PRECIOUS FREEMAN and her 10 yr. old son Maxwell, waited patiently,  as we met with countless people from the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana.  Everyone had their desperate story.  Finally Precious ventured to ask, “when will it be my turn to receive prayer”?   I answered, “When everyone else is gone, come to my room”

     

Precious in her room across from the camp.       Maxwell & Precious one year later back in Liberia

I will never forget that night, when Precious came to our little hotel room, across from the camp.  It was the night she met Jesus, when “Everything changed!”  Precious, like many others, fled from Liberia, during the tragedies of the civil wars.   She vowed, ” I will NEVER go back to that God forsaken land, Liberia, where the rebels killed  my mother and my father!”  Precious left our room that night, with a new found hope.  Her face was literally glowing!  I too could feel the peace, and the presence of God everywhere in the room!  I knew from that moment on, Precious and her son, would always be part of our ever-growing Liberian Family!  The next morning, she  met me still smiling!  She could hardly wait to share her heart.   “Usually I go to sleep, and  sleep small.  Then I wake up and I worry, HOW WILL WE MAKE IT?  Last night I slept ALL NIGHT LONG!!  and the PEACE, IT IS STILL WITH ME!“  Maxwell was not in school.  Every day he would go about looking for food.  His mother had a low paying job at the Hotel we stayed at, across from the refugee camp.   We bought her a bag of rice, put Maxwell to school and bought him a new uniform, black shoes and a book bag.   Today he is one of the top students in his class!

  

Maxwell having chicken dinner with Mama Karen                   Sitting on their bed in Liberia

It was so much fun inviting Maxwell to dinner.  “Tell Maxwell he doesn’t have to go looking for food tomorrow, I am inviting him to have dinner with me!”  I ordered him the biggest plate of chicken and rice,  possible.   I whispered, “You don’t have to finish it, we will package what you can’t eat, and you and mama will eat that later tonight”   I always remember the words of Mother Teresa, “IF YOU CAN’T FEED A HUNDRED PEOPLE, THEN FEED JUST ONE”

  

Today with a MICRO LOAN,  Precious Freeman has been able to run a successful food stand outside her home.   She has managed to enroll herself in a vocational school where she is taking a 2 yr. course in Business Management and Accounting.   With her profits, Precious is starting to build herself and Maxwell a  house!

 

Brick by brick, with her little profits, Precious will buy another few bags of cement, so the brick layers can continue to build.  However long it takes, I know she will finish.  “Precious, I am so proud of you!!”  “Whatever your hand finds to do, I know you will prosper, because God is with you!”

 

 

Refugee Assistance, Single Mothers Empowerment Program

Provision Of Hope is RAISING LEADERS OF INTEGRITY in Liberia!

We first met DANIEL COLEMAN in 2003,  living in an orphan village, just at the end of Liberia’s 14 years of  civil war.  He was left an orphan after the passing of both his mother and father, and the unknown whereabouts of his three siblings.  To this day, he has not located his siblings. In September of 2005, he came to live with us at My Father’s House.  Our goal is always to provide for physical needs, education and discipleship training to raise young leaders to make a difference in Liberia.  Daniel has grown immensely and is a natural leader!

            16 yrs. old                Today at 23, A Confident Leader              Bendu, is a student he tutors

Daniel  completed his high school studies at the Phillips Preparatory School in Monrovia.  He is now a second year student at the African Methodist Episcopal Zion University studying CRIMINAL LAW!            He plans to finish his degree in 2  1/2 more years.   We are trusting God to continue providing the funds.  Liberia needs leaders like Daniel Coleman who will stand up for Social Justice.   Daniel is honest, determined and dependable.  One we can trust to carry out assignments.  He is very reliable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to dedicating time to his studies, Daniel lives out his gift of compassion by helping others.       He is on the Provision of Hope Mercy Ministry Team, which is an outreach to the very poor and destitute.  Every other Saturday they host a Widow’s Program at the Discipleship Training Centre, where rice is distributed and an inspirational message is shared.  This outreach is such a blessing to the widows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel shares passionately from his heart                 In Bomi County after he located his Grandmother

Daniel also shares his knowledge and tutors children who need assistance.  He is the kind of man who everyone benefits from, and is always around to lend a hand. As a part of the leadership team at DTC he goes above and beyond, running errands, assisting the directors, purchasing food for the cooks and being available for any other needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel with the children of Bomi County                       Daniel tutoring younger students after school

Provision Of Hope is so proud of the man Daniel Coleman has become! In the midst of uncertainty he has risen above his limitations and absolutely thrived! He is a man of integrity and we are blessed to be a part of his life. We are excited to share his testimony thus far, and are excited to partner with you in walking alongside Daniel to help him successfully complete his education.

If you would like to help support Daniel, you could do so by filling out our DONATIONS PAGE and sending it with your cheque.  To donate by credit card phone 250-454-9456 and ask for Karen Barkman or donate on line at Wordsower International  www.wordsower.org   Be sure to designate your donation to Daniel Coleman’s studies.  Any questions email karen@provisionofhope.com

 

The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.  ~William James

 

 

 

EDUCATION, Highlights

PHEBE WILLIAMS, and her children are stuck in the slums of West Pointe, Liberia,  a place where nobody should have to live, especially children.  West Pointe is one of the worst slums in the world.   Drugs, prostitution, crime, sewage, flies, are everywhere.   This place is NOT SAFE for children!   Phebe and her mother Eliza, ran for their lives during the civil war in 1996.  Phebe was only 17.   Traumatic attacks happened to them, by the rebels as they fled.  It was a nightmare! 14 yrs. later they left Ivory Coast to come back to their homeland, Liberia, only to land in West Pointe.   Provision of Hope is looking for a home for them in a safe community. We want to see these children live a healthy life and go to school.  We want to provide Phebe and Eliza with the funds to start a small business to help themselves.

Phebe with her mother Elizer and the children.                                 Benjamin Williams is only 5 yrs. old.

 

Photo of the bags of rice, oil and food we brought them at Christmas.   Garbage is everywhere.

Mama Elizer, I can hear God saying “He is on his way to help you and your family!!  Don’t give up!!”

” Into the hovels of the poor, into the dark streets where the homeless groan, God speaks:  I’ve had enough, I’m on my way to heal the ache in the heart of the wretched.”  The Message Ps. 12:5  

How does He do that?  Most often He chooses to do it through you and I. 

We are HIS HANDS and HIS FEET.

I challenge you today, to ask God this question.  Who is ”my”  Phebe?   What can I do for someone, that will make a difference in their lives?  God has someone waiting for you.

Take your candle “GO LIGHT THE WORLD”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiSix6Stilo

Aid to those in the Slums

PEOPLE everywhere in the world LOVE TO GIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS, and especially to those who are poor.

This Christmas it is MY PRAYER that we can give gifts to all our orphan children and our refugee children who have so very little.

Many families and individuals  love to do a PROJECT together.  Here are some GREAT IDEAS!!

____  $30 Buys a present for an orphan child

This is a photo of Silas Mulbah holding presents.  He just turned 3 yrs. old.

Just one year ago, he almost died.  He was sickly and malnourished.  Today he is strong and healthy!!

Silas lives on the Buduburam Refugee Camp.  This is the first present this child has ever had!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____   $ 50   Buys MIRACLE  some new clothes

____  $ 75    Treatment for his skin disease

____  $ 20    New shoes for a child

____  $200   Funds a child to school

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____  $60  Buys a Mattress

____  $200  Buys a Bunk Bed

____  $25   Buys Blankets

_____ $5   Buys a Mosquito Net

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rarely do any of our Liberian people get chicken!

Only a couple of times per year.   Some never get chicken.

This is a VERY SPECIAL TREAT!!!

____  $100 Buys Chicken Dinner for a Hope Home with many children

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____  $200 Buys a new frame bed + Mattress for a widow

Ma Yamah is sooooooooo happy with her new bed!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____   $35 buys a bag of rice in Liberia

____  $58 buys a bag of rice in Ghana

The children at the refugee camp are so happy for the rice and so are our dear widows!!  We are hoping to buy slippers for all the children of our Single Mothers at the Buduburam Refugee Camp.  One pair of slippers is $4.  We need 100.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

More ideas:

______   $240 pays room rent for one full year – 3 per room

______   $250 transports a refugee back home to Liberia

______  $ 75  transports a refugee child back home to Liberia

______  $ 50 will treat most people with a serious disease like typhoid or malaria, diabetes, pneumonia

If you would like to send a Christmas GIFT , please fill out  our DONATIONS PAGE and send it with your cheque. 

To donate by credit card phone 250-454-9456 and ask for Karen Barkman.

Blessings,

Karen Barkman

Christmas Gifts that Count

BUDUBURAM REFUGEE CAMP in Ghana  is a very difficult  place to live.   Over 30,000 people are left stranded here, just  hoping and praying to go back home to Liberia, or any other place, but this camp!   How will they go, they have no money.  Rice is  sold for $60 dollars a bag, they have no jobs.   They buy their drinking water AND their bath water.  There are open sewers, flies and rats.  Diseases of every kind. 

Provision of Hope has a Single Mothers Empowerment Program where we help these single mothers with micro businesses,  just to “try” to survive!  Their children are not in school, unless they find a sponsor.  They all need help!  We have over 70 mothers, with children.

These four single mothers are the next on the list to go home.  

Our goal is to get them HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.  They all have relatives who will help them once they get to Liberia. 

The cost for one adult is $250  Children $75.  They can travel home by bus.  

 

   Annie Williams and her Daughter Passion     Precious Jopleh & her two children       

Each one of our mothers has a horrific story of how she ESCAPED THE WAR in Liberia, and fled to seek asylum in this refugee camp.  Some were tortured and beaten by rebels.  Often captured and raped.  They ran while others were gunned down, and killed.  It’s been a horror story!   Unimaginable to most of us in North America!      

 

      Cynthia Boimah and son Emmanuel                       Helen Byrpu and Son Marvin

If you would like to help these mothers home, please fill out  our DONATIONS PAGE and send it with your cheque. 

To donate by credit card phone 250-454-9456 and ask for Karen Barkman.

Always remember, no donation, is ever too small.  TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

 

Refugee Assistance, Single Mothers Empowerment Program

PROVISION OF HOPE is just finishing the last stage of the BUILDING PROJECT for Dapae and Rita and their 10 children.  This Hope Home houses 8 “Children at Risk” who came to live with Dapae and Rita after they resettled back to Liberia.  We first met them in the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana.  Today they are house parents of many lovely children. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CHILDREN’S SPONSORS!! YOU ARE MAKING A REMARKABLE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD!

The children have all been helping with the building project in their own small capacity.

Rita Bobby is the youngest of the children and the most recent addition.  What a happy family!

       

Beatrice Constance  20yrs.   Felecia Koffa  10 yrs.           Phillip Dapae 9 yrs.       Felecia Dapae  9 yrs.

             

  Collins Appleton 11 yrs.     Jacqueline Koffa 7 yrs.     George Wah  6yrs.         Stephen Nimley 6 yrs.

         

Samuel Wilson  4 yrs.           Rita Bobby  2 yrs.        Rita, her mother + Felecia           Family Photo

FRANK & LINDA DOIRON,  from Kleefeld, MB, Canada were the people who  became the sponsors of Dapae and Rita.  We first met Dapae & Rita in the Buduburam Refugee Camp in January 2007.  Shortly there after  Frank and Linda came on board to help.  I distinctly remember the day Frank came to my house, looked at the numerous photos I had spread out on my table, and  said, ” I am drawn to help these ones”  Through Frank & Linda Doiron and their friends, Dapae and Rita were resettled home to Liberia.   They had a narrow escape during the last Liberian civil war in May 2003, when a rebel faction group went to war against the government troops.  Rockets were exploding everywhere, and people were running for their lives.  Many were killed, and families separated!  This is how they took along a young boy named Emmanuel, to be with them, while in Ghana.   He too was running for his life and got separated from his mother.  Today Emmanuel has found his mother and lives with her!   

We are excited to report that we are at the final stages of construction for this 4 Bedroom Home.  We have the electrical ($1,000) and ceiling ($1,200) to finish.  After that we will proceed with the painting of the walls inside and out.  The interior is already looking really good.  When the construction is completed we will be ready to add furniture.   They need a big dining room table with chairs ($225), 3 children’s bunk beds ($200 each)  6 mattresses for the bunk beds ($50 each)  a double bed for Dapae and Rita ($200) kitchen cupboards ($225) a kitchen table ($50) cupboards for the children’s clothes ($150) and some bedding ($100)   

If you would like to help Dapae and Rita and the Doirons  finish this project, you could do so by filling out our DONATIONS PAGE and sending it with your cheque.  To donate by credit card phone 250-454-9456 and ask for Karen Barkman.

Some people love to work on Christmas projects with their extended families.  This would be a great idea!

God bless you,

Karen Barkman

Hope Homes, New Projects

WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES was the first one for  Kelowna.  Thank you to everyone who participated and gave towards this cause.

With 40 walkers we raised over 10,000!!!   What a success!!

The funds go to EDUCATION for Orphan Children and Youth in Liberia, West Africa, where many  children only dream of attending school.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DREAM COME TRUE! 

       

       

Beautiful weather!  Great company!  Prizes in the draw!  Fresh Chocolate Chip Cookies! Cinnamon Buns! Hotdogs + Drinks!

Thank you to Melanie Wolczuk for the amazing photos!  Great job!

At the very end we had a double rainbow over head!  I think it was a sign from  heaven that God was happy too! 

                                                     

EDUCATION, Fundraisers

MAT TO MATTRESS is our latest WIDOW PROJECT.  These are the DESPERATE ONES who  live in abject poverty.  They are elderly and feeble.  They have arthritis and often no medication for pain.  Many need cataract surgery.  These are the ones who have sacrificed for their families.  They have often gone to bed hungry to let their children eat.  These are the ones who have watched their husbands and loved ones die at the hands of cruel rebels during the wars.  What a delight to see our students, who grew up as orphans come to serve these widows!  They are Heros in the Eyes of God!

        

JOSEPH, JAMEL + MICHAEL have come to do the renovations for Ma Mary.  They will assemble the new bed, paint her walls and put new flooring down in her room.  This will be a complete makeover for Grandma Heah before they leave today.

     JAMEL and JOSEPH patch the floor, after they have already painted the walls, and  the ceiling.

 Next the boys lay down the new vinyl flooring and finally they assemble the brand new bed!

The mosquito net and new sheets are put on the bed.  Ma Mary is all too happy for her comfortable bed!  I am reminded of  the words in Job 29:13  when he says “I made the widow’s heart to sing!”  This “extreme make-over” is all  done for 300 dollars.  The bed, blankets, mosquito net is 200 dollars.  The renovation costs are 100 dollars.  Can you imagine the comfort of a bed?

Our boys are already very trained at this. They are great painters and very good carpenters.  We will keep doing more of these EXTREME MAKEOVERS as the funds come in.  What a relief to our elderly!!

You can donate NOW by credit card if you wish just phone…

250-454-9456

Or fill out our DONATIONS PAGE and send it along with your cheque or money order.

In Canada cheques are payable to Hope for the Nations  Mail to:  101-1865 Dilworth Dr. Suite 342, Kelowna, BC  V1Y 9T1

In the US checks are payable to Wordsower International P.O. Box 3215 Nampa, ID  83653

New Projects, Widow Projects

WE ARE CELEBRATING WITH OUR 6 GRADUATES!  YOU HAVE  SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED GRADE 12 AT THE PHILLIPS PREPARATORY SCHOOL.  WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

         ” Graduating Class” Group Photo                        Francis, Ruben, Pastor Malcom and Emmanuel 

 

Francis Darlieh, Ruben Gea, Obediah Zeon, Emmanuel Bougar, Dominic Roberts and Lougon Wonbiah we are all celebrating this JOYFUL OCCASION with you!  We will trust God to open up doors of opportunity for you.  I know you would all like to go further in your schooling.

                         

                    Francis Darlieh + Peter Flomo                                                Luogon Wonbiah

           

               Dominic Roberts with guests who came      Pastor Malcolm presenting Luogon with a gift

       

                   Obediah Zeon and  Emmanuel Bougar are proudly holding their diplomas!                

These boys all have a dream to go on to college or university.  This will only happen as funding is provided.    Emmanuel Bougar has just started a   6 months training school at Youth With A Mission.   Ruben is starting a small business selling clothing and shoes to the remote areas of Sinoe County.   Francis will be selling red oil and vegetables which he will bring in from the interior to sell in the city.  His dream is to study Biology at the University of Liberia.  “Francis you got the highest mark in English, on your WAEC!!  Way to go!! “  Each one is coming forward with a small business plan and that is how they will provide for their own daily needs.  We are calling this the transitional stage, where they will learn to support themselves.   We say a BIG THANK YOU to our sponsors who provided the funds for the boys to finish highschool.   Ruben Gea says thank you to Allyson Linklater from Winnipeg, MB.  Emmanuel Bougar says thank you to Elaine Caudle from Highland Village, Texas and Kris Riley from Vernon, BC.   Obediah Zeon says thank you to Jackson and Diana Wisdom from Friendswood, Texas.  Luogon Wonbiah says thank you to Dalen and Sarena Wiebe from Terrace, BC.  Francis Darlieh says thank you to Terry and Julianna Johnston from Kleefeld, MB.  Dominic Roberts says thank you to Jerry Aiken from Bellevue, Washington.   Without you these boys would not have accomplished this!  We applaud you!!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

      

EDUCATION, My Father's House News

 

“WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES”

First one in KELOWNA!!!

 

COME JOIN THE FUN!!!!   ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!!

It’s a fundraiser to help orphan children and youth GO TO SCHOOL in Liberia, West Africa!!

 

EVENT:  WALK FOR EDUCATION

DATE:  SUNDAY  SEPTEMBER 25^TH

 TIME:  3:00 PM

 WHERE:  MISSION CREEK REGIONAL PARK

“MAIN ENTRANCE”

2363 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

 Bring your lawnchairs

FREE HOT DOGS,  DRINKS + COOKIES!!!!

Rain or Shine we’ll be there!

Please bring your sponsor sheets and donations with you.

 

” INVITE A FRIEND”
 
 
 
 

---

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

 
KAREN BARKMAN @ PROVISION OF HOPE  250-454-9456    Email  karen@provisionofhope.com

VALERIE DYCK @ HOPE FOR THE NATIONS  250-712-2007  Email  valerie@hopeforthenations.com
 
 

100.00  Per Semester for Grade School.  2 semesters per year

150.00  Per Semester for Highschool  2 semesters per year

15.00 – 20.00 for Black Shoes, depending on size

10.00  Book Bag

OUR GOAL IS TO PUT OVER 100  STUDENTS TO SCHOOL!

TO DO THIS WE NEED YOUR HELP…. RAIN OR SHINE … WE’LL BE THERE!

If you can’t come you are welcome to sponsor me…. Karen Barkman…..”I’ll be walking for the sake of the kids”

Education is the doorway to a more promising future!

---

Print PLEDGE SHEETS and lets work together to make a difference in the lives of these precious children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDUCATION, Fundraisers

MAXWELL NIMENE just lost his caregiver in the BUDUBURAM REFUGEE CAMP.  This is the lady, who took his hand and helped him escape through the gunshots, of the last Liberian war!  I am only too sorry, we found him after her death, perhaps we could have helped this lady.  She had no money, and no medical help.  Countless hundreds die, premature deaths because they have no-one to help!   Now Maxwell has  no-one to care for him, and no food.  He goes around begging to survive.   He knows he is Liberian and just cries to go home.  In 2003 amid the gunfire Maxwell ran for protection.  He was only 8 yrs old during this horrific memory.  Since that day he has not seen his parents and has no idea if they are dead or alive.    Perhaps his parents survived the war, no-one knows.  I HAVE A HEART FOR THIS BOY WHO JUST TURNED 16.  I want to help him home, have him live at My Father’s House, and send him to school.  Can anyone help him? 

 

Maxwell sitting in his room at the Buduburam Refugee camp.   Here he stands outside his room.

 

Maxwell is getting ready to have a bath, in the pink bucket.  They pay for their water on the camp.  Obviously they cannot bath every day, there is no money.  Picture living on a camp, it is smouldering hot, there is every disease imaginable with flies from the sewer buzzing on your food.  Yes, this is where we go every year to help “the least of these”    Provision of Hope has already helped hundreds of people in this camp.  I pray we can do something for Maxwell too.

To help Maxwell home to Liberia will cost 200 Dollars

To help Maxwell get some clothes + shoes, when he is in Liberia  200 Dollars

To help Maxwell get a mattress, blankets and a mosquito net is 150 Dollars

To help Maxwell get to school for 1 semester   150 Dollars ( includes all supplies)

To sponor Maxwell as he lives at My Father’s House in Liberia  per month  50 Dollars  ( includes school and most basic needs)

Any donation towards Maxwell’s needs would be most appreciated!

You can donate NOW by credit card if you wish by phoning…

250-454-9456

Or fill out our DONATIONS PAGE and send it with your cheque or money order.

THIS IS HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE… ONE AT A TIME!

Mother Teresa said it well  ” If you cannot feed 100 feed JUST ONE!

Refugee Assistance

MY FATHER’S HOUSE is always buzzing with activities!  We keep our boys very busy.  Everyone is expected to do their very best in school.  We monitor their grades closely and provide tutoring where necessary. Presently we have 38 highschool students and 20 college students.  We have two group homes and several neighbouring apartments and rooms.  Without a doubt these young people will help to build this nation!

                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Richard, Emmanuel and Dominic in Gr. 12.            Highschool students taking a break after school.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Jeremiah Gaye (white shirt)  stands with his teacher who honors him for his outstanding grades.  

 Joseph Sackie ( yellow shirt) gets awarded for Home Medical Care.  He assists our boys to the medical clinics. 

 Joseph is in Gr. 12 and his dream is to be a pharmacist.  To-day, with funding, this is a possible dream!

       Winners of the Soccer Tournament                         Saturday is Wash Day for Paul Barchue

  17 of our students were baptized this January        Pastor Paul hands certificate to Jason Suku

You are making NATION BUILDERS by your support and communication with these young men!

If anyone would like to sponsor one of these CHAMPIONS we would be most delighted.

We have several students who have no sponsors for school this September.

300 Dollars will sponsor a Highschool student for the entire year, this includes all materials.

200 Dollars will sponsor a Grade School student for the entire year, this includes all materials.

You can donate NOW by credit card if you wish by phoning… 250-454-9456 Or fill out our DONATIONS PAGE and send it with your cheque or money order.

---

EDUCATION, My Father's House News

CONGRATULATIONS SUMO!!!!  You finished a 4 yr. degree in Pharmacy at Cuttington University.  You were also elected as Secretary of The Natural Science College at the University (Elect)  We are all so proud of you! 

 

 

 Dr.  Sumo Gibson you have done well!!   Today is your day to celebrate your accomplishments.  Way to go!!

                                                          Sumo  with his  Grandma ( red dress) and  Mother ( green dress)   This is a “Dream Come True” for Sumo this day!  It was in January 2010 that Sumo found the whereabouts of his mother.  They were separated for years, due to the war.   Thank God she was able to be present at this memorable event.

I want to thank Dr. John and Ellen Spielman of Keewatin, ON for all the funding you did to make this day possible.   Kendra Wray from Texas, and  Ernest and Carol Morris from Manitoba, also contributed.  Thank you all so much!

       

Daniel Keamue, Provision of Hope’s Accountant stands with Sumo at CUC.    

 

Sumo will be working as a pharmacist and hopes to  run a pharmacy and medical clinic in a remote area of Liberia.  Provision of Hope looks forward to working alongside Sumo to see the reality of this goal.  Sumo you have proven yourself faithful over the years! 

Sumo nicely dressed in medical uniform.

God bless you Sumo as you walk through the doors God is about to open for you.

EDUCATION, Highlights

TONIGHT I CAN HEAR THE CRY  of a Mother and her children on the BUDUBURAM REFUGEE CAMP.  Tomorrow they will be going to the clinic in Kasoa to try to get help for Nathan.  Nathan is the older boy in the photo, who had severe malaria, that affected his brain.  This family lives in the poorer area of the camp.  Many times they go to bed hungry.

                                                                                                                                        

We are wanting to move this family to a better  location on the camp.  Cost to do that is 200 USD

We want to buy them a mattress  Cost is 100 USD

They need blankets and a mosquito net    35 USD

I wish I could give them one bag of rice    50 USD

 

Nathan and his family, outside their room on the refugee camp. They live amid the open sewers and garbage.

More than money, they need a MIRACLE for NATHAN’S HEALING.  Please join me to pray for him.

If you want to donate for this home  fill out our DONATIONS PAGE and send it with your cheque or money order.

If you are pledging to donate, I would love to hear from  you. Email karen@provisionofhope.com    Right now their needs are desperate.   A little goes a long way here.  We also share open book financial reports, if you want to see our records.

For credit card donations call Karen Barkman at 250-454-9456

Into the hovels of the poor.  Into the dark streets where the homeless groan.  God speaks:  I’ve had enough, I’m on my way to heal the ache in the heart of the wretched….. Ps. 12:5                                                                                                                         

 

---

Refugee Assistance

 

COME JOIN THE FUN!!!!   ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!!

“WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES” is the 5th annual WALK-A-THON

 to help orphan children and youth GO TO SCHOOL in Liberia, West Africa!!

              

        SUNDAY JUNE 5TH 

        TIME:  3 pM

        PLACE:  AD PENNER PARK

        STEINBACH, MB

        BEHIND SAFEWAY

        LOOK FOR SIGNS AT THE CORNER OF PARK RD. + HWY 12

        FREE   HOTDOGS + DRINKS     COFFEE AND COOKIES

        BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS     

        INVITE A FRIEND 

      

     

      CONTACTS:  FOR  MORE INFORMATION  

      LUCY MARTENS   204-326-1882  or  Email lucy@provisionofhope.com

      KAREN BARKMAN 250-454-9456 or  Email karen@provisionofhope.com

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

100.00  Per Semester for Grade School.  2 semesters per year 

150.00  Per Semester for Highschool  2 semesters per year

15.00 – 20.00 for Black Shoes, depending on size

10.00  Book Bag

OUR GOAL IS TO PUT OVER 100  STUDENTS TO SCHOOL!

TO DO THIS WE NEED YOUR HELP…. RAIN OR SHINE … WE’LL BE THERE!

If you can’t come you are welcome to sponsor me…. Karen Barkman…..”I’ll be walking for the sake of the kids”

Education is the doorway to a more promising future!

EDUCATION, Fundraisers

One of the GREATEST JOYS  in this work is seeing the HOPELESS find HOPE!   

         

 Just a few months ago Silas was so sick, we wondered if he would make it.  He was malnourished and unable to walk.                                        

LOOK AT HIM TODAY!!   I could not believe the difference when I saw him at the camp in February!!  Wow!!  This photo was taken after he was treated medically and given nutritious food.  I love the quote of Mother Teresa “if you cannot feed one hundred people then feed just one.”   

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                   Silas poses in his new clothes.  Mama Maybe is thrilled to be getting assistance!  Many nights she would wonder “HOW WILL THEY SURVIVE?”  Today they have help and they are “THANKING GOD EVERY DAY!”

           

               BEFORE  HELP                                                 AFTER HELP

I am asking everyone who reads this to say a prayer for our single mothers on the Buduburam Refugee Camp.  Mothers Day is often a sad day for them.  I know some who are sick, and others who have no food.  Rice has gone up to 60 dollars a bag and everyone pays for their drinking water.  Life is so hard for those with no help.  If you can help “just one”  please get in touch with us or fill out the form to donate http://www.provisionofhope.com/donate.htm   Email me if you have further questions karen@provisionofhope.com

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!

LOVE,

MAMA KAREN

Refugee Assistance

 MA ESTHER’S HOPE HOME now has 16 beautiful children.  What a great time we had with them at the party!  They entertained us with drama and song.  We had party horns and candy, popcorn and drinks.  They absolutely loved the gifts, letters and photos that many of you sent.  It takes so little to warm the heart of a child!  So little!

                                                                                                 

GERTRUDE shows off her letter & photos!                  Eletha proudly holds her gift bag!  

     

Ma Esther with all 16 children                       Everyone looks at their photos on the 2011 calendar 

In February Ma Esther took us to see the land we are purchasing to begin the building of a new house for her and these precious children.  Right now they are overcrowed in a very small 3 room house.  Everyone sleeps in a row on the floor. 

Coming up on May 6th in Mitchell, Manitoba there is a Fundraiser Dinner called “Raise the Roof”   Gr. 3 teacher Elaine Peters, and other Provision of Hope supporters  are hoping to raise the funds needed for this project.  The building site is in a quiet community near a good school.   We are buying several lots so we can  grow crops and do some gardening to help sustain these children.  If you are interested to help with this project click here http://www.provisionofhope.com/donate.htm   We are seeing so much growth and development in these children.  Ma Esther you are a wonderful mother!  If you would like more info on this project or tickets for the fundraiser email karen@provisionofhope.com   Cost is 10.00    It will be a fun time!!                                                                                                                                                                           

                    

Fundraisers, Hope Homes, New Projects

“WHAT AN INCREDIBLE TRIP … best ever!”  Wait a minute, I said that last year.   It’s so rewarding to see the progress from  one year to the next.  There is always so much growth and development.  Thank you to all who sponsor our orphan children and thank you to our LEADERS IN LIBERIA who are faithfully doing the work.  It takes TEAM effort!  ”T”ogether “E”ach “A”ccomplishes “M”ore!!     

 SAMUEL MWANGI with Edward & Jackson              KRIS RILEY and ELAINE CAUDLE with our boys

Everyone is asking if you will be back?   Of course you will be back!  In God’s timing.  Each one of you made an eternal difference in the hearts of our people!!  With your love and your kindness you touched so many lives.  Samuel I knew you would impact Liberia and leave a deposit of God’s heart that could radically transform a nation!!  We look forward to sending some of our boys out to Destiny Bible School in Kenya next year and we look forward to bringing you back!  

       

KRIS is reading her book “The Story of Henrietta Caterpillar” to the girls at “The Bridge of Hope Girl’s School”   Every where Kris went she had an audience for her story.  It’s an incredible children’s story inspiring children “ to develop the love, gifts and talents that God has given each of them.”  Kris brought a suitcase of her books to hand out to the children in Liberia and the Refugee Camp in Ghana.   To order a copy visit  her website http://www.byheavensdesign.ca/

WE HAVE 4 WIDOW DISTRIBUTION CENTERS WHERE 135 WIDOWS COME TO GET THEIR RICE

   

ELAINE has offered to work with Pastor Paul in expanding our work with the widows.  This month we  started to add salt, oil, and soap to their portions!  You cannot come and watch our widows worship & pray and not be moved.  Ask Elaine and Kris how it was for them.  I am smiling as I type here,  knowing how undone they both  were that first Saturday.  Yes, they both cried!    These are the ones who have suffered so much through the wars.   They are women strong in faith and courage.   “Pastor Paul, thank you for starting this tremendous work, in honor of your late mother.” 

We spent a week in Ghana at the BUDUBURAM REFUGEE CAMP  visiting our friends there.   

We now have  72 Single mothers that are part of our Single Mothers Empowerment Program on the camp.  As funds come in we empower more with small micro loans.  They said the small business loans were really helping them!   We start them off with 200 – 300 dollars.

SINGLE MOTHERS BUSINESSES ARE STILL GOING STRONG.  THIS IS HELPING THEM TO MAKE IT!

  

Princess Bolee is running a successful dry goods store.   Leona, Dorcas & Lovetta run a small restaurant.

We just empowered two more single mothers this month.  We still have a  long list of those who are waiting.  Every day they are asking when their turn will come.  Our answer is always the same… “we hope very soon”  If anyone would like to help single mothers feed and clothe their children, this is a great way to help.  Some have even managed to put their children to school.  That’s remarkable on a refugee camp where rice is priced ridiculously high and they all pay for their water  to bathe.

PHONE  250-454-9456  to donate by credit card

Or fill out our DONATIONS PAGE and send it with your cheque or money order.

  

 

 

  

Single Mothers Empowerment Program, Trip Updates

TOMORROW JANUARY 26^TH WE ARE LEAVING FOR LIBERIA!  I AM GETTING SO EXCITED NOW THAT IT IS HARD TO SLEEP. I HAVE A DEEP LOVE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS NATION.

I am looking forward to our 7^th trip into Liberia and to the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana.

Liberia I am so glad you are at peace! It’s been a delight to work in this field for the passed seven years.  If I have anything to say, it is that  “my boast is in the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth”  God alone is the Faithful One ! “Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it”

I have watched God go before us over and over.  We have seen miracle after miracle!

None of this would be happening if it wasn’t for the hundreds of people who care for the poor and the needy.  So many people have given of their time, their talents, their resources, and their prayers!  All I can say is may God abundantly bless you in return for your kindness to the least of these.  All Glory goes to Our Father, the one who first loved us…oh, how I love you Jesus and I love how you love the poor!

---

Samuel Mwangi is coming from Kenya.  He is the founder of  Destiny Bible College in Kenya and oversees many other Bible colleges in various nations of Africa.  Samuel is affiliated with Bethel Ministries in Redding, CA  He comes embracing the heart of the Father and spends his life raising up sons and daughters wherever he goes.  His passion for God is infectious as he walks a kingdom lifestyle.

“The blind are seeing the deaf are hearing”

“There is nothing impossible with God!”

“God is in a good mood, hahahahaha!!”

I have not met this man face to face, but in my spirit I feel like I know him well.

Samuel will be our main speaker at our conference LET YOUR KINGDOM COME.  He will meet with our leadership  to lay the foundation for a SCHOOL OF THE SUPERNATURAL.

---

Kristine Riley lives in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada.  She worked in office administration for 30 years, mostly in the real estate industry.  Kristine is the author of a newly published book called “The Story of Henrietta Caterpillar.”  She is bringing many copies with her for the children of Liberia and Ghana.

“It is an expression of the beauty and uniqueness of each individual life and an inspiration to all children to develop the love, gifts and talents that God has given to each of them.”

Kristine goes into Elementary Schools to share her story and the kids all love it!

For more information about ordering her book  go to www.byheavensdesign.ca

Kristine knew she would one day be going to Africa.  God told her to start a travel fund, for that purpose.  She met Karen Barkman early this past November and just knew this was the right time!

---

Elaine Caudle is an RN who joins us from Texas.

She has been involved in Liberia since her first visit in 2004.  Elaine served on the Mercy Ship in in Liberia and has sponsored many students to school, including Momo Bai and Marcus Jamel who both graduated with degrees from Cuttington University this past June.

Elaine has been a real support and inspiration in this work.  The Liberian people love her!

She is a Bible Teacher in her community, and will be one of our speakers at the conference we are having in the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana.  Elaine comes with a strong faith and a positive outlook.  What a blessing to have her join us this year! “Mom Elaine your boys cannot wait to see you!”

Trip Updates Trip 2011, Trip Updates

PATRICK WILLIAMS is a young 14 yr. old boy who has nothing but the clothes on his back.  This is Christmas but for him, he only hopes he will have something to eat.  He has been living in a deplorable situation, on the Krisan Sanzule Refugee Camp in Ghana!  Here, a kind old widow woman was taking care of him. This place is a living hell!  Patrick”s home looks like a chicken coop!  Many times he goes to bed hungry.  They have no mattresses, and no blankets.  They only hope they will not die with the next malaria or typhoid fever.   

Patrick’s story is one of thousands in West Africa. 

In 1996 when war broke out in Liberia everyone including Patrick’s mother, Phebe, ran for their lives!  In Phebe’s frantic escape  she was caught by the rebels.  Both her and her mother were beaten and raped.  The rebels killed her father and oldest brother.  They took Phebe to the bush where they tied her up, saying “we will come back to kill you!“  Thank God she was able to untie herself and escape.   Soon after travelling by foot to Ivory Coast, she knew she was pregnant.  In January 1997 she gave birth to Patrick.  In Ivory Coast Phebe would go to the market and carry luggage for people, for small tips, to get food for the day.  There was a very kind old widow there who saw Phebe’s hardship and came to her rescue.   This widow lost her husband and children in the war, and took Phebe like her own.  Unfortunately Ivory Coast broke into war in 2002.  This is when the old widow, said, “Give me Patrick, and I will take him with me to Ghana where we will be safe from war”  This kind widow woman has taken care of Patrick until now.  Phebe travelled home to Liberia recently in search of her sister Bernice.  Someone there told her that her sister lived at the Buduburam Refugee Camp and that is how Phebe located Bernice, telling her that her son was in the Krisan Sanzule Camp, and would she please go to find him.  “The old ma says she is now too old to take care of Patrick and she cannot help him any longer“  It was then that Provision of Hope instructed Bernice Williams, the aunt of Patrick, to bring him home with her to the Buduburam Refugee Camp.  “But mom, how will I take care of him, I have little myself?”  I said, “Bernice, just bring him home,  GOD WILL MAKE A WAY!“   Today Patrick is with Bernice Williams on the Buduburam Refugee Camp.  Bernice is one of our leaders for the SINGLE MOTHERS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM on the camp. 

Phebe, Patrick’s mother, lives in slum- like conditions at West Point in Liberia.  I hope to send our Director of Mercy, Aaron Paul, in search of this single mother and the 4 children she is trying to feed.  Her oldest is Hannah, who lost her father and mother in the war.  This is the child of Phebe’s oldest brother.  The father of her bio children, was carried off in the war in Ivory Coast and she has not seen him since.

For some, Christmas is not like you and I know Christmas.  It is very sad for some.  Many times I am reminded of the star-fish story, and it inspires me to keep rescuing the Patricks.  

In this story a man is walking on a beach, which is filled with thousands of starfish left to die by the outgoing tide. The man watches a young boy who also walks the beach. The boy is taking starfish after starfish and throwing them back into the ocean. The man asks the boy what appears to be a sensible question: “What do you think you are doing? How can you possibly make a difference with all the thousands, perhaps millions of starfish covering the beach?”  The young boy’s answer had the wisdom of a sage. As he threw yet another starfish back into it’s element, he replied: “It makes a difference to this one!”

We will make a difference to this one!   That is, if you can help.  

CLICK HERE TO DONATE  

We would like to put Patrick to school, buy new clothes for him, and give him a HOPE and a FUTURE.  We would also like to buy a mattress and some blankets for the widow woman, who was so kind to Patrick.  

Together we can CHANGE LIVES!

Refugee Assistance