THANK YOU AND PRAISE THE LORD

Earlier this year Oak Ridge United Methodist Church (ORUMC) had a fundraiser for Shoes & Socks for Isaiah's Kids.  Thanks to the generosity of the ORUMC congregation, family, friends and folks we don't know we raised $5060.00!  We are overwhelmed by the caring and compassion for the 100 students of Child Action Initiative (CAI) Education Program.  In addition to shoes and socks you have provided food for lunches packed by village women, vaccinations, toothbrushes, toothpaste,

and school supplies.

Please read the letter below from Isaiah Njimbu Chot, founder and executive director of  CAI.

SHOES DISTRIBUTION KEEP KASUNGAMI KIDS HEALTHY, HAPPY AND THRIVING.

"In Kasungami and its surrounding villages, walking is the primary mode of transportation. Every day children are prevented from attending school if they don't have shoes. Walking becomes unbearable  

Many kids are often exposed to unsanitary conditions that lead to diseases such as hookworm and threadworm, “jiggers”. These diseases lead to sickness, even death. They also keep children out of school leaving them without an education and continuing the cycle of poverty.

So, it was exciting and special, hundreds of children in Kasungami and its surrounding areas for children to receive a brand new pair of shoes on their feet, socks, Colgates, and brushes, including nutritious food, some for the first time in their lives, thanks to on-going financial supports. 

Children are thankful and happy for such kind gifts.  The shoes complement other interventions  being done and forms part of the comprehensive services provided and the essential services to orphan and vulnerable children., said “Kintu”, a 13 year old boy. 

With your help of a good pair of shoes; we provide a life-changing solution. 

Thanks for the donation from ORUMC and Sydney’s team."

 Isaiah Njimbu Chot

We cannot thank you enough for your generous donations to Shoes & Socks for Isaiah's Kids.

Blessings,

Bev & Ed Wentz

U.S. Advisors to Child Action Initiative

Oak Ridge United Methodist Church

Oak Ridge, NC 27310

SHOES & SOCKS FOR ISAIAH'S KIDS

           SHOES & SOCKS FOR ISAIAH'S KIDS            

On behalf of Isaiah Njimbu Chot, school children and villagers of Kasungami, DRC we would like to thank you for your loyal support to Child Action Initiative.  You are the reason the programs are successful.

We are having a fundraiser for Shoes & Socks for Isaiah’s Kids.  The Child Action Initiative School Program provides education for orphans including tuition, uniforms, shoes & socks, school supplies, vaccinations and lunches as well as tutoring and counseling. 

We need to raise enough money for Isaiah to purchase 100 pairs of shoes and socks for the students.  Money raised above the amount needed for Shoes & Socks will provide lunches for the students.  For many of these kids lunch is their only meal of the day.

Please click on the link below, another link comes up - click on that to see the video which includes our granddaughter, Sydney Wentz and friends.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO8qj6yuvTw&feature=youtu.be

Thanks to our pastor Andy Lambert for creating this video.

 Donations can be sent through the ADVANCE, GCFA , P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY  10087-9068 memo 3021036 Shoes or  to

Oak Ridge UMC, 2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310,

memo Shoes & Socks.

Please pray for Child Action Initiative, Isaiah and the students.

Thank you for changing the world for these students.

Blessings,

Bev & Ed Wentz
U.S. Coordinators for Child Action Initiative

Western North Carolina Conference

Northern Piedmont District

Oak Ridge UMC

Oak Ridge, NC 27310

HALLELUJAH! PRAISE GOD! CHILD ACTION INITIATIVE CELEBRATED ITS 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SINCE ITS FOUNDING IN 2006 BY (ISAIAH) ESAIE NJIMBU CHOT!

Part 2 of 2

Since the founding of Child Action Initiative (CAI) June, 2006, Isaiah has gone above and beyond the original goal of educating children to meeting the basic needs of the residents of Kasungami, DRC.  Their daily living conditions were deplorable no education programs or facilities for the many children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and civil war; contaminated drinking water, lack of adequate nourishing food due to primitive farming methods; malaria and typhoid fever and Nazareth Methodist Church (NUMC), headquarters for CAI, pillaged and plundered by civil war.

During our visit in June, 2008, it was obvious additional, more reliable and clean potable drinking water wells were necessary to meet the basic needs of a population growing exponentially - approximately 4,000 residents in 2008 to approximately 53,000 in 2016.  The wells were needed to mitigate the effects of water borne diseases prevalent in hand dug wells.  We brought this to the attention of our friend, the late Richard (Dick) E. Wright, P. G. a professional geologist and a member of Hershey, PA Rotary Club.  Three drinking water wells were made possible through a $15,000. donation from the Hershey Rotary Club.  Isaiah coordinated the drilling of the wells with World Vision located in nearby Lubumbashi.  This included drilling three strategically placed wells around the settlement, installation of well casings and three India Mark II hand pumps.  Electrically driven well pumps would have been the ideal situation but an unreliable electric supply precluded this choice.

New well near the restored NUMC 

Following are photographs showing the condition of NUMC when we first visited the area in June, 2008.

 Unable to return to Kasungami due to health reasons we enlisted the help of David Heiser, a personal friend and licensed environmental engineer.  Dave visited Kasungami on our behalf to test the water supplies and further access the general needs.  He also donated windows and doors pillaged from the church during the protracted civil war.  A nearby Catholic Church donated the corrugated steel roofing material.  Isaiah and members of the congregation installed the roof.

Restored NUMC

 The existing NUMC parsonage was in ruins and a new parsonage was planned by Isaiah and church members.  Following another visit to Kasungami, David reported church members and villagers had handmade 10,000 bricks for the parsonage.

Dave Heiser and 10,000 bricks for the Parsonage

Max Kern and his wife Shirley, of Oak Ridge UMC led a building team to Kasungami in 2012 to begin construction of the parsonage up to the roof line.  Isaiah and church members completed construction of the parsonage.

The parsonage when the building team left

Dedication of completed parsonage

During Max's visit Isaiah took him to a small chapel in near ruin in nearby Fipango.  Max provided materials and Isaiah and villagers rebuilt the chapel.

Fipango Chapel

New Fipango Chapel

Isaiah and church members subsequently built the Women's and Children's Center and the Bev Medical center.  The Learning Center is still under construction in nearby Kanyakas.  Micro-enterprise, job skills, tutoring, apprenticeship, food processing, recreation, spiritual and retreat activities take place in these buildings. The Bev Medical Center provides a safe place for women to birth their babies.

The Women's and Children's Center with a small pharmacy

The Sustainable Agriculture & Development (SA&D) program made possible through the United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) and initiated by Isaiah to improve food production, nutrition and enable self-sufficiency for the local residents.  This is a very popular train the trainer program, especially among women.  The Moringa tree program, known as the miracle tree, was developed ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moringa_oleifera.com ) and 500 seedlings were planted for future production of vitamin stabilizers and medicines.

Moringa Trees

Soybean crop

Raised Beds

10 year old farmer

Growing cassava melons

A farmer in the SA&D program learned new skills and adapted them enabling him to grow and sell vegetables.  He received a higher price for his produce since he joined the SA&D.  He motivated other farmers in the area and is educating them to new methods to increase crop yields and grow a variety of vegetables.

A lady farmer is growing vegetables including tomatoes and cabbage.  She has learned to make and use compost for the plants reducing the need for fertilizer and improve the health of the plants.  She reinvested most of her profits from selling vegetables to increase the size of her plot to plant Cassava melons.  SA&D members have learned to raise chickens and improved their diet with eggs.

Yvette, Isaiah's wife, teaches sewing, knitting, crocheting and the use of micro-credits to enable women to start their own business.  She leads women's literacy programs for those who cannot read, write or calculate.  Some women have started a sewing workshop.

Sewing class - note sad iron

The number of children and adults blessed by donations and Isaiah's and Yvette's work is immeasurable.  Many families are improving their nutrition and living conditions through education, SA&D and other programs instituted through Isaiah.  Although considerable progress has been made, there is more to do.  Together we can change lives.

To make a continuing impact and help change lives please donate by going to: GBGM in your browser. Click on Advance Project Search.  Enter project number: 3021036.  Click on find and follow directions.  You can alternately mail a check to:
The Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068.

Blessings,

Bev and Ed Wentz

U.S. Coordinators for Child Action Initiative
Western North Carolina Conference, Piedmont District
Oak Ridge United Methodist Church
Oak Ridge, NC 27310

HALLELUJAH! PRAISE GOD! CHILD ACTION INITIATIVE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS SINCE ITS FOUNDING IN 2006 BY (ISAIAH) ESAIE NJIMBU CHOT!

Part 1 of 2 

The following are highlights of significant projects undertaken over the past 10 year to educate orphans and assist a humble Nazareth United Methodist Church recover from civil war in Kasungami, located in the southeastern tip of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Africa.

Dedication of Child Action Initiative (CAI) founder, (Isaiah) Esaie Njimbu Chot, with his wife Yvette; generous financial support from Oak Ridge United Methodist Church (ORUMC) and church members; United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR); financial support from individual donors,  support from David Heiser, a licensed environmental engineer and member of Fuquay-Varina UMC and  Max and Shirley Kern, members of ORUMC who led a six member building team to Kasungami, has enabled Isaiah and Yvette through CAI to accomplish many significant goals, primarily to educate orphans, victims of civil war and HIV/AIDS in Kasungami.

During this period, Yvette and Isaiah were blessed with the birth of their son Eddie, now seven years of age, who attends a local school.

Isaiah, Yvette and Eddie have made personal sacrifices under less than ideal conditions not common in our country, personally fighting malaria and typhoid fevers, lack of food and high monetary inflation.

After graduation from Africa University (A.U.) in 2006 with a degree in Sociology at age 39, Isaiah returned to his home in the city of  Lubumbashi, DRC.  What struck him immediately was the number of children orphaned by civil war and an HIV/AIDS epidemic.  This inspired him to establish CAI to help care for and educate orphans.  In 2006 Kasungami's population was approximately 4,000.  The population has swelled to over 52,000 in 10 years as people fled to the area to escape civil war in the north and seek employment in nearby mines - in which there are limited jobs.

There are no church run orphanages in Kasungami.  These children have been taken in by relatives, grandparents (some in their 80's), friends and neighbors, who have little or no income or means to support themselves.  There is a lack of: adequate nutritious food, electricity, potable water, sewage treatment, latrines, health facilities to deliver babies, medical treatment for malaria, typhoid fever and other water borne diseases; jobs and government run programs that most of us take for granted.

Isaiah identified numerous vulnerable children and his heart was breaking with grief.  "How could he sustain them? The first year he enrolled 22 orphans in school with money donated during our visit.  The second year 50 students were enrolled in school and since then 100 students have attended school annually.  Many children are older than 6 years of age when they enter first grade. Some age out of regular school and can now attend vocational school to learn masonry, carpentry, mechanics or tailoring.  Part of the schooling had initially been funded by UMCOR, however those grants have ended.  

When Isaiah saw a 10 year old boy working in a field he asked him if he would like to attend school.  The boy said he had to work to help his mama feed the family.  Isaiah arranged for him to work after school and Saturday and he is now attending school.

The impact on the young people and village has been very positive.  Ten students have completed high school in the last two years.  Three young ladies completed sewing class, started a sewing workshop and recently employed two other young ladies. 

Sewing Class

Sewing Project

 Three students are learning masonry.  One of them completed the program a few years ago and is  a community builder.  He worked on building the Nazareth parsonage and is working on construction of the CAI Center. Four students are in the general mechanics program.  Students that have completed job training skills have started their own vocations in brick laying and tailoring shops.

Masonry Class

Vocational Training

Machine Class

Levy Tshota Kayembe completed high school and is currently studying sociology through an A.U. scholarship made possible through financial support from ORUMC.  He is an orphan due to civil war and thankful for this opportunity.  He plans to return to Kasungami to assist Isaiah with CAI and contribute to the development of the church and Kasungami area.

Levy

The students were overjoyed to receive sneakers and socks from "Shoes & Socks for Isaiah's Kids" started by Sydney Wentz in 2009, now a middle school student.  Students are required to wear shoes in school and it minimizes ring worm infection.  Most children did not have any shoes and some that did shared them with a sibling - each wearing a single shoe!

Joka Lumeka stated:"My guardians couldn't afford to buy me shoes I needed for my education and health protection.  It was so challenging, what then will become of feet without shoes and socks? I could succumb to peer pressure and become robber to get them, many children are living with financial difficulties.  Some of the older children never had their own pair of shoes before.  These are not for a status symbol, but they play important roles of protecting the foot from the hazards of the outside world. It was so exciting to be getting new shoes." 

                                                                       CHILD ACTION INITIATIVE                                                 

My name is/je m’appelle:____Ezaie Mulombo_; sex/sexe:  Male I am/j’ai: 15 yrs old/ans                                                         

School information/education:     Class/classe: 3 Section:…Centre de Rattrapage /Center…….

My story: my father passed away three years ago. For us to survive, I had to cut trees in the bush and burn for charcoals.  I used to work with my father’s big brother. One day as I was collecting some sticks of the tree to fire I was surprise to see that the guy was not around. He left and went away. It was so strange and I couldn’t understand anything. So I was taken back to my grandmother. Some days later she was paralyzed because of her blood pressure. By God’s grace the information reached CAI through the village leader. So I was taken to the Center. I am receiving shoes, socks, uniform and school supplies. I am happy. I can now make my way.

My Vision/dream:/ reve:  to do mechanics

Spiritual Activities/ vie spirituelle: church going guy

Hobbies/favoris:  music and soccer……….……………….

Anything to share/Commentaires:  This was a case of witchcraft. The plan was to kill me, but God protected me.  Keep praying for me.                                          

                                      Date: October, 25/10/2016

                                                                                  Signature: Ezaie Mulombo

Without an education the children's lives are hopeless.  All this requires donations for school tuition, including vocational schools, uniforms, shoes, school supplies, nutritious lunches (the only meal of the day for some children) vaccines and medical care.

Please consider making a financial donation to CAI. If you would like to donate please go to GBGM Advance in your browser.  Click on Advance Project Search.  Enter Project Number 3021036.  Click on Find, click on Child Action Initiative and then follow directions OR you can send a donation to Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068.  Check Memo: 3021036.  100% of all donations go to Child Action Initiative.   

Please look for Part 2 in the near future to learn about the church repairs, 3 wells, the Women's and Children's Center, the parsonage building team and other projects in Kasungami.

Blessings,

Bev and Ed Wentz

U.S. Coordinators and Advocates for Child Action Initiative

Western North Carolina United Methodist Conference

Northern Piedmont District

Oak Ridge United Methodist Church

Oak Ridge, North Carolina 27310

CHILD ACTION INITIATIVE 10TH ANNIVERSARY

CHILD ACTION INITIATIVE 10TH ANNIVERSARY           June 26, 2016

This is the 10th Anniversary of Child Action Initiative founded by Isaiah Njimbu Chot in 2006 after his return to Kasungami, DRC from Africa University, Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, where he graduated with a degree in Sociology.  CAI's mission was/is to educate HIV/AIDs orphans and improve their quality of life.  Nazareth United Methodist Church (NUMC), Kasungami, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the headquarters of CAI.

The first year of inception CAI was able to provide schooling for 22 children, the second year 50 students and the third year and subsequent years 100 students have been enrolled. Tuition, school uniforms, school supplies, shoes and socks, and school lunches are provided for these students.  Students are enrolled in first through 12th grade with 4 students in vocational school as they aged out of regular school.  The trade school students will be able to earn an income when they have completed their education.

We are excited to announce that Levy Tshombe Kayembe has completed his first year at Africa University (A.U.) and is happy to have passed his exams. Levy has returned to Kasungami, DRC for vacation and will enter A.U. in the fall to continue his study of sociology.  He is a committed Christian and a good student.

Levy at A.U. Chapel

Levy was born June 15, 1994 in DRC.  He is an orphan of displaced parents who fled war conditions. Kasungami community members contacted Isaiah to arrange a place to live and enrollment in CAI for Levy.  He faced social challenges and did not have tuition for school.  His life was very stressful.

Isaiah and Yvette interact and socialize with children in the community which gave them a chance to learn Levy's story. Levy was enrolled in secondary school under the CAI Education Program where he did very well. 

SHOES AND SOCKS FOR ISAIAH'S KIDS

This is the seventh year for this fundraiser.  We need to raise enough funds for 100 pairs of sneakers and socks and to also help pay for school lunches.  After tuition, school lunches are the most expensive item to provide for the students.

Children are excited to receive sneakers and socks.  "Having such kind of gift is a blessing", said Mbayo.  "Many children in my community would wish to have this opportunity but it never happened.  I am not different from them and special for receiving shoes and socks.  It just by God's grace.  My feet will be well protect against diseases and I will also go to school."  "Thanks to Sydney and everyone who has contributed."

Students receiving Sneakers and socks

Students thanking Sydney and ORUMC for sneakers and socks

If you would like to donate to Shoes and Socks for Isaiah's Kids please send a check to Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310, or to The Advance No. 3021036 at Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068 memo "Shoes and Socks",

or online through The Advance.

Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support.

Blessings,

Bev and Ed Wentz

U.S. Coordinators for Child Action Initiative

Western North Carolina Conference, Piedmont District

Oak Ridge United Methodist Church

Oak Ridge, NC 27310