A gentle reminder -- bringing Hope and Opportunity to rural Cambodia requires Money

We've experienced the faithfulness of God and the sacrificial commitment of people throughout our 20 years in Cambodia.

The cash balance in the Project Cambodia fund at Mountain View Community Church is at an all-time low (edited--NOW.. end of October). We aren't in panic mode. We have money in Cambodia that will last for about two full months, so we have time to let our friends know and then watch how God prompts some individuals, families and groups to respond. Click here for how you can help. http://ratzloffcambodia.blogspot.com/p/how-to-donate.html

Here's some of the rewards of your gifts, prayers and encouragement.

Cambodian staff: Jumpah currently employs 27 men and women, and we have openings for three additional team members.

Orphans: Of the many children who lost their parents to the effects of HIV-AIDS, only nine remain at Garden of Joy. What happened? They grew up. Some already completed university and are working. A couple are married. Others are attending university or are working. A couple, unfortunately, we've lost track of. Several are back, but no longer children. They now fill roles of pastor, teacher, farm worker and wood worker.

AdVenture Cambodia establishes social enterprises and creates jobs:

Jumpah School - https://www.facebook.com/adventurecambodia

Without a doubt, this school is our most exciting and most successful activity, both in terms of growth and in terms of meeting needs in the community we serve. Local schools are not meeting needs. Jumpah currently is registered with the government to operate preschool, kindergarten and grades 1 through 6.

A new school year begins in a week, and we expect at least 130 children from relatively poor rural families to attend. Parents pay $7 per month for each child; scholarship gifts pay the other $84 per year. http://ratzloffcambodia.blogspot.com/p/how-to-donate.html

We now have started an overflow list for preschool and for kindergarten. If we get enough children registered, we will open two afternoon classes, as well. Obviously, this could require additional teachers and other resources in the coming years.

The former Place of Peace property has been converted to this school. Many moms and dads lost their battles with the effects of HIV-AIDS here, but now some of their children, along with many village children, are growing and learning in a friendly, beautiful, encouraging and safe environment.
 

Homes for families living with HIV-AIDS ... But now a beautiful school for village children

Preschoolers in their bright and cheerful room, and taught by a great teacher

Already learning to read and write

Self discovery in the library

Teachers and students

A BRAND NEW POST

Excited to post after a bit of an absence. Hey, sometimes life gets hectic, daily habits change, and important things are avoided.

Going forward, I still may not post here as often as I'd like, but we've just started a brand new Facebook Page which will provide regular updates.

https://www.facebook.com/adventurecambodia

Jumpah activities have changed as the situation in Cambodia has changed. The crisis brought on by HIV-AIDS, land mines, fighting, orphans and widespread extreme poverty are mostly gone.

Now rural Cambodian families need support, encouragement, training, new ideas, medical advice and jobs -- mostly jobs.

Jumpah continues to raise the children at Garden of Joy who were orphaned when their parents died from the impact of HIV-AIDS. But only nine children remain. Yes, the rest grew up. Some are married, some attend university or are receiving vocational training, and a few have stayed to work with our various activities.

Jumpah also participates in community development activities -- teaching health seminars, counseling families and individuals, offering emergency assistance for those with financial and medical emergencies, providing school scholarships to village children, etc.

Social Enterprises have become a major focus of activities. Small businesses seem to offer the most sustainable model for on-going development. When profitable businesses are established -- offering jobs for rural Cambodians -- economic and social conditions of rural villages improve and families choose to improve their quality of life.

Visit the other pages of this blog to find more information and to see how you can participate in our efforts to make a significant impact - holistically - in the lives of our neighbors in rural Cambodia.