The numbers are grave. 11.6 million children in Sub-Saharan Africa have been orphaned as a result of AIDS. The results are frightening. Orphaned children often remain uneducated because of a lack of educational resources. Many go without life and social skills they would have been taught by their late-parents. Most orphans face economic, social, and health problems as they grow up. And sadly, some of these orphans must resort to living on the streets. Even worse, many will die.
Thankfully, the answer to this problem is a bit simpler. Hope, compassion, and awareness, all through faith, can ultimately change the fates of the orphans living in Africa. I am so excited to be a part of Purposeful Africa, an organization set to make its maiden voyage to multiple West African nations in the fall of 2010. We are going to great lengths to target orphanages in need, as well as the many other individuals suffering from day to day!
Because the majority of orphaned children are a result of AIDS, the safety and health of the communities we visit will be targeted. By engulfing ourselves in the harsh realities of daily living and offering information and planning for local health programs, I know we can help introduce sustainable living programs. I am also currently working to obtain priceless partnerships with additional ministries also dedicated to health care and medical development.
The word adoption is not a universal term in Africa. Many communities are unaware of the concept, or are fearful of the process. I feel it is our responsibility to show these communities the opportunities adoption holds for orphans. International adoption offers orphans a life of medical care, education, and ultimately a better chance at survival. Ministries in direct knowledge of International Adoption practices are also being approached for partnerships with Purposeful Africa.
Often overshadowed by the necessity of health and education, is the need to acknowledge the deep emotional sorrow and grief that affect many orphans. Just imagine how these children are suffering! My team and I are dedicated to offering them the greatest gift; hope, faith, and a relationship with Christ. We will mentor, teach, and inspire orphans, and all community members, praying that they will accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, while working hand-in-hand with local churches.
This program is not only dedicated to helping change the lives of Africa’s orphans in need, but also the lives of all ministries and volunteers aboard our ship. I know that in order to make a lasting change, we must increase awareness in others who will continue to share their support with each community we visit. I am so enthusiastic about being able to help Christian Alliance for Orphans accomplish their mission of expanding orphan ministry throughout the Christian community.
As mentioned prior, the current status of Africa’s orphaned children appears grave. But I see the future in a different light. I see medical and education programs for orphans. I see safe living practices and thriving communities. And I see an overwhelming acceptance of Christ, through hope and faith.
For more information on Purposeful Africa’s mission to help West African nations in need, please visit our website at www.purposefulafrica.org.
Purposeful Africa: Overview
In the fall of 2010 we will embark on 6 consecutive cruises (10-15 days each); take one segment, a few, or all of them. Come let our Purposeful Africa ship-based project give you a chance to serve softly in the mission field while seeing majestic, exotic Africa.
On this enlightening journey that utilizes a passenger ship with facilities for storage, we explore the very roots of Africa’s history and legend. The visits to the river’s deltas, jungles, and winding river communities will provide you with insight that is virtually unknown to most. You will see first-hand the hard realities in the daily lives of people who live in these areas; but you’ll also share the importance of hope and your longing for others to see and experience God’s grace and love in action. We’ll work with local and international ministries in discipleship outreach, educational and health programs, building projects, orphanages, plus we’ll support the huge, evangelistic missions that have taken place in their communities. Please JOIN US at work with God!
Be ready for adventure and wonders! In addition to engaging we’ll have an opportunity to see a new world of care plus amazing African wonders! We will see the rare pygmy hippopotami, hyena, elephant, camels, and all sorts of baboons and monkeys during the safaris and excursions. We will be a part of the small fishing villages where you can work in tandem with local ministries to assist them with vital needs. Afterwards be ready for them to take you game-fishing. When you return to the ship our chef will even prepare your catch! The lifetime opportunities are endless.
About Purposeful Africa:
We’re a global community passionate about proclaiming the Word of God to distant coastlands (Jer. 31:10). We seek to facilitate and connect wealth with poverty, travel with hope, and compassion with despair. We are starting with a journey to 7 countries in Sub Saharan Africa by ship. We hope and pray that the people who are moved to join us will help break poverty’s hold. But we’re not stopping there: Lord willing we will move forward to engage, inspire, and release compassion all over the nations of the earth.
Purposeful Africa is a catalyst for people to do something about the plight of poverty. We desire to connect the world of much with the world of little to create change and offer hope through Jesus Christ. Both the giver and receiver of compassion will be changed.
Fall departures: September 13-October 18
This 8 day epicurean cruise on the Columbia River will feature the rich history and delicious flavors unique to this region. When it comes to the art of wine, Washington State knows its “terroir”-the combination of soil, climate and geography that makes wine distinct. You will be welcomed aboard in Portland with a taste of Willamette Valley’s signature flavors: a Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris. To get a feel for the culture and industry of this area, we will visit the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center with a focus on Native foods and the agricultural history of the Columbia River Basin. A jet boat tour to the Hanford Reach National Monument will evoke memories of WWII and the Cold War era.
You will be treated to tours and tastings at two of Washington States AVA’s while exploring four of the Columbia Valley’s finest wineries: Coyote Canyon, Terra Blanca, Three Rivers and Beresan. The Fruit Company, where orchards have been hand-picked for 65 years, will take you by tractor into the field for fresh picked fruit. Before returning to Portland, we’ll visit the Seafood Consumer Center at Astoria, where you will help our Chef prepare lunch, fusing the freshest seafood with the unique local flavors of Oregon’s fresh fruits, vegetables and cheeses. Join us and see for yourself why Washington State is ranked among the top wine regions of the world.
To learn more about this luxurious river cruise, please contact Rhonda Sand at 1-800-975-7775 for more information.
The Columbia River Gorge: A natural wind tunnel cutting it’s way through the Cascade Mountains to deliver the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean. This was the final destination of the famous Lewis & Clark Expedition in 1806, the discovery of the Northwest Passage. Traversing the mighty Columbia today is quite a different experience with its engineering marvels of locks and dams, but the adventure is still the same. Rich in Native American culture, quaint port towns, breathtaking waterfalls and exquisite scenery make cruising this American river a very rewarding vacation in so many ways.
First, lets explore the beautiful small ships that make this amazing journey! With maximum occupancy of 84-96 guests, these ships offer a much more intimate experience with up close proximity to the wonder of the Columbia River and it’s canyon. With floor to ceiling windows for inside veiwing and ample outside deck space to enjoy the fresh breezes, your comfort is a top priority. The onboard Exploration Leaders are distinguished experts eager to share their passion and insight for the history and culture of the Columbia River Gorge and it’s people. Read More…
For fans of classic cruise vessels, nothing quite gets the pulse racing like Queen Elizabeth 2. As the world’s most famous ocean liner, she was always admired for her sleek silhouette, her powerful grace, and her war-time contributions.
Unfortunately, Cunard had to retire the liner in November 2008 because of stringent guidelines set forth by SOLAS which take effect on October 1, 2010. Now in Dubai, the QE2 will be sliced, diced, and gutted before being reopened as a luxury floating hotel, docked on the manmade, tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah island.
Second chance scenarios such as the QE2’s seem to be rare. Many of the owners of ships built before 1980 (when different safety rules applied) have some tough choices ahead. Replacing all the combustible materials is incredibly expensive. Most of these classic ships are loaded with fine woods, and unfortunately, this makes the scrap yard the favored option for most of them.
Below is a list of many of the classic ships that seem doomed for the scrap yard:
- Regal Empress, an ocean liner of polished wood and burnished brass that enjoyed some 50 years in the business, retired in March 2009. For Regal, there was no buyer and the ship was quietly sold for scrap and made its final journey to the notorious breaking beaches of Alang, India.
- The same fate has been met by the venerable Maxim Gorkiy, built in 1973. The ship was sold to Orient Lines and was scheduled to launch as the Marco Polo II in spring 2009. Unfortunately, Orient Lines closed before the first cruise and the ship was sold for scrap.
- Meanwhile, like the QE2, it appears as if Fred Olsen’s Black Prince will be spared. While the line has chosen to retire the vessel later this year, rather than spend the money to make the ship SOLAS compliant, it has found a buyer, Servicios Acuaticos de Venezuela CA (SAVECA). Initial plans are for the vessel to be used as a cruise ship in Venezuelan waters. Read More…
