Lending a Hand with Both Hands

It is such a special occasion when an orphan is adopted into a new forever family! There are many joys and challenges in what can be a very expensive process. Legal issues bring even more joy and challenges! But, God is faithful. My dear friends, Mark and Diane, are getting ready to welcome to their family of five a little boy and a little girl from Congo! These kids are going to be so blessed!

But first, Mark and Diane need to raise the funds necessary to fly them to the US. And while that’s happening, immigration issues are unmercifully dragging out this already long process! But, God is faithful!

Here are some ways you can help, if you’re so led! If all you can do is pray, then that help is more than enough. If you’re squirming in your seat at the thought of giving money to a family you don’t even know, that’s ok! Help another family who is in the same boat. Trust me: There are many! I don’t know too many people who can just hand over a check and walk away with child in tow.

The adoptive family is having a fundraiser this weekend where they will “Help an Orphan” and “Help a Widow” all at the same time. It’s through a program called Both Hands, via LifeSong for Orphans. Both Hands is an innovative process that helps remove the financial burden of adoption. Mark and Diane have identified a widow who needs help with her home (i.e., painting, repairs, cleanup). For each person who works on the home, letters are sent asking people to donate – or sponsor – the worker. The idea is similar to sponsoring someone who is in a charity run or walk. Kurt and I will spend this Saturday, May 14, working at the house. We couldn’t be more excited, and hope you’ll consider sponsoring us! The fantastic part is that 100% of all the money donated to this project is then given in grant form to Mark and Diane’s adoption fund! Indeed, both hands helping a widow and orphan!

Another fun way Mark and Diane are raising money is through an auction. Visit Sew A Seed of Love to learn more about the item(s) to be auctioned in support of this adopting family!

As Diane recently said, God always brings the right person, at the right time, to encourage when we need it most. God is faithful!

To follow Mark and Diane’s adoption journey, visit their blog: http://goinsgang6.blogspot.com/

To learn more about helping other families with adoption expenses, or to set up your own adoption fund, visit LifeSong for Orphans.

Journey to Bulembu: Never a Dull Moment

It’s hard to believe I’ll be boarding a plane and heading for the continent of Africa in just nine days. Too much has been happening in my own life to keep me from really enjoying the preparation and anticipation experience. A kitchen renovation that has turned into a nightmare. Serious health issues that have made me doubt whether or not this trip would even take place and kept me in close company with my family physician far more often than I prefer. Snow and major ice storms that left me wondering if I would ever see grass again. And now, so much rain that Indiana is experiencing more flooding. Never a dull moment.

But I’m not the only one never experiencing dull moments. Recent unseasonable rains caused significant flooding in Bulembu earlier this year. Thankfully, there were no injuries or fatalities. But continued progress toward self-sustainability has been delayed somewhat as efforts to aid in repairing damage to buildings, property and infrastructure located in the flooded areas have forced resources to be redirected. Two steps forward… Three steps back. Isn’t that how life seems to happen sometimes?

That’s why we can’t let up in our efforts to support what’s happening in Bulembu. The 2011 Voices for Bulembu campaign has just been announced and once again, The Canadian Tenors will headline the fundraising concert in Vancouver, Saturday, September 17. But we can’t wait until September to start our giving campaign. It needs to continue throughout the year without inhibition. Be encouraged by this update of a previous post about a fundraiser where all proceeds went to Bulembu International.

Angels for Bulembu “Wings of Hope” was the Christmas charity event hosted by Gia Masi Rooker last year. As many as 150 friends, colleagues and celebrities that live in the Cave Creek, Arizona valley came to lend a helping hand, as they do for her yearly charity event. Live music, raffles and donated prizes along with amazing food and holiday decorations, which were featured in the local newspaper, created a warm environment for giving. Gia reports that her charity event raised $20,000 in funds and the company for which she works, CVS Pharmacy, donated children’s vitamins for the orphans of Bulembu.

You don’t have to know celebrities or have loads of money in order to contribute. You can give the gift of one dollar to help one of the children in Bulembu. Gia’s gift is to entertain; she’s got a special knack for it, and she’s an amazing hostess! People love her infectious smile and enjoy teaming up with her to give in big ways. Some of us are more reserved and don’t relish the thought of having a hundred people traipsing through our house, even if it is for a good cause. So, we give in private. It doesn’t matter how you give. I’m sure Gia and the private donor will agree that the gift you receive in return is immeasurably more than the gift you give.

A dear friend recently shared with me: “There are those who give little of the much which they have – and they give it for recognition, and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome. It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding…” (Author unknown)

Facing a dull moment in your life? Not me! And with this trip coming up, I think it’s about to become even more un-dull! Search your heart and ask what you can give. Step out and make one dull moment come to life.

The Canadian Tenors in Bulembu

Journey to Bulembu: A Shot in the Arm

In exactly one month I will board a plane to begin my physical journey to Bulembu, Swaziland. I’m still pinching myself because it still hasn’t registered that I’m really going. Perhaps I’m just not pinching hard enough for the pinch – or pinches – I received a couple of days ago made it very clear that I’m on my way. I received three shots required to enter South Africa and Swaziland. And my left arm is still screaming at me, a not-so-gentle reminder of the trip that awaits.

The journey up to this point has been unbelievable. God has been faithful in providing exactly what I have needed in terms of financial support. He has helped me to raise enough money to afford this trip! I have been blown away by the love and support of so many people from all across the globe. People I have never met in person but who have become good friends through the power of social media have shown their belief in me by sending financial aid. Every one of them said, “It isn’t much but…” What they don’t realize is that every cent is MUCH! And their sacrifice means so very much.

I still marvel at the fact that these people entered my life through a common love and appreciation of the voices of The Canadian Tenors, who first introduced me and my friends to the plight of the citizens of Bulembu. Their fans and my friends have supported Voices for Bulembu from the beginning. And now, as I make my pilgrimage to the same place the Tenors visited, those same friends are walking with me. They have believed in me as a writer and appreciated when I told the stories of the Tenors’ first two visits to Bulembu. Now they are believing in me as a writer to tell the story of Bulembu through my own eyes. To know that these friends are also my cheerleading section keeps me going! It is beyond humbling, and it energizes me. I am inspired to be a better writer because of the people who are sending me to Bulembu, either through the gift of prayer or in the way of  a financial contribution. I hope I do you all proud.

In the meantime, I ask for your prayers as I am struggling with some serious health issues. They won’t prevent me from going but they are certainly making life difficult! And I need to be healthy in time for this trip. I am honored that you are joining me on this journey to Bulembu!

Bulembu

Bulembu or Bust!

My bags are packed, and I’m … Well, ok, my bags aren’t packed yet, but I am ready to go! And I’m excited to officially announce that I’m going to Bulembu! My dear friend, Monique (from Holland), and I are going to Bulembu, Swaziland with a group of people, who will be led by Scott Campbell, Director of Development for Bulembu International. I leave Indianapolis on March 13 and head to Amsterdam where I pick up Monique. Together we’ll fly (for 12 hours) to Johannesburg on the 14th. After arriving, we’ll take about 24 hours to recover (and we’ll need it) before we meet up with the rest of the team and make our way to Bulembu. Our trip will last for seven days and will include time spent in the orphanage, working in the community enterprise and community care systems and for me, doing lots and lots of writing. I will head back to Indianapolis on the 24th of March, stopping in Amsterdam to drop off Monique. (Don’t worry – we’ll land first. I won’t just push her out of the plane as we pass over Amsterdam!)

There are still many details I don’t know as of yet but I am beyond excited! And I am over-the-top humbled by this opportunity! No, I still don’t have the money I need to pay for the trip. I still need about $1800 but I have no doubt that God will provide a way. To start, I will make a presentation to the Mission Resource Team at my church this Sunday. It is possible I may receive some support funds from this group. (Your prayers going into this presentation are appreciated!) Even if the funds aren’t available, I know I’ll have their prayers, and that means more to me than anything else! I have had some wonderful surprises in the form of checks arriving here and there from dear friends who have offered to help. I am eternally thankful for their generosity! I continue to try to find other fundraising avenues (and am always open to suggestions!).

I have heard many times that people often go into mission trips thinking they will change the people they meet along the way when in fact, it is they who come home changed forever. I’m not sure why but I have never once considered that I will enter Bulembu thinking that I will change or “save” someone. I do hope to be salt and light for these people I have come to love (even though I don’t even know them yet). But I know even before I go that I am the one who will be forever changed. Whatever I am able to teach them, I pray that it is a glory to God. And whatever they are able to teach me, I pray I go with open eyes and ears, and that I am able to come back and tell the rest of the world through the written word. I know of no other reason for me to go.

Bulembu

Voices for Bulembu: A Conversation with Clifton Murray

Whoever is at the wheel is at full throttle, but it appears the Canadian Tenors don’t mind the speed at which they’re traveling. And the direction they’re heading is up: up the record and popularity charts. With the whirlwind of activities they’ve recently experienced, they might simply be running on adrenaline. But they are focused if they are anything. And one focus for them continues to be their work supporting the Bulembu Foundation through their own Voices for Bulembu (VFB).

The Tenors will return to the tiny town in Swaziland in August; their second trip in as many years. They will check on progress being made in the ongoing efforts to return this town into one of prosperity through self-sufficiency. Their last trip showed them the devastation of a place ravaged by AIDS and a dwindling population thanks to a lack of reasonable employment. The Tenors committed to helping the people of Bulembu through VFB, their inaugural fundraising concert, in 2009. Their efforts raised $1 million.

I recently sat down with all four Tenors to talk about their previous trip and what they’re expecting on their upcoming visit. I’ll share the thoughts of each of the guys in the coming days through blog posts like this one. Today we’ll hear from Clifton Murray.

Clifton will be making his first trip to Bulembu as he was not yet part of the group when they last visited there. But he’s heard plenty of stories and has seen video and photos of their trip. He admitted he’s incredibly excited about going.

“I’m looking forward to the emotional impact and having a visceral connection with what’s going on over there,” he said. “I’m looking forward to caring that much more about the project.”

Going there without any reservations, Clifton said he hopes to gain a deeper understanding of what can be done to help, and he’s certain he’ll leave with renewed energy and focus.

“It’s a gift to be able to go there and see what’s going on,” he continued. “It really is a gift to have that affect us, and inspire us to go back, spread the word and raise money to help people in this part of the world who desperately need our help.”

Before ever stepping foot on an airplane, Clifton knows the emotional rollercoaster ride he’ll encounter while he’s there. But fellow Tenor, Victor Micalleff, says that there was never any hesitation on Clifton’s part when he first joined the group and learned of their supporting role with the Bulembu Foundation.

“He immediately saw the opportunity there,” noted Victor. “It’s just become a common goal for all of us, and he’s so excited about the possibilities.”

The Canadian Tenors are currently preparing to host their next cornerstone fundraising concert event, Voices for Bulembu: A Legacy Weekend at Mission Hill, which takes place September 17 – 19 in Vancouver.

Fans of the Canadian Tenors can add to the final tally by making donations on behalf of Raise YOUR Voice for Bulembu, a fan-organized and sponsored fundraising campaign. Click on the banner below learn more and make your donation.

Check back on Wednesday, July 7 when we’ll have a conversation with Victor Micallef.

So, you say you want to make a difference…

I remember the commercials that aired when I was a kid; the ones with Sally Struthers, who used to play Archie Bunker’s daughter, Gloria, in the hit TV show All in the Family. She shared the plight of under-privileged children across the world and asked viewers to consider monetarily sponsoring a child. Even back then, I often thought there were just too many of them; too many needy children that no amount of piddly change from one person would be enough to help. Sadly, I think this is the mantra voiced by many today, and doubt leads to inaction. Inaction leads to greater need. Can one person really make a difference?

The answer is a resounding yes! Help for a hurting third-world nation looks much different than it does in the United States. As Victor Micallef of the Canadian Tenors told me recently, we are so rich. We might see ourselves as middle class – or even lower class – citizens. But we are, by comparison, incredibly rich. Scraping the floor boards of the car to purchase that $2.50 Mocha Frappe seems ridiculous when you consider that almost 78% of people who live in Swaziland live below the poverty line, with two-thirds living on less than $1 a day.

Those commercials are far and few between these days but that doesn’t mean the need is gone. In fact, it’s worse than ever. There are currently more than 130 million orphans across the world. Their struggles are unlike anything we will ever be able to fathom. Bulembu is a town in Swaziland with approximately 2,000 orphans, many of whom have HIV/AIDS. The Canadian Tenors have joined forces with Bulembu Ministries Swaziland through their annual fundraising concert event called Voices for Bulembu. Fans of the Canadian Tenors are showing their support for the vision of returning Bulembu to self-sufficiency by 2020 through a fundraising campaign called Raise YOUR Voice for Bulembu. And you really can make a difference. How?

1. Join the Canadian Tenors Voices for Bulembu Facebook Fan Page to keep up with upcoming events, activities and comments from the Tenors. Leave messages of encouragement for the Tenors as they prepare for their return trip to Bulembu in August as well as their cornerstone concert event in September.
2. Visit the Canadian Tenors’ new fan site to connect with others. Designed by fans for fans, this web site is interactive and allows for your creativity to shine. Talk about what’s going on with the Tenors and in Bulembu. Encourage one another to get involved and stand strong in the face of challenging circumstances.
3. Share your favorite Tenors pictures from concerts you’ve attended or stories of when you met them in person. Write blogs about how the music of the Tenors have impacted your life and what you think of their efforts to bring hope to the people of Bulembu. Create unique video’s, such as this one made by Jennifer and Stephanie Fong, encouraging fellow fans to get involved and give. Challenge your boss to match office donations; take up a collection at your church or synagogue.
4. Learn as much as you can and find out how easy it is to get involved through the Bulembu web site.
5. Visit Bulembu RESTORE‘s web site and discover how you can donate as little as $1.00 (USD) or make a monthly contribution.
6. Pray.

Sharing stories of hurt and hope is how the message of Bulembu will reach a wider audience. Imagine if 2,000 people donated $1.00 to represent each of the orphans in Bulembu, it would be enough money to put a roof over a home and purchase six beds with mattresses. That might not sound like a lot but to one child, it means the world.

How would you like to Raise YOUR Voice for Bulembu?

Another Adoption Fund-raising Garage Sale – The Thomas Family

Our friends, Rob and Jennie Thomas, are gearing up for their first adoption fund-raising event – a garage sale! Please stop by and visit them Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23 from 9 am until 3 pm at their home, which is located at 3826 South 800 East, Zionsville.

The Thomas family (all nine of them) report that they have 2 Trek road bikes, a barely used Briggs & Stratton power washer, 2 Shop Vacs, 2 gas grills, 4 large silk fichus trees, 2 queen comforters w/pillow shams, 1 queen duvet cover, 2 twin comforters, other bedding, furniture, framed artwork, a child’s green wicker table with two chairs, fishing poles, books, clothing, Little Tykes basketball goal and workbench, and so much more.  Please tell anyone and everyone you think might be interested.

The family will also have a coffee bar serving Ethiopian coffee as well as desserts, home-made jewelry pieces and wooden swords and daggers made by one of their kids (with help from granddad) in an effort to raise money for his own plane ticket to Ethiopia to retrieve their newest family members.

Won’t you join them in this wonderful adventure? At the very least, please keep the Thomas family – and their future children – in your prayers!

To keep track of their adoption story, visit their blog at http://www.oliveshootsandmuddyboots.blogspot.com/