Lahash Blog

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:

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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.

Emily Deichsel heads to Tanzania

2009-06-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

This morning I stopped at the Portland Airport to say Kwaheri to Emily Deichsel, a friend that will be serving with our partners in Tanzania this summer. Emily is studying medicine in Portland and will be working with our partners in the HIV/AIDS care program. You can follow her on her blog during the next 3 months! Her mom Elle was also there to see her off. Please pray for Emily as she travels and adjust to a new culture and language.

From Summer 09 Travelers!

Lahash and Berean sign into a new partnership

2009-06-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

I dropped into the church offices of Berean yesterday to sign our contract. Pastor Bill, Dave, and Hozie were all there and we made it official. Lahash now has a new home, and we've begun a deeper partnership with the Berean community. We are really grateful for the space to grow over the next few years.

This past week the Lahash community has also been hosting India Main and her family. The Mains sponsor a child at Amazing Grace orphanage named Sebur. It's great to get to know members of our extended Lahash family!

The Mains stopped in at our new office space - before the renovations began!

From New Office Upgrade!

We have the key...

2009-06-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Lahash community - we've just been given the key to the new home for Lahash. We are really excited! Nickson, Leisha, Mandi, and I went over to home to check it out today. We'll need a lot of help this weekend and in the upcoming days. Email Leisha for more details on how to get plugged in!

Video walkthrough of the new Lahash office

2009-05-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

I spent some time this morning at the new Lahash office space doing a little walk-through for all who are interested.

We are holding a cleaning + repairing party on June 5 and 6. For all who want to be a part of local Lahash service opportunities, this is a perfect time to jump in. Email Leisha Adams for how you can fit in.

Clothes for the kids in Dodoma

2009-05-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

This past week the church community in Dodoma purchased new clothes for all of the kids in the Lahash sponsorship program. They also celebrated with Joshua Mwandisi who was one of the members of our sponsorship program. With the sponsorship we were able to get him through his teacher's college and he just graduated and got a job with the government! Pretty exciting for him.

From Dodoma in 2009

Our new office space!

2009-05-21T15:21:00.001-07:00

Guess what? Lahash will be moving soon to a new office building!

Our friends at Berean Baptist Church recently voted to let Lahash use a home on their grounds for our offices. We are so thrilled about this kind gift and are grateful to God for providing an answer to our prayers over the past year!

The inside of this home is in pretty bad disrepair - lots of junk accumulated and the walls and floors need some love given to them. So if you - your family, church group, or friends would like to pitch in - send us an email to info@lahash.net

From New Office Upgrade!

Walking Beside Them - a Chat with Eric

2009-05-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

DAN: You are on your third trip to East Africa to visit the vulnerable children of Sudan. What keeps you coming back?

ERIC: That is an easy question... God. Many years ago God placed these children in my heart. He has made it clear that I need to be their voice back in the U.S. To remind people that helping your neighbor is not just about the guy/gal next door, but also those who live far away. It has been an honor for me to travel here to do what God wants me to do.

DAN: There are nearly 200 kids that Susan Tabia and her team care for. Which one of the stories of the kids stands out to you and why?

ERIC: The stories that stand out are those who come to the orphanage sick and on the verge of dying. Through the love and care of the staff, these children are alive today and growing strong.

One name that comes to mind is Seme, a young boy here at AGO who was so sick that his stomach was swollen and he couldn't eat. He is now 9 and runs around here like any normal kid.

DAN:People around the world are worried about war breaking out again in Sudan. What is the feeling on the ground of the Sudanese toward the next 3 years?

ERIC: It seems to me that the refugees are not concerned. THe U.N. is moving back truck loads of refugees throughout the week back to Sudan. We have seen many, many trucks going North. My concern is that Adjumani might turn into a ghost town.

DAN: Do people assume that there will be peace - or are they ready to face whatever comes - as long as they are home?

ERIC: I did talk to many people and they think that the Peace will hold. I also think they are ready to fight back if it doesn't. The attitude is they are ready to defend instead of run.

DAN: Our brothers and sisters in Sudan and Uganda have face terrible hardships, sorrow, and death. What do you learn about hope from them?

ERIC: One thing I am taught everytime I come here is to be humble. They truly are representations of what a Christian should be. They do not whine for things, or complain of not having, they look towards God for all their needs. Even in the worse of times they STILL praise God's name. When something is given to them, they praise and thank God. It truly makes me see the importance of being content with what you have.

DAN: You mentioned that God has led you into being a voice for these children. What would you like to say to the world on their behalf?

ERIC: These children are not looking for handouts. They are happy to have whatever God provides. Although monies are needed to help them with education, food, etc. They are happy that there are people who care and love them. We need to step out in faith an show them love, encouragement and lift them up. Just as God walks beside us, we need to walk beside them

From Summer 09 Travelers!

Our Last Day At Amazing Grace

2009-05-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today marks our last day at Amazing grace in northern Uganda. Steve, Christine and I will head back to Kampala. Eric, the Amazing grace advocate will remain for the next one week before he heads back home. We have had great time with the Children here. They always sing the best and you can see the love of God on thier faces and the big smile they always have. This evening Steve encouraged the children and you could see how keen they were. ofcourse they are sad that we are leaving but they are always happy that we are there for them. They always ask anyone that visits them to pray for them when they go back to thier homes.

Our Time In Sudan

2009-05-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Getting stuck on your way to the north is kind of a usual trend. The other day when we were travelling, we got stuck and we had to be pulled out by this monster. We are kind of used to this. The good news is that the roads are being constructed and this will make it easy for people to travel North of Uganda.

The other good news is that the roads in Sudan are way much better than they were before.From the Sudaneese Border to as far as Mogiri, this is how the road looks like.

There are alot of development in Sudan, we only need to fast and pray that it will not be destroyed again especially during the referendum in 2011.
We had a wonderful time with the kids and the staff in Sudan.

Also during our time in sudan we bought some food, Soap, cooking oil and salt for the people living with leprosy which will be distributed to them soon.This is one of the group that is negleceted by the government.Over $2000 was donated for the food.

We are now at Amazing grace orphanage in Uganda. The Kids here are always wonderful. Today we had a competition on which bed is clean and well spread. The first and the second contender got a prize. Eric and Steve replaced some mosquito nets for the ones that were worn out.

Lahash Tanzania video up!

2009-05-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

Lahash trip to Tanzania - 2009 from Lahash International on Vimeo.

Our team went to Dodoma, Tanzania in the spring of 2009. We partnered with the Mennonite church in serving the vulnerable community (those impacted by disease and corruption - living in poverty). We were amazed at miracles taking place in that community and are glad to share our experiences with you! For more info visit: www.Lahash.net

Shirts and Dresses for Orphans

2009-05-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

About six or seven months ago I was contacted by a woman named Darlene who asked me if any of our partners would appreciate the gift of hand-customized shirts and dresses for each of the children in the program. Having seen first hand how exciting it is for the children to receive brand new clothes (usually they get donated or second hand clothing), I jumped at the chance.

So far Darlene has donated 30 shirts and dresses for the children at Amazing Grace Orphanage, which will be delivered in September, and 70+ shirts and dresses for the children at Grace and Healing Ministry in Dodoma. The Tanzania program received their clothes from our friend, Leah Davis, who is visiting the program for a few months.

Here are Asha and Edna and Maria with Mama Bette modeling their lovely pink outfits.

Photogenic Stephano hams it up in his new shirt!

She sews the stars on the boys' shirts and hearts on the girls' dresses to personalize each one. I know we'll be seeing this shirts in many, many photos in the future! Darlene has done this for a number of other orphanages throughout the world. Send her some encouragement to keep up the good work over at her new website: http://www.dressesfororphans.org/. Thank you Darlene!!

Travel North

2009-05-11T00:47:00.000-07:00

After three days in Kampala, the team has finally left for Amazing grace orphanage. The land cruiser that they are using had some mechanical problem which had to be fixed before the long travel.They are expecetd to be at Amazing grace today and then travel to Sudan tomorrow. We did the parking at three in the morning and they left at four. Christine and I will be travelling by bus tommorow morning to Sudan.

Lahash on Twitter

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

Eric and Steve Arrive

2009-05-08T02:57:00.000-07:00

Our team from New Mexico Eric and Steve have just arrived in Entebbe-Uganda after long hours of travel by plane. We have just applied for our Sudanese Visas and as soon as they are out, we will head to Northern Uganda at amazing grace and later on to Southern Sudan St Bartholomew’s. We will be focusing mainly on Amazing grace. Most of the buildings are in bad condition and one of the roofs was blown off by the wind. Some money was raised by Eric Chapman and friends from Portland for the renovation process. Please pray for the team as we travel and the work that we will be doing. Pray also for good health. God bless you all.

Leah Davis in Dodoma

2009-05-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

Leah Davis is one of our travelers this summer living and working with the church in Dodoma. She's been adjusting to the new culture and language these past couple of weeks. She's also been out on home visits with some of the Home Based Care providers.

She'll be living there in Dodoma for 3 1/2 months. You can email her or follow her on blog during those months.

From Summer 09 Travelers!

Leah also brought a whole set of new creative shirts for the kids in the sponsorship program. These were designed and hand created by a contact here in the United States!

Tanzania presentation this Sunday

2009-04-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Portland, Oregon is where it is happening on Sunday the 3rd of May. At 5:30 PM, our Tanzania team will be showing a new video of our trip - and for the first time ever it will be in HD! Pretty exciting. Come join us at Vibrant Covenant Church (107 NE 45th Ave, Portland, OR 97213). Everyone is welcome. You can read more details on this Facebook invite.

A couple more things:

Leah Davis is our traveler/volunteer in Tanzania. She's been plugging in and helping with Home Based Care in Dodoma. You can follow her blog here.

Also, our friends at These Numbers Have Faces donated some soccer shoes several months ago, and in March we had the chance to pass these cleats to our sponsored kids. They loved them! I shared a bit with the director of TNHF on how the distribution went.

And a couple of things you can be praying for right now:

Eric Chapman and his teammate Steve will be leaving in a week for Uganda and Sudan. Please pray for their preparation and travel. Edwin and his wife Cristine will also be joining them.
We need more office space! Please pray that God will provide a spot for us to operate from over the next several years.

Lahash Spring Retreat Photos

2009-04-30T08:13:00.001-07:00

This past weekend our lovely Portland team met up in Trout Lake, Washington for a retreat. I grew up in Washington, so it's always nice to be up there and get some fresh air.

We had a big gathering of 17 of us during the course of the weekend. The main point of this retreat was to analyze the past couple years of work and plan for the upcoming years. It's so encouraging for our whole team (board, staff, and volunteers) to come together and pray, share vision, and dream. We are grateful to God for the team members who have been joining us recently.

From Spring 2009 Retreat

ENVIRONMENTAL

2009-04-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

One of the Lahash Holistic Development Model is to Ensure that life in the environment is healthy, sustainable, and that the community is being good caretakers of the air, land, and water. Today we were able to put that in great action at the new Tenderfeet Land headed by Cheryl from Canada. The truck below is carrying a bunch of different species of trees that we purchased.

Gitonga a father of some of the children that Margaret is taking care off also joined the team in planting. On the picture below is a hole being dug for an umbrella tree which will give a very nice shed to the children during hot seasons. Some fruit trees were also planted.

Below is a picture of a live fence that we planted today. The whole compound will be surrounded by this.