Lahash Blog

Savior's Home: Introducing our new partner

2011-08-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

S avior's Home from Lahash International on Vimeo.

Today we are announcing our newest partner - and our first new partner in six years! We are so thrilled to partner with Savior's Home in Kampala, Uganda. The home has a dozen children that were street children and orphaned or made extremely vulnerable.

Tim Bata is the founder and director of the home. He is a musician by trade and has a strong interest in coaching the children in music and performance. Their music is featured on the new video above that our friend Tim Nelson put together for us.

These kids need sponsored! Lahash is joining Samaritan's Purse and local Ugandan friends and churches in supporting these dear children. Sponsorship is $25 a month. You can visit our donation page to sign up for monthly pledge - or email Katie Potter for more details. Once you sign up we'll send you a welcome packet to learn more details about the program and receive a photo of your child.

Writing the Book on Faith

2011-08-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

Lahash traveler Lyla Peterson did not expect that she was going to write a book. "I mostly jotted things down just so I could remember things to tell my grandchildren," she said with a laugh. Little did she know that what memories she did jot down would form the story of a magnificent woman of God, Mama Susan Tabia.

Lyla has visited East Africa on several different occasions, and has been able to speak one-on-one with Mama Susan in person as well as email. Lyla was so moved by Mama Susan's dedication to the Lord in spite of all the fear and suffering, and how she has devoted he life to the vulnerable children in East Africa, as well as the widows of war and poverty in the area.

"To see Mama Susan be resilient in times of fear, and a leader in times of chaos really has shown me how to fully trust in the Lord wherever He leads," says Lyla. "I had never known fear like I did when I was in East Africa and the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) surrounded us. To live with that much fear and uncertainty, and to pick up and continue in the Lord's work the next day is an astonishing witness."

"Whispered Prayer: The Story of Mama Susan and her Orphans" will be published soon, and can be purchased through the Lahash website. All proceed will to to IWASSRU and Mama Susan's projects.

Grace and Healing Safari

2011-07-11T13:42:00.001-07:00

From June 28 – July 1, 36 children from Grace and Healing Ministries went for a Bible camp and safari to observe God’s wonderful creation. They studied God’s word, focused on God as Creator, developed relationships, learned, and relaxed. They were able to hear that God not only cares for his creation as a whole, but each of us individually, and how all of us are created to fulfill a unique purpose in God's Kingdom.

We asked for your prayers before the trip happened, and we are so overjoyed to hear what God did during this time. Six children were moved to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior after hearing and seeing what Christ has done for His children!

We extend much thanks to the Portland Mennonite Church for providing funds for this trip. Your generosity was truly a blessing in the lives of these children. To see additional photos and read more about the trip, please visit the Grace and Healing Ministries Blog.

Thank you to everyone involved, and the Lord our God, King of all creation!

Support Amazing Grace Gardens

2011-07-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Children at Amazing Grace working in the garden.

Planting and tending to a garden is something that, as Americans, we view as a colorful hobby.

But in reality, the planting and upkeep of a garden is literally a lifeline for many people on earth, especially in East Africa. It’s not a hobby: it’s a necessity that takes a vast amount of time, energy, resources, and planning. If the garden doesn’t grow, you may not eat.

Our latest issue of Hope is Alive magazine, focused on Creation Care, details the struggle those is East Africa have in planning, paying for, planting, and providing care for their garden. Amazing Grace sits on one acre of land, while another three to four acres are rented and planted with food to feed 30 children. Their garden is ambitious: spinach and kale, okra, maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, and peanuts. This provides a balanced diet for the children, as well as the hands-on experience of nurturing plants from seedling to plate.

“Both the workers and the children [tend the garden],” said East Africa Coordinator Edwin Angote. Mostly the children do the planting and [keep] the garden clean.” For the children whose chores include garden care, important lessons are learned even before they enjoy the delicious fruits of their labor. “They learn being responsible,” said Edwin.

If you would like to help Amazing Grace Children’s Home, Lahash is trying to raise $850 for plowing and seeds. To donate, click the Lahash International Donation Page . After you enter your donation, select “Amazing Grace Planting Needs” from the “Special Projects” list.

We look forward to your support, and we will keep you posted with photos and stories!

Day of Prayer for Sudan - July 8th

2011-06-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

Republic of South Sudan

Day of Prayer

July 8th • 6-7 PM

Lahash Portland Center • 4850 N Vancouver, Portland, OR 97217

Will you join us on Friday the 8th of July for a day of prayer for the region of Sudan? On July 9th the southern portion of the nation will be splitting from the north after a successful referendum earlier this year. Wherever you are around the world - please join us on the 8th in prayer for the new nation. For those of you in the Portland, Oregon area - you are invited to join us using the details above.

Focusing on Caring for Creation

2011-06-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

This past Monday staff and volunteers at the Portland Lahash center came together to put together our latest magazine about how our work in East Africa is tied to the idea of Creation Care. In our advocacy and care for East Africa's vulnerable populations how we care for the environment (with the land, plants, animals, and people layered in it) is critical.

To better understand the idea of Creation Care - or environmental stewardship - our Portland team has put together our newest Hope Is Alive magazine full of stories of how our partners and our larger global community are living fully into God's original design to tend and take care of "the garden." And speaking of gardens... our office team in Portland banded together to create a community garden. On Monday we had a dinner on the lawn to enjoy the food that God had grown over the past several months. Pictures are below:

Above: Casey our media director picking radishes at the new Portland Lahash community garden.

Above: The Lahash garden this week with lettuce, carrots, chard, peas, onions, strawberries, collards and much more.

Above: Casey grilling some meat and fresh corn.

Above: our group enjoyed supper on the lawn as we put the finishing touches on our newest magazine about Creation Care at Lahash.

To read an interesting new article on a couple pastors and their concern for God's creation - check out The Joyful Environmentalists. We also recommend the website BlessedEarth by author and Christian environmentalist Dr. Sleeth.

Rice & Beans at Grace & Healing Ministry Dodoma

2011-06-15T03:27:00.000-07:00

Click here to read about the Grace and Healing Ministry of Dodoma staff's participation in Rice and Beans month...

The Story of Mama Susan

2011-06-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

Many people familiar with Lahash and our work in East Africa have heard the name of Mama Susan Tabia and her work through IWASSRU or Amazing Grace Children's Home. But few people have had the privilege of hearing her entire story. Lahash traveler Lyla Peterson hopes that will soon change.

Through her upcoming book "Whispered Prayer: The Story of Mama Susan and her Orphans," she tells the story of what she describes as the "Proverbs 31" woman; a tireless worker for God and His purposes, surviving traumas and peril both emotional and physical.

During her travels to Tanzania and Uganda, she began taking notes. "I did keep some journal notes, and my main goal was to write up stories for my children and grandchildren about life there and some of the faith lessons," she says when asked if she had planned on writing Mama Susan's story. After learning more about Mama Susan, Lyla decided that many more people needed to know not just about the vulnerable in East Africa ("I think people [will be] touched when they get a glimpse of how very little they have materially, but how they seem to be rich in joy," she says) but about Mama Susan herself. She kept in contact through email, and was able to add many details to inform her profile of a truly Godly woman.

In addition to learning about the fascinating story of Mama Susan, Lyla hopes that readers will gain "a greater interest and understanding of the situation in Sudan, and a greater appreciation and understanding of the courage and faith of our East African brothers and sisters like Mama Susan."

"Whispered Prayer: The Story of Mama Susan and her Orphans" is in the final stages of publication, and will be available soon. Stay tuned for details.

2010 Annual Report Available for Download

2011-05-31T17:01:00.001-07:00

The Lahash mission statement is to "partner with East Africans - advocating and caring for the vulnerable in response to Christ's love."

The 2010 Lahash Annual Report is now available for download, and has been designed and organized to address our finances in each of the areas of our mission statement -- Partnership, Advocacy, Care, and Responding to Christ's Love. In it you will find summaries of our work at Grace & Healing Ministries, IWASSRU, and Tenderfeet, wrap-ups about special events such as Rice & Beans Month and Christmas parties, a breakout of donations, and more.

We welcome you to download the Annual Report here . Special thanks to Will Campbell, who did a fantastic job with the design and layout. Please contact info@lahash.net if you would like one or more printed copies mailed to you.

Why Sustainability?

2011-05-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

We have been talking much on sustainability and realized how important it is in our daily lives.
Food production is the main source of survival and education in most orphanages in Africa.
Children are the most vulnerable part of society and victimized by the problems of famine, drought, poverty and disease.The children at the IWASSRU are able to work at the farms with the help of the workers who teach them through farming to be self reliant. The younger ones are not able to go to the farms. By doing this the older get to know that they need to take care of the younger ones. The food that they get can also be an income generating by allowing them to get skills needed to improve not only their quality of life but also make them self-reliant

The children and one of the workers planting.

The cow below was donated to the Saviour's home by one of there friends. This cow is meant to produce milk for the children and at the same time sell the milk for income. This will help them to be self-reliant. They may use the money to pay rent, buy other food products. This is a great way of sustaining themselves. The cow does not produce milk at the moment until it has a calf.

Telling The Story: A Lahash Media Gathering

2011-05-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I attended an event entitled "Telling The Story: A Lahash Media Gathering" at the Lahash headquarters in Portland, OR. I and other volunteers were invited to hear from a variety of guest speakers and engage in deep discussion on the topics of meaningful communication and intentional living in an increasingly digital world. "As an organization that uses media extensively to advocate for the vulnerable and to connect people around the world, it is important that we look critically at the positive and negative effects that our digital culture is having on our lives and relationships," explains Casey Schilperoort, Media Director for Lahash. In a time when our senses are constantly bombarded by the distractions of browser pop-ups, text messages and email notifications, we have to be very intentional about how we communicate lest we become part of the static.

Casey and guest speaker Ron Holcomb explored the topic of effectively telling our story to help people connect with God's greater story. Not only do we each have a unique and important story to tell, but each of our stories is a chapter in God's greater story and how we tell our individual stories affects how those around us connect with and understand that greater story. I am encouraged that my life and my words have the power to connect others to God's greater story and have been convicted to maintain a greater awareness of the theme of my own story.

Dana Berterman and Dan Holcomb transitioned to an examination of the challenges of effective communication in a digital universe. We discussed the difficulty of "being present" with smart phones constantly begging for our attention and considered the concept of a digital Sabbath, wherein we take a recurring, scheduled vacation from our devices in an effort to reconnect with God, people and the world around us. As a self proclaimed technophile, I was challenged by these ideas, but inspired to make some changes, including limiting usage of the internet on my smartphone and spending less time on Facebook and more time in person.

Digital technology is here to stay. It is an integral part of our lives and will only continue to become more and more prominent as time goes on. We can't avoid it, but fortunately we don't have to. We simply need to consider its place in our story and how it connects us to God's bigger story. We need to create space in our lives for face to face interactions, quiet reflection and prayer. Turn off the TV and tell your kids a tale. Put away your iPod and listen to the wind blow. Instead of checking your email first thing in the morning, say a prayer of thanks to God for the incredible story that he has made you a principal character in.

Uganda Updates

2011-05-15T05:29:00.000-07:00

-Edwin Angote is Lahash's Coordinator in East Africa. He sent us an update on his current travels to Uganda.

"We have just a day before we travel to Amazing Grace Orphanage in the Northern part of Uganda. It's been a week now since we got to Kampala. We are thankful that at least the city has calmed down after an unusual burst of mayhem that witnesses say has killed at least 10 people and left many injured.

The week has been extremely busy. We have been racing against time to ensure that we accomplish our goals and making sure that we were not caught in the mayhem. We have been working on different projects with our partners. They have shared their successes and the struggles they face every single day as they serve the vulnerable children here in Uganda.

Below are the Kampala children helping at preparing food for the rest of the family.

The past month the Lahash staff and friends were able to raise some money that was used to pay school fees for Saviors Home. They do have many struggles that they are facing such as lack of food, shoes, clothes, bedding, and sanitary pads for the girls. Thanks to all who contributed towards the school fees for the children.

Esther, the Director at Grace and Healing Ministry, is taking classes to receive a Bachelor of Community Health in Nursing at the Uganda Christian University. She was able to visit the Kampala home and spent time with Mama Susan and the children. Below is Esther with Susan Tabia and Susan's ailing mother. Please continue praying for Susan's mother that she will get better."

The Gift of Sponsorship

2011-05-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

One of the goals of our work at Lahash is to build a deep connection and relationship between those that sponsor the vulnerable children in East Africa and the children themselves. We want our sponsors to know that they are not "just" giving money, but they are giving tangible, much-needed items that bring hope, happiness, and sometimes, quite literally, life.

Building relationships is a core value at Lahash, especially when it comes to caring for the vulnerable on a global scale. We meet with the family of each child to find out what their specific needs are. Those needs are communicated to the child's sponsor, who is then able to give an individualized gift just for their sponsored child.

"When creating the lists for Christmas gifts, it is so wonderful to be able to meet directly with each family to find out what they most need," says Leisha Otieno, Lahash Sponsorship Director. "By fostering a relationship between our sponsors and the children they support, we build a community that is directly connected, and our sponsors know they are giving something truly need by their child. I have visited with so many families in East Africa who are amazed that people in America care about them. They tell me over and over, 'Please let them know how thankful we are for them!'"

We want to thank all of our sponsors for their generosity and caring. Many of you have received hand-made thank-you notes from the children you sponsor, and we have received many photos of the children being given the items that you donated this past Christmas. We hope that by connecting you directly with the child you sponsor, you can continue to grow a personal relationship with the vulnerable in East Africa. Thank you all for your gifts, and for taking the time to build your relationships with the children in East Africa.

Monday, April 25 is World Malaria Day

2011-04-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

If you asked most Americans what they know about malaria, you'd most likely hear two things: 1) It is spread by mosquitoes, and 2) It happens "over there somewhere." After all, Americans usually don't have to learn much or worry about malaria, as it is not a common occurrence in the United States.

But for many parts of the world, including East Africa, malaria has been and continues to be a very real scourge on the lives of those living there. It is estimated that a child dies from malaria every 45 seconds.

In an effort towards "achieving the target of zero malaria deaths by 2015," organizers have set April 25 as World Malaria Day. Since its inception 4 years ago, deaths due to malaria have dropped from over 1,000,000 a year to 790,000. This is exciting news, made even more exciting by the fact that malaria can be treated, and it can be prevented through some very basic steps.

Mosquito nets provided by Portland Mennonite Church
Nickson Khamasi, a Lahash Portland community member who grew up in Kenya, says "malaria is very common, and a rampant cause of high fever during the rainy seasons."

The good news, according to Nickson, is that items like mosquito nets and repellents are easy and effective defenses against contracting malaria, and that adults can be treated with over-the-counter medication.

While preventing contraction through nets and repellents is extremely effective, treatments for those infected are still being developed; many strains of malaria have become resistant to the treatments. In addition, local "antimalarial" trees, which are used in the research and production of effective vaccines, have become threatened with extinction in many areas of East Africa, and urban sprawl has led to an increase of standing and stagnant water, which are high-breeding areas for mosquitoes.

We encourage you to find out more about malaria, World Malaria Day, and how you can get involved in providing simple, effective support to those in East Africa who wage a continual battle against this disease. With practical solutions and effective preventative measures, you truly can make a difference to help those most vulnerable.

More information:
World Malaria Day
Time Magazine article on malaria
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Work in Malaria
Malaria No More

Katie Potter Joins Lahash

2011-04-20T13:39:00.001-07:00

Katie Potter has joined Lahash International part-time overseeing the U.S. Sponsorship operations. The position involves organizing and building the Lahash team of volunteers, coordinating the sponsorship operations in the Portland, Or. office, and managing new and existing Lahash sponsors.

Katie has been involved with Lahash since 2009, and has visited East Africa on two occasions, including travels to Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in 2010, where she was able to spend time with the children at all of Lahash's partner locations.

Katie in Uganda in 2007
"Being a part of God's Kingdom here on earth is exiting," Katie says. "It's amazing to see God move among His people and to step out in faith where I feel Him leading me."

When it comes to the personal and practical ways that Lahash has been able to connect with the vulnerable children in East Africa, Katie says, "I love seeing how excited the children at IWASSRU got when they received something from their sponsors. It was so touching. Sharing the children's hand-written letters with their sponsors is one of the best parts of working with Lahash."

Katie and Leisha go to the market in Dodoma, Tanzania
We're excited to have Katie on board, and can't wait to see how and where God moves! You can contact Katie to learn more about sponsorship through Lahash International.

Lahash Gardens

2011-04-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

One of man's first tasks on earth was to tend the soil and care for the land. "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15). Throughout the old and new testaments, we are called to be good stewards of God's magnificent creation.

This spring, we at Lahash are entering into a period of focus on sustainability and stewardship with the construction of several garden beds behind the Lahash office in Portland, OR. We are excited about the opportunity to gain a more intimate understanding of God's creation as well as to take on a more active role as caretakers of the land in an effort to better identify with the agrarian culture of our partners in East Africa.

Three major goals for this project:

1. To understand and appreciate God and his creation on a deeper level.

2. To reacquaint ourselves with the stewardship of the created world

3. To better understand the relationship of our role as stewards and our current society's use and abuse of resources in order to better foster sustainability and conservation.

Amazing Grace Photos

2011-03-25T09:54:00.001-07:00

Amazing Grace Orphanage has a new Compound Supervisor, Robba Charles Rudu. He recently sent some great photos of the students. See them all at the Amazing Grace blog.

New Video - Rice & Beans with Bethany!

2011-03-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

Rice & Beans Month is entering the home stretch! It has been challenging and shaping each of us in different ways. In this video, Bethany, a first time participant, shares her experiences, cravings, and inspirations. Special thanks to Bethany for sharing her story and to Tim for putting this great video together. For more infromation on Rice & Beans Month visit EatRiceAndBeans.com

New Rice & Beans Video!

2011-03-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

We just finished a new video to help all of us connect with the amazing people around the world that we are sharing this simple meal with. Take a moment to watch this video and see how Rice & Beans Month has impacted the lives of vulnerable kids and families across East Africa. Thank you for joining us this March by changing your diet to help change theirs!

For more information on Rice & Beans Month, visit EatRiceAndBeans.com

Cooking With Kabang

2011-02-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered what it looks like to cook rice and beans in northern Uganda? Follow Kabang into the cooking hut at Amazing Grace Children's Home to see where the magic happens! As you prepare for Rice & Beans Month this March, be encouraged that your participation means a lot to these amazing kids.

Special thanks to Nate Grubbs for putting this video together!

Sauda's Story

2011-02-09T12:45:00.001-08:00

This March, Lahash is inviting you participate with us in Rice & Beans Month. Here is the story of how the life of one girl was impacted in Dodoma, Tanzania. For more information visit EatRiceAndBeans.com.

Special thanks to Trans-Nile Ensemble for providing the soundtrack.

Rice & Beans is one month away!

2011-02-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

Rice & Beans month is coming! Join the extended Lahash community in this experience of solidarity, simplicity, and sharing. Watch for a themed daily devotional (available in print and download) and other support materials as we get closer to March. Keep checking this blog, EatRiceAndBeans.com, and our weekly email for tips, recipes, inspiration, and community support. There will be lots more information to come, but for now here are some important dates for February:

-Week of February 14 - Choose a night for "Practice Potluck" night with your Rice & Beans community to practice, prepare, and share your Rice & Beans experience

-February 15 - Rice & Beans overview video released

-February 22 - "Cooking with Kabang" video released

-March 1 - First day of Rice & Beans month!

Keep checking this blog, our Facebook page, EatRiceAndBeans.com, and our weekly emails to keep in the loop with the entire Lahash community.

2010 Video - "We Are One"

2011-01-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

As a community in 2010, alongside our East African brothers and sisters, God has allowed us all the privilege of caring for the vulnerable. Despite the barriers of oceans, time zones, and different cultures we are trying passionately to be one. We are intertwining our lives to live out a new story of good news, together.

Thank you all for joining with us in this journey!

Special thanks to Renee & Jeremy for letting Lahash use their song "We Are One" for this video.

Join us in prayer for Sudan today

2011-01-09T00:13:00.000-08:00

It's mid-morning in Southern Sudan as I type this update. Our brothers and sisters across Africa's largest nation are voting today on the future of their nation. The outcome will affect millions of lives.

There have been many groups praying for the nation and for a peaceful vote today (January 9th) during the past month. Yesterday our team in Portland, Oregon met up for prayer during the day to ask God to bring peace, transparency, hope, and light to a nation that has been hobbled for years by war, disease, and corruption.

Please join us in continuing to pray for the Sudanese today and in the days ahead.

Day of Prayer for Sudanese Elections

2011-01-04T21:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas Parties celebrate Acts 20:35

2010-12-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

During December Lahash friends around the country have been hosting Acts 20:35 parties. These are gatherings intended to blend a passion for East Africa's vulnerable with the celebrations of Christmas.

Advocates, board members, staff, and volunteers have gathered with friends and family to decorate and enjoy cookies and to remember the scriptures of the Christmas story. During the events we also each contribute $20.35 toward the needs of the kids in East Africa and we create Christmas cards!

We have an awesome collection of cards now for the kids!
And some of the cards have been made by kids for kids...
Thanks to everyone who's participated this year in hosting or attending the parties.
Merry Christmas!

A Portrait of Life

2010-12-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

On Monday night, Lahash hosted the "A Portrait of Life" presentation. Guests were treated to videos, photos, and stories from Lahash travelers Nate Grubbs, Leisha Adams, and Dana Bertermann highlighting their recent trips to East Africa. You can view Nate's video from Dodoma Here (more videos coming soon).

Nate, Leisha, and Dana all spoke to the amazing sense of peace they felt spending time with the people of East Africa. God is moving with and through His people there, and the sheer joy is evident in each precious face!

New Movie - Host an Acts 20:35 party!

2010-11-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

Casey just finished our new Christmas party video! We are asking you to join us in sharing love with the kids in East Africa this December. Check out the video below, and then download the party planning packet at Lahash.net/parties to get your party started...

Gather Together & Share Joy! This Christmas Lahash invites you to host an Acts 20:35 Party to celebrate Christ and support the kids in East Africa.

Briquette Conference In Arusha Tanzania.

2010-11-16T06:40:00.000-08:00

Few years ago Jim Anderson one of our travelers visited our partner in Dodoma Tanzania and introduced the Fuel Briquette Technology.Fuel briquettes are made from agricultural and commercial residues such as weeds, leaves, sawdust, rice husks and scrap paper – are a unique yet well proven technology to provide fuel-wood.
In this part of the world – like in most of the countries of the developing world, people use charcoal as a means to produce heat for cooking, etc. Fuel briquettes are a low cost, locally made fuel for cooking or heating that offer an alternative to the use of firewood or charcoal.
Our Partner recently appointed two of there volunteers Jeff Angote and Philip Kengoye to attend a conference in Arusha Tanzania for a week to learn more on how to make the Briquettes. this will help them equip the community in Dodoma Tanzania.
Some of the benefits of briquettes are;
Cost
The purchase price of briquettes is less than natural gas, propane and fuel oil.
Storage and Handling
Compacting biomass waste into briquettes reduces the volume by 10 times, making it much easier to store and transport than loose biomass waste. Other fuel types tend to be difficult to handle and are hazardous. Briquettes can be produced in a variety of sizes and have a long shelf-life.
Pollution
Briquettes are immeasurably cleaner than the other fuel alternatives - especially coal! Therefore, government incentives that support briquetting systems and production along with dis-incentives for coal use make briquetting solutions extremely attractive. Plus, they don't create dust.
Efficiency
They burn longer and hotter which is a great benefit once you know how to use them.

Philip Mahende holding one of cylindrical Briquette that is ready to be used.

Is anybody out there cold?

I am ready to cook dinner!

Can you help with Esther Yangi's surgery?

2010-10-20T08:54:00.001-07:00

Esther Yangi is a sweet young girl from Sudan who's been living as a Sudanese refugee in Uganda. She's been orphaned and recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Our partner Susan Tabia is taking her to various hospitals around Kampala for further analysis. A couple requests for the Lahash community: First, will you pray for Esther Yangi and her health? Please pray that God will bring healing. If the process is through the Kampala hospital system, pray that the doctors will act with wisdom and insight. Second, we'll need to raise some funds for these visits to the doctor - and if needed eventual treatment. If you'd like to help out you can visit Lahash.net/donate.html and contribute to the "Esther Yangi Medical Fund". Thank you for your prayers and compassion for our friend.

Esther Yangi - Request to help with Brain Surgery from Lahash International on Vimeo.

In the photo below - Esther is in the back in the light blue shirt.
A portrait of Esther.

ACTS 20:35 PARTY - Host your own!

2010-10-19T12:54:00.001-07:00

Gather together and share joy!

ACTS 20:35 PARTY

Host a Christmas Party for the Lahash kids this December

Invite your friends & family
Email parties@lahash.net to let us know you’ll be hosting a party.
Pick a date to open your home and gather with people you love.
Party with a purpose
During your December Party:
Celebrate Christ’s birth
Share stories of the Lahash kids in East Africa
Make cards and contribute $20.35 to send to the children
Enjoy Christmas cookies!
Send back your love
Gather the cards and contributions, and send them back so that we can share your love and joy with the kids.

Anyone can host a party!
Party planning kit coming soon at Lahash.net/parties

Amazing Grace Home Music

2010-10-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Nearly every night at the Amazing Grace Children's Home in northern Uganda the kids spend nearly an hour in worship and prayers to God. It's a very moving tradition that refreshes me each time I visit. Nate Grubbs and I were just there a couple of weeks ago, and Nate ended up recording several nights of worship. You can download the whole set by clicking on this link provided by Nate. (75 MB)
Worship generally takes place in chairs in the courtyard or on the ledges around the tukuls (Sudanese huts). The sky is a startling black - which is strange for most humans who live with the soft warm glow in the sky due to light pollution in most parts of the world. The stars and moon are brilliant against this black sky and the scene can take my breath away.

The kids then begin singing and praying. The worship is often a cappella, but usually includes a steady drum beat on a traditional drum made of goat or cow hide. The prayers are very moving as well, as the kids cover their home, caretakers, Mommy Susan (the home founder), the Lahash staff, and all of their sponsors.

Special thanks to Nate for taking the time to record, adjust, and splice up these special songs from the kids.

Back to Amazing Grace

2010-09-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly eight years since I first visited Amazing Grace Children's home in Northern Uganda. Since that time the wars in Southern Sudan and Northern Uganda have all but wrapped up, and the kids are so much older.

Many of you sponsor kids at Amazing Grace, and it's great to see the smiling healthy kids here and reconnect. Nate and I arrived up here on Tuesday, and will be here until next Monday.
The photo below is of a possible new location for Amazing Grace. Through a mixup with a landlord (who's been sharing the current land with the kids and staff) it looks like the whole home will need to be relocated to property that is actually owned by IWASSRU. We are working on this issue, and ask that you would pray with us that we will find a good suitable home for these children.The photo below is of the solar panels in use at the current home. The panels were given by the Lahash community through the banquet fundraiser last year. They usually provide anywhere from 2 to 4 hours of electricity in all of the rooms at night - which is amazing by my standards! The kids now can study by electric light at night which improves their schoolwork.

Please pray for Nate and I as we take some final pictures, meet with staff and committee members, sing and pray and worship with the kids, and hear about the realities on the ground.
Thanks for following our journey!

Trekking through Uganda

2010-09-19T23:04:00.001-07:00

After a couple of great weeks in Tanzania with our media team, staff, and partners in the city of Dodoma, Nate Grubbs and I (Dan Holcomb) have traveled on to Uganda.

Our highlights in Tanzania were worshipping with the church in Dodoma, spending time with our host families, and completing our first bi-lingual Lahash Magazine. Look for that magazine to hit mailboxes in mid-October!

We've enjoyed working as a team collecting these stories, but carry the weight of the potential and the responsibility of these precious stories. Below are some pictures from the past week of work and travel in East Africa.

Above: A secondary age girl (high school) sits on a rock above the city of Dodoma. Our partnership is located in the capital of Tanzania. The region is dry and dusty.

Above: Sunset over the tangled trees of Dodoma.

Above: Working late into the night on the Lahash magazine - editing, working with photos, and translating Swahili! Asher was a huge help.

Above: Sunday, one of the kids at Susan's home in Kampala, holds up a fascinating bug.

Above: Santino is a kid from St. Bartholomew's Orphanage in Sudan. He's suffering from a liver problem and can hardly bare the pain at points during the day. Please pray for him and his doctors. We don't know how much the surgery will cost, but if you'd like to help out - please email info@lahash.net for more details.

Hope is Alive is alive!

2010-09-15T01:31:00.000-07:00

The media team has been hard at work. We've thumbed through our Swahili dictionaries, written and rewritten articles with our partners, and pulled an all-nighter. And now we're proud to say that Hope is Alive magazine is finally completed.

We would love to send you a copy. If you're not yet receiving Hope is Alive, please send your mailing address to info@lahash.net.

Taking the Plunge

2010-09-15T01:06:00.000-07:00

I've decided to jump in. I don't know what my hangup has been. I've long been involved with Lahash, but for some reason I've never sponsored a child. Was it the money? The commitment? The sheer distance between me and a child in a remote African town?

Whatever the reasons, they were erased a few days ago.

Sauda is a child in the Lahash sponsorship program. I'm not even sure I'd call her a child, since her maturity and life experience surpass mine in many ways. At age 16 Sauda lives on her own, since her mother died of causes related to HIV and her father lives in another city. Sauda herself is infected with HIV, and has experienced the stigma and isolation that often come with the disease.

I was invited to spend the night in Sauda's home last Friday. She lives in a tiny single room with very little color or comfort. Once the sun goes down, her only light is a small kerosene flame which she uses to study by.

Sauda was such a gracious hostess, and her shy sense of humor brightened the evening. We shared a simple meal of rice and fish before bed, and she awoke long before I did to light a fire and make tea.

The next day I wondered aloud to a friend, "What's the secret ingredient? How can kids like Sauda survive with no one to provide for them?" Then I remembered the big bag of charcoal in Sauda's room, her school supplies, cooking oil and other essentials that had been provided by her sponsor. To see a real child's needs being met in a way that gives her a hopeful future makes me realize it's high time I entered into that kind of relationship.

photo by Nate Grubbs

Hope Is Present

2010-09-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

One of the main projects that the Lahash Media team is working on is creating an issue of the Hope Is Alive magazine right here with our partner, Grace & Healing Ministry of Dodoma (GHMD). The voice and passion of our partners is essential to the work of Lahash, and it is a privilege to come and encourage GHMD to tell the stories of what God is doing through their ministries among the vulnerable.

Along with GHMD staff, we have also asked some of the kids in the Lahash Sponsorship program to contribute to the magazine as well. I have been so impressed with these kids. Joseph, Neema, and Nuru immediately jumped into their writing and photography assignments. They have even been holding their own meetings, separate from the rest of the group, to keep themselves accountable and encourage each other. Joseph has been taking many pictures and the girls have been busy writing. They recently turned in their articles and photos for the team to review. They have done some great work.

Everyone here is excited about this issue and the ways it will be used in the U.S. and in Tanzania as well. This will be our first bilingual issue, designed in both English and Swahili. One thing we learned is that "Hope Is Alive" is more understandably translated in Swahili as "Hope Is Present." Please continue to pray for the team, our partners, and these amazing kids as we work on editing, designing, and finishing up this issue over the next week!

Lahash Retreat In Dodoma

2010-09-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

We have just come to the end of the Lahash retreat. We have had a wonderful time in Dodoma especially at the retreat as we look into the plans and future of Lahash. We shared different ideas, worshiped and prayed together.

Brainstorming and planning at the retreat.

Fun time at the retreat.

The media team.
There will be a lot of activities going on in the next few weeks here in Dodoma. Please pray for our team.

Arrival in Dodoma

2010-09-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Our media team has arrived safe and sound in Tanzania! Nate Grubbs, Dana Bertermann, myself (Dan) joined Casey and all of the other staff, travelers, volunteers and friends in Dodoma yesterday afternoon.

Our first goal as Lahash staff is to spend some time in a retreat together. It's been just about one year since Casey, Leisha, Edwin, and I were together. It's so exciting to join up and hear about what God has been doing in lives and to pray and dream together.
The picture above is a guinea foul on a roof near Leisha's home. You can be praying for us over the next several days in the following ways: Unity on our staff retreat, great insight and conversations with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters, and refreshment after our long trip.

To Tanzania with the Media team

2010-09-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

Our media team (minus Casey) has just finished some burrito wraps at the Minneapolis airport and we're headed out in a couple hours to Tanzania. Nate Grubbs (our magazine designer) and Dana Bertermann (our magazine editor) are joining Casey Schilperoort and I for a couple really exciting projects.

The big project we'll be working on is a partner designed and created magazine. We'll create an issue of Hope Is Alive on the ground in Tanzania with the ideas, photos, and text from our Dodoma partners. We'll share updates along the way about this process.

We'll also be working on some photography projects, video pieces, and we'll all be sharing a homestay with kids in the sponsorship program.

We'll get some good updates on the blog in the upcoming month - so stay tuned...

Catching Up With Erin, Katie, and Will

2010-08-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

There was a packed crowd at the Lahash House as Erin Weiss, Will Campbell, and Katie Potter shared their stories and pictures from their travels to Dodoma.

About 40 people came to hear about their trips, and shared a great time of catching up with Erin, Will, and Katie--as well as each other.

There was wonderful fellowship (as well as wonderful desserts), and also a time to pray for Dan, Nate, and Dana as they head out to East Africa on September 1st.

Keep checking back here for stories and pictures of their travels.

Dodoma through the lens of Erin Weiss

2010-08-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Erin Weiss is a friend from Vibrant Covenant Church in Portland, Oregon. She's been living with our partners in Tanzania for about a month now. She's been uploading some great photos on her online photo album - the photos in this post are a select few from her album.

Above: Leah Burkholder (who's been serving for nearly a year in Dodoma with our partners) does some office work while one of the kids enjoys reading.

Above: White field corn (maize) drying after the harvest.

Above: Katie Potter (our U.S. sponsorship director) enjoys some conversations with the kids she's been representing and advocating for over the past year.

Above: A baobab tree spreads over the dusty Dodoma landscape.

Above: Jeff Angote, Mama Betty, and Tifanee share with an HIV/AIDS support group in Dodoma.

Above: Meal time at Leisha and Leah's home. Beans, a spicy salad, and rice.

Above: The Lahash kids' choir singing in church.

Above: Fresh vegetables in the Dodoma market.

Casey & Abbe sendoff party

2010-08-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Casey (our Media Director) and his wonderful family will be heading out to Tanzania about mid-day tomorrow. They'll be working with our partners in Dodoma - being a serving presence and capturing stories and video for our advocacy needs.

On Monday we met at the Portland Lahash house to send them off with our love and prayers. It was great seeing many of you Portland friends there during the evening.

Casey and Abbe will be staying at Leisha's house in Dodoma. Please pray for their family during the travels and seven weeks of service in Tanzania.

You can send Casey an email at cschilperoort(at)lahash.net. Kwaheri!

New Board Chair

2010-08-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

Jeff Griggs was unanimously voted as Lahash's new board chair.

Bringing a specialty working with policy formation at Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and a heart to help the vulnerable people of East Africa, Jeff is an amazing fit for the job.

"I was praying for an opportunity to use my professional skills, and Lahash is a unique organization that focuses on serving people. It is a great fit for my abilities. Their biggest goal is to best help our brothers and sisters in East Africa, and I'm glad I can be a part of that."

Jeff lives in Oregon City with his wife Jen and their new baby boy Oliver.

New partner photos

2010-07-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here's some new photos from our partners

Leisha

Katie at Kampala House

Erin getting her foot checked out

"Huzzah,I get a cane! Um...I mean a broomstick!"

Erin Weiss & Will Campbell arrive in Tanzania

2010-07-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday our team saw two Lahash travelers off at the Portland airport. Erin Weiss (in purple above) is a friend from Vibrant Covenant Church and will be plugging into the kids' community in Dodoma and sharing life through some of her teaching and counseling skills. Will Campbell (in green above) is a friend from Imago Dei. He brings his photographer's eye to the scene and will be capturing some images of the staff and kids of Grace & Healing Ministry.

This afternoon I just got a text from our staff member Leisha Adams. She let me know that the travelers arrived safely in Dar Es Salaam. They'll be heading across country to the capital city of Dodoma tomorrow.

Please be in prayer for these two as they join Katie Potter and Leisha Adams in service of our awesome Tanzanian friends!

Another Great Work Day!

2010-07-13T16:11:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pictures of last weekend's work day! Lots of sanding, painting, and elbow grease. Things are looking great! Thanks to everyone that has lent a hand!

Katie's pre-trip video!

2010-07-13T16:05:00.001-07:00

Check out Katie's video leading up to her (and Leisha's) travel to Uganda, and then to Nairobi!

Bomb hits Kampala - Lahash travelers okay

2010-07-11T21:56:00.000-07:00

Many of you have heard about the bomb blasts in Kampala during the World Cup viewings. We are so sad here at Lahash at the loss of these people's lives as they celebrated the games. I did talk with Edwin Angote this evening (in Nairobi) and got a text from Leisha Adams. Leisha and Katie Potter are safe and headed by bus to Nairobi. Please keep them in your prayers, as well as the dear people of Kampala during this tragic bombing.

Electricity and Rest Rooms Completed!

2010-07-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

The remaining projects that was at hold has been completed, below is Margaret standing next to the rest rooms.

Electricity has been installed thanks to all your prayers.

Bible Camping in Tanzania

2010-06-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

Each year our partners in Tanzania bring our older sponsored kids "Bible Camping." Just like a youth camp here in the U.S., the kids get to be away from their homes for a few days, enjoy delicious food, play sports, and learn more about our Lord!

The kids also have the privilege of learning spiritual knowledge and life advice from families and community members. For most of the kids, it's the highlight of their year--and for first-timers, it could be the best days they've ever had in their lives!

So far, we've received $300 for the camp. But to facilitate the awesome experience of Bible Camping for the 70 kids and staff members, we need to raise a total of $1,792. If you would like to donate, you can use the response card that came with the latest issue of "Hope is Alive" magazine, or click to our web site to donate. You can select "Tanzania Bible Camping" under the "Special Projects" menu on the donation page.

1 Million!

2010-06-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

We've got some great news! During the past week we marked the 1 millionth dollar given through Lahash! Thanks to each of you in dozens of nations around the world for caring so much about our brothers and sisters in East Africa.

What has been done with the gifts? At Lahash, people specify gifts to three different areas. Here's where the dollars have gone over the past five years.

East African Partnerships:
* 130 Kids Sponsored Monthly - They are receiving tuition, supplies, and hope each month from kind sponsors around the world

* Care for Vulnerable Adults - There are 300 people with leprosy receiving life-sustaining household gifts, 100s of families affected by AIDS who receive Home Based Care, and dozens of widows receiving counseling and support

* New Buildings - New schools, dorms, homes, a dispensary, and repairs to dozens of damaged or old buildings have enabled vulnerable people to have a chance in life

* Supporting Local Staff - Over 20 courageous and sacrificial men and women serve in their neighborhoods and villages through our local partnerships. This support allows for sustained and culturally sensitive ministries to transform lives and give hope.

Lahash Staff:
* Four Full Time Staff - Two serving with Lahash in Portland, Oregon, and two serving in East Africa. The staff enables dozens of volunteers and advocates to spread the news of hardship and hope, process donations, hold events, sponsor more children, and move people to understand more of God's heart for vulnerable people.

Lahash Travelers:
* Over 150 Travelers have traveled to five East African nations sharing, serving, loving, crying, and living life with our brothers and sisters in need. They've come with medical expertise, photography skills, teaching and counseling backgrounds, Biblical training, construction skills, and a willingness to do anything to love and be with their global neighbors in need.

A word about money:
Our ultimate goal at Lahash is not to raise a lot of money. But ambitious projects and the intensive care of vulnerable people do require gifts from friends around the world. We want to celebrate with you this exciting marker, and together dream about new futures, lives, and hopes for all those in need and who suffer! Thank you for demonstrating and sharing the love of Jesus through these East African partnerships!

But what can one dollar really do?
Just one dollar can do so much! For example:
1. Provide several meals to a family affected by AIDS in Kenya
2. Buy several writing books and pens for Sudanese orphans
3. Pay for a trip for a hospital checkup for an AIDS patient in Tanzania

Every single dollar goes so much further than you think. Each dollar counts. Each dollar is a blessing. We thank you for your continued support, prayers, and love!

The Opening Ceremony Of Tenderfeet Education Center.

2010-06-11T04:15:00.000-07:00

At a colorful Ceremony, the new Tenderfeet school was officially opened. In attendance were the Collette foundation team, the children, teachers, parents and few invited guests. The Collette foundation has been instrumental in the funding of the purchase of the new plot of land for Tenderfeet that is large enough to hold the school buildings and also a playground for the children.

Tenderfeet education center has developed to aid Orphans and other vulnerable children of pre-school age in Nairobi, Kenya. Tenderfeet Education Center focuses on creating a positive environment for the children. The center was founded and directed by Margaret whose motivation is to improve the living situation of the country in the years to come.
Originally located in Kibera, The largest township in in East Africa, the school was forced to move due to the unrest In early 2008. Tenderfeet is now located in Riruta, a suburb of Nairobi, currently has 80 students. Although the location has changed, the passion of Tenderfeet is very much alive.
It was a privilege to be a part of this eventful day and just seeing the Joy on Margaret face and those beautiful smiles on the children's faces was just amazing. You could see a great future for the children.

While Margaret was giving her speech, one could not notice the joy felt from her words, she expressed the gratitude she had for all those who has enabled the project to to where it is now , she also highlighted on some of the steps the project has gone through to the current state.

The greatest achievement for the school so far has been the actualization of their own facility which has facilitated the fulfillment of Margaret's mission and vision.
We give God all the glory for this far he has brought them and pray for all other projects still pending like electricity to be installed and the completion of the Toilets.

Traveler Training

2010-06-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday the 5th, we held a traveling training seminar here at the office. We have 11 people who will be traveling to Africa in the summer and fall (and all but one has already traveled to Africa!). There are two main "teams" for this trip: the Sponsorship Team and the Media Team. We had a wonderful African meal, talked about the role of advocacy and God's heart for the vulnerable. We even had a packing demonstration.

Please pray for the health, safety, and God-mindedness of all of those who have made the tough decision to travel to Africa. And pray for those who still are wrestling with the decision, specifically Casey and Abbe Schilperoort, who are still seeking God's will for them and their two little ones Asher (age 2 1/2) and Lucy (4 1/2 months) in making the right decision for their family.

We praise God for all your support and prayers!

Work Parties and House/Office Needs

2010-06-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

There are some big concerns about Lahash House during our lovely Oregon rain torrents. We urgently need a roofing person to flash the chimney to keep out that rain. Does anyone know an unemployed roofer who would like to do a very important job? Or perhaps a well-employed one not likely to charge the standard fee? It's a priority need right now, so if you can point us to a likely roofing angel, please let us know!

There are also additional projects at Lahash House to continue the remarkable progress made last summer and fall. Winter sort of froze volunteer enthusiasm, but we'd like to renew efforts to make the Lahash House a bright, welcoming place to complement the fantastic work of our staff.

So here's the plan: we'll have four major work days during the summer, all Saturdays - June 12, 19, 26, and July 10. There's more than enough work for folks who want to paint, or rake, or hammer, or plaster, or tote, or scrape. There will be food and drinks - coffee and doughnuts when you arrive and lunch. Let us know you can be with us on one, two, or all of those days.

Here's 3 Ways to get involved:
-Work Days
Come join the hilarious and fascinating Lahash community for days of renovating and improving the old home. We'll go from about 9 AM to 5 PM.

Email info@lahash.net if you can make it!
• June 12
• June 19
• June 26
• July 10

-Chimney/Roof
We need a kind soul who can assist us with chimney and roofing work. Are you that kind of person? Or do you know a friend of a friend that would love to share expertise and time for a good cause?
Let us know: info@lahash.net

Our recently refurbished Presentation/Meeting Room. Hopefully the whole house will look like this some day!

-Donations
If you can't make it to one of the work days, but still want to pitch in, we're in need of donations to get all the supplies and work done. This summer we need to replace windows, purchase paint & primer, replace fixtures, and purchase furniture. We need an additional $5,500 to make the magic happen!

To donate, head to www.lahash.net/donate.html or send your donation into our office:

Lahash International
4850 N Vancouver Ave
Portland, OR 97217

We appreciate all the ways you support the Lahash ministry, and we are confident that God will provide!

Project 34.8 - A Blessed Success!

2010-05-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Karin Rosain did it! She not only successfully ran her ultra-marathon, but met her goal to raise enough money to pay for the school fees of 11 children. Not only that, the money stretched further than originally thought:

In addition to school fees for 11 kids, the money also purchased:

Tuition for Augustine’s computer training. He’s the secondary student who had to pause his schooling due to losing sight in one eye.
Tuition for two additional secondary school kids – Nasande and Jackson – both in Kajo Keji, Sudan (St. Bartholomew’s orphanage)
School supplies and uniforms for all the students (including those in primary at Amazing Grace)
A water tank for the Kampala orphanage – the first step in a massive project to get safe water on the compound.

Karin was also able to spend much time at Amazing Grace Children's Home, as well as travel to many other places around South Africa. All in all, it was an amazing experience! To read more detailed accounts from Karin, visit her blog.

Karin also brought over a netbook donated to Lupai at Amazing Grace by a family in Illinois.

On May 31st, Lahash will have the honor of hosting a potluck dinner featuring a presentation by Karin. She will share her experience running her ultra-marathon and the rest of her time in South Africa with many stories, photos, and video. Everyone is invited! The dinner starts at 6, and Karin's presentation starts at 7:30. Hope to see you there!

Lahash Media Retreat held in Portland

2010-04-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Facebook, Twitter, iPads, Smartphones, Blogs... It's becoming a complicated and digitalized world for us living in 2010. Lahash has focused on creating professional and intimate media from day one, and we hope to continue this focus in the future.

To gather our team and discuss the past, present, and future of Lahash's media involvment, this past Saturday we held a media retreat in Portland.
We talked about Discipleship, Relationship, our strategies and core values, and spent time in prayer for the next year.

We had a great turnout, and it's so exciting to be a part of a thoughtful and engaged creative team. We also had Jon Warren share a couple sessions as a guest speaker. Jon is the photo director for World Vision, and gave us tips and stories from his service experiences around the world.

From Lahash Portland Events

Rex Putnam Presentation
Last week Lahash was invited to share at a Social Justice fair at a school in Portland. We focused on HIV/AIDS and showed the video of Eliya Alloyce to the kids.

The kids were challenged and inspired to reach out and care for people around the world who are suffering.

In Other News
Karin Rosain has been living and enjoying life at our partner location in Adjumani, Uganda. She's spending time with the kids and staff at Amazing Grace Children's home. You can follow her blog over at Project 34.8

Erin Weiss is heading out to Dodoma, Tanzania this summer. As part of her prepartion, she is putting on creative dating events to help raise awareness about her trip and the partners in East Africa. Check out her Journey blog and Progressive Dating blogs for more details.

Make sure your check out the Grace & Healing Ministry blog with news and photos from Tanzania. And Dax continues to update the Tenderfeet blog with stories from Kibera and Nairobi.

Dan & Eliya - New Video of the Tanzania partnership

2010-04-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

Last year I (Dan Holcomb) stayed overnight with a Tanzanian family in the nation's capital (Dodoma). I was there to learn more about Eliya and his family. Eliya is one of the kids in our sponsorship program there.

Dan & Eliya from Lahash International on Vimeo.

The video above is of my experiences with Eliya and his family. Check out the video, and if you'd like to sponsor one of the kids in Tanzania, send an email to sponsor@lahash.net. The video was edited by Casey Schilperoort.

It was a Month worth for!

2010-04-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

Its lunch time and everyone is out for lunch i look my way to get something to eat and fortunately my mama has prepared Ugali (stiffed porridge),cabbage and fried fish.I sit down and relax as i get to enjoy my lunch.

Alot of questions ponders in my mind and i ask my self some questions which for sure i was to reply to by my self i get to enjoy the lunch but many people in some parts especially here in Africa are languishing and dying due to hunger.

In Dodoma,Tanzania i have come to meet face to face with hunger and how people are trying to make end meet-This is why a lot of people are infected with HIV/aids and it is all about "selling their bodies to get to put food on their tables"

I just want to salute each one of you who came up with this unique and extra ordinary idea of rice and beans month for going that extra mile using their time,materials and burning their mid-night oil to ensure that the month was a success.

I am going through a book titled THE SHARK and it has encouraged me so much on how what ordinary people will term as "small thing or idea" how it can be used to change someones life and reach out and touch many lives of children around East Africa.

The book talks of ...."Two roads diverged in the middle of my life, i heard a wise man say i took the road less traveled by And that's made the difference every night and every day"-The rice and beans month could be one of the last option a person can use yet it has reached out,touched and changed a child's life.What each one of you did will make a difference every night and every day of that child since he/she could get to enjoy food and be happy once more!

This is and should be an encouragement to you and me that we can change the world around us by what people can term as vague or small ideas.I am quite sure this cause will reach out to many people and impact the world with the love of Christ Jesus.

Project 34.8 Takes Off!

2010-03-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Karin Rosain has officially left for her ultramarathon in Cape Town, South Africa! She left from Seattle on March 29, and will arrive in Cape Town on the 31st. The ultramarathon will take place on April 3, where she will run the 34.8 mile (56K) marathon in an effort to raise $4,800 (which, as of now, has grown to $4,940!) for the school fees of 12 Sudanese orphans.

Please continue to pray for her! To see her complete itinerary and see updates, visit http://project34point8.wordpress.com.

Blue Like The Sky.

2010-03-24T05:17:00.001-07:00

There is a great progress with the Tenderfeet School. The roofing is done which makes the building look so beautiful. There is still a lot to be done for the building to be complete.
20ft hole was dug for the toilet

Inside the building looks like this awaiting for ceiling boards.

Doors and Windows made of metal ready to be installed.

New Board Member!

2010-03-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, the Lahash board met with Emmanuel Sitaki , and voted to confirm him as our newest board member! Emmanuel is from Rwanda, and founded a ministry called ERM that is serving his home country and the vulnerable people that live there.

Emmanuel lives with his family in Portland, Oregon. ERM is a ministry that serves widows, orphans, and pastors in his home country. Emmanuel is a survivor of the Rwandan Genocide, and was called by God to serve the vulnerable people that were suffering from the violence that devastated the country in 1994.

"We are so pleased to have the expertise and presence of Emmanuel on our board. It is critical to Lahash to be guided by the voices and experiences of East Africans, not just in East Africa, but on our Portland team as well. Emmanuel brings a wealth of passion and compassion and understands our desire for holistic ministry. His model of pairing widows and orphans in his home country into new family units is something that Lahash is eager to learn from." -- Dan Holcomb, Executive Director, Lahash International

For more information about ERM, visit Emmanuel's website:
http://www.ermrwanda.org/about-erm

Overhaul to the Rice & Beans website

2010-03-16T15:54:00.000-07:00

We've just done a redesign of the Rice & Beans website to allow all of the feeds and new information to filter into the site. The website now has a section for recipes, our latest photos, the videos, reflections, and a link to donate your savings for the kids' nutritional needs at the end of the month.

Urgent need for donations for food at Amazing Grace

2010-03-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

We recently received an email from Mama Susan from East Africa. Susan is our Sudanese partner who runs the Sudanese children's homes in Uganda and Sudan. She let us know of a budget shortfall at the home, and is requesting some immediate funds from Lahash and the friends of Amazing Grace. In January a couple of the children passed their exams from Junior High (primary school) which enabled them to go into High School (secondary school). Secondary School in Northern Uganda is done primarily at boarding schools and costs a lot for room and board as well as uniforms, books, and other school fees.

Because of the great progress of these kids, Susan spent ahead some of the funds that would have been used for food during February and March as well as the staff salaries to help pay for the kids entry into secondary school.

So we are currently left with a shortfall of $1,500 for their budget. Our advocate in New Mexico, Eric Chapman, was able to raise $860, and we've received another donation that puts our total at nearly $900. We still need an additional $600 for the kids.

Would you be willing to help out? If so, please visit our online donation page at: lahash.net/donate.html. Click on online donations, and write "Amazing Grace Needs" in the Donation Destination box.

Thank you!

UPDATE: All the funds have come in at this point for the food and salaries gap. Thanks to all who contributed! For those still interested in helping, Susan has made a secondary request for assistance with some new blankets and bedsheets.

Almost There!

2010-03-09T01:32:00.000-08:00

The past week has been a very busy with the new Tenderfeet construction building. Despite the heavy rains, We have been able to make a great step with the building. the contractors and the workers are doing a great job with the building.
The new building.

Timber ready for roofing

Yesterday we went to the hardware to buy metal bars that will be used to fix the windows and the doors which is very good for security purposes.

Rice & Beans Month Video

2010-02-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

This March our community is inviting you to join us in eating Rice & Beans for March. Check out our quick new video of the month-long event. And then head on over to www.EatRiceAndBeans.com

Building Hope.

2010-02-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

It’s very true that the shovels and the hammers are busy at Tenderfeet. The construction begun last year December and there has been great progress. It has taken the longest time but finally they are there. The Tenderfeet dream of owning their own place is finally becoming a reality.

Going back to history from kibera where they have been displaced uncountable times , then the post election violence that brought confusion to the whole country affecting tenderfeet big time, to satellite-Riruta in the small rooms and finally in few months coming they are going to have their own spacious classes.

Yesterday we were very busy laying the stones with the help of professional people who have been in building field for a long time therefore with more experience

Though the wait has been long, the tenderfeet new school construction is underway. It all started with one visit which opened up doors to many other blessings .the building which has been constructed in a rural environment will be a very conducive environment for the young ones. The air around there is very fresh free from urban pollution and noise. The area is very large thus the children will have enough space to play and run around something they have not been able to do due t o lack of space. Also the newly constructed classrooms will be capable of holding a larger number of students. This means that more needy children will be able to receive assistance which is quite a step for the project towards assisting less privileged students

Introducing Rice & Beans Month!

2010-01-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

Lahash friends, we are excited to introduce our new event! During March we are inviting you and your friends and family to be a part of Rice & Beans Month. This will be a solid month of eating simple Rice & Bean meals for the following reasons:

1. SOLIDARITY: We are standing with our brothers and sisters in East Africa who live on limited incomes and who can only afford simple meals like Rice & Beans.

2. SIMPLICITY: Those of us who live in wealthier nations often eat for pleasure and eat in excess. We are going to eat a nutritious and simple meal to give up on wasteful consumption.

3. SHARING: We choose to simplify and stand in solidarity in order to share with our brothers and sisters. We are asking you to look at your food budget for the month and give whatever you would have spent on your food for that month to the kids living in our East Africa partnerships.

Head on over to EatRiceAndBeans.com for more on the movement (and to share your photos, videos, and recipes) - and click on the Rice and Beans Facebook event to officially join the event during March. For questions please email Erin Gleason at info@eatriceandbeans.com

New Video - Stories from 2009

2010-01-11T15:11:00.000-08:00

Our new 2009 stories video is online. Thank you to everyone for being a part of this past year. We are grateful for the advocacy and care you have shown to East Africa's most vulnerable people this past year!

Solar Energy At Amazing Grace.

2009-12-28T01:02:00.000-08:00

I am just from Amazing Grace home with a lot of season greetings and many thanks to all the supporters who contributed to make sure that they have light at Amazing Grace.
Below is what they have been using for the past years which has been very unhealthy for the children. It produces very black smoke which was not good healthy wise. i took some pictures of Moi George one of the boys at Amazing Grace. He loves drawing.

They also used hurricane lamp but it has been very expensive to buy the kerosene.It consumes a lot of fuel.

Today they are using Solar energy for lighting. Below you can see Moi George drawing very comfortable with light from the solar panels.
I was able to install the solar panels,Huge batteries that will be charged by the solar panels, an inverter which converts the power from the batteries to 240Volts. They are able to charge laptops if they get one and other electronics. Obu one of the oldest boys helping in installing the cables underground.
Solar light in one of the houses(Tukuls)

Lahash Christmas Video

2009-12-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

Check out our new Christmas video! And then head over to our Christmas Giving page for 8 simple ways to share the season with our brothers and sisters in East Africa!

Tenderfeet 10th Anniversery.

2009-11-28T01:09:00.000-08:00

Tenderfeet family gathered yesterday to celebrate its 10th anniversary and 1st graduation of Tenderfeet Education center. When Margaret was giving her speech to the congregation, she thanked the almighty God for sustaining them that far from when the school was young until now, the joy for this achievement was to celebrate there 10th anniversary.
There was a lot of food and refreshments for all

18 children graduated from pre-unit to grade one. They were so proud of what they had achieved.

Both the teachers and the children are always working hard day by day and are anxious to excel in education. They also engage them in all activities areas for education. Discipline has generally been great over the past years. The guardians were encouraged to instill discipline to the children as it is one of the fundamentals towards excellence.
The school has qualified dedicated teaching staff. Tenderfeet children have been good role models wherever they go. Some are in primary and secondary school and they are performing very well. The school sources donor support from friends and well wishers to support children from vulnerable families and orphans. It also supports families in need with; food supplies, rent and pay medical attention to the children with special needs. It also provides breakfast and lunch that help the children grow healthy. Children are also provided with stationary (learning materials) to enhance smooth running.
The school has been facing many challenges like receiving threats from the City Council to close down since it is located in a residential area. Although with all challenges that they have been facing, they have been so strong in prayers and determination and God has spoken to friends who helped to purchase a plot for the school and the construction may start any time from now.
At the Climax of the event, a cake was shared to everyone.

Amazing Grace Blog

2009-11-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

Our volunteer Jeff Angote has been doing some fantastic work over at the Amazing Grace blog. He's been training the home administrator Lupai Nelson on how to use the computer and post updates on Blogs and Facebook. The posts are really well written and have some unique pictures as well.

A message from the Amazing Grace kids

2009-11-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

A select passage from Isaiah 58 spoken by the kids at Amazing Grace.

Tenderfeet gets PE kit.

2009-11-06T04:41:00.000-08:00

The Collette Foundation group go to visit Tenderfeet today with great Physical Education Kit for each child at Tenderfeet.

Physical education is very important to every growing child in the society as well as for Adults. Tenderfeet encourages the children to play and interact with each other which really helps them grow physically.

The got new Snickers,socks,shorts,T-shirts,backpacks, skipping ropes,footballs and school supplies. you could see clearly on there faces how happy and greatful they were.

All this thanks to Collette foundation.

Change in Prayer Meeting

2009-11-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

The prayer meeting will be held from 12;30-1:30 at the Lahash office 11/7, not at 12:00 as previously reported!

Hope you're able to make it!

Less than two weeks!

2009-11-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

With eager anticipation, we’re excited to announce that the banquet is less than two weeks away! As November 14 has been quickly approaching, the banquet team’s been busy making final arrangements, preparing materials, and reflecting on the theme of the event, “your light will rise.” There have been a few changes in the banquet. Sadly, Susan Tabia will not be able to join us for the evening due to complications in both her visa and in her health. Please continue praying for Susan and for the incarnational ministry she continues to participate in on a daily basis. Through the media that Dan and Casey were able to collect on their recent trip, we look forward to still being able to hear from her briefly during the evening.

There have also been a few changes in the direction of the fundraising effort. Everything raised through the banquet will now be going toward renovations at Amazing Grace in Adjumani, Uganda. Many of the buildings are in a state of disrepair, including leaking roofs, cracking cement, and overflowing latrines. We look forward to helping to transform many of the structures at Amazing Grace in order to provide a healthier and more stable living situation for the children Lahash sponsors.

Thank you so much for supporting the vulnerable and broken of this world. For those of you who have faithfully been praying for both the evening and the process, thank you! We will be having a time of prayer lifting up the banquet next Saturday (Nov. 7) from 12:30-1:30 at the office in N Portland. We’d love it if you all could join us!

2009 Christmas Giving Guides

2009-10-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting colder here in Portland and we are beginning to see our breath in the mornings. This means that in a couple of months Christmas will be upon us. Our East African partners continue their struggle to care for and love the people in their communities affected by war, disease, and corruption. We've created a great little Giving Guide this year with 8 options of ways to share with our global family in need. You can check out these options online or you can also email info@lahash.net to get 1 or more copies mailed to you.

Two blogs to mention

2009-10-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Two of our volunteers are in East Africa blogging right now, and the links below will take you to their latest posts:

Leah Burkholder is writing over at LiveJournal and has some good insights into her time in Dodoma.

Jeff Angote is volunteering at Amazing Grace for a couple of months and is posting updates on the Amazing Grace blog.

Head on over and leave some comments and follow their posts! Peace.

Back from Sudan - and full of thanks

2009-10-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

We rolled into town today after another long journey from Sudan to Kampala, Uganda. We were on a quick tour of our northern partners who care for Sudanese kids and vulnerable widows. We were thanked over and over for our work there, and all those thanks go to you, our community that enables these trips and generosity, and to God for giving us life and hope to share.

In the picture above, Casey Schilperoort is filming at the Nsambya children's home. Casey and I have been shooting with a couple of HD cameras and capturing the courageous lives of these kids and staff. It's unbelievable what some people have lived through - and yet at the end of the day they can smile, dance, and give thanks to God.

(Above: the kids at Nsambya children's home)

(Above: Moi George getting his art set given by Catherine Haygood)

From Conference2009

(Above: Enjoying a night of lanterns, dancing, and laughing at Amazing Grace).

Only 6 weeks until the Lahash Banquet!

2009-10-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

We rejoice that the fundraising banquet has been coming together well! We’ve been busy meeting with tables hosts and sponsors, finding businesses to lend financial support, and collecting video footage in Uganda and Sudan. While we still need 10 table sponsors, we rejoice that we are over 70% funded for the event! We admit to being amazed by how well the planning process has been coming together, and thank our Father for guiding us through this new territory.

The banquet is 6 weeks away, and we’re still looking for people to become involved in various stages of the event. If you interested in sponsoring, hosting, or attending the banquet, please contact Mandi (mlstonehouse@gmail.com). We are also looking for volunteers the night of the event for the following activities:

Greeters/Ushers: Greet arriving guests and help with check-in; collect donation baskets at the end of the evening.
Seating Coordinator: Oversee guest registration and help unregistered guests obtain seats; solve seating and guest problems.
Set-up Team: Arrive early to set-up and decorate the banquet room.
Tear-down Team: Stay after the dinner to tear down from the event.

If you would like to serve in any of these ways, please contact our Banquet Director, Karin (karinrosain@gmail.com). We are so grateful that people have come alongside the planning team in prayer. If you would like to receive periodic updates about ways that you can be prayerfully supporting the event, please contact Dana (dbertemann@hotmail.com).

Thank you for your continued support. We are so excited to watch as the banquet comes together!

The Lahash Staff Rides Again! (Update 2 of 2)

2009-10-01T02:59:00.000-07:00

Early Tuesday morning (a bit too early for me!), we boarded a Zawadi Bus for Adjumani, Uganda, the site of Amazing Grace Orphanage. Reflecting back on some of the earlier trips to Amazing Grace, we were impressed with how smooth the roads were, the cleanliness and timeliness of the bus, and no breakdowns! (If we did endorsements, we would highly endorse Zawadi…wait, I think I just did...) At the same time that improved roads and transportation speak of recovering communities in Northern Uganda, the camps of people displaced by the LRA and the remaining Sudanese refugees are a reminder of the volatile and violent history of this place.

Arriving at Amazing Grace is always like coming home. It has been ten months since I (Leisha) was last here, and while some things have changed – a wonderful new compound manager named Lupai, and a wonderful new building to replace the one that was damaged last spring – some things remain sadly the same. There are still difficulties feeding the children a balanced diet, given the food prices increasing in recent months, and many of the tukuls where the children live are in desperate need of disrepair. Due to some gifts from the communities of our friends the Cremisinos and Ashley Eggerts, there will soon be construction of new latrines for the children, which will be a huge blessing.

As the staff of Lahash, Dan, Casey, Edwin, and I are relishing this opportunity to travel together, and see our individual gifts complement one another in various projects. Having Edwin’s wife and brother and Dan’s wife along is a huge help as we prepare sponsor letters, Christmas greetings, and various banquet-related materials, do video interviews of many of the staff and children, and conduct meetings with Lupai and his staff members.

Tomorrow we will be heading up to St. Bartholomew’s Orphanage to visit a few friends briefly. We will only be there for one day, just long enough to visit Leya Poni, a woman with leprosy who is dying, and do one or two video interviews and greet some friends. We will be returning to Amazing Grace by way of Metu Secondary, where the older children from Amazing Grace are boarding.

We appreciate your prayers for safety on the roads and that we will be an encouragement to the staff and children of IWASSRU.

I say “En-sahm-bee-yah”, you say “Zambia” (Update 1 of 2)

2009-10-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

On Monday we got to spend a good part of the day at Nsambya Children’s Home with Mama Susan and the children who live there. We distributed gifts from sponsors, as well as custom embroidered shirts and dresses for the kids made by our friend “Grandma C.” in New Mexico. The kids were so delighted with their new clothes, which come with little cards stating that they are loved by Jesus and that they are being prayed for.

Casey did a long video interview with Mama Susan, footage which is very rare, as it is extremely difficult to get Mama Susan to sit still long enough to be filmed! She is so humble, but has lots of wisdom to share, and a profound and impacting life story. The footage will be used for several upcoming video projects, including footage for Lahash’s first fundraising banquet in November. We are hoping that Mama Susan’s health and visa will permit her to come be the keynote speaker at that event. Please pray for favor as her visa is being considered and for strength and good health as she has been very ill the past few months, although much recovered now. (Also, if you are interested in attending the banquet, please contact Mandi at mstonehouse@lahash.net for details on sponsoring a table.)

End of the Lahash Conference-Kampala,Uganda

2009-09-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

As we finished our conference on 26th September 2009, we just took some time to pray fro our partners as they head back to there ministries. we were really blessed with the great opportunity we had to share with our partners in east Africa Through our guest speaker Ron and char Holcomb, he was such a blessing to us sharing and encouraging us to keep on sharing Gods love to others through God’s stories by sharing Gods image in us with others especially the vulnerable. We should desciple one onother and encourage one each other just as jesus did.
We also had a session where each partner had a chance to analyze one another on how they keep there financial records. Below is a group of members anlysing the Tenderfeet program finanicial books. We encourage our partners to be very transparent and they were so much impressed with how Tenderfeet keep there records.

We were encouraged with the progress our partners are doing in their organization and the teachings form the conference will really help them in the implementations and improvement that they need to take to ensure efficiency, transparency and accountability in their organizations. it was wonderful that partners also contributed with the teachings which was very encouraging also to learn from them.This is Musa a member of our partner in Tanzania teaching on accounting.

Susan Tabia will be visiting Portland Oregon this November for the upcoming Lahash banquet , Dan has been working very hard for Susan to get her Visa. We really want her to travel to the US. So if you could pray for all the process to be successful, that will be wonderful.
Most of our partner have already left,Dan,Erin,Casey,Leisha,Jeff,Christine and I will be travelling up north of uganda in Adjumani and later on in Sudan just to share Gods love with the Children. We are hoping to share the God story that we learnt from the conference.

Lahash conference going well

2009-09-24T03:41:00.000-07:00

From Conference2009

(update from Dan) The conference here in Uganda is going really well so far. We've had days focusing on fasting & prayer, strategy & planning, advocacy, and today is on transparent integrity. It's so incredibly fulfilling to have all of the partners here and be encouraged by the stories and hope of the whole crew.

Our two guest organizations this conference are AMCC (from Kenya) and Savior's Home (from Uganda). John, Nancy, and Tim have added a lot to the conversations.

It's really been great having my parents here and sharing in ministry with them. My father (Ron) has been teaching some oral Bible story methods to help the group in learning simple, repeatable theology.

(Susan Tabia and Char Holcomb cooking at the Nsambya Children's home)

Emma Lasu carries Catherine across the home compound.

Tim Bata, Jeff Angote, Cristine Angote, Char Holcomb, Edwin Angote, Ron Holcomb, Casey Schilperoort, and Leisha Adams praying at the conference on Monday.

Esther Muhagachi shares with John Muhika.

Thanks to all of you for the prayers. Things have been really encouraging so far in the week.

Kickin it with the Kampala kids

2009-09-19T05:05:00.000-07:00

(Update from Dan Holcomb)
Casey and I arrived in Kampala and are staying at Mama Susan's home (which is also the Nsambya Children's home). It's great to see all of the kids again, although many of them have coughs and have had typhoid recently. Susan has had a variety of illnesses over the past several months, and it's hard to see her so worn out and sick.

Tomorrow people are streaming in from across East Africa for our second regional conference. We'll be staying at a Catholic conference center for the week.

We were pleasantly surprised to see a good amount of the IWASSRU staff here in Kampala. Babiya, Mogga Michael, and Lupai Nelson are all here for the week.

It's going to be incredible to see all of the partners and staff here in town tomorrow! Thanks for your prayers friends - we'll post more in the upcoming days.

The Holcomb's Visit Tenderfeet.

2009-09-14T04:24:00.000-07:00

Ron and Char Holcomb (Dan Holcomb's parents) made a visit to the Tenderfeet school. They visited both the Kibera and the Riruta Satellite schools.
They were amazed with the progress that has been going on in the school and the enormous steps that the teachers are taking in teaching the children. They got to listen to the songs and poems that the children were singing and reciting respectively.
Ron and Char Holcomb will be the guest speakers at the upcoming Lahash conference that will be taking place in Uganda on the 20th-26th of this month.

Heading out to Uganda & Sudan

2009-09-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

In just over a week's time, Casey Schilperoort (our media director) and I (Dan) will be landing in Entebbe, Uganda for a three week trip to East Africa. We would appreciate your prayers as we prepare to leave!

Our itinerary looks like this:

September 20-27 - A week in Kampala meeting with our Lahash partners for the second East Africa Lahash Conference. We'll be focusing on one core value each day: Prayer, Strategy & Flexibility, Advocacy, Transparent Integrity, Holistic Care, & Leadership Development. We are looking at about 20 of us all joining together in Kampala - should be a good week!
September 28-October 8 - Traveling in Uganda and Sudan visiting the orphanages of Sudanese refugees.

We'll be posting updates about our journey here on the Lahash blog as well as on Facebook. Thanks for journeying with us - virtually!

Leisha & Leah leave for Tanzania

2009-09-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we said goodbye to our friends Leisha and Leah. They are both about to arrive in Tanzania where they'll be working with our partners in Dodoma. Leisha Adams has been our sponsorship coordinator for a couple years, and has been planning to live with our brothers and sisters in Tanzania for a good while now. We've had several goodbye events for her, one at the Lahash office/home in Portland where shared our prayers and blessings for her upcoming trip.

Her family also put on a Mbuzi (goat) roast in the Newberg area where many friends came to enjoy African, Indian, and American cuisine. Leisha shared some about her plans for the future to the crowd.

At the airport we also said goodbye to our traveler Leah Burkholder. Leah will be serving in Tanzania for the duration of a year. She'll be working with the Home Based Care program at the church and spending time loving, teaching, and encouraging the kids in the Lahash sponsorship program.

It was an emotional moment as many friends and family said goodbye. Leisha will most likely be in Tanzania for a two-year period and has intentions of being based there for much longer than that.

Please pray for both of these friends as they journey and become integrated with the Tanzanian brothers and sisters.

First ever Lahash fundraising banquet!

2009-08-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

Plans are underway for our first Lahash fundraising banquet. While the event is not until November 14, the banquet planning team has been meeting for the past several months praying, dreaming, planning, and letting the banquet theme, “Your light will rise”, infiltrate every area of our lives. We rejoice that Susan Tabia will be our speaker for the evening, and that her personal travel plans are coming together well. We wait and work in anticipation of an amazing night filled with the stories of the children, video footage to help us connect with our East African family on a more personal level, rousing African music, and of course, tasty food.

On Saturday August 15^th, eight Lahash volunteers (the “Captains”) met at the Melody Ballroom to network and brainstorm together about ways to invite both old friends and new to participate in the upcoming Banquet. The team immediately united with a passion for raising both awareness and funds for suffering children in Uganda and Southern Sudan. As they brainstormed a list of people and businesses to contact, the excitement for the event steadily rose throughout the team. The continuing role of the Captains is to invite 30+ friends, family members, churches, and businesses to financially sponsor each of the thirty tables. The team is also looking for hosts for each of the tables, who will have the opportunity to invite nine of their friends to join their table for the event. We anticipate that at least 300 guests will join us for the evening!

There are many opportunities to help make this banquet an amazing event. There will be a host/sponsor meeting Wednesday, September 2 at 6pm at Berean Baptist church (4822 N Vancouver Ave) where we’ll be sharing a dinner of pizza and salad and explaining these opportunities in further detail. If you are at all interested in either of these roles, we encourage you to attend! If you cannot attend, but would like information on serving as a sponsor, host, volunteer, or attendee please contact Mandi Stonehouse at mlstonehouse@gmail.com. Also, if you would like to join us in praying for this event, please contact Dana Bertermann at bertermann@hotmail.com.

We hope to see you Wednesday!

Storehouse at Amazing Grace repaired!

2009-08-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

We just got an update from the folks at our Sudanese orphanage of Amazing Grace. Some of you remember a couple months ago we had severe windstorm damage to the storehouse at the orphanage. Eric Chapman and others raised funds to repair this structure that helps provide for the kids. Here are the photos of the repairs!

The building sustained heavy damage in a rainstorm. Pretty powerful to be able to rip off the roof!

Local workmen were hired to replace the roof, and repair and repaint the walls.

It now looks so much better! Thank you!

Finishing up phase 1 at the office!

2009-08-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Our Portland office renovation is going well! Thanks to all of you who've been by to paint and sand and nail and clean. And thanks to everyone for the contributions that have enabled us to buy the supplies we've needed! It's very encouraging. We are now down to $2,725 needed out of a total of $5,000. For those that would like to share funds for this effort - you can visit our online donation page.

We've gone with some muted yellows, greens, and tan for the old home. And we'll be putting up some white trim to finish the process.

There are still several rooms that need paint, sanding, floors, and fixtures. This weekend (for those in the Portland area) we have some workdays available:

* Thursday (August 13) 8 AM to 8 PM

* Friday (August 14) 8 AM to 8 PM

* Saturday (August 15) 8 AM to 2 PM

Email our office if you'd like to schedule in some volunteer hours!

From New Office Upgrade!

Meeting Ashina Awour

2009-08-10T06:18:00.001-07:00

We are meeting with Ashina Awuor a 9 year old girl who goes at Tenderfeet education center. She come from a family of a single mother in Kibera and her sister Shamira Achieng who also goes to Tenderfeet. She is at Pre-Unit and she love Maths and her hobby is cooking. The father died after a short illness leaving there mother to take care of them. Before they used to be in a different school but there mother was not able to pay school fees for them. There mother sells Fish but this is not enough to pay rent,school fees and food for them . she is so grateful that she is at Tenderfeet where she has met many new friends and she learns a lot at school.

Lahash kids go to Bible Camp in Tanzania

2009-07-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Update by Emily Deichsel and Leah Davis from Dodoma

The Lahash sponsored children in Tanzania went to Bible Camp this week. They spent two nights and three days at Msalto Seminary College Campus just outside of Dodoma. The camp was a combined group from the church for the first time. Attending the camp were Lahash kids 10 and up, Compassion kids, and a handful of church youth attended the camp together as members of Iringa Road Mennonite Church. Because of the combined groups, most of the church staff was present making it an event for the whole church.

The theme of the camp was Let the Glory of God be Revealed. We explored this theme throughout the week through classes, praise, worship and even games. The seminars during the three days covered trauma healing, counselling, HIV/AIDS, youth growth and development, and Biblical devotionals. It seemed really exciting for the kids to have an experience away from home with their peers and to learn in a different environment. While being well fed with three meals a day, they were also fed emotionally and spiritually with meaningful messages and information to apply to their lives. Throughout the week the spirits were high and the dancing was lively!

From Dodoma in 2009

Lahash featured in Relevant Magazine!

2009-07-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

The newest issue of Relevant Magazine features a profile of our organization and links to get connected with us! Pretty cool. Our friend Kate Cremisino has been working on the article for a while and has also written two online articles here and here on Lahash.

To read the full article click on over to Relevant's online magazine viewer (see page 25), or pick one up at your local bookstore!

Get involved in the Portland office Renovation!

2009-06-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

So Lahash was recently given an old home to use for our offices and hospitality space in Portland. We are so excited about the possibilities of this new home! We will be moving in on August 7th, after completing a serious interior makeover. The home will then be used for the following:

Portland offices
Hospitality space to house interns, staff, advocates, & East African partners
A central space to connect with community members and invite people from Portland to get to know our team better
Also - a space to store supplies we will be shipping to Africa, and a space to use for our online store.

Our operations here in Portland will finally have some room to stretch! Thanks to all of you who've been praying with us for this next stage.

We will need to raise $5,000 for the renovation process. As you can see in the photos above, there is some significant damage and wear-and-tear on the home. We need to replace locks, windows, and install lights. We also are cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting. Would you be willing to help with this project? You can donate online by visiting the link below and selecting "Lahash Office/Home Renovation" under the "Special Projects" option:

Also, we need hands and expertise to help with several work days on the home. Please email us at info@lahash.net or call 503-348-7265 to get plugged in on one of these dates:

July 2 - 6-9 PM
July 11 - All day
July 16 - 6-9 PM
July 18 - All day
July 22 - 6-9 PM
July 28 - 6-9 PM
August 4 - 6-9 PM
August 6 - All day
August 7 - All day

And here is our latest walkthrough hosted by me (Dan Holcomb) and Nickson.

TITLE DEED

2009-06-28T23:57:00.001-07:00

We are so grateful that tenderfeet now fully owns the land as per the law of Kenya. this is what the Title deed reads.
"This is to certify that Tenderfeet community based organization is (are) now registered as the absolute proprietor(s) of the land comprised in the above mentioned Title, subject to the entries in the register relating to the land and to such of the the overriding interests set out in the section 30 of the registered land act as may for the time being subsist and affect the land"
At the moment they are waiting for the building plan to be approved by the Nairobi City council which will take some time then they will be free to put up a building.

Briquette training a success!

2009-06-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

In March, Jim Anderson of Portland, Oregon brought some new technology of creating a simple machine to make briquettes out of biomass (leaves, charcoal dust, woodchips and so on). Our partners in Tanzania eagerly adopted the press, and recently had an additional training seminar to get the business in motion. Our volunteer Emily in Tanzania just wrote this update:

=================================

From Emily Deichsel (see her blog here)

The briquette training was completed the first week I arrived in Dodoma. The first three days were spent learning the process of making the briquettes.

First they learned the proper preparation of the materials, then using the press to make the briquettes and finally drying and cooking with them. There were demonstrations, seminars and lots of hands-on practice. Then there were two days of seminars covering the preparation of the materials, press of the briquettes and then also about business and marketing of the product. The last day they went to town to begin marketing the product. The idea was to let people know about the briquettes as a new product just to get the idea out there and see what customers might be interested. They went to places that cook for a large number of people like restaurants and hotels and talked to the cooks. They had samples to give prospective customers that were interested.

Friday they ended with a closing ceremony giving certificates of completion of the training. Now two weeks later a group of the youth are at the church making briquettes.

There is loud music playing and they have a pretty good system worked out. I think they have orders lined up of people wanting to try to cook with the briquettes.

From TZ Fuel Briquettes!

For more from Emily on her service with Grace & Healing Ministry - check out her blog here. Also, make sure you head over to MotoMpya.Wordpress.com. Jim Anderson is chronicling the process of the briquettes in Tanzania on that blogsite.

THE DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD 2009

2009-06-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Day of the African child is commemorated on 16th June each year. This is in memory of the black children killed in Soweto, South Africa in 1976 while protesting over the poor quality of Education offered by the Apartheid regime. The African Union decides on the theme of each year. This year’s theme is, “Africa Fit for Children: Call for Accelerated Action towards their Survival”.
This theme is based on a declaration made by African heads of state in 2001 on what needs to be done to make the continent fit for her children. They agreed on priority areas as: Enhancing life chances; overcoming HIV/AIDS; realizing the right to education; realizing the right to protection including legal, and protection against violence, abuse and exploitation; and participation of youth and children. As a follow up to the declaration the leaders in 2008 met and made a call for accelerated action to make the Africa Fit for Child a reality.
Most of the schools today, came together to celebrate this day. Each school has a chance to present. Below is Tenderfeet school presenting a song and a poem.

During the celebration there was a lot of fun for the children to enjoy

This two beautiful faces are Emaculate and Shally who are sisters and they attend the Tenderfeet School. There mother is a widow and they live in the Kibera Slums.Sometimes it is very difficult for their mother to meet all their needs.At Tenderfeet, they are able to get two meals a day and Education for free.They also get the School uniform form Tenderfeet.Thanks to all the donors who are making this possible.

Emily Travel.

2009-06-08T08:09:00.001-07:00

Emily Deishsel arrived safely yesterday in Nairobi. She spent a day with us before her next connection flight to Tanzania.