Hurricane Relief in Haiti

The small nation of Haiti was struck back to back with four major storms that left the area in absolute devastation.  Already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has now become destitute, as homes have been washed away, cities are under water, people are left starving and over a 1,000 are dead.

Places of Hope International and Christ Fellowship are partnering with Samaritan Air to participate in the distribution of relief supplies, i.e. medical supplies and food to remote areas of Haiti.  The floods have washed many roads and bridges away.  The Samaritan Air team of pilots will be working with relief efforts that are on ground in various parts of Haiti.  Their work will leverage the efforts of getting desperately needed supplies into the hands of the people.  Our financial assistance will help to bring hope into rebuilding this already economically challenged nation.

On October 1st Samaritan Air has sent a helicopter and a 3-man team to Port aux Prince, Haiti.  The use of the helicopter will greatly increase distribution of the stockpile of supplies that have been building up.  The helicopter and pilot will have long days and have comitted to serve in Haiti for 30 days.  This effort will require a significant amount of fuel and maintenance and this is where you can help the most.

We are not accepting any food or clothing supplies at this time.  Our FIRST priority is to assist in getting the existing supplies distributed.

This country is in immense need of distributing these supplies.  We are better together when it comes to pooling resources.  This is a great opportunity to extend our hand to our neighbors.  Please pray about what you can give and than give more.  There are people waiting to hear the sound of that helicopter.

All financial contributions will be used to sustain air operations with primary expenses being fuel.  Please help us in this effort to bring hope to those suffering from this tragic event.  Be the one to make a difference in those lives affected by this heartbreaking disaster.

Contribute to the Haiti Crisis Fund by CLICKING HERE!

She is one of many…

Whether abandoned, abused or neglected by families coping with poverty, children in El Salvador learn early that they must support themselves. This often leads to begging and prostitution, both of which are rampant in the city streets. Lack of education and basic health care means a hard life for many. 

Rosa, 6 years old, is one of the many children in the Exodo home.  She used to live with her stepfather and mother, who was in a wheelchair and had a drinking problem.  When they were mad at her they would beat her and send her to beg for money on the street.  One day a policeman found her alone, sitting on the sidewalk. He asked her about her parents and when he saw her bruises, took her to the police station.

Rosa now lives in the Exodo home where she is loved and deeply cared for.  She is receiving proper healthcare and is finally able to attend school with others her age.  Because Rosa is new to the home she does not currently have a sponsor.  Sponsorships are so important for the development of these children.  They allow for a personal relationship and connection with someone outside of the home.  Many children refer to their sponsors as “aunt, uncle, godfather, etc..”.  Child sponsorships are a great way to be a part of their life-long transformation; physically, mentally and spiritually.

Rosa, along with many others need your support.  Sponsor a child in El Salvador and witness a life forever changed.  Click Here!

Support Romania

There are some new updates coming from Romania!  They recently saw the baptism of one of their girls, Bobo.  With the Communist history in Romania and the persecution of believers, this is a serious step of faith that is not taken lightly. 

The next round of older orphan teens are about to graduate from their mentor programs.  The oldest, Gabi Burcea, finished school with a 4.0 GPA and he plans to attend Dallas Theological Seminary in 2009.  What an awesome accomplishment!

The baby hospital ministry continues to struggle due to lack of proper adoption laws.  Many volunteers have been working hard throughout the summer to bless the abandoned babies in one of the local hospitals.  Please pray for the Romanian law to change to favor adoptions.

Please help support the Romanian children and be a part of continuing their success!

Honduras Update!

A recent missions team just returned from the remote mountains of Honduras.  Below, Scott Hearing gives us a glimpse into this trip that brought hope and the love of Christ to many. 

“Forsaking electricity, phones, the World Wide Web, we took freezing cold showers, roasted hot dogs & marshmallows over an open fire and gazed at God’s handiwork in the sky. We took Chuy snipe hunting and baptized two of our own in a cold mountain stream. We were called to make disciples of the 300 families that call Congual Mountain home. We showed the second big-screen movie they had ever seen, teaching the story of Jesus and entertaining over 200 people. Nearly all hands rose following the Ricky & Lucy Show, featuring Lucia (Chuy) Becerra and Pastor Ricky Beccera, a show we used both on and off the mountain.. We sang songs, played games and taught the message of Christ through colored easter eggs, filled with candy and the items of the resurrection story, the kids went crazy during the traditional pinata festivities.

Off the mountain, Pastor’s Lenyn & Ricky trained 45 pastors, the Ricky & Lucy Show entertained, trained and strained the village children of San Juan. We visited two blind children, one now 18 years left behind, as a young child, we are his only visitors, ever.

Scott saw a 10 year old legally blind boy he met on the internet at the MMI eye clinic, providing him with a donated $2500 low vision device, Chuck & Scott had tears in their eyes as he read with ease the words a popular Christian hymn. The parents of this young boy agreed to “adopt” Denis the other blind boy as a permanent family friend.”

The 2008 Honduras missions team made a remarkable impact.

Become a part of this amazing transformation taking place in Honduras!  Click here!

Giving them a reason to smile…

Update 7-3-08

 

There is exciting news from the India Gospel League.  Within the last 6 months the Sharon Hospital has provided children the opportunity to receive corrective surgeries such as cleft lip and cleft palette free of cost. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The life of this little boy will never be the same.

 

Will you become a part of this amazing medical outreach that is transforming the lives of these children?  

 

Click here and give them a reason to smile. 

 

GREAT NEED

This just in. Our children’s home in El Salvador is struck with a great need as their local supporters back down in the midst of economic crisis.

PLEASE step up to this need! The children’s lives will go on and their needs must be met. Click Here

Costa Rica June Update

At Hogar de Vida, there is a lot to talk about! The children recently were taken on an exciting adventure to the beach, where they enjoyed swimming, building castles and collecting sea shells. What a treat for them to enjoy God’s creation!

Last November, a little boy named Jascel arrived to the home scared, sad and emotionally troubled. His first months were very difficult but the consistent love and care from the staff turned his world around. He has blossomed into a smiling, energetic, talkative toddler who is discovering life is secure, loving and lots of fun!  Jascel’s favorite pastime is kicking balls or anything else that is somewhat “kickable”. He definitely has a future in soccer! Support Jascel and his friends through Childcare, Costa Rica fund.

Pics from El Salvador!

Reaching Them at Their Level

Because of our new partnership with the home in El Salvador, amazing things have been taking place. Last month the home started working with 9 kids, all of whom live there and who have been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, Autism, Bi Polar disorder and other conditions that cause learning problems. They now are able to have a Special education teacher and their own classroom, and the kids are really happy. All of them had been expelled from 3 schools before the decision was made to educate them at home.

This is a very special program, Fundacion Exodo is the only kid’s orphanage that gives this kind of personalized attention to the children. Nelson Rodríguez is one of them, and the parents at the home needed to force him to get ready for school every morning. He would cry because he said he hated going to school. He looked sad, and rarely look you in the eyes. Now, every morning Nelson is in front of his house, waiting for the teacher with his back pack on and smiling. His behavior can’t be better, and he has shown everyone how smart he is.

Physical Transformation

Hearing-impaired children in Mexico can hear clearly for the first time in their lives. They are receiving hearing aids through sponsors worldwide that cost hundreds of dollars and are adapted to each child individually by local specialists.

Also, the generous Dr. Jose Mena works with children to transform ugly scars and birth defects into beautifully healed and normal skin. Dr. Mena has been in reconstructive surgery for over twenty and Mano de Ayuda is blessed to work with him for the benefit of the children in need.

Children, many of whom have been outcasts because of their physical disabilities are being transformed. Be a part of transforming a child in Mexico.