summer newsletter '14
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HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL NEWS “God’s Healing. Your Hands.”
Summer 2014
HHI Holds Its First Ag Workshop in the Congo Page 3
New Water Pump Gives Life in India Page 4
The Loss of a Great Partner Page 4
Christian Business Conference in Mozambique Page 6
Celebrate Christmas in July– with M.A.G.I.! Page 7
Update on Food Aid in South Sudan Page 5
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. –Isaiah 58:11
Education Ministry Announces Second Book Page 5
Glorifying God With Your Estate Planning Page 7
HHI Holds Its First Agriculture Workshop in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Workshop Facilitated by Joseph Edema under the oversight of Ebenezer Udofia, HHI Director of African Agriculture
Hope PartyHost a
Life.Change a woman’s
For more information, visit www.hhi.org/hope-parties
or contact Lydia Steger at 615-832-2000
Walk 4 Water is a four mile walking event (the average distance that women and children walk in order to collect water for their families). It is an event sponsored by Healing Hands International to raise funds for clean water projects around the world. Find or host one in YOUR city! For more
info and a list of upcoming walks, visit www.walk4water.org.
Help us out! Would you rather receive your Healing Hands
International newsletter by email and help us
save postage? Let us know by emailing
Join or host your own...
Women of Hope Conference February 6-7,2015
Save the Date!
A Light of Ho pe
Change of Address! Our Texas office has relocated. Please note the change in address:
HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL
NORTHVIEW CENTRE
2201 MIDWAY ROAD
CARROLLTON, TX 75006-5051
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Did you know? HHI has refurbished computers available for your
domestic or international ministry, church, or
organization. If you or someone you know may
be interested, please call the Nashville office at
615-832-2000.
A Call for M.A.G.I. Boxes!Healing Hands International is partnering with the 8th & Harrison Church of
Christ in Harlingen, Texas to put together an emergency shipment of M.A.G.I.
boxes that will be delivered to women and children who have come across
the border into the Rio Grande Valley. The 8th & Harrison’s ministry team will be
spear heading this effort in conjunction with the staff from our HHI office in Texas.
We will be making a smaller version of our normal M.A.G.I. box and we are asking for
churches, groups, organizations and individuals to help us pull this together in a short
period of time. You can help us by either donating online or by sending the following
items listed below to Rob at the church in Harlingen. We will put the monetary
donations toward purchasing additional items in Harlingen. We will assemble boxes
in Texas and distribute them as directed by the Texas Border Patrol. Questions? Please
call Doug Fair at 214-208-9625.
LIST OF PRODUCT NEEDED: (we are collecting for boys and girls ages 2-11) · Underwear
· T-Shirts
· Shorts
· Socks
· Flip-Flops
· Toothpaste/toothbrush
· Bottled water
· Health Bars (granola bars
etc, PLEASE NO CHOCOLATE )
Donate online at www.hhi.org/magi/txborder and/or send donated items to:
8th & Harrison Church of Christ
801 East Harrison Ave.
Attention: Rob Sparks
Harlingen, TX 78550
956-254-6496
To host a Hope party or to find out more about our Women Worth A Million program, please
contact Lydia Steger at 615-832-2000
KENYADEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
RWANDABURUNDI
TANZANIA
SOUTH SUDANCENTRAL AFRICAN
REPUBLIC
UGANDAMahagi District
A vast country with immense economic resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has been at the center of what some observers call “Africa’s world war.” This has left the country in the grip of a humanitarian crisis.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued with wars since its independence in 1960 and fighting continues in some areas to date: most notable, the 1st and 2nd Congo Wars (1996-2003). The people of DRC have suffered at the hands of nationals, rebel groups, and guerrilla armies from neighboring countries despite a peace deal and the formation of a transitional government in 2003. People even today remain in terror of marauding militias and the army. The 1st and 2nd Congo Wars claimed an estimated three million lives, both directly from fighting and indirectly from disease and malnutrition.
It’s been more than ten years since the Congo’s catastrophic war officially ended, but the rate at which people are dying in the country remains very high. According to reports, despite the efforts of the world’s largest peacekeeping force, thousands of people die each month in the Congo. The most important causes of the post war deaths are hunger and malnutrition, and nearly half of the victims are children younger than 5 years old.
In response to this humanitarian crisis, Healing Hands International decided to respond as we believe Jesus would, by holding a Community Garden Workshop at the Ladju village, Mahagi District in the Eastern Congo (see map). Since 2011, Healing Hands International has partnered with the Nairobi Great Commission School in Kenya in training preachers in agricultural skills to be used alongside their evangelistic ministries. Joseph Edema, student-turned-trainer at NGCS, facilitated the workshop at the Ladju village under
the oversight of Ebenezer Udofia, HHI Director of African Agriculture. The training included: compost making, raised bed construction, drip irrigation systems, transplanting, mulching, and basic garden management skills.
Edema reports “the workshop was successful and each person who participated was grateful for the training.”
During the workshop, meals were provided, certificates were issued to successful participants, and drip irrigation kits were given to every participant. After each workshop, HHI trainers orga-nized follow up visits with students to evaluate implementation of material learned from the workshop. Over the past year, HHI has encouraged churches in the United States to host a Community Garden Workshop at their buildings and then sponsor a workshop abroad, like the one at Ladju village. The Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland, TX, for example, sponsored a workshop in Molo, a village outside of Nairobi, Kenya this past Spring after many from the congregation helped plant a community garden with 10 raised beds on their church property. Produce from the Saturn Road garden will be used to feed the elderly of the church, the needy in the community, and to supplement the church’s summer outreach program. What a blessing to be involved in the Lord’s church... all around the world! Written by Ebenezer Udofia, Director of African Agriculture If your church, school, or organization is interested in hosting a community garden locally or sponsoring an international community garden, please contact our Director of Agriculture, Carl Burkybile at 217-898-0425.
HHI Holds Its First Agriculture Workshop in Democratic Republic of the Congo
“ As a result of this humanitarian crisis, Healing Hands International decided to respond as we believe Jesus would, by holding a Community Garden Workshop at the Ladju village, Mahagi District in the Eastern Congo.”
Women of Hope Conference February 6-7,2015
Save the Date!
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MEMORIAL GIFTSGifts were given in memory of the following from March 1, 2014 – June 30, 2014. Do-nors are in light-faced type.
Allen, Lucille Bob and Nancy WebbArnett, Maurice Michael and Ginger MooreBailey, Rosemarie Glenn and Evelyn HunterBalcom, Eugene Forrest and Ann WilsonBarker, Clara James and Helen Costello
Bastable, Anna Christy GillBatey, Jane Bob and Nancy WebbBaxter, Ira Baxter John Paul Lamar HamiltonBlackwell, Bonnie Becky MulveyBoring, Timothy Kent Kenneth and June WaymanBowers, Tommy Aubrey and Ruth CarterBrockman, Shannon M A GrinerBrooks, Bill Robert and Jackie Benham Anna BrooksBuff, Cora Naomi and Herman Rieben
Coats, Audrey Aubrey and Ruth CarterCompton, Estelle Bob and Nancy WebbCrosier, Mrs. Jo Doris HardawayDavenport, Jane Verbon HillDennis, Thelma Marie Brenda EwinEichelberger, Edward Mrs. Edward EichelbergerEldridge, Jim Betty MathisFarrar, Henry and Grace Ronald and Martha HighfieldFloyd, Betty Joy Bob and Nancy Webb
Galbreath, Mary Ella Bill and Beverly BarronGardner, Mark F. James and Pamela HamiltonGriffin, Malcolm Wayne KregerHamilton, Jamie Ann Donald WillsHampton, Leon Frank and Charlotte CleaverHarris, Geoffrey Gene and Judy GreenHassey, Maurice Mary Carrigan Jon and Anita Romeo Hassey Ron and Donna WhiteHeffley, James Lois Brock
Hilliard, Jack Sylvia HarrisHooper, Clint Betty MathisHopper, Mary Lou Emily HardawayHull, Beverly Ray and Linda SolleyJenkins, Mario Angela JenkinsJohnson, Joyce Ray and Linda SolleyJones, Virginia Rocky ThurmanKaczmarek, Richard and Vida Rick and Patty KaczmarekMayberry, Juanita Charles and Norma Mcghee
Larry Brannan will certainly be missed! Larry and his wife, Donna, came to Healing Hands International from Huntsville, Alabama, worshipping at the Mayfair church of Christ. Larry served as the deacon over Cuban Missions at Mayfair and worked hand in hand with Healing Hands International as we engaged in work with Cuba.
Larry was known and loved in the country of Cuba for many years. Active in Cuban church expansion, he traveled the island encouraging preachers, families, and churches. Larry helped establish the annual Cuban Preachers Conference, the preaching school in Havana, the Ladies Conference for Christian women, and a program to feed the elderly.
As a board member for Healing Hands International since 2005, Larry was extremely helpful in our involvement in Cuba. Healing Hands has shipped
medicine, medical equipment, and three ambulances to Cuba in the past two decades.
Larry was well qualified to work on the Audit and Finance Committee for the board of Healing Hands.
He became a CPA in 1974. After working with corporate and government clients for several years, Larry became the Chief Financial
Officer for R & G International Corporation in 1980, the position he held until his passing in September of 2013.
We will always be grateful for the great impact that Larry Brannan has had in his work with Healing Hands International. Pictures (top to bottom) 1)Larry Brannan on a mission trip in Cuba, 2)The well dedicated to Larry Brannan in Sarazin, Haiti, 3) A well report, presented to Donna Brannan by HHI board member, Bill Lawler
“ He worked hand in hand with Healing Hands International as we
engaged in work with Cuba. ”
More than 1,000 leprosy colonies are scattered throughout the country of India. One close to our hearts is located six miles from the city of Tirupati. This colony consists of 210 families that suffer from leprosy who were without the proper facilities for clean drinking water. A preacher there, Mr. B.Vijaya Kumar, says “During a gospel service in this area we noticed the problems of the people and were deeply moved to respond to their basic needs.” The community had a clean water well, but the lepers were not able to use it easily because of the pump’s design.
Many lepers live in the absence of fingers, hands, and feet, making it hard to do a lot of things, but especially to grip the long handle that is usually found on a hand pumped well. This colony is no exception. Kumar brought his request to Healing Hands Interna-tional for assistance to buy and install an electric pump for the village. Teens in Action, a collection of several youth groups in the Florence, AL area, came forward to help fund the cost of the electric pump with money raised from their Walk4Water. Because of their generosity, the electric pump has been installed. “Now all the leprosy families are refreshed, feeling well, and utilizing the clean water regularly with the support of Healing Hands International.” This village has been given new life, and Kumar would like to thank everyone who addressed this need in the name of Jesus. The community wishes to convey their heartfelt thanks to Healing Hands International and Teens in Action of Florence, AL.
“ Now all the leprosy families are refreshed, feeling well, and utilizing the clean water regularly with the support
of Healing Hands International. ”
The Loss of a Great Partner
New Water Pump Gives Life in India
Education Ministry Announces Second Book!
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World Relief News
Summer 2014
McCrary, Sammye Becky SmithMikell, Eva Alice May LasseterMullis, Ray Gene and Judy GreenNeathery, Maurice Lois NeatheryOliver, Orvis and Ann Dean and Zan OliverPetty, Ernest Michael and Kay BrownPhilllips, Tom Barbara BarnardScarbrough, Shirley Jane HouserScoggins, B. J. Janie Finley
Self, Ida Bob and Nancy WebbSimco, Phil Wayne KregerSledge, Benny Bob and Nancy WebbSmith, Robert John T. and Wanda GivensSpivey, Jeff Mary CarriganSteger, Ed William and Vicky JamesSweeney, Richard and Janice Alacia McCadamsTurner, Denise Daryl and Shawn Driscoll
Underwood, Robert Dempsey Vantrease & Follis PLLC Sebring Parkway Church of Christ Carol Shelton Bob and Nancy Webb George and Nancy Williams Charles and Margie WilliamsonUnderwood, Robert Lee Forest Oaks II Homeowner`s Association Steve and Brenda FrostVann, Dr. Robert Lee Dr. and Mrs. Jeffery DentonVantrese, Hubert Jean LecornuWalters, Mary F. and Ted W. Ted Walters
Watts, Will Neil Randy Hobbs Bob and Nancy WebbWhite, Carolyn and Bob Tommy RobersonWhittenburg, Paul Bob and Nancy WebbWillis, Jim and Elizabeth Pat and Carole HackneyWoods, Leota and Dawn Rondall WoodsYoung, Jim Alacia McCadams
HONOR GIFTSGifts were given in honor of the following March 1, 2014 – June 30, 2014. Donors are in light-face type.
Agee, Bea Ted and Cathy CollinsAllison, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Lucille Bowe-StellingwerfBrogdon, David Sylvia RichardsonBumpous, Tommy Wilson and Delores SharpeCaldwell, Brad William and Harriet Belle TuckerCaste, Ann Patricia MitchellCrabtree, Randall and Jolene Frank and Janis CallawayGardner, Mildred James and Pamela HamiltonGibson, Danny Ginger Reichard
A GIFT DISCOVEREDEven in unlikely people, places, andcircumstances, everyone is equippedto give their life as a gift to the world.
We would like to thank you for your enthusiastic support of our first illustrated children’s book, The Dreamer. It is with great anticipation that we announce our second book to be unveiled at the Women Of Hope
conference in February 2015! Both books are based on true stories - The Dreamer from teachers in Haiti and A Gift Discovered from women in Mozambique - all who have been helped through the Education and
Women Worth a Million ministries at Healing Hands International. Proceeds from the sale of these books goes to support HHI’s education program. Visit www.hhi.org/store/products/775 to purchase!
THE DREAMER Clarissa had a dream of becoming a teacher. Come walk Clarissa’s walk and learn to dream your own dreams!
Written by Bobbie Solley and Katie Edwards Schrodt Illustrated by Ashley Reeves
Thank you for your interest in assisting the people of South Sudan with food aid. As we wrote in our last newsletter, the country has been in turmoil for the past six months because of various political issues. While the political situation appears to be settling down, hundreds of thousands are still in need of food, clean water, and shelter.
Because of your generosity, we have been able to send funds to our contacts in Bor, South Sudan where the Christians there purchased locally available food and distributed it in an effort to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who were in need. Chuck Dennis, of the Jonglei Christian Vocational Boarding School, reports,
“The idea for a distribution of beans, rice, a mattress, flour, oil, and mosquito netting was organized by the Christians in Bor. The actual distribution was also carried out entirely by them.” He also reported the distribution was orderly and went very smoothly. “The distribu-tion took place at our school campus where the church meets, and all those who received help
knew the church provided what they received.” We’re so thankful to be able to partner with Chuck and JCVBS on this project.
Please continue to pray for peace in South Sudan and the future of this young nation.
Update on Food Aid in the Nation of South Sudan
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Goolsby, David Kent DobbsHall, Tim Laurie BennieHarley, Jayne Randall HarleyHill, Jackie Berry`s Chapel Church of ChristKellar, Beverly Charles Hickey
Linder, Jim Paige WestonMacariola, Dr. Demetrio Laurie BennieManuputy, Barbara Estelle MayMarkus, Jerry Jerry and Linda MarkusMcMillon, Jim and Gloria Rusty McMillon
Michael and Kylie Muccilli James and Joretta Rickaway Cole Beck Mike and Rita Cochrane Marilyn Henry Don and Kathy Jarrell Lane and Kristen WidickPelesky, Chelsea Craig Simpson
Reilly, Debbie Stella RaymerShelton, Frank William and Harriet Belle TuckerSmith, Keith Wayland and Linda SmithWard, Pat Doug and Nan Frazer Smith
White, Ron Jon and Anita Romeo HasseyWhittington, Judy Eric Chandler Whittington
In May, HHI was given the opportun i ty to partner with a team of missionary families sent by the Donelson church of Christ and the Plesant Valley church of Christ who are working in Mozambique. We joined forces to host a Christian Business Women’s conference for sixty women. Fourteen of the women present were members of our Women Worth A Million program in Mozambique. They, along with Martha and Jeremy Smith, Alan Howell (all missionaries to Mozambique), and Ashley Reeves (HHI employee), presented lessons on what it means to be a Christian woman while managing a small business, the practicalities of running a business, and how to manage funds earned through a business.
The day of the conference, the women gathered and began to sing to their creator under a large pavilion. The singing grew louder and more passionate as groups of more and more women approached the small structure. Each woman shook the hand of everyone in the room (as is customary), and found her place on the hand woven floor mats.
Amidst a gentle breeze, the faint noiseof children playing in the streets, and the occasional crow of a rooster, the conference officially began. The day and a half seemed too short to talk about everything these women wanted to cover! The women eagerly participated in discussions and
skits, provided testimonies of what it is like to start a small business in Mozambique, and asked questions about new information.
Ashley Reeves taught material on being a godly woman who manages her business with integrity, quality, and the intention of blessing others.
Martha Smith taught a section on several practicalities in operating a business. They outlined the simple steps for figuring out how much a product or service will cost, and at what price it will reasonably sell. Jeremy Smith taught a section on managing the money received from a small business. He talked about putting it into three categories: God, saving, and spending. Alan Howell taught a section on overcoming the mind set of poverty. He talked about the possibility of conquering different “giants” in developing countries such as poor leadership,
drunkenness and witchcraft. He spoke of the importance of replacing those things with something godly, like running a busi-ness and using that business to bless other people.
Thank you for your prayers for this time spent in Mozambique. The fruit of this con-
ference is already starting to grow. Several women who attended the conference are working toward starting a savings group so that each woman in the
group would have a turn at a micro-loan. Others women have asked for the material used at the conference so they can teach it
to their husbands and churches. We continue to expect many more
blessings to come in the future! To learn more about Women Worth A Million, please
contact Lydia Steger at 615-832-2000.
Christian Business Conference in Mozambique
“ The women eagerly part ic ipated in discussions and skits, provided
test imonies of what i t is l ike to start a business in Mozambique,
and asked questions about new information. ”
The most conservative estimate suggests only 50% of Americans today have a last will and testament. Based on that percentage, only half of the people that read this article have a will. If you are one who does not, I encourage you to take immediate steps to get your estate plan in place. For those who do have a will, studies indicate that only 2% of all wills include a charitable bequest. If you have included a charitable work as a beneficiary, you are in a very select group… approximately 1% of the U. S. population. Why is this group so small? There are many reasons, but the Bible reminds us of one of the most prominent. Man-kind has generally been forgetful. Take a moment to consider these verses: Deuteronomy 8:17-18a, You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my
hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth… and Psalm 24:1, The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. These verses remind us what we have is not the result of anything that we have done and all things, including us, belong to the Lord. When we forget this, we tend to be more possessive of and less generous with what has been entrusted to us.
Healing Hands International is so thankful for people like Ralph and Mimi Samples who have not forgotten from where all blessings come. They have planned their estate from a Christian perspective in order to glorify God, care for their
family, and support Christian works like HHI. Ralph says, “God has blessed us so much. We count it an honor to remember Healing hands in our will.”
If you do not have a will or if you need to review and modify your existing plan and would like assistance, please contact Scott Saunders at 615-832-2000.
Glorifying God With Your Estate Planning
We’re Celebrating M.A.G.I. In July... at HHI!
Hygiene–regular size bar of soap–toothbrush –toothpaste (unboxed)–combs for boys–brushes for girls–band aids (unboxed)
Educational –pencils–colored pencils –small pencil sharpeners–erasers–colored markers–crayons (24 count or smaller)–coloring books–spiral notebooks
–small puzzles Clothing–boys and girls flip flops–boys and girls underwear–boys and girls t-shirts–boys and girls shorts–girls dresses Toys–small stuffed animals–yo yo’s–marbles–little cars, trucks, planes–jump rope–action figures–small dolls–small balls
Accessories –hats–sunglasses–girls jewelry –flashlights w/ batteries–hair accessories for girls Other –small spanish new testament–bag of individually wrapped hard candies–personal note to the child–photo of you or your group
DO NOT INCLUDE–shampoo–conditioner –toy guns–playing cards–knives–perishable food items–medicines–used items–mouthwash–nail polish remover
–fragile items
7Summer 2014
Here at HHI we celebrate M.A.G.I. (Making a Godly Impact) all year round, but this month we’re paying the ministry extra attention. Join us in bringing joy and love to thousands of children all around the world this July through M.A.G.I. Since many of the boxes go out of our offices during Christmas time,
we decided to pull out the Christmas music, sweaters, (and of course M.A.G.I. boxes) for a party... and we encourage you to do the same! Why not host a M.A.G.I. in July box packing party or gathering? Get creative. We would love to hear from you how you’re celebrating M.A.G.I. this summer.
Once again, this year we are using an acronym for M.A.G.I. that explains the whole purpose behind the project, which is “Making A Godly Impact.” Boxes will be delivered to children in Honduras, Dominican
Republic, Zambia, the Texas border, and Mexico.
We’ve had specially designed boxes printed again this year. You can either pick them up at one of our offices or we can ship them to you. If you would like to order one of the free boxes (or if you just want more information about the project), please contact Cindy Herring or Sean Judge in Tennessee at 615-832-2000 or Doug Fair or Brandi Huddleston in Texas at 817-536-3383. All we ask is that you either pick up the boxes at our offices, or pay for the shipping to your home or church! We look forward to you joining us in touching the lives of many children around the world this year.
“ Why not host a M.A.G.I. in July box packing party or gathering? Get creative.
We would love to hear from you how you’re celebrating M.A.G.I. this summer. ”
M.A.G.I. Box Packing List REMINDER! Every year during Christmastime, HHI sends M.A.G.I. boxes to
Mission Lazarus in Honduras. In order to ship the boxes to Honduras before
Christmas, we need YOU to get your filled boxes to our office by October 1st!
Please help us bless many Honduran children by meeting this deadline!
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage PaidNashville, TN 37211
Permit No. 3111
Board of Directors
Bill Merry, Jr.–Chairman
Greg Hardeman–Treasurer
Dr. Sidney Allen
Keith Cuthrell
Dr. Bennie Harris
Bill Lawler
Burt Nowers
Dr. Margaret Perry
Sandy Perry
Dr. Doug Peters
Dr. Randy Steger
Don Yelton
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Healing Hands International 455 McNally Drive Nashville, TN 37211 615.832.2000 www.hhi.org
Staff
Carl Burkybile
Dr. Seth Carmody
Rita Cochrane
Doug Fair
Dr. Willa Finley
Chris Gingles
Harry Hames David Heffington
Cindy Herring, RN
Brandi Huddleston
Lara Jenkins
Sean Judge
Curt King
Mary King, RN
Burt Nowers
Jana Owen
Brandon Post
Jim Pounders
Visit our website to learn more about each of our ministries! www.hhi.org
Both male and female staff members are available
to speak to your church, Bible class, school, youth
group, ladies class, or missions committee about the
work of Healing Hands International. Please
contact our offices for more information!
Maeva Ralafiarindaza
Ashley Reeves
Scott Saunders
Colton Scott
Joseph Smith
Linda Smith
Bobbie Solley, Ed.D.
Lydia Steger
Ebenezer Udofia
Ron White
CHARITYNAVIGATOR
FOUR STAR CHARITY
Northview Centre 2201 Midway Road
Carrollton, TX 75006 817.536.3383
Healing Hands International
455 McNally Drive Nashville, TN 37211
615.832.2000
Issue 2 – 2014
HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A South Sudanese woman
receives food aid from Healing
Hands International.
Story on page 5