My Prayer this Christmas is that we can bring HOPE to our Orphans, Widows and Refugees.

Some of you have asked what you could give this Christmas that would make a difference to someone in need. Perhaps your family is looking for a Christmas project that you could do instead of the hustle and bustle of trying to find, “just the right gift” in a world where we have so much. I decided I would write a letter to everyone who has a heart for our ORPHANS, WIDOWS and REFUGEES. Each one has their own personal story of how they survived through Liberia’s 14 yrs. of civil wars. Today there is peace, but the country still faces Extreme Poverty.

I will do whatever I can to PROVIDE FOR THESE HOPELESS ONES! Especially the SUFFERING CHILDREN and ELDERLY WIDOWS.

Perhaps one of these ideas is for you……

	BUY OUR ORPHAN CHILDREN CLOTHES FOR CHRISTMAS Theresa Quanah lives at Ma Esther’s Hope Home. All the children here could use a new set of clothes. This home has 16 children.____ 50.00 to buy new clothes for a child ____ 15.00 to buy a new pair of shoes ____ 25.00 for malaria treatment – often fatal ____ 100.00 School Fees for one semester ____ 100.00 Buy chicken dinner for a Hope Home Family
	PUT A STUDENT TO SCHOOL Pricilla Wolo is in grade 8. She is one of 150 children and youth we put to school this fall. First semester is paid. In January we are facing second semester when all school fees are due.____ 100.00 will pay for second semester, and school supplies ____ 15.00 to buy a new uniform for a child ____ 20.00 for good leather school shoes
	BUY FOOD FOR THE MALNOURISHED This is Maybe Mulbah and her malnourished son Silas. Provision of Hope has taken him to hospital to get the necessary treatment. We also have him on a vitamen program. Maybe is only one of many of our Single Mothers on the Buduburam Refugee Camp who need help to provide for their families.____ 50.00 will buy a bag of rice _____ 75.00 will buy the whole family some clothes _____ 75.00 will buy a mattress _____ 25.00 will buy warm blankets _____ 50.00 will take care of minor medical needs
	PROVIDE MONEY FOR A MICRO LOAN Marthaline Summerville is one of our Single Mothers who received a Micro Loan of 200.00 to sell used clothing, at the Refugee Camp. Today she provides for her family and is doing well in business._____ 200.00 – 300.00 will provide a micro loan for one of our single mothers We have over 60 Single Mothers at the camp, many who are very poor. Micro Loans really help!
	DONATE FOR OUR WIDOWS Our widows receive rice at 3 different locations. Each Saturday when they gather, they have a time of sharing and worship._____ 35.00 to buy a bag of rice _____ 75.00 to buy a new mattress _____ A Donation for oil, salt and soap because it’s Christmas!
	HELP TO SAVE A LIFE Samuel Hinneh almost died, but thank God he was given funds, for his appendix that burst so he pulled through and lived._____ Donation towards the many who suffer needing treatment _____ Help towards surgeries for those who have no funds _____ Help a patient in the hospital to be released. They stay until the bill is paid.
	HELP A REFUGEE BACK HOME TO LIBERIA Lydia Flomo is a 22 yr. old refugee girl who is wanting to go home to Liberia. She was brought to the camp at age 9. She longs to go home to see her mother. She knows her grandmother lives in Monrovia, and can help her to find her mother. Lydia sells firewood all day long, just to eat.It would be most outstanding if she could go home in time for Christmas! ____ 250.00 would transport her back home
	SAVE EXODUS FROM GOING BLIND Exodus Smith is one of our Gr. 11 students. Recently he has developed a serious eye problem. We sent him to an eye clinic where they told us he has growths developing over his pupils and will need them removed or he will go blind! They recommended that we fly him to Ghana for this surgery, otherwise he will lose his eye sight. If you would like to donate towards this need, we would greatly appreciate it. The flight is covered, but no money yet for his surgery.
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.

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Fundraisers, Newsletters INVESTING IN LIVES, Liberia, MAKING A DIFFERENCE, orphan children, Orphan Fundraiser, Orphans, Refugees, Widows

As a REFUGEE on the BUDUBURAM REFUGEE CAMP, life is very hard.

War has adverse effects on everyone, but the people who suffer most are the women and children.

 

We can CHOOSE one or two options.  We can give handouts for food, housing and medicine or we can give them micro loans to enable them to do small business on the camp.   We have over 50 single mothers  who are all part of the Provision of Hope Prayer Group.  They gather every single Saturdayto worship and to pray.  What a powerful group of women!!  Presently we are at No. 15 on the empowerment list.  Our goal is to empower each one.

 

 

When these mothers can provide for their own needs, it gives them self worth and confidence.

“I feel like I am somebody, with meaning and purpose to my life”  “ I can feed my children and that makes me very happy”   These women have come alive with HOPE and a FUTURE.

Our Vision is to pray together, to seek the face of the Lord together, then follow His commands.

We will empower women both spiritually and physically enabling them to provide for their own family needs, then go beyond themselves to help the needy in their society.

We were just there in Ghana with these women, and we saw for ourselves what a difference this is making.  Many times they go to bed hungry, or their children are sick with no medical help.  We also know that handouts are not the solution to their poverty.

MICRO LOANS ARE BETTER THAN HANDOUTS!

If you would like to donate to assist these single mothers through our Single Mothers Empowerment Program,

Contact:  Karen Barkman 250-454-9456 or email karen@provisionofhope.com

or go to our Donations Page

Micro Loans, Newsletters, Single Mothers Empowerment Program Single Mothers Empowerment Program

WOW! WHAT A TRIP!!

 

Thank you for all of you who prayed for us!! It was obvious that God was going before us and that your prayers were the energy behind our work and all that was accomplished in 3 short weeks.   We experienced so many blessings!!  Everywhere we went we were able to TOUCH LIVES AND BRING HOPE.  We prayed for hundreds of people and saw lives changed before our eyes.  Miracles happen for those who believe and expect them.  Both the Youth Conference and the Women’s Conference were powerful!  Again we helped a lot who were sick as well as those who needed food.  That’s just what we do when we go to Africa.

We had a wonderful morning service at the African Bible Church, on the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana.  What a wonderful service!  Their theme for this year is  DIVINE RESTORATION.  Through out our time on this trip to Liberia and Ghana we witnessed God restoring lives.  This was the highlight of our trip… divine restoration!!!   “He restores my soul”  I am happy to report that Aaron Paul is back with Provision of Hope.

 
 

VISITING ONE OF OUR SICK WIDOWS Daniel Coleman stands by one of our widows named Sarah.  Daniel has a heart full of compassion and is head of our Mercy Ministry.

Here are the widows who will receive their bags of rice after a time of fellowship and prayer.  After handing out the rice bags we visited several of the widows’ homes.  We saw those who had no mattresses, and only a few blankets so we provided what we could.  With your help we can provide more in the months ahead.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SUMO AND DECONTEE GIBSON FIND THEIR MOTHER after being separated for 20 years.  What a happy day!  They did not know for sure if their mother had survived the wars.

Last year we gave Sumo money to search for his mother, but he came back with no news of her.  This year, as soon as we arrived, he told us a woman had located his mother!!  We gave him money to travel to her county to meet her. What a reunion!!  Sumo brought his mother to his sister, Decontee’s place, where we could all spend time together.    We have several of our orphaned students, who are  wanting to go in search of their missing mothers.  During the wars many were scattered and have lost track of each other. Some already know their mothers are alive, and where to find them.  All they need is funds to get there. As funding is provided more of our students will be allowed to search for their families.

We were able to bless Sumo and Decontee’s mother with $200 USD to boost her farming business which is how she makes her meeger living.  Mamie was so grateful for the help we have given to her children.  Provision of Hope is most concerned that families are brought together so we put great effort into locating family members. Sumo Gibson will be graduating from Cuttington University with a degree in pharmacy. Decontee has been in our program for the last four years and is now in grade 11.

 
 

 

 

PRAYING FOR DEBORAH WILLIAM’S DAUGHTER at the Golden Gate Hotel close to the Buduburam Refugee Camp.  Deborah is one of our Single Mothers on the Empowerment Program.  Her daughter had an operation to remove one kidney because of cancer.  We are praying for her complete healing and that her one kidney will be sufficient.  Other single mothers are needing various surgeries as well. As funds become available we will schedule these.

THE SINGLE MOTHERS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM on the Refugee Camp has grown to 47 women already. WOW! These are women who are devoted to prayer, and are called the Provision of Hope Intercessory Women.  They meet every Saturday for prayer.  We had a powerful time of prayer with them on Saturday morning, as well as at the women’s conference.

We are at number 13, on our way to empowering 47  single mothers.  These mothers decide what trade or business they wish to pursue.  We have women who are in cake decorating, beauty schools, tailoring, nursing, pharmacy and small businesses.  This is how they are providing for their children. With as little as $200 – $300 we can set them up in small businesses.  This empowers them to provide for their own needs.

 

Marthaline Summerville and her two girls are out selling clothing.  This is how she can provide food for her family and put her children through school.  As funds come in we will continue empowering these single mothers.

HOPE HOMES keep growing and continue to provide for orphan children’s needs.  This is Ma Esther’s Hope Home.  The children here are happy and well cared for.  We had several wonderful meals with Ma Esther and the children.

You should hear them sing.. WOW!!  We now have a total of eight Hope Homes that we assist.  Ma Esther and her children sang and danced for us!

The DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING CENTER is going ahead with both Pastor Malcolm Harris and Pastor Aaron Paul leading these young men.  The National Youth Conference with Pastor Jackson Weah, Pastor Keita, YWAM Director Jamil Kromah and several other pastors and churches,  was a tremendous time of empowering the Joshua Generation and equipping them to rise up and conquer the land. We are raising up a group of Champions that will impact Liberia, changing the atmosphere wherever they go.  We now have 66 youth on our program.  We have put over 100 to school this year.  Our primary goal is to raise up disciples and teach them to follow Jesus Christ.  To go and “Do Likewise” as in the Good Samaritan story.

WE ALSO MET WITH THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION, DR. JOSEPH KORTO to discuss which areas of education were most promising for future jobs and how to direct our highschool graduates.  This was a very informative meeting.  We were given contacts to further advise us in the field of Education.

Newsletters, Trip Updates 2010 Trip Update

Take a minute to read this FANTASTIC story!!

JANJAY DYEGA a 29 yr. old young refugee was someone I met in the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana,  in 2008.  He was having pain, from a hernia, and needed surgery immediately.  Provision of Hope provided the funds for that, and helped him to a nursing school in Ghana, after his Gr. 12 graduation.  The camp was going through alot of unrest, and the nursing school was closed down.  It was at this time that  Janjay voiced his desire to go home to Liberia.  “How would I get home?  I have no money.  I am not registered with the UN, and where would I go?  I have no idea if my parents are dead or alive!”   He had no contact with his parents since fleeing from Liberia, during the war.  He assumed they were all killed.  Janjay’s parents thought the same about him. 

 United with family after   years of  separation during the war!

Janjay, his father Otis, and Karen Barkman in January 2009.

Janjay gave us the names of his parents, sibblings, school he attended, and the name of their local church in Buchanan.  In no time we found his parents.  They were both alive!!

I knew from Janjay that his dad Otis, was a nurse, and assisted a pharmacist before the wars.  His dream was to run a pharmacy, if he had the funds.  In a small way he was attempting to do just that.

                                                

This is Otis Dyega in his pharmacy located 45 kms from Buchanan in Liberia, West Africa.  With his profits he raises the orphaned children who live with his family.

Otis is a man with integrity, who helps the poor in Buchanan.

In 2008, Provision of Hope,  first loaned him 650.00 USD.  He was the first Liberian to pay me back 2 months ahead of schedule.   I SAW HIS HEART, TO HELP THE POOR!   I was amazed at what he had already accomplished on such a small loan.  With my right hand, I received his first payment of 300.00 .  I thanked him and honored him for early delivery. 

AT THAT MOMENT I was so overcome with GOD’S HEART FOR THE POOR, I could not help myself…I took the money, put it behind my back, then I said, “Otis I want to give you a gift!  You have the very heart, I want to invest in”  I took the money he had just given me, and told him to take it, and give it to the many who come to his clinic, who cannot afford drugs for their sick children.  “GIVE IT TO THE SICK CHILDREN!”   Otis has a dream to expand his pharmacy and clinic.  Right now it is very small.   He is qualified to go to the next level for a loan.   Otis Dyega has a home full of orphaned children.  These are the kinds of people we come along to assist.  Those who have a heart to help children at risk and are already doing something about it, are the people we partner with.   We are looking for people who would donate towards this cause. 

With our Micro Loans  we  help people to help themselves and fulfil the vision God has put on their hearts to accomplish. 

If you can help with this vision, by donating towards this micro loan, or that of another, we would appreciate hearing from you.  If everyone did one small thing, together we can CHANGE THE WORLD!!  BE A WORLD CHANGER AND START TODAY… that is how I got started… I reached out to one… YOU CAN TOO!!  You are welcome to call me, Karen at 250-454-9456 or email me at provisionofhope@yahoo.ca  for more information, or how to get started MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN LIBERIA.    

 Please request photos of Otis’ orphaned children.  They could use help with school fees this coming September.  Otis and Marthaline his wife have 13 children that live with them.  Janjay their oldest son is hoping to go to nursing school and come back to Buchanan to help his dad.  If you can contribute towards this family please contact us.

Micro Loans, Newsletters, Projects

Dear Friends,

We are INVESTING IN LIVES and THAT’S WHAT COUNTS.

Thank you for your part, we cannot possibly do this without your help!

Our Mercy Ministry Team passionately shared how they go about doing acts of kindness in the community of New Matadi.  In the photo below they are bringing household items to a widow who lost everything in a house fire.  They told me how they saved a baby’s life by bringing milk.  One after another shared a story.  ” We are called to this!”  I was thrilled to see that this has become THEIR VISION.  These are the kind of leaders we are raising up in MY FATHER’S HOUSE (Click) + in the DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING CENTER. (Click ) This is what will change this war torn nation. It will be the Liberian people who will rebuild this nation…those who stand for JUSTICE AND MERCY and walk in a SPIRIT OF TRUTH.

MERCY MINISTRY TEAM KEEPS GROWING BECOMING LEADERS OF INTEGRITY

WE NOW HAVE 12 ON THE MERCY MINISTRY TEAM.  THEY ARE THE ONES WHO RUN THE WIDOW PROGRAM. (Click on highlight to see more )

A WIDOW IS THANKING GOD FOR HIS GOODNESS.  THE BOYS DISTRIBUTE THE RICE.

We now have 119 widows in our WIDOWS PROGRAM (Click)

WE ARE INVESTING IN TWO NEW HOMES ….ONE IS FOR MA

ESTHER who now has 14 CHILDREN. They were overcrowded in a very small house.  Piling up on just a couple of mattresses.

THE SECOND HOUSE IS FOR THE HOPE FOR LIFE boys (click the name to view a video).  THESE BOYS HAVE BEEN SLEEPING IN PASTOR WEAH’S CHURCH FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS.  They have virtually nothing, but a few clothes.  WE HAVE $900.00USD down on each place, but we still need $900.00USD more for each house, to complete the rent for one year.  If you could help us, with these new projects, we would be so grateful.   Both houses are nice and big.

We will need new mattresses ( $40.00 per double mattress ) and more mosquito nets + bedding.  The houses are both located in a very quiet neighbourhood in New Matadi, close to schools and close to church with plenty of space for the children to play.  Unlike the conditions you see in the photos. You should hear these children sing. They sound angelic! Watch the Youtube video below.

Click here: ESTHER HOPE HOME to see more info on this home.  We are looking for 12 more sponsorships for these children. If you know of anyone wanting to sponsor children, please direct them here, or forward any emails.  One time donations are also very beneficial.  Every June we do a walk for children to raise money for school fees.

The HOPE FOR LIFE boys ( in the photo above)  did a beautiful music video out on the beach by the ocean.  They were worshipping from the bottom of their hearts! Tim Moores, professional film maker, captured the moment.  These boys are passionate for the Lord.  I am so glad they are finally in a house. They named this place HOUSE OF BARNABAS, because it is a house of encouragement.  They are hoping to buy some paint to paint their rooms, and the front of the building. They can do the work themselves.  Please pray that the landlord will  have patience until the funds are in.  We do not want to lose this place.

Click here to DONATE.  You will see details for both Canada and USA for tax receipt purposes.

This last visit to Liberia has put so many things in place. Click TRIP REPORTS for more details and check out our BLOG (click)

We had the opportunity to visit all the recognized schools in Liberia.  We met with the administration of these colleges and universities, taking a good look at what is offered, and what resources are available to our students for learning.

Carol Jones spent hours with our students determining which schools and courses were most beneficial and giving guidance counselling accordingly.

We spent one afternoon with the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY). Over 40 youth organizations from all over Liberia, met with FLY, regarding a document they will present to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, on their behalf.  They were requesting that they be granted a voice in legislature.  This was a most interesting meeting.  There is a new breed of young people, rising up in this nation. These are the future leaders who will run this country, and continue to rebuild this nation on a solid foundation of PEACE.  THE PRINCE OF PEACE.

Provision of Hope formed a partnership with YWAM (Youth with a Mission).  We would like to see some of our boys take the Discipleship Training School which they offer every October.   This is an excellent school to develop an intimate walk with God and really get grounded in the ways that Jesus walked.  Perhaps someone would be interested to fund a student for this school.  The costs are very reasonable and the students board right there.  $350.00 per student.  Contact us for more details.

We continue to feed the poor, help refugees home, find accommodations for the homeless, and help those who are sick.  This is over and above the homes we are running and all the students we are currently putting to school.  There certainly are times, I feel like I am in WAY OVER MY HEAD…yet I know WHO IS LEADING ME, AND WHERE MY HELP COMES FROM.

God bless everyone for your prayers and your love for the orphans, widows and refugees.   The needs are overwhelming, but as we reach out one by one, we make the world a better place.

TOGETHER WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE,

KAREN BARKMAN

provisionofhope@yahoo.ca

Contact by phone: 250-454-9456

www.provisionofhope.com

Newsletters February News, HOUSE OF BARNABAS, INVESTING IN LIVES, MAKING A DIFFERENCE, Two New Homes

Dear Friends and Partners,

My heart is stirred once again to be a voice for the poor in Liberia, West Africa. These are the  people I have given my life to since first seeing the poverty in 2003. Please pray as we go back this coming January.  This year Tim Moores of Edmonton, Karen Aerssen, of Chatham, & Carol Jones of Kelowna are coming with me!

See our new blog for more details and stay up-to-date on this 2009 trip.

My Prayer this Christmas is that we can bring HOPE to “the least of these”

In the first photo below, Ma Demowa, a widow, stands with her little grandchild Bindu, after they lost all to a house fire last week. They had little. Now they have nothing. Grandma came running to Provision of Hope Director, Aaron Paul, crying “Papee, my papee, we have lost all in the fire!” Bindu longs to go to school, but there have been no funds. Her mother is blind, and she has no dad.

Esther David, lost her mother at 6 yrs. old and has just recently been put in one of our Hope Homes.

Jonathon Luwis lost his parents in the war, and is in need of some new clothes. Shoes too.

Patrick, 15yrs. old with Mother Melvina and little 4 yr. old sister Gifty just returned to Liberia from the refugee camp in Ghana. They need a place to live.

I decided I would write a letter to everyone who has a heart for the orphans, widows and refugees of Liberia, ….a country EXTREMELY devastated by 14 yrs. of civil war. I will do whatever I can to PROVIDE FOR THESE HOPELESS ONES…especially the SUFFERING CHILDREN + ELDERLY WIDOWS!

Some of you have asked what you could give this Christmas that would make a difference to someone in need. Some of you said your family was looking for a Christmas project that you could do instead of the hustle and bustle of trying to find, “just the right gift” in a world where we have so much.

Perhaps one of these ideas is for you……

_____ Put Little Bindu to School 100.00 or another poor child or orphan

_____ Buy a bag of rice for a widow or a poor family 35.00

_____ Buy a pair of shoes 15.00 for a small child 20.00 for older children/youth

_____ Help Patrick’s mother to find a new place plus house hold items. Any amount will help.

_____ Buy new clothes for one of our highschool or college students. We house 24 students. These boys lost their parents in the war. We hope to give 50.00 per student for clothes.

_____ Buy a gift for one of our orphan children in our Hope Homes 20.00 New clothes, shoes

_____ Help to buy chickens or a bag of rice for Christmas Dinner in a Hope Home 50.00

_____ Help to save a life by giving for medical needs 30.00 can save a life. Statistics tell us more than 30,000 children die daily from preventable diseases as common as pneumonia, diarrhea, typhoid, malaria. I believe that.

“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” John Wooden

You can donate by credit card if you wish by phoning 250-454-9456

Or…

In Canada please return this portion with your donation

and Make your cheque payable to:

Hope For The Nations ( for Canadian tax receipt)

Mail to:
101-1865 Dilworth Dr. Suite 342 Kelowna, BC V1Y 9T1
C/O Provision of Hope

Name:_____________________________ Phone Number: __________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________

I would like to donate to a specific need _______________________________________

Use where needed most ______                     Amount donated $____________

In the US please send your donations to:

Wordsower International (for USA tax receipt)

Mail to:
P.O. Box 3215 Nampa, ID 83653
C/O Provision of Hope

Name:_____________________________ Phone Number: __________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________

I would like to donate to a specific need _______________________________________

Use where needed most ______                     Amount donated $____________

Tax receipts will be mailed early 2009

Have a BLESSED & JOYOUS CHRISTMAS!!

from Karen Barkman

Newsletters

CELEBRATING

3rd Year Anniversary!

Today marked the 3rd year that My Father’s House began. We marvel at the blessings and favour of God. To Him be the glory for EVERYTHING.

The boys phoned me during their thanksgiving service and sang with great zeal and passion…”I just want to say thank you, thank you my Lord!” and “Mama we love you, from thedepths of our hearts, we love you!”

Thank all of you for your generous giving. We now take care of over 30 boys. Often we help others who are friends or relatives of the boys.Many from the community come to eat at MFH. How do you turn away from the hungry?

Austine Seeboe starts his first year with the students at Cuttington University. Peter, Jamel, Sumo, Jeremiah, & Momo are starting their 3rd year! Wow! Our GPA standard is 2.5. All are doing well.

Patrick Goh just arrived from the Buduburam refugee camp. His mother Malvina and little sister Gifty are coming next week. We will help them to resettle in Liberia. This is Patrick’s first time in Liberia. He was born in Ivory Coast. They fled during the 2004 war to seek asylum in Ghana. Patrick is happy to live with us at My Father’s House.

I assured him, he will not go to bed hungry in our care! Patrick is 15, starting Gr. 9 He will need a sponsor.

Latest News

Aaron Paul has just registered to take the Discipleship Training School with YWAM and will commence early October.

Provision of Hope has 8 HOPE HOMES that take in orphaned or needy children. We assist these homes with food, medical help and school fees. These are Christian homes that love and nurture each child.

The more sponsors we get for children, the more Hope Homes we can assist.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

…by helping the one

PLEASE SPONSOR A CHILD TODAY!

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