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

Issue 2–2015

Making A Difference in Africa Through Sustainable Agriculture & Clean Water Page 2-3

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes

seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness

and praise spring up before all nations.

–Isaiah 61:11 NIV

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Thika, Kenya is a little known area on the map. Over the past year, Healing Hands International has had the opportunity to work with the locals through the Greenville Avenue Church of Christ in Richardson, Texas. After

attending an Agriculture workshop led by Carl Burkybile (HHI Agriculture Director) at our Carrollton office in Texas last summer, Ray Christopher decided he had to get his congregation involved. As the Missions

Coordinator at Greenville Avenue, Ray had been involved in ministry in Thika, Kenya for several years and yearned to make a tangible difference in the lives of the people there in addition to teaching them the gospel. To Ray, HHI’s method of sustainable agriculture “offered a solution to the food shortage

and the growing of crops among [Thika’s] poor.”

After coordinating with Ebenezer Udofia, HHI’s Director of African Agriculture, the Greenville Avenue congregation sponsored

20 churches in Thika, Kenya, allowing each church to send representatives to the Agriculture workshop. Ebenezer reports

“Sixty church and community members received training in composting, raised planting bed construction, drip irrigation systems, transplanting,

mulching, and basic garden management skills.” Each member of the group received a drip kit and resolved to pass on their knowledge to those in their

homes and local congregations.

Immediately following the workshops, the region of Thika had a very successful growing season– both in the gardens and in the hearts of new people coming to

know the Lord. As the participants showed their friends how to construct a raised planting bed, they also shared the Gospel message. 87 people were

baptized as a direct result of this workshop.

KENYA

�ikaDEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

RWANDA

BURUNDI

TANZANIA

SOUTH SUDANCENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

UGANDA

To Ray, HHI’s methood of sustainable agriculture “offered a solution to the

food shortage and the growing of crops among [Thika’s] poor.”

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MakingADifferenceInAfrica Through Sustainable Agriculture & Clean Water

Ray said the best outcome of this workshop was “seeing the results and hearing how Christians were able to impact their families as well as their community! The participants had enough food for themselves as well as extra to sell for additional income. Participants took their training and taught others, qua-drupling in three months new teachers and users of this new method of food production. The best results were the number of souls (80+) that came to Christ because we showed love and not just talked about loving our neighbor.” What a wonderful end these baptisms and successful gardens would be to our story, but as the Bible reminds us, trials will come and life will not always be easy. The annual dry season has not only robbed many families of their produce, but also their exciting new avenue for sharing the Gospel. Sean Judge, HHI staff member who visited Thika this summer met Jonas Nguku, a preacher and one of the agriculture workshop participants. Since late March, the beginning of the “dry season”, his garden has sat vacant. For 6 months out of the year, there is not enough water in the region to keep the gardens watered and growing. As Sean and Jonas walked the dry beds, they talked about what it would look like for Jonas to have enough water throughout the dry season to grow a variety of foods while ministering to the community through teaching agriculture. This would be a dream come true for Jonas, his fellow preachers in the area, and for their families. Jonas told Sean, “We leave the [drip line irrigation] buckets hanging because if they take them down, they take away hope. My family will still smile because we have hope in the Lord!” This faith reminds us of the verse in Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV):

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The next step for Healing Hands International and the Greenville Avenue church of Christ is to introduce a clean water project component to the

Agriculture project in Thika. “We are working on the continued success of sustainable agriculture by attacking the big challenge of bringing water to support our efforts in this great ministry for the participating communities,” Ray says. God has done so much already in this community, and we look forward to the wonderful things to come. Presently, we are work-ing toward empowering this community with enough clean water to water their gardens as well as continue their ministry to share the good news of Jesus. We need your help! If you would like to help bring hope to the people of Thika, we welcome your involve-ment!

“The best results were the number of souls (80+) that came to Christ

because we showed love and not just talked about loving our neighbor”

Join or host your own...

Here’s how YOU can get involved!

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MakingADifferenceInAfrica Through Sustainable Agriculture & Clean Water

Join the HUNGER FIGHTING

TEAM!

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MEMORIAL GIFTSGifts were given in memory of the following from April 1, 2015 – August 1, 2015. Donors are in light-faced type.

Adcock, Hershel Rayburn Roy and Janis FosterAugustin, Viola Gary and Belinda McCampbellBarriger, Bill Betty Mathis Billingsley, Lisa Wallice MaysBlackwel, Bonnie Becky MulveyBomar, John L. Aubrey and Ruth CarterBoyd, Allan William and Iva Kate HopperBriley, Earl Jacob Forrest Valerie Jean BuslerBroadus, Winfred Mary BroadusBrooks, Bill Robert and Jackie Benham Anna Brooks Glen and Donna WallsBrown, June Albert and Linda Brown Kathryn Edwards Fellowship Church of Christ Eugene and Diane Hargis William and Lynn WaldenBufford, Robert “Bob” Richard and Mary Jo Drumright Buddy KrechBurns, Leola Rocky ThurmanButtery, Reuben White Bluff Thursday Ladies Bible ClassCagle, Laneice Ray and Linda SolleyCarpenter, Glenn Weathers Heights Church of Christ

Carter, Joe Hazel VancleaveCartwright, Martha Kennedy Diane BauerCastle, George Sylvia CastleCecil, Dee R. Scott and Nelda MayberryChaffin, Evelyn David and Patricia WhitakerChamberlain, Gardner Lois Francis Robert and Margaret Kendrick Julie Schloot Gary and Susan WilsonChurch, Sara Sid and Joan SmithCline, Grant Debora Ford Robert and Ashlie Kirby Crosier, Jo Doris HardawayDavenport, Jr, Nelson Edwin Jim and Fay McFarlinDillard, Merrideth Wilson Danny and Linda CottrellDyer, Boyd Gaylon and Francis PresleyEichelberger, Edward Mrs. Edward Eichelberger Emerson, Darrell Wallice MaysFergueson, Helen Barbara H. MartinFincher, Betty John T. and Wanda GivensFord, Claude and Bessie Ron and Donna WhiteFord, Tom Ron and Donna WhiteFrizzell, Ray Jim and Patty MoonGaw, Vera Gaylon and Francis PresleyGoolsby, Jr., Bruce Brian and Mary Allen Donald and Lucille Anderson Jim and Janet Atnip

Young Adults Impact NepalDo not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. –2 Timothy 4:12 NIV

In the midst of the chaos of the Nepal earthquake, we have heard many stories of inspiration and hope through our contacts who are still working hard to bring relief to the nation.

Jitu (pictured in red) is a 20 year old college student who was born and raised in the Dhading district. The villages in this district are high in the mountains and hard to reach since the village lies about 10 miles from the Tibet border, also known as “the spine of the Himala-yan Mountains.” Much of the money Healing Hands sent immedi-ately after the earthquake went to providing shelter, food, and water for this resource-poor district.

Jitu, along with a small group of young people who also grew up in the village, have been absolutely vital to the relief effort in the Dhading district, and Healing Hands is very thankful. This group of young people has acted as interpreters and assistants for foreign medical teams, removed rubble and debris from streets and public places, formed play groups at orphanages and day care centers, as well as taught children’s bible classes at different congregations in the Kathmandu Valley. Jitu says, “I felt the biggest joy when I went to my village in Heli-copter with some relief material. I saw many villagers smiling look-ing at me with a hope. I felt joy to provide them the relief material that you friends in America sending us with heart full love. I would like to thank you, friends in America, for loving, helping, caring, and praying for Nepal and for my village.” What an inspiring group of young people! Thank you, Jitu and friends, for your wonderful Christian example. If you would like to donate to the relief effort in Nepal, please donate on our website at www.hhi.org or send a check with Nepal in the memo line.

HHI accepts M.A.G.I. boxes year round!

To order boxes, please contact Sean Judge at 615-832-2000

Our Education program has entered a new phase! From the beginning, our goal has been to find a godly, capable, driven Haitian teacher to whom we could entrust this program on a weekly basis. We have found that teacher in Madeline Joseph who is our new educational representative on the ground. Madeline is a young Haitian teacher who has com-pleted two years at a teaching college. Dr. Bobbie Solley met her while working in one of the schools in Port-au-Prince. She stood out from the other teachers from the very beginning in the questions she asked, the attention she gave, and in the implementation we saw in her class-room. As we got to know her better, it became clear that she was a wonderful choice for the in-country Educational Director position.

In June, Bobbie spent time training Madeline in the role she will play. She will provide professional development training and support for teachers in the schools, just as Bobbie has done the past three years. Her work begins this fall when Madeline will rotate among 3-4 schools, teaching teachers one on one, much like Bobbie has done. What Bobbie has only been able to do sporadically, Madeline will be able to do on a consistent basis.

God has provided us with an ideal educator in Madeline, and we are extremely thankful. To quote Madeline, “I have prayed for God to help me in my current situation. He has answered my prayers through you. I am so happy to be working with someone who shares my

beliefs and who loves God like I do.” What more could we ask for?

Please be prayerful on behalf of Madeline as she begins this new venture. She is fearlessly braving new territory on behalf

of Healing Hands! Here are some specific prayer requests:

• Courage for Madeline as she faces new challenges with teachers and principals

• Acceptance from the teachers and principals with whom she will work

• Safety as she travels to various parts of Port-au-Prince to visit schools To learn more about our Education Program, please email Dr. Bobbie Solley at bsolley@hhi.org

World Relief NewsHHI Appoints and Trains A Haitian Educational Director

“God has provided us with an ideal educator in Madeline, and we

are extremely thankful.”

Purchase our newest Children’s book: A Gift Di scovered at www.hhi.org/store

(Memorial Gifts continued) Goolsby, Jr., Bruce Frances Buckner Fred and Phyliss Burton Huston Bynum Charles and Laura Carter Ken Clark Patricia Coomer Peggy Cooper Kristy and Amanda Cunningham Jim and Marian Dale Walter and Joyce Drake Sandra Eaves Terry Edgington Don and Earline Elkins Billy and Louise Flatt Doug Fowler

David and Laura Fox Eric and Amanda Fox Shirley Gaw Chad and Anna Gilbert James and Judy Lee Green Jim Hicks John and Elizabeth Hudson Edward and Wanda Jared Chuck and Sarah Johnson Cheryl Jones Joan Kelly Mary Alice Kinslow Mark and Lagene Lee Michael Loyd John Mason III Kenneth and Sonia Mayes Phillip and Hazel McCanless

Mr. and Mrs. Sean Michael John Nichols Opal Nichols Gaylon and Francis Presley James and Helen Shaeffer Bud and Carrie Simpson Virginia Simpson Leighton and Evelyn Sissom Lucy Smith Geneva Spear Adriel and Nancy Stout Isla and Stephen Stults Sylvia and Willie Tackett Dewey and Kay Thrasher Gary and Caroline Vaughn Donnie and Laquita Westbrooks Bobby and Delores Wheatley

Young Adults Impact Nepal

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HHI Ships Bridge for Lipscomb Engineering Students

Joe Smith, Ron Harness, and Mike Cochrane see the bridge off from the Nashville warehouse. Engineering students at Lipscomb University, faculty members, and countless others have worked for two years to fund, design, and build a 104 foot bridge for school children in San Eteban, Honduras.

Currently, these Honduran children cross a busy highway in order to get to school. This new bridge will allow students at an elementary and middle school to safely cross a highway bisecting their school campus.

Healing Hands International agreed to ship the bridge. Lipscomb Engineering students along with several of their professors will fly to San Eteban, Honduras in August to reassemble it once it arrives. Mike Cochrane (pictured in red), came to see the project off. He is a member of the Lipscomb Board of Engineering, and on behalf of the department says the project “goes along with the university’s mission program to improve the quality of life for the poor around the world.” Both Lipscomb and Healing Hands believe development projects such as this one truly open the door for sharing the gospel. The shipping program at Healing Hands International embraces missions projects such as this bridge. HHI is honored to play a small part in this venture and we look forward to hearing great things about its impact in the future! For more information about International Shipping, please contact Joseph Smith at 615-832-2000.

HHI is honored to play a small part in this venture and we look forward to hearing great things about its impact in the future!

Did you know Healing Hands International is a member of Amazon Smile? This means when you sign up under our Charity name, we receive a portion of every purchase you make on Amazon! There is no cost to you and it benefits us greatly! To sign up, please go under your account and search for Healing Hands International.

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(Memorial Gifts continued)Goolsby, Jr., Bruce Cleda and Sylvia Wheeler Paul Wright Dorisse YokleyGrosier, Charles and JoNell Ron and Donna White Hall, Bruce Henrietta VaughnHalvatzes, John Wallice Mays Hardy, Jane Mike and Rita Cochrane Jacquelyn HowardHarwell, Davis White Bluff Thursday Ladies Bible ClassHassey, Maurice Ron and Donna White

Hatchett, Thomas “Tommy” James and Helen CostelloHeffington, John Douglas Stephen and Veronica Overturf Russ and Ginger Cooper Betty MathisHendrix, Mrs. Arma Ray and Linda SolleyHenry, Jean William and Iva Kate HopperHestand, Bert Rocky ThurmanHillman, Keith Jack and Judy LittleHodge, Jr., Levi Debra Gregory Dr. Bill and Patricia WebbHodge, Levi Kathryn Edwards Fellowship Church of Christ

Holman, Jo Frank and Charlotte CleaverHughes, Dr. Joe Don Catherine RaineyHumphries, Chet Ray and Linda SolleyJenkins, Glen Bob and Nancy WebbJerkins, E. Ray James and Helen CostelloJohnson, Don James and Helen Costello Betty Mathis Ted and Jane TrammellKinnaird, Harold Gaylon and Francis PresleyKite, Judy Wallace and Jean Beasley Ann Blackstock Bob and LaJuana Burgess William Jempty David Kite Syd and Joleen Kite Sandra Taylor Martha WalkerLoutzenhiser, Patricia Jerry LoutzenhiserMallard, Julia Akins Becky Mulvey Mauersberg, Jack Edward EichelbergerMays, Dorothy Virginia Bobbi Learner

McGrady, George Sid and Jenetta AllenMehlbauer, Bernard Joseph Owensboro Church of ChristMidgett, Harry V. Betty MidgettMilligan, Kristy Bob and Nancy WebbMoody, Sharon Bill MoodyMoody, Susan R. (Swadley) Darren MoodyMullen, Margie Aubrey and Ruth CarterMyrick, George and Ruby Jimmy and Corlis EllisNeal III, Frank Georgia NealNeal, Frank Adele Cayton Elgin Church of ChristNelson, Jamar Weathers Heights Church of ChristNewberry, Roger Charles and Gail DeberryPellin, Diane Oberlin Church of ChristRiden, Eleanor Kimberly Green Rinaldo, Gladys White Bluff Ladies Bible ClassRoden, James

John and Julie DoonerRutherford, Nadine Donald and Peggy Nims Shafer, Maxine Wallice MaysSherrod, Mary Lou Ron and Donna WhiteSikes, Paul Geoffrey and Joanna SikesStephens, Bill Mike and Rita CochraneStevens, Bill Ed and Joy BinkleyTarkington, Charlie and Dot Frank and Charlotte CleaverTurner, Larry Bob and Nancy WebbWallace, Mrs. Ruth Ray and Linda SolleyWhite, Delois and Marcella Ron and Donna WhiteWhitehead, Anna Marie Robert and Peggy Brown Rhinard and Betty TroupWord, Ola Owensboro Church of ChristYoung, Bernard Charlotte Justice Young, Mark Debora Ford Steven and Heather SislerZumwalt, Amy Donald and Peggy Huffman

Save the Date for the Women of Hope Conference March 4-5, 2016 at the

Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, TN!

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Hope PartyHost a

Life.Change a woman’s

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

HONOR GIFTSGifts were given in honor of the followingApril 1, 2015 – August 1, 2015. Donors are in light-face type.

Bailey, Mickey and Greg Charlotte JusticeBreeden, Orene Michele BreedenBrock, Audrey Audrey and Tim BrockBrown, Farris Tim BrownD’Herde, Lilah Shawn and Kathryn FrazierDaugherty, Al Mike and Rita CochraneDolan, Christine Emily KochaFarrar, Hank Ronald and Martha HighfieldIrvin, Michael Sid and Jenetta Allen

Jarrell, Jack Robert and Nancy MedaughMelanson, James Bert, Jr. Valerie SimonMelanson, Jim and Janet J.C. Bailey Thomas Horan Pirozzo, Pam Lois NeatheryPrather, Janet Floyd Valerie SimonSaunders, Dr. Burton Scott and Susan SaundersShelton, Carol Elinor HardisonStanley, Rachel Scott and Susan SaundersStewart, Katie William JemptyUdofia, Ebenezer William and Vicky JamesWhite, Robert E. Ron and Donna White

Overflowing Hope

Elizabeth Yakubu, our Women’s Empower-ment leader in Ghana, is one exceptional woman. One of her many social development projects in her community includes running a trade school for girls who would otherwise have no opportu-nity for learning a usable skill. She has trained over 500 young women ranging in ages from 14 to 25. She trains them in sewing, hairdressing, and jewelry making. After the girls finish their training, they are empowered to start their own businesses, send their children to school, and help provide for their families. According to Elizabeth, “news of my trade school has spread

like wildfire.” Due to the high interest in the school, Elizabeth has been able to hire one of her former students to help run the program.

The trade school not only serves as a community development project, but also as a Christian outreach to the community. Year after year, most of her students are not Christians at the beginning of the training. But by God’s grace, by the end, many of the young women accept Christ as their Savior.

Healing Hands International has had the pleasure of being involved with the school for 2 years now, supporting 10 of her girls at a time. The cost to support one young woman for one year in Elizabeth’s trade school is $200. This includes all food, uniforms, and supplies for the duration of the training. If you would like to support a Ghanaian girl through this project, please contact Lydia Steger at 615-832-2000.

Empowering Girls in Ghana

“Year after year, most of her students are not Christians at the beginning of the training. But by God’s grace, by the end, many of the young women accept Christ as their Savior.”

Tea Party Benef iting

HHI WOmen’s Ministries

North Davis Church of Christ

–November 14– 2:00pm-5:30pm

Arlington, TXIf you would like more information about this event, please contact

Christi Romeo at 469-892-2884

John and Julie DoonerRutherford, Nadine Donald and Peggy Nims Shafer, Maxine Wallice MaysSherrod, Mary Lou Ron and Donna WhiteSikes, Paul Geoffrey and Joanna SikesStephens, Bill Mike and Rita CochraneStevens, Bill Ed and Joy BinkleyTarkington, Charlie and Dot Frank and Charlotte CleaverTurner, Larry Bob and Nancy WebbWallace, Mrs. Ruth Ray and Linda SolleyWhite, Delois and Marcella Ron and Donna WhiteWhitehead, Anna Marie Robert and Peggy Brown Rhinard and Betty TroupWord, Ola Owensboro Church of ChristYoung, Bernard Charlotte Justice Young, Mark Debora Ford Steven and Heather SislerZumwalt, Amy Donald and Peggy Huffman

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

Bruce Beck

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

Chris Gingles

Ron Harness

David Heffington

Cindy Herring, RN

Brandi Huddleston

Lara Jenkins

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!

Sean Judge

Curt King

Mary King, RN

Jordan McDonnell

Burt Nowers

Jana Owen

Brandon Post

Jim Pounders

Maeva Ralafiarindaza

Ashley Reeves

CHARITYNAVIGATOR

FOUR STAR CHARITY

Northview Centre 2201 Midway Road

Suite 203 Carrollton, TX 75006

469.892.2884

Healing Hands International

455 McNally Drive Nashville, TN 37211

615.832.2000

Issue 2 – 2015

HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Christi Romeo

Amy Robinson

Scott Saunders

Joseph Smith

Linda Smith

Bobbie Solley, Ed.D.

Lydia Steger

Ebenezer Udofia

Ron White