It is exciting to be a part of something that can change the lives of thousands of people, something that can literally save a generation of people who have no hope. This is exactly what we are doing in Bulembu, Swaziland. The life expectancy of the Swazi people is below 33 years old. (1) If something is not done to stop the AIDS pandemic, the United Nations states the population of Swaziland will be totally eliminated by 2050. (2)
PIA has committed its resources, both time and financial, to restoring life and hope to the widows and orphans of Swaziland. One of the projects that addresses this mission is the renovation of a local hospital. Bulembu has an 80-bed hospital that is in an ideal setting to facilitate a controlled environment that will maximize the effectiveness of AIDS prevention.
General Electric has generously committed to donate all the medical equipment necessary to fully equip this hospital, and Dr. Art Ammann of San Francisco, CA, who is a leader in global strategies for HIV prevention, is making a treatment available to us that, when administered properly, virtually eliminates the transfer of HIV-AIDS from mother to baby. We are extremely grateful to GE and Dr. Ammann for their commitment. This project is a major undertaking and we also need your help. Please join us in praying and supporting this project.
We need a hospital administrator to operate the hospital, and teams of doctors and nurses willing to commit 4, 6 or 12 months to working in the hospital.
We need financial commitments to refurbish the hospital ($50,000.00).
We need to repair housing for the pregnant mothers and their children to stay in while they undergo treatment ($100,000.00).
We need monthly commitments to pay for supplies, drugs, and miscellaneous items.
We have only just begun. Please come and join us in this life-changing project.
One of her kind dies every three seconds. Who is she? She stands haltingly in the midst of the crowded village market. She looks up and around. There is no hope in her eyes. Only desperation. Somehow, she takes a few steps in this direction and then another, all the while trying to connect her eyes with those on the street. It is obvious she is alone, contrasted with the "going somewhere" walkers passing her with no regard. No one really cares. She is someone's daughter, or maybe she was someone's daughter. Her torn T-shirt covers her very thin body. Her shoes are old flip-flops. One is broken, but she keeps it on her foot by shuffling. Her hand reaches out and up. Nothing is in it but dirt, deep in the creases of her hand. No one responds. Because most don't really care.
Thankfully, many like you do. That's why Partners In Action exists - to receive your precious and caring gifts and give them to her, so she can be fed, clothed, and sheltered by loving caregivers. In my opinion, this is the greatest vocation a person can have. To live out - to walk out - the truth found in James 1:27 - "Perfect and pure religion before our God and Father is to visit the widows and orphans in their affliction."
The power of this statement was established by God Himself, as witnessed by the writers of scripture when He first defined the purpose and use of His tithe. As a matter of fact, the emphasis was so strong, it is stated four times in scripture. It is as follows: "When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;" - Deuteronomy 26:12.
The scripture teaches us that two of the four purposes of the tithe is for the widow and the orphan. They are His heart. In fact, scriptures also shows us - The LORD...He cares for the orphans and widows, Psalm 146:9.
That's why caring for the most desperate, who have no one to care, to cover, to feed, to shelter, and to love them is so very important to our Father. Because that is what He does for us.
I truly thank God for allowing me to serve Him through this wonderful ministry. Will you join me in caring for His most needy? I pray you do. In fact, I'm sure you will...when you see her as I see her - the orphan who needs us both.
Blessings to all, Franklin Santagate
Chief Executive Officer
Praises for Remember the Poorest Community and Ermias
Ermias, a former street boy in Nazareth, recently was encouraged by Remember the Poorest to leave the streets and return home. He has renewed hope and is excited to start a new life. In the next few lines he tells own story:
"I'm Ermias Alemu, son of Ato Alemu Regasa and Yenenesh Bekele. I was born in 1993 in southern Ethiopia in the town of Dodola, which is about 200 kilometers south of Nazareth.
"My father, who was the bread-winner of the family, died when I was only eight years old. He was a carpenter by profession and my mother was a homemaker. They had five children in all, three of whom died in their infancy. It was only my younger sister and I who survived.
"An unhappy incident, which affected the rest of my life, occurred one day. I shall never forget that day because it was the day when I experienced physical and spiritual brokenness. A neighbor child was carrying me on her back when she slipped and fell, crushing me hard under her weight, thus breaking one of my legs. At the time, I did not feel the pain and did not cry or show any sign of hurt. No one took me to a doctor. Soon, however, I found out that I could not walk and I realized I was crippled for life. I began to use a cane for moving around. It was certainly a painful experience.
"After the passing away of my father, life became unbearably hard for my mother. I decided to leave my birthplace so as not to see her suffering. I came to Nazareth with the hope of getting some work, but ended up on the streets instead. 'From the frying pan into the fire,' as they say, the situation on the streets of Nazareth was far worse than life in my hometown.
"Social workers from Remember the Poorest Community found me and gave me useful advice to go back home and start life afresh with my relatives. I accepted their advice and returned to Dodola, escorted by one of RPC's social workers. They've counseled me to apply myself to learning and hard work. They've also provided me with start-up capital. God willing, if I work and study hard, I shall succeed and build a better life in the future."
School Progress Update from Suubi by Ezra Simon Ssemwanga
Greetings to our dear friends and sponsors from Suubi staff and children in Jesus' name. We thank you and pray to Almighty God to continue blessing you and your families for everything you are doing for us, especially for our lovely children.
The school term ended well in August. The third and last term of the year will start on Monday, September 18, and will end on December 8. All day scholars and a few children in our orphanage are home for their holidays.
There are always visible improvements in the social, spiritual, and academic disciplines of our children; however, the children's performance was far better than the first term. Although the children aren't fluent, they are now speaking English at school. We implemented new measures to help improve the children learning the language. We included compulsory use of English as a medium of communication and instruction. Debates and quizzes were rejuvenated and handwriting emphasized. The children also started listening to the news on the radio, which has aided both their speaking and listening skills.
The teachers were surprised that the children are speaking English with less effort than what they had originally expected. In Uganda, English speaking is synonymous with schools particularly for children from affluent families. Because we aren't a wealthy school, when people hear our children speaking English, they are surprised. We are very proud of their progress.
Exams went well, too. The children also have high expectation for themselves for the next term.
"In the third term, I want to work hard and beat Oliver and regain my first position," said Phiona, a primary five pupil.
"When pastor prayed for us in the evening for better performance in our exams following the day for exams, I felt the power of God upon me. The following day, I prayed, didn't take porridge, and went to the room. I managed to write well all my exams, thanks to our pastor who prayed for us during the exam period and our director who always prays with us. I managed to become second," said Frank, a primary four pupil.
Again, we thank you for your support and love. Our children are doing so well and this is a direct result of your help. We look forward to giving you an even better update next term!
We covet your prayer support for the intervention of God in the economic difficulties, esspecially the rampant inflationary situation.
For continued direction with our plans to build a school.
Food, clothing, vocational training tools, school fees, medical fees
Suubi
God's faithfulness in times of need; children's spiritual growth.
Health and safety of children; land to own, so we might discontinue
renting property; blessings for returning day students.
A generator to stop power outages, sheets, mattresses, blankets, clothing, text books, and medicine.
Mojo
God's protection.
For relief on economic problems. More children and families will be sponsored.
Prayer for a lost child's grandmother, who is without food.
Hope for the Hopeless
That children will be allowed to join the Government School; new children will be sponsored; own center home in the future.
That funds will come in.
That the economic problem in our country will improve.
Sleeping materials, chairs, and tables to sustain the orphanage's
population.
The Shepherd's Fold
A woman who converted to Christianity has reunited with her Muslim family.
For PIA supporters and staff.
School uniforms
Money for school fees
Remember the Poorest
We request your prayer support for the large number of guardians who are HIV positive.
We ask that you remember us before God at this hectic time when we are getting ready for opening of school.
As we are planning to start construction work to expand and upgrade the K.G school, we ask you to stand with us in prayer so that God will provide the money with which we can construct the needed buildings.
Mission Team From Ohio Makes a Special Visit to CTP by Karen Francis
Campamento Tierra Prometida, Tecate, MX - A Missions Team from Madison Co. Vineyard Church in Ohio came out to work and play at Campamento Tierra Prometida, and what a blessing they were. The group was comprised of the youth group and their leaders, and what a great group they were!
On Monday, August 8, they invited the kids of Rancho San Juan Bosco and Wa Ta-Lus Kuateí out to the Camp for a day of fun. There were arts, coloring, games, balloons, bouncing toys, and of course hot dogs. The kids had a wonderful time just getting away for the day and running in the country.
On Tuesday they came back to do a work project for us here at Campamento Tierra Prometida. Many of our roofs were in desperate need of repair and they jumped in and did a wonderful job. The ladies and some helpers cleaned all the dorms and bunks and then made a fabulous lunch. It was a special treat getting to know such a great group. Their leader has truly birthed a desire to minister in his youth and it shows in their hard work and love for the people in Mexico.
Wa Ta-Lus Kuateí In Special Need by Jeremy Francis
Tecate, MX - In recent newsletters we have been sharing with you about the needs of Wa Ta-Lus Kuateí Children's Home in Tecate, Mexico (WTK), a special home for Mexican children of indigenous descent who are in need of regular medical care that is not available on their tribal lands, or are placed there for their own protection by DIF (Mexican Social Services) because of abuse or neglect. WTK has found a special place in our hearts as a ministry because of their dedication to love children who have suffered so much.
Several of the children in their care have serious illnesses, including two brothers who have renal deficiency. This month one brother, Hector Abril, age 12 (pictured here), went into renal failure in one kidney while his other kidney began to fail as well. In Mexico dialysis is not only expensive, it's difficult to obtain. Renal patients must wait hours outside the renal clinic for a chance to get dialysis, and many are not able to be treated even after having waited so long. Besides that, the renal clinic is in Tijuana, which is about 40 miles from Tecate. Hector's next step is going to be dialysis, unless we can help.
Part of PIA's ministry to WTK is helping to coordinate their medical needs through Centro Medico Bosco, the new clinic that PIA helped build at Rancho San Juan Bosco. Through the efforts of the staff at CMB, the Kumiaí children from WTK have been able to get quality medical care when they need it, and without having to sacrifice their food money to pay for the service, since treatment at CMB is free. The medical team at CMB began treating Hector for his renal deficiency, and when he was hospitalized Dr. Yolanda put out the call for support, in the area of prayer, and for medications. The call was answered and by God's grace Hector's condition improved enough that he was able to go home, but his condition was still very delicate and he still needed constant attention.
A few days later he came to the CMB Medical Mission and was seen by the senior member of the San Diego Medical Team, Dr. Douglas Wilson. Dr. Wilson related to the rest of the team and to the orphanage staff that he felt that Hector's condition was due to a treatable childhood illness that could be diagnosed with special tests available in the United States.
Things began to look up for Hector, because as a member of the Kumiaí tribe he automatically has dual citizenship with the United States so getting him to San Diego for his tests and treatment will be much easier than it would be for other children here in Mexico.
Currently we are in the process of coordinating his tests and treatment in San Diego. Please be in prayer with us as we begin this process, and please consider helping financially with this need. There will be many expenses and challenges before us to secure his treatment, but for this young man it could mean life or death.
Kids Heading Back to School This Month by Karen Francis
Tecate, MX - The end of August is "Back to School" time in Mexico. The Mexican school system is much different than what we are accustomed to in the United States. The parents and students are notified about the beginning date of classes only a week before the classes start (no, they don't set a date for the first day of school in advance!) and there is so much to do to get each child ready.
Jeremy and I helped with the efforts of Rancho San Juan Bosco and - wow - what an undertaking for the staff! Literally about one week before classes start there is a letter sent to parents or in most cases a letter posted in the supply stores as an announcement that classes start on a particular day. So then it is a mad dash to get ready, literally!
Each child has two uniforms: a dress uniform and a PE uniform. In most cases the dress uniform is a white dress shirt, khaki pants or plaid skirt, and black dress shoes. Everything must be stain free, pressed and in good condition or the teacher can send the child home. Imagine your kindergartener daughter in a white skirt and shirt playing on a dirt playground, or your first-grade boy having a spaghetti lunch in his white dress shirt. Remember, there can be no stains or they might not get to attend school. Then each child needs eleven notebooks, but not like the kind we would use, these have to be theme books where the pages can't be removed. They also have to have a certain number of pens, pencils, crayons, etc., but they also have to bring in extra for their teacher. RSJB had many spiral notebooks donated and we were able to get special permission from the school so the boys could use them since they were different from the dictated list.
School is strict but not nearly the quality of even some of the poorest in the USA. The more expensive the school, the better the education. Each child also has their workbooks, usually about seven, and they each are to be wrapped in plastic wrapping (a special kind, of course) by the second week or, again, the child cannot attend classes. School is strict, but that is part of the Mexican educational philosophy. Presentation and respect of supplies is also instilled because of the strict rules.
The boys are back into the routine again and so are we! The boys of Rancho San Juan Bosco attend classes in the afternoon and have tutoring sessions and group counseling sessions with us in the mornings. This gives the boys who are educationally behind their peers a chance to catch up. If an older boy comes in and has no education, even if he is 14 or 15 he starts at the first grade. Extra help at home gives him the chance to move ahead faster. We have seen it happen, and Rancho San Juan Bosco remains committed to providing their children with the best educational opportunity possible.
The first weekend of August we had a special retreat at Campamento Tierra Prometida (CTP) for the high school students at Rancho San Juan Bosco. We had twelve young men, age 11 to 17, from Friday afternoon till Monday evening. They had a great time just getting away for a few days, eating and eating, and playing games.
We had devotion each morning and evening, and then a group activity each night. Of course there were movies and video games but also chores in the kitchen, bathrooms, and dorms. Then that Sunday our pastor was out of town and they were a great help to us in leading the church service. The first night we watched a movie, and Karen popped twelve large bowls of popcorn with butter, but true to form, they covered it in hot sauce before they ate it. Everything seems to get hot sauce here.
We enjoy spending time with the boys, and they were a joy to have at the campground. This also gave the staff a little break with half the boys gone. The young men are growing up and it is harder for them to see their worth a lot of times because of all the hardships they have faced in life already. A weekend away to reflect on just being a youth and God's feelings for them made preparing for another school year easier.
One of the projects during the retreat was to have the boys take pictures during their stay. To view their pictures and perspectives visit www.partnersinaction.org/ace and follow the media link to the galleries.
Mexico City, MX - The recent presidential elections in Mexico have been hotly contested and have been a source of extreme tension in the south of Mexico.
Opposition candidate Lopez Obrador, former Governor of Mexico City, ran on a platform of sweeping social reform, increased governmental responsibility, and more social welfare programs for the elderly. However, his quasi-communist affiliations made him very hard to trust and many people in Mexico had a hard time deciding to vote for him.
In the end the election was too close to call and prompted several recounts. As the situation escalated, accusations of irregularity were made by both sides, and neither side would concede to the other. The courts finally determined that ruling party candidate Felipé Calderón would be the eventual successor of out-going president Vicente Fox, which prompted nationwide protests. Most protests were peaceful, however in Mexico City many of the protests turned violent.
On August 30, President Fox was scheduled to make the annual state of the union address and announce the decision that Calderón would be Mexico's next president, however protestors stormed the stage and President Fox had to be evacuated. Several hours later, he presented the state of the union address and announced Calderón as the president-elect.
For several days before and after the events of the state of the union address, military police and SWAT teams were visible in every city in Mexico (including Tecate), guarding government offices and patrolling public gathering places. Fortunately there were no more major outbreaks of violence, but the situation continues to be tense.
Please be in prayer for the political situation in Mexico; the outcome can have some effect on our ministries in Mexico.
As I said in my last article, music is a very important part of culture, and I shared with you some of the varying musical styles in Latin America. This month I want to share with you how we are using music to minister to people in our immediate area.
The local church that we have been attending had asked us one day to help them develop a music ministry. We gladly stepped in to help them develop this area of their ministry. Little did we know who would be a part of this music ministry and what kind of music they would want us to try to teach. They asked us to help form a contemporary music ministry with drums, guitars, and a keyboard. The band got together and we soon learned that all of the members were younger than 17, in fact the drummer is only 12. However, their talent became immediately apparent and we found that although very young they were extremely talented, each and every one, and extremely teachable.
We thought it would take several weeks to build the group to the point where they could actually lead a service, however after the first practice on a Sunday morning (church is in the afternoon here) the pastor asked the group to please play for the worship service. The group has been leading worship ever since.
The change in the church also became very evident, the people seem happier with music in their church life, and they enjoy being able to sing the songs that they want to sing, as much as they want to sing, without having to be limited by tapes or CDs. The young musicians have become more dedicated to church ministries and bring in a lot of energy. Their styles are modern but reverent, and they truly enjoy using their musical abilities to worship God and lead their church family into worship.
We will be recording their music this month and will post some of it on the website toward the end of September, so be looking for it then!
We wanted to extend a big thank you to all of the groups who came out and ministered during the month of August. The work that you did will have lasting effects, but the time that you spent with the children will live on for an eternity.
Special thanks as well to all of our supporters' without you the ministry in Mexico would not be able to move forward.
Please pray with us for the following needs in our ministries in Latin America:
Jeremy and Karen are fundraising; please consider them in prayer and consider supporting their vital ministry. For more information on supporting the Francis's, please contact Jeremy Francis at jfrancis@partnersinaction.org
The Francis's are also in need of a new vehicle. They are looking for donations to help purchase a Suburban or similar vehicle, or a vehicle donation.
Wa' Ta-Lus Kuateí is in need of a 15-passenger van, or donations to purchase one.
Rancho San Juan Bosco is in need of staff sponsorships, specifically $2200 per month to hire additional staff.
Both orphanages have many children who need sponsors. Please consider becoming a child sponsor.
September 2 - Medical Mission September 2 - Grace Church San Bernardino September and October - Jeremy and Karen will be working on a fundraising campaign in Southern California and Arizona. Please be in prayer for their safe travel and that people will be inspired to share in the PIA ministry in Mexico.
It is exciting to be a part of something that can change the lives of thousands of people, something that can literally save a generation of people who have no hope. This is exactly what we are doing in Bulembu, Swaziland. The life expectancy of the Swazi people is below 33 years old. (
General Electric has generously committed to donate all the medical equipment necessary to fully equip this hospital, and Dr. Art Ammann of San Francisco, CA, who is a leader in global strategies for HIV prevention, is making a treatment available to us that, when administered properly, virtually eliminates the transfer of HIV-AIDS from mother to baby. We are extremely grateful to GE and Dr. Ammann for their commitment. This project is a major undertaking and we also need your help. Please join us in praying and supporting this project. 
One of her kind dies every three seconds. Who is she? She stands haltingly in the midst of the crowded village market. She looks up and around. There is no hope in her eyes. Only desperation. Somehow, she takes a few steps in this direction and then another, all the while trying to connect her eyes with those on the street. It is obvious she is alone, contrasted with the "going somewhere" walkers passing her with no regard. No one really cares. She is someone's daughter, or maybe she was someone's daughter. Her torn T-shirt covers her very thin body. Her shoes are old flip-flops. One is broken, but she keeps it on her foot by shuffling. Her hand reaches out and up. Nothing is in it but dirt, deep in the creases of her hand. No one responds. Because most don't really care. 
Thankfully, many like you do. That's why Partners In Action exists - to receive your precious and caring gifts and give them to her, so she can be fed, clothed, and sheltered by loving caregivers. In my opinion, this is the greatest vocation a person can have. To live out - to walk out - the truth found in James 1:27 - "Perfect and pure religion before our God and Father is to visit the widows and orphans in their affliction." 
The scripture teaches us that two of the four purposes of the tithe is for the widow and the orphan. They are His heart. In fact, scriptures also shows us - The LORD...He cares for the orphans and widows, Psalm 146:9.
Ermias, a former street boy in Nazareth, recently was encouraged by Remember the Poorest to leave the streets and return home. He has renewed hope and is excited to start a new life. In the next few lines he tells own story: 
"An unhappy incident, which affected the rest of my life, occurred one day. I shall never forget that day because it was the day when I experienced physical and spiritual brokenness. A neighbor child was carrying me on her back when she slipped and fell, crushing me hard under her weight, thus breaking one of my legs. At the time, I did not feel the pain and did not cry or show any sign of hurt. No one took me to a doctor. Soon, however, I found out that I could not walk and I realized I was crippled for life. I began to use a cane for moving around. It was certainly a painful experience. 
"After the passing away of my father, life became unbearably hard for my mother. I decided to leave my birthplace so as not to see her suffering. I came to Nazareth with the hope of getting some work, but ended up on the streets instead. 'From the frying pan into the fire,' as they say, the situation on the streets of Nazareth was far worse than life in my hometown. 
Greetings to our dear friends and sponsors from Suubi staff and children in Jesus' name. We thank you and pray to Almighty God to continue blessing you and your families for everything you are doing for us, especially for our lovely children.
The teachers were surprised that the children are speaking English with less effort than what they had originally expected. In Uganda, English speaking is synonymous with schools particularly for children from affluent families. Because we aren't a wealthy school, when people hear our children speaking English, they are surprised. We are very proud of their progress. 
"When pastor prayed for us in the evening for better performance in our exams following the day for exams, I felt the power of God upon me. The following day, I prayed, didn't take porridge, and went to the room. I managed to write well all my exams, thanks to our pastor who prayed for us during the exam period and our director who always prays with us. I managed to become second," said Frank, a primary four pupil.
Campamento Tierra Prometida, Tecate, MX - A Missions Team from Madison Co. Vineyard Church in Ohio came out to work and play at Campamento Tierra Prometida, and what a blessing they were. The group was comprised of the youth group and their leaders, and what a great group they were! 
Several of the children in their care have serious illnesses, including two brothers who have renal deficiency. This month one brother, Hector Abril, age 12 (pictured here), went into renal failure in one kidney while his other kidney began to fail as well. In Mexico dialysis is not only expensive, it's difficult to obtain. Renal patients must wait hours outside the renal clinic for a chance to get dialysis, and many are not able to be treated even after having waited so long. Besides that, the renal clinic is in Tijuana, which is about 40 miles from Tecate. Hector's next step is going to be dialysis, unless we can help.
Tecate, MX - The end of August is "Back to School" time in Mexico. The Mexican school system is much different than what we are accustomed to in the United States. The parents and students are notified about the beginning date of classes only a week before the classes start (no, they don't set a date for the first day of school in advance!) and there is so much to do to get each child ready. 
The first weekend of August we had a special retreat at Campamento Tierra Prometida (CTP) for the high school students at Rancho San Juan Bosco. We had twelve young men, age 11 to 17, from Friday afternoon till Monday evening. They had a great time just getting away for a few days, eating and eating, and playing games. 
In the end the election was too close to call and prompted several recounts. As the situation escalated, accusations of irregularity were made by both sides, and neither side would concede to the other. The courts finally determined that ruling party candidate Felipé Calderón would be the eventual successor of out-going president Vicente Fox, which prompted nationwide protests. Most protests were peaceful, however in Mexico City many of the protests turned violent.
