5/21: Forgotten Voices Recognized by Hudson Institute

Dear friends, Today's post is a good one. Thanks to your generous support, as well as the tireless efforts of our partners in Africa, we are pleased to inform you of the below press release we sent out to local newspapers in PA. Feel free to let me know if other papers should know about this. Keep up the good work!

The need for the mission of Forgotten Voices has never been greater, as the rise of AIDS orphans continues to climb and the churches in Africa are being asked to do more and more, with less and less. Continue joining us in telling friends about the ministry you are part of and I'm so thankful for each of you.

After reading this blog post, please take some time to read through the summary and/or listen to the radio program. Hudson did some fantastic research on giving.

Again, my sincere thanks on behalf of our partners in Zimbabwe & Zambia.

All the best,
Ryan

Click here to read/listen to more on Hudson Institute's Index of Global Philanthropy & Remittances:

Executive Summary
Full Index

To listen to a radio interview, referenced below, you can do so here (Forgotten Voices is around the 23 minute mark for 40 seconds, but the whole interview is really informative, beginning at minute 20):


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Ryan Keith, President
717.649.0667 (cell phone)
Ryan@ForgottenVoices.org

Local Organization, Forgotten Voices, Recognized for Excellence by Hudson Institute’s esteemed Index of Global Philanthropy

MECHANICSBURG, PA (May 21, 2009) – The Hudson Institute’s Center for Global Philanthropy recently highlighted Forgotten Voices in Hudson’s widely regarded annual Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances for being a model in global philanthropy. Forgotten Voices is a Mechanicsburg, PA based 501c3 non-profit organization that equips a network of local churches and communities in Zimbabwe and Zambia to care for AIDS orphans with locally developed action plans for orphan care. Hudson described Forgotten Voices in the Executive Summary: “By working with local leaders and tapping a network of dedicated volunteers, Forgotten Voices is helping to change the lives of vulnerable children in Africa and the communities that nurture them.” Hudson distributes the Index to leaders around the world as examples in approaches to philanthropy.

Within the 88 page report, Hudson highlighted three Christian organizations in the USA to demonstrate the $8.6 billion in giving from religious organizations. The three Hudson highlighted were Saddleback Church’s PEACE Plan, led by Rev. Rick Warren, Forgotten Voices, and Engineering Ministries International.

Of the recognition by Hudson, Ryan Keith, Forgotten Voices’ President, said, “Hudson’s recognition of our young organization is a testament to our partners in Zimbabwe and Zambia, who are working hard every day to make dollars donated go far. At the end of the day, Forgotten Voices is simply about connecting people in the USA with a wide network of willing, capable, and loving people in southern Africa who care every day for kids that are not their own, but love them as if they are. Our story is theirs and I’m thankful Hudson is encouraging others to consider taking the same approach of listening and supporting the voices of local people.”

Heidi Metcalf, Deputy Director at Hudson, recently gave an interview about the Index on the Moody News Network’s Prime Time America show, a nationally syndicated radio show to 350 stations around the USA. Metcalf said, “Forgotten Voices represents an enormous network of U.S. based volunteers and African volunteers, with over 1,200 people in Zimbabwe volunteering, to provide orphan care to AIDS orphans (in Africa).”

Said Keith, “The real story here is that leaders in Africa are not only willing to help, but are leading every day now. Every mother wants to provide for her own child, but sometimes that’s not possible with AIDS. Where it’s not, we are helping equip church leaders and community members that willingly protect the kids of these dying parents. They are the real heroes. I’m grateful to have the best job in the world thanks to all the people that continue to invest in advancing our mission. All the recognition in the world does not come close to the joy we have knowing we are helping protect the hopes and dreams of vulnerable kids by equipping local people who are doing the hard part by saying yes.”

Currently, inflation in Zimbabwe is estimated to be immeasurable by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and unemployment is over 80%. Droughts over the past 2 years promise that over half of the country’s people won’t have enough to eat once a day or afford it. Shelves are often barren under price controls and people are experiencing heavy pressure to make ends meet with high inflation and black market trading. 500 people die everyday in Zimbabwe because of AIDS related illnesses in these economic conditions and an estimated 1,000 kids become orphaned each day. The number of orphans is expected to almost double from 1.3 million in 2005 to 2.0 million by the end of 2009, representing 20% of the total population of the country.

Hudson Institute is a nonpartisan policy research organization dedicated to innovative research and analysis that promotes global security, prosperity, and freedom. More information on the Index, including online copies, can be found on Hudson’s homepage at http://www.Hudson.org.

Forgotten Voices International is demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ by equipping local churches in southern Africa to meet the physical & spiritual needs of AIDS orphans in their communities. Administratively led by 1 full-time staff member and seven 20-something volunteer leaders in the Central PA area, Forgotten Voices’ projects are empowering orphans with sustainable solutions to some of their greatest challenges. School fees, counseling, food, and skills training are just some of the ways that Forgotten Voices is raising hope and independence for these forgotten orphans in some of the world’s most forgotten places. Currently, Forgotten Voices has projects in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Its partnerships now serve over 4,000 orphans across over 160 local church projects in Africa.

For more information on Forgotten Voices International or to learn how to get involved, please contact Ryan Keith at 717.506.0633 (office) or email at Ryan@ForgottenVoices.org. You may also visit www.ForgottenVoices.org.

Love them Lord, through me

It has been a while since I posted an article on the blog. Sometimes it is hard to put down in writing what one is experiencing. It requires a settled mind and a resolve to counter the feelings of not willing to put pen to paper.

However, today I have a rather touching story about four young children from one family, that has already experienced three deaths before they could even celebrate their tenth birthdays. It is hard to imagine these children no longer have a father or mother to fend for their needs. It is such a tragedy at such a tender age. Their emotional pain and pressure they are passing through is hard to imagine, not mentioning the social problems that they now face with no one to call dad or mum in their life. Their childhood has been shortened and they have to grow up quickly enough to manage their own lives if survival is to be a reality in their lives.

Meet Dorcas, (7) and her cousins; 10 years old Mary, and her twin siblings; 8 years old Joseph and Moses. I found it difficult to hold my tears when they shared their story; especially because Mary could not hold hers as she narrated what happened. I decided to stop the interview and ask the pastor to tell me what he knows about their situation. It was a very sad and painful situation for me.

It is alleged that the three, Mary and the twin boys lost both their parents within a year of each other and were later picked up to stay with their aunt, the mother to Dorcas, who by then was a widow. Dorcas' mother also died shortly after they came into her house causing another pain of suffering to these kids. All these deaths were HIV/AIDS related.

The children are currently living with their grandmother, too old to help them pull through this tender stage of their life. They are living in a three roomed mud house in one of the shanty compounds of Ndola. Dorcas is in grade 1, Mary in grade 4 and the twins are in grade 3. Pastor Lameck Mugala, through his church has been doing a great job in helping these children manage their situation as they mingle with other kids during the feeding program. “It has not been easy”, the pastor says; He told me that in fact this old lady they call granny, is not their real granny. She was related to Dorcas' late step father. Dorcas' late mother was a sister to the other three kids' mother, but Dorcas' father is nowhere to be seen. He divorced her mother when she was still very young and later her mother got married to another man whose mother is the granny they live with now. You see how complicated their situation is. This also shows how much poverty has disintegrated the extended family systems, especially here in the urban set up. It's hard to imagine this happening to little children like these.

However, the church has been their hope ever since their situation was brought to the pastor's attention. They receive assistance from the church for most of their requirements. They have not only been receiving material support, but they have also been helped spiritually as they attend the children's Bible class during the feeding programs. The kids love their Lord and I hope they will grow to be responsible citizen.

This is where the ministry of Forgotten Voices has indeed been a God sent ministry in this part of Africa. It has helped pastors like Lameck to manage their God given calling in ministering to the poor and needy in their communities. Your contributions, through Forgotten Voices' ministries here in Zambia has lightened their burden, giving us hope for a better future in the lives of these and such other children. Forgotten Voices International appreciates your continued support. We understand the world economical situation is not favourable these days, but we do realize that, the God who called us to this ministry transcends such economical circumstances of the world and as such our hope lies in the LORD we serve. He is in control and will make a way were there seems to be no way.

May the Lord give you grace to continue this noble ministry among the poor in the world. As Ryan normally says, “you have chosen to say yes, even when the most appropriate answer would have been no” Thank you so much, we appreciate. The Lord loves the poor and his heart is always with them (Psalm 140:12); May your prayer always be: “Love them Lord, through me!”

Your fellow servant in the Lord,

Remmy.

4/27: Time Alive... 10,811 days

So, I have this counter tool on Google that tells me how long its been since I was born, thus how long I've been alive.

Today: 10811 days 17 hours 15 mins
Since Time Alive 20-Sep-1979 17:00

I don't look at it every day, or even every week. But occasionally, I do look at it. It reminds me that every day has a beginning and an end; everyday has successes to celebrate and missed opportunities that I didn't seize that hopefully will come my way again. I'm not anxious about it at all, but encouraged... encouraged to press on.

It's incredible what God can do in a day. This morning, I was reading Genesis 1-3 in the library. Talk about productivity, beauty, power, grace, and even a rest in there. I like reading that part of scripture because it always reminds me that I am Ryan and God is God. We can't help all the people dying, or help all the kids sick in the world.

But God does give us today. God does give us talents and wishes, longings to be used by Him...longings to love and be loved.

Today, 500 people will die from AIDS related illnesses in Zimbabwe alone, with a little less dying today in Zambia. Both of these are countries where Forgotten Voices is working with the local church to equip them with the resources they need to create local, custom responses to the physical & spiritual needs of AIDS orphans in their communities.

So, as I live out day 10,811 of my life, I'm encouraged by the unique opportunity you and I have to breath, give life to others, and make today count.

Many of you continue to give, despite the downturn in the economy. Thanks! For those of you that haven't given in awhile, please consider doing so. Either way, you can learn more about us at http://ForgottenVoices.org.

4/15: My Tears and Their Farms

Today has been one of those days when seemingly everything makes me cry. From emails from old friends to watching something precious happen to a stranger on the sidewalk. To instantly being overwhelmed by the job I have, with the knowledge that we can't help them all. Reading about a friend letting his wife pursue God into heaven. I'm not ashamed to cry much anymore. Inconvenienced a bit, especially at the library, but not ashamed. It didn't use to be that way. I used to try to hide it (still do sometimes...). I try to be still. Confident. Resolved.

I've seen too much now. I've held too many hands of dying people. I've watched too many kids here in the USA walk gleefully up to me and hand me their change to give to kids in Africa. I've watched people like you respond in love to people you don't even know, simply because people like me have asked you to love them, as Christ loved us. I've watched my parents set an incredible example.

Today, I (re)came to a new realization...one I've certainly had before, but I one I honestly thought I had discovered myself for the 1st time...

It is ok to cry. It's ok to cry for joy and for sorrow. So, today, I cried a bit, mostly overwhelmed by how incredibly awesome it is that I get to work with each of you to help equip local churches in Africa in their daunting task of loving an ever growing number of precious children. THANK YOU.

Today, I celebrate with you this:

Five Guys (3 pastors, a hospital administrator, and the head of an AIDS clinic we help fund) all went to the Farming God's Way Conference last month in March because of your generous support. While I don't yet have pictures of the conference, I know that lives were changed. Farms, using this no-tilling/mulching method, will be planted this coming year, yielding an average of 300% above traditional farming. Tomorrow morning, Forgotten Voices will be sending money to Farming God's Way's Zimbabwe operation to help them start about 100 new farms that will feed an estimated 1,000 people this year, including orphans, widows, and those that care for them.

Pictures from some of my trips to see Farming God's Way's work and how it is helping the churches and people we (you and me) serve through Forgotten Voices.

Press on and make today count,
-Ryan

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