Touch A Life Foundation

Cambodia Photos.

2010-04-22T10:59:00.004-05:00

These are some photos from the Place of Rescue in Cambodia, taken by volunteer photographer, Justin Harris. The pictures showcase the beauty of the children and staff members in the Touch A Life program in Cambodia. Thank you, Justin, for capturing these special moments!

We're Back!

2010-04-06T16:33:00.002-05:00

For those of you who have continued to checking in on this blog despite our lack of updates, thank you so much! Your time was not wasted because we are bringing this blog back, complete with written updates from our staff members, photographs from our trips, notes from the Touch A Life children, and inspirational quotes and thoughts. We will keep you informed of the events happening with our foundation and with Jantsen's Gift. So add this spot to your Web browser's bookmarks because we'll be sharing updates you won't want to miss!

The Remainder of the August Ghana Trip.

2009-10-21T15:52:00.005-05:00

With Emmanuel and Joel, two incredible Touch A Life children.

The rest of our team's trip to Ghana was spent joyously watching the children from all three Touch A Life programs (in Gomoa-Fetteh; in Tema; and in Kete-Krachi) unite and create amazing works of art. For an entire week, they lived, laughed, and loved together. They painted pictures, built sculptures, decorated masks, choreographed dances, banged on drums, and jammed on guitars. The creative energy was obvious, and all 40 of the Children's Art Village volunteers felt honored to be a part of it all.

It was a blast to see the kids interacting with the other children from the Village of Hope Orphanage. The Touch A Life children get along with others so well; in spite of their backgrounds of spending their childhood on Lake Volta, the TAL kids make friends easily, are great at sharing, and have a general appreciation for life that isn't always evident in other children their age. They are truly resilient, and it was amazing to watch their kind interactions with others.

After camp ended, Pam and I stayed in Ghana for another week. We joined a team of Portuguese journalists who came to film a sequel to a documentary they'd previously created. Their previous piece captured the traumatic events occurring on Volta. Alexandra Borges, the lead journalist, had been part of a series of rescues and had fallen in love with the children she'd met. As a result, she wanted to return to Ghana in an effort to continue to raise awareness on the issue.

The journalists met us at the Village of Hope and along with our Ghanaian staff, we made the 11-hour trek up to Kete-Krachi. We spent the week there, bonding with the teenagers living there and participating in rescue missions. We were able to rescue 13 more incredible children. We escorted them to their first doctor's visit, which was one of the hardest things that Pam and I have had to witness during our stay. All of the children were sick, and many were diagnosed with malaria or typhoid. One sweet boy, Humphrey, was diagnosed with cerebral malaria and was very seriously ill. Fortunately, he received treatment and his health was restored, but it was difficult to watch Humphrey lay helplessly in his hospital bed when he was clearly in so much pain.

On the flip side, we got to participate in many fun things with the kids, too. We played soccer during a thunderstorm, which was an incredibly memorable experience, to say the least. We took the boys on a shopping trip to get snazzy church clothes. We watched the kids weave Kenti fabrics and work on other vocational projects.

We went from Kete-Krachi to Tema to join up with the youngest kids in our program. We had a party on the evening we arrived and we presented the children with new drums. Additionally, they got a treat: their first-ever taste of pizza. It was so much fun to run around the front yard with them, dancing to the drumbeats and snacking on pizza.

Rachel

A Fresh Start.

2009-10-21T15:30:00.002-05:00

We've decided to switch back to this blog for more personal, anecdotal pieces on the Foundation. Recent News updates will remain on Touch A Life's Web site but photos and human interest pieces will reside here. We'll be seeking the feedback of our readers, so please provide us with your comments on whether or not you like these dual formats!

Rachel

Ghana Trip: August 9.

2009-09-01T15:54:00.001-05:00

Everyone woke up pretty jet-lagged on Sunday morning. Depending on where the volunteers live, the time change ranged from four to seven hours. After breakfast, most people attended a church service on the grounds. The children sang a variety of hymns, harmonizing perfectly. We basked in the peacefulness of the morning sunshine, and looked forward to a day of spending time with the children.

The rest of the afternoon was spent reconnecting with the kids. Touch A Life children like Richard, Mark, Famous, and Gabriel. One volunteer brought bubbles, which were definitely a hit. The kids loved running around the lawn, chasing each other and taking turns blowing bubbles.

The majority of the volunteer team spent the last remaining hours of the afternoon soaking up the sun on the beach. The coast is located about one mile from the Village of Hope, and the group trekked through Gomoa-Fetteh on the way to the water. The local townspeople waved and yelled at us as we walked, shrieking "Abroni!" (the Ghanaian word for "white man") as we passed. We were struck by the state of the community; most people lived in mud huts with thatched roofs, didn't have electricity, and had goats and chickens constantly running through their homes. The people's dispositions, though, were not based on their circumstances; rather, they were clearly content with and blessed by their lives. It was certainly an important trip for most of us to witness, as it served to remind us of the lives we lead and of our responsibility to give back to others.

Ghana Trip: August 8.

2009-09-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

Last week, Pam and I returned from an incredible two-week trip to Ghana. Though we were exhausted and jet-lagged, we were simultaneously rejuvenated by our visit. The children in our programs are flourishing and the Ghanaian staff members are making great strides in growing our child development centers. We were overwhelmed by the love, grace, and hospitality we received from our Ghanaian staff counterparts while abroad, and, as always, we were floored by the resilience of the children who are loving living their lives off of Lake Volta.

We arrived in Ghana on Saturday, August 8, with 38 other American volunteers. The intent of the week was to participate in an art, music, and dance camp sponsored by the Children's Art Village. Included in the group were Pam's children, Van Cope, Tatum Cope, and Crista Cope Austin; Pam's son-in-law, Zach Austin; my mother, Beth Johnson; Touch A Life supporters Jennifer Hackmann, Jason Hackmann, Eric Cope, and Chris Field; and members from our partner organization, One is Greater Than None, Sharon Genden, Chelsea Genden, and Tyler Genden.

After being picked up at the Accra International Airport, the group headed to the Village of Hope Orphanage in Gomoa-Fetteh, a rural area in southern Ghana. The orphanage is mainly supported by a church in Memphis, TN, and is funded by donations from both the United States and from Ghana. There are 21 Touch A Life children living at the orphanage.

The children were so excited to greet their new visitors. They were swarming around us as we unloaded our vans. We were warmly welcomed by the house parents and other Village of Hope staff members, and we excitedly unpacked our belongings in the guest houses before heading out to the lawn to relax with the kids. Children like Mark (the first boy rescued by Touch A Life), Hagar (Mark's sister), and Kofi (Mark's brother) continually showered us with love as they gave us hugs, encouraged us to play soccer, and held our hands. After eating dinner together, everyone made their way to bed. Exhausted and overwhelmed, we fell into a dreamless sleep, excited for the possibilities of the week ahead.

A Word from Ghana.

2009-09-01T15:52:00.000-05:00

Hello from the Village of Hope Orphanage! Pam and I are resting after an incredible and busy week at the Children's Art Village here in Gomoa-Fetteh. The kids made some fantastic artwork, learned some new dances and musical routines, and basically just had a great time running around and playing together. All of our children from our three programs in Ghana (Village of Hope in Gomoa-Fetteh, City of Refuge in Tema, and Village of Life in Kete-Krachi) were united at the camp, and it was so much fun to watch them interact and bond.

During the week, Touch A Life volunteers Eric Cope, Chris Field, and Jason Hackmann joined George Achibra and his rescue team to save three sweet boys from Lake Volta. They are adjusting very well; two of them even joined the rest at the art camp. Pam and I are heading to Kete-Krachi tomorrow. We are hoping to rescue 10 children off of the lake during the next week.

As always, your prayers and encouragement are so greatly appreciated. More updates and photos will come when we return from Ghana on August 22nd.

Ghana-Bound.

2009-09-01T15:49:00.002-05:00

Just checking in to let all of you faithful blog readers know that Pam and I will be heading to Ghana this afternoon for two weeks. We'll spend the first week at art camp with the Children's Art Village at the Village of Hope Orphanage in Gomoa-Fetteh. We'll spend the second week in Kete-Krachi, working with a group of Portuguese journalists and our Ghanaian staff to rescue ten more amazing children off of Lake Volta.

We probably won't be able to update the blog much while we're gone but we hope to make a post here or there when we have Internet capabilities. In the meantime, be looking forward to future posts regarding the following:

An update on Bruce and Penny Sullivan's (the directors of the Southeast Asia programs) trip to Vietnam.
A word from Touch A Life consultant Emily George, as posted on her personal blog.
Accounts from the Children's Art Village and lake trips.
A preview of the U.S. trip some of the children in our Ghana programs will be making in October.

Thanks for following our blog. Your readership is so important to us.

Pondering: Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give.

2009-09-01T15:47:00.001-05:00

This post is going to be a personal one from me, Rachel Johnson. I am the Director of Project Development for the foundation. I have cherished every moment in which I have been employed by this organization.

As the staff blogger, I rarely struggle to find topics about which to write. Today, though, I have been suffering through some pretty severe writer's block. In an attempt to clear my mind, I turned to the Touch A Life video page in search of inspiration. I have seen Patrick Cone's documentary about Lake Volta a hundred times but I was particularly struck by the video today as I focused my attention on Richard, a sweet, articulate 10-year-old boy who was rescued off of the lake in December 2006. The line that impacted me the most was the following, a comment made when discussing what Richard wants to be when he grows up:

"I want to be a bus driver because if some of my friends are at my hometown, then I will go and take them."

Implicit in Richard's statement is the notion of giving back. I was struck by Richard's maturity, along with his ability to see past the unfortunate beginning to his childhood and understand how, because of his experiences, he can reach out to help others in similar circumstances. Richard's comment reminded me to continue devoting myself to service, perpetually expressing gratitude for undeservingly leading a beautiful life.

In order to pay homage to my alma mater, Pepperdine University, I want to sign off from this post by sharing the school's mantra regarding service:

"Freely ye have received, freely give." -- Matthew 10:8.

Africa's Bitter Cycle of Child Slavery: Los Angeles Times Article.

2009-09-01T14:03:00.003-05:00

The Los Angeles Times published a great article on the issue of child slavery on Lake Volta. The author, Robyn Dixon, traveled to Ghana to interview Executive Director, George Achibra, regarding the issue of human trafficking. The article exposes the injustices occurring on Lake Volta. Dixon was also able to interview some Ghanaian families affected by the cycle of slavery. The article is compelling, and it motivates readers to take charge and make a difference.

Take a look at the article here.

Cambodia Program Update.

2009-07-21T16:47:00.000-05:00

For some time now, Touch A Life and Place of Rescue (our ministry in Cambodia) have been partnering to build new homes for children in need. Marie Ens, the director of Place of Rescue, just provided the following update regarding the exciting advancements being made in Cambodia:

"In northern Cambodia a few years ago, there were several churches who had each taken a few orphans. The hearts of the believers were responding to the needs of these children but because of their own poverty, it was very difficult for them to find the resources to care for them. Soon the number of children requiring assistance from these church groups rose to 45. A volunteer gathered them together into one central place, rented a piece of property, and built two shelters for them. The shelters were made of bamboo, thatch, and tar paper, and were very inadequate. A toilet block was built and someone else provided a well for drinking water. The children bathed beside the pond that was on the property, boys on one side and girls on the other. Food was scarce and became scarcer as the number of children rose to 60. The were lovingly cared for by caregivers who served for months as volunteers because there was no money to pay them.

In October 2008, Place of Rescue responded to the need and went in to investigate. We found a well-organized group of people under the leadership of a Bunchhouy, a man who said that he had longed to run an orphanage for many years. The day we were there, the children and caregivers shared a soupy topping for their rice. It was made of chickens, green papaya, and fish sauce. We saw that the children had no mats, nets or pillows, and were additionally lacking other essentials. Providing new supplies was our first gift. We also provided a little money for food. We met with the orphanage's committee and discussed the possibility of Rescue taking over the orphanage if we could raise the funds. The children even offered to pray over us as we worked on making this dream become a reality.

By January 2009, we decided to provide all the money the orphanage would need for food, which came out to about one dollar per day per person. I also began seeking funds for the purchase of property and for the houses we wanted to build for them. We envisioned building ten houses for 100 children, which is how we began with Place of Rescue.

Soon we had enough to start the process and then one donor offered to give us all we needed to finish the purchase of the land and buildings. As if this were not amazing enough, Pam Cope called to tell me that a donor was offering a large enough sum of money which, along with some sponsorship, would provide the operating costs for Place of Rescue II for an entire year."

The Value of Optimism.

2009-07-17T20:02:00.004-05:00

Last week, we posted an op-ed article that Bono (lead singer of the band U2 and widely known philanthropist) wrote for the New York Times. It praised the work that the Ghanaian government has done in creating a country that is suitable for their residents to live in, and it highlighted the achievements Ghanaians have made, calling the country a leader amongst other African nations.

Some readers responded to the piece honestly, claiming that while they believed that Bono's words were kind, he skimmed over the issue of slavery altogether. It's true that the article doesn't discuss the issue of trafficking on Lake Volta, or the issue of slavery at all. What the piece does do, though, is highlight the positive things about the country, allowing readers to optimistically view the strides Ghanaians have made in transforming their homeland. This, in turn, permits readers to want to invest in the country, seeing that its residents are making positive changes to improve their lives.

The critics do have a point that the issue of slavery does need to be addressed. Fortunately for them and for Touch A Life, President Obama visited the Elmina Slave Castle on the Cape Coast and acknowledged in this CNN article that "the capacity for slavery still exists." Though the article, again, doesn't address the issue of trafficking on Lake Volta specifically, it indicates that the President is not naive to the fact that injustices continue to occur on a daily basis. Visiting the slave castle gave him the opportunity to remind American and Ghanaian citizens alike that humanity is still capable of treating one another poorly, and that is something that must be stopped.

Ultimately, it's wise for the critics to observe that the key components of slavery are missing in Bono's piece. Trafficking clearly is a huge issue in Ghana, and especially on Lake Volta. But where we must start is from a place of positivity. We must first align with the Ghanaians themselves, allying with them and earning their trust. We must praise and acknowledge the work they've done and the progress they've made thus far. Then, and only then, will we be permitted to point out the flaws in their governmental systems that allow human trafficking to persist. Then, and only then, will their eyes be opened to the injustices occurring within their country. If we never praise the positive and only focus on the negative, we will never be permitted the opportunity to confront the Ghanaians on the issues present in their country. Our cries will fall on deaf ears.

Vietnam: The Story of the Sullivan House.

2009-07-15T15:21:00.001-05:00

The completed Sullivan House in Vietnam.

Bruce Sullivan was the youngest of 11 children. Just days before he was born, his father passed away. A few years later, his mother died as well, leaving the Sullivan children to be divided amongst relatives to be raised. Childhood was difficult not only because of the loss of Bruce's parents but also because he and his siblings were separated. Despite his setbacks, Bruce grew up to become a kind, generous and hard-working man who desired to live a life devoted to service. Because of the events and emotions he experienced while growing up, Bruce knew that he wanted to do something to improve the lives of children who had lost their parents. He could relate with those children's sufferings and wanted to be a part of helping them channel their grief into growth.

After researching numerous organizations that supported orphaned children, Bruce turned to his wife, Penny, for input. Penny connected Bruce with Pam Cope and Touch A Life. Not only was there a personal connection between Penny and Pam but there were so many logistical elements that fell into place for the Sullivans as well. They found Touch A Life to be fiscally sound and professionally run. After a few weeks of discussion, the Sullivans decided that they wanted to devote their time, energy and funds to supporting the work Touch A Life was doing for orphans and former child slaves.

The Sullivans deliberated for some time over how they were going to spend the money they donated to Touch A Life. To pay homage to Bruce's childhood, they wanted to do something substantial, something that would prove to the children that they are worthy of being loved, adored and admired. Their hearts were drawn to the Vietnam program and when they learned that the program was in need of more housing projects, the Sullivans knew that providing the funds for a new building was up to them. They committed to raising the money to provide new, improved housing for the children in Vietnam. After settling on a plot of land that was home to a dilapidated building, construction began to renovate the structure so that it could be a beautiful place for the Touch A Life children to live.

The Sullivan House was completed at the beginning of 2009 and is home to 15 children and their houseparents. The appliances are new, the ambiance is peaceful and the space is, overall, just perfect. The children in Vietnam are ecstatic about their new living situation, and all thanks goes to the Bruce and Penny Sullivan for their generous hearts.

Students working on their assignments in the Sullivan House.

Incredible Op-Ed on Ghana by Bono.

2009-07-10T12:32:00.005-05:00

Bono, the lead singer of the band U2 and a co-founder of the philanthropic groups ONE and Product(Red), wrote a column in the op-ed section of today's issue of The New York Times. The piece is brilliantly written and focuses on President Obama's trip to Ghana. The piece is structured around the praise of Ghana as a country while simultaneously raising awareness of the strides the Ghanaian government is making in revolutionizing Africa.

It would be easy to simply share a link with all of you Web-perusers but to ensure that you read this excellent piece, the article has been re-posted on our blog from The New York Times Web site.

REBRANDING AFRICA

By Bono

DATELINE: Imminent. About now, actually.

Soon, Air Force One will touch down in Accra, Ghana; Africans will be welcoming the first African-American president. Press coverage on the continent is placing equal weight on both sides of the hyphen.

And we thought it was big when President Kennedy visited Ireland in 1963. (It was big, though I was small. Where I come from, J.F.K. is remembered as a local boy made very, very good.)

But President Obama's African-ness is only part (a thrilling part) of the story today. Cable news may think it's all about him--but my guess is that he doesn't. If he was in it for a sentimental journey he'd have gone to Kenya, chased down some of those dreams from his father.

He's made a different choice, and he's been quite straight about the reason. Despite Kenya's unspeakable beauty and its recent victories against the anopheles mosquito, the country's still-stinging corruption and political unrest confirms too many of the headlines we in the West read about Africa. Ghana confounds them.

Not defiantly or angrily, but in that cool, offhand Ghanaian way. This is a country whose music of choice is jazz; a country that long ago invented a genre called highlife that spread across Africa--and, more recently, hiplife, which is what happens when hip-hop meets reggaeton meets rhythm and blues meets Ghanaian melody, if you're keeping track (and you really should be). On a visit there, I met the minister for tourism and pitched the idea of marketing the country as the "birthplace of cool." (Just think, the music of Miles, the conversation of Kofi.) He demurred...too cool, I guess.

Quietly, modestly--but also heroically--Ghana's going about the business of rebranding a continent. New face of America, meet the new face of Africa.

Ghana is well governed. After a close election, power changed hands peacefully. Civil society is becoming stronger. The country's economy was growing at a good clip even before oil was found off the coast a few years ago. Though it has been a little battered by the global economic meltdown, Ghana appears to be weathering the storm. I don't normally give investment tips--sound the alarm at Times headquarters--but here is one: buy Ghanaian.

So it's not a coincidence that Ghana's making steady progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Right now it's one of the few African nations that has a shot at getting there by 2015.

No one's leaked me a copy of the president's copy of the speech in Ghana, but it's pretty clear he's going to focus not on the problems that afflict the continent but on the opportunities of an Africa on the rise. If that's what he does, the biggest cheers will come from members of the growing African middle class, who are fed up with being patronized and hearing the song of their majestic continent in a minor key.

I've played that tune. I've talked of tragedy, of emergency. And it is an emergency when almost 2,000 children in Africa die a day of a mosquito bite; this kind of hemorrhaging of human capital is not something we can accept as normal.

But as the example of Ghana makes clear, that's only one chord. Amid poverty and disease are opportunities for investment and growth--investment and growth that won't eliminate overnight the need for assistance, much as we and Africans yearn for it to end, but that in time can build roads, schools and power grids and propel commerce to the point where aid is replaced by trade pacts, business deals and home-grown income.

President Obama can hasten that day. He knows change won't come easily. Corruption stalks Africa's reformers. "If you fight corruption, it fights you back," a former Nigerian anti-corruption official has said.

From his bully pulpit, the president can take aim at the bullies. Without accountability--no opportunity. If that's not a maxim, it ought to be. It's a truism, anyway. The work of the American government's Millennium Challenge Corporation is founded on that principle, even if it doesn't put it that bluntly. United States aid dollars increasingly go to countries that use them and don't blow them. Ghana is one. There's a growing number of others.

That's thanks to Africans like John Githongo, the former anticorruption chief of Kenya--a hero of mine who is pioneering a new brand of bottom-up accountability. Efforts like his, which are taking place across the continent, deserve more support. The presidential kind. Then there's Nigeria's moral and financial fist--Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a managing director of the World Bank and the country's former finance minister--who is on a quest to help aFrican countries recover stolen assets looted by corrupt officials. And the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which is helping countries like Ghana clean up the oil, gas and mining business, to make sure that profits don't wind up in the hands of kleptocrats.

Presidential attention would be a shot in the arm for these efforts--an infusion of moral and political amino acids that, by the way, will make aid dollars go further. That should be welcome news to the Group of 8 leaders gathered in Italy to whom Mr. Obama bids a Hawaii-via-Chicago-inflected "arrivederci," as he leaves for Africa.

This week's summit meeting looks as if it will yield some welcome new G-8 promises on agriculture. (So far, new money: America. Old money: everyone else.) This is hte good news that President Obama will bring from Europe to Ghana.

The not-so-good news--that countries like Italy and France are not meeting their Africa commitments--makes the president's visit all the more essential. The United States is one of the countries on track to keep its promises, and Mr. Obama has already said he'll more than build on the impressive Bush legacy.

President Obama plans to return to Africa for the World Cup in 2010. Between now and then he's got the chance to lead others in building--from the bottom up--on the successes of recent efforts within Africa and to learn from the failures. There's been plenty of both. We've witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly in our fraught relationship with this dynamic continent.

The president can facilitate the new, the fresh and the different. Many existing promises are expiring in 2010, some of old age and others of chronic neglect. New promises from usual and unusual partners, from the G-8 to the G-20, need to be made--and this time kept. If more African nations (not just Ghana) are going to meet the millennium goals, they are going to need smart partners in business and development. That's Smart as in sustainable, measurable, accountable, responsive and transparent.

Africa is not just Barack Obama's homeland. It's ours, too. The birthplace of humanity. Wherever our journeys have taken us, they all began there. The word Desmond Tutu uses is "ubuntu": I am because we are. As he says, until we accept and appreciate this we cannot be fully whole.

Could it be that all Americans are, in that sense, African-Americans?

Be Involved in Obama's Trip to Ghana.

2009-07-08T13:53:00.006-05:00

President Barack Obama is heading to Ghana to deliver a speech in the capital of Accra. He will make his presentation on Saturday, July 11. There are ways for people to be involved, even if they are simply watching or listening to the broadcast from abroad.

Individuals can submit questions and comments via text in many African nations, including Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. Unfortunately, the SMS option isn't available for viewers/listeners in the United States. Facebook, however, is hosting a live chat during the speech. This way, anyone can participate in providing feedback by sharing their ideas and comments with others around the world. Additionally, participants can follow the speech on Twitter and share their feedback by posting reactions.

Social media is becoming increasingly important in terms of communication, as evidenced by the use of text messaging, Facebook and Twitter to spread the word of Obama's speech in Ghana. To create awareness of the event, participate in these forums. Show your support for Obama's trip to Ghana by posting the news on your own Facebook profile or Twitter account. Acquaint yourself with the various forms of social media that are taking over the world; while they might seem overwhelming at times, these outlets are helping people stay connected no matter how far they are from one another.

Emmanuel Update.

2009-07-06T15:29:00.003-05:00

Sweet Emmanuel, smiling after a day full of school and playing outdoors.

Participants in the Emmanuel Project, created by volunteer Josh Farrar, were able to raise enough money to sponsor Touch A Life child, Emmanuel Degbe, for an entire year. They achieved this goal in just a few short weeks, collaborating to raise $1,800 to pay for Emmanuel's food, shelter, clothing, education and medical needs for the next year. We are so grateful to these people for uniting to sponsor this sweet boy.

While on a recent trip to Ghana, consultant Emily George was able to get an update on how Emmanuel is doing. She wrote the following in an e-mail:

Emmanuel continues to grow in leaps and bounds, but still does not grow weary of being held, cuddled and carried around like the adorable five-year-old that he is. He is reading and writing English very well. Emmanuel loves to play football (soccer) with his friends when he gets home from school. He most recently stated that he wants to be a soldier when he grows up.

To those of you who participated in the Emmanuel Project, you can take ownership in the development of this incredible boy's life. Because of your financial contribution, Emmanuel will undoubtedly become a leader within his community.

Emmanuel acting out his dream of becoming a soldier.

Emmanuel and Emily.

Children Helping Children.

2009-07-03T15:13:00.001-05:00

One of our partner organizations is Kids Caring 4 Kids, a non-profit organization devoted to raising awareness of the fact that despite their youth, children are some of the most important catalysts in paving the way for change. The members of the organization encourage children, regardless of age, to get involved in causes that matter to them, reminding them that the littlest act of service can sometimes go the longest way.

It seems that the mission of Kids Caring 4 Kids is catching on. Recently, Touch A Life consultant Emily George was able to educate a class of students on the injustices occurring on Lake Volta. Via Skype, an online communication server, she taught a group of third-graders in Alberta, Canada, about the children who were working as slaves on the lake. Inspired, they decided to hold a popcorn sale to raise money for hygienic products, especially toothbrushes and toothpaste. They managed to raise $60.00, which allowed them to purchase 57 toothbrushes and 62 tubes of toothpaste.

The point isn't really how much the children raised. Instead, the beauty is in seeing these young hearts come alive with the desire to make a difference in the world. It has been ingrained within them that even the smallest of donations can change lives. The world is theirs for the taking, and we are so proud to be affiliated with children with such generous hearts and giving spirits.

Write An Amazon Review.

2009-07-03T15:08:00.002-05:00

Looking for an easy, way to make an impact to the Touch A Life Foundation without spending any money or very much time? Write a review of Jantsen's Gift on Amazon.com. It's an easy, effective way of highlighting both the cause and the book in one fell swoop. Just log in or create an Amazon account, find the Jantsen's Gift page, and enter in a review about the the book. It's that simple!

Everything Makes A Difference.

2009-06-30T16:47:00.002-05:00

Last week, Touch A Life volunteer Beth Johnson held a garage sale in Wheaton, IL, with a group of friends. The sale lasted two and a half days and the women not only sold possessions in order to raise money for the foundation but they also educated and informed patrons of the dangers of human trafficking and of its prevalence throughout the world.

Amazingly, this effort raised $1,600, which is nearly the amount necessary to sponsor a Touch A Life child for an entire year. These women were able to accomplish a huge goal merely by holding a simple event. Their actions have contributed so much to our organization. Thanks, Beth and friends!

This story is the perfect reminder that everything, no matter how great or small, makes a difference.

Seven Children Rescued.

2009-06-26T16:18:00.000-05:00

We are so excited to announce that seven more children have been rescued off of Lake Volta! These amazing kids were saved through the efforts of Ghanaian Executive Director, George Achibra; his volunteer team, including his son, Village of Life Director George, Jr., Achibra; Touch A Life's consultant and volunteer, Emily George; City of Refuge/Tema Program Executive Director, Johnbull Omorefe; City of Refuge/Tema Program Spiritual Director, Kofi Achibra; and the Not For Sale Campaign's volunteer team.

Here are the names and ages of the beautiful children rescued by our fabulous staff and volunteers:

Wisdom Abuanor (12 years old)
Joel Abuanor (8 years old)
Teiko Addo (7 years old)
Joseph Goku (11 years old)
Jacob Goku (11 years old; Joseph's twin)
Fostina (14 years old)
Justine (9 years old)

Wisdom, Joel, Teiko, Joseph and Jacob will call the City of Refuge/Tema Program home, while Fostina and Justine will live at the Village of Life.

We are so excited to welcome these children into the Touch A Life family!

Tema Beach Day.

2009-06-25T20:48:00.002-05:00

Emily and the children from the Tema program at the beach.

Emily George, who has spent the past month in Ghana, enlisted the support of her family to sponsor a beach day for the children of the Tema program. None of the children had ever spent time at the beach, and they were ecstatic that they got to participate in such a fun excursion. They spent the day soaking up the sun, playing in the sand and enjoying time with one another. Here's a huge thank you to the George family for sponsoring this amazing day for the kids.

Kete-Krachi Update.

2009-06-22T16:26:00.001-05:00

The beautiful six-year-old girl rescued off of Lake Volta this past weekend.

As previously mentioned, Emily George is traveling to the Touch A Life programs in Ghana, collecting statistics and writing reports on human trafficking. Most recently, she made the trek up to Lake Volta and to the Village of Life (located in Kete-Krachi) and was able to part of the rescue of a beautiful six-year-old girl.

In Emily's words, here is the account of the rescue and transformation:

Yesterday, we rescued our first trafficked girl. She cannot be more than six years old and is an orphan. At first, she was very frightened and was crying. Johnbull (the Director of the City of Refuge) was holding her and she was lying listless on his shoulder. She did not understand English, so I stood there touching her arms and tracing her face and kissing her hands and whispering into her ear and I witnessed the miracle of love. She slowly came ALIVE. Her eyes started shining. She started smiling. When I would stop touching her, she would hold out her hand and grab me. If I walked away, she would look at me from afar and beckon me to come back to her. She then started kissing my hands and laughing and playing. Johnbull carried her to the boat and I sat with her as she consumed almost a liter of water in just a few minutes. We drove away as the sun was setting, and by the time we arrived back at the shelter, she was dancing and laughing and playing. It was a MIRACLE...and just like that, another child was free.

Emily also wrote about lead rescue volunteer, George Achibra, and about the graceful influence and gentle power he exerts in Ghana:

During these visits [to the island communities], George would have all the community leaders and assemblymen sit in a circle and he would begin his teaching. He would talk to them about trafficking and slavery. He explained the law to them. He explained the work that he is doing--that the children he has rescued are now receiving an education and vocational training. He explained the way trafficking destroys the future of Ghana. He invited them to participate in his alternative livelihood and microlending programs. He honored several of the fishermen who are no longer using children and still doing very well in their business. George is a health and development dream. And my hero.

Thank you for checking in on our updates on Emily's trip.

Trafficking in Persons Report 2009.

2009-06-18T17:37:00.004-05:00

Mark Kwadwo, in a photo taken by the New York Times in the fall of 2006, was the first child rescued by Touch A Life.

This month, the Trafficking in Persons Report was released by the U.S. Government State Department. Each year, the Department of State is required to submit a report to Congress on the efforts foreign governments are making to eliminate forms of human trafficking. This is the ninth report that has been submitted, and the purpose is to not only fulfill the required law but to also raise awareness of the issue.

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton wrote the following in the introduction of the report:

The ninth annual Trafficking in Persons sheds light on the faces of modern-day slavery and on new facets of this global problem. The human trafficking phenomenon affects virtually every country, including the United States. In acknowledging America's own struggle with modern-day slavery and slavery-related practices, we offer partnership. We call on every government to join us in working to build consensus and leverage resources to eliminate all forms of human trafficking. This year, there is new urgency in this call. As the ongoing financial crisis takes an increasing toll on many of the world's migrants--who often risk everything for the slim hope of a better future for their families--too often they are ensnared by traffickers who exploit their desperation. We recognize their immense suffering, and we commit to aiding their rescue and recovery.

On page 24 of the report, the famous picture (shown below) of Mark Kwadwo from the New York Times article that caught Pam's attention back in 2006 is used to depict the situation of human trafficking in Ghana.

Check out the report in its entirety here.

Tema Update.

2009-06-16T17:56:00.003-05:00

Emily and the kids in the Tema Program.

Emily George, a member of Touch A Life's volunteer staff, is spending a month in Ghana, conducting research on human trafficking and collecting statistics regarding the problem on Lake Volta.

She has spent the first part of her trip at the City of Refuge in Tema. She's gotten the opportunity to connect with the children, and she even raised enough money for them to take what was, for most, their first-ever field trip to the beach. Here's an excerpt from Emily's e-mail updates, which detail her activity in Ghana:

The kids continue to amaze me daily. It's beautiful to see how capable they are of giving and receiving love after everything that they have been through on the lake. It's a miracle. Our evenings are filled with singing and dancing and chasing and teasing. I even had the privilege of judging a song and dance contest the other night. It was fantastic!

Keep checking the blog for more posts about Emily's trip!

The Emmanuel Project.

2009-06-16T17:38:00.003-05:00

Touch A Life supporter and volunteer Josh Farrar has started a campaign to raise money to sponsor Emmanuel Degbe's food, shelter, clothing and education for one year.

Emmanuel is only four years old. Soon after he was born, Emmanuel's parents died and he was taken into custody by his uncle. Unfortunately, his uncle didn't provide proper care for him and decided to sell him to a fisherman on Lake Volta. Emmanuel worked for 14-16 hours a day with children his age. The conditions they worked under were dangerous, and their living quarters were unfathomable. His daily responsibilities included swimming to retrieve heavy fishing nets and bailing water from leaky boats, amongst other chores. It's likely that his master beat him.

Farrar wrote the following on the Facebook page for The Emmanuel Project:

One need do no more than look at before and after photos of Emmanuel to see that he has thrived since being rescued by Touch A Life. Now, he sleeps in comfortable, warm quarters. Now, he goes to school regularly and eats warm meals. Now, he is loved by a houseparent and his new brothers and sisters, also freed slaves. Now, Emmanuel has a life.

Visit our Donate Page to contribute to The Emmanuel Project, or contact Director of Project Development, Rachel Johnson (rachelj.tal@gmail.com), to find out how you can start a program like this on your own.

Anne Frank.

2009-06-16T17:34:00.003-05:00

Some encouraging words:

:: How wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ::

Anne Frank

Sponsor A Touch A Life Child!

2009-06-16T17:30:00.002-05:00

Touch A Life now offers volunteers and supporters the opportunity to sponsor children in our Ghana, Cambodia and Vietnam programs. Supporters can pay $50 per month to cover the costs of food, shelter, clothing and tuition for children involved in Touch A Life programs. Once involved in the process, donors will receive letter updates and photos from the children they sponsor.

Check out the "Donate" tab to find out how you can become a sponsor today!

Jantsen's Gift Web Site.

2009-06-04T16:42:00.004-05:00

Jantsen's Gift, Pam Cope's memoir, is available for sale in bookstores throughout the country. Additionally, a Web site devoted to the book has been launched. The site is a great place to learn about the content of the book, to hear the answers to frequently asked questions, to purchase the book as a gift for a friend, to discuss prevalent topics in group settings and to find ways to get involved with book promotion and with the cause itself. Check it out today!

Obama Goes to Ghana.

2009-06-01T18:36:00.003-05:00

President Barack Obama has declared that he will be visiting Ghana in July. Instead of visiting Kenya, his father's homeland, or Nigeria, Africa's stronghold, Obama has chosen to visit Ghana.

This is huge and exciting news. It's great for the Ghanaian government. As a whole, the government will be looked upon favorably by Americans because of the president's visit. Tourism could increase. The nation will be in the spotlight.

Our hope at the Touch A Life Foundation is that outsiders, including President Obama himself, take a hard look at the other things happening within the country. Undoubtedly, Ghana is an incredibly beautiful country full of amazing, kind, hospitable and generous people. However, there are still those who are selling their children into slavery. There are still those citizens who are forcing children to work on Lake Volta's choppy waters every single day. There are still people being persecuted. There are still people who need help.

Lead the revolution, President Obama. Open your eyes to the injustices occurring in Ghana. Don't let us down.

Vietnam Update.

2009-04-29T16:42:00.003-05:00

The original floor plan for the Sullivan House in Vietnam.

The completed Sullivan House in Vietnam.

The beautiful Sullivan House in Vietnam has finally been completed! This new space was much-needed, and it will certainly be appreciated by both the children who live there and the houseparents who watch over them.

In October 2007, Touch A Life supported 77 children on a full-time basis (meaning that these children lived on Touch A Life property), and helped 116 with partial or part-time assistance (meaning these children resided elsewhere and benefited from Touch A Life programs offered during the day). Currently, Touch A Life supports 101 children full-time and 105 part-time. The reason for the decline in part-time sponsorships is either because the previously accounted for children are now being sponsored full-time or because they moved out of the area.

The children were highly anticipating the completion of the Sullivan House. We're thankful that progress was made quickly and that the construction moved along smoothly.

Rachel

Dallas Book Signing.

2009-04-20T14:03:00.003-05:00

Pam will be having her first Jantsen's Gift book-signing on Wednesday, April 22. The event will be held at Barnes and Noble in Dallas, TX. If you're from the Dallas area, swing by to check out the signing and possibly hear a reading from Pam's book!

The Barnes and Noble is located at 7700 West Northwest Highway. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Rachel

Jantsen's Gift On Sale Everywhere!

2009-04-17T11:45:00.004-05:00

Great news! Jantsen's Gift became available nationwide yesterday! Bookstores everywhere have displays of Jantsen's Gift available for your purchase. You can also check out the Jantsen's Gift, where you'll find that you can give an autographed copy of the book to a friend.

Happy reading!

Rachel

Ghana: March 19.

2009-04-15T13:40:00.001-05:00

Update will be posted shortly!

Ghana: March 18.

2009-04-07T20:39:00.006-05:00

Sweet Moses, adjusting to his new life in Tema. Looks at the difference a mere 24 hours can make!

On Wednesday, we woke up to the sound of the children excitedly getting ready for school. Their passion for learning is incredible, and their joy for life is contagious. Half of the children at the City of Refuge are enrolled in school; the other half have only been off of the lake since January and missed the deadline to enroll in the new quarter. The second half of the group receives their education by taking classes with a tutor, and they'll join the others in school when a new term begins in May.

It was a blast to watch the kids who were at the house participate in their studies. They were so happy to write their names, color on their papers and answer questions about the Bible. It was hard to drag ourselves away from watching them but we eventually headed out to a meeting with the Compassion International chapter in Tema. The meeting was productive and interesting. Compassion International has such influence and brand-name recognition in America, and it was interesting to see how they conduct their business abroad.

Afterwards, we headed over to a bead-making establishment called TK Beads. The owners and their employees make beautiful beads out of recycled glass. Piles of blue, green and brown wine and beer bottles are separated, melted down and formed into beads. Visitors can purchase strands of these beads for as little as $2.00 per strand. George suggested that the owners offer internships/apprenticeships to the teenagers at Lake Volta, which would provide them with another vocational trade to pursue.

The Touch A Life team, City of Refuge Director Johnbull Omorefe, George and his son, Kofi, all spent the evening enjoying a meal together at a local restaurant. It was nice to connect with each other in a relaxed setting, as opposed to our times on the lake or on the long drive. None of us could believe that the trip was almost over.

Emmanuel. He was rescued off of the lake in September. What a difference seven months makes.

The boys, doing some reading before heading out to school.

Off to school!

Felix and Freeman, waving at us while wearing their awesome shades.

Some of the incredible creations from TK Beads.

Products from TK Beads.

Before and after.

Sweet Freeman. I love his name. Now that he's rescued, he can live up to it--he is truly a free man.

Rachel

Ghana: March 17.

2009-04-06T15:52:00.005-05:00

Rachael, Rachel and Moses, having a blast on the 10-hour ride back to Tema.

On Tuesday, Rachael, Emily and I woke up at 4:45 a.m. to head out for round two on the lake with George and George, Jr. (See pictures from the Ghana: March 16 entry to see images of the kids we met on the water.) Instead of using the large boat we'd used the day before, we hopped aboard a modest boat that was essentially just a canoe with a motor. Because we were on a much smaller boat, we were able to get closer to the children working on Lake Volta's choppy waters. We were able to interact with them and their masters for extensive periods of time. It was so interesting to observe George's conversations with the masters. Since we do not pay to get the children back (that would technically mean that we, too, would be participating in the cycle of human trafficking), our Ghanaian volunteers must be extremely intentional in the words they choose and the conversations they have. All of the negotiations they do are conversation and relationship-based, so these interactions on the lake are extremely important. It was great to get the chance to see how the negotiations truly work.

When we arrived back at the Village of Life, the rest of the team was packing up their belongings and preparing to head back to Tema (an hour outside of the capital of Accra). Moses was coming with us, as he is too young to remain at the program at the Village of Life. After saying goodbye to the incredible teenagers at the Village of Life site, we embarked on our 10-hour journey to visit the City of Refuge program in Tema. Because the ride up to the lake had been rather traumatic, we had adequately prepared ourselves for the trip south. What made the trip 10 times more enjoyable was the fact that Moses was with us. He had such a sweet, patient disposition. He was so comfortable with us, which was so inspiring. We were worried that it would be difficult for him to leave Kete-Krachi but he was clearly ready for a change.

We received the most perfect welcoming when we arrived at the City of Refuge program in Tema. The houseparents had allowed the children to stay up late and wait for us to arrive. When our van pulled into the front gates, the children all began jumping up and down, so excited that we had finally arrived. They jumped all over us once we got off of the van, desperate for hugs and attention, which we were more than happy to give to them. They sang songs for us and climbed all over us, as if we were human jungle gyms. It was the most perfect greeting.

The Rach(a)els loving on Moses.

Enjoying the drive.

The sweet kids who greeted us upon our arrival to the City of Refuge.

Singing and dancing.

Moses already had friends at the City of Refuge! These boys were on the lake with him and now they're reunited because of Touch A Life.

Rachel

Ghana: March 16.

2009-04-02T09:54:00.004-05:00

Sweet Moses, moments after he was rescued.

On Monday, George led our group out to Lake Volta. We boarded the Krachi Queen and set out for an eventful morning on the water. We were able to witness the severity and the gravity of the child trafficking issue firsthand. So many children were working on the lake and it was shocking to see how small they were. They had such serious looks in their eyes, as if they were seasoned fishing veterans. Some of them looked as young as 3 or 4.

It was difficult to navigate our boat away from the children, knowing that we couldn't simply scoop them up and bring them with us. However, we were incredibly blessed with the opportunity to rescue Moses, a boy that George had tracked for nearly 8 months. Touch A Life was originally supposed to rescue Moses in the fall of 2008 but when George arrived at his island to pick him up, Moses's master had taken his children and fled. It took 6 months to find the master and his clan. The master had called George just a few days before our arrival and said that we could bring Moses home.

We pulled up to Moses's island and weren't surprised to see that his community was extremely small. A group of five or six adults sat mending nets. George interacted with the master and asked for Moses. The shy 12-year-old (with a severely protruding hernia) peeked out from around a tree, and George enveloped him in a hug. After a few minutes of discussion and deliberation, Moses was brought to his room (an incredibly tiny space in a mud hut that was probably shared by at least 3 slave children, none of whom were present) to gather his belongings. He managed to fit all of his earthly possessions into a small red backpack. Since Moses was so accustomed to this lifestyle (he was sold into slavery when he was 8), and because he was so overwhelmed by all the changes happening at once, he cried when we left the island. The moment he settled in on the Krachi Queen, though, Moses was all smiles. The transformation was incredible.

Moses was instantly at ease when he arrived at the Village of Life. The teenagers there were so welcoming. He was given fresh clothes and good food to eat. He enjoyed playing soccer, taking pictures with Rachael and my cameras and observing all that was going on at the Village of Life. He was quiet but content.

That evening, George invited local community members, including government officials, over to the Village of Life for a party. He honored Pam by praising her efforts in Ghana, and introduced us to numerous members of the community, many of whom are extremely influential. We watched the Touch A Life documentary, created by Patrick Cone of C1 Entertainment. Moses is actually in it, and his face lit up when he saw himself on screen.

As the party wound down, I looked around at the amazing people gathered together to celebrate this momentous occasion. Another sweet child had been saved from a life spent eternally on the lake. It was an incredible day.

George, Jr., helping Moses board the Krachi Queen. Time to go home.

George Achibra, the leader of the rescue missions, with Moses when we learned we could take him home with us.

Three slave children on Lake Volta. The boy in the foreground most likely has that scar on his face due to a beating from his master.

These children are so young and so little.

Join the crusade to free the trafficked child.

The Day Two lake group: George, Rachel, Rachael, Emily and our driver. See the Ghana: March 17 entry for more details about the time spent on the lake.

Friends of the trafficked child.

"All days are not equal." Clearly.

Too much seriousness and sadness in such a young face.

Rachel

Ghana Trip: March 15.

2009-03-31T02:54:00.007-05:00

At 12:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, the Touch A Life team embarked on a 10-hour journey to Kete-Krachi (in the Lake Volta region). Try as they might, the Touch A Life team members struggled to get cozy in their 15-passenger van (which thankfully had air conditioning). Things got extremely uncomfortable when the driver hit the halfway point, in which the semi-paved roads turned completely to dirt. Needless to say, the rest of the drive was...eventful. For more traumatizing stories, contact me personally, as I'd like to spare the details for those with weak stomachs...

Truly, though, we were blessed with a driver who was able to get us from Gomoa-Fetteh to Kete-Krachi in one piece. Upon our arrival, we headed straight to George Achibra's house. George is the Ghanaian volunteer in charge of both the Village of Life program and the actual rescues themselves. He is an education official in Kete-Krachi and is incredibly well-known amongst the residents of his community, as well as in Ghana as a whole. It was amazing to get to spend time with an influential leader like George. We spent time partaking in the Ghanaian tradition of sitting under the mango tree, discussing where we all have been and where we all are going.

The Achibra family had prepared breakfast for us, and we inhaled our food and our coffee. We headed over to the Village of Life. This program was designed for teenagers in the 14-18 age range who have been rescued off of Lake Volta. Because they are too old to enroll in school, they have tutors teach them to read, write and speak English. Additionally, they receive vocational training so that they can create income-generating programs for themselves and for their community. For example, they're currently learning basket-weaving and jewelry-making.

As we pulled up to the Village of Life, we all simultaneously noticed that the dormitory building had been given a name: Jantsen's House, dedicated to Pam and Randy's son who passed away in June of 1999. George and his family had decided to name the house in Jantsen's honor and wanted to surprise Pam upon her arrival. Needless to say, it was an emotional welcoming.

The Touch A Life team members spent the rest of the afternoon getting to know the teenagers at the Village of Life. The 10 kids who reside there are incredible. They are talented, gracious and smart. They all have incredible leadership potential. We taught them to make jewelry and how to play card games. I spent a majority of the afternoon interviewing them to obtain their biographies and to learn their stories. Like the rest of the children rescued by the Touch A Life Foundation, these teenagers have devastating backgrounds. In particular, the story of Doris, a 16-year-old girl, really struck me. She was impregnated by her master's son at the age of 14. While living in wretched conditions, she gave birth to a daughter. Doris's daughter didn't live past a few days. Stories like these are sadly common but regardless of the situation, these teenagers (and all of the children in Touch A Life's ministries) are kind, happy and content. Their circumstances don't determine their joy.

In the evening, the Touch A Life team members returned to George's for another home-cooked meal. The Ghanaian people are so hospitable. It was great to unwind with good food and great company.

All of the team members went to bed slightly anxious, knowing that the next day would be the time to venture out onto Lake Volta.

Rachel

Ghana Trip: March 14.

2009-03-25T18:38:00.008-05:00

Beautiful boys at the Village of Hope Orphanage.

On Saturday morning, the Touch A Life team members tackled the task of interviewing the 21 rescued children to acquire their biographies. Because of the level of excitement generated by the new visitors at the Village of Hope, all of the children wanted to participate, resulting in the acquisition of over 100 biographies. It was chaotic, hilarious, productive and fun.

The team members explored the local village of Gomoa-Fetteh and spent as much time as possible bonding with the kids. In the evening, some of the Touch A Life team members doled out new shirts from our donors for the kids. Kids Caring 4 Kids and the ATO Fraternity at Pepperdine University donated shirts from their causes and the children loved trying on their new clothes. They were so excited to receive new outfits. It was so much fun playing and laughing with them.

Up next: the tale of the traumatic 10-and-a-half-hour drive to Lake Volta...

Some of the 21 rescued by TAL in their Kids Caring 4 Kids shirts.

Pam, bonding and coloring with the kids.

Mark and Rachel, donning the new Touch A Life foundation shirts, which feature the name, handprint and rescue date of the children the organization has saved.

Mark was the first boy rescued off of Lake Volta by the Touch A Life Foundation.

Pam and Rachel with Mark.

Sweet boys at the Village of Hope.

Rachel

Ghana Trip: March 13.

2009-03-25T13:40:00.005-05:00

Rachel and some of the boys at the Village of Hope Orphanage.

As previously mentioned, eight phenomenal women journeyed to Ghana to evaluate the progress being made in the Touch A Life programs located there. For the next couple of days, I'll post recaps of our adventures on the blog.

We'll start with Friday, March 13. After nearly two days of traveling, the members of the Touch A Life team (consisting of Pam Cope, Emily George, Rachael Wise, Tara Seidman, Leah Cypert, Dana Rector, Sherri Gaskie and myself) were thrilled to get settled in at the Village of Hope Orphanage in Gomoa-Fetteh, Ghana. Friday was Pam's birthday, and what better way to celebrate this incredible woman's life than by spending time with some amazing kids?

The morning began with a Freedom Stones meeting. Leah Cypert started a foundation that provides at-risk women and children with vocational training in hopes of teaching them a trade while also stimulating their local economies. Specifically, Leah purchases beads made in local markets and teaches her students how to create beautiful jewelry. In Ghana, there is a huge market for this; local Ghanaian factories make unique beads out of recycled glass bottles. Leah seeks to implement her ideas within the Ghanaian community, and specifically within Touch A Life's sphere of influence. The meeting informed the house moms (the women who live with the children at the Village of Hope) of the opportunities they have to get plugged in with this ministry.

In the afternoon, the Touch A Life team members met with two colleagues from Beacon House, an orphanage in Accra (the capital of Ghana). Touch A Life is continually seeking to solidify collaborative efforts with other non-profit groups, and we appreciate being aligned with a great cause like Beacon House.

The rest of the day was spent enjoying time with the children at the Village of Hope. All of the kids, including the 21 the Touch A Life Foundation has rescued, are incredible. Their circumstance does not determine their joy. It was particularly joyfu

l for me to reconnect with the children there since I had met most of them in August while serving at the Children's Art Village camp. Pam and Rachael were also in attendance during that week in August, and it was so much fun for the three of us to cherish memories we'd made together six months ago. The children welcomed us back with open arms, and were so excited to meet new friends as well.

Pam with Macho, one of the 21 rescued by the Touch A Life Foundation.

Boys being boys at the Village of Hope Orphanage.

Rachel

Reader's Digest.

2009-03-20T18:38:00.006-05:00

Reader's Digest featured Pam's story in an excerpt from her book, Jantsen's Gift: A True Story of Grief, Rescue, and Grace.

This dignified magazine reaches many different demographics and is an exciting platform to continue sharing Touch A Life's story with others.

The article is titled "One Family's Journey from Loss to a New Life" and is extremely powerful and moving.

The story is moving, inspiring and incredible. See an excerpt from the Reader's Digest article and get excited to purchase your own copy of the book.

Jessica

T-Shirts.

2009-03-20T18:21:00.007-05:00

As the Touch A Life intern, I have been working on designing a merchandising line for the past month. We finally received our first shipment of shirts and they look fantastic! Our first shirt was created to honor Mark, the first child rescued off of Lake Volta through the funding of the Touch A Life Foundation.

Our goal is to design an entire line of shirts that will commemorate all original 8 children who were rescued out of slavery by Touch A Life.

Here is a preview of what the shirts look like:

We are hoping to add a link to our Touch A Life website soon for people to be able to order these new shirts. Keep an eye out for this merchandising link on our home page.

Jessica

Donation Stories.

2009-03-20T18:15:00.005-05:00

Exciting new donation stories have been posted on our Touch A Life website.

Visit the Touch A Life home page to read about these amazing stories of generosity that have helped contribute to our success.

Jessica

Ghana Independence Day.

2009-03-06T16:16:00.002-06:00

Today is Independence Day in Ghana. On March 6, 1957, the people of Ghana celebrated the end of colonial rule in their country. Many workers in Ghana have been given the day off to recognize and honor this important day.

This holiday, comparable to the American celebration of the Fourth of July, is exciting and noteworthy. But it is also a reminder that though the country is free of outside rule, independence and freedom are not exercised by all. Hundreds of children are still enslaved on Lake Volta, and they need our help to enjoy the independence that the rest of the Ghanaian citizens are celebrating on this very day.

Rachel

Kirkus Reviews.

2009-03-06T12:33:00.003-06:00

We received another great review the other day, this time by Kirkus Reviews. It is so exciting to get great feedback on the book, and we can't wait for Jantsen's Gift to hit shelves on April 16.

A Missouri hair-salon owner confronts personal tragedy by rescuing at-risk children overseas: When her 15-year old son Jantsen died from a heart problem in 1999, Cope's world came crashing down. An offer from friend Carol to visit Vietnam helped draw her out of her misery. Cope found beautiful countryside marred by a population in the midst of staggering poverty levels A visit to an orphanage put her personal suffering in perspective as she and Randy witnessed tiny babies and toddlers living parentless and alone. They initiated the grueling adoption process after a chance encounter with Van, a small boy curled up on a floor mat. After Van became part of their family, Cope reflects that "rocking him to sleep every day for his nap was like a balm on my heart." Back at home, the author solicited donations for a fund dedicated to the betterment of young lives in Vietnam, and she began appearing and speaking at area volunteer groups, social gatherings and churches, garnering varying degrees of interest in her cause. Cope's humanitarian project truly took off when the author sold her wedding ring to increase the fund's coffers and gave her project a name, Touch A Life. As the organization grew, other deplorable situations caught her attention: factories recruiting child laborers, young girls working the sex trade and human trafficking. The author's charitable, compassionate nature saturates the narrative, giving it a smooth, unrushed flow. By 2001, she and her husband Randy had further extended their family with other adoptions and expanded cross-cultural outreach efforts to Ghana, Haiti and Cambodia. Skillfully written account of finding hope after grief.

Rachel

Donation Stories.

2009-03-04T21:34:00.003-06:00

Beginning Friday, March 6, there will be a new story every day about unique ways in which Touch A Life supporters have donated over the past year. These stories are touching, creative and inspiring all at once. Stay tuned!

Rachel

Ghana Trip.

2009-02-27T16:37:00.005-06:00

On March 11, seven women will depart to Ghana to chart the progress Touch A Life is making in Africa. Pam Cope, Tara Seidman, Leah Cypert, Sheryl Gaskie, Dana Rector, Emily George and myself will fly out of New York into Ghana. We will have the opportunity to first stop at the Village of Hope Orphanage to check on the children in school there. From there, we will move up to the Lake Volta region. We will be able to observe the new buildings at the Village of Life, as well as connect with George Achibra, the director there. We will then move on to Tema to note the progress being made at the Touch A Life program in that city.

I'm so excited to explore parts of Ghana that I've never seen. Out of our group, Pam is the only one who has been to all three locations so it's clear to me that so much learning is going to be accomplished while in Africa. My hope is that we can return to the States with a greater understanding of the needs of the children our organization serves.

Rachel

Publishers Weekly.

2009-02-24T14:04:00.003-06:00

Pam received her first review from Publishers Weekly. It's so exciting to know that things, as far as the book is concerned, are really getting underway. Check out the review:

For Cope, in life in her small Missouri town seemed perfect; she ran a hair salon, enjoyed a happy family life and lived in a beautiful home. Yet, she explains, "I have to say, I put on a hell of a performance. For a long time, I even had myself convinced of how good and right everything was in my life." Her ideal was shattered in 1999 when Jantsen, her 15-year-old son, died suddenly from a heart ailment; this moving memoir recounts Cope's transformation and growth after her world collapsed. Her metamorphosis began after she accepted an invitation from a friend to visit Vietnam. Though Cope was wrapped in personal grief following the death of her son, the trip illuminated for her the superficial environment she inhabited. After visiting a local orphanage, Cope found for the first time in her life a sense of "wholeness and purpose." Soon she stepped outside her own circumscribed world and began creating better lives for the abused, neglected and at-risk children she encountered, first in Vietnam, then in Cambodia and Ghana. This is a wonderful story of a woman whose personal tragedy gave birth to a gift and how she fulfilled that legacy to make the world a better place.

Rachel

I Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Me.

2009-02-20T12:35:00.005-06:00

A few months ago, I discovered a great cause called the Mocha Club. Some of my favorite musicians (Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz) have aligned themselves with this organization, which seeks to raise money to feed, educate and provide healthcare for poor citizens of African nations. Raising these funds is accomplished by reminding donors that the cost of just two coffee drinks will provide so many resources for the African people. Simultaneously, the organization seeks to educate society regarding the joy they've seen in the African people they've served, the joy they've observed that is unrelated to many of those people's dire circumstances.

The following is an excerpt from the Mocha Club's Web site. It is also imprinted on the inside of the T-shirts they sell, emblazoned with the powerful saying, "I Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Me."

:: When I think of Africa, the following images immediately come to mind: Starvation. AIDS. Child soldiers. Genocide. Sex slaves. Orphans. From there, my thoughts naturally turn to how I can help, how I can make a difference. "I am needed here," I think. "They have so little, and I have so much." It's true, there are great tragedies playing out in Africa every day. There is often a level of suffering here that is unimaginable until you have seen it, and even then it is difficult to believe. But what is even harder is reconciling the challenges that many Africans face with the joy I see in those same people. It's a joy that comes from somewhere I cannot fathom, not within the framework that has been my life to this day.

The images spilling out of my television showed circumstances that could seemingly only equal misery, and I was fooled. I bought into the lie that circumstance defines happiness. The truth is, in Africa I find hearts full of victory, indomitable spirits. In places where despair should thrive, instead I find adults dancing and singing, children playing soccer with a ball crafted of tied up trash. Instead of payback, I find grace. Here, weekend getaways are not options to provide relief from the pains of daily life. Relationships and faith provide joy. Love is sovereign.

My new reality...I know now that my joy should have no regard for my circumstances. I'm ashamed by my lack of faith, but at the very same moment I am excited by my new pursuit. I'm forced to redefine the meaning of having much or having little. I'm uneasy with the prospect of change and of letting go, but just the thought of freedom is liberating. I want what I have learned to trickle down from my head into my heart--I no longer want to need the "next thing" to have joy.

I'm not saying that Africa does not need our efforts. It absolutely does need our partnership. But for me, I've come to understand that I need Africa more than Africa needs me. Why? Because it is Africa that has taught me that possessions in my hands will never be as valuable as peace in my heart. I've learned that I don't need what I have and that I have what I need. These are just a few of this continent's many lessons. I came here to serve and yet I've found that I have so much to learn, and Africa, with all its need, has much to teach me. ::

For me, and for Touch A Life:

I need Ghana more than Ghana needs me.

I need Vietnam more than Vietnam needs me.

I need Cambodia more than Cambodia needs me.

Rachel

Not For Sale.

2009-02-17T12:11:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow I'll be leaving Los Angeles to have a meeting with a member of the Not For Sale Campaign in San Francisco. I am so excited to establish a solid relationship with this non-profit group. Not For Sale partnered with Touch A Life in January to build a school at Lake Volta.

The campaign was started by individuals concerned with domestic human trafficking. While human trafficking abroad had been publicized by news outlets, human slavery in the United States was going undetected. Members of the Not For Sale Campaign decided to take action to bring this issue to light. The campaign has expanded to include both domestic and international efforts.

For a little taste of what the organization is all about, read the following excerpt from Not For Sale's Web site:

Not For Sale aims to educate and mobilize an international abolitionist movement. Inside the United States, the campaign identifies trafficking rings and collaborates with local law enforcement and community groups to shut them down and provide support for the victims.

David Batstone, one of the founding members of the organization, wrote a book titled Not For Sale, which is a tool that can provide you with more information regarding the incredible things the members of the campaign are working on in order to eradicate human slavery.

Rachel

Kids Caring 4 Kids.

2009-02-12T18:10:00.004-06:00

Kendall Ciesemier with Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey. As recognition for all of the hard work Kendall has done, Clinton surprised her at her high school and brought her downtown Chicago to be a guest on Oprah's popular talk show.

It has been a blessing for the Touch A Life Foundation to partner financially with Kids Caring 4 Kids. Kendall Ciesemier is a 15-year-old from Wheaton, IL, (which is my hometown! This makes our partnernship with this organization all the more exciting for me.) who started raising money in 2004 to benefit orphans with AIDS in Africa. The organization has turned into a group that raises money with the intention of donating it to various non-profits whose goals are focused on eradicating slavery, poverty, hunger and AIDS in African nations.

Kendall is an inspiration to me. She is an example to youth everywhere that no one needs to wait another day before taking action to change the world. Kendall has undergone two liver transplants (both during the summer of 2004) yet she has a disposition of peace, confidence and strength. At age 15, I was nowhere near the level of maturity that Kendall has already achieved. I am so impressed by her grace and courage.

I took the following quote from the Kids Caring 4 Kids Web site because I feel that this sentence sums up the organization perfectly:

:: By watching Kendall think of others during her time of need, many kids have been inspired to look at how they, too, can be a "kid caring 4 kids," seeking to make their own positive impact on the world. ::

Rachel

Same Kind of Different As Me.

2009-02-09T02:39:00.004-06:00

I'm actually poaching the idea for this entry from a post I made on my personal blog. It's regarding Same Kind of Different As Me, a story chronicling the journey of two perfect strangers who end up becoming best friends. Ron Hall, a wealthy art dealer, and Denver Moore, a homeless vagabond, co-wrote the piece, and their words serve to remind readers that though we may appear different from one another based on our circumstances, at our core we are all very much the same.

An excerpt from the book's Web site explains the dynamic of the book better than I ever could:

A dangerous homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery...

An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani and Chanel...

A gutsy woman with a stubborn dream...

A story so incredible no novelist would dare dream it.

The story begins outside a burning plantation hut in Louisiana and within an East Texas honky-tonk...and, without a doubt, in the heart of God. It unfolds in a Hollywood hacienda, in an upscale New York gallery, in a downtown dumpster, in a Texas ranch. Gritty with pain and betrayal and brutality, this story also shines with an unexpected, life-changing love.

"Just tell 'em I'm a nobody that's tryin' to tell ever'body 'bout a Somebody that can save anybody."

Denver Moore

Rachel

Children's Art Village: Art Camp Dates Released.

2009-02-04T18:49:00.004-06:00

The Children's Art Village is an organization that seeks to bring art curricula to children all around the world as a means of therapy and social recovery. The organization has provided children with art camp experiences in Ghana and Cambodia. The non-profit has specifically affected and benefitted Touch A Life by providing the children at the Village of Hope Orphanage with the opportunity to participate in the week-long camp. The children are offered the experience to delve into creative art projects, including everything from completing papier-mache projects and attending photography classes to making watercolor paintings and decorating their own stickers.

The camp is incredible. It allows the children to explore their creative sides, which is truly a therapeutic experience for them. Pam and I attended the camp for the first time in August 2008. We are thrilled to be joining CAV Director, Mai Lai, and her team for art camp again this summer. For those of you readers who might be interested in attending the camp as well, please see the organization's Web site for further details and dates.

Rachel

TOMS Shoes.

2009-02-02T18:49:00.004-06:00

TOMS Shoes is an incredible organization that would be a great partner for the Touch A Life Foundation. The company was started with the intent of providing shoes for anyone who might need them, specifically those in third world countries whose everyday lives are negatively affected by the fact that they walk around barefoot. For every pair of shoes the company sells, they donate a pair to a child in need. Since the organization began in the spring of 2006, TOMS has provided shoes for more than 100,000 children in Argentina and for 50,000 children in South Africa.

I would love to see TOMS and Touch A Life work together to provide substantial, protective footwear for the children in Ghana, Cambodia and Vietnam. I think the mission of TOMS is simple and easy, and it is well-received in the consumer-driven world in which we live. Because of the current state of the economy, people are looking for ways to buy what they need while also remaining socially conscious. TOMS provides people the opportunity to do just that: Purchase a pair of shoes for your own use and get the satisfaction of knowing that your dollar is being stretched a little further so as to meet the needs of someone less fortunate than yourself.

Rachel

Ghana-Sick.

2009-01-30T12:35:00.006-06:00

The Georges and the Copes. True lifesavers.

I'm feeling Ghana-sick today. I miss the country and the people so much. I am so anxious to get back there to be with the people who stole my heart. Pam and I are traveling to Ghana in March with two incredible women, Emily George and Tara Seidman, and I am so excited for them to be able to share in the joy of knowing the amazing people we work with there.

The following are some photos I took when I was in Ghana with Pam in August 2008. We were at the Village of Hope Orphanage, serving at the Children's Art Village camp. The intent of the camp is to allow the children to express themselves creatively through art. I was able to observe that this type of activity was truly therapeutic for the kids.

Rachel

Jantsen's Gift: Available for Pre-Sale.

2009-01-30T11:41:00.005-06:00

Just a brief post today to remind you that Pam's book, Jantsen's Gift, is available for pre-sale on Amazon.com. Order your copy now!

The book is amazing and it will undoubtedly change your life. Spread the word and get excited to read an incredibly well-written memoir that will serve to inspire you to make a difference in the world.

Rachel

(Originally posted on Monday, January 26, 2009.)

Thoreau.

2009-01-29T19:50:00.004-06:00

I think Mr. Thoreau really just gets me. All of his quotations resonate within me, as if he created them with me in mind. Specifically, I feel drawn to these words:

:: Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined. ::

Many people are trapped in jobs, relationships and, ultimately, lives that aren't fulfilling. Know that you are the only who can break the cycle of lack of purpose, passion and drive. Take your life into your own hands; grip the steering wheel and maneuver out onto the road that will take you beyond your wildest dreams. Remain confident that you were blessed with talents and abilities that have the potential to change the world. Use what inspires you to make a difference in someone else's life. Count your blessings and evaluate what your life could be if you only allowed yourself to go forth confidently, to imagine.

Be empowered by Thoreau's words: Move, dream, go...live.

Rachel

(Originally posted on Friday, January 23, 2009.)

Dream Team 2009.

2009-01-29T17:56:00.007-06:00

This weekend, 30 supporters of the Touch A Life Foundation and the Village of Hope Orphanage met in Dallas, TX, to discuss the vision for both organizations for 2009. It's fitting, to me, that this meeting landed on the weekend celebrating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Amongst the many accomplishments this visionary man made throughout his lifetime, perhaps most notable was the deliverance of his "I Have a Dream" speech.

Many parallels can be drawn between Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, speech and the goals Touch A Life seeks to accomplish. Both the speechmaker and the organization desire to eradicate slavery in order to make the world a fairer, better place for all. The following quote from the famous speech struck me because of the relevance it has regarding the work Touch A Life does in Ghana, Cambodia and Vietnam:

:: With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. ::

Truly, it is only through uniting together as one that we will be able to lift up the children of surrounding nations so that we might free them from slavery, from the bonds tying them to lives of destitution and sorrow. We, too, should have a dream that one day all of our brothers and sisters across the world will finally be free, that they will finally know what it's like to live.

Rachel

(Originally posted on Monday, January 19, 2009.)

Jessica Wallace.

2009-01-29T17:39:00.008-06:00

Jessica Wallace is the amazing new intern for Touch A Life Foundation. Jessica is a junior at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. She is enrolled in the university's Social Action and Justice colloquium, a program that requires students to participate in an internship for a non-profit organization in order to further develop their understanding of service-based businesses. For her internship, Jessica has decided to join the Touch A Life team. For the next four months, she will play a huge role in the development of the organization in the Los Angeles area. Jessica is confident, talented and well-spoken; surely, her work will serve to benefit Touch A Life and the children the organization supports.

Rachel

(Originally posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.)

10,000 Children.

2009-01-29T15:34:00.007-06:00

I spent all of last week in Dallas, TX, with Pam. As we were working away, we were constantly jamming to Dave Barnes's music. In particular, we were listening to a song called "10,000 Children," a soulful tune that has some incredibly inspiring lyrics:

10,000 children and all I can do is just talk

While my house is full of possessions that negligence bought

Everyone tells me that I'm not to blame

Why do I still feel the same?

Only love can save us all

Only love can save us all, save us all

10,000 children are my invitation to change

To continue in excess now suddenly feels oh-so-strange

Prayers and money should not be confused

But I pray that both still are used

Only love can save us all

What will become of me?

Inside of history

10,000 children and all I can do is just talk

Pam and I were especially struck by the line, "10,000 children are my invitation to change." Isn't that the truth? Think of all the beautiful children in the world who aren't being treated as they should be. Think of all of the precious children who are sleeping on the streets, working on the lake, crying out for help. Think of all the children who can be our inspiration to change.

Rachel

(Originally posted on Monday, January 12, 2009.)

Margaret Mead.

2009-01-29T15:23:00.004-06:00

I can't claim to know much about Margaret Mead. I believe she was an American cultural philanthropist who specialized in writing literature that embraced women's rights and the exploration of foreign culture. But all I really know is that Margaret Mead has said some things that have served to provide great inspiration for my life.

Since it's Friday and you've probably had a long work week, I just want this blog post to be refreshing, encouraging and empowering. Margaret Mead's words have the ability to accomplish that very goal. With that, I've listed some of my favorite quotes made by this very special woman:

:: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. ::

:: I must admit that I personally measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings. ::

:: Prayer does not use up artificial energy, doesn't burn up any fossil fuel, doesn't pollute. Neither does song, neither does love, neither does the dance. ::

:: As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, OUR OWN. ::

Rachel

(Originally posted on Friday, January 9, 2009.)

Wide Awake: The Explorer.

2009-01-29T15:12:00.004-06:00

Erwin McManus is the Cultural Architect and Lead Pastor of Mosaic Community Church, a church that is based in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to his speaking responsibilities, McManus has created a niche for himself as a talented author. his most recent book, Wide Awake, discusses the potential within us all to recognize our dreams and to summon up the courage to make them our realities.

When Pam and I were thinking about what 2009 might look like for the Touch A Life Foundation, phrases from Wide Awake continuously resurfaced in our minds. Pam compiled a list of encouraging and motivating quotations, using some of McManus's writing to serve as inspiration. This excerpt is one from the book that literally jumped off the page at me, causing me to catch my breath and realize the potential within myself, and the potential that is assuredly found in each and every one of you:

:: If you're going to create the life of your dreams, you have to once again choose to explore. You need to make it a life mandate to learn everything and anything you need to know to turn your dreams into reality. You have to start making yourself flexible and pliable again, because if you stop learning, you will stop growing and will never create a life beyond the one you have right now...

When you are called out by God, you have to take on a learning mode that recognizes that you are called by God to explore unknown territories and go to uncertain environments. To some of you, God is literally saying, You need to leave your country, your relatives, your house and go to a place you've never known if you are going to live the life of your dreams...

I wonder if some of you need to move to Tibet or maybe India or South America. Or maybe you need to find a way to deal with the issue of AIDS in Africa. Is it possible that to create the life of your dreams, you need to get up and leave what you know and relinquish the security of what you have in order to discover what you only see in your imagination? Remember, there is always a hero within you waiting to be awakened--that hero is the explorer. ::

You don't necessarily need to go abroad to explore or to solve all of the world's problems; you can do your exploring right in your own neighborhood. Undoubtedly, there are problems begging to be solved right down the street from your home, and quite possibly just inside your very own doorstep. I think the point is that we should all be willing to do whatever it takes to explore our surroundings (near or far) to effect change on our world. Allow yourself to be shaped in ways you never could have imagined.

Rachel

(Originally posted on Wednesday, January 7, 2009.)

The Nicholson Wedding.

2009-01-29T14:56:00.004-06:00

For those readers who may not know, be forewarned: The wedding industry makes billions and billions (oh, and add a couple more billions) of dollars. From the cake and the dress to the gifts and the centerpieces, money adds up quickly, often times leaving couples with little left to spend at the beginning of their marriage. Newlyweds also end up with a lot of gifts; some are treasured for years to come, while others will only see the light of day when Aunt Edna comes over for Sunday brunch.

Interestingly enough, this is not the case for Chris and Sarah Nicholson. The newlywed couple, who met at Harding University in Searcy, AK, decied to plan an extremely low-budgeted wedding and ask their guests to make donations to the Touch A Life Foundation instead of giving them linens, cookware and other presents normally found on wedding registries. To them, no other gift could provide them with more joy than the knowledge that the money used by the Touch A Life Foundation would ultimately save the lives of children throughout the world.

Though the Nicholsons met at Harding, they didn't begin dating until they both moved to Atlanta, GA, after college. They shared more in common than a degree from Harding: Both Sarah and Chris had spent time serving in Africa. Sarah participated in a Harding summer program in West Africa while Christ spent an entire year serving in Kenya.

In December 2007, Chris felt a tugging on his heartstrings to return to Kenya. He planned on revisiting the same village where he lived during his year abroad, and he was hoping to reunite with his host family as well. However, due to severe unrest and threatening riots in the country, he nixed his plans to go to Kenya. Despite the unforseen obstacle, Chris went ahead and pursued his trip to Africa anyway. He called a trusted professor at Harding, who suggested that he spend his time volunteering at the Village of Hope Orphanage in Ghana. Heeding his advice, Chris set off for Ghana during Christmastime. He had no idea of how drastically the trip would change his life.

Upon arriving at the orphanage, Chris was bombarded by children who had an overwhelming desire to be loved. He and his traveling companion spent the week simply playing with the kids, setting aside the occasional hour to tutor them in their studies. Though Chris had previously lived in Africa, something about his trip to Ghana struck a chord within him to continue to affect change in the children's lives even when he returned home.

"What was so touching for me in Ghana was that many of the kids had been in such horrible situations as far as slavery goes," Chris said. "I was amazed at what those kids had been through and I realized how important it is to help children who aren't told things that we take for granted, things like saying, 'I love you.'"

Overwhelmed with the reality that it takes relatively little money to rescue a child, Chris proposed that he and Sarah spend less money on their wedding so that they'd be able to purchase the items that most people give to newlyweds as gifts. The would still have the things they'd need while also being able to ask their guests to provide gifts by making donations to the Touch A Life Foundation.

Chris and Sarah were married on September 6, 2008, at a friends home in Atlanta. Though it was no small wedding (there were 375 guests in attendance), the couple managed to keep costs down by holding the reception at their church and by asking their friends to use their talents to play parts in their special day. Loved ones prepared the food, played the music, performed the ceremony and, ultimately, allowed for money to be raised to benefit the children at the Village of Hope.

The Nicholsons raised $3,970 for Touch A Life by asking wedding guests to donate to the cause. But the couple wouldn't want any praise for their actions. As Chris said, "It's really not about the fact that we did this for our wedding. Instead, it should emphasize new ways to use your money. A lot can be done with a little. What we did was just offer a way for people to donate and they just stepped up."

During Christmastime, it is important to remember those who are not as fortunate as many of us. May Chris and Sarah's story inspire you to maintain a giving spirit throughout this beautiful season.

Rachel

(Originally posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2008.)

Rachel Johnson.

2009-01-29T14:43:00.005-06:00

To all of the avid readers of the Touch A Life blog: Hello!

My name is Rachel Johnson and I have just been hired as the Director of Project Development for the Touch A Life Foundation. I graduated from Pepperdine University in April 2008 and I currently live in Santa Monica, CA. I met Pam at a luncheon at Pepperdine in March 2008. Because of our brief meeting, I ended up going to Ghana with her in August to serve at the Children's Art Village, a camp dedicated to allowing the children at the Village of Hope Orphanage to express themselves through music, art and dance. Pam and I truly bonded on that trip; it was evident that God had placed us in each other's lives for a reason.

After a few months of discussion and deliberation, Pam offered me a job with the foundation, which was a dream come true. I have always had a heart for non-profit organizations (specifically those dedicated to causes serving African nations) but I also had interests in careers in writing, journalism and international affairs. I wasn't sure how to combine all of my talents, skills and passions but God clearly spoke to me through Pam's offer for me to come work with her and Touch A Life. This job is perfect, exciting and challenging, as it combines elements of each of the vocations I was initially considering. I am so blessed to work alongside someone as talented, passionate and incredible as Pam.

I'll be taking over the blog from here on out and I'd love to hear any comments you, the reader, may have. Thank you for visiting the Touch A Life site. Read on and enjoy!

:: How wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment to start improving the world. ::

Anne Frank

Rachel

(Originally posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2008.)

Nhung.

2009-01-29T14:38:00.004-06:00

I'm not sure how this message from Nhung, a child in our Vietnam ministries, doesn't have the power to tug on each and every person's heartstrings.

I do not want to talk about my family anymore.

It makes me sad.

I came to a place of charity where Father Nghia and Mother Suong feed me very well. The people in the charity teach me many things.

My dreams is to become a pastor when I have grown up, I will serve the Lord.

Pam

(Originally posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008.)

Le Thi Hong An.

2009-01-29T14:35:00.005-06:00

Here is a note from Le Thi Hong An, one of our sweet children in our Vietnam ministry:

My name is Le Thi Hong An, age 10. My family circumstances are very difficult. My father is disabled and my mother collected everything recyclable she saw on the street to earn money to bring us up. But we wanted to go to school as others did but we could not because we were too poor.

Then I met teacher Nghia and Miss Suong. Here at the shelter I can go to school and I came to believe in God. God changed my life. Before I used to swear a lot but now I do not--I am a new creation in God.

I want to say thanks to God and teacher Nghia and Miss Suong for their help. I pray God blesses you and you have good health. My dream is becoming a doctor to help every people.

Thank God for little angels like sweet le Thi Hong An.

Pam

(Originally posted on Sunday, December 7, 2008.)

Thankful.

2009-01-29T14:30:00.005-06:00

:: We can only be said to be alive in those moments when are our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ::

Thornton Wilder

I am thankful to share this morning that we have officially moved to Dallas. We closed out our old house in Missouri on Friday and we will be moving into our new home this week. I have so much to be thankful for during this move. We sold our house in two days and found what Randy and I feel like are the perfect accommodations for our family in Coppell, TX. I will take a week off from blogging but I have so much to share when I get back to work next week. God is really building a strong foundation of talented people that are stepping up to help boost Touch A Life to the next level.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and has had some great family time with loved ones. Happy December 1st.

Pam

(Originally posted on Monday, December 1, 2008.)

George's Birthday.

2009-01-29T14:22:00.003-06:00

George Archibra is the director of our Ghana program. Below is an e-mail that George sent today telling us that the Village of Life is finally completed. We ran into a little hitch with the water but it looks like everything has been worked out. We are so excited and anxious to rescue more children. I can just picture George celebrating his birthday while jumping up and down because water is flowing everywhere in the village. George has been such a blessing to Touch A Life.

"Your message was well-received and I am happy to inform you that the water system has been completed. Water is flowing everywhere in the village. I am also happy to inform you that today happens to be my birthday and it has coincided with the completion of the village. We've also mounted eight boxes of the beehives and we are embarking on the construction of three apartments of fish pond. This is from our own initiative to support the village. We are also making efforts to rescue the older trafficked children who will be in the village around January. We once again want to thank everybody, especially the board, for the good work they are doing. We will continue to give progress reports on the project."

Happy birthday, George Archibra! You are a good man.

Pam

(Originally posted on Thursday, November 20, 2008.)

West Texas Girls Conference.

2009-01-29T14:18:00.004-06:00

I had the opportunity this last weekend to speak at ACU to over 300 high school-aged women from Texas. It was so much fun. I really enjoy challenging people that age to embrace their uniqueness and not conform to what the world is telling them to value. It was so encouraging for me to talk with them after the session and have the chance to hear them share about their dreams and passions. To see tears in their eyes as they were asking how they can join the fight against injustice and stand in the gap for children less fortunate than them. I have such hope in this next generation that they will rise up and want to change the world to make it a better place.

We have been blessed with so much here in America. Do we truly comprehend that to much who is given, much is required? Every day we have the chance to give of our gifts and talents and serve those in need. Be a servant to someone hurting today. Love your neighbor.

Pam

(Originally published on Monday, November 17, 2008.)

Accept No Mediocre Life.

2009-01-29T14:11:00.004-06:00

I am currently reading David Foster's book Accept No Mediocre Life. I really love the message of living beyond your labels, libels and limitations. Here is a paragraph from the book:

I take heart when I consider my access to God. I heard about some newlyweds who, in the wee hours of their wedding night, were escorted to the bridal suite of their high-priced hotel. Once in the suite, they saw a sofa, chairs and table but they couldn't find the bed. They spent the first night of their honeymoon on the sofa, which was turned into a hide-a-bed with a lumpy mattress and sagging springs. After a fitful night with sore backs, the next morning they went to the hotel desk to give the management a tongue-lashing. "Did you open the door to the room?" asked the clerk. "What door?" they replied. He opened the door they had thought was a closet. There, complete with fruit baskets and chocolates, was a beautiful bedroom! They had wasted the first night of their honeymoon because they didn't open the door.

I guess turning 47 this year has given me the feeling that I don't want any doors left unopened in my life. There may be chocolates and fruit baskets on the other side.

Randy was approached to come on board as the CEO for American Consolidated Media. He accepted the position and we bought a house last week in the Coppell, TX, area. Randy and I were both in agreement that this was a door that God was calling us to walk through. We are bracing ourselves for hot summers and milder winters; we are very excited to be moving south and not north. Texas, here we come.

--Pam

(Originally published on Monday, November 10, 2008.)

Jantsen's Gift.

2009-01-21T19:40:00.004-06:00

"The elephant has been birthed."

These words describe how Aimee and I felt so many days carrying around this baby elephant the last two years. You work and work on a book for so long. You start to even question if you like it anymore. Now that I see it becoming real and available on Amazon, I love it. It is like a mother giving birth and the minute she sees the baby she forgets all the labor and pain.

This book was very labor intensive and painful at times. I had to examine every motive and share some intimate details of my life that were not pretty. Overall, I keep I kept my promise to God. I promised him I would just tell my story with truth and honesty. Thank you, Aimee Molloy and Jamie Raab; I cannot believe how I have been blessed working with two incredible women.

Tema Program.

2009-01-21T19:39:00.002-06:00

I am excited to share about a new program that was launched last week. Touch A Life has partnered with many NGO's in Ghana to network and share visions of how we can best help the children that have been trafficked. Last year Randy and I met an amazing young couple named John Bull and Stacy Omorefe. John and Stacy share the same passion to help the children that are working on Lake Volta.

Together we were able to rescue six more children last week and they will be living in a coastal town called Tema. Tema is a city that is progressive and should have many educational resources to offer these children. John and Stacy have rented a building that will be home to 24 children and houseparents. We are so thrilled to be able to offer a new home to...

Emafa - 9 yrs old
Mary - 10 yrs old
Gideon - 12 yrs old
Gashon - 7 yrs old
Emmanuel - 4 yrs old
Joseph - 6 yrs old

Thank you to Joseph and Teresa who have agreed to take on the job of being parents to these six wounded little souls. Our Ghanian family and vision is growing. Thank you Touch A Life supporters who are making this possible.

Hope.

2009-01-21T19:38:00.002-06:00

Take a minute to listen to this special song written for Touch A Life by an amazing young artist named Shane Dulling. Thank you, Shane, for using your talent to be a voice for the voiceless.

Beautiful

2008-10-07T20:09:00.004-05:00

It is hard for me to update the blog because I love the video so much. I wanted to post this picture of the girls that live in one of our shelters in Vietnam and everyone will agree that they are worthy of replacing the video. These young women were rescued out of very hopeless situations and now are living as a family with plenty of food and receiving an education. They just returned from school and they look so precious in their school uniforms.

Watch these videos

2008-10-01T13:41:00.001-05:00

When you get a minute, watch these two videos that our friend Patrick Cone put together about the Art Camp in Ghana...

Christian Family Services

2008-09-29T10:15:00.004-05:00

Feb 5, 1988 meeting Crista Marie for the 1st time at CFS in St. Louis

Crista and I were invited to share at the fundraiser for Christian Family Services on friday night in St. Louis. Almost twenty-one years ago we adopted Crista through that agency. I opened by sharing the need we have for adoption agencies like CFS that operate with integrity and pure motives. I remember calling several agencies and getting lukewarm feelings about their programs. Immediately when I talked with the caseworker at CFS I knew I found the pathway for our family to grow through adoption.

Working on the speech for friday night stirred up some emotions that possibly have been buried for way too long. Processing all my emotions of gratitude that I feel for Crista's birthmother made me grow a new love for her. Crista's birthmother was a young, unmarried twenty-one year old girl who found herself unequipped to raise a child on her own. I thank this woman from the bottom of my heart for accepting the pain and ultimate sacrifice to do what was best for her daughter.

Crista came up to share after me and spoke from her heart. I was so proud of my daughter and I realize how far she and I have come to appreciate each other. I love her more everyday. Adoption is such a part of God's plan. I wish every child could have a forever family. I wish every orphaned chid could be embraced through adoption. My definition of World Peace is that no child lives on the streets or is dying a slow death through child slavery.

Can the church not start a movement to take in orphaned children? Every family has to take just one child. We will go around the world once and then if there are any children left we start over and everyone takes two. Until there are none. Sounds like GOD THING to me.

Great T-Shirt/Great Man

2008-09-23T16:55:00.007-05:00

George Jr stands next to John Arthur who had been sold twice by his family to work as a slave. George is one of those guys you want on your team. Randy spent several day with him out on Lake Volta and he has earned Randy's respect. Thanks to George and his team John Arthur is safe, happy and living at Village of Hope where he has already advanced to the 5th grade.

Emmanuel and Cazarius

2008-09-20T08:52:00.005-05:00

Below is a picture of Cazarius working the nets when Randy and the group met him.

George just sent this picture of Emmanuel and Cazarius embracing their new life. Everytime I talk to him on the phone he tells me how the boys are having so much fun playing and becoming good friends. I am so happy thinking about the two of them sleeping together at night and with each new day absorbing the fact that they will never fish again. George said they are eating plenty and love drinking minerals (fanta).

Emmanuel has been rescued!!

2008-09-16T18:55:00.006-05:00

George called today to let us know that Emmanuel and one other boy have been rescued and are now safe and sound at his house.

He said that after they finished their first big meal he gave them each a piece of candy. They ate a portion of the candy and then put the rest away to save for later. Soon they will learn that they don't have to worry about their next meal.

He also said that they had made arrangements to rescue Kwasi and Moses (and one other boy), but was calling to see if we would be able to rescue two girls (8 and 10) who are also being kept on this island. We said of course, which means that soon six new kids from the lake will now be living a life they never dreamed existed.

Thanks to all of you who have helped make this possible.

As a reminder, here is Emmanuel's photo. I can't wait to get a new one of him with a big smile on his face.

- Randy

21 Precious Kids

2008-09-13T06:51:00.004-05:00

Meet 21 precious children that have been rescued off Lake Volta. I think this picture speaks volumes for freedom and Village of Hope. I want to thank all the supporters for donating to Touch A Life who have made this possible.

Hula Class

2008-09-10T09:11:00.013-05:00

I met Chantilly, a college student at Pepperdine, last spring when I spoke at convo. She wanted to volunteer immediately and help with our vision of bringing art and music to the kids at Village of Hope. Chantilly is native Hawaiian and brought her beauty and culture to Ghana. I was paralyzed with joy many afternoons just watching the children having so much fun in her class.

I choose to believe Van is super focused and embracing the moment.

A Whole Lotta Lovin and Paint

2008-09-08T21:09:00.025-05:00

Meet just a few of the wonderful volunteers that poured out their hearts to the kids at Village of Hope during the Music/Art Camp.

Today I just want to share pictures of JOY. The group that volunteered to help with the music/art camp were amazing. Everyday fun-filled activities were scheduled for the kids that included paint, dance, music and a whole lotta lovin. What a special group.

Richard is Healing

2008-09-07T21:34:00.013-05:00

Richard is one of the original children we refer to as the Magnificent 7. He was rescued with Mark in the first group about 21 months ago. Richard is the child that has always seemed more broken and hardened because of the abuse he endured for so many years. It was painful to look through pictures of him working on the lake because he was always naked. I just cannot imagine the humiliation a child that age faces by not having clothes to wear day after day. My very first meeting with him he would not even make eye contact and when you tried to show him physical affection he would stiffen and turn away. I have always worried more about him than the others because he did not seem to share the same hope the other children embraced.

What a blessing to see him so focused and enjoying his art project. He loves art and reading. He has made such huge strides and with each visit I see him softening and smiling more. He is so proud of his masterpiece and I love how he wrote his name to take such ownership of his butterfly. How appropriate that he painted a butterfly the symbol of freedom. He truly is free to be the special little boy that God created him to be. Patrick was interviewing Richard and his dream is to drive the van for Village of Hope and pick up the children rescued off Lake Volta and bring them to V of H. Priceless.

Hopeful eyes

2008-09-04T09:55:00.012-05:00

I'll have to tell you, it is hard to close out this series on my trip to Lake Volta. In a way it is the same feeling I had that day as we pushed our canoe away from Emmanuel's – like I can't just turn away and go on with my life – not while there are still Emmanuels out there - cold, hurting, and one big wave away from death.

But I'm not turning away. Not only will my days be filled with thoughts of these boys, but my dreams will be also.

It is not just the hollow eyes of the boys on the lake that push us, but also the bright, hopeful eyes of the boys we have rescued that help us see that we really can make a difference.

Please keep coming back to this blog over the next few days as Pam tells the story of the kids at the Village of Hope. It was so amazing to see the 21 kids that were just a year ago themselves out on the lake. I could tell you about each of these kids and how they have healed and grown, but the one that says so much is John Arthur.

John Arthur really started it all. His whole story is haunting, but briefly, one night after being beaten and tied to a tree by his master he escaped and ran to Kete-Krachi. Someone in the community listened to his story and immediately directed him to George Achibra, a man they knew would help him. At two in the morning John Arthur beat on George's front door and when George opened that door, he opened his life and all of ours to a problem that we are now determined to end.

Here is a picture of George and John Arthur that first night:

And now a picture of John Arthur at the Village of Hope two weeks ago. John is a handsome, confident young man, who I feel will someday make a big impact in Ghana.

Finally, I would like to thank my two new friends who joined me on this journey – Patrick Cone, who was videoing the journey for a Touch A Life documentary that fully explains the situations – and Rachael Wise, whose gift of photography will tell the story in a way words can't. If you know Patrick and/or Rachael, please get with them and ask them about Lake Volta. Like I told them on the lake, this is no longer someone else's story - it is your own.

If you would like more information on how you can help, please feel free to call or write Pam or I at prcope@mac.com or 417-673-0616.

Village of Life

2008-09-03T08:09:00.006-05:00

By the time we worked our way around the lake it became obvious that the problem was not getting the trafficked kids off the lake - George is building great relationships with the masters and village chiefs and it is obvious that they are ready to release dozens, if not hundreds of young boys and girls over the coming months.

The pressing issue is what to do with all of these hurting little guys!

Long term there are several options, all of which we are exploring. For some of the children, going home is the best option. To do this, however, they need time in a rehabilitation center, getting treated for their physical and emotional issues. At the same time a team will be needed to go to the family, identify if they are a candidate for reunification, then come up with a plan to make sure the children are successfully reunited. A more detailed plan is the topic for another day.

Other children, however, will not be able to be reunited. Either they are true orphans or the family simply is not stable enough to take the child back in their home. For these children we are working on other options.

Whatever the long-term solution, one thing is clear – all of these kids need a place to go the first night the come off the lake.

Because of that Touch A Life has teamed up with George Achibra and his team to build a safe house for these kids. Eventually this center, the Village of Life, could turn into a large complex complete with school and long-term rehabilitation center.

But on this trip I was excited to go visit the 16-acre parcel and see that the first home is nearing completion. In fact yesterday we wired the funds to George to finish the home and get ready for the next round of kids. We also told George that we had support to go rescue 10 kids, including Emmanuel, Moses, Kwasi, and the several other boys we had seen on this trip.

One of the ironic things is that from this peaceful piece of land in Kete-Krachi you can see Lake Volta in the distance.

May this home be filled with healing, joy, and hope for a better life.

Tomorrow – final thoughts on my trip to Lake Volta.

George to the rescue

2008-09-02T08:24:00.006-05:00

After stopping to visit a few of the canoes on the lake we pushed on to about three different villages, where we met with the village chiefs.

It was obvious that George had really done a good job of educating these men on why these trafficked kids deserved better. It is a tough call for them because they are struggling to survive and need all the help they can get to bring in enough fish for the village, but I really feel they are seeing that child labor is not the long-term answer.

As part of our child rescue program we really are going to have to help these village chiefs find alternative ways to provide for the families in their village.

Along the way that day we made a visit to Moses and Kwasi's master's small village. Actually, they didn't live in a village as much as a small group of huts off on their own.

After pulling up and walking up to the huts we met a woman, who said the master was not there. George started in and began explaining to her why these kids deserved a better life. About that time an older lady walked up and got in on the conversation. While the younger woman wasn't softened, the older lady heard it and sided with George. That lady, bless her heart, turned things around immediately.

Soon the younger lady went inside the hut and out came a fellow about 30 years old. George started talking to him and the guy denied that he was the master. After about 20 minutes of talking, though, George stopped and looked at us and said, "Praise God, we have found the man we have been looking for." It was the master and George's reasoning had finally worked its way through the master's hard outer shell.

Because of that conversation Moses (the boy with the possible hernia), Kwasi, and four other boys (including Joseph, pictured above, that was outside the master's hut mending nets with two other trafficked boys) will soon be rescued.

As we left this little group of huts we ran back into Moses and Kwasi's boat, the boys we had seen the previous evening. It was still hard to see them, but made easier by knowing that they were just days away from a whole new way of life.

Tomorrow – where do we take the rescued boys?

Leaving Emmanuel

2008-08-31T08:00:00.010-05:00

The plan for our day on Lake Volta was to travel to a number of villages and work with the village leaders – trying to convince them that child trafficking was not acceptable and that they needed to release the children to us so that they could get a good education.

We did eventually make it to a number of villages, but along the way we kept coming across canoes filled with these young souls – slowly about their business of dropping, then retrieving their nets.

We had finally started to make progress when I saw a canoe with a particularly small little shadow in it. I asked George if we could go check on the boy and as we pulled up to the boat I felt my level of commitment to this project going to a whole new level.

Emmanuel and one other slightly older boy sat frozen as we pulled up. George instinctively stepped over from our canoe to theirs and sat right next to the boy. As he did I realized from the perspective of George right next to him, how small Emmanuel was – perhaps maybe four years old.

Emmanuel was visibly shivering from the cool morning breeze. George felt his chest and said that he was running a temperature.

Where was his mother? Why wasn't he in a bed somewhere sipping on hot soup and watching cartoons while he got feeling better? Why was he sitting here in the middle of this lake while he was cold, sick, and probably hungry?

One of the greatest acts of compassion I've ever seen came next. George, Jr, George's 27-year-old son and assistant in this rescue effort took off his own shirt and threw it to George to put on the boy.

George talked both to the boy and then to the leader of the group, getting as much information about where the master lives and where the boy originally came from. This is all information that would be needed to later rescue both boys.

But that day there was nothing more we could do. George climbed back into our boat, we handed the boys a couple of suckers, and we left.

This morning as I write, Emmanuel is still out on the Lake.

And that is why we must keep working.

Please pray right now for Emmanuel, for Moses, for Kwasi, for George and George, Jr, and for all those who are fighting for the trafficked children around the world.

Emmanuel - God is with us. May it be so.

Diving into the dark

2008-08-30T07:23:00.006-05:00

Our actual day out on the lake was Tuesday, August 19th. I'm not sure I will ever forget that day.

We pushed off in a motor-powered canoe and immediately started coming across other canoes in which men and boys were about their business of retrieving their nets. It was an overcast morning with a cool breeze blowing across the lake.

One of the first boats we pulled up to was a boat with an older (18 or 19 year old) boy and three younger boys – probably ranging in age from 9 to 13, most likely all trafficked. We saw that the leader was hoping down into the water to untangle the net. I had heard stories of this but it was very uncomfortable to watch as the boy disappeared into the dark water of Lake Volta for what seemed like several minutes.

As he was underneath the surface the youngest boy pulled on the net, although he had one eye on the strangers that had pulled up next to the boat. When the older boy made it to the surface and saw the young boy distracted he barked at him, probably to focus on his job and pull harder.

Seeing that they were in no mood to talk we slowly backed away and headed to another boat. Finding others was not a problem as they were everywhere. It was difficult to navigate the lake because of all of the nets. So many boats, so many nets that the once productive lake has now become over fished and it is hard for the masters to make a living. Their answer, it seems, is more boats, more nets – which require more trafficked children.

As you read this story please be thinking with us on how to solve this problem. Touch A Life is committed to help them, but it is overwhelming to think about how you change the whole culture and move this remote economy away from this downward spiral.

Tomorrow – Emmanuel.

A boy named Moses

2008-08-29T06:23:00.011-05:00

The trip from Accra to Kete-Krachi was an adventure in itself – 15 hours, about half of which were on some of the worst dirt roads I've ever been on. George Achibra, who is leading the effort to rescue the kids off of Lake Volta, greeted us in Kete-Krachi. To date, between the work he is doing with Touch A Life and other groups, he has rescued over 150 children.

After resting for a while, George took us down for our first glance at Lake Volta. We would head out early the next morning for a long day on the lake, but he wanted us to get a feel for it before we went.

As we pulled up and got out we saw a mixture of beauty and business. The sun was getting low in the sky, so the lake was alive with color and because Kete-Krachi is gathering point for many of the remote villages, there was a beehive of activity as people loaded canoes to go home for the day.

Yet in all of this activity it was easy to spot the fishing boats, usually with three or four shadows slowly paddling or bringing in their nets.

One such boat came up to shore and we could see that two of the three occupants were young boys. George slowly walked over to talk to them while we at first kept our distance. After a few minutes of conversation George waved us over and introduced us to Moses and Kwasi – two boys who had been sold by their families. Kwasi, now around 12 years old was sold several years back for a "she cow." For that cow Kwasee must now get up at 2 am every morning and go out onto the lake to fish. After about five hours of first setting out and then gathering their nets, they would come back to the village to mend and prepare their nets so that they can repeat the process in the late afternoon and early evening.

Kwasi and Moses likely get one or possibly two meals a day, but these meals are mainly carbohydrates, which the master knows will give them the energy they will need to paddle all day.

Moses broke our hearts. As you can see from the picture above he obviously had something going on in his stomach – possibly a hernia. If it were a hernia, it really wouldn't surprise me because his young 8 or 9-year-old body surely wasn't meant to do the work it is having to do.

George told us that it is not unusual for these kids to die from this work. Some die when they are forced to go down to the bottom of the lake to untangle the net and get caught up in it themselves. More likely, though, they die from injuries and diseases that simply go untreated, such as parasites, malaria, and infections.

After about forty-five minutes of talking with the boys George had everything he needed to go visit their master the next day. We said our goodbyes and watched them push off to go finish their night's work.

We went back to George's house to get some sleep, but sleep was hard to find that night as I thought about these two boys. Instead of sleeping in a warm bed they were probably sleeping out under the stars on the bare ground, soon to be woken up to start a new day on the lake.

Join me on Lake Volta...

2008-08-28T05:43:00.006-05:00

While in Ghana this last week, I was able to break off from the art and music camp for a few days and go up north to see firsthand how the children are being trafficked out onto the lake, to talk at length with our rescue partners, and to see the progress of the new rehabilitation center that will be used for the kids that we rescue. Over the next couple of days I hope to take you on a journey. My prayer is that somehow I can convey to you a part of what I saw.

While there is a wide range of estimates about how many children there are actually on the lake, I can just tell you this - they are everywhere. At one point I looked around me and counted 25 canoes. As we went from boat to boat I realized that there were at least two trafficked children in each canoe. While that is just 50 children, you have to understand that Lake Volta is the largest man made lake in the world. The little section we could see represents less than 1% of the total of the whole lake. I feel the number could easily be in the thousands.

Please come back over the next few days and I will take you on a journey that the whole world needs to see.

- Randy

Art/Music Camp

2008-08-26T13:18:00.007-05:00

Where do I begin..........this is my fourth trip to Ghana in 18 mos and my love for the country and the kids continues to grow deeper with each trip. I will start out by posting the art/music pictures and share the stories of how much fun we had hanging out with the Village of Hope children all week. We had the most amazing group of volunteers that brought great attitudes and big hugs to the art camp. The children were blessed with choices of art, music, dance, and photography classes.

Below are pictures of Van and Tatum bonding with their new friends in Ghana. I have to tell you that adopted Asian children with white parents are not a common sight seen at Village of Hope. All the children had many questions about Van and Tatum being in Ma Pam's tummy. I don't think they have it figured out but all embraced one another and friendships were formed that will last a lifetime, I am sure.

Tatum with Sara and Hagar

Van with his new BFF Ishmael

Van also offered fencing lessons to anyone interested.

Ghana BOUND

2008-08-15T03:36:00.003-05:00

Randy and I are heading to Ghana today. We are taking Van and Tatum, our two nine year olds, Jill, my niece and Ivy Shepherd, a friend of the family. We are expecting great things to happen this week. We will be meeting 17 volunteers in New York that will join us on the trip. We have so many talented people that will sharing their creative gifts this week with the children. There will be classes on photography, sculpting, watercolor, dance and music at the Village of Hope. There will be tons of stories and pictures when I return. Thanks to all who continue to support Touch A Life.

Left Behind

2008-08-09T22:07:00.002-05:00

This picture was taken last spring when I was in Ghana. It is a constant reminder of the boys that we have left behind still working as slaves on Lake Volta. Hopefully we will soon rescue the 20 boys that have been targeted for this fall.

It has been exciting buying new backpacks and school supplies for our trip next week. Randy and I will be taking Van and Tatum, our two nine year olds with us on this trip. They are eager to join us on this journey and help with the art/music camp. It is their first trip to Ghana and we are anxious for them to meet the children who they consider their Ghanian brothers and sisters.

I want to thank all the supporters of TAL for making Phase II possible. The Village of Life is completed and we will soon have 20 children that will have a place to call home. There will be many pictures posted to update the work when I return. Have a great week.

Left Behind

2008-08-09T21:53:00.004-05:00

What season are you in?

2008-08-03T07:54:00.002-05:00

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

1 For everything there is a season, 
a time for every activity under heaven.

2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.

3 A time to kill and a time to heal. 
A time to tear down and a time to build up.

4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. 
A time to grieve and a time to dance.

5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. 
A time to keep and a time to throw away.

7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

8 A time to love and a time to hate. 
A time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3

Wedding Weekend!

2008-07-30T07:43:00.004-05:00

Things are finally starting to settle down after Crista and Zach's wedding last weekend. It couldn't have been a better time and we are so happy for them. You can read more about it from Randy's brother's blog by clicking here.

Meet George

2008-07-20T20:34:00.004-05:00

George Achibra is the director of our program in Ghana. He has spent his whole life working in the field of education and is the regional director of education for the Krachi Region. George has such a passion for helping these children and spends his days brainstorming and networking to help abolish slavery in his country. We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with George and his team. Randy and I will travel back to Ghana in August and launch the second phase of our vision.

Meet Marie

2008-07-17T08:41:00.003-05:00

This is my dear friend Marie Ens. Marie runs Place of Rescue in Cambodia. The Rescue compound is home to 200 orphans, 16 families dying from AIDS, and a home for widows left without family to care for them. Every person that visits this amazing place shares how they felt overwhelmed with emotion and experienced a special sense they were walking on sacred ground. You can tell by the picture that these children are loved and safe. Marie has spent her life serving the least of these in Cambodia. Marie is my hero.

Meet Kim

2008-07-09T08:49:00.009-05:00

Nguyen Thi Kim Hong

My situation about why I live in the Touch a Life Shelter. I come from a broken home – my father left my mother twice for another woman. My mother had to work very hard to raise us alone. I have two brothers and we lived in a shack. When it rains the shack almost falls apart. Now I am living in the Touch a Life Shelter which has eased my mother’s burden.

Spiritually I am growing in the Lord and I am happy and have hope. I am very thankful that my life is better now. I want to thank Touch a Life for making my life different and for giving me the opportunity so that I can go to school.

Vietnam Prevention Program

2008-07-02T21:25:00.003-05:00

Above is a picture of one of our new programs in Vietnam. All of these children are tribal and living in extreme poverty. Our staff noticed that many children in this province were left home alone all day while their parents worked. We have learned from experience that these children become easy targets to be trafficked or violated when left unattended at such a young age. So for a few hundred dollars a month we have been able to feed these preschoolers two hot meals a day, provide schooling, and a safe haven for them to nap in the afternoons until their parents pick them up after work. It has been a blessing to the parents to know their kids are happy and well cared for during the day.

Missing Ghana

2008-06-26T06:25:00.006-05:00

"The world breaks us all, and afterwards some are stronger in the broken places." - Ernest Hemingway

I am missing the kids in Ghana. Oh, the simple days of teaching the boys to play cards and blow bubbles with their gum. These kids in Ghana are definitely an example of strength and endurance as they slowly rebuild their lives after being shattered. They are my heroes.