Nonprofits & Volunteering
NoahsArkOrphanCare-Malawi,Africa
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Malawian Orphans and Me
In October of 2007 I was asked to serve on the board of trustees for Noah's Ark Orphan Care in Blantyre, Malawi, Africa. NAOC is a CBO (Community Based Organization) in Chirimba Township.
I had the opportunity to visit there with my husband for a month in September 2002. After seeing the children's desperate needs, I wanted to do all I could to help.
Praying that you will too!
Where's Malawi, You Say?
And no, it's not in Hawaii ! ;o)
Well, now thanks to Madonna, most people at least know it's in Africa! See Del.icio.us link belowSo, here's a map of the small (like Michigan) but lovely country of Malawi. Beautiful Lake Malawi runs along two-thirds of it's length. Metaketa is about two hours from Blantyre, in southern Malawi.
The country's population is just under 12 million, with approximately 1 million orphans.
Malawi Information from the Translation Site
The children lose their parents primarily by HIV/Aids related disease. Often their grandparents, aunts or uncles are unable or unwilling to care for them. Many older siblings attempt to provide for the younger children and miss attending school themselves.
We heard of a young girl in Metaketa, maybe 14 years old, taking care of four younger brothers and sisters. She would daily scrounge for food, and search for work to get a few kwacha to take to market.
Before we could help them, the youngest boy, only three, died from starvation. That just broke Pastor Nancy's heart and she was more determined than ever to help in any way she could.
NAOC: The Beginning
Surprise, You're Having 30 Children!
Nancy A. Sisco is an ordained pastor in Flint, Michigan and had opportunity to visit South Africa, and Malawi for a short term mission program in 1995. Malawi, "The Warm Heart of Africa", made a fast and deep impression on her.Having a great love for the country, its people, and especially the children, she returned in 1996 and stayed for almost one year! Our church, Christian Church International, helped her to establish a branch of CCI in Blantyre, Malawi in 2001.
~ One day as Nancy was out walking, two ladies approached her and asked if she would pray for their orphaned childrens' ministry and of course, she was happy to do that.
The next time she saw the ladies, they asked her if they could bring the children to her house, as they'd been put out of their facility. They fed and taught the children outside, as the landlord didn't want any indoor damages. And of course, she was happy to do that!
Eventually those ladies lost their sponsors and left their positions. The orphans were still coming to Nancy's house every day for food,teaching, and lots of love...AND of course, she was still so very happy to do that! ~
So, Noah's Ark Orphan Care, sponsored by CCI, began and has grown to care for 30 children in Chirimba Township. Nancy was asked to register with the Social Welfare Department as a Community Based Organization after they'd heard of the assistance given to the orphaned and destitute children.
We provide three meals a day for ten children, even on weekends and holidays. We provide everything, except for a place to sleep, for 12 secondary school students including school fees, supplies, uniforms, shoes, supplemental education by tutoring, and of course, food. Medical attention is provided when needed.
~ Then there was Phase Two!~
Breakfast on the Veranda...yummy nsima!
Phase Two
NAOC: Metaketa, Malawi
It wasn't too long before another CCI branch in Metaketa, Malawi was established. Pastor C. Chisale was ordained in 2002.Here's a photo of Pastor Nancy, Pastor Chisale, and my sister-in-law, Gogo* Donna during one of her trips that side.
*Gogo means grandma in Chichewa.
Another NAOC Branch
After much prayer and seeing the huge need, the pastors decided to begin a new branch of NAOC at Metaketa in 2007. They again trusted the Lord for finances.Pastor Chisale began to ask guardians of the most vulnerable orphans to register, and hoped to have about 30 children. Before he knew it, there were 50 and he just couldn't say no!
He also has two certified teachers, and his twenty-something son, Christopher, instructing the children in English and arithmetic. The kids also love to sing and dance under Christopher's joyfully enthusiastic direction. :-)
At both NAOC locations, the children go to the government school in shifts for two to three hours a day. There are approximately 100 kids per class, and many have their "classrooms" outside under a tree. School is cancelled many days during rainy season, so the students do not receive a good education (our kids come inside the church building in that case). Only this year were the government schools finally able to have textbooks!
NAOC teachers tutor the children in the basics, as we learned that math and English were absolutely the most needed subjects. So after a hearty lunch of nsima and ground nuts or beans and rice, the children eagerly begin their studies.
There is VERY much more to come,so please check back often!
Both groups at Christmas 2007
Metaketa kids with new blankets
How in the world?
This is how it works...
Now, I know you're wondering how ALL this good stuff is happening in Malawi, so I'm about to tell you.NAOC has donors both in Malawi and in the USA; through individuals, groups, businesses, and trusts etc. We also receive matching funds from a foundation several times a year. That has been most helpful for us to expand the work in new areas, and start the building project in Blantyre (just a teaser here, more details soon). :o)
NAOC is a project of Christian Church International, but it's separately funded. NO monies are diverted for church programs, and NO monies donated go to any church administration costs. The two are financially separate entities, although under the same tax ID number.
If you or your group would love to help provide food, clothing, medical needs, and supplemental education for Malawian orphans, please see below.
Thank you for your kind interest in our very needy children. We are all eternally grateful!
Donor Info Here:
NAOC is sponsored by 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
Emanuel says, "Zikomo Kwambiri"! or "Thank you very much"!
Ta-Da: The Building Program
or... "Unless God builds the house..."
As NAOC continued to grow, it became clear to Nancy that a multi-purpose facility was needed. She already had five children living with her, including her adopted Malawian daughter, Esther. (See Del.icio.us link below.) The others came as did Esther, having no place to live and no one to care for them. Every afternoon the yard and veranda were full of children being taught the basics of math and English, and there was always time for football, basketball, and jump rope too. On rainy days the rented house was full as well, especially anytime a video was shown. They just love DVDs like "The Sound of Music", "Mary Poppins" and "The Andy Griffith Show"! 
Video and Popcorn Night!
Building Program - Part Two
Picture This...
She began to pray about it, and also talk to her associate, Pastor Chisale, to see just what kind of facility would best fit their needs. They decided that a 60 by 40 foot, three-story building would work well. The main floor would include bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, living room for entertaining guests, and an office. Classrooms, a library, and additional bathrooms would be located on the second floor. On the third floor would be a large auditorium for presentations, dramas, and music programs. It would also have a separate entrance and could be rented for wedding receptions and other social events, bringing in extra funds for NAOC.Blueprints were drawn and government certified, property acquired, contractors contacted, and plans voted on by all trustees. I can say that we all were more than excited!!
Now how would God supply the money for everything?????
Stay tuned for more...
What a glorious view of the new property!
Hey...this Lens is getting SO-O long!
You know, I think I'll have to start another Lens for the continuing story of NAOC. The building project is well under way, there's lots of photos to post, blogs to link to, and some exciting NEW news. See what I mean?? :-)
Please stay tuned for more!!
Good Reads, Good Buys!
Your Pal Steve
Just like getting emails from Steve... quite funny, but a very realistic look at life in Kenya (could be Malawi). He's given kids food, education, hope, and a chance for a future. May God bless his efforts & continue to keep them all safe at RVA.
Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 09/05/2008)
Used Price: $14.75
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
Our NAOC kids are reading Carson's book...should be quite the inspiration... it sure was for me! What a blessed man to be able to help others in so many ways.
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 09/05/2008)
Used Price: $1.96
In the Footsteps of Jesus: One Man's Journey
Bruce is a remarkable guy, humble in person but mightily used of God. Yes... we got to meet up with this sweet gentleman a few times. His life didn't continue in the way he expected (Hollywood), but he's "excited beyond excited" about the direction where God is leading him. He ministers God's love and newness of life all around the world, especially in South Africa. He's also very busy getting "The Gospel Of John" film ready to roll! Check it out.
www.brucemarchiano.com
Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 09/05/2008)
Used Price: $0.76
On a Hill Far Away: Journal of a Missionary Doctor in Rwanda
Another view of the horrible genocide that is still reverberating though countless lives scattered in and around Rwanda. The coast is still not clear.
Amazon Price: (as of 09/05/2008)
Used Price: $8.50
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
It's a miracle Ishmael survived to tell his awful story. What an opportunity to let the world know the tragedy that befalls so many young people in war ravaged regions in Africa. Hopefully, those who can will be proactive and not just fascinated readers.
Amazon Price: $14.96 (as of 09/05/2008)
Used Price: $3.55
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Fascinating account of one man's journey from mountain climbing to fund raising efforts to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Great read!
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In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing
We never know how quickly our lives could change...forever. Bob and Lee Woodruff share their story of love, hope and faith in the aftermath of Bob's life threatening injuries in Iraq.
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Chance to Die, A: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael
Another inspiring account of Amy Carmichael's lifelong service to God in India. What a timeless example of God's love for us today!
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In His Steps
It's fiction, but a really thought provoking read. It can open our eyes and hearts from religion to relationship... and action.
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Inspiring links available here:
Some fave NAOC snaps
lots more to come...
Early photo of NAOC kids singing,
Pastor Nancy slowly recovering from the auto accident with Esther's help.
What a blessed day for both of them! See how much they both have changed.
Malawian donors gave blankets. Yes, it actually gets quite cold there.
Kids blessed with rice and oil...a very special meal that has rice on th...
What a guy...great grades and attitude to match! He'll go a long way with God's...
Pastor Nancy purchased two bicycles for Christmas presents. Linda gets her turn!
Malawi related links here:
Come on, you know you'd like to read more!
- Agency Work in Malawi: Save the Children
- Save the Children Works to Help Children in Need in Malawi.
Officials from Save the Children visited Metaketa village and our dear Pastor Chisale. Next week Pastor C. and his church will be hosting a three-day Save the Children seminar for all area pastors! - A brilliant idea: kids on merry-go-rounds pump clean water in rural Africa
- What a great idea and video from National Geographic Mission Programs. Wish we had one at Metaketa!
- MALAWI: Cheer and concern over ban on private sale of maize
- IRIN Article shares good news on maize prices for Malawians.
- Water Wells For Africa
- Another super charity effort to supply clean water to impoverished Malawians.
- Traverse City Record-Eagle - Jodee Taylor: Not Madonna's Malawi
- Jodee's thankful for the attention on Malawi. Her sister, Dr. Terrie Taylor, works at the Blantyre Malaria Project.
- New MRI to debut in Malawi; will save lives, advance malaria research | MSU News | Michigan State University
- Latest official Michigan State University news and information.
- Freshwater Malawi Project
- NGO providing water and sanitation services to the rural communities of Malawi
- Malawi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Read all the facts about Malawi From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- UNICEF - Malawi - New classrooms create a renewed enthusiasm for school in Malawi
- Built by UNICEF and funded by "Schools For Africa Initiative", Mulanje primary school gets four new classrooms. They'll replace decaying ones where 150 children sat on dirt floors. They'll even have real latrines and hand-washing facilities.
More News Headlines
- UNICEF - Malawi - One womans fight to ensure justice for child victims of abuse in Malawi
- The United Nations Children's Fund - UNICEF - works for children's rights, their survival, development and protection, guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Please ...Be My Guest!
and leave your name and any comments here.
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Cajean
Thank you all so much for your kindly encouraging comments, and Squid Angel blessings too! I'm just writing some text for my 2nd Lens! W00t-w00t! :-) Posted September 05, 2008 |
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JaguarJulie
What an absolutely worthwhile cause -- I am touched by reading your lens. I would love to see more lenses such as yours. 5***** and blessings my dear. Posted September 04, 2008 |
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WhitU4ever
Thanks for sharing this lens with us... if there is anthing that touches my heart deeply it is orphans. My husband was orphaned at age 6 and went to live with his uncle and aunt. He has been following the Chapman story on Maria Sue Chapman, and I feel as though what has happened to them has happened to me. Posted September 02, 2008 |
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Wendy-S
Hi Cajean Posted August 31, 2008 |
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Jimmie
Great message! Posted August 31, 2008 |
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Joan4
This is a super lens and a great great story! I enjoyed reading! Posted August 30, 2008 |
Thanks for the time and attention you have given to make this a great lens. You have shared effectively the needs and the work being done in Malawi by Noah's Ark Orphan Care and it is appreciated.
Posted August 30, 2008
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theawristocrat
Well done lens and great cause. ^_^ Posted August 26, 2008 |
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Rena-Klingenberg
What a wonderful, feel-good lens! There's nothing in the world that feels better than helping children. Thanks for sharing this beautiful news in a world where the mass media love to dwell on gloom and doom! :o) Posted August 26, 2008 |
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clouda9
Absolutely lovely from-the-heart-lens! Thank you so much for sharing the history, your experiences, and the pictures that reflect so much joy. Posted August 20, 2008 |
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What's here
- Where's Malawi, You Say?
- NAOC: The Beginning
- Breakfast on the Veranda...yummy nsima!
- Phase Two
- Another NAOC Branch
- More...
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