We have just completed our 2008 Eyes and Wings
conference in Kelowna, April 23-26 and what an amazing conference it
was!
Art Lucier, Be A HERO’s Regional Director for The D.R. Congo, Africa
spoke about the children at Mamma Jeanne’s Orphanage in Goma and
showed a clip from NBC Dateline’s interview of him and the plight of
the children in Congo (click here to view the interview).
The war and violence continues, with children witnessing unimaginable
atrocities – torture, rape, and murder – and left scarred and orphaned
if they survive. Art told us of Sam who, at 8 months of age, was found
and rescued from the arms of his dead mother. The militants had
chopped off his right hand, gashed open his skull with a machete and
left him to die. Today, Sam is a young teenager, alive and well due to
Mamma Jeanne’s love and care. Over 300 orphans live with Mamma Jeanne.
The present orphanage site is a bed of lava rock without fencing,
protection, green grass or trees. They are in the direct path of
possible future volcanic eruptions. A new site has been purchased, one
with vegetation, close to water. Dorms have been built, and water
tanks have been installed. The foundation has been laid for a school.
Art told of the need to build a high security wall around the
property, to keep the children and staff safe, and diminish theft of
food and livestock. His moving stories of the critical state of the
orphanage touched many hearts. Before he could finish outlining the
needs, from every direction people starting running to the platform to
donate. They formed a line all the way down the aisle, wanting to
contribute towards the desperate need at this children’s home. Over
$60,000 was pledged in less than 10 minutes! The funds will be used to
complete the wall, purchase land to grow our own food, and build a
house on site for Mamma Jeanne and her husband. We will then be able
to move the children to the new site. To read more about this project,
click here.
Thank you to all who joined us at Eyes and Wings 2008. Many travelled
long distances to be a part of making a difference.
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Our Children’s Home in Nyahururu, Kenya was able to plant 5 acres of
maize and beans in March, thanks to a concerted effort by donors in
USA, Canada and Australia. Bethel Church from Redding, CA donated a
tractor; Australian and Canadian donors purchased the tractor
attachments, other farming implements, seed and fertilizer. The older
children participated for four days, enjoying the break from school
with picnic lunches at the farm.
The crops should provide enough maize and beans for all 430 children
for next year. Between the political unrest that Kenya experienced
earlier this year, and skyrocketing prices for food, having our own
food supply has become vital, and will save a lot of money. Thanks to
our Heroes!
More about Heroes of the Nation in Kenya.
A large donation from the Sonrise Foundation in Kelowna, BC has
enabled us to complete the purchase of leased land that our children’s
home and school in Pasig City is on. Now that we are able to secure
the land and buildings, we can move forward with upgrading and
expansion, free from the ever-present threat of having to find another
facility for our 40 resident orphans, and 100 school students. Thanks
to everyone who donated towards the land purchase. To read more about
this Home,
click here.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Why not make the choice to
honor your mother this Mother’s Day by sponsoring a child through Be A
HERO? So many children around the world don’t have a mother, don’t
have a home, and just need a sponsor of $33.00 per month to make a
real difference in their life. So this year, instead of buying your
mother a plant or a sweater or a necklace, consider changing a child’s
life and giving them real hope.
Click here for more information on Be A HERO sponsorship options.
Join us for the 4th Annual Be A HERO Golf Tournament on Sunday, June
8th in Kelowna, BC. Organized and sponsored by Raymond James, this fun
event has raised thousands of dollars for children at risk. This
year’s proceeds will benefit a new children’s home planned for Cabo
San Lucas, Mexico. To register, or for further details
click here.
