Month: September 2018

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Holidays (Vacation)

Bus station in Galway City, Ireland – photo credit: Tim Barnes

It’s been quiet here on my blog for the past couple of weeks.  I have just returned from taking a holiday with my wife, Lizz.  The summer into the fall was a busy season, full of challenges.  Having the opportunity to get away and catch our breath was a blessing!  

But next week I will be headed to visit our brothers and sisters in the Dzaleka Refugee camp in Malawi, Africa.  Several of our refugee friends have been in touch and are looking forward to our visit.  I plan to post here and on the Malawi blog during our visit…dependent on access to the internet.  Stay tuned.

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Raising Money

Okay, I bet you could hardly stop yourself from diving into this post.  If you are like me, you consistently receive solicitations for donations in the mail, on social media, and in person.  And most are really good causes.  It can feel overwhelming.

Well, guess what I worked on today?  Yep, communicating to a group of people who are interested in what I do with IAFR….and asking them to consider financially supporting the work.  I admit it’s not the easiest thing for me to do….especially asking for personal ministry support.  I have a friend who wakes up every day, excited to go ask people for money for good causes.  Yikes…that’s not me.

But we are doing good work.  Impactful work.  And not everyone can show up in refugee contexts, to try to make a difference, to bring God’s kingdom to bear in some very difficult circumstances.  And that takes resources.  And God typically uses people, churches, other organizations to make it happen.

So today, I gave people a chance to jump in…with their resources, prayer, and influence.  So we can continue to help people survive and recover from forced displacement.  

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Project Proposals – Malawi

Woodworking in the Vocation Skills Training – photo credit: There Is Hope, Malawi

My colleague, Jake Tornga, and I have been working on two new project proposals.  Both are focused on the Dzaleka Refugee Center in Malawi and are working in conjunction with our partner, There Is Hope Malawi. 

One of the ways to help people survive and recover from their forced displacement is to help them develop new capacities.  There Is Hope has created two programs…a Vocational Skills training program and Small Scale Business grants program.  Both are bringing hope and opportunity to refugees and the host community.

We will be presenting these projects to the IAFR US Board next weekend, proposing that IAFR commit to supporting these projects financially and with our presence.  You can pray for wisdom, as the Board considers these proposals.