4/8: A post from a blog

Friends - When you have time, check out this blog post.

A student named Rebecca is calling me Thursday to interview me for a school assignment. Through that exchange and setting it up, I found her blog. This particular post struck me and I wanted to encourage you to read it, as well. I hope she keeps writing because I saw myself in those moments with her...standing there wondering what I would've said. That's how writers capture me - when I see myself where they are standing.

I came away this morning challenged and with perspective to begin my day. I hope you feel the same.

Make it count,
-Ryan

4/6: YEBO - 129 kids back in school

YEBO, an ndebele word, is often shouted loud in our house when I get excited. It has many meanings, but is commonly used as YES or I SEE YOU. When shouted with glee, it is loosely translated YESSSSSSSSSSSS!

I NEED for you to know...

this Monday, because of funds we sent today, an additional 129 kids (96 primary & 33 secondary kids) in Zimbabwe return to school with books, shoes, and uniforms because of your investment. We are partnering with a church to get 129 kids, many who have lost a parent or are sadly watching 1 pass away, back to school as this church works to serve the needs of these kids and those caring for them. Pictures of some of children are below from my most recent trip. THANKS!

To date - we've already helped local churches in Zimbabwe & Zambia send over 2,000 kids back to school this year!! PRAISE GOD!

This work that we do is only possible because of 3 things:
a) God's incredible grace to let us love others, as His Son loved us
b) The local, faithful, and loving work of people on the ground in Africa that are choosing to say yes to loving the most vulnerable...even though no would be more convenient. They are trustworthy, screened personally by me and our team. I know them. I've stayed in their homes and played with kids in their communities.
c) YOUR faithfulness to us and our mission - recognizing that together, by God's grace, you and churches in Africa can meet the needs of AIDS orphans and those that care for them.

Without any 1 of those parts, I'd be just a guy talking on my phone a lot with stiff knees from the back & forth travel to make sure your dollars are going where they are needed most.

You are so incredible to love like Christ loved you. Today, celebrate with me at God's unfailing love for you and me...and these kids, their families, their caretakers, and their communities that will have a brighter year because of the 3 things I've listed here.

Thanks!

-Ryan

To keep using your voice - tell a friend about us and give a gift today!

Forgotten Voices in Art

Hey strangers!

I haven't written in a bit. Sorry about that. I've been quite busy working with our partners to launch new church run orphan care projects in Zambia VERY soon...perhaps by the end of this week!!!

For now, enjoy a sweet new picture I created from the text in our About Us document we distribute to projects in Africa. If you haven't seen the free software to create these, check out http://www.wordle.net/create.

Enjoy the day and as my friends from EBI in Zimbabwe say,
Make it count,
Ryan

3/17: Quick note

Here is an email response I sent to someone today...a quick note from me asking for prayer.

Thanks for doing so. -Ryan
--------
i have a high fever and was throwing up. need to get better.

also - 2 of my close friends in africa (one in zambia and one in zimbabwe) both lost cousins this past week. one was beaten to death by her husband, leaving a 2 month old with a father in jail and without a mother. :( the other cousin from zambia died of cervical cancer.

all of this leaves a lot of people overwhelmed. however, these stories of real friends also gives me strength and the encouragement to press on, knowing our job at Forgotten Voices - to love vulnerable & forgotten people as Christ would -- goes on.

thanks for praying, matt. i move forward each day knowing people are praying for me and with me.  know that I'm deeply thankful for you and this unique ministry.

all the best,
Ryan

Note from Ryan Keith, Forgotten Voices
"Empowering Orphans with Local Churches in Africa"
Read Ryan's Blog here: http://www.travelwithfvi.blogspot.com/ <http://www.travelwithfvi.blogspot.com/>
Visit us online at www.ForgottenVoices.org <http://www.ForgottenVoices.org>


Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

3/2: an oldie but a goodie - monkey time

This week, I'm doing a lot of discerning and careful thinking about how to proceed on some projects. While I do that and you all pray for continued wisdom for our team in Africa, I thought I'd throw out oldie, but goodie, videos of me doing what I love to do...be a monkey around kids (or just by myself). ENJOY!

Thanks for all the ways you love and pray for Forgotten Voices. Keep doing your thing, as pastors & community leaders in Zimbabwe & Zambia do theirs!

3/1: From the mountains - part 2

2/29: From the mountains - part 1

I recorded a video in Zimbabwe, on my last day there. Reflecting on the trip. When I sat down to write, I thought of this video. I thought it would be best to share snippets of this video over the next few days.

If you enjoy, please pass them along to your friends.

Thanks for investing in Forgotten Voices.