This has helped to delay girls from getting married early, as is normally the case in the village, because they are kept occupied with tailoring lessons and other related activities. In the village, farming is the main income activity of the rural peasant farmers, the Lungus have acquired some land to be growing corn, sweet potatoes, ground nuts and green vegetables for sale in times of good harvest and also for food security.

I came to learn about Pastor Lungu and his wife's ministry through the TCCA graduate network that Forgotten Voices has been part of since its inception. I met them during the Southern Province fellowship in Choma. Realizing their impact on their local community, yet with limited resources, Forgotten Voices organized second hand clothes and shoes from well wishers and sent them to their local church, Kanchomba Pilgrim Wesleyan Church. It was a blessing for widows and orphans, especially girls to receive these gifts. This fulfills Christ's words in Matthew 25: 36, "I needed clothes and you clothed me,..." This is how far your donations towards the ministry of FVI in Southern Africa goes; right in the village. And we say thank you for demonstrating the love of Christ to these people.

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Keeping the dreams alive

2010-08-27T13:24:00.006-04:00

It's exactly two weeks and three days before schools open and on behalf of all local pastors and school going children in Ndola, Zambia, I want to say THANK YOU for making it possible to have over 500 children continue with their education. Yes, their dreams of becoming teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers and police officers continue to be a reality as they get back into school on the 6th of September. They will enter the classroom without worrying about where school fees, books uniforms and shoes will come from because, just yesterday I was privileged to hand over your donations to pastors that are working hard to see to it that these orphans continue with their education without worries. The church has become the "father and mother" of these children and every new term brings challenges to the local pastor as to where support will come from to have "his children" continue with school.

Your donations, through the ministry of Forgotten Voices with local churches here in Southern Africa, is making this possible. Without these donations, a number of the children would have dropped out of school, as simple as that. Yes, their journey would have ended and their dreams of becoming somebody would have been no more. We cannot even imagine how vulnerable they would have become.They would have been exposed to all sorts of evil and abuse.

I urge you not to grow weary of the good works you are doing; "God...will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you helped his people and continue to help them", Hebrews 6: 10. Donate today through FVI and help keep their dreams alive!!

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Giving Voice to the Brethren in Christ Church, Copperbelt

2010-08-09T00:14:00.000-04:00

The BICC Copperbelt Orphan Care ministry is currently assisting about 100 orphans and other vulnerable children through their schooling. A regular supply of food supplements has also been extended to some of these children's homes because of their HIV status. About 10 members of the church are to be trained as home based care givers. The church also intends to empower widows, most of whom are HIV positive and not in formal employment, through small loans that will help them to run sustainable businesses like vegetable gardening and poultry farming. This initiative is intended to be a revolving fund to help the needy members.

Listening to the local church pastor narrate story after story of how poverty is ravaging the community around, then you understand the meaning of God's calling. God calls us to be defenders of the vulnerable in society and most of these do not have enough to eat, let alone take their children to school. But through the partnership with FVI, ministry has been made much more bearable for these forgotten men and women of God.

Be part of the ministry of Forgotten Voices and make a difference to a child's life in Africa as you demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.

You can give today at www.ForgottenVoices.org to help us keep this project going! We need to raise $4,000 by midAugust. Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Remmy Hamapande, Program Director - Zambia
ForgottenVoices.org

Mpongwe Outreach with Cure International

2010-08-05T11:22:00.007-04:00

It was a cold night and the journey seemed not to be ending as we were winding through the thick forest along the dust road to the camp. It took over an hour of driving from the main road and we finally got to our camping site just before midnight. It was in the middle of nowhere; only the bright moon and the stars in the sky gave the light; though, however, at the camp we were also greeted by a large camp fire and a group of youths singing some welcoming choruses for us. It was a joyous moment for everyone and after greeting friends and would be friends, it was time to be served with some hot food prepared from one of the many fires on the camp. After our meal, it was time to bid each other good night as we looked forward to a long day the following morning. Every morning, for the next five days, we had our early morning devotions before we set off for the village to village evangelism.

A team of some pastors partnering with Forgotten Voices International's ministry work in Ndola, Zambia and I, joined with Cure hospital Spiritual ministries team for an evangelism outreach in rural Ndola. The latest outreach was in the villages of Mpongwe, about 120km from Ndola town. We were camping at one of the Copperbelt Brethren in Christ church, whose some of the orphans are currently under the support of the BICC Copperbelt Orphan care ministry, in partnership with FVI for their educational requirements. It is always a joy and indeed part of our focus to witness Christ together with those we offer financial assistance in outreaches like these.

We enjoyed sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the locals as we crisscrossed the village paths walking for over an hour from our base in some instances as we visited villages. The villagers were very welcoming and very receptive to the Word. Over seventy people received Christ as their personal Saviour by the end of six days of our stay.

The whole outreach reminded me of God's commissioning of Isaiah, in Isaiah 6:8, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, "Here am I. Send me!". The Lord is calling on you and me to answer His call of ministry either through donating to Forgotten Voices' ministry in Southern Africa, or to go out in person and be part of the harvesters; yes, the harvest is plentiful, Matthew 9: 37!

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Giving Voice to Kabushi Evangelical Church of Zambia

2010-08-01T23:22:00.000-04:00

Kabushi ECZ is located in one of the densely populated townships of Ndola, in Zambia. The local church's orphan care ministry is currently assisting 60 children continue with their education. Most of these children had dropped out of school, but when Forgotten Voices became partners with the church, hope was rekindled in the lives of these children as a number of them went back to school. However, the need is always growing and many more still need help to continue with their schooling.

Due to water problems around the community, the church is planing to dig a well at the church compound. This will alleviate water problems the community is currently experiencing. According to the pastor, this will help over 100 households, translating to an average of six hundred people.

I always admire Pastor Benjamin Mashonga's love for the church and his community, he is the oldest pastor among local partners so far Forgotten Voices has in Ndola, but one of the most active in the area of visiting his members. Your continued help through the ministry of FVI in this part of Africa will help pastors like Benjamin meet some of the physical needs of their flock.

You can help Kabushi ECZ and other projects like it by giving today at www.ForgottenVoices.org. We need to raise $1,500 this week to keep this project going for 3 more months.

Thanks! Sincerely,
Remmy Hamapande, Program Director - Zambia

Giving Voice to Kawama Evangelical Church of Zambia

2010-07-29T11:49:00.000-04:00

Kawama is a remote township situated at the most end of the city of Ndola. It is one of the oldest settlements in Ndola that was established by retired miners. This community has not been spared by the situation of children being orphaned by HIV/AIDS and as Forgotten Voices, we are proud to be partners with Kawama ECZ's orphan care ministry. Currently the ministry has sent 34 orphans back to school.

Echoes of Mercy, as the local church orphan care ministry is mostly called, has also been supporting the elderly with food supplements and household chores. Am always humbled by the sheer love the local members have for one another and for the community. The poverty, though so evidently around, has not stopped them from their life of joy and readiness to share what they have. Currently a sweet potato garden has been started at the church plot to share the produce and sell the surplus.

They remind me of Christ's words in Matthew 6: 25-31. They have chosen to trust The Lord for their provisions and never to allow anxiety reign. Your support through the ministry of Forgotten Voices has so far been their portion of God's answer for their provisions. As you continue doing so, you are making it possible for most of these children's dreams to be realized.

We need to raise $750 by the beginning of August to keep this project going because we paid most of the expenses already, but still some to go. Give today at ForgottenVoices.org to help the Kawama Evangelical Church of Zambia continue to reach out with the love of Christ.

Thanks. Sincerely,
Remmy Hamapande, Program Director - Zambia

Giving Voice to Northrise Evangelical Church of Zambia

2010-07-26T08:59:00.000-04:00

Northrise ECZ is currently helping 17 orphans through their education. The church's orphan care ministry also gives food supplements to those affected by HIV. They also hold orphan Sundays once in a while to have food fellowship and games with orphans and other children from both the church and the surrounding community under their care. This has made orphans feel welcome in the family of believers; especially those from the surrounding community. It has become an evangelistic ministry to those that are yet to know Christ as their personal Saviour. The food fellowship brings memories of early believers in Acts 3:46 and 4: 32, when non lacked food as they ate together as brethren.

The local church pastor, Rev. Kambungu, is also in the police service as a chaplain. His ministry therefore, extends to his community service duty as a police officer giving counsel to fellow police officers and to juveniles. He has a heart for the church ministry's positive influence and tangible impact towards the wider community. He has organized a number of seminars at his local church and in police camps bent on equipping widows and children on, not only how not to get on the wrong end of the law, but, how to live a life free from drugs and HIV and above all, of service to fellow man.

Forgotten Voices is proud to be part of this local church's ministry to the children and widows that are being given a lifeline to continue the journey of life with dignity. Join us and be part of making it possible for these children to realize their dreams through donating to FVI's ministry in Africa.

We need to raise $2,000 by August 1 to keep this ministry going. Give today at ForgottenVoices.org.

Sincerely,
Remmy Hamapande
Program Director - Zambia

Giving Voice to Ndeke Evangelical Church of Zambia

2010-07-23T01:42:00.000-04:00

Ndeke is simple, yet a powerful force upon the community.

Ndeke Evangelical Church of Zambia has been caring for 48 orphans through their schooling with the help from Forgotten Voices International. In the last year the church embarked on equipping its members to actively get them involved in home based care for the sick. It trained 20 home based care givers who have since been visiting the sick and incapacitated, most of whom are suffering from HIV/AIDS. They help with household chores and assess on their nutritional needs and other help they may require. This has also helped in rolling out more information about prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

I have always been encouraged by their home based care ministry as it reminds me of Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. The pastor and his team do not only love the Lord with all they are and have, but they love their neighbors as themselves; especially the sick and vulnerable members of their church and the surrounding community.

Remmy with Ryan and leadership at the Ndeke ECZ Church

Currently the church is trying to stock up their already constructed tuck-shop with groceries and they hope it will help the orphan care ministry in the years to come as a source of income. For the local church to manage taking these orphans to school and realize the hope of running a sustainable shop, they need your hand...!

Sincerely,
-Remmy Hamapande, Program Director - Zambia

You can give toward this project right now at ForgottenVoices.org. We need to raise $3,500 by the beginning of August to keep this project up and running. Thanks for your support!!

Giving Voice to Free Methodist Church - Ndola

2010-07-20T17:58:00.002-04:00

Update: This project was just featured in the latest eVoice from Forgotten Voices. You can read that here.
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The Free Methodist Church is currently assisting 26 orphans through their schooling and other nutritional needs. The church also has a farming program where members, every farming season, cultivate maize to improve on household food security for most of its vulnerable members. Each family, through help from Forgotten Voices, is given seed and at harvest, three bags are donated to the church for redistribution to the sick and old, then the rest is sold to buy other food stuffs like beans and dry fish for sharing.

The pastor, Rev. Francois Murekezi is a Rwandan refugee whose story of escape from the 1994 genocide into Zambia always reminds me of God's promises to the Israelites in exile. In Jeremiah 46: 27, God promised to save His people in exile. His ministry with the local church in this 'foreign' land has been testimony to how God uses those who avail themselves for His service.

The increasing number of orphans and widows is the reason their program should continue. More and more needy children, especially orphans come to the church door step for help. They will better manage the program with your assistance. As you pray for the local church, remember too, to donate through Forgotten Voices's ministry in Africa.

Sincerely,
Remmy Hamapande, Program Director - Zambia

We need to raise $2,500 to help continue this program. Give today at ForgottenVoices.org.

Have you met Eddie, age 14? He's a future pilot and one of the 26 kids supported by this project. You can read his story here.

Giving Voice to Lubuto Church of Christ

2010-07-17T22:06:00.001-04:00

Lubuto community is a highly densely populated township of Ndola in Zambia, and most of the people are poor and cannot afford three meals a day. Through the local church's partnership with Forgotten Voices International, Lubuto Church of Christ has managed to purchase a hammer mill which, when installed, will help generate some income to support the 32 widows and 80 orphans currently under its care. The surrounding community is the target market for their business as they will bring their corn for grinding into corn meal at a much affordable fee than buying a $14 bag of mealie meal. However, the hammer mill installation is yet to be made as the church needs more money to pay the power utility company to connect power.

During my visits, I have always seen God's love for the weak and fatherless being demonstrated through the ministry of this local church to the community. Young and old, very old women find it a haven in the compounds of Lubuto Church of Christ. With the hammer mill in place, one can only say AMEN! to God for their presence in Lubuto community.

Through your support for Lubuto Church of Christ's ministry; your actions will resonate God's word in Psalm 82: 3 "...Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed"

Sincerely,
Remmy Hamapande, Program Director - Zambia

We need to raise $4,000 by August 1 to keep assisting 32 widows, sending 80 children to school and help build the church's hammermill project. You can give at http://www.ForgottenVoices.org.

Ryan reflects on Lubuto Church of Christ:

Giving Voice to New Life Christian Centre, Mushili

2010-07-16T15:09:00.001-04:00

New Life Christian Centre's orphans and widows care ministry is running a tailoring project aimed at empowering widows from the church and the surrounding community so that they can sustain themselves. Through partnership with Forgotten Voices in Zambia, two groups of fifteen widows each has so far been empowered with a sewing machine each and some cash to get going. Most of these widows are HIV positive and with this empowerment, have been given hope and a new start in life with their families. The local church has also managed to take back to school about 50 orphans through buying school uniforms and paying school fees with the help of FVI.

I always thank God when I see widows and their children, most of whom suffered persecution at the hands of their husband's relatives when their husband/father died, being helped pick themselves up and move on in life. One can't help but shed tears when listening to some of their stories; but with churches like New Life Christian Centre around, hope has been given to these widows and their children.

I visited one of the widows that recently graduated from the church initiated tailoring program. I was encouraged when she told me that she was managing to fend for her family's needs better than she used to. They can afford better and more regular meals now.

As James 1: 27 puts it; "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...,"

James echoes the core ministry life of New Life Christian Centre. With your help, the local church will continue empowering the needy in our community as the number of orphans and widows continue growing.

-Remmy Hamapande, Program Director - Zambia

We need to raise $4,000 by August 1 to cover this project for 6 more months. Donate today at http://www.ForgottenVoices.org.

Watch Ryan reflect on New Life Christian Centre

When hope is rekindled

2010-07-05T04:14:00.004-04:00

The dusty road leading to Mrs. Mwale's home was rugged and winding, but the spirit we found her in was very jovial and friendly. Mrs Mwale lost her husband a few years ago and is one of the widows that are being empowered by the New Life Christian Centre through the partnership with Forgotten Voices International here in Zambia.

The church empowered all the fifteen women that graduated in tailoring last January with a sewing machine each, and a little start up cash to kick start their business. She was all smiles when she started narrating how the knowledge she acquired in tailoring and the sewing machine she was given is helping her. She told me how she one day made a school uniform for her daughter but little did she know that this was going to be an advert at her daughter's school. She now has a steady stream of school uniforms that need to be made because of her daughter. Further more, she has a number of people bringing their clothes for adjustment and mending. She actually feels her life has been dignified as she can now fend for her family's needs with her own hands.

She extends her gratitude to all those that rekindled her hope when she was losing it. I therefore take this opportunity myself to thank those who donate to Forgotten Voices towards their ministry in Southern Africa; and I just encourage them to continue as their efforts are very much appreciated. Indeed, people's hopes are being rekindled.

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Announcing Arrival of Avery Joy Keith

2010-06-06T16:10:00.000-04:00

Friends - Katie and I are excited to announce the arrival of Avery Joy Keith, born June 6, 2010 at 1:12 pm. She was 7 lbs 6 oz and we are waiting on her height from the nursery. Avery and Katie are doing well! Throughout, Katie was incredible and a testament to the love of God for all of us. Here are two pictures.

When Katie and I were praying and considering a name, we came upon Avery and couldn't let it go. No other name was right. Avery, in the English translation, means wisdom (or elf wisdom in some translations, which I really like). Throughout our pregnancy and our marriage, Katie and I regularly prayed for wisdom for how we should live our lives before God. So, when we learned this name we loved means wisdom, it is even more perfect. May God grant us wisdom to raise Avery.

Katie brings me great Joy every day. Daily, Katie and I experience Joy in fellowship with all of you and this world. When God grants us wisdom, Joy follows. Also, Joy is the middle name of my younger sister Heidi, who brings Joy to all who know her. Her life is a testament to God's grace and love for the whole Keith family.

More pictures are coming, but join us in praising God for the arrival of Avery Joy Keith!

We are so thankful for your prayers leading up to today and in the days ahead.

With love and appreciation,

The Keith Family

PS The staff here are wonderful! Special love to Nurse Sue!

My 1st Letter to My 1st Child

2010-06-06T11:22:00.000-04:00

Katie and I know what it's like to be WAITING for news on a baby's arrival. With Katie now getting some rest and sleeping, I have nervous energy so I wanted to take this opportunity to post an assignment of mine from Harvard about our baby girl. For all you moms out there, Katie has endorsed this and I'm not neglecting my duties. :)

I was asked in March to write my eulogy or something that expressed what I live for presented in a different/creative way. I decided to write my 1st letter to my 1st child. Through writing it, I learned a great deal about the love of our God for us. I hope you find it encouraging today, as well.

Enjoy reading this as we all await her arrival.

-Ryan

PS Katie and baby are doing great! We will meet her today! :) Thanks for praying! I love these ladies!

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March 2010:

To my precious daughter,

You are so close to being born, due to arrive on June 4th. As our first child, I’m especially excited to meet you. While we talk every night before your mommy goes to bed, I cannot WAIT to meet you in person.

My professor asked me to write my eulogy. With your arrival coming, that’s too sad for me. Instead, I’d like to share with you who I am and what I aspire to in life – and, in turn, what I hope for you.

I hope this short piece helps ground you in knowing you are loved by God, your mom, and me.

There are a great number of things to fill your head with in this world that you’ll soon explore. This world is a busy place. You must work hard to block out the voices of doubt, cynicism, fear, and hate. Those voices are everywhere. Instead, fill your head and heart with good things. You’ll find those good things by following Jesus and by serving God and our world. Because Christ loved you and me, we get to love others.

Strive to never doubt the existence of love in every person you meet. Enemy or friend, believe deeply in the capacity of all people to achieve more than they think possible for themselves. Aspire to help realize the dreams of kids who do not have many champions. As you’ve probably heard your mom and I discuss, I started a group called ForgottenVoices.org, where we equip local churches in Zimbabwe and Zambia to meet the physical & spiritual needs of children orphaned by AIDS. Through this amazing experience, I’ve learned that God wants each of these precious children to find their own voices to become doctors, artists, teachers, and accountants.

Just like my life is now dedicated to championing your cause, I pray that your life is spent championing the causes of others so that people remember their stories, even if they forget yours and mine.

Soak up experiences. Daily, I see and hear miracles of humanity – people extending love when no one is looking. My aspiration is for you to find joy in the stuff that matters. Along the way, life will be hard. You will surely struggle. This will make you stronger. But know that your mom and I will be there with you, working hard to let you know that you are loved by us, but you belong to God.

Already you are the great joy of my life. Thanks for listening. I love you.

With love and affection,
Your dad

Transitions to Fatherhood - Thunder & Lightening

2010-06-05T20:59:00.001-04:00

Last night, there was a horrific thunderstorm near our home outside Boston. For over an hour, it felt like the thunder and lightening were both simultaneous and just outside our bedroom window. From 2:30-4am, flashes of light and rumbling, with giant roars, were constant.

Thankfully, my beautiful wife Katie, who is 9 months pregnant, was able to sleep through much of it -- only by the grace of God.

I'm usually the deep sleeper, but tonight God had lessons for me to learn. I had gone to bed worried about several things: a) the coming birth our first child - a girl, who was due June 4 but had not come; b) the seemingly overwhelming needs of our church partners in Africa who were sharing new losses of life with me earlier that day and new things they felt that God was calling them to do; and c) transitions in life - how would I be going from my life pre-babyto being a dad to a beautiful baby girl? Was I ready?

I drifted in and out of sleep - every 5 minutes waking to a roar from the earth that could not be ignored. One of my best friends, Scott, told me today that the storm was so loud their dog Leila shivered under the bed, unwilling to be held or comforted - a sight he had never seen. In short, the storm was loud, bright, and scary. At times, I felt like Leila.

But, as I lay staring at the ceiling (or more honestly, peeking through my eyelids - afraid to take in the show), I was slowly comforted by God. I started thinking about the Rock God has been in my life, in Katie's, and in the lives of our African friends. I started thinking about transitions & God's grace.

For all of us, God is faithful. I started remembering about the transitions for the woman I met who had walked 6 miles from her hut to the Mtshabezi Hospital in Zimbabwe to give birth -- she was all alone. She walked that far and then gave birth within days while I was there visiting. I've since seen women like her and God has helped each of them through that transition.

Then I started thinking about the decision I made in 2004 to not go to Harvard and instead go to Zimbabwe to see how our church in PA could get involved in the AIDS crises, unsure of what a transition like that meant. Would I ever get to go? Now, today I'm sitting less than 2 miles away from Harvard. God has graciously allowed all of us to take part in building the ministry of Forgotten Voices that came from that 1st trip AND I just graduated with my masters from Harvard last week. God is faithful through all transitions.

Katie and I obviously love the church. When we made the move to Boston from PA for my grad school, we were unsure of where we would find a church and God provided us with a home that exceeded our wildest imaginations - God knew and provided for us during this transition. Friends from Hope Fellowship have become family to us and we love them deeply.

We didn't know where we would live and God provided a home - both in Boston and now the perfect new home when we move back to PA where I'll resume full-time leadership of Forgotten Voices.

God provided the perfect job for Katie in Boston, after she left a job she loved at Messiah College. The new job as a social worker for a Head Start preschool here in the area helped Katie experience great joy in using many of her skills - some she didn't know she had. Through this transition God helped her fall in love with her role, her kids at school, and her coworkers.

With the rapid fire of the night's storm, I kept thinking about all the ways that God sometimes rocks us and rolls us with provision that exceeds our desires. Just like the thunder and lightening, our God is faithful.

I slipped off to sleep - thinking about our God. I woke refreshed and at peace, knowing that God has been there all the time. I just needed a light & sound show to help me know that God will be there as I transition into fatherhood and continue to lead Forgotten Voices.

Now - as we await our daughter's arrival, I'm staring into the dark sky -- waiting for the thunder and lightening to come again tonight. But this time, rather than with a heart full of anxiety, I am at peace --- expecting God to continue to provide for our every need & thankful to Him for this incredible journey He has taken Katie & I on.

Tonight - I'm also praying for all of you. That you may experience the peace of God that transcends all understanding. THat the peace of God will guide your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. That tonight, whether you are in the midst of a storm in the sky or storm in life, you will experience peace. Enjoy the show!!

-Ryan Keith
Father to Be - Anyday now...
President, www.ForgottenVoices.org

"Seedtime and harvest...will never cease"

2010-06-03T12:28:00.006-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I joined a church member's family in harvesting their crop of maize (corn). We thank God for the good rains Zambia had experienced in the last farming season as there has been a good harvest for most farmers in our country. This is good for food security, especially with the vulnerable people of our society. Farmers are busy harvesting their maize, which is the staple food for most Zambians. The grain is made into mealie meal (maize flour) for cooking nshima/tsaza. However, pray for the harvest to progress well as the past few days of rain may cause much of it to rot before it is fully transfered into barns.

Just for your info, a family of six would normally consume 25kg of mealie meal per month and this 25kg bag costs about $12 and not many families can afford. With the seed money Forgotten Voices has assisted families through the local church in the last planting season, most families would now be saved from buying mealie meal at $12 for a while because it only costs $2 of maize grain enough to be milled into 25kg. The simple math shows how more families will now afford to have three meals a day.

Further more, it's time for backyard gardens and most families are busy planting seedlings for home grown vegetables. For your info, again; a kilo of vegetables (say lettuce) would cost about $2, but a roll of vegetable seedling costing the same amount when transplanted, would produce more than 50kg of vegetables to feed a family of six for more than five months. This would save the family $100 + +, which can be used for other pressing issues in the home.

Thank you for the seed money you have generously donated to the ministry of Forgotten Voices. This reminds me of The Lord, when He smelled the pleasing aroma of Noah's sacrifices and then vowed never again to curse the ground because of man. He then says in verse 22 of Genesis 8, "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest,...will never cease." Indeed, we can do more with a little help of seed. Donate to the ministry of Forgotten Voices and make a difference in a child's life of Southern Africa.

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Hope Fellowship - Sunday, May 30

2010-05-30T07:58:00.001-04:00

Friends - On Sunday, May 30, I'm briefly speaking to Hope Fellowship Church in Cambridge, MA, where Katie and I are members. It has been our home for the past 2 years while I've completed my Masters in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School (graduated this past Thursday). Here are the comments I shared with the church today.
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"I've always loved kids and consider it the responsibility of all of us to defend them and provide for them, regardless of culture, country, or income level. Now, as an expectant father, even more so. I'm glad to be here with you today to talk about kids.

In 2004, I was living in Pennsylvania and just a couple weeks before coming to Harvard for grad school, I was asked to not to and instead travel with my church to Zimbabwe to see how we could get involved in the AIDS crises as a church. I went to Zimbabwe, unsure of when I'd go to Harvard - if at all.

I went to Zim and then went again. In January 2005, I met a woman named Mrs. Mpofu sitting under tree, watching her 2 children (Peterson & Prudence) watch her die. Who would take care of them? Provide for them? Sitting under the tree with me was Obert - a Pastor.

Over and over, Obert and people in his church were saying, I don't know how God's going to provide, but we will care for these children. Obert still helps look out for Peterson and many more, like Neatness, who you will meet on video soon.

There, I felt God calling me to start the ministry of Forgotten Voices, where we would demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ by equipping local churches in Zimbabwe (and now Zambia) to meet the physical and spiritual needs of children orphaned by AIDS in their communities.

We are now equipping about 160 churches to meet the needs of about 5,000 kids in 3 specific ways:

1) Unique Needs: Local churches, like Hope, know the needs of its neighbors. Some of our projects involve paying school fees, food, seed, or medicine. Each is different, meeting unique needs.

2) Credit to Local church in Africa: The people who receive support from the local church do not know anything about Forgotten Voices, limiting dependency and creating a genuine opportunity for the church to create income overtime to support the project on an on-going basis.

3) Seminaries in Africa: We work through graduates of accredited seminaries in Africa, so denominations and graduates can share lessons with each other and build a more equipped church for the long-term.

I finally came to Harvard in 2008 to see how we could grow to help thousands of churches. Now, after graduating this past Thursday, I'm returning to Pennsylvania to lead the ministry of Forgotten Voices full-time. As a missionary, in part supported by Hope, I want to invite you to join me in 3 three ways:

1) Pray: Wisdom for how we are going to equip these churches and join them in what God is calling them to do. Wisdom for me to apply the lessons I've learned.

2) Giving:

Immediate: We have an immediate need of almost $50,000 due before the end of July, to help us keep kids in school. Prayerfully consider giving toward that goal.
TenTogether.org: Join or start a TenTogether Team. Ten Together is a new initiative where we are asking you to gather 10 people in your community friends, family, coworkers or neighbors. Each person gives $10/month to Forgotten Voices and each team gives at least 10 hrs of service to a local project in the USA to model the African church responding to the needs of people. Find out more today at TenTogether.org. Our goal is to start 1,000 teams of 10 by the end of 2010. $10 + 10 hrs = Massive Impact for kids!
Missionary Support: As a missionary, partly supported by Hope Fellowship, I need to raise $2,500/month to care for myself, my wife and our daughter. Prayerfully consider supporting me. You can give at ForgottenVoices.org.

3) Volunteering: As I'm leaving Boston now, we need help in 2 areas. a) Church Relations - people to connect area churches in Boston with the ministry of Forgotten Voices -- you can contact Nate & Ellen Shaffer, volunteer Directors of Church Relations, if interested; b) TenTogether - people to champion this inititative throughout the community - to kids, high schools, colleges, Sunday school classes, coffee houses, etc. Contact me at TenTogether@ForgottenVoices.org if interested.

Thanks for listening. You can give at www.ForgottenVoices.org and find out more about TenTogether at TenTogether.org.

In conclusion, Curtis and friends of Hope, every night pastors, like Obert, are crying out to God to provide resources to fulfill the "YES, we will care for your kids" that they spoke earlier that day to a dying woman. Today, here in this place, through the ministries of Forgotten Voices, we know who they area in Zimbabwe and Zambia and they know who the kids are and what they need. I invite you to join us in equipping them to do what God has called them to do.

Now - I invite you to meet one of my friends by video. Her name is Neatness, a young 14 year old girl in Zimbabwe.

Thanks for having me.

-Ryan Keith,
Member, Hope Fellowship Church
President, Forgotten Voices International

Join us mourn Elizabeth

2010-05-27T08:02:00.003-04:00

On the 29th of April I wrote a blog requesting for prayers from Christians around the world for the recovery of Elizabeth Njalila. She was a 17 years old orphan with a heart complication and one of the many orphans Forgotten Voices, through local churches in Zambia, has been giving a chance to renew their hopes of a future in education after the loss of their parents.

I am very sorry and sad to inform you that Elizabeth could not make it and she went to be with the Lord a couple of days ago. Join us in praying for peace, comfort and the Lords grace as we mourn her.

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Be a Voice for Ndeke ECZ

2010-05-24T08:25:00.000-04:00

Ndeke, Zambia

Impact: 48 primary and secondary kids in school; 20 adults trained in homebased care; funding to supply orphans and caretakers with health & food needs

The winding road back to Ndeke reminds us of Zimbabwe’s urban areas every time we visit them. The smiling faces within the church remind us that the loving touch of a neighbor helping a neighbor brings joy to the giver and the receiver. Every day of the week, the church seems to be filled with programming aimed at improving the health of the community – physically & spiritually. This is the transformative power of a church – to know and understand the unique needs of the people.

Forgotten Voices is proud to support this local church effort, in partnership with the community leaders that call Ndeke home. Help us continue helping Ndeke and local churches like it by investing in them at http://www.forgottenvoices.org.

Thank you for being a voice for Ndeke ECZ.

Helping to make life better

2010-05-21T03:15:00.004-04:00

Vivian Kanema's baby could not walk or stand up for the past three and half years because of her condition. The baby was born with some complications which included cerebral palsy. This made the young mother's life unbearable. Vivian is a double orphan and dropped out of school when no one was willing to pay for her education. She later got pregnant. However, life became even more difficulty when she gave birth to a baby that had cerebral palsy.

With the help of Forgotten Voices' ministry through the local church of Twapia ECZ, the child has been receiving some attention from Arthur Davidson Hospital, a children's hospital nearby. She has been undergoing some physiotherapy and now can stand up on her own and with the help of a walking chair, she can walk. "One day my baby will walk, and hopefully play with other children as a normal child would"; is always her mother's prayer.

The story of Vivian's baby reminds me of the story of King David and Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9. Mephibosheth was crippled and could not walk without assistance, but David showed him kindness and he ate at the King's table all his life. David was said to be a man after God's heart; less wonder he acted this way to the needy. The local church has demonstrated the love of Jesus Christ to this little child whose voice could easily have been shut out and ignored. With the help from the church Vivian's life has been made a little bearable and she is thinking of continuing with her education in the near future.

Remember to donate to the ministry of Forgotten Voices in its partnership with local churches of Southern Africa; you will be helping to make a child's life much better.

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Mother's Day 2 days later - Ode to Moms

2010-05-11T21:31:00.003-04:00

Friends - I'm so excited about my mom, Valerie. :) She brings joy to the lives of all who meet her. This past Sunday, I really enjoyed taking my mom out to eat fresh seafood in Boston and celebrating her lifetime of love for my 2 sisters and I. This year, was especially great, as my wife, Katie, and I await our daughter's arrival sometime in the next month or so. June 4 is our due date. Celebrating Katie's new role as a mom made this Mothers Day even more personal for me.

Two days ago, we all had a chance to celebrate our moms, grandmothers, wives, sisters, and friends who are moms. You may have also taken time to remember a lost loved one - a mom who is no longer with us. Whether it was a great day of laughing with your mom or remembering the happy memories, I love Mother's Day.

My mom joked about funny things that happened when I was a kid, like when she ran over my foot by accident, told me to stop crying and sent me to school. :-) I was really ok, but my memory gives me incredible sway still to this day. :-) But we also talked about the serious times, when she was doing things without me even knowing it. Being a mom is often a thankless job, but a vital one in the life of a child.

With the ministry of Forgotten Voices, we have the opportunity to equip brave men and women in local churches across Zimbabwe and Zambia, who are faithfully sharing the love of Christ like a mom to children who are not their own, but loving them as if they are. At Forgotten Voices, we see LOTS and lots of stories of people taking in children who show up on the doorsteps or churches because the kids have no where to go after losing their moms. We see aunts and sisters or grandmothers caring for the children of a deceased family member.

I remember walking into a homestead and meeting a 73 year old grandmother to 24 children, 15 of them school aged. The woman had lost all 6 of her children to HIV/AIDS related illnesses, leaving all the kids under her care. We met during my first trip to Zimbabwe and Forgotten Voices started providing funds to the local church to send some of the children to school, as well as provide seed for the family. You can hear an interview I did about this story here.

Over the next 2 years, as I got to know her, GoGo (grandmother) told me that she did it because "it is the right thing to do and these children need me." The woman was confident and stable in her declaration. She felt that God would provide because He would want her to care for the kids.

You and I, as we celebrate our own moms, have the opportunity to equip women like my friend GoGo, who dares to believe like a mother -- that God will provide for our needs.

Please consider making a monthly gift to help us take care of GoGo's grandchildren (9 of which are still in school) and thousands like them all over Zimbabwe and Zambia. Without your motherly love and equipping local churches to play the role of mother to thousands of children orphaned by AIDS, our mission to equip them would not be possible.

Thanks for loving kids, loving moms, and helping local churches in Africa do the same!

-Ryan

Join us Pray for Elizabeth

2010-04-29T03:02:00.003-04:00

Meet Elizabeth Njalila, 17; she is one of the many orphans Forgotten Voices, through her local church in Zambia, has been helping meet her school needs. However, Elizabeth has been unwell for sometime now and has not been going to school. She is suffering from a heart condition. Doctors say her heart is enlarging and that is why she feels dizzy and gets tired easily.

Because of this Liz has not been attending classes and it hurts for a young girl like her to be sited at home and watch friends go passed her home to school. Please join us in praying for her as she has now been admitted to Ndola Central hospital.

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Goats for sustainability

2010-04-26T14:47:00.006-04:00

Last week, the TCCA Principal, four alumni committee members and I visited Choma to meet with TCCA graduates doing ministry in the Southern Province of Zambia. Choma is a town about 700km south of Ndola. It was a time of fellowship, encouraging one another in the Lord and above all, reconnecting with fellow Christians. The next day, in the evenings as the fellowship was getting to a close, we prayed together and had Holy Communion. Then came the sad moments of saying goodbyes to one another. However, I decided to stay back and join Wamunyima, a grad doing ministry with the Brethren in Christ Church's Compassionate ministry. Forgotten Voices has been very much a part of this church's ministry; and it was an honour for me to visit some of their projects deep in the rural areas.

Apart from the usual school requisites for orphans and food supplement assistance most beneficiaries and care givers receive, the BICC is also involved in projects that would sustain the lives of recipients beyond FVI and other donor help. The goat project is one such exciting venture the church has been doing. Teachings on how to keep goats and sustain oneself from them are being undertaken prio to distribution. Most goats are distributed to villagers in remote parts of Choma rural.

I was more than excited to briefly be part of the goat distribution project. We distributed six goats to each family and they were eleven families in total. All the recipients are people living with the HIV virus and the project is meant to help sustain their lives as goats provide high quality milk, and when they multiply, they are easy to resale if necessary. The beneficiaries will have to redistribute the first six off springs to the next family. The trend continues until all the intended beneficiaries are helped. There was excitement and jubilations among recipients at a local thatched BICC church. The local pastor was happy too saying that members will be strong and health again.

This would not have been possible had it not been your choosing to demonstrate Christ's love to people you may have just heard stories about. You have indeed chosen to echo Jesus' words in the gospel of Matthew; "...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" Matt. 25: 40. Well, it's a fact, goats are now sustaining people's lives in these forgotten villages of Choma.

I am your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Adoption - Beginning Resources to Explore

2010-04-15T02:16:00.008-04:00

Friends -

Adoption is a complicated and wonderful process, which has blessed many of my friends and challenged others. First off, I know very little about it, but this post is a result of lots and lots of questions lately.

Lately, in conversations with friends of Forgotten Voices and strangers I meet along this journey of life, adoption has been coming up. Forgotten Voices does not directly deal with adoption, nor do any of the countries we work in allow for adoption outside the country. So, for us as an organization, the adoption question is not in play for our direct ministry. Instead, and some may argue in addition to local people adopting kids in Zim & Zambia, Forgotten Voices is working hard to equip local churches to care for children orphaned by AIDS in their communities --- helping provide some resources of time, money, and tangible products like seed & water to meet the physical needs kids have daily, especially the roughly 300,000 kids that live without an adult in Zimbabwe & Zambia. We equip churches to help a sliver of these so far and you can read about some of our church partnerships here.

But what about adoption? Well, I believe I need to learn more about it personally and professionally. I know I care about kids and I've dedicated my heart to advancing Forgotten Voices' mission, but adoption? I need to learn more. That's one reason why I'm going to Summit VI in 2 weeks (April 28-30) in Minneapolis to come together with leaders from around the world to think critically about how to adopt well, still equip local communities to care for children, and support foster care services, as well. Wanna come? Check out Summit VI --- not too late to register.

Orphan Care & Adoption are not issues to allow yourself a quick "I don't know" or "it's not for me" without consideration. This question about how we defend the vulnerable in our society is SOOOOO important, especially to Christians. In fact, in James, we read this:

"27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27 (NIV)

SO... if it's SOOO important that the Bible calls looking after widows and orphans a measure of TRUE religion, where do we begin? Let's start with some honest, practical questions...

One of the biggest questions I get is "why is it so expensive", followed by, "is there help? because there should be help".

Today, in a course on performance leadership I assist with at Harvard's Kennedy School, we are going through a case on adoption, foster care and child protection services. While the case was from quite a few years ago, my classmates were really intrigued by what is involved today to adopt and what current government support is available to help families in adoption. So - where do we go?

The first question - what does it take to adopt? - is complicated, with lots of things to think through. Here is a great list of resources to explore from the Christian Alliance for Orphans, a membership group which Forgotten Voices is proud to belong to and support.

The second question - what financial assistance is out there? - has some answers too. Again, I draw from the Alliance's great leadership. Earlier in April, they posted a blog about current financial assistance.

From the Christian Alliance for Orphans Blog:

Amidst the intense controversy of the health care bill signed into law by President Obama yesterday, there’s at least one provision every orphan advocate can cheer. The adoption tax credit was preserved for another year...and increased in value!

To encourage and support adoption, the adoption tax credit was expanded by President Bush and Congress in 2001. This increased the value of the credit from $5,000 to $10,000, and indexed it for inflation (meaning the credit would increase each year to keep up with inflation.) For 2010, its value had risen to $12,170. However, the 2001 increase was scheduled to “sunset” at the end of 2010. This would mean that any adoptions finalized after December 31, 2010 would be eligible for—at most—a credit of only $5,000.

This sunset has now been extended one year. That means that it will need to be extended again before the end of 2011. For the present, however, this extension comes as very welcome news for families considering adoption or in the adoption process.

Specifically, the provisions contained in the health care bill include:

The current adoption tax credit has been extended until the end of 2011;
The value of the adoption tax credit has been increased from $12,170 to $13,170.
The increase is “retroactive,” meaning that any adoption occurring after January 1, 2010 is eligible for this higher credit.
The credit is now refundable. This means that even families that owe zero taxes can receive the full tax credit in the form of a tax refund to help with their adoption-related expenses.
To read the legalese in the bill itself, see page 903 of 906 here.

This is CLEARLY just the beginning, but quite a few people have stopped me or asked me about adoption lately that I took some time to learn more and draw on some resources out there to help inform all of us. I welcome your own resources and thoughts to guide us further. After Summit VI, I'll surely have more thoughts and resources for you so we can all learn together.

These are complicated matters, but also matters that God asks all of us to consider. Enjoy the journey as you explore how you should help champion the causes of kids that need someone crazy about them --- every kid needs that!

If you are up for it, consider joining me in 2 weeks at Summit VI in Minneapolis, MN from April 28-30, where we'll explore these matters in greater depth. Like I said, I have a LOT to learn. If you can't make Summit VI, join me Nov 5-6 in Hershey, PA for the Mid Atlantic Orphan Summit. More details on that to come, but mark your calendars now. Thanks for reading and sharing this journey with us!

Keep dreaming, keep wondering. Thanks for loving kids with us.

All the best,
Ryan

Twitter: @forgottenvoices
Facebook: Forgotten Voices Fan Page

Pressing on

2010-04-07T15:01:00.005-04:00

How should we respond when God doesn't answer our prayers the way we expect?

For the past 6+ months, we have been planning and anticipating a wonderful opportunity to connect the two "sides" of Forgotten Voices International. Pastor Fibion Ndhlovu, our Zimbabwe Program Director, was invited to be a featured speaker at the Christian Alliance for Orphans annual conference - Summit VI. This invitation not only created an amazing opportunity to share the ministry of Forgotten Voices with churches and orphan-advocates from across the country - coming straight from one of our Zimbabwean leaders. It also meant a chance for us to introduce Pastor Fibion to many of our partner churches, donors and volunteers who have committed themselves to supporting children orphanned by AIDS and the churches who care for them, but have never traveled to southern Africa themselves.

This past week, less than a month before Fibion was to arrive in the United States, we learned that he has been denied a visa for the third, and apparently, final time. All avenues and options have been exhausted, after tireless effort by both Fibion and our US staff. More important than all of our efforts, countless people have been praying for Fibion's visa to be granted so that he can come as planned to speak, share and fellowship with us. And yet what seemed to be an opportunity straight from heaven has now become a closed door. We are left feeling disappointed and, frankly confused.

So how do we respond to our differently answered prayers? I can tell you that Fibion's response was this:

"Thousands of people here and there were praying that this would work out. It did not, so we just rejoice at the Lord's will and press on."

I'm inclined to follow his lead. I have a lot to learn from our Zimbabwean and Zambian brothers and sisters whose faith has been tested far more often than mine by situations of wondering why.

So join me, will you, in rejoicing that God wills that His people care for widows and orphans in their distress. Join me in rejoicing for the many who prayed over this situation. Rejoice over the many who had already agreed to welcome Pastor Fibion into their churches, their classrooms and even their homes.

And join me in pressing on in the work of protecting vulnerable children. Today I finished canceling all of Fibion's speaking engagements, but I will press on - turning my attention to preparation for the Summi VI conference, which several of us will still be attending. Will we see you there??

How will you press on today to support pastors like Fibion and the children they serve?

Ellen Shaffer - Director of Church Relations

Bridging People: Why I Give

2010-03-31T09:05:00.004-04:00

Friends - last night, an incredible group of college students from Messiah College presented various self-created projects they've been working on for Forgotten Voices all school year. Thanks to Jesse Schwamb, our Volunteer Director for Economic Sustainability, who has helped advise them throughout.

Our leadership team of volunteers met with the students in person at Messiah's Student Union. I am in Boston right now, so I joined on Skype, as did Remmy Hamapande, our program director in Zambia. He called in from Ndola, Zambia.

From left to right are: Jesse Schwamb (FV volunteer and group mentor), Xu, Liz, Chris, Kelsey, Timo

As the students presented their work on marketing items like buttons, a new iGoogle theme, PowerPoint templates, long-term plans for college student involvement with Forgotten Voices, an incredible village savings & loan program they are implementing in Zambia... I was deeply, deeply touched... wow. I was humbled by their abundant joy and hope for people that they may never get to meet in person. Their deep and unrelenting love for the work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to redeem us from our sins, to transform our souls to draw us closer to the Father. He came to save us. He came and lived among us lowly humans for the purposes of demonstrating the love of the Father to us here on earth --- to make the ultimate sacrifice of his life --- to die on the cross so that we may have life and have it abundantly.

Last night as I listened to these students present, I teared up thinking about how their work to model self-sacrifice must make our God so so happy -- beaming really. See, last night, I didn't just hear God's people sharing love. I also heard and experienced the love of Christ for me, for you, and for people in southern Africa. Every time we give - with our time, money, hearts - to the things that God wants for us, we draw closer to him. Every time, without fail.

Over the past week, I've been overwhelmed by the needs I hear and see daily. Unable to stop the craziness that is life for children I have grown to love; love for local churches in southern Africa that you all allow me to minister to on your behalf - pastors caring for kids. My heart has been troubled by the reality that the need will always be greater than the resources we have as humans, but also feeling of doubts and disappointment for the kids I know about that we are yet unable to help. When we think of giving the world OUR love, it is easy for the tank to empty.

But -- Late last night, after the meeting, a dear friend wrote me some encouraging words that I now share with you. These words are my prayer for you, as well as the students I met last night.

Keep on doing what you're doing, brother. Don't grow weary in doing good because the good you are doing is overwhelming so many hearts that are feeling overwhelmed.

So, dear friends, as we ponder the tragic sacrifice of our savior on the cross this Friday, may we also take great delight in the redemption that Sunday will bring. The complete and utter shift in the way the world works --- the completely open opportunity offer up our souls to God to follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

May this short video on WHY I GIVE (see below) bring you joy, as you all bring me joy. Daily, like last night, I get to see and experience the love of Jesus Christ through you.

Happy Holy Week, as we await our risen savior, who came to save and redeem the world, including you and me. For that and for you, I'm thankful.

-Ryan

Christmas Memories - Part 3

2010-03-26T23:20:00.001-04:00

Over the past 2 days, we've shared a story from a family who chose to give a family gift to Forgotten Voices this year, passing on their typical gift exchange. Now that Christmas has passed, they are sharing what this experience meant to their family and how it changed their views on giving. This is the third and final part of their story. You can read Part 1 and Part 2 by clicking on the link.

Thanks! Enjoy!

-Ryan
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Family Christmas Gift: Part 3

Giving money designated for 'gifts to family', to those who have next to nothing in the way of material things, helped to put the Christmas season in perspective. Instead of focusing on buying yet another possession for someone, I was reminded that we all have so much more than we need. Christ came and saw those who were overlooked by others, and I appreciated the opportunity to do the same!

It took so much of the pressure and commercialization out of Christmas. Having spent my last couple of Christmases in a place that in many ways was void of the materialism of Christmas it was nice to redirect my Christmas here. Forgotten Voices has been dear to my heart for a while so I was excited to be able to, as a family, impact children's lives. The pressure felt like it was gone. Christmas day no longer was about the gifts but about the fellowship of family. We also knew that we were taking action in a small part to 'feed the orphans and the widows.' To have practical action and a significant change to Christmas really made me realize the impact of Christmas in a whole new way. It was also neat to work together as a family for a greater purpose. We were so excited because no one knew what the total would come to. I know that for me, I was surprised at how much money was given and in turn thankful that we could impact so many lives with it. I hope that we continue to do it for years to come. In fact, as one day I hope to start a family, I would like to do this as a new family.

Thank you for reading these thoughts. I pray that you will think about ways that are outside of the box that you can impact your world with Christ's love. There are many ways to impact all corners in the world. Just one of them being the family Christmas gift.

Sincerely,
Our Family

Christmas Memories - Part 2

2010-03-25T23:05:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, we posted a piece about a family who chose to give a family gift to Forgotten Voices, instead of giving to one another as they usually do. Now, those gifts are giving all year long to help Forgotten Voices. Today, we continue their story from the eyes of another family member, as he/she reflects on what was learned about this exciting choice. Enjoy.

-Ryan

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Family Christmas Gift: Part 2

Even though according to our culture, our gift giving was never extravagant, we did still get caught up in the hustle and bustle of buying gifts. These gifts, though appreciated were primarily satisfying wants.

For the past few Christmases, we as a family had given to another organization (Samaritan's purse). This year we decided that we would take the money that we normally would use to buy gifts and devote it to a project. We chose Forgotten Voices. It was good to be able to provide gifts to people truly in need. Also we were hoping that these people who were being helped could at least hear the Gospel. Frankly, this year, the hassle and stress of Christmas was gone.

1. It was cool every time I saw a commercial for something I might want but didn't really need to realize I was helping someone to have something they really needed.

2. There was a lot less worry about getting the perfect gift.

3. There was less dealing with unhappy shoppers.

4. I enjoyed getting just fun little gifts.

5. As Christmas approached I found myself getting more excited about what the total would be. In fact, I decided to put my Christmas bonus in there too.

Come back tomorrow for part three, where another family member shares a new perspective.

Do you remember how you felt at Christmas? This family does

2010-03-24T22:46:00.004-04:00

Note from Ryan: Almost daily, I get to witness quiet acts of love, when no one is looking. People who share their stories with me about what it means to give and love children they will never meet. Sometimes, people want to share their stories with others...not to get credit, but to share how God has worked in their lives -- to share the lessons they've learned.

The next 3 blog posts are a series that will share such a story.

The name of the family is secret. In their words, "it's not about us." This past Christmas, they gave up giving traditional gifts to one another --- the whole family, even the kids. :) They made a group decision that will give gifts all year round to kids that needed a champion in southern Africa. Kids served by Forgotten Voices. Kids that have a church willing to help them, but the church needs some help to be equipped to meet the physical & spiritual needs of children.

I'm humbled by the loving touch of this family. Every day for the next 3 days, I'll share a perspective of a different family member, as they shared it with us. May you be touched by their story of how Christmas changed them on the day and all year long.

Peace, love, and thanksgiving,
Ryan

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Family Christmas Gift: Part 1

This year our family decided to do something different. Rather than buying gifts for each other, we decided to give that money to a charity. The charity we chose was Forgotten Voices. At the same time we decided to get very small (stocking) gifts for each other that we spent very little if no money on. As we were doing this, we realized that we were giving this money to people who needed it a lot more than we did. What we didn't expect were some of the other impacts that this decision had on us. Each member of our family has contributed thoughts on how this impacted them personally.

Since we just did very small gifts, we tried to make things. That allowed us to think about the person while we were working on it. It also allowed us to spend the holidays creating things with our hands instead of wandering around a mall looking for just the right thing. It allowed us to give personalized gifts as well. We budget money for gifts to friends and family and then also have a separate budget line item for giving – to those who cannot give back. We were able to give to the non-profit because we had money set aside in the giving category even though we had run out of money for gifts.

I think that is great to give about Christmas time because it helps keep things in perspective. On Christmas Day we were going to our relatives and driving through Lancaster City. A seemingly homeless man approached our vehicle at a traffic light. We donate money to Water Street Rescue Mission in Lancaster City so that they, who are better informed/equipped to give, can use the money to best serve those who need it (like this homeless man). With this situation in Haiti, we are currently waiting to give until we have a clear sense of what needs there are and what ways can best serve those people. Organizations like Forgotten Voices, Water Street, Compassion and World Vision can utilize money that we provide in much better ways than if we tried to do it on our own.

1. It's neat that instead of getting and giving presents that we may or may not use; we can give money to people for whom it could be the difference between life and death.

2. It's cool to help kids at Christmas since I'm not a kid anymore

Come back tomorrow to hear from a 2nd family member...

Clean Water for a Health World; a ministry of Forgotten Voices

2010-03-23T06:52:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, 22nd March, was World water day and it gives me great pleasure to note that Forgotten Voices International, through its ministry with local churches in Africa, has been and still is very much part of assisting partners access clean water whenever and wherever possible. James Moyo, a pastor of the Rock church in Bulawayo, greatly appreciated when a well was sunk on his startegically positioned plot to offer clean and safe water not only to his family, but also to the surrounding community.

Through the Rock church's partnership with FVI, this well shows a very tangible example of how far your donations to this ministry goes. Indeed it goes beyond helping with school requirements for kids, to helping them avoid water borne diseases like cholera by giving them a chance to drink clean and safe water.

Kids around the surrounding community used to walk long distances carrying water cointaners and pushing wheelborrows to fetch water, which in most cases wasn't even clean water at all. This resulted in many children missing school as time was mostly spent on fetching this precious commodity. And many other times they missed school because they got sick from drinking unclean water. This is no longer a problem in Pastor Moyo's community!

In Africa, water borne diseases like cholera are still a problem and this mainly because of unclean water. Industrial development and population growth have not been marched with concerted efforts by local authorities in making sure every person is accorded with clean and safe water. This is why FVI through efforts by local churches would always support such initiatives. Pastors like James Moyo minister to a cross section of people in society most of whom are the most vulnerable and very much affected with issues of quality water.

Pastor James isn't just preaching the Word to the community, but he is also helping in giving clean water to those that need it most. Water is life; this is why we concur with this year's theme: Clean Water for a Health World indeed!

Your fellow servant in God's ministry,

Remmy.

Summit VI is Coming - Are you?

2010-03-16T00:09:00.009-04:00

Ellen Shaffer (our volunteer church relations director), Fibion Ndhlovu (our program director in Zimbabwe & a local Bulawayo pastor), and I are going to represent Forgotten Voices at Summit VI in Minneapolis on April 29-30. Brad Davidson, a member of the Forgotten Voices' Board of Directors, will also be there -- networking his heart out, connecting ministries with shared hearts -- he's really good at that, one of the many reasons we love him.

Ellen and I are SOOO excited about the opportunity to interact with people from around the world who passionately care about the key mission of Forgotten Voices -- equipping local churches to meet the physical & spiritual needs of children orphaned by AIDS in their communities.

Fibion is excited to come all the way from Zimbabwe to share what God is placing on his heart -- how churches in the USA can work to equip local churches around the world.

It should be a great time of fellowship. Katie, my wife, went last year and I was insanely jealous of her experience. I was in the midst of exams and couldn't go, but THIS YEAR I'm not missing it.

Why? It's one of the largest collections of churches, individuals, organizations and activists who care about orphan care, adoption and foster care -- here in the USA and around the world.

I'm also going because Fibion is speaking, right before John Piper. That's right. Our friend, Fibion. I'm excited to hear what God has to share through my Zimbabwean friend. It's his first time to the USA and he's totally excited about the opportunity. He will then be on a panel the next day, discussing how the Church around the world can better work together.

Finally - I'm going to meet people. Maybe you? I hope you consider coming.

Below is the full breakdown of the conference and the summit. Really do check it out. It should be a crazy good time w/ passionate people -- all committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ by coming alongside kids that need a champion.

-Ryan

With Haiti’s earthquake drawing global focus to the plight of orphans, Christians from across America and beyond will gather in Minneapolis, MN, for the Christian Alliance for Orphans’ Summit VI on April 29-30, 2010. The objective: to inspire and equip Christians to “care for orphans in their distress” through adoption, foster care and global orphan care ministry rooted in the local church.

Join Fibion, Ellen, and I at SUMMIT VI: REGISTER TODAY!!!!

What you can look forward to:

· Featured speakers will include national champions of orphan care and adoption, including John Piper, Mary Beth Chapman, Tom Davis, Doug Sauder, Stephanie Fast, Jedd Medefind, and Al Mohler. Compelling voices from the global church will join as well, from Africa to Central America.

· Music will be led by Steven Curtis Chapman, Peder Eide, Desperation Band and other artists.

· More than 50 workshops delivering nuts-and-bolts for adoption, foster care and global orphan programs – designed for both laypersons and leadership

Orphan care resources for church ministries, as well as personal orphan care and adoption journeys
Breakouts will also include 5 “Hague Hour” Credits for Adoptive Families.
Q&A sessions and networking opportunities with respected adoption, global orphan and foster care organizations and veteran ministry leaders.
For Christians stirred by the plight of orphans, Summit offers the biggest and best opportunity of the year to learn how to act upon conviction. To learn more and register now, visit the Summit website here.

A taste of breakout topics:

· Haiti and the Local Church: What’s Next?

· Bridging the Great Divide: Building Positive Relationships Between Church Ministries and Government

· Understanding Childhood Development of Overseas Orphans

· A Lifelong Love: Keeping the Gospel at the Center of Orphan Ministry

· Church-Based Orphan Ministry 101

· Fundraising for Orphan Ministry

· Starting in the Right Direction: Helping Pre-Adoptive Couples Make Sound Decisions

· Now What? Helping Children Age Out of Foster Care

· The Financial Challenge of Adoption and How the Local Church Can Respond

· Engaging Church Leadership

· A Child’s Journey Through the Foster Care System

· How Does It Work? Models of Global Orphan Ministry Based in US Churches

· Practical Ideas of Orphan-Focused Events

· Understanding HIV/AIDS and the Orphan

· And many more…

And there’s more! Five sessions will provide pre-adoptive families with needed Hague credits.

· Adoption and Orphans: Becoming a Multicultural/Multiracial Family

· Adoption and Orphans: Attachment and Trauma (Part I and II)

· Adoption and Orphans: Grief and Loss

· Adoption and Orphans: Acclimating to a New Family Member

“American Christians are stirring to the needs of orphans both at home and abroad as never before. What’s thrilling is that even small ministries in local churches can make such significant impact. There are millions of parentless children worldwide, but a single statistic matters more than any other: it only takes one caring adult to make a lifelong difference in the life of an orphan.”
- Jedd Medefind, President, Christian Alliance for Orphans