This Ministry was born from the dream of Michael Ouma Agwanda to help alleviate the suffering of children caught in the ravages of the HIV/AIDS pandemic spreading across his homeland of Kenya Africa. After training with the Lay Missionary Training Program of the North Georgia United Methodist Conference and being commissioned by The Mission Society, Michael's mission became a reality in 2005. While admittedly a small effort in the midst of a disaster of incomprehensible proportions, a successful start has been realized. In recap, over $75,000.00 of direct financial support was realized from individuals and family donors and fund raising events like the Charity Auction held at North Springs United Methodist Church. In August a highly visible Mission Tour completed home visits to many of our orphans and an extremely active Vacation Bible School was held for our orphans and local Church youth. A successful Shoe Ministry was initiated realizing close to 500 pairs of new and slightly used shoes allowing LCM to spread its generosity beyond the needs of our orphans into the community at large.

Today, two professional Boards and hundreds of volunteers in both Kenya and the U. S. have committed themselves to assist Michael in this Vision. Starting with small informal dinner parties and Sunday school presentations in early 2006, the Ministry now receives prayer and financial support from well over 300 folks who embrace Michael's vision. Thanks Be to God.

In Kenya the Ministry now has 3 full and part-time employees overseeing the details of government documentation and the daily operations of food and support distribution. In mid 2006, thanks to the direct support of two families in the US, a much-needed motorbike was purchased, which greatly helps our local transportation needs.

In the two primary locations where our orphans live, much work remains to be done with regard to clean water, personal hygiene education, and economic and agricultural training for self-sufficiency. These initiatives will follow as the basic requirements for "life, hope and Christian values" are realized.

For 2007, LCM has identified the goal of adding 50 more orphans (10 already approved for first quarter) and several new fund raising programs in addition to its successful practice of hosting dinner parties, Church presentations and it's Annual Charity Auction, etc. In April, an experienced missionary who recently graduated from The Mission Society training program, Ms. Julie Campbell, will join the Kenya operation as a self-supporting member. And, a partnership is now being developed with a medical Missionary Group from the U. K. that has been active in our area for the establishment of a full-time clinic for our orphans and local residents. This is all in addition to our commitment to establish fresh water wells and a community center for religious instructions, hygiene training and fellowship. Concurrently, we continue with our plans to launch a three-part Mission Tour in early August. Administratively, we have added 3 new members to the U. S. Advisory Board, Bill Barbour, Mike Dilworth, and Dart Fifer, as we continue to search for an administrative assistant to help with general communication and correspondence.

Truly, God continues to Bless the Life For Children Ministry, and as we close this message we again wish to express our deep appreciation to our many friends and families for their past support and ask that you prayerfully consider your level of commitment for 2007.

In His Name We Pray,

Michael Ouma Agwanda                           Dick Weber
Missionary                                                          Chair, US Advisory Board