House of Hope

Suzanne's Story Report of Suzanne's April, 2008 Visit

A short time ago, I knew nothing about Sierra Leone or the brutal civil war that ravaged the country for ten years. Now I think about it every day and do something almost every day to try to help. I've learned a lot about the situation there, especially for women and children, and our partners at Faith Walk World Outreach Center Sierra Leone are dedicated and courageous. It is an honor to work with them.

I don't know this woman's name, but I hope to meet her personally when I go to Freetown sometime within the next few months. When you look closely, you see that her hands are missing. She is one of the many amputees whose hands were chopped off with a machete during the war. She survived and was begging on the streets, but now she is being cared for by LWCC.

When I look at this mother and daughter, my heart goes out because I see Emily and Sophie. But Emily's future is bright and Sophie's opportunities are almost limitless. At least this precious little girl has her mommy. The orphans we want to help don't. We're so protective of Sophie that she drinks organic milk. I want those thirty children to have milk and other nutritious food, a safe loving place to live, and a decent education.

Emily's Story

When my daughter Sophie was born two years ago, I had no idea what an impact her tiny little being would have on my life. Becoming a mother changed my entire perspective on myself and the world around me. I began to feel more connected to people than I ever had before. My heart opened up in a way that I had never thought possible. So, when I heard that there were 350 thousand children left in Sierra Leone with no mother and no father I knew I needed to do something.

The problem for me is that it isn't financially possible for me to do much about the situation in Sierra Leone. Since I am still a student, my husband and I don't have any extra at the end of the month. However, I didn't want to throw my hands up in the air and say, "Well I can't do anything about this so I might as well not even try." I knew there was something that could be done. I thought, "If this story had such an impact on my heart as a mother, it is sure to touch the hearts of other mothers."

Even with my limited means, I can give $10. If I can find enough Moms for Hope who can do the same or even more, we can finish the House of Hope, help build a better future for these vulnerable little ones, and help mend a broken community so that long-term needs can be met.

Sierra Leone Briefing

· The nation was ravaged by a brutal, civil war that ended in 2002.

· The United Nations estimates that there are over 350,000 child orphans in Sierra Leone.

· Sierra Leone ranks 139^th out of 140 on Save the Children’s “Mothers Day Report Card: the Best and Worst Countries to Be a Mother.”

· 28% of all children born die before they turn 5 years old (highest infant mortality rate in the world).

· 2006 per capita income according to the World Bank was $805.

· Orphans, who often become street children, lack proper sanitation, food, potable water, medical care and clothing. Many of those on the street have been sold into the sex trade.

· The educational system in Sierra Leone is poor and many children are left out.

· Potentially unsafe sources of drinking water are used by 46% of the population.

· 27% of children under age five are moderately underweight and 8% are severely underweight.

Sierra Leone is a small West African nation with 5,866,000 people. There are fifteen ethnic groups, but English is the official language. It is predominantly Muslim.

This house on 2+ acres in a safe area is owned by Living Word Christian Center (LWCC), which operates House of Hope. It has a manual bored well. LWCC is attempting to care for 30 registered orphans, including school fees.

Plans for the House of Hope

1. Furnish and equip the house.

2. Assist with basic, educational, and medical expenses of 30 orphans through monthly sponsorships.

3. Promote economic and social development of the surrounding community and the integration of the children in the community.

4. Teach and demonstrate Christian faith and values.

5. Enclose the compound and begin cultivation of food crops to reduce costs, improve food security and nutrition, and generate income. (Two grown orphans have completed agricultural training.)

6. Involve the children in raising chickens and possibly ducks, rabbits, or goats to increase protein intake, train the children, and promote economic development.

7. Provide educational resources and vocational training.

8. Work toward self-sustaining family and community-based care that can meet long-term needs.

How You Can Help

· Sponsor a child $30 per month

· Provide furnishings or equipment $15 to $1000

· Supply seed and agricultural supplies $50 or more

· Buy materials and supplies for raising livestock $50 or more

· Provide educational resources $25 or more

· Contribute to the vocational training fund $25 or more

· Contribute to rainwater harvesting project $25 or more

· Tell others about House of Hope No cost

Children at the House of Hope after a feeding program. Some children have run away from foster homes to sleep on the floor of the unfurnished building.

Frequently Asked Questions

· Who is actually sponsoring this project?
Art and Suzanne Pitz Ministries (aka FWWOC) is sponsoring this project. Dr. Art Pitz is a history professor with over 38 years of professional experience. Art and Suzanne are Directors of Faith Bible School, and their work and ministry have taken them to over fifteen nations in the last six years.

· Who is in charge in Sierra Leone?
We are assisting Pastors Abdul and Faith Conteh, who will personally manage the project. House of Hope is a ministry of Faith Walk World Outreach Center Sierra Leone.

· Will someone be going to Sierra Leone to be personally involved?
Yes, Art and Suzanne visit Sierra Leone and are personally involved. Go to the update with photos and videos. Others will be travelling to Sierra Leone to visit House of Hope in the near future.

· How much of my contribution will go to Sierra Leone?
100% of your contribution will go to House of Hope to be used for the children. All administrative costs are covered by Art and Suzanne Pitz Ministries.

· Is my contribution tax deductible?
Yes. Faith Walk World Outreach Center--House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) corporation, but checks must be payable to "Faith Walk World Outreach Center--House of Hope."

· What is FWWOC?
Faith Walk World Outreach Center is our church. Thanks to Pastor Scott Culley for making House of Hope a mission of the church. As such, contributions to "Faith Walk World Outreach Center--House of Hope" are managed by the church and are tax-deductible. FWWOC sends 100% of the money designated to House of Hope to Sierra Leone to be used for the project and monitors expenditures on a monthly basis.

· Other questions?
Call us at (309) 736-0840 or e-mail us.

Please Do These Three Things

1. Download our House of Hope flier and print it so that you can remember our project and show someone else.

2. Sign our guestbook so we can keep you posted on what is happening.

3. Write a check for at least $10 to "Faith Walk World Outreach Center--House of Hope," and mail it to:

Art and Suzanne Pitz Ministries

1116 10th Street

Moline, IL 61265

(Online giving will be available soon.)

Thank You

Help put a smile on their faces and hope in their hearts.

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last updated 02/08/2010