healing hands international news · shimo la tewa prison (population 2,400) is a male- only prison,...
TRANSCRIPT
July 2012
Written by: Ebenezer Udofia, African Director of Agriculture, HHI Shimo la Tewa Prison (population 2,400) is a male- only prison, located in Mombasa, Kenya. It is stipulated in the Prisons Act in Kenya that prisoners have vegetables in their diets at least once per day. The Prison administration spends lots of money buying vegetables for the prisoners and, unfortunately, the suppliers don’t meet the demand much of the time. The Healing Hands team was warmly received by the Officer–In–Charge of the prisons, Mr. Peter, in March when we arrived to conduct a three day training. The training was conducted for both prison officials and the prisoners themselves. Thirty prisoners and ten officers were trained. A four meter square compost heap was constructed; six raised beds were constructed; drip irrigation kits were attached to the constructed bucket stands in each of the beds; and seedlings were transplanted in them. It was a time of reflections for us as we freely interacted with the people who have been behind bars for years. Some have truly repented from their wrong doings, and most have missed their love ones. The prisoners could not hold back their optimism after the training because their fears and anxieties about integrating back into society were
so relieved. With such simple and sustainable skills of drip irrigation gardening, they look forward to their successful rehabilitation. One prisoner who shared his story was Felix Daniel, 35. He had dropped out of school after the death of his parents. In order to survive, he started working for people doing odd jobs. He was later introduced to the hard drug business and even started taking the drugs himself. After saving some money from the commissions he had been receiving, he graduated to being a dealer and then recruited others to deliver for him. It was during one of these transactions that he was arrested. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to serve three years imprisonment. He is hoping to regain his freedom in 2013,
Felix, student in HHI food workshop, is overjoyed with the new skills he has learned.
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In this issue:Tennessee Couple Has Meaningful Anniversary pg. 2
Family Food Workshops Across The Border pg. 4
Turning Cookies Into Water? pg. 6
Healing Hands International News“God’s Healing. Your Hands.”
Issue 2012-2www.hhi.org
“I Was In Prison And You Visited Me...”
Continued on page 8
W O R L D R E L I E F N E W S
2!
At Healing Hands, there are a few volunteers who are so regular that it is easy to mistake them for employees. Randy Sellers is one of those few. As a retired engineer, Randy brings a skill set that is invaluable to this ministry. When our current facility was purchased ten years ago, a suitable kitchen was not in the budget. Just this year, we were able to renovate the kitchen where hundreds of volunteers eat lunch each week. Randy, along with two other special volunteers, Don Harper and Bob Moseley, installed cabinets, a dishwasher, a garbage disposal and a new sink. Because of the countless hours these men invested, HHI was able to renovate the kitchen for next to nothing. But Randy’s service does not stop there. He spends many days refurbishing
computers that will be sent to mission points around the world. When he is not busy inside, he puts in some sweat equity in the warehouse loading containers and has especially become a valuable player in packing the Magi boxes so that they can be delivered in time for Christmas. Randy is the father-in-law of our Director of Operations, Joseph Smith. He and his wife, Ann, worship with the Brentwood Hills church of Christ and enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren.
Do you have a special skill set that you could use in service at HHI? If so, please contact Cindy Herring in the Nashville office at 615.832.2000 or Marilyn Holland in the Ft. Worth office at 817.536.3383.
Volunteer Spotlight: Randy Sellers
Tennessee Couple Has Meaningful Anniversary How many times have you been invited to a 50th anniversary party where the invitation said, “Please, no gifts”? This is typical, because most people who have enjoyed 50 years together do not need anything physical, but simply want to enjoy the blessing of being together with family and friends. As Roy and Clara Shannon began planning their 50th anniversary celebration with their children, they knew
they did not want gifts, but the thought kept coming to them that maybe they could do something to make an impact on this special occasion. So, as long-term supporters of Healing Hands International, it seemed like a natural fit to use this party as an opportunity to bring clean water to those in need. The Shannon’s goal was to raise enough for one well, but they knew that
any amount would be a blessing, no matter how large or small. The Shannons were moved and amazed when their friends and family responded to the call and gave enough to provide TWO wells - one for the nation of Haiti and one for our new drilling program in South Sudan. Roy and Clara praise God and thank their friends and family for this expression of their love!
Roy and Clara Shannon of Centerville, TN used their 50th anniversary to bring the gift of clean water to those in need.
Roy and Clara present a check to HHI’s President and Director of Water Projects for two wells sponsored through their 50th anniversary.
Randy Sellers and Bob Moseley (both retired engineers) begin a reconstruction process in the Nashville office.
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MEMORIAL GIFTSGifts were given in memory of the following from Feb. 1, 2012 - May 31, 2012.! Donors are in light-faced type.
Billingsley, Dorris and Sadie James and Betty NicksBlackwell, Bonnie Becky MulveyBlair, David and Ella Jerry and Kathleen SemoreBradley, Mary George and Polly JonesBrooks, Bill Anna BrooksBrown, Alma Betty MathisCastleman, Mildred Betty MathisChoate, Mack and Clara Gladys WestCochran, Dana Eva DowlerCochran, Wayne Frank and Charlotte CleaverCook, Lynn George and Polly JonesCotter, Robert Phillip and Nancy EichmanDyer, David Frances BumbaloughGibson, Anne Murphy Steve and Susan ChurchGibson, Virginia David H and Nancy He!ngtonGriner, Kathryn M A GrinerHassell, Bessie Jacqueline Whitaker Je"rey and Mary Ruth Banta Ralph Bryan Murrell R. Crews Margurite Dunn Keith and Frankie Ericson Mike and Melanie Hassell Robert and Elizabeth Kerce Cecelia Manning Betty Mathis Luther and Tamara Tanley
Hatchett, Emmett David H and Nancy He!ngtonHead, Katherine Ward Paragon Mills Church of ChristHeiser, Erma Horace, Jr and June Saunders Sandy and Phyllis Saunders Scott and Susan SaundersHenry, Opal Pearl ReynoldsHillin, Ted Dr. John and Alice CongerHollis, Bert Rod and Laura HyattHughes, Bill Ed and Yvonne RosenquistIngram, George A. Robert and Beverly MoseleyJared, Shorty Betty Grandsta"Landiss, Aldameda Dr. John and Alice CongerMayes, Ford Betty MathisMayes, Nell George and Polly JonesMays, Carl Edward Wallice and Virginia MaysMcAfee, William Durham Nathaniel and Beverely ManleyMcCrary, Nile Ott Rebecca L. SmithMoss, Freddie David H and Nancy He!ngtonMurray, Ginny Margurite DunnNicks, Lyle and Lucille James and Betty NicksNoel, Corinne Betty MathisOliver, Orvis and Ann Dean and Zan OliverPace, Marky Neil and Glenda Anderson Betty MathisScott, James
Michael and Virginia MooreSeigel, Dr. Robert Betty BowlingSimmons, Duane Dr. John and Alice CongerStubblefield, Howard Caroll Berry Bob Bu"ord Betty Mathis Elizabeth Pirtle Raymond PirtleTemple, Rusty Dr. John and Alice CongerTimlin, Tom Jane HundleyWalker, Allen Betty MathisWells, Frank Jane Wells
HONORARIUMSGifts were given in honor of the following from Feb. 1, 2012 - May 31, 2012.!Donors are in light-face type.#
Goolsby, David Eleanor PettitHames, Harry Lagasse PropertiesHelton, Betty The Hackman Family Rev. Living TrustHenry, Marilyn J.C. and Mary CarriganHerring, Cindy Hugo Sandoval Randy and Christina StegerHyatt, Dr. Dustin Rod and Laura HyattLattimore, Suzanne John and Mary CrispMathis, Betty Nola SmithTidwell, Tracy Vernon and Betty MidgettWhite, Ron Newsom and Dot ReasonoverWhitman, Martha Tom and Amy Dixon
Tearing Down Walls In Japan A group of students from the University of Memphis campus ministry made the trip across the world this May to be God’s hands of service to tsunami victims in Japan. Working with HHI supported relief workers, they spent most of their time in homes tearing down walls that had been damaged so that other work groups could come in and begin the rebuilding process.
Before returning to the States, they spent some time at a community festival handing out soft drinks and Sno Cones. Because of their effort, the long-term missionary team was able to make contacts and begin relationships with people who are still struggling emotionally.
Rusty Woods, Campus Minister, had this to say about the trip, “We all were able to serve God in physical ways we could see having a spiritual impact on the lives of the Japanese people. God was using our ability to rip away guarded walls around Japanese hearts.”
Memphis University students help families tear down physical and emotional walls to recovery.
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4 July 2012
Family Food Workshops Across The BorderWritten by: Carl Burkybile, Director of Agriculture Education, HHI The average annual rainfall in the Baja region of Mexico is about 10 inches. The soil is sandy and rocky and water is expensive to purchase. This makes it an ideal location for Healing Hands International to empower families with the skills and resources needed to overcome the challenging climate and provide nutritious food for themselves and their community year-round. In May, HHI partnered with Baja Missions to conduct two food sustainability workshops in the communities of Colonet and San Vicente. The Healing Hands team of Carl and Ruth Ann Burkybile along with Charles Chesshir were impressed with the interest of the people and are excited about the potential to help the people increase their food production. The compost piles and the raised bed drip irrigated gardens prepared at Colonet and San Vicente will provide vegetables to feed poor families during the dry season when food prices are at their highest. They will provide the opportunity for people to work together, build relationships, improve nutrition for their families, and reach out into the community to share the love of God. With help from HHI, the people learned that sandy soils can be improved using compost and rainwater harvesting. Using guttering, downspouts, and a water storage tank they can provide water for the gardens and eliminate the sand and salt problems associated with locally available water. Antonio, the minister in San Vincente, called this workshop an answered prayer saying, “Church members working as a team will become more like a family. The garden produce will benefit church members and community people, especially the children.” He said planting the seeds in the garden will help him plant the seeds of the Gospel in the community.
On Friday of the workshop the people gathered vegetation, hauled animal manure, and assembled a stand for the water container. The planting beds were laid out with stakes and string. A short compost trench was dug to show at the evening presentation. Saturday morning Charles Chesshir led the group at San Vicente while Carl Burkybile led the Colonet workshop. Because the digging was easier in the Colonet beds and because twice as many people showed up to work, they finished their compost trench and raised beds prior to lunch. After fish tacos for lunch, 20 Colonet workers decided to delay their work until Sunday afternoon and make the 30 minute trip to help San Vicente. Antonio said, “It was amazing to see the smiles, the energy, and the love of the Colonet church members as they arrived to help.” Together, the two groups completed the compost trenches and the raised beds. As drip spots began to appear the group planted tomatoes and cabbage. A man from the community drove up and asked what was going on. When he learned that the project would help poor families he said, “I want to donate some pepper plants to this project.” The HHI team attended worship with the Colonet congregation Sunday morning, providing the opportunity to get to know the people. Samuel said, “The workshop provided the opportunity for church members to work together and then have the knowledge to do the same thing at their home gardens.” Another student said, “After working Saturday on the church garden, I went home and prepared and planted 4 raised beds at my home.” Angie Dunas said, “I think the workshop and the garden will teach the children that things can be different. They experienced new things. The workshop provided the opportunity for children, their parents, and their grandparents to work together on the same project.”
The whole family gets involved in learning food sustainability skills in a recent HHI workshop in Baja, Mexico.
Carl Burkybile, Director of Agriculture Education, demonstrates how to lay a drip line.
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July 2012 5
A team of students and faculty from Lipscomb University traveled to Lima, Peru this May equipped with thousands of dollars in medicine supplied by Healing Hands. During their five day clinic, they were able to treat over 800 patients and dispense 3,000 prescriptions. The team treated patients with upper respiratory infections, skin disorders, diabetes and high blood pressure. Every patient was able to go home with vitamins for better nutrition. While the patients waited in line, they were invited to study the Bible with local ministers and in the evening after the clinic closed. There
was a gospel meeting, also. Eight precious souls accepted Christ and were baptized that week! Does your medical mission team need medicines or supplies for your next trip? Contact Cindy Herring in Nashville, TN at [email protected] for more information.
A Sisterhood of Hope in 2013 Each year, hundreds more ladies find out that the Women of Hope conference is a “can’t miss” event for their year. The 2013 program is shaping up to be the best yet.
The theme this year is “A Sisterhood of Hope” based on 2 Corinthians 1:7 “And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” As Christian women, we form a community of encouragement, love and support for each other and women around the world.
There will be engaging speakers like Casandra Martin, popular author of the “Women Opening the Word” series and many more books for Christian women. There will be empowering breakout sessions for young moms, teen girls, empty-nesters and single women, just to name a few. There will be exciting vendors offering everything from Bible teaching material to jewelry, coffee and much, much more.
You will laugh until you cry as you listen to Linda Smith’s Christian comedy routine on Friday night and be inspired to tears as you hear stories from our Woman of Hope, Grace Farrar, who dedicated most of her life to caring for the sick in Nigeria.
This year we are excited to offer a new group registration feature. This will allow large groups to register together and even receive a discounted fee. For groups
wishing to make this their ladies’ retreat, space will be made available for private devotionals on Saturday evening.
Healing Hands realizes that women are the heart of our families, churches and communities and that is why we seek to enrich and empower Christian women in their spiritual growth and fellowship with one another.
Make your plans now to join us at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, TN on February 1-2 and bring a friend! For information and to register visit: www.hhi.org/womenofhope. There is very limited space available for those who want lunch, so we encourage you to register early.
Bisons Bear Fruit In Lima
Students from Lipscomb University treating patients in Lima, Peru.
W O R L D R E L I E F N E W S
July 2012
Turning Cookies Into Water? We never cease to be amazed at the ways people find to support the ministry of Healing Hands. This story is no exception. Girl Scout Troop #2698 set a goal to sell enough cookies to fund the drilling of a well and they reached that goal! That means they had to sell more than a thousand boxes of cookies. That’s a whole lot of Thin Mints! Now, thousands of girls like these and their families in Haiti will have the gift of clean water. What creative way can you find to bring clean water to the world? Why not create a fundraising page and get started today: www.hhi.org/fundraising-page?
Girl Scout Troop #2698 funded a water well by selling cookies.
Has your ladies’ class ever considered a field trip? Why not come to Healing Hands for a Bible lesson, tour and delicious lunch? It would be a great opportunity for a ladies’ day out and a chance to learn more about HHI and how to get involved. We also have ladies on staff available to come and speak at your ladies’ day, retreat, or Bible class. We will prepare lessons on
any Biblical or spiritual topic you request and will also incorporate stories about the ministry at HHI. We have recently had groups in from
Goodlettsville, Bellevue and Murfreesboro, just to name a few. We have also been invited to speak in Leoma, TN and Cincinnati, OH. For more information, call Lori in Nashville at 615. 832.2000 or Brenda in Ft. Worth at 817.536.3383.
Ladies’ Lunch and Lesson
Need A Speaker? We have a lot of great new stories about the way this ministry is changing lives and we would love to share them with your congregation! We have several men who are available to speak to your church, Bible class or missions committee about the work going on at Healing Hands. Contact one of the following men to schedule a speaker:
Ron White in Nashville, TN: 615.832.2000
David He!ngton in Columbia, TN: 615.516.2336
Art Lynch in Ft. Worth, TX: 817.536.3383
Dorcas’s Don’t Disappoint
One hundred ladies + 12 hours + a passion for sewing and God’s Kingdom = Priceless! The Second Annual Dorcas Workshop was an even greater success than the first. Women of all ages and experience levels came from four different states to share in a day of sewing, crocheting, friendship and
learning.
We are already beginning to make plans for next year. The date is tentatively set for May 9-10, 2013, so mark your calendars and tell your friends!
As Healing Hands continues to grow and expand, the need for quality leadership and manpower increases, as well. Therefore, HHI is currently accepting applications for the position of Director for our Ft. Worth, Texas o!ce. For a detailed job description and application information please visit: www.hhi.org/ftw-director
Director Needed forFt. Worth O!ce
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July 2012 7
Written by: Lori Kovach, Community Relations, HHI
Harry Hames has traveled to many different places over the last 25 months but none quite as exciting as the night of June 8. He called it "an experience of a lifetime." He was invited to dinner at the home of "The Administrateur General du Palais National (assistant to the President)." He had been told they would send a car to pick him up but he wasn't quite prepared for what happened. With lights flashing and sirens blaring, two SUVs pulled up to his hotel. Dark tinted windows and bullet proof doors concealed the two armed men inside. As Harry got to the vehicles the men jumped out and opened the door for him, "like I was somebody!" Harry reports that the home was beautiful, the meal was wonderful and he was able to meet some really nice people. He said, "It was an enjoyable evening to be able to represent HHI for the work we have done for the Haitian people." All of this excitement because Healing Hands was recently able to provide the palace with an AED machine - an Automated External Defibrillator used in cases of life threatening cardiac arrhythmias which lead to cardiac arrest. They require minimal training to use and automatically diagnose the patient's heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed. They are quite common in public places throughout the United States, but this is the first one ever at the President's home in Haiti. Mrs. Martelly (pictured below) thanked HHI for the AED and all we have done for Haiti since the disaster.#It is amazing to see how God is working in this country! President Joseph Martelly recently dedicated the country to our Lord saying, "I commit the country to God in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, knowing that the Lord is with me."#What an awesome statement!#We ask that you continue to
pray for this country, its leaders, and its people. We especially seek your prayers as we begin a new opportunity to educate the children of Haiti. This month, Dr. Bobbie Solley and her team of four experienced educators will travel to Haiti to begin training teachers in the Christian schools around Port au Prince. They will have the opportunity to empower them with new teaching skills and will even present them with Bible curriculum. Healing Hands believes that in order to change a culture, we must begin by educating the children in a holistic way: body, mind and soul. We believe there is hope for the people of Haiti. With God all things are possible!
HHI Makes Presidential Impact In Haiti
Harry Hames presents the First Lady of Haiti with a defibrillator to be used in the Presidential palace.
HHI is taking advantage of a unique opportunity to support Christian education for the children of Haiti.
Dr. Bobbie Solley, Director of Education at HHI, visits schools where she will be training educators this summer.
HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL NEWS
World Relief News Issue 2- July 2012
Healing Hands International455 McNally DriveNashville, TN 37211615.832.2000www.hhi.org
Bill Merry, Jr.Greg HardemanDr. Sidney AllenLarry BrannanKeith CuthrellDr. Gary W. JerkinsBill Lawler
Burt NowersDr. Margaret PerryDoug PetersDr. Randy Steger David SellersDon Yelton
Carl BurkybileJessica BibyDr. Seth Carmody Chris Gingles Harry Hames David He!ngton Cindy Herring, RNSean JudgeLori KovachBurt Nowers
Brandon Post Karen Post Jim PoundersMaeva RalafiarindazaScott SaundersDr. Bobbie Solley Joseph Smith Alisa Van Dyke Ron White
Sta" - Nashville
Board of Directors Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Nashville, TN 37211
Permit No. 3111
Sta" - Ft. Worth
and is very grateful that he has been trained in drip irrigation
gardening which has automatically become a better alternative to drug dealing. Felix said, “instead of drugs business, I will engage myself in gardening and be free from a life of fear of being arrested.” He also said that since the day of his arrest and subsequent imprisonment, no one has ever been to visit him. The prison administration shared their profound gratitude to us for honoring their invitations for the training. Mr. Peter said “We have been relying on vegetable dealers for supplies, but many times they don’t show up... We have enough land and man power and now the skills. We cannot quantify what this training means to us in words, but we simply say, ‘thank you.’ Not only for the inmates, but we the officers can now prepare for our retirements.” Incorporated into the training program was time for refreshments. We used this time to tell them about the people that send us to them and how they are loved, as well as their Creator who loved them so much and the choice they have to make in life. At the end of the training, we presented each graduate with
a certificate of attendance and each prisoner with toothpaste and soap. We also presented ten additional drip irrigation kits to the prison administration for them to expand their garden. The administrators gave us a letter of appreciation and they also requested us to find time to visit them again to evaluate their implementations.
“I Was In Prison And You Visited Me...” (cont.)
Dr. Sidney AllenGeorge HesterMarilyn HollandBrenda JonesArt Lynch
Contact Info:
414 Blue Smoke Ct. West
Ft. Worth, Texas 76105
817.536.3383
Prisoners in Mombasa, Kenya learn new skills to help them earn an honest living when they are released.
Continued from Page 1
Sta" - InternationalDr. Willa FinleyCurt KingEbenezer Udofia