HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL NEWS “God’s Healing. Your Hands.”

Summer 2014

HHI Holds Its First Ag Workshop in the Congo Page 3

New Water Pump Gives Life in India Page 4

The Loss of a Great Partner Page 4

Christian Business Conference in Mozambique Page 6

Celebrate Christmas in July– with M.A.G.I.! Page 7

Update on Food Aid in South Sudan Page 5

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. –Isaiah 58:11

Education Ministry Announces Second Book Page 5

Glorifying God With Your Estate Planning Page 7

HHI Holds Its First Agriculture Workshop in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Workshop Facilitated by Joseph Edema under the oversight of Ebenezer Udofia, HHI Director of African Agriculture

Hope PartyHost a

Life.Change a woman’s

For more information, visit www.hhi.org/hope-parties

or contact Lydia Steger at 615-832-2000

Walk 4 Water is a four mile walking event (the average distance that women and children walk in order to collect water for their families). It is an event sponsored by Healing Hands International to raise funds for clean water projects around the world. Find or host one in YOUR city! For more

info and a list of upcoming walks, visit www.walk4water.org.

Help us out! Would you rather receive your Healing Hands

International newsletter by email and help us

save postage? Let us know by emailing

contact@hhi.org.

Join or host your own...

Women of Hope Conference February 6-7,2015

Save the Date!

A Light of Ho pe

Change of Address! Our Texas office has relocated. Please note the change in address:

HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL

NORTHVIEW CENTRE

2201 MIDWAY ROAD

CARROLLTON, TX 75006-5051

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Did you know? HHI has refurbished computers available for your

domestic or international ministry, church, or

organization. If you or someone you know may

be interested, please call the Nashville office at

615-832-2000.

A Call for M.A.G.I. Boxes!Healing Hands International is partnering with the 8th & Harrison Church of

Christ in Harlingen, Texas to put together an emergency shipment of M.A.G.I.

boxes that will be delivered to women and children who have come across

the border into the Rio Grande Valley. The 8th & Harrison’s ministry team will be

spear heading this effort in conjunction with the staff from our HHI office in Texas.

We will be making a smaller version of our normal M.A.G.I. box and we are asking for

churches, groups, organizations and individuals to help us pull this together in a short

period of time. You can help us by either donating online or by sending the following

items listed below to Rob at the church in Harlingen. We will put the monetary

donations toward purchasing additional items in Harlingen. We will assemble boxes

in Texas and distribute them as directed by the Texas Border Patrol. Questions? Please

call Doug Fair at 214-208-9625.

LIST OF PRODUCT NEEDED: (we are collecting for boys and girls ages 2-11) · Underwear

· T-Shirts

· Shorts

· Socks

· Flip-Flops

· Toothpaste/toothbrush

· Bottled water

· Health Bars (granola bars

etc, PLEASE NO CHOCOLATE )

Donate online at www.hhi.org/magi/txborder and/or send donated items to:

8th & Harrison Church of Christ

801 East Harrison Ave.

Attention: Rob Sparks

Harlingen, TX 78550

956-254-6496

To host a Hope party or to find out more about our Women Worth A Million program, please

contact Lydia Steger at 615-832-2000

KENYADEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

RWANDABURUNDI

TANZANIA

SOUTH SUDANCENTRAL AFRICAN

REPUBLIC

UGANDAMahagi District

A vast country with immense economic resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has been at the center of what some observers call “Africa’s world war.” This has left the country in the grip of a humanitarian crisis.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued with wars since its independence in 1960 and fighting continues in some areas to date: most notable, the 1st and 2nd Congo Wars (1996-2003). The people of DRC have suffered at the hands of nationals, rebel groups, and guerrilla armies from neighboring countries despite a peace deal and the formation of a transitional government in 2003. People even today remain in terror of marauding militias and the army. The 1st and 2nd Congo Wars claimed an estimated three million lives, both directly from fighting and indirectly from disease and malnutrition.

It’s been more than ten years since the Congo’s catastrophic war officially ended, but the rate at which people are dying in the country remains very high. According to reports, despite the efforts of the world’s largest peacekeeping force, thousands of people die each month in the Congo. The most important causes of the post war deaths are hunger and malnutrition, and nearly half of the victims are children younger than 5 years old.

In response to this humanitarian crisis, Healing Hands International decided to respond as we believe Jesus would, by holding a Community Garden Workshop at the Ladju village, Mahagi District in the Eastern Congo (see map). Since 2011, Healing Hands International has partnered with the Nairobi Great Commission School in Kenya in training preachers in agricultural skills to be used alongside their evangelistic ministries. Joseph Edema, student-turned-trainer at NGCS, facilitated the workshop at the Ladju village under

the oversight of Ebenezer Udofia, HHI Director of African Agriculture. The training included: compost making, raised bed construction, drip irrigation systems, transplanting, mulching, and basic garden management skills.

Edema reports “the workshop was successful and each person who participated was grateful for the training.”

During the workshop, meals were provided, certificates were issued to successful participants, and drip irrigation kits were given to every participant. After each workshop, HHI trainers orga-nized follow up visits with students to evaluate implementation of material learned from the workshop. Over the past year, HHI has encouraged churches in the United States to host a Community Garden Workshop at their buildings and then sponsor a workshop abroad, like the one at Ladju village. The Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland, TX, for example, sponsored a workshop in Molo, a village outside of Nairobi, Kenya this past Spring after many from the congregation helped plant a community garden with 10 raised beds on their church property. Produce from the Saturn Road garden will be used to feed the elderly of the church, the needy in the community, and to supplement the church’s summer outreach program. What a blessing to be involved in the Lord’s church... all around the world! Written by Ebenezer Udofia, Director of African Agriculture If your church, school, or organization is interested in hosting a community garden locally or sponsoring an international community garden, please contact our Director of Agriculture, Carl Burkybile at 217-898-0425.

HHI Holds Its First Agriculture Workshop in Democratic Republic of the Congo

“ As a result of this humanitarian crisis, Healing Hands International decided to respond as we believe Jesus would, by holding a Community Garden Workshop at the Ladju village, Mahagi District in the Eastern Congo.”

Women of Hope Conference February 6-7,2015

Save the Date!

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MEMORIAL GIFTSGifts were given in memory of the following from March 1, 2014 – June 30, 2014. Do-nors are in light-faced type.

Allen, Lucille Bob and Nancy WebbArnett, Maurice Michael and Ginger MooreBailey, Rosemarie Glenn and Evelyn HunterBalcom, Eugene Forrest and Ann WilsonBarker, Clara James and Helen Costello

Bastable, Anna Christy GillBatey, Jane Bob and Nancy WebbBaxter, Ira Baxter John Paul Lamar HamiltonBlackwell, Bonnie Becky MulveyBoring, Timothy Kent Kenneth and June WaymanBowers, Tommy Aubrey and Ruth CarterBrockman, Shannon M A GrinerBrooks, Bill Robert and Jackie Benham Anna BrooksBuff, Cora Naomi and Herman Rieben

Coats, Audrey Aubrey and Ruth CarterCompton, Estelle Bob and Nancy WebbCrosier, Mrs. Jo Doris HardawayDavenport, Jane Verbon HillDennis, Thelma Marie Brenda EwinEichelberger, Edward Mrs. Edward EichelbergerEldridge, Jim Betty MathisFarrar, Henry and Grace Ronald and Martha HighfieldFloyd, Betty Joy Bob and Nancy Webb

Galbreath, Mary Ella Bill and Beverly BarronGardner, Mark F. James and Pamela HamiltonGriffin, Malcolm Wayne KregerHamilton, Jamie Ann Donald WillsHampton, Leon Frank and Charlotte CleaverHarris, Geoffrey Gene and Judy GreenHassey, Maurice Mary Carrigan Jon and Anita Romeo Hassey Ron and Donna WhiteHeffley, James Lois Brock

Hilliard, Jack Sylvia HarrisHooper, Clint Betty MathisHopper, Mary Lou Emily HardawayHull, Beverly Ray and Linda SolleyJenkins, Mario Angela JenkinsJohnson, Joyce Ray and Linda SolleyJones, Virginia Rocky ThurmanKaczmarek, Richard and Vida Rick and Patty KaczmarekMayberry, Juanita Charles and Norma Mcghee

Larry Brannan will certainly be missed! Larry and his wife, Donna, came to Healing Hands International from Huntsville, Alabama, worshipping at the Mayfair church of Christ. Larry served as the deacon over Cuban Missions at Mayfair and worked hand in hand with Healing Hands International as we engaged in work with Cuba.

Larry was known and loved in the country of Cuba for many years. Active in Cuban church expansion, he traveled the island encouraging preachers, families, and churches. Larry helped establish the annual Cuban Preachers Conference, the preaching school in Havana, the Ladies Conference for Christian women, and a program to feed the elderly.

As a board member for Healing Hands International since 2005, Larry was extremely helpful in our involvement in Cuba. Healing Hands has shipped

medicine, medical equipment, and three ambulances to Cuba in the past two decades.

Larry was well qualified to work on the Audit and Finance Committee for the board of Healing Hands.

He became a CPA in 1974. After working with corporate and government clients for several years, Larry became the Chief Financial

Officer for R & G International Corporation in 1980, the position he held until his passing in September of 2013.

We will always be grateful for the great impact that Larry Brannan has had in his work with Healing Hands International. Pictures (top to bottom) 1)Larry Brannan on a mission trip in Cuba, 2)The well dedicated to Larry Brannan in Sarazin, Haiti, 3) A well report, presented to Donna Brannan by HHI board member, Bill Lawler

“ He worked hand in hand with Healing Hands International as we

engaged in work with Cuba. ”

More than 1,000 leprosy colonies are scattered throughout the country of India. One close to our hearts is located six miles from the city of Tirupati. This colony consists of 210 families that suffer from leprosy who were without the proper facilities for clean drinking water. A preacher there, Mr. B.Vijaya Kumar, says “During a gospel service in this area we noticed the problems of the people and were deeply moved to respond to their basic needs.” The community had a clean water well, but the lepers were not able to use it easily because of the pump’s design.

Many lepers live in the absence of fingers, hands, and feet, making it hard to do a lot of things, but especially to grip the long handle that is usually found on a hand pumped well. This colony is no exception. Kumar brought his request to Healing Hands Interna-tional for assistance to buy and install an electric pump for the village. Teens in Action, a collection of several youth groups in the Florence, AL area, came forward to help fund the cost of the electric pump with money raised from their Walk4Water. Because of their generosity, the electric pump has been installed. “Now all the leprosy families are refreshed, feeling well, and utilizing the clean water regularly with the support of Healing Hands International.” This village has been given new life, and Kumar would like to thank everyone who addressed this need in the name of Jesus. The community wishes to convey their heartfelt thanks to Healing Hands International and Teens in Action of Florence, AL.

“ Now all the leprosy families are refreshed, feeling well, and utilizing the clean water regularly with the support

of Healing Hands International. ”

The Loss of a Great Partner

New Water Pump Gives Life in India

Education Ministry Announces Second Book!

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World Relief News

Summer 2014

McCrary, Sammye Becky SmithMikell, Eva Alice May LasseterMullis, Ray Gene and Judy GreenNeathery, Maurice Lois NeatheryOliver, Orvis and Ann Dean and Zan OliverPetty, Ernest Michael and Kay BrownPhilllips, Tom Barbara BarnardScarbrough, Shirley Jane HouserScoggins, B. J. Janie Finley

Self, Ida Bob and Nancy WebbSimco, Phil Wayne KregerSledge, Benny Bob and Nancy WebbSmith, Robert John T. and Wanda GivensSpivey, Jeff Mary CarriganSteger, Ed William and Vicky JamesSweeney, Richard and Janice Alacia McCadamsTurner, Denise Daryl and Shawn Driscoll

Underwood, Robert Dempsey Vantrease & Follis PLLC Sebring Parkway Church of Christ Carol Shelton Bob and Nancy Webb George and Nancy Williams Charles and Margie WilliamsonUnderwood, Robert Lee Forest Oaks II Homeowner`s Association Steve and Brenda FrostVann, Dr. Robert Lee Dr. and Mrs. Jeffery DentonVantrese, Hubert Jean LecornuWalters, Mary F. and Ted W. Ted Walters

Watts, Will Neil Randy Hobbs Bob and Nancy WebbWhite, Carolyn and Bob Tommy RobersonWhittenburg, Paul Bob and Nancy WebbWillis, Jim and Elizabeth Pat and Carole HackneyWoods, Leota and Dawn Rondall WoodsYoung, Jim Alacia McCadams

HONOR GIFTSGifts were given in honor of the following March 1, 2014 – June 30, 2014. Donors are in light-face type.

Agee, Bea Ted and Cathy CollinsAllison, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Lucille Bowe-StellingwerfBrogdon, David Sylvia RichardsonBumpous, Tommy Wilson and Delores SharpeCaldwell, Brad William and Harriet Belle TuckerCaste, Ann Patricia MitchellCrabtree, Randall and Jolene Frank and Janis CallawayGardner, Mildred James and Pamela HamiltonGibson, Danny Ginger Reichard

A GIFT DISCOVEREDEven in unlikely people, places, andcircumstances, everyone is equippedto give their life as a gift to the world.

We would like to thank you for your enthusiastic support of our first illustrated children’s book, The Dreamer. It is with great anticipation that we announce our second book to be unveiled at the Women Of Hope

conference in February 2015! Both books are based on true stories - The Dreamer from teachers in Haiti and A Gift Discovered from women in Mozambique - all who have been helped through the Education and

Women Worth a Million ministries at Healing Hands International. Proceeds from the sale of these books goes to support HHI’s education program. Visit www.hhi.org/store/products/775 to purchase!

THE DREAMER Clarissa had a dream of becoming a teacher. Come walk Clarissa’s walk and learn to dream your own dreams!

Written by Bobbie Solley and Katie Edwards Schrodt Illustrated by Ashley Reeves

Thank you for your interest in assisting the people of South Sudan with food aid. As we wrote in our last newsletter, the country has been in turmoil for the past six months because of various political issues. While the political situation appears to be settling down, hundreds of thousands are still in need of food, clean water, and shelter.

Because of your generosity, we have been able to send funds to our contacts in Bor, South Sudan where the Christians there purchased locally available food and distributed it in an effort to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who were in need. Chuck Dennis, of the Jonglei Christian Vocational Boarding School, reports,

“The idea for a distribution of beans, rice, a mattress, flour, oil, and mosquito netting was organized by the Christians in Bor. The actual distribution was also carried out entirely by them.” He also reported the distribution was orderly and went very smoothly. “The distribu-tion took place at our school campus where the church meets, and all those who received help

knew the church provided what they received.” We’re so thankful to be able to partner with Chuck and JCVBS on this project.

Please continue to pray for peace in South Sudan and the future of this young nation.

Update on Food Aid in the Nation of South Sudan

6

Goolsby, David Kent DobbsHall, Tim Laurie BennieHarley, Jayne Randall HarleyHill, Jackie Berry`s Chapel Church of ChristKellar, Beverly Charles Hickey

Linder, Jim Paige WestonMacariola, Dr. Demetrio Laurie BennieManuputy, Barbara Estelle MayMarkus, Jerry Jerry and Linda MarkusMcMillon, Jim and Gloria Rusty McMillon

Michael and Kylie Muccilli James and Joretta Rickaway Cole Beck Mike and Rita Cochrane Marilyn Henry Don and Kathy Jarrell Lane and Kristen WidickPelesky, Chelsea Craig Simpson

Reilly, Debbie Stella RaymerShelton, Frank William and Harriet Belle TuckerSmith, Keith Wayland and Linda SmithWard, Pat Doug and Nan Frazer Smith

White, Ron Jon and Anita Romeo HasseyWhittington, Judy Eric Chandler Whittington

In May, HHI was given the opportun i ty to partner with a team of missionary families sent by the Donelson church of Christ and the Plesant Valley church of Christ who are working in Mozambique. We joined forces to host a Christian Business Women’s conference for sixty women. Fourteen of the women present were members of our Women Worth A Million program in Mozambique. They, along with Martha and Jeremy Smith, Alan Howell (all missionaries to Mozambique), and Ashley Reeves (HHI employee), presented lessons on what it means to be a Christian woman while managing a small business, the practicalities of running a business, and how to manage funds earned through a business.

The day of the conference, the women gathered and began to sing to their creator under a large pavilion. The singing grew louder and more passionate as groups of more and more women approached the small structure. Each woman shook the hand of everyone in the room (as is customary), and found her place on the hand woven floor mats.

Amidst a gentle breeze, the faint noiseof children playing in the streets, and the occasional crow of a rooster, the conference officially began. The day and a half seemed too short to talk about everything these women wanted to cover! The women eagerly participated in discussions and

skits, provided testimonies of what it is like to start a small business in Mozambique, and asked questions about new information.

Ashley Reeves taught material on being a godly woman who manages her business with integrity, quality, and the intention of blessing others.

Martha Smith taught a section on several practicalities in operating a business. They outlined the simple steps for figuring out how much a product or service will cost, and at what price it will reasonably sell. Jeremy Smith taught a section on managing the money received from a small business. He talked about putting it into three categories: God, saving, and spending. Alan Howell taught a section on overcoming the mind set of poverty. He talked about the possibility of conquering different “giants” in developing countries such as poor leadership,

drunkenness and witchcraft. He spoke of the importance of replacing those things with something godly, like running a busi-ness and using that business to bless other people.

Thank you for your prayers for this time spent in Mozambique. The fruit of this con-

ference is already starting to grow. Several women who attended the conference are working toward starting a savings group so that each woman in the

group would have a turn at a micro-loan. Others women have asked for the material used at the conference so they can teach it

to their husbands and churches. We continue to expect many more

blessings to come in the future! To learn more about Women Worth A Million, please

contact Lydia Steger at 615-832-2000.

Christian Business Conference in Mozambique

“ The women eagerly part ic ipated in discussions and skits, provided

test imonies of what i t is l ike to start a business in Mozambique,

and asked questions about new information. ”

The most conservative estimate suggests only 50% of Americans today have a last will and testament. Based on that percentage, only half of the people that read this article have a will. If you are one who does not, I encourage you to take immediate steps to get your estate plan in place. For those who do have a will, studies indicate that only 2% of all wills include a charitable bequest. If you have included a charitable work as a beneficiary, you are in a very select group… approximately 1% of the U. S. population. Why is this group so small? There are many reasons, but the Bible reminds us of one of the most prominent. Man-kind has generally been forgetful. Take a moment to consider these verses: Deuteronomy 8:17-18a, You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my

hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth… and Psalm 24:1, The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. These verses remind us what we have is not the result of anything that we have done and all things, including us, belong to the Lord. When we forget this, we tend to be more possessive of and less generous with what has been entrusted to us.

Healing Hands International is so thankful for people like Ralph and Mimi Samples who have not forgotten from where all blessings come. They have planned their estate from a Christian perspective in order to glorify God, care for their

family, and support Christian works like HHI. Ralph says, “God has blessed us so much. We count it an honor to remember Healing hands in our will.”

If you do not have a will or if you need to review and modify your existing plan and would like assistance, please contact Scott Saunders at 615-832-2000.

Glorifying God With Your Estate Planning

We’re Celebrating M.A.G.I. In July... at HHI!

Hygiene–regular size bar of soap–toothbrush –toothpaste (unboxed)–combs for boys–brushes for girls–band aids (unboxed)

Educational –pencils–colored pencils –small pencil sharpeners–erasers–colored markers–crayons (24 count or smaller)–coloring books–spiral notebooks

–small puzzles Clothing–boys and girls flip flops–boys and girls underwear–boys and girls t-shirts–boys and girls shorts–girls dresses Toys–small stuffed animals–yo yo’s–marbles–little cars, trucks, planes–jump rope–action figures–small dolls–small balls

Accessories –hats–sunglasses–girls jewelry –flashlights w/ batteries–hair accessories for girls Other –small spanish new testament–bag of individually wrapped hard candies–personal note to the child–photo of you or your group

DO NOT INCLUDE–shampoo–conditioner –toy guns–playing cards–knives–perishable food items–medicines–used items–mouthwash–nail polish remover

–fragile items

7Summer 2014

Here at HHI we celebrate M.A.G.I. (Making a Godly Impact) all year round, but this month we’re paying the ministry extra attention. Join us in bringing joy and love to thousands of children all around the world this July through M.A.G.I. Since many of the boxes go out of our offices during Christmas time,

we decided to pull out the Christmas music, sweaters, (and of course M.A.G.I. boxes) for a party... and we encourage you to do the same! Why not host a M.A.G.I. in July box packing party or gathering? Get creative. We would love to hear from you how you’re celebrating M.A.G.I. this summer.

Once again, this year we are using an acronym for M.A.G.I. that explains the whole purpose behind the project, which is “Making A Godly Impact.” Boxes will be delivered to children in Honduras, Dominican

Republic, Zambia, the Texas border, and Mexico.

We’ve had specially designed boxes printed again this year. You can either pick them up at one of our offices or we can ship them to you. If you would like to order one of the free boxes (or if you just want more information about the project), please contact Cindy Herring or Sean Judge in Tennessee at 615-832-2000 or Doug Fair or Brandi Huddleston in Texas at 817-536-3383. All we ask is that you either pick up the boxes at our offices, or pay for the shipping to your home or church! We look forward to you joining us in touching the lives of many children around the world this year.

“ Why not host a M.A.G.I. in July box packing party or gathering? Get creative.

We would love to hear from you how you’re celebrating M.A.G.I. this summer. ”

M.A.G.I. Box Packing List REMINDER! Every year during Christmastime, HHI sends M.A.G.I. boxes to

Mission Lazarus in Honduras. In order to ship the boxes to Honduras before

Christmas, we need YOU to get your filled boxes to our office by October 1st!

Please help us bless many Honduran children by meeting this deadline!

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage PaidNashville, TN 37211

Permit No. 3111

Board of Directors

Bill Merry, Jr.–Chairman

Greg Hardeman–Treasurer

Dr. Sidney Allen

Keith Cuthrell

Dr. Bennie Harris

Bill Lawler

Burt Nowers

Dr. Margaret Perry

Sandy Perry

Dr. Doug Peters

Dr. Randy Steger

Don Yelton

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Healing Hands International 455 McNally Drive Nashville, TN 37211 615.832.2000 www.hhi.org

Staff

Carl Burkybile

Dr. Seth Carmody

Rita Cochrane

Doug Fair

Dr. Willa Finley

Chris Gingles

Harry Hames David Heffington

Cindy Herring, RN

Brandi Huddleston

Lara Jenkins

Sean Judge

Curt King

Mary King, RN

Burt Nowers

Jana Owen

Brandon Post

Jim Pounders

Visit our website to learn more about each of our ministries! www.hhi.org

Both male and female staff members are available

to speak to your church, Bible class, school, youth

group, ladies class, or missions committee about the

work of Healing Hands International. Please

contact our offices for more information!

Maeva Ralafiarindaza

Ashley Reeves

Scott Saunders

Colton Scott

Joseph Smith

Linda Smith

Bobbie Solley, Ed.D.

Lydia Steger

Ebenezer Udofia

Ron White

CHARITYNAVIGATOR

FOUR STAR CHARITY

Northview Centre 2201 Midway Road

Carrollton, TX 75006 817.536.3383

Healing Hands International

455 McNally Drive Nashville, TN 37211

615.832.2000

Issue 2 – 2014

HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A South Sudanese woman

receives food aid from Healing

Hands International.

Story on page 5