Tag: travel

The Language Of Love

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heart-534793_640There is one language anyone can understand..

Imagine being a polyglot, you could travel without hiring a translator, watch a movie with subtitles off, and read a foreign novel with ease. There are many beautiful languages in the world and some make it their passion to learn them.

Rojas-Berscia is a hyperpolyglot, who speaks twenty-two languages, and is on a quest to learn more. Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, speaks eight languages, and has gained attention for his ability to converse with the crowd. However I am more like Ursula in Ladies In Lavender, when trying to speak Polish, puppy dog was on the dinner menu.

Although I speak English, I have found anyone can understand the language of love. A soft smile, warm handshake, and a peaceful spirit can be translated by anyone.

Love Is Here

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Children of India

  Offering a home..

Providing knowledge for a brighter future..

Teaching moral values while they are young.. 

Not forsaking orphans and widows..

Feeding the hungry..

Gifts of kindness..

Nurturing strengths and talents..

Counseling for broken hearts and inner wounds..

I am thankful to those who have given to the India Home.. You help love grow 🙂

 

Children of India
Helping widows
Christmas 2017
Helping widows

 

 

Smile’s All Around!

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support-1699909_640

You may not think a toothbrush and paste sound like an exiting gift, but for the children of India, it brings a SMILE!

 

7Praveen and his family are thankful for a special day. Over 50 children gathered for food and fun!

Investing in a child has many rewards. Praveen and his family take in children who have no home, but also reach out to children of widows, and the poor.

 

Children are the reason I started a charity blog, and hope to one day help more in need.  Showing a child they are loved, and encouraging them to achieve their dreams, can make a difference in their life.

1I thank those who have joined me in helping Praveen and his family.  🙂

 

 

 

 

How the children have grown!

 

 

 

Diamonds And A Heart Of Gold

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” For where your treasure is,there your heart will be also”

 

Pastor Emmanuel Momoh, of Sierra Leone uncovered an earthy treasure valued at over $62 million. It is believed to be among one of the 13 largest diamonds ever found, so imagine his amazement when in the small village of Yakadu, he discovered the 706-carat gem.
He purposed in his heart not to keep it unto himself, but to give it away, for the betterment of all around him. Pastor Momoh was moved by the efforts of the government to improve the failing infrastructure in his village.

African President Ernest Bai Koroma, said “It was a gift from God” and was thankful for the kindness of  Momoh.  Koroma pledged the funds received from the diamond, would be used wisely.

Betty Florence spoke of road conditions often, traveling from Freetown to Fakonoh was not an easy task. Roads were often washed out, and it would take hours to reach the village, stopping several times to free the car from the mud, and deep ruts. Although she did not have electricity in the village, she spoke of the rolling black outs for those who did.  She was scheduled to be in Freetown, just day’s before the mudslide that claimed the lives of many.  It has been said, this was an accident waiting to happen.
Betty was present during the Ebola outbreak in 2014, and it again reared its ugly head, but prayer kept the village untouched. Poor living conditions and lack of sanitation, made it more difficult to treat the spreading disease.
These are only a few factors as to why Sierra Leone needed the blessing from pastor Momoh.

Sierra Leone is known for slave labor to mine “blood diamonds” the money is used to fund brutal wars. The people of Sierra Leone are oppressed and uneducated, leaving them to live in poverty, while those in seats of authority prosper. Human rights violations are prevalent, especially among woman.
This makes Sierra Leone a dry and thirsty land for missionaries to place their beautiful feet.

Pastor Emmanuel Momoh was lead to a pure diamond, it’s value will do much earthly good, but his heart seems fixed on the treasures of heaven.
It is my hope that people around the world will be touched by his act of kindness and realize it is better to give than to receive.  🙂

 

 

 

Knowledge Is Power! ~India~

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“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.”
– Confucius-

For nearly two years I have been writing about the orphanage in India, but there is something I have come realize, it is not an orphanage at all.. it is home!

Anyone who works with children can say, “it takes a gift or a calling”. Patients and understanding will build love and confidence. These children who once lived on the streets will have the chance every child deserves.

For India’s street children, education is secondary in daily life, if at all. They do not have anyone to ensure they attend school, and no truancy officers taking them by the ear. They simply fall through the cracks of the ICPS, and the Juvenile Protective Care Act. In fact the government does not have an official estimate of street children. India has the highest number of child laborers, and street children spend their time forging the city landfills, or “ragging” to make an income. Those who do attend school, do not have the same opportunity as children from the “upper class”.

Since Praveen has taken the children into his home, they have been loved and nurtured, and have become part of the family. Life on the streets for a child,comes with many wounds. This healing process takes time, and can be difficult to break through. The children were behind in their studies, and are receiving the help they need. In their home, there is no “caste system” they all have equal opportunity to advance in life, and be educated.

In India girls face discrimination, and are not educated equally. The family’s of lower caste, feel their daughter will enter an arranged marriage and is not worth the cost of tuition. Illiteracy is extremely high among the female population. At home the girls and boy’s, are being taught to read, and speak English as a second language. Although they attend public school, the family also helps with their studies, as any caring parent  would. Each child has their own unique talents, and they are encouraged to use them. The children join in singing, and performing plays for Sunday service.

Praveen and his father Ratna Kumar, hope to one day open a Bible college, where students who can not afford local tuition, can advance their studies. For now they are gaining experience through hands on education.

At the home area children are welcome to attend Sunday school, where Praveen reports they are eager to learn. The children are growing and gaining knowledge, that will help them throughout their life. There they are building relationships with others who will treat them with kindness, not judgement based upon their birth.

Thank you for reading, thank you for caring 🙂

 

 

 

Pre- Abortion Counseling at Iganga!

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Caring guidance preserves life!

Although Uganda has abortion restrictions, they are performed daily.

[1] 1.2 Million Ugandan woman face unwanted pregnancy each year, in which 26% lead in abortion. Woman living in rural communities are at further risk of having complications during an abortion procedure. Many clinics refer woman to pre- abortion counseling before they agree to perform the procedure.

David Kisaame, of Iganga Crisis Pregnancy Center, fills this need with gladness!

In a recent testimony, David shared how he counseled an unnamed couple, who sought an abortion of their seventh child. Being a pastor, David went to the Bible, and shared how sacred life is to God. Many who come to the pregnancy center, know nothing about God or the Bible. David reads scripture that shows, life begins at conception. The worries that this couple faced, is shared by all the others who came before them. This couple felt that one more mouth to feed, would be far to difficult. David shared many events of hardship from the Bible, and how the Lord gave them all strength to gain victory. Using wisdom like Solomon, David asked the question, ” Having six children, and one in the womb, which brings you more burden to sustain”? They replied “the six”. Jokingly, David said ” Then why not get rid of  the six, and keep the one in your womb”?. Of course, they refused, yet understood what David was implying.. If it is impossible to kill your six children, why kill the one yet to be born.

Ultimately it is the mothers decision, but David aims to be sure they are fully aware of what is to come. Many times, when someone knows there is an another answer, they feel more at peace keeping their child.

This story ended well! after counseling, the couple decided to keep their child. Months passed, and a man entered David’s office to share the news of how grateful he was to receive harsh reality.. in essence, he had asked his wife to have an abortion, since they had six daughters to care for. In tears he related how his wife had just given birth to their only son!.  Good decisions end well, and together they prayed for the existence of the counseling center, and Gods gift of a baby boy.

Iganga reaches out to those seeking an abortion, and provides aid to those who struggle after giving birth to a child. Parenting education, and childcare often lead a family to finding sustainable income. Since finances are the leading cause of abortion, this is a wonderful resource. David invites all those with a heart for life, to join him. If you are considering a mission to Uganda, please contact me.

If you would like to help Iganga advance their efforts, please donate here via Pay Pal.

If you would like to make your support direct, by using Western Union.

  1. Select Uganda as the destination, and send to David Kisaame
  2.  Email the tracking number to me, and I will forward.

Your support is needed, and appricaited!

Thank you 🙂

[1] ugandas-abortion-rate-has-decreased

 

 

The gift of clean water

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                       You can help provide clean water to an orphanage in India! 

 

I have read if you vacation in India, don’t drink the water! since even the municipal water should be filtered to be free from contaminates..

The orphanage in India does not have running water.. Most in rural India rely on carrying water from a nearby source, and many suffer from water-borne illness.. Humanitarian groups are involved to help bring clean water to children and family’s in many country’s. I believe this is a wonderful incentive, considering it can improve overall health, and even prevent death.

NewAt the orphanage, they carry water from a bore well that is on the property. This water is used for cleaning and bathing, but can not supply drinking water, for its high levels of TDS, it also produces heavy limescale, and can not be trusted to be free of bacteria.  They are blessed to have a source of water, but they must purchase water for drinking, and cooking.

 

They are all hard-working, and thankful for what they have. I believe having access to clean water would be a blessing to the family.

I am on a quest to raise the funds for a water treatment system. This would allow them to use bore well water making it safe for all household use. After some research I discovered if your water is high in TDS ( total dissolved salts) you need a reverse osmosis system.

If you would like to help this cause, please note that 100% is used for the family.

Please share the need, as it is also giving  🙂  ~ Colossians 3:17 ~

 

 

Global Human trafficking

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Would you help Andy by donating one dollar to the Andy Fund? For less than a coffee at your local cafe.. you could help Andy pack his bags and be on his way to a brighter future !

It may be hard to believe that human trafficking takes place every day around the globe..  Men, woman, and children are sold as property to perform the desires of the buyer.. Often times it is to pay off debts, or by being trapped into a scheme offering a great opportunity. Although we must speak out against this horrific act no matter where we live, I will be addressing the issue of Uganda.

1464510137993I have known Andy since he was 14 years old. Our friendship has been one of trying and failing.. but we  keep pushing on. The lack of jobs in Uganda for young adults effects both sides of the fence,uneducated laborers like Andy, and those with a degree. A high number of college graduates are working in UAE as maids, and common laborers.

The lack of job opportunities has caused Saudi Arabia to become a way out for young workers, especially woman who are enticed to become maids. Uganda signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia in 2015 to send Ugandans to the Middle East in an effort to counter the high unemployment rates. However, this was rescinded after reports of women being abused during their stay. This caused a ban on hiring Ugandans in 2016 by Wilson Muruli Mukasa, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Men and woman out of desperation still continue to sign themselves over to recruiters to be placed into a job of their dreams.. There are a number of agency’s who are registered with the government who place them with legitimate jobs, but many fall prey to shady practices.

The TIP has stated that Saudi Arabia is a destination country for Ugandan trafficking victims. For this reason, Uganda signed the agreement with Saudi Arabia to minimize the many Ugandans trafficked there. However the government did not enforce a stronger effort to monitor the recruitment agency’s. The government does not have the resources to screen all the advertisements promising a great job for a fee.. There have been countless reports of abuse, as well as workers not receiving any pay. Despite these reports there has been little prosecution of those exploiting and trafficking persons. As a warning, agency’s have been known to outsource to Oman once you reach UAE, leaving you forced to pay off your travel and housing debt. Many in Oman purchase a maid from Uganda through recruiters, and your treatment depends upon the employer. Some employers to avoid being caught, do not allow employees to use the internet,cell phones, or have contact with family members. There have been reports of maids being subject to their employer, working long hours and suffering sexual abuse. If a Ugandan can manage to contact someone and tell their plight,there is a chance of returning home. Many woman are still waiting to be rescued from their dream job. Because of efforts from the Ugandan government and other humanitarian agency’s, there has been a decline in the number of TIP’s from Uganda.

The need for laborers in the UAE  has led the government to allow Ugandans to be outsourced through contracts, lifting the previous ban. If you are in desperate need of work, you must ask the recruitment agency for their registration number, and search their reputation. There are good people just running a business like anyone else, trying to make a living, but also those waiting to take advantage of the desperate. You must ask yourself, if you would be better off paying someone to make your life miserable, or staying where you are and hope to afford a registered employment recruiter.

I am trying to raise funds to send Andy to a registered recruiter, so if you have one dollar to spare.. we would truly appreciate it. This will be a way out of poverty for Andy who can be hired as a laborer in Dubai. He would like to join his friends who have contracted with Dubai, and have sent back good reports of their employment there.

Please share this need with your friends!  Thank you so much 🙂

Mary @ Pennies For Dreams

Touching The Lepers

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There are many souls stricken with leprosy and their suffering is intensified by being outcasts.. India, Indonesia, and Brazil have the highest rate of leprosy. It has been estimated that three million people are effected by this disease, leaving them permanently debilitated and disfigured.

In the Holy Bible there are stories of lepers who faced the same hardship. They were shunned in public and would isolate themselves from society. They would not be hired to support themselves or their family, and survived through alms from strangers.

When among society, they were required by law to yell out “I’m a leper”. This was to warn not to go near them. Lepers were judged by many who said you were cursed, or being punished for your sins.

Jesus of Nazareth was known for His love and kindness. He had compassion for the sick, and healed them.

Matthew 8: 1-4
Jesus Cleanses The Leper

When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Luke 17:11-19
Ten Lepers Cleansed

Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”  So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?  Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”  All Jesus wanted in return for their healing, was to believe and be thankful.

There are many amazing miracles that Jesus performed in the Bible, and this same healing power is available still today,through faith and prayer. The love of Jesus sends men and woman to help those who are suffering. 

 

 

 

 

Betty Florence

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Loving the children

Betty Florence is an extraordinary woman, at the age of 79, she continues her yearly quest as a missionary to Sierra Leone. Her focus is Fakonoh Village,and the outlying areas. Betty and the team live among the people, she feels this is the best way to connect, as she aims to teach the villagers that they need to work together. She was faced with the harsh reality that some did not want her presence, yet on the bright side,those in the villages she has touched love her dearly and wish that she would stay.

Betty has a great heart for the children. Focusing on children’s education. Helping to establish a preschool in Sinbaru, and a grade school in the village. Training can help put an end to generational poverty, yet many do not have the privilege to receive basic education.  

Betty has worked with nine villages where they have constructed two houses, provided food,clothing, and much-needed medical attention, they have also established four churches, and provided funding for a community well. Betty Florence continues to bring hope to severely impoverished family’s, while sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those who need to learn of Him.  Your donation can help extend their efforts.

 

Your donation can help provide

  • A solar briefcase to be used by the nurse.
  • Medical supplies.
  • Food and clothing for the children.
  • Support for the schools.

Well success

 

 

Sister Betty with people

Cooking food Village To Village By Boat

other village childrenChildren from 5th village