Annual Report: 2013 Edition

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Annual Report

2013 Edition

Mwangaza International

PO Box 4382 - Joplin, MO - 64803-4382

Email: mwangazaint@gmail.com

Phone: 417-893-0343

Website: www.Mwangazaint.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MwangazaInternational

Twitter: @mwangazaint - Youtube: Mwangazaint

Table of C ontents:

He Is Faithful by Tresor Yenyi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Power of Giving by Grace Mbuthia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year In Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stars of Mwangaza by Deo Yenyi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

They Are Worth Fighting For by Doug Arnold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Promedi: Her Sponsorship Story by Deo Yenyi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Spotlight: Friends from Across The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My Journey to Kinshasa by Cindy Nicole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Spotlight: Chicken Coop in Bakole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Beauty of Congo by Lily McDaniel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A New Friendship by Joy McDaniel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hope In The Rain Forest by Deo Yenyi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Spotlight: Telema Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

She Is A Shining Light: Interview with Ange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Miracle Garden by Deo Yenyi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Making Christmas Memorable by Deo Yenyi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Help Needed at the Kalembe Lembe Pediatric Hospital by Esther Nzau . . . . . . . . . .

I Am The Clay by Grace Mbuthia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Each time I write a speech or a sermon and even a paper for

school, I always have a theme song. I love background

movies. When I think of 2013, the word that comes to mind

is faithfulness. I feel like I tell you the same thing each

year; it is because our God is faithful.

Last year was an exceptional year for Mwangaza

International. Our child sponsoring program grew to 118

children in 5 provinces of the Democratic Republic of

Congo. As I write this today, I think of young Nathan who

loved school so much that he was willing to pick up trash in

order to attend school just to find out that there is a family

across the world willing to come to his rescue. He came to

school barefoot and returned with a brand new uniform and

shoes; plus, his entire school year was paid for.

I think of Maman Philo who is achieving success in her

garden and her business because a family across the world gave her $150 to turn her passion into

business success. She now has a table at the market where she not only sells products from her garden,

but also toiletries. She feeds her family and sends her children to school.

I think of the many people who traveled from the

United States and Canada to visit our children. They

gave their time and their love to these kids. Yes, it is

faithfulness. You, our friends, have been faithful in

supporting our work. You have gone above and

beyond to make sure that this world is changed one

little thing at a time. It is the faithfulness of our teams

and all our volunteers who sacrifice so much to make

sure that the children have all they need. Our partners

have been faithful in coming alongside us in

uncertain times to make sure that our kids don’t lack

anything.

In all this we are thankful to the One who never left

us on our own. The God we serve is faithful, and it is

his faithfulness that leads others to action on behalf of

these children. I am looking forward to serving the

faithful God alongside you this year again.

Your friend,

Tresor

He Is Faithful by Tresor Yenyi

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My mother has always told me, "Giving is your greatest weapon against lacking anything. When you give, you open the door for blessings to flood into your life." The Bible is filled with scriptures about the power of giving. Some of my favorites are Prov. 11:25: "The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered Himself" and Prov. 22:9: "He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed for he gives his bread to the poor." God instructs us to be givers and generous to the people around us... to the least of these. But He doesn't just tell us what to do. John 3:16: "for God so loved the world that He GAVE His one had ONLY son..." He gave His best gift to us personified in the body of Christ. It's only befitting that we do the same.

The beautiful thing about giving is that "the power of giving never leaves the possessor empty. He is the first beneficiary. The benefits are enormous and encompass the spirit, soul and the body of the individual, which results in prosperous life. For example, you have joy when you share whatever you have with another. When you put a smile on someone’s face, you inevitably do so also on your face." - Ngozi Nwoke Acts 20:35: "it is more blessed to give than to receive." You don’t wait to receive first before you give, just like a farmer does not receive any harvest before he plants his seeds. One thing is certain; your harvest will be more than your seeds. The promises of The Lord are yea and amen. When He says in 2 Corinthians 9:11 that "you will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God," He means exactly that. His word does not return to Him void. Many times we question whether we are in a position to give.

Everyone has the potential to give. Giving doesn't just include finances. Our time, prayers, talents, knowledge, skill, resources, connections, and energy are all areas in which we can give. I dare say, if you have the breath of God in you, you can speak life into another person who is hopeless. Luke 6:38: "Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over." I am a living witness to the truth behind this verse. God stands by His word. There are many people who need you to walk into their lives and be a blessing to them. Some of you already know a few people you could actually help but are hesitant. I urge you to test God and His word. See if He doesn't fulfill it. As you give of yourself and your resources, do it cheerfully and in love, expecting nothing in return. Mother Teresa once said, "it's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving". I hope that you will make that move and you will surely reap what you sow! As you begin to experience the joy of giving, you will in turn challenge others to do the same. Giving is contagious. BE CONTAGIOUS!!

The Power of Giving by Grace Mbuthia

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V ision:

Year in Review

Mwangaza International exists to bring the light of Christ to the broken people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and of the world. Our mission is accomplished by establishing ministries that will take care of the physical, emotional and most importantly spiritual needs of those who are lost and broken.

In order to implement the vision, Mwangaza International has developed a threefold action plan:

1. Compassion Ministries :

a. Mwangaza Education.

School Sponsorship.

Art Camps.

b. Mwangaza Health

Luke Fund.

Epilepsy Awareness.

Medical Mission.

c. Empowerment

Mwangaza Women.

Micro Business Grant.

Telema Store.

d. Orphan Care

Orphanage Support.

Christmas Project.

Human Trafficking Prevention.

2. Leadership Training

Ministry Training.

Lay Training.

3. Bible Distribution.

This activity report intends to present our activities in 2013

C ompassion Ministries

Mwangaza Education

School Sponsorship: 2013 saw a growth in Mwangaza Education. The program was expanded to other

part of the country. Uvira, Masisi, Lubumbashi and Gemena now have children sponsored through

Mwangaza. Children receive full tuition and school supplies. They also have after school program. The

program has been successful in preventing abandonment. The program currently has 118 children.

Art Camps: Summer Art camps were held in Kinshasa. 340 children participated in the activities. These activities help awake creativity and create a sense of self-worth in the children. We are hoping to expand the program to the province this coming year.

Mission:

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Mwangaza Health

Luke Fund: Our Luke fund, helps rescue women and children who cannot afford to pay their bill at the hospital. This year the program was under funded. Despite that we were able to reunite 35 families by paying their children’s fees.

Empowerment

Mwangaza Women: 11 women received grants to start their businesses in 2013. Their interest went from a clothing store, to a food stand, and gardening. We are looking forward to seeing how their work multiplies over this year. We have also helped 5 women improve their businesses through artisan work. Garden: The garden has been the greatest experience. 30 men and women in Kisenso are sharing 2 acres of land to produce food for their families. We have provided them with the necessary tools; Gloves, rubber boots and watering cans to improve their productivity. Telema Store: 2013 was Telema’s year. We have launched successful new styles of purses and aprons. In Kinshasa, the store was invited to several prestigious events. Products have also been sold well in the USA at several events. An Etsy store was also open to sell products online. The ladies at Telema have exceeded all expectation and continue to keep a tradition of excellence.

Orphan Care

Sustainability is the key word in 2013. We started

and completed a chicken coop for the Bakole

orphanage. At the Enrica orphanage we have

supported them through the year providing food

and supplies needed for the 150 children.

Matumaini, the princess home, received help in

food and other necessities needed for the girls.

The Chistmas project reached out to 800 children in Kinshasa, Bukavu, Goma, Uvira, Gemena, Masisi

and Lubumbashi. The program celebrated 9 years of existence this year, and we are looking forward

for more.

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on behalf of the children, women & men of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thank you

SUPPORT & REVENUE AMOUNT Churches 4219.74 Corporate 2885

Foundations 15214.47 Private donors 51118

Non Cash Donations 2864.12 Total Support 76301.33

EXPENSES AMOUNT Mwangaza Education 24560.23

Mwangaza Health 2,299 Empowerment 14,300

Orphan Care 16,592.47

Bibles 1500

Training 1450

Administration 7,912.39

Total Expenses 68614.09

Leadership Training

In 2013 Mwangaza International sponsored two seminars. Both seminars were held in March for In-

ternational women’s day activity. The first was themed: Women as agent of development. This semi-

nar was directed towards the women in Kisenso,

The second seminar was a training seminar for girls at the Bomo center. Girls who were rescued from

human trafficking received teaching about the value and were trained to help other girls in the same

circumstances.

Bible Distribution

In 2013, Mwangaza International distributed 150 bibles to girls in the Paka Juma area known as a

stronghold of sex trafficking.

He Is a Faithful Provider He is a faithful provider. We are thankful for all those who gave this year. We had an exciting end of

the year and are pleased to announce that our office in Kinshasa will finally be completed. We are also

in process of searching for a vehicle and land for a God-size project! We were able to take care of the

children and create opportunities for the women and men in the DRC.

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Kinshasa Province

Kinshasa: School Sponsorship

Luke Fund

Garden

Telema Store

Leadership Training

Bible Distribution

Human Trafficking Prevention

Support Orphanges

Christmas Project

Mwangaza Women

AIDS Orphan Care

Art Camps

Choir

Katanga Province

Lubumbashi: School Sponsorship

Christmas Project

Child Labor Prevention.

Mwangaza is active in 5 provinces in DR Congo

Equateur Province

Gemena: School Sponsorship

Christmas Project

South Kivu Province

Bukavu: Christmas Project

Sewing Training for Women

Bible Distribution

Bideka: Support for Rape Victims

Leadership Training

Empowerment

Bible Distribution

Uvira: School Sponsorship

Christmas Project

North Kivu Province

Masisi: School Sponsorship

Orphan Care

Christmas Project

Empowerment

Goma: School Sponsorship

Christmas Project.

In 2013 there were 8 Women Sponsored for Business

30 Gardeners Empowered

100 AIDS Orphans in Support Groups

118 Children Sponsored

200 Children in 3 Partnering Orphanages

350 Children Attended Art Therapy Camp

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Stars of Mwangaza by Deo Yenyi

Interesting things happen at

Mwangaza’s support groups. Our

support group in Kisenso, an

impoverished area of Kinshasa,

was made of 6 children. The

children came from a community

where AIDS has devastated their

families and the social structures.

One thing they had in common

was their love for music. They

enjoy their music very much.

In the summer of 2013, Travis

Montgomery, a student at Ozark

Christian College, traveled to

Kinshasa to make their dream a

reality. The kids recorded an

album. They sang with their

heart, they gave their best in an

album entitled “Take Our Gift.”

The goal is to support their

community with the funds raised.

The children dream is to have an

art center in their community.

The project is estimated at

$7,000. So far the album has

raised $102. We are still far from

the goal.

To support this dream, please download their music at:

www.mwangazaint.org

And please do not forget to leave a tip.

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My wife and I adopted our daughter,

Abigael, from DRC in September,

2013. The process was long and

difficult (Though, given the current

circumstances surrounding adoption

from DRC, it doesn’t begin to compare

with what families in process now are

going through). We’d been on a visit a

year prior, so we had seen the

circumstances there firsthand.

While we waited to go back to get

Abigael, we heard of a way to help

other children in DRC. We could pay

school tuition for a child who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend. That seemed like the right thing to

do. It certainly sounded nice. Who wouldn’t want to help a child if given the opportunity and ability?

But my wife thinks big. Sometimes, she infects me with it. “Well, DRC is the worst place on earth to

be a little girl. Let’s sponsor all the girls.” Obvious questions were how many girls there were, how

much tuition was, and how much schooling would one get for that amount of money. We didn’t ask

any those before making this decision. There were 7 girls who needed help. “Sign them up.” It was as

simple as that. I saw a quote once that’s always stayed with me. “What is understood need not be

discussed.” This was one of those instances.

We got a call a few days later. There was only one more left . . . a boy. He wanted to go to school. In

fact, he was so intent on getting into school that he’d offered to pick up trash around the school as

payment for tuition. We, of course, sponsored him, as well.

In a week or so we got pictures of all 8, and on the fridge they went. I assumed that’s where they’d stay

until some day when Abigael’s drawings overtook them on the fridge.

Finally, the day came to go get Abigael. While we were in DRC waiting, we were asked by a

representative of Mwangaza if we would like to go see the school where we’d sponsored the children.

We said we would, so we planned a

trip out to the school. On the way

there, they told us that we would be

able to meet the children in person.

This was surprising to us. Sure, we

had these children’s pictures on our

fridge and we made it a point to pray

for them, but meeting them in person

was never an option in our minds.

We never considered it. What a

blessing it was.

They Are Worth Fighting For by Doug Arnold

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When we arrived, we drove through

the gate and were immediately

mobbed by school children. The

brave ones came right up and started

touching our arms. The others

made a circle around us that moved

as we walked. We began giving

high fives and saying hello and

trying our best to communicate

through smiles and handshakes and

the five or so Lingala words we’d

tried to memorize at that point. We

made our way to an office (loosely

translated) where we met the

principal (I’m guessing) and a few

teachers all the while being greeted by more and more children. As word spread that strange people

(us) were there, the circle surrounding us got bigger and bigger. I was filming the entire visit with my

phone. I began showing the children the images in the phone as I was filming. It was mysterious. We

were mysterious. I gave the phone to one of them who filmed their friends. We all waved and acted

silly. Then, I showed one of the girls how to switch the camera around so you could see yourself.

Minds were blown. You could see their confusion. I wasn’t even sure if they had mirrors.

As we moved along, the crowd moved with us like an amoeba. We were led into a classroom. Children

surrounded the classroom door looking in through the rebar that crisscrossed the windows. In that

classroom, we were introduced to all eight of the children we sponsored. They stood up at the front of

their classmates reciting things they’d learned in a language my wife and I didn’t understand. It was

beautiful. They weren’t some commercial on TV. They weren’t money that we sent half a world away

and then forgot. They weren’t even pictures on our fridge anymore. They were children standing in

front of us. Again, it was beautiful. Because of Mwangaza, these children were in school learning when

otherwise they would be on the streets or worse. After they were done, my wife and I hugged them and

shook their hands. We told them how proud we were of them. Even though we couldn’t communicate

through shared language, they got our message, and we got theirs. “Good work. Keep it up.” “We will.

Thanks.”

“There are big overwhelming

problems in DRC!” said many of the

people we’ve talked to.

That’s true.

“Any reasonable person knows you’d

be wasting your time thinking you can

make a difference,” said some of those

same people.

That’s false.

It works, everyone.

We saw it with our own eyes.

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Spotlight : Friends from

Across The World

Rowan: I was happy to write the students in Congo. It is fun to

meet new people. I think the kids in DRC also liked getting letters.

I am excited for my next letter. My mom says they should be

coming soon. I hope to one day meet the kids we have been writing

to. I still have my letter from last year hanging up.

Elissa (Rowan’s mother): When the kids got the letters, they were

very excited, and it meant so much to them. It is nice to see the kids

reach across oceans and think about their global village

Promedi: her sponsorship story

“I like going to school not fearing that I will be kicked out because of money. I am blessed that I have

all I need to go to school.” Promedi also enjoys spending time with her friends. She is concerned for

those who are not as lucky as she is. “It saddens me that so many children in my school are kicked out

because of money. It reminds me that I am blessed.” She is also worried about her classroom. “When it

rains, we get wet because there’s water coming from the roof.” She remains thankful for the

opportunity she has. “I want to say thank you to the family that helps me. I am very thankful.”

Promedi is 10 years old. She was born in Matadi (West

of Kinshasa). Her name means “God’s wonderful

promise”. Indeed, her life is blessed, and God has a

plan for her. When she moved to Kinshasa, her

grandmother enrolled her in the Mayi Ndombe Primary

School. Promedi loves school and wants to be a

successful hairstylist when she grows up. Her

grandmother did her best to help her through school,

but often she was not able to pay her fees. She was

often kicked out of school. She was not sure she would

be able to go to school this year, but God had a plan;

she became part of the sponsoring program.

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My Journey to Kinshasa by C indy Nicole

On November 9th, I boarded a plane to Kinshasa, DRC,

for a journey that would forever change me. My main

reason for traveling to Kinshasa was to meet our

adopted son, Christopher. Another reason was to bring

donations on behalf of the Linked Through Love

Foundation, which I am a part of. Our foundation is

blessed to work alongside the Mwangaza International

team.

My trip began with meeting Rose Yenyi. Rose is a very

gentle, kind spirited person. Her smile is infectious, and

her passion for what she does is truly inspirational! Our

first stop was Matumaini, a home for abused girls.

Once we arrived, all the children ran to hug Rose and

watched carefully as a new face followed behind her. The young girls quickly warmed up to me and

gathered around with curiosity. We had brought with us individual care packages as well as a hockey

bag full of other items such as dresses, backpacks, pencils, and more. After spending some time with

the girls drawing, we headed outside where they sang for us. These young girls were marvelous and a

sight of true beauty!

Our second stop was to an orphanage that had about 150

kids. The facility was very large and filled with children

of all ages. Again, when we arrived the children ran up

to Rose and gave her huge hugs, and she again returned

with smiles and a hugs! For this orphanage, we had

brought clothes of all sizes for the children. Linked

Through Love Foundation had purchased Canadian T-

shirts, which, by far, were my favorite to see on the

kids!!

My final stop was to Bakole where we again brought

many bags filled with toys, backpacks, school supplies,

and some treats! Linked Through Love had worked

alongside Mwangaza International in order to raise funds

for three chicken coops. Bakola was the first location to

receive a coop. I was truly amazed to see what our hard

work back home in Canada had done for these children.

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Spotlight : Chicken Coop In Bakole For those who have been at the Bakole orphanage, there is an addition to the landscape. Behind the building is a white house. Inside there is a chicken coop. With the help of the Linked through Love Foundation and Love More Foundation we have built this coop. This is a hope that the orphanage will move toward sustainability.

We are truly believing that the sale of eggs will contribute long term to covering some of the expenses of the orphanage. We are proud of the Bakole orphanage for their enthusiasm and willingness to move forward and take this important step.

It is one thing to know you are working towards a goal, but to

see it first hand was indescribable! After spending some time

touring around the orphanage, we went outside and played

with the kids. The young girls loved the bubbles. The younger

boys gathered together in the corner to play with their new

trucks, and the older boys were outside running around

playing soccer with their new ball!

I am truly blessed and honored not only to be a part of the

Linked Through Love Foundation but also to work with

Mwangaza International. They are a team of amazing people.

Their hearts and passion for what they are doing shows. While

in DRC, Mwangaza was incredible to me. They made me feel

safe and at home. I look forward to returning one day to

Kinshasa and working with Rose and her team again!

May God richly bless you: Tresor, Rose,

and those at Mwangaza International.

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The Beauty of Congo by Lily McDaniel

I was able to travel to Congo with my parents in February of 2013. On our first

day in Congo, we went to an orphanage called Enrika. Enrika was the first

orphanage I had been to. I was very overwhelmed because everyone there spoke

either Lingala or French. When we arrived, the children ran to the car to greet

us. Miss Rose took us in to the courtyard and introduced us. Then I handed out

friendship bracelets that my friends and I had made. All the children were so

excited to get a new bracelet that they all hid their hands behind their back in an

attempt to get another one. After that, we got a tour of the orphanage and were

able to see the baby room. I was able to love on some little babies before it was

time to leave. Enrika showed me that I have a lot to be thankful for.

On my trip, I also got to visit the Telema Center. It was one of my favorite

places that I was able to go because they were making beautiful and amazing

items there. There were handbags, aprons, dolls, beaded snakes and lizard and

so much more that was all made by hand. I thought it was very amazing that the

women were using sewing machines powered by their hands. In addition,

everyone was so kind and friendly.

Through my visit, God showed me that just because I’m younger and not as experienced doesn’t mean that God

can’t use me. Simple things like a friendship bracelet can change a child’s day. I have so much to be thankful

for. Now, I help sponsor two children. We are continuing to make bracelets, and I know that someday I will be

able to go back! I hope people will realize that Congo is a beautiful place.

A New Friendship by Joy McDaniel

I went to Congo in August. The first person I met was Miss Rose. I stayed with

Miss Rose outside the airport while my mom and Nana got our luggage. The

next day, Mom, Nana, and I went to go to pick up my brother Fabi to bring him

home. A few days later, Miss Rose took us to an orphanage called Matumaini.

When we got there, they sang us a song. Then, we brought coloring pages and

colored pictures with them. This was my first orphanage to visit, and I thought

it was a good place because they were well taken care of and they had a good

place to sleep and live. One of the girls named Nelly saw me and wanted to be

my friend, but it was hard because we didn’t speak the same language. Even

though we didn’t speak the same language, Nelly showed me around the

orphanage, and we colored pictures together. God used that experience to care

for her. Now I sponsor her for her school, and I have her picture hanging in my

room. I got to pick out items to put in a care package that was delivered to her

at Christmas. Every night, I look at her picture, and I pray for her.

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Hope In The Rain Forest by Deo Yenyi

The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country of

majestic rivers and wonderful hills. A place with

lakes, and where the powerful Congo River runs

through with elegance is also home to the second

largest forest in the world. The province of Equateur,

in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of

Congo, houses most of the forest.

It began with an email, a request for

help. Through the vaccination

process, the Pygmies had heard

about Mwangaza’s education

program. They wanted to educate

their children as well. A pastor who

is known for his outreach to the

Pygmies shared the request with a

Mwangaza delegate in Gemena.

We quickly realized that it was not

just another request. This was a

matter of survival for the Pygmies.

Their inability to read had caused

them to be taken advantage of.

Pygmies are the most marginalized

group in the Congo. They are looked

down upon and discriminated

against by all groups. They have lost

everything and the forest is all that

they have left.

An expedition was put together to go from Gemena to Libenge, and then to the forest in order to identify the 10 children who would be the first ones to learn how to read and write in their community. The program started with some skepticism from the leaders of the community because they were used to NGOs promising and not following up.

This is where one of Mwangaza’s most exciting stories of 2013 came from.

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The ladies of Telema in Kinshasa keep raising the bar. This year the items presented at the women’s fair were sponsored by the United Nations and the Congolese government. Our products were highlighted in several Congolese media and many people stopped by the booth to purchase items and support the work of Mwangaza with those who suffer from mental illness.

Items may be purchased at www.Mwangazaint.org

Spotlight : Telema Store by Deo Yenyi

We have now almost completed the first school year for them. We have made Christmas special for the kids. Our teams have spent days stuck in the mud to show them the love of Christ. The community has requested to add more children next school year.

We are eager to take on the chal lenge,

knowing that al l our friends wil l back

us as we bring HOP E

into the rain forest.

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She Is A Shining Light: Interview with Ange

Ange is a friend of Mwangaza living in the Netherlands.

She was born in Congo, and she understands what it

means to grow up in Kinshasa. When Ange saw the

pictures on Mwangaza's Facebook, she responded with

action. She shipped a care package that the children at

the Bakole and the Kalembe Lembe Pediatric Hospital

still enjoy. We chose her for our friend interview this

year.

Mwangaza: “How did you find out about Mwangaza?”

Ange: “In 2012, I noticed a post from Mwangaza

International on a friend’s page. I liked what Mwangaza is doing for children.”

Mwangaza: “What inspires you to help others?”

Ange: “First of al l , my Christian faith cal ls me to respond to the needs of others. Second, my love for the

little children cal ls me to action on their behalf. When I have the means to help, I do my best to help.”

Mwangaza: “How do you feel when you see the children in Kinshasa happy because of the things you

sent them?”

Ange: “There is more joy to give than to receive. I know that we cannot erase their pain at once, but if we

can make their lives easier or bring the love they need, then we have accomplished something.”

Mwangaza: “A word for Mwangaza?”

Ange: “The Bible says that someday there wil l be neither pain nor death. There wil l be no suffering.

Nobody wil l say ‘I am sick.’ God wil l wipe away our tears. I encourage you to continue what you are doing.

Do your best , and God wil l take care of the rest.”

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Mwangaza helped 30 men and women acquire and

develop a garden in Kisenso. The project is

ambitious. The women and men receive a grant to

turn their garden into a business success. With

$150, they are able to position their products better

in the market. Some others like Maman Philo have

diversified their product offerings by adding

toiletries and other basic necessity items to what

they offer in the market. This place that was a

dump is now the launching pad for men and women

who want a different life.

Kisenso, one of the 24 communes of Kinshasa,

is known for its extreme poverty. This is

where gang violence meets lack of all basic

utilities. This is where the slums of Kinshasa

are. It is even said that people in Kisenso live

in another republic. In the midst of what could

be called a disaster and a place of despair is a

place where fresh air blows and the fresh

breeze dances through the beautiful sight of a 2

acre land.

Miracle Garden by Deo Yenyi

They have a different life because they have been given the chance;

because someone realized that investing in them is a noble cause.

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Making Christmas Memorable by Deo Yenyi

The Christmas Project is our oldest project. In fact it is the project that got us started on our journey to

changing Congo one little thing at a time. This year was very special. The theme we chose was

Christmas memories. We wanted to have a day that children would remember.

Indeed children in Kinshasa, Gemena, Bukavu, Goma, Masisi, Uvira and Lubumbashi will remember this Christmas. One particularity this year is that we have had a special ceremony to start this memorable Christmas. In Kinshasa, friends and family came to celebrate with us. Our choir performed as well as musicians connected to the organization. We also held our first in-country fundraiser. One of the main local companies sponsored the Christmas project with food for all our orphanages. The hope and joy of Christmas was spread throughout the DRC.

We are excited for next year as it coincides with Mwangaza’s 10th year anniversary.

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Help Needed at the Kalembe Lembe Pediatric Hospital by Esther Nzau

We are a pediatric Hospital owned by the Congolese

government but managed by the Congolese Red Cross. The

assets belong to the DRC government. The quality of care and

services has significantly increased since management was

handed to the Red Cross.

The Belgian Red Cross and the Red Cross of Luxemburg used

to provide a fund to help patients unable to pay for the care. We

truly are a philanthropic hospital. The Belgian and Luxemburg

Red Cross’ fund provided $2000 each month to cover the

health care needs of those who were underprivileged.

Our hospital has a staff of 236 people. We have 24 doctors, 6 of

them are specialists. We have 97 nurses, 12 biologists, 2

physical therapists and 4 administrators. We provide services to

newborns, child surgeries. We also have an infectious disease

unit, a lab and intensive care. This is a brief presentation of the

Kalembe-lembe pediatric hospital. We are a children’s hospital.

We are the only hospital in the central African region solely

dedicated to children.

Other hospitals have a pediatric unit but we are the only one

dedicated to children. We do our best despite the difficulties we

face. We have been working with the NGO Mwangaza. They

came alongside us to help. They help pay for those who are

underprivileged. They provide food and clothing as well. They

are doing what they can to assist us.

They also have difficulties raising the necessary funds to keep

this program going. Their goal is to help us rebuild the fund we

had for underprivileged children. They have been seeking help

everywhere to accomplish that. Meanwhile, we are doing our

best with the little they provide.

Our hospital sees 2,000 patients each month. We have 800 to

1,000 patients admitted in intensive care. We see 80 to 110 children each day for emergencies. This is the

presentation of our hospital in Kinshasa, DRC. Daily we receive patients who are destitute. We feel powerless

trying to help them. This is why we partnered with Mwangaza,

together we want to help underprivileged children receive proper

care at the hospital. Mwangaza is seeking partners who can join

them and support this noble cause.

Appeal: Our Luke Fund is in desperate need of funds. We need your help as we rescue families

that are kept at the hospital.

Help us make a difference in their lives

by donating on our website or by

returning the enclosed response card.

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I Am The Clay by Grace Mbuthia

The inadequacies of the heart can only be filled by something greater than our own imagination. Money, luxury, and all these worldly pleasures can satisfy but a moment. However, there is a longing from deep within, a longing for a deeper purpose, something meaningful in our lives. Something that gives divine pleasure and satisfaction beyond our human comprehension. That to me is giving and service to others.

I am blessed to have been brought up in a home full of joy, laughter, love, and peace. Of course there have been trying times, hard times, tears shed, mistakes made and lessons learnt. All in all, since I stepped foot into this world, I have been taught how to love, how to serve and give to others. It is second nature to me.

However, growing up, I did not know I was being prepared to open my heart to show love to thousands of people. To strangers. To victims of war. To the sick. To people from all walks of life. My experiences since birth up to now have been orchestrated and all have a meaning. Even being hospitalized countless times and going through extensive medical tests and seeing too many doctors than I would have cared to. All these experiences have shaped me. They have molded my view of life and it's purpose thereof.

When I came to the U.S on July 5, 2005, life changed. I had a new normal. In that new normal, I met Tresor Yenyi through my dad. Here was this Congolese man whose English was not the greatest who would sometimes talk to me in French or Lingala and I would answer back in Swahili. In that new normal, seeing other Africans became a treat, especially in Joplin, Missouri. Having said that, the international community in Joplin was close and soon I got to learn more about Tresor, his vision and his dreams.

Soon I became his volunteer secretary for Mwangaza International. Flash forward to today, I serve as his Vice President and Mwangaza has been a blessing to thousands in the DRC and elsewhere. But it all started with a willing heart. It was definitely challenging in the beginning but I can boldly testify that faith can move and has moved mountains.

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In the beginning of 2011, the was a stir in my spirit. I had already been hospitalized too many times here in the U.S but none of the doctors could figure what was going on in my body. I remembered the first time the Canadian cardiologist took me under his care and went above and beyond his duty. My heart yearned to do the same to others and I felt compelled to organize a medical team to go back to my hometown of Nakuru, Kenya and do exactly that.

It is in that willingness to obey that still small voice that in the summer of 2012, I founded Neema-M Initiative. That summer, more than 2,500 people received free medical care and medication in my hometown of Nakuru, Kenya. I did not have the know-how or past experience to lean onto. However, there was a pulling in my heart and this dream of offering free medical care became a reality. I watched God literally move mountains, from the funding of Neema-M Initiative to the connections I made with people.

I could write a book about the miracles I have experienced and the amazing people I have met. However, I know there is still more work to be done and people to love on. It only takes a willing heart. There will always be people who discourage you and people who do not believe in you. Do not lose hope.

Someone once told me, "dream big, and when you think you have dreamt big enough, dream even bigger because even your biggest or wildest dream does not compare to the plan and purpose that God has for you." Your biggest dream for yourself is only but a grain of sand compared to the destiny God has for you. I know I have not even touched the apex of my potential. There is more to do, and I cannot wait to be of service to many around the world. In that service, I find joy. I am blessed to have people who are walking with me on this journey.

If there is any double guessing as to whether you are capable of doing something, my answer is: as long as you can breath, you are God's clay. He is the potter. Let him mold you to what you were born to be. As mother Teresa once said,

"I am but a pencil in the hand of a writing God, sending a love letter to the world."

Mwangaza International PO Box 4382

Joplin, MO 64803-4382

Email: mwangazaint@gmail.com

Phone: 417-893-0343

Website: www.Mwangazaint.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MwangazaInternational

Twitter: @mwangazaint - Youtube: Mwangazaint

In His Service, Grace W Mbuthia.