We were traveling by SUV over the worst roads I’ve ever been on; up and over mountains which had very little vegetation or soil due to massive deforestation. Haiti is typically known as the poorest country in the western hemisphere, with two-thirds of its population not having a formal job; but we had traveled there to visit a few programs that were making tremendous strides in reaching communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in training its people how to change the health of their community in spite of apparent lack of resources.

The hour boat ride north on the Mekong River in Stueng Treng province had been both thrilling and beautiful. Cambodian life filled our view — sometimes bringing us into their past, as their ancient culture continues today.

Following is an e-mail update we received from Milla Happonen of Caring Hands in Uganda:

Robert comes from a family of five kids. His mother’s HIV infection caused her medical expenses to be so high that she was unable to pay for house rent. She ended up sleeping on the street with Robert. The other children were put in an orphanage. A good Samaritan allowed her and Robert to sleep in a church. We taught her to make beads and slowly she regained her strength. She got her children back, pays for rent and has enough to eat. The children went to school this week.

We recently received an update from Dr. Ruby of Jeevan Jyoti Clinic and Community Centre in India, a ministry World Challenge helps support. She has established a balwadi and is beginning to teach the children English.

A charitable organization established by a Finnish woman received the President’s Export Award. Caring Hands was established by a Fida International missionary, a Finnish-Canadian woman named Milla Happonen. The paper jewelry Caring Hands produces bring self esteem and creates a source of income for HIV positive women. The award was presented by Uganda’s president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday, October 3, 2008 in Kampala.

An update we received from Milla Happonen of Caring Hands in Uganda:

This is coming to you from Kampala, Uganda where Maureen, Charles and I have returned after a week’s community development meetings in the northern city of Lira, population 60,000. We have been fostering relationships with many of the locals through the Pentecostal Church of Uganda (PCU).