ORPHANS GRADUATE FROM MEDICAL TRAINING -- Nairobi, Kenya

Peter Ngatia and Sara Watare, two orphans from our children's home in Nairobi, Kenya recently graduated from a three-year course in clinical medicine in Tanzania. Sara was the top student in her class. Both Peter and Sara lost their parents to tribal clashes when they were pre-schoolers. The tragedy of their early lives was transformed into this joyous success through the love, care and education provided by child sponsorship.

Mary Wangechi, Director of Bethlehem Children's Centre, located in Soweto slum reported, "We had the honour of gracing the occasion and we were really touched for the breakthrough these students have had since they were admitted at the centre as small children. Thank you all for being such a blessing to them. They wouldn't have made it this far were it not for your timely help."

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NEW BUS FOR HEROES OF THE NATION CHILDREN's HOME -- Nyahururu, Kenya

Heroes of The Nation have received their new 46 seater bus to be able to transport children and staff, and Hero Holidayers safely! Those of you who have participated in Hero Holidays to Nyahururu recall the old bus, held together with baling wire and prayer! Now the children of the Home will be able to go on field trips, participate in community and sports events, and enjoy outings. 

The evening it arrived, the children were ecstatically dancing and singing. They all had a ride in it amid cheering and much joy.

The Director, Dr. Weston Gitonga stated, "This was one of the most celebrated blessings."

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DISASTER RELIEF TO MYANMAR -- Be A HERO supporters answered our call for aid to Myanmar after the catastrophic cyclones. As we have people already on the ground working in Myanmar, we were able to deliver PUR water packets when many relief groups were unable to get into the country. This water purification product provided safe water to over 90,000 people for the first critical 30 days after the disaster. The next shipment is going out in the next couple of weeks.

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Be A HERO GOLF TOURNAMENT -- Many thanks to Rick Pogue and Raymond James Investments for raising over $2300 at this year's golf tournament. The funds will go towards a new children's home in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Over the last four years Rick and his business associates have raised over $24,000 for various Be A HERO projects benefiting orphans.

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LAND PURCHASE - Pasig City, Philippines -- Jesus Loves the Little Children Orphanage, Preschool and Elementary School, located in the biggest slum area of Pasig City, engages in community development and poverty reduction activities such as medical clinics, health classes and feeding programs. Their Children's Home, preschool and elementary school care for some of the area's orphans, and provide education to 120 residential and neighbourhood children who would otherwise not attend school. Operating from leased facilities impeded their ability to improve and expand. Be A HERO supporters provided $100,000 for the purchase of the land and buildings! THANK YOU!!

The children have been attending school in a dilapidated former chicken coop on the site. Be A HERO plans to tear down that chicken coop and build proper classrooms. Four classrooms, to accommodate 120 children, cost just $24,000. We would like to start construction immediately. If you can contribute towards this new school, click here.

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HEROES FOR TODAY -- Kerrie Hubbard and Betty Nordberg

It is amazing what some people are able to accomplish even in the midst of adversity.  Kerrie and Bette birthed an idea to make life easier for orphans but carrying out that concept became more of a challenge than anticipated with Kerrie was diagnosed with cancer.  Theirs is the story of two talented individuals who put together a plan to build an orphanage and succeeded! 

Click here for the entire story.

* Be A HERO recently received a letter from Kerrie letting us know the answered prayers of being completely cancer free now.  Thank you Lord for your mercies.

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FOOD PRICES SOARING

Associated Press story June 16, 2008 -- 'Food crisis could destroy progress in Africa'

Rising food prices threaten to destroy years of economic progress in Africa.  Africa Progress Panel warns that 100 million people are at risk of being driven into poverty.  The Africa Progress Panel also said wealthy countries are likely to fail in their promise to deliver billions more in aid to the continent by 2010. "Africa has made substantial progress in recent years," said former U.N. Secretary Kofi Annan, who chairs the panel. "However, the current food crisis threatens to reverse many of the hard-fought gains that have been made," he said. "With 100 million people on the brink of abject poverty, the cost of food will not be measured in the price of wheat and rice, but in the rising number of infant and child deaths across Africa."

We have been receiving impassioned emails from our children's homes directors, reporting a four-fold increase in food prices in the last couple of months. If that were to happen in North America, instead of paying $3.00 for a gallon of milk, we would pay $12.00. Instead of $2.00 for a loaf of bread, we would pay $8.00. Now imagine that you have hundreds of children in your care, and you will understand the seriousness of this food crisis. If you could contribute on a monthly basis to help with our skyrocketing food costs, please click here to donate online.

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Be A HERO CHILDREN'S HOMES turn despair to joy!

Story of Erick --Erick is a six year old boy who was brought to one of our children's home at the beginning of this year.  He had no family and had no hope for survival.  

After staying in the home for a few months now and having shelter, regular meals and loving people around him, Erick has begun to make friends and enjoy his schooling.

He made a very encouraging comment two weeks ago to some visitors that were bringing some toys for the children. "Hapa kwetu ndipo watoto wote wanafaa kuishi" (This home is where every child should be brought to live)."

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JOB OPENING IN TANZANIA

Sonshine Ministries, a friend of Be A HERO, has an opening for a Director at their Children's Village and related ministries.

Job Description: An energetic Spirit filled couple or family to direct and work with orphaned and disadvantaged children and our staff, imparting biblical values and virtues. This is a tremendous opportunity to serve the Tanzanian people and help bring real biblical change to a wonderful people.

For more information on the position, click here.

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As your family enjoys the summer heat and activities ahead, please don't forget about the children at risk who are still in dire need of food, shelter and safety.  Click here for more information on Be A HERO sponsorship options. 

We have recently made it possible for payments to be made online one-time or for a monthly sponsorship.  It's so easy to do and it makes such a difference in the lives of the children you help. Click here for our secure online giving form.

Many blessings,
Wesley and Stacey Campbell,
www.beahero.org