The dates for our Ghana 2015 mission are June 18-28. We will be working with Rev. Jibrila Mohammed, our long-time IHH ministry partner, in village evangelism, children's ministry, and orphan and widow care.
Almost four years ago, an IHH mission team had the opportunity to visit a small private orphanage in the Northern Region of Ghana, West Africa. Immediately our hearts were captured by the beautiful motherless infants who call this place home. We came home and put our compassion into action by telling our story and asking people to sponsor the children. We thank God for moving in the hearts of people to help make the lives of these children a little easier.
Pictured above are orphan home supplies purchased with donations from IHH supporters. Thank you for your compassion, action, and love for these little ones.
*Due to privacy issues, we are unable to post pictures of the children or the name of the home. If you are interested in helping or donating, please contact info@hopeheritage.org for more information. We would be glad to share more of this story with you!
When we arrived at El Olam orphanage, my controlling, over-planning self was not thinking about who would be on the other side of those doors. I was worrying about whether or not we would have enough sock monkeys for each child. One of my past co-workers had generously donated them but they were so cute and so big that we really didn't have anything else comparable to give to anyone if we didn't have enough. I think God probably laughs at the silly things we stress about. Usually they are things we have no control over at all, and that He has already handled with his attention to the tiniest details. Well of course we had 25 sock monkeys and 25 older children at the orphanage. The children were so excited to get the sock monkeys, and I just thought it was so incredible to see so much joy in one room. It really gave me a perspective about how thankful I should be for the little things in life.
We followed handing out the sock monkeys with handing out the beautiful dresses that the kids at Kimberlin had made. The little girls were so precious picking out their new dresses and just as God had provided with the sock monkeys, we had just enough dresses and shorts to clothe all the older children. Once we handed out the dresses, this precious little girl in the picture stole my heart. There were a few babies there with the older children. It appeared that if they had an older sibling they were allowed to stay downstairs with the older kids. Well this precious little girl wanted to make sure the babies got new clothes too.
When we first arrived we had dropped off some baby clothes upstairs, so I told her I would go get the clothes. The only thing standing between me and those clothes was the ability to communicate in Amharic the words "baby clothes". I grabbed my camera and recorded a video of the orphanage director translating for me. I ran upstairs and played the video back for the workers that were with the babies. They understood and brought the clothes back out that we had left with them. When I brought them downstairs, this sweet girl picked out an outfit for each of the babies that were downstairs, and then she asked to take the clothes back upstairs for the babies. We headed back upstairs and as we went she asked if she could carry the clothes. I said yes and filled her arms with baby clothes. I just thought I had seen real joy earlier. This little girl burst into the baby room with her arms full of clothes and didn't rest until she had picked out the perfect outfit for each baby in the room and helped to dress them. She was just beaming. She was just so excited to be part of the process, to be the hand that delivered the gifts.
I reflected back on this little girl over and over during the trip each time we were able to be His hands and feet. As we were painting fingernails, blowing bubbles, handing out bears or cars or suckers I totally understood how she felt when she handed out those clothes. I was so overwhelmed and blessed that our Heavenly Father who could fulfill all of these needs with a single spoken word loved me enough to allow me to be part of the process. Our team was priviliged to share the love He has so generously given to us and to personally deliver a message of Hope.
If you've been considering going on a short term mission trip but thought of a million reasons why you can't go this year then you would be right where I was last April. My prayer for you this year would be that come next January you would be right where I am now. I've now gone on my first short term mission trip and I can tell you: "There's simply nothing else like it in the world." ~ Mindy
Mindy joined our team in September, after God had placed Ethiopia in her heart months earlier in the spring. Mindy directs our church's large Awana Sparks club, and was instrumental in leading the "change drive" in which the Sparks raised hundreds of dollars toward IHH's water project. Unbeknownst to her, even then God had plans... not only to miraculously bring the water project forward so quickly, but for her to go stand on the very land that had once been dry, to fill a water container with the water she helped to bring there, and to look into the eyes of the precious people of the village.
She has a heart for the Lord, the gift of leadership, views the world through the lense of compassion, and serves others diligently, as though serving Christ Himself. As a team member she spear-headed fundraising efforts as well as became a point person for key donations such as medical supplies and...sock monkeys! What a blessing and it was to have Mindy on our team this year and serve alongside her. ~Cyndi
On January 3, 2012, a group of 8 departed for an amazing week of ministry with IHH's ministry partners in Ethiopia. It was a privilege to be sent to work among the precious people of Addis Ababa. We returned 10 days later, having poured ourselves out, yet full, having received so much more in return. In the coming days the team members will be sharing some of our experiences and what God is doing in Ethiopia. THANK YOU for praying us there and back and for supporting work that will outlive us all and continue to bring others the HOPE that is Jesus Christ.
We show that love in many different ways, but mostly just through building relationships and Bible storytelling in mud hut villages among a predominantly Muslim people group. Along the way we help feed hungry orphans and widows, provide training and support for the church pre-school, rock and hold infant orphans at a local orphanage, provide funds for poverty-stricken children to attend school, pray over sick children and adults, and raise our hearts and hands in worship with our African brothers and sisters.
The first phase of IHH's water project in Bole Bulbula, Ethiopia has been completed! Last week the people of the community were able to have access to CLEAN water without walking 4 miles, multiple times per day!
The water pipeline runs to the new church site, in the heart of the village and close to the homes. No longer do they need to make the long trek to the water spigot several km away, or pay inflated prices to fill their containers.
Pastor Abdissa reports that over 200 people per day have been filling their containers with fresh, clean, water in the heart of their community, at a very minimal cost compared to before. The cost will be offset by IHH contributions as well as by Misgana Church.
The next phases of the plan includes building a fence around the site, and also the construction of a shower facility for use particularly by the children and youth, to help prevent disease.
IHH has been raising funds for a water pipeline project for the village of Bole Bulbula in Ethiopia, and we are excited to announce that we have received enough funds to begin construction!
With this water pipeline, the families at the village will be able to get precious water within their village. Up until now, the children would use donkeys to carry large buckets to get water from a nearby water source. The trip would be taken 2 or 3 times a day, and the distance to get there and back was over 3 miles.
The water pipeline will extend to the site of the church grounds at the village. The water source will be part of church life in the community, and the church and Jesus's name will receive the glory for bringing water to this community.
Psalm 68:31 says "Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God." IHH, by God's grace, is privileged to be part of God reaching this amazing, historical, ancient land and the people who are so precious to Him. Their hands ARE outstretched. They are ready.
This past January, a team of 4 visited our ministry partners in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where IHH has worked since 2009. The team went as part of a vision/planning trip. It was an amazing 10 days! The team consisted of Cyndi, (the wife of IHH President, Luke Krawietz) their daughter Bethany, as well as two family friends. During their time in Ethiopia, they were privileged to get updates from and strengthen our partnerships, meet with IHH's sponsor children, gather information about future involvement in projects, as well as pray through the possibility of returning with a team this coming summer. We held orphans, laughed and danced with children, ministered to widows, visited those who live in a dump, walked over 3 miles for water with those who don't have clean water in their village, and had a God-ordained time of allowing Him to break our hearts for what breaks His.
As a result of the trip as well as much prayer on the part of our board, we are pleased to let you know that we are planning to return to Ethiopia!
Purpose: James 1:27- visiting widows and orphans in their distress, evangelism, and compassion ministry
Working in our partner village of Bole Bulbula, playing games with the children, distributing donations and clothing, doing evangelism, prayer-walking, home-visits, supporting the local church's outreach to children and widows, and partcipating in another "water walk"- taking a walk in their shoes as they get their water for the day.
Playing games and doing crafts in 2 Compassion Family International drop-in centers where very disadvantaged children are able to receive preschool education and one meal a day while their parent(s) work to provide for them.
Visiting the people who live at Korah, the trash dump. We will be partnering with a vibrant church that is situated right in the middle of the dump, reaching the outcasts who live there with the message of HOPE. You can learn more about Korah here: http://vimeo.com/13771428
Other ministry plans are in the works, but this gives you an idea of some of the exciting ways God is at work, and how we can directly be a part of it. We plan to post more specifics about our work in Ethiopia in the coming weeks. Here is a video with some glimpses of the beautiful people we are privileged to serve there.
If you feel that Ethiopia could be where God is calling you this summer, complete a mission trip interest form here or email us via our website.
I send you greetings from Ghana and Shalom Baptist Church in Tamale. All the Christian brothers and sisters here extend their sincere greetings to you with the love of God. As a local missionary and Pastor, I am more happy to share with you as fellow Christians on the Subject "HARVEST TIME TODAY'', but let me use this as a privilege to thank the senior Pastor, (Kwaku) the leadership and the entire congregation of Abundant Life Baptist Church for your support to Cheryl Read and the Ghana Team, especially your financial support to the Maize Farm Project and the Widow Care Programme, your gifts and donations are highly appreciated by the Church and these widows and orphans.Indeed, this is a clear demonstration of the love and care for the poor and needy as seen in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. I encourage you to continue the good work you are doing and do it as if you are doing it for the Lord and surely you will be blessed here and after life.
Now brethren in the Lord,let me refer you to the gospel of John 4:35 about the subject, harvest time today. While the disciples of Christ were talking about tomorrow, Jesus was talking about today. This passage is simply telling us not to wait and say there is more time. The only time we have is today, therefore lets use the opportunity we have now to serve the Lord, for tomorrow maybe too late. How then can we join our Lord Jesus Christ and the harvesters in the field? Because of time constraint let me share with you three things we can do in order to be part of the harvest time today.
In Matthew's gospel 9:36 the Bible says that when Jesus saw the crowd he had compassion on them because of their helpless condition and harassment by their leaders. We need to develop love and passion for the lost sinners otherwise we would not be mindful of their salvation.
In Acts 2:44-45 the early Church shared their possessions together. They pooled their resources together and the result is that the Lord added to their number daily who were being saved. In other words the Church grew daily. The only way we can reach out to rescue the lost is by sharing our resources. Maybe you do not have time to be on the mission field but God has given you something that can make an impact on the missionary activities. Why don't you bring it to the Church for the promotion of the gospel? There are Missionaries, evangelists and Pastors on the Mission fields who are suffering for lack of resources to do the work. Why can't you support them with what you have?
In the same Acts 2:44 we read that all the believers were together and had everything in common. This was the idea of team work. They stand together shoulder to shoulder as a team. The reason why we need to work as a team is that there will always be a weaker ones among the strong. The weaker ones need the strong ones to pull them to stand firm and to strengthen them in the Lord.
Finally, let me conclude by recommending IHH Director, Cheryl Read, to everyone who is looking for an opportunity to serve the Lord in our Mission field in the Northern Ghana. She is honest, trustworthy and a woman of integrity and God fearing. I have served the Lord with her on the Mission field for good seven years now and I have found no fault in her,therefore she is a leader anyone can work with and be happy.
Prayer Request: I want to climax this message by appealing to you brethren in the Lord to pray with Shalom Baptist Church and the IHH Ghana Team in the following projects set up by the Church:
1.Pray for our on going Church building project for God to provide enough materials for completion,we have completed the block work,now we need funds for roofing and furnishing.
5.Pray for all our mission Churches for growth and pray for the laymen and Pastors on the ground for God's grace and favor on them to do the work successfully.
In May, we partnered with IHH Missionary Pastor Ziblim Mohammed and Shalom Baptist Church to plant a maize farm. This summer, when the team arrived and went to see the farm, the maize was about 2" high, due to lack of rain. We began to pray, along with many church members, and the rain began to fall.
This, I believe, is a powerful tool among our people. I therefore want to thank the donors who have given toward this project. At the same time I want to appeal to everyone who is willing to support this worthy cause to save the lives of the lost. We are making a little effort in this ministry, but together we can do more and who knows what your little support can do? Maybe your little offer can save on person from hell fire.
In remote mud-hut, Muslim villages in the Northern Region of Ghana West Africa, a small Baptist church is making a big impact through the Good News Club. The GNC is a sports evangelism program that gives the poverty-stricken village children a place to belong.
Zarah is an adopted child in Yizegu,therefore she did not find it easy to become a Christian.There is an opposition she is facing currently, but it is not an intensive one,we are talking to her parents and now it pears that they are understanding us, the little girl is putting much effort to know Christ, she attends Church services and GNC meetings regularly.I therefore ask you to remember her in your prayers so that she would overcome and grow strong in the Lord.
Sisay Girma is and eleven-year-old bright young girl. She was born in a family of six including her father, mother, brother and two sisters. She is the first born child to her parents. Sisay used to live with her parents in a town called Neja which is found in the Oromiya province of Ethiopia. Her parents make a living through farming. However, the income generated was barely enough to cover the consumption expenses of the family let alone provide the means for her to go to school. Hence Sisay did not have a chance to get any kind of education. In search for a better life, Sisay came to Addis Ababa to live with her aunt. However life in her aunt’s house was not any different from the life she had left behind. Her aunt, W/ro. Ayelu is a 30-year-old woman who supports her family with the minimum wage she earns by working as a daily laborer. Sisay spent most of her days taking care of the household chores.
No matter how badly she wanted to go to school, she couldn’t until an organization called Compassion Family International (CFI) gave her the opportunity to be part of its meal plus educational program. At CFI Sisay benefits from the meal provision (breakfast & lunch) and gets the necessary education that equips her with the knowledge she needs to join a formal primary school. Her teacher said, “She used to have a rather difficult behavior at first but now she gets along very well with the other children. She has a good participation in class and is egger to know new things. She is also maturing spiritually”.
Sisay is very happy to be part of CFI’s meal plus educational program. She said, “At first, I used to fight with most of the children as I have never been part of such gathering. Everything was new for me. I used to get upset and cry often times. But now I get along with all my friends and teachers. I love it here and I’m happy.” When asked about her ambition in the future Sisay replied, “I want to go further with my education and become a school teacher”.
Ayansa Uguma is six years old. He lives with his mother in a small rented house. He doesn’t have any siblings. His father died when he was very young. His mother works as a daily laborer and earn a wage that is merely enough to pay the house rent and buy a small amount of food. Ayansa never had a chance to go to school because his mother could not afford his educational expenses.
Having seen the living condition of Ayansa, the local city administration recruited him to be a beneficiary at Compassion Family International (CFI). Ayansa is now one among the 25 children that regularly comes to CFI’s drop-in center to benefit from the meal plus educational program. In addition to the pre-school educational program, CFI provides two meals (breakfast and lunch) to all the children everyday on weekdays. For Ayansa and most of these children, this could be the only decent meal they get throughout the day.
Ayansa is an active, friendly and healthy young man with a bright future ahead of him. He loves to draw and play with his friends. His teacher said, “Ayansa is one of the good performers in class. He’s well-mannered and gets along with all the children”. Ayansa wants to be a driver when he grows up.
Compassion Family International (CFI) is a partner organization of International Hope & Heritage. CFI is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Dagomba tribe of the Northern Region of Ghana, are farmers. They plant their crops at the beginning of the rainy season, which just began last week. They harvest their crops and feed their families. If there's any extra, they sell it so they can have enough money to send their children to school or to go to the doctor when sick.
But for the widows, there are no crops to sow. Their children often go hungry. Some die from starvation or sickness due to malnutrition.
IHH is pleased to be partnering with Shalom Baptist Church and Pastor Ziblim Mohammed in planting maize on a 7 acre plot of land near the mud-hut village of Tamale. The harvest of maize will help feed widows and orphans in three villages.
You and individuals from your church community are invited to attend the Christian Alliance for Orphans’ national Summit VI! This national conference is designed to help Christians start and grow orphan ministry in the local church, including adoption, foster care and international orphan initiatives.
Summit VI on April 29-30 in Minneapolis, MN will bring together grassroots advocates, pastors, orphan experts from across America and beyond—as well as many new to the issue seeking to learn how to engage.
Featured speakers include national champions of orphan care and adoption, including John Piper, Doug Sauder, Mary Beth Chapman, Jedd Medefind, Tom Davis and Al Mohler. Compelling voices from the global church will address attendees as well, from Africa and Eastern Europe to Central America. Music will be led by Steven Curtis Chapman and other artists. Meanwhile, more than fifty workshops will deliver practical know-how for orphan ministry—from supporting families with post adoption challenges, to effective models for church foster care programs, to partnerships with indigenous churches for overseas orphan care. In addition, families in the adoption process will have the opportunity for five “Hague Hours” from national experts such as Dr. Karyn Purvis at no additional cost.
If God has stirred hearts in your church for the plight of orphans, Summit offers the biggest and best opportunity of the year to learn how to act upon your convictions. Many churches will send multiple individuals in order to fully access the full range of resources, workshops and other opportunities available. To learn more and register now, visit the Christian Alliance for Orphans website at www.christianalliancefororphans.org.
IHH team members will personally deliver the goats for you this summer and you will get a picture of the family you help!