Mouse over/off above box to
pause/restart
news. Click on news
item heading
to read more.
December
2011 We are truly appreciative for the decision made by the Elders at Trinity Bible Church of Ottawa to donate the financial offerings from both Christmas Eve (2011) services to YouFeedThem. These funds will go a long way to help the village of Yogo reach self-sustainability. Following is a video that was created for and shown on Christmas Eve, in order to provide additional information and updates to the congregation: |
|
October
2011 We are so thankful and pleased that the drilling efforts in the village of Yogo were successful. The well came in with good potable water and the Yogo CBO (community-based organization) is now working on the tank and well pumping system. The estimated cost is approx 1,500,000 KES ($21-22K). Additional news in the Yogo village: Both
of the farms/gardens were planted and the CBO reported
that
they
are putting
the
downpayment
for the next 4 acres. The
school in Yogo
is going
well
and has 70 children enrolled. |
(Additional photos of well drilling to follow) |
September
2011 We are excited that the drilling for water has begun in Yogo village. The company seems very impressive, with a good reputation, coming fully equipped and knowledgeable about the work. Now we pray that they find a clean, abundant supply for both the community and the farm. The survey has been done but it is not an exact science and requires much effort. The large machines have helped to clear our narrow bushy roads, so we have a bit more space driving into the village. Silas & Kimberly Oduor
|
Click on photos below to view full screen,
|
September
2011 Reports from Silas and Kimberly Oduor are that there is much excitement in the village of Seje with the opening of 'Grace Academy'. 31 children are enrolled, as well the hiring of a cook to provide two meals a day for the children, and a teacher. Partnering with the community-based organization in Seje, Stittsville Community Bible Church reported that their efforts in finding sponsors for the children of Grace Academy are going quite well. On Sunday, September 25, 2011, the Church received 12 sponsors, for a total of 23 out of 31. For more information about the SCBC / Seje sponsorship program, please contact sponsorship@cbcstittsville.com
|
|
September
2011 Originally from the village of Yogo in the District of Siaya, Kenya, Silas Owiti Oduor, along with his wife Kimberly, and their son Ephraim, have decided to move from Canada to Kenya. We're happy to report that the family is getting settled in to their new home thanks to the warm hospitality and help from their neighbors. YouFeedThem is pleased to know that Silas is 'on the ground' to oversee all the projects in both villages (Seje and Yogo) and we are always pleased and excited to hear the reports that he and Kimberly regularly send. You can also stay up to date with the Oduor family, by visiting their blog at: http://www.christglorycentre.blogspot.com/
|
 |
During the April 2011 missions trip, and thanks to the quality satellite equipment used by John Green (of International Rescue) to pinpoint GPS coordinates, satellite maps of the Seje and Yogo areas were created by Jim Spence from the data John collected. These maps outline some specific points of interest for the YouFeedThem projects. For links to the satellite maps in the Seje area, visit the "Seje Villages - Satellite Maps" page (which can also be reached from the "Seje Villages - Info & Needs" page). For links to the satellite maps in the Yogo area, visit the "Yogo Village - Satellite Maps" page (which can also be reached from the "Yogo Village - Info & Needs" page).
|
|
September
2011 We're thankful for the support that CHRI Radio provided YouFeedThem with their awareness efforts. As CHRI's 'Ministry of the Month' for the month of September 2011, YouFeedThem was advertised on CHRI radio, as well as three television stations: Vision TV, CTS, and the Christian Channel.
|
|
April
5-16, 2011 The missions trip that took place encompassed a variety of projects and teams who were amazingly successful in all their efforts. The team that traveled on this trip comprised of:
The trip objectives included:
In addition to all that the above teams completed during this trip, invaluable relationships were established among team members and amongst these visitors with the people of Kenya. These relationships bring hope, encouragement, and a renewed sense of motivation to envoke changes that are essential to the survival and prosperity throughout these villages. On behalf of everyone at YFT, and the villages we're supporting, we extend our gratitude to all that participated on this trip.
|
Click
on photos below to view full screen,
|
Click play on the image below, to view the video that was created
by
|
|
April
5,
2011 Thank-you to everyone that came out to the Ottawa Airport to send off the Missions Team and for those that offered their prayerful support. Everything went smoothly getting the team on-board and on their way. Photo
of the team: --> from left to right:
|
Click
on photos below to view full screen,
|
February,
2011 Email
from Mike Hayes - Event Coordinator / Awareness Leader I first off want to thank everyone for the support that was given last night for Valentino's in support of You Feed Them (YFT) and Centre for Church Effectiveness Canada.(CCEC) By all reports everyone had a great time and some men even have a Valentine's tie out of it. As was reported at Trinity Bible Church Ottawa (TBCO) this morning we raised $12,534.07 (where the 7 cents came from only God knows) Expenses were only $1,300.34 because of gracious donations from Roland & Theresa Poirier of the beef and Pam & Stephen & Scott Campbell of the Desert Cakes. This allows for $11,233.73 to be to be spread between the 2 Organizations as follows: a. YFT $6,233.38 These dollors will go a long way to support the Pastoral portion of the April Mission to Yogo for CCEC and other items for YFT. I especially want to thank the Band that had to put up with me having to interupt and cut them a bit short on time as people were starting to leave in significant numbers and we had not yet started the Live Auction portion. Thank you Band Members. As this was our first medium size event at TBCO, I request that any suggestion or comments be forwarded to me ASAP for inclusion in an After Action Report (AAR). We want to make our next event better as we are currently in initial concept phase. God Bless everyone involved.
|
|
November,
2010
Coming
into Yogo just after a year's visit, was a big wow! So
much had changed both in terms of Infrastructural set
up and even in the reflection of social demographics.
The
children were so full of life. Life in Yogo is changing
one day at a time and the atmosphere is full of the radiation
of God's glory.
The impact with which the projects has changed lives
in
this
village is astronomical. The YFT Farm, despite the challenges of working on soil that was formerly depleted of organic nutrients, is a source of food to so many lives within the Yogo community. While on the trip, a total of 125 watermelon were harvested from a 1/4 acre watermelon plot. The cabbages and kales were looking very promising courtesy of the technical support of agronomist Mr. Evans. Onions, maize (corn) and butternut squash are very healthy and a reflection of our goals to achieving a self-sustainable agricultural setup in a community that is soon setting the economic agenda of the region. Indeed as one of our guest prophesied in the farewell speech, we are a history in the making. The second 4 acre piece of land is under preparation with the first tilling and soil turning complete. They are ready to deliver the sugarcane compost manure and undertake the second tilling, mixing the manure with the soil. The plans are underway to install the second plot with drip irrigation making the Farm B fully utilized throughout the year. The organic calcium donated by GSR calcium was also successfully applied. The first harvest of one of the two fish ponds was carried out just before the trip ended and the guests had the pleasure to feast together on the tilapia from the pond as the villagers also celebrated in their individual households of the great fish. The joy in the faces of the villagers could not be hidden as they got ready for the fishing. We are expecting a great upcoming year full of God's favour in our farming activities and are optimistic that we will be able to meet our complete sustainable state within the targeted time set. One of the great breakthroughs in this trip was to rally the men through the Yogo youth group association to start collectively working on the farm with a competitive spirit promising to do better than women who have been more proactive in the past than the men. This was after several rallying calls and meetings that ran late into the nights but indeed it was worth the cause to see the whole community not partially but wholesomely being on board. Having men more involved was high on the agenda this trip and it has come as an answer to a long held prayer. The former church building had been pulled down and construction of a new structure was underway. Surprisingly, it was already filled with congregants and posing a challenge to the church board but indeed it is a good challenge, a show of what God is doing and will continue to do in this place for the glory of His Name. The Church currently has two services on Sundays with the early complete English service and the second service in Swahili and Luo. During this Mission trip, a Crusade and conference took place in one of the churches within Siaya district,16 km from Yogo in a place called Ruambwa-Nyadorera. The attendance was great with a total of over 30 people who gave their lives to Christ for the first time, and many delivered from various bondages. Prayers were made upon many lives and testimonies of people healed were so moving. The praises of the Most High God emanated from His people and echoed in the horizon with great significance of unity having both the Anglican reverend and VOSH regional bishop gracing the closing of the conference. Songs and dance reverberated going beyond colour and creed as both white and black, young and old alike celebrated the King of Glory in the open market of Ruambwa. They even defied the weather as they continued with the praise even as rain fell on them, thereafter, the word was preached. (See video clip of Crusade & Conference celebrations -->)
Accompanying the YFT team, and in addition to the YFT initiatives, a team of three nurses worked in the local clinic to treat the locals. This team of nurses from Canada had raised and purchased $1,500. (CAD) worth of medication which was donated to the Mwer Dispensary and $4,000. (CAD) donated to set a foundation for Yogo Clinic. Clothes, personal donations, and many extras were provided by the team members that were of great benefit to several individuals in Yogo. The lives of many women, men, teenagers and children will be changed forever. So many children were hugged, carried, loved, inspired and touched with great hope beyond word by God through the Mzungus (white people). Allow
me, on behalf of the people of Kenya, Yogo village in particular
to thank each and every
partner for your
generosity
and loving hearts. It is
through
your generosity that we are
seeing lives being transformed
and
a nation
being rebuilt.
We are so indebted to all
of you for what is taking place
in Yogo Blessings,
|
Video - Crusade:
|
October
23, 2010 The months of preparation that went into the silent and live auction fundraiser for YouFeedThem really paid off and was the main reason for the success of the event. Special thanks to Susan Jansman and family, and her team of dedicated volunteers that brought all the details together and made the evening so great. We saw homemade pies sell for just under $100, Sens/Leaf tickets, airplane rides, mustang convertible for a weekend, ski on ski off lodge at Mont Tremblant for a weekend, willow lamp, original artwork and quarts of pickled beets (sold for $11/ea.) Total items too numerous to mention them all but 170 items changed hands that night and again our goals for donations surpassed all estimates. The blessing that will be delivered with the upcoming trip to the village of Yogo comunity will come in the way of medical supplies, prevention, examinations, education and broad scale health services. All this only made possible by the compassionate hearts of the people that want to see the changes the Lord, through YFT, will bring to all areas in poverty and starvation. Safe journey and travel blessings to the team leaving on Friday (November 5, 2010) and may you see the work and hand of God throughout the entire trip as you live the Word as faithful servants. We look forward to your safe return and the exciting reports you carry back home. Regards,
The dinner auction was a big success. So many said they had a wonderful evening! We raised the money we wanted for vaccine and medical supplies for the clinic in Alego village. We would like to send a big thank you to all who donated, attended and supported the evening, including Auctioneer James Cooper and his team. As Silas has said, many people's lives will be touched by the generosity of those here. Thank you again to everyone!
|
|
|
October
17, 2010 A special thanks to Pastor Bruno Savard, Lyne Côté, and the entire congregation for their warm welcome and financial support on Sunday, October 17, 2010. Un merci tout spécial à Pasteur Bruno Savard, Lyne Côté et toute la congrégation pour leur accueil chaleureux et leur appui financier du dimanche, 17 octobre 2010. Nous
remercions le Seigneur pour son travail d'implications
de frères et sœurs du Christ ensemble pour
soutenir cette mission pour sa gloire.
|
20 Hanson Street |
September 2010 The
church in Kenya has been doing their own fundraising to
expand their building and make it a permanent
structure. They have raised $57,000 ks (about $800. CAD)
with another fundraiser scheduled for October 15th 2010.
Their
Sunday services are overflowing with over 250 people in attendance
for both services. Wow! There are also reports that the unity
amongst the whole community is exceptional and people are
beginning to dream and believe God for great things.
|
 |
August
2010 Our
first fish pond, donated by the government of Kenya is
now fully functional with 1,000 Tilapia fish!!!
Wow, how exciting! They have also committed to providing
the food for the fish until they are harvested. The second
pond that they donated is almost finished and there is
talk about a third pond. Plus they have personally trained
three of our faithful workers on how to operate the system
and
feed the fish. It will create some awesome provision!
|
|
June
26 2010 During our regular YFT meeting held in Greely, we were able to release the funds to Alego to pay for the second phase of the farm acre expansion. From our original four acres, we now have expanded to eight acres, as well as one acre that is being leased. The fundraising efforts from our teams have been very well accepted by many local communities and individuals from as far away as Midland, ON who continue to put forth a strong effort. Thanks to all who are on board with this project. We also had enough funds to continue to compost and irrigate 1/2 of the new acreage and we are believing to be able to complete the expansion on time. With the increase in land base we will be able to reduce the funds needed to keep the school up and running as more food from the gardens can help feed the students and sales from surplus will help pay teachers' salaries. We
thank all our partners for continued support.
|
 |
March
3, 2010 Hello All, There is so much to say, I don't know where to begin. Our travels were smooth and uneventful. When we arrived in Uganda, there was no one at customs. I guess they aren't concerned about what might come in the country. We have had an amazing time visiting all the work at Watoto, and have spent the last two days with the CEO of the organization. Today we travelled up to Gulu, the area that I had the greatest concern about visiting. There is a program called Living Hope where they train and employ the women that were captured and abused by the Uganda rebel army. I expected to have my heart ripped out as I was exposed to the tragedy that they experienced. Instead, after only 1 1/2 years with this organization I heard story after story of restoration and forgiveness. Women, whose husbands, fathers and children were murdered by the husbands and children of the women next to them, were working in harmony. Many have forgiven their captors and have received the healing that can only come with the love of Jesus...and they know it. They smile and are open to hugs. The baby house was absolutley amazing. 80 babies at one of the homes with many volunteers from all over the world there to love and care for these beautiful little ones. The facilities are incredible with standards equal to the best daycares we would find in Canada, clean, well built, nice clothes. You can tell these children are well cared for. Tomorrow we go to the home for the premees. I am so excited about our journey to Kenya coming up. These poeple are so ready to assist us in moving forward. I was greatly encouraged today in speaking with Allan, CEO. I spoke with him at length about what we are doing with YFT. He said, if they had to do it again, would create self sustainable projects first and let the rest grow with it. Now they are trying to play catch up and it is hugely difficult with an organization this large.They have over 2000 kids in homes and 500 plus employees. They have invited the lady who is heading up their agriculture project here, for dinner with me tonight. This will be good.
|
|
Following
is the email from our Engineer Bernard to Silas with RE: WORLD FOOD DAY 2009 - SIAYA DISTRICT.
Dear Silas, As you are aware, we were approached by the Ministry of Agriculture, Siaya to use our farm (You Feed Them-Yogo) as the venue on the 16th. Oct. to celebrate this year’s ‘World Food Day’, with a theme “Achieving food security in times of crisis”, which is also our overall objective . We had a second meeting in preparation of the event on 23rd of September 2009, following a previous one on the 16th with stakeholders. This request came from the government after they attended our 1st Agricultural Field Day on the 9th September 2009. Following the days’ success, and overwhelming attendance, the Ministry was obviously impressed and asked immediately that the site be used as the venue of the celebrations. This was a surprise to me as such a celebration has always been a national stadium event. The District Agricultural Officer told me that they chose the ‘YouFeedThem’ farm because of some reasons below among others: • The farm’s all year round production plan and the fact that we are the only farm in production at this time of the year, matches the theme for this year’s WFD celebration “Achieving food security in times of crisis” • The irrigation system technology we are using! • It is the only farm in the district with fresh farm produce at this time of the year! • The farm has the only greenhouse structure in the district! • The Teamwork spirit demonstrated by the community in working in the farm! • This is also the only organic farm in the district that is well organized! • The idea of a planting program (staggered) that enables the farmer to have a produce year round! • We have made so much impact within a very short period as you know that this is our second crop and is now attracting events like WFD. This always has been a day graced by top government officials. Silas, I believe we are doing our best and that is why the impact of this project is spreading like bush fire, especially after the field day! we have been receiving groups from far and wide coming to learn from us. So far the WFD has already attracted over fifteen stakeholders, e.g Ministry of Agriculture, Millennium Development, KARI, Western Seed, Equity Bank, Kenya Women Finance Trust, among others. We are only going to exhibit what we practice in the farm while other stakeholders will take care of other expenses. I only wish that we had enough (optimum) land, a bore hole and more drip irrigation systems in place for this project to be self sustaining! We know you people are working round the clock to achieve our goal “theme” but it can’t be realized overnight. We are praying for our brothers and sisters in Canada to soldier on as we are making tangible progress even though with challenges! Nb. The expected guests on the WFD are: The District Commissioner –Siaya, Alego Usonga MP. Hon. Edwin Inda, Prof. J. Oduol, DAO-Siaya among others. Silas, I am also pleased to inform you that the Israel government through Millennium Dev. has requested to visit the same farm on 8th Oct. 2009. We are yet to get an official letter from M. Dev. This is a pointer to the important direction this project is taking as it is already attracting wide attention. It is almost becoming my full time occupation because of the attention it is attracting. Kind regards, Bernard.
|
|
August
10,
2009 We just received a telephone call from Silas and he could hardly contain himself! The team had just arrived at the garden site and many shouts of joy could be heard in the background. Benjamin (the Engineer helping us with the community garden) said that as they harvest, even more is produced!!! Silas was on his way into a meeting with the CBO to get all the reports, but provided the following details to his wife Kimberley who updated us this morning: Silas informed us that in this area it would be typical for 1 acre to reap a little less than 1 bag (90 kg) which would be considered a big (good) harvest. This would be produced once a year (during the rainy season). The current CBO garden, which is currently 4 acres is as follows:
 |
|
July
24, 2009 We are writing to thank everyone who has partnered with us in regards to the projects in Alego. We have some very exciting news to share and each one of you has been instrumental in making this dream come to fruition. In our Nursery School program there are forty children in two different stages. First there are the 20 children in the "pre-primary" (ready to join grade 1 next year) and also 20 children in the "baby class"(who still have another year before grade 1) We
have just received news that during their second term exams
and their developmental assessment that they have performed
way beyond our wildest expectations. The competition was
between three other government public schools and the results
were as follows; The pre-primary school children from our
program took the top nine positions, while the baby class
took the top 16 positions. The developmental assessment results
on our children score grid indicates that our children
are well above the
grade 1 children in government public schools.
|
  |
July
12, 2009 A YFT letter exchange program was recently introduced to TBCO. To kick-off the program, the YFT team will bring letters from the individuals or families here to Kenya during their trip in August 2009. Families/individuals here will include a family photo with their letters. Size of the photo should be 3"x5" or 4"x6" maximum. A template that you may (or may not) use to start your own personal introductory letter to your partner family, can be provided. Feel free to edit and personalize as you wish. When describing aspects of your lifestyle, please be sensitive to the economic disparity between Canada and Kenya. To begin the letter exchange, envelopes for your letters will be provided which will also include a self-addressed return envelope, a coupon to purchase a stamp for the families/individuals in Kenya to send their replies, without any cost to them, and a pencil. While in Kenya, the team will also take a digital photo of the families participating in the letter exchange and will provide a copy to you upon their return. We had several individuals/families sign up to join this program so we are very thankful and encouraged as we know the families in Kenya will be as well. For more information on this program, please contact Bob & Lianne Trerice
|
|
September
25,
2009
'You Feed
Them' is a ministry of Trinity
Bible Church of Ottawa