NAOC Malawi, Africa Overview
I hope you recall that Noah's Ark Orphan Care or NAOC, was founded by Nancy Sisco, sponsored by Christian Church International (CCI), and is headquartered in Blantyre, Malawi. If this is your first visit to my Squidoo Lens, please check out my two other lenses for lots more details and photos on NAOC.
As a Community Based Organization (CBO), we provide everything except a place to sleep for 30 children in Blantyre, and over 50 children in Metaketa (Zomba District). The program relies solely on the generosity of donors and sponsors (individuals, groups, businesses, churches, trusts, and foundations) thus far in the USA and Malawi.
Because of the HIV/Aids epidemic, the number of orphaned, and other vulnerable children needing assistance continued to increase. The house in Chirimba Township became increasingly too small!
Nancy began to pray and envisioned a new three-story multi-purpose building.
First, it would have to be large enough to have living space for her, her adopted Malawian daughter, Esther, and the four other orphans living with her.
Second, it would have classrooms, a library, an office, bathrooms, and an auditorium for music and drama presentations.
Where would this lovely facility be located AND would enough money come in to begin the construction??
Mchiru Mountain View
"Malawi's Heavenliest View"
or did I leave you guessing?
Pastor Nancy shares here, how the land happened to come into our hands:
"Several years ago, some friends in the States donated money to buy a piece of property, and a different parcel close to the current one was chosen and bought.
It contained a partially completed building. However, one day people were seen unloading a delivery of bricks to complete the building. Upon investigation, it was found there was a question of ownership. In negotiation, the currently owned property was offered in exchange.
Now we see God's hand in all of it, as this piece of land is far superior. It is quite a bit larger, sits high on a hill, and has views of the surrounding mountains from EVERY direction.
We praise Him, and through it all have learned to trust Him more and more."
Orphan Care Fundraising Can Be Fun!
Some of my Flickr photos were taken when Nancy and Esther were home here in beautiful Michigan this summer. Their ten weeks here were very full and quickly flew by, but SO much was accomplished.They went to doctor and dentist appointments, family and church gatherings, water parks and a zoo. Esther also celebrated her NINTH birthday!! :-)
They had several opportunities to share our progress with old friends, many donors and supporters, and also make new friends who were interested in helping the children at NAOC.
Maggie's hosting a "friends of NAOC" evening
Old and New Friends Express Their Interest
Let the Work Begin in Blantyre
...or, "So they strengthened their hands for this good work." Neh:2:18b
During their summer visit in Flint 2007, Nancy met a young couple, Jeff and Sara Ryal, and their 11 year old daughter, Annamarie.Jeff is the Missions Coordinator for his church, Faith Tabernacle, and is also "coincidentally" in the CONSTRUCTION business.
YES, can you believe it? Is this a God-thing, or what?
He had traveled on many construction missions trips; seven times in Peru, and had also worked in Jamaica, Belize, and twice in the US Gulf Coast.
So while looking over the blueprints, he was eager to help with the project, and after praying began to plan to take his family to Malawi the very next summer, Lord willing.
(L to R:Tim, Annamarie, Sara & Tim)
Americans in Malawi...
...falling in love with the " Warm Heart of Africa"
The Lord was VERY willing, and even had another hard-working young man, Tim Rosa, travel with them for the five- week mission.Here's a link to Jeff and Sara's Blog from their time in Blantyre! We're hoping she'll keep it updated, now that they're back home.
www.1-17.blogspot.com
Tim, Jeff and Sara at building site
NAOC Construction Well Underway!
Jeff and Tim worked alongside the Malawian crew...
...and that was quite a witness to the Malawians. They said, "Usually the Americans just watch!"
Burnt bricks and Mch...
Sand for the Constru...
Free Sand, Paid Work...
Taking a Rest
Footings
Mesh over Cement
Green Vistas
Kids in the "Be...
Deep Foundations
Columns Without Boxe...
Column Forms
Seven Boxed columns
Measuring Up
NAOC Building: 40' B...
Tim Rosa, Annamarie,...
Veranda- Tim & R...
town side
side lintels
Pastor's future bedr...
Pastor Elisha visits...
Keeping The NAOC Vision Real Back Home
Tonight Jeff and Sara, and Tim, shared their hearts for helping the orphans at NAOC, and what they learned from Malawians.
Even though things tend to move s-l-o-w-l-y that side, there was a sense of urgency to get the building up as fast as possible...BECAUSE it means saving more lives!
They asked everyone to pray about sponsoring a child's education in private school, having a well drilled, and about the possibility of international adoption!
Private Schooling A Must...
...For a Real Education
Government schools in Malawi aren't yet up to par: children attend just four hours a day, class size often OVER 100, education is only free to eighth grade, and textbooks were just recently available for the very first time.
During the rainy season, it pours all day, every day...so many kids are sent home...especially those that have class outside under a big tree!
If the children don't quickly gain a very good command of English, then ALL other subjects will suffer immensely.
P.S. Poll answer is on a sticky note on Noah's Ark Orphan Care lens.
"What I Learned in Malawi" by Tim Rosa
NAOC Building News Update
The building project has temporarily come to a halt until more money comes in.
We DON'T charge materials and get into debt, but we DO seriously pray and trust the Lord. He's always provided at the right time.
NAOC Building Project Stops For Now 9/20/08
Would you like to help support the children and building project at NAOC?
Donor info here:
NAOC is sponsored by (but separate from) Christian Church International headquartered in Flint, MI, USA.
All donations and gifts are tax exempt under CCI's 501-c3 status. Checks may be made out to Noah's Ark Orphan Care, and mailed to:
Noah's Ark Orphan Care
c/o CCI
P. O. Box 13408
Flint, MI 48501
Thank you for your interest! :-)
Marie and Evelyn (piggyback) on Mom
NAOC Update: Evelyn...
...is recovering after her accident! (see Ryals Blog link above)
While crossing the road on her way to eat lunch there, Evelyn (about eight years old) was hit by a minibus.
Her body was thrown into the air, and her older sister Marie ran screaming that her little sister was dead! Nancy and other adults rushed to the site, but she had already been taken to hospital. She was unconscious for many days with a concussion, an injured hip, and a broken leg.
Thankfully,after much prayer Evelyn rallied and was discharged just last week. Her mother carries her everywhere, while she waits for crutches to be made.
The other children were afraid to cross the road for sometime, but now are happy to come eat, study, and play at NAOC.
Evelyn Walks Without Crutches
Evelyn Has Recovered
Note From Pastor Nancy...
Hi Everyone!
I thought you might like to see a photo of Evelyn walking. The mother came with her to get money to take her to hospital for a check-up. She showed me that she can now walk without her crutches. We praised the Lord!
She looked so cute in her new dress. We finally had opportunity to buy clothes for each of the children. I sent two of the older kids to market, and for about $7 USD, they bought each of the girls one dress, and Ivan, a shirt and shorts.
NAOC News Update
As of September 19, 2008 the price of a 50kg. bag of maize has skyrocketed from K800 to K1000 to now OVER K3000. That's approximately $18 per bag, and we use one bag each week!
Donations received at this time count toward purchasing more maize before it shoots up again.
Stocking Up On Maize
Malawian Videos: Song, Dance and More
Malawi Related News
Trying to keep it uplifting
- Stories on Malawi: Education for girls is key to brighter future in Malawi
- Education is the key for Malawian girls to overcome the cultural definition of a woman's place in their society. Read more about the recent opening of "Girls On The Move School".
- DFID | News | DFID signs England stars to spread AIDS awareness
- Three British football (soccer) stars are spreading help and hope in Malawi. Young people are listening to the warning from the young men that play their very favorite sport.
- ESCOM Begins Laying Fiber Optic Cables
- This will be so helpful...
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has started laying fiber-optic cables that will connect Mozambique with the Zambian border town of Mchinji to ease communication problems. - Malawi: Better Roads Lead to More money
- In order to get their produce to market, Malawian farmers need a much better road system. Read more about the problems and possible solutions here.
- Marysville doctor opens care center in Malawi - NewsFlash - mlive.com
- Dr. Rod McLane, a chiropractor in Marysville, MI is working with Hope Endeavors and partnering with SOM (Save Orphans Ministries) in Lilongwe,Malawi,Africa.
It's great to see so many new Michigan links to Malawi!
Small world: Jeff Ryal, who "coincidentally" knows his brother in law, met with him a few weeks back.
The rest of us in the Flint area hope to meet up with him and brainstorm very soon. - BBC NEWS | Africa | Drugs 'slash' Malawi Aids deaths
- Distributing Aids drugs in Malawi has massively cut the death rate, an official says.
NAOC : Stateside Fellowship, Fun, and Focus
Fascinatin' Facts...
...and some cool links!
- Malawi Facts (Lake Malawi, Multi Party, Africa) @ Wretchedness.org
- The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast and Mozambique, which surrounds it on the east, south and west and it is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by…
- Vestergaard Frandsen : LifeStraw®
- LifeStraw, PermaNet, and ZeroFly are three innovative products being used in third world countries and sub-Saharan Africa. They're greatly reducing the numbers of people,especially children, that are afflicted by mosquito, fly, and water-born diseases.
- Jewelry for Charity - How Jewelry Makers Help Important Causes
- Discover how jewelry artists are using their jewelry for charity and other causes in a variety of ways, in this inspiring article by Margaret Shuster.
This great article inspires me to create themed based pieces to add to my Etsy collection for NAOC in Malawi,Africa! - Tabernacle replica at Cornerstone University will help African AIDS orphans - Latest News - The Grand Rapids Press - MLive.com
- If you visit the Tabernacle in Grand Rapids, MI, you'll be helping Aids orphans in Africa. The display is open through October 2008.
Pastor Elisha Visits NAOC Building Site
Construction: Malawi Style
Via Email from Pastor Nancy
"These are the walls of the first floor. They have now reached to the top of the support columns.
Next the workers added the cement lintel. It's a layer of cement around the entire top of the building, with steel rods above the windows and doors.
Above that will be three or four rows of brick which will take us to the next cement slab...the ceiling/floor of the second floor.
The lighter colored bricks are the foundation, and the first floor begins where the darker bricks are added."
We use a lot of steel supports, which are very costly, but VERY necessary for safety!
New NAOC Flagpole: Shadreck, Accompanied by Oscar ;-)
Any Good Reports, Kudos, Bon Mots...
...and your name, of course!
Please leave your comments and kind thoughts for me here :-)
AslanBooks wrote...
A very nice lens. I have featured it on my lens about Maria Sue Chapman, adopted Chinese daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman. She was tragically killed in a car accident in May 2008. You can read more about her at http://www.squidoo.com/mariasuechapman.
Posted November 21, 2008
Steff wrote
God's hand can certainly be seen in this wonderful work. All glory to Him!
Posted November 21, 2008
Comfortdoc wrote...
Welcome to the HIV / AIDS Awareness Group. You've done a great job in helping to get the word out on this cause.
Posted November 16, 2008
alteredkat wrote...
Inspirational lens! Bravo! 5*
...thanks by the way, for visiting my lens recently.
Posted November 11, 2008
lens4Him wrote...
Wonderful informative and inspirational lens! God is clearly at work here.
Thank you for adding my Christian Worship Music lens to your favorites
Posted November 10, 2008
Zion wrote...
Wow! This is a great info for all of us.
I really like your lens! so I gave you 5*.. how about that?!...
Please try to stop by my lens. I would really much appreciate if you could rate mine too!
Thank you so much!
Zion
http://www.squidoo.com/effective-best-acne-treatment-info
Posted October 24, 2008
eccles1 wrote...
wonderful lens! I love the pictures too and how green it still is
Posted September 24, 2008
KimGiancaterino wrote...
Wonderful lens... Welcome to the Help Africa Group. Squid Angel Blessings!
Posted September 22, 2008
