HEsentme.org

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2011-12-03T07:10:00.000-05:00

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2011-11-26T15:19:00.000-05:00

When You Go On A "Fact Finding" Mission, You Go Where The Facts Are...

2011-11-24T13:56:00.033-05:00

I discovered on this trip to West Africa that "fact finding" missions are difficult because we are discovering many needs and we want to remain true to our mission.

After speaking with some of you about our recent trip, I have heard very mixed responses. Some say that we were "brave", others say we were "stupid", but I feel that it's neither of those. This trip was about trust, because we know that there is no safer place in the world than where God sends you.

During our first week, Holly gave a "women's devotional" in five villages and I spoke at the prayer meeting service at the ministry center in Kpakpara. On Sunday, Holly and I led the worship service in Kamkaniba, the very first village we ever visited in West Africa (yes, this is where Holly was bitten by the bat).

We also installed a solar power system
at the "youth center" in Kpakpara. This will give the kids in surrounding villages a place to go at night to study, play games and hear about Jesus.

Lynn Kennedy
drove us a little over 2,000 miles and we saw almost every border of Burkina Faso. We traveled with a translator and saw things that he had learned about in school but had never seen. Near the border of Mali, we found farms growing sugar cane, mangoes and rice, which was very encouraging for our sustainability efforts.

On the morning that we left for the small town of Yako to meet with Lynn Peters (founder of "Burkina Faso Outreach") we asked for directions in the office of the mission house where we were staying. After they gave us directions, they said, "you do know you're driving into and al-Qaida area?"

When we arrived in Yako we found a burned up police station and policemen standing in the streets with AK-47s. After spending the day with Lynn P, asking questions about her schools and a not so good nights sleep, we got up the next morning and saw the schools first hand. It was amazing to see children learning math, reading and art through stories in the Bible.

We're still sorting out the "facts" and I'm sure I will have more updates in the near future.

We also have two new agricultural partners, "Chapin Living Waters" in Watertown, New York (they are supplying us with out drip irrigation equipment at very discounted prices) and ECHO Community in Fort Myers, Florida (our resource for seeds and information).

It's good to be home but we do miss our friends in Burkina Faso.

Thank you for being a part of the team!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Jim Dotson
Executive Director

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Fact Finding In West Africa

2011-11-03T21:30:00.012-04:00

We met with Lynn Peters, the founder of Burkina Faso Outreach, to collect information about building schools in West Africa. Lynn is in her third year of operating schools and offered a wealth of information for our future efforts.

Here is the slideshow we put together featuring her hard work...

Holly at the "Rural Ramada"

2011-10-30T16:34:00.005-04:00

This is the mission house in Bobo we slept at after our long trek in Mt. Tenakourou.

We've Returned From Burkina Faso, West Africa

2011-10-27T15:05:00.002-04:00

Most of you know that I need a little time to process my trips before I can really talk about them much so while I do that, I thought I would share our 15 day schedule in country:

Oct. 8: Arrived in Ouagadougou

Oct. 9: Attended the International Church of Ouagadougou and looked for solar batteries.

Oct. 10: Traveled to Diebougou (where Lynn Kennedy lives).

Oct. 11: Visited the village of Naro where Holly taught a Bible lesson to the women in the village.

Oct. 12: Visited the village of Navielgan where Holly taught a Bible lesson to the women in the village. That evening we attended church in Kpakpara where I led the prayer meeting service. We also visited Naamwin Cilo (God's Joy), Fabiena, Mimi, Benedite and Angelique (orphans living in those villages).

Oct. 13: Visited the villages of Nakar and Balembar where Holly taught a Bible lesson to the women in both villages. We also visited Tommy, Anna and Raissa (orphans living in those villages).

Oct. 14-15: We installed a solar power system in the youth center at the ministry center in Kpakpara.

Oct. 16: Holly and I led the worship service at the church in Kamkaniba (the village we lived in on our very first trip to West Africa) and visited with Sanya.

Oct. 17: Traveled to Bobo and Banfora where we saw sugar cane, bananas and mango plantations. It's a long story (I'll write more later) but we did not make it to Mt. Tenakourou.

Oct. 18: Returned to Ouagadougou and did some shopping.

Oct. 19: Had dinner with the well drilling team from Canada, Friends In Action. They will be drilling 4 fresh water wells for Shattering Darkness in February.

Oct. 20: Traveled to Yako (just 30 kilometers from al-Qaida) to interview Lynn Peters from Burkina Faso Outreach concerning Christian school construction, funding and sustainability.

Oct. 21: Toured the schools in Yako and visited with the students and teachers then headed back to Ouagadougo. At 3PM we met with Amy Nehlsen at the Dorcas House (a home for girls at risk).

Oct. 22: Arrived at the airport at 7:30PM and got back to Orlando at 8:30PM on Sunday the 24th.

Looking forward to telling you more about the adventure and showing photos from the trip.

God bless!

"Beautiful Outlaw" by John Eldredge

2011-10-26T07:25:00.000-04:00

John Eldredge sent me a copy of his new book "Beautiful Outlaw" a few days before I got on the plane heading for West Africa. It was an amazing way to spend the next 18 hours getting to know more about Jesus. The "real" Jesus! His human side and all of His struggles being both God and man.

In the book, Eldredge speaks often about the legalistic, religious spirit that we have grown up believing is the way to view Jesus, when the reality is that we just need to love Him and work on having a true relationship with the One that died for us on the cross.

This is something from the book that sort of sums it all up for me:

"Jesus won't take the shortcut of a power play. He seems rather reluctant to do His miracles. He never overwhelms anyone's will with a fantastic display of His majesty. We woos, He confronts, He delivers, He heals, He shoots straight, and then He uses intrigue. He lives out before them the most compelling view of God, shows them an incredibly attractive Holiness while shattering the religious glaze. But still, He lets them walk away if they choose."

Today Is The 3rd Anniversary Of "HE sent me"

2011-10-17T03:36:00.000-04:00

Today is the 3rd anniversay of "HE sent me" and we will be spending it at Mt. Tenakourou, the site that may become our coffee plantaion.

Thank you all for your prayers and financial support that made it possible for us to accomplish so much in just a few short years!

BARKA! BARKA!!

Our Work In The Villages Is Finished....

2011-10-17T03:32:00.000-04:00

We had a great day of praise & and worship in Kamkaniba today. So many of our friends showed up to see us, it was like a family reunion. All of the villages we visited this trip have been so thankful and the love they show us brings tears to our eyes.

It will be so hard to leave Diebougou in the morning, Lynn's grand kids are amazing as well as the orphans. I'm sure it will be a very sad morning as we say good-bye.

Tomorrow we head west to Banfora where the waterfalls are and then up to Mt. Tenakourou to check out the possibility of starting a coffee plantation. We're spending the night at a mission house in Bobo and then back to Ouagadougou on Tuesday morning.

Wednesday we will be hosting dinner for the team that drills our fresh water wells and maintains them.

Thursday we will spend the day with Amy Nehlsen at the Dorcas House.

Friday we will be discussing school construction with Lynn Peters and touring some of her schools.

Saturday night we will be heading for home with lots of data to sort out and many happy memories of our 5th trip to Burkina Faso.

Thursday we will be touring the Dorcas House and meeting with Lynn Peters to discuss school construction and then visit some schools on Friday.

Friday night we head for home with a lot of data and memories of our 5th trip to West Africa....

Greetings From West Africa!!

2011-10-15T13:29:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was a very busy day. We installed a solar power unit at the youth center in Kpakpara and then cleaned Lynn's house in Diebougou. Holly rearranged all of her furniture in her living room and it looks awesome!

Today we picked up trash at the ministry center in Kpakpara and then sat in on a Shattering Darkness board meeting.

Tomorrow we will be attending church in Kamkaniba, the first village we ever visited and assisted a medical team. Holly and I will be giving the message at the church service so please keep us in your prayers.

We love you all and look forward to our next update!!

We Visited Nakar And Balembar

2011-10-13T18:25:00.000-04:00

We got up early today and went out to Nakar where I worked with a medical team in June of 2010. Holly taught the ladies at the church this morning and then we were off to Balembar. The maternity clinic in Balembar was the location of our first solar install in West Africa. After Holly taught the ladies at the church in Balembar we took her over to the clinic and there was a brand new baby that she got to see. Amazing day today!!

Arrived In Diebougou...

2011-10-10T17:58:00.000-04:00

We left Ouagadougou early this morning and drove about 6 hours (southwest) to Diebougou. This is where we will bestaying for the next six days and traveling to a different village each day. I was able to locate batteries for the solar power unit before we left the city and will be installing it on Saturday at the churchs' youth center in Kpakpara. So many are excited about this because it will not only give the kids more time to learn about God, but also to study French and play games and other activities to keep them off the streets at night. Teen pregnancy and alcohol abuse is a very big problem here.

After arriving, we unpacked the truck and had dinner. The orphans got home from school shortly after that and did their homework and bathed.

I new the children were getting ready for bed and each one stopped by to say good-nite to me. As I settled into my reading, I looked up and they had all gathered in a circle, held hands and were saying their prayers. They were praying in French and Dagara and I could only pick out a few words that I knew but they were all very thankful for the things God had done for them today.

Tomorrow we get up early and head to the village of Naro about an hours drive. Holly will be speaking to the ladies to encourage them with their walk with God.

Please continue to pray for us as we pray for you!

Made it to DC...

2011-10-07T16:58:00.000-04:00

on our way to Brussels in about an hour.

We made it to OIA!

2011-10-07T11:36:00.000-04:00

All checked in at OIA and avoided a $600 baggage fee for the solar panels. Off to Washington DC at 1:05.

And I said, "Here am I, send me!"

2011-10-05T16:23:00.000-04:00

As we pack for our trip to West Africa at the end of the week, I think of each one of you that made this trip possible through your prayers and financial support.

At the first of the year I felt God telling me that we were going in October but with only a few hundred dollars in our travel account, I didn't know how that would be possible.

Then I was reminded of... "But with God, all things are possible"

A big part of this is due to the support of Raptim Travel. We are on a very tight budget this year but God works through everyone to accomplish what He starts.

We will be on a "fact finding" mission to investigate human trafficking, village needs (both medical and spiritual), school construction, growing coffee, cocoa and bananas and installing one solar power unit.

October 17 will mark the 3rd anniversary of "HE sent me" and I can't think of a better way to spend it than to be on the mission field. And we just learned a couple of weeks ago that due to the success of our first solar power installation in the "bush" maternity clinic in Balembar (just 15 months ago), the Burkina Faso government has installed solar panels in every clinic in the country!

IMPORTANT: I was just made aware that travel warnings have been issued to "Westerners" traveling in the northern part of Africa.

Please continue watching our blog for specific prayer needs!

There is no more important team member on a mission trip than the ones that commit to meet with the Lord daily on behalf of the ones who go. Thank you for being a part of the team!

Please Pray For Your Friends!

2011-09-29T10:05:00.000-04:00

Last night Holly and I attended the "Prayer and Healing" service at First Baptist Church, Orlando. After singing some great songs we were each handed a couple of "prayer request cards" that people had filled out that attended our church last week and we were asked to pray for them.

Here's what one of my cards said,

"Pray for my old friend Willie. Even though he cannot be my friend anymore, please pray for his pride to leave his life forever".

Please pray for your friends, even if they are not your friend anymore. They still need you!

Our "Secret" Experiment...

2011-09-26T11:05:00.001-04:00

We have germinated a coffee seed!

Many of you remember we started experimenting with growing coffee back in January. Central Florida is very similar in climate to West Africa with temperatures there, being about 5-10 degrees warmer.

While learning about the human trafficking situation at the cocoa plantations in the Ivory Coast, I decided to start my own experiment with growing cocoa.

Much to my surprise, cocoa is even easier to grow from seed than coffee and it's also a high demand cash crop in most of the world. We now have 20 coca trees that are all around 10" tall!

Cocoa #1

Cocoa #2

Cocoa #3

Cocoa #4

Coffee Tree

We're hoping to take what we learn here in Central Florida, to Burkina Faso and stimulate the local economy.

Oh, by the way, here is what one of the little coffee seedlings look like today!

If you would like to donate to this project please click on the link:

Thanks for your continued interest and support in The Burkina Bean Company!

Long-Suffering?

2011-08-08T10:13:00.002-04:00

I've heard that word throughout my life but this morning it caught my attention. I was reading a book by John Bevere and he stated that "we are told to be rooted and grounded in the love of God. The seed of God's Word will then take root in our hearts and grow and eventually produce the fruit of righteousness. This fruit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

So all of these are easy to understand but this morning, "long-suffering" seemed to stand out and I realized that I really didn't know what that meant. I started by looking the word up in the dictionary and found this: "having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people."

I then went to the internet and searched the word in Google. This is what I found:

Long-suffering is love on trial. It enables you to forbear and forgive others (Colossians 3:13). As with the other manifestations of spiritual fruit, you can't produce it in yourself. The ability to be longsuffering comes from the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:11) and by loving God's law. (Psalm 119:165)

Long-suffering is also referred to as patience. Patience is being mild, gentle, and constant in all circumstances.

The real test of patience is not in waiting, but in how one acts while he or she is waiting. A person who has developed patience will be able to put up with things without losing his or her temper. Scripture tells us in James 1:4 "But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing."

Reaching this point is definitely a process which takes a lot of practice. However, we can learn to enjoy life where we are while we are waiting for what we desire.

Coffee Bean Production In Burkina Faso, West Africa

2011-07-25T17:31:00.000-04:00

#1) Planted Outside, 100% Shade

Many of you remember we started experimenting with growing coffee back in January. Central Florida is very similar in climate to West Africa with temperatures there being about 5-10 degrees warmer.

We're hoping we can take what we learn here to Burkina Faso and stimulate the local economy.

Well, I thought it was time for an update.

As of today, we have been unable to propagate a plant from seed but we have been very successful with rooting cuttings from another plant! We recently planted 10 seeds in an "experimental" bed and we are expecting to see growth in about 2 months. We'll keep you posted...

We have taken pictures from five different test beds at our Central Florida location. The following is what we have learned so far:

#2) Planted Outside, Morning Exposure Only

As you can see Plant #1 shows great color and growth being planted outside in total shade. We're happy with the growth of Plant #2 but it may be getting a little too much sun even with just the morning exposure. Plant #3 is also thriving and is in a controlled temperature of 70 degrees and full shade. Plant #4 is growing fast with afternoon exposure but has

lost a little of its color. By the looks of Plant #5 I think full exposure to the sun is a little too much for this size plant.

I'll send out another update in a few months to let you know how things are progressing.

If you would like to donate to this project please click on the link:

Thanks for your interest in The Burkina Bean Company!

#3) Planted Inside


#4) Planted Outside, Partial Afternoon Exposure

#5) Planted Outside, All Day Exposure

My Birthday Wish!

2011-06-05T16:37:00.002-04:00

Hello, and thanks for checking out my Birthday Wish!

For my birthday on June 8th, I'm asking my friends for a special gift: help me raise $1000 for HEsentme.org, Inc.. It's a great cause that will supply one solar power system to a West African "bush" maternity clinic.

I chose HEsentme.org, Inc. because it's mission is to glorify God and help the neglected people in Burkina Faso.

Please consider giving to my Birthday Wish, and together we can bring light to very dark world. If you can't give now, I'd really appreciate if you'd share this page with your friends and keep me in your prayers.

Thanks so much,

Jim

CLICK HERE TO DONATE, THANK YOU!!

http://wishes.causes.com/wishes/301810

Are You Abiding In HIM?

2011-05-22T11:24:00.000-04:00

Abiding in Christ is a process.

I realized this morning that I have been doing all of the correct things in my Christian walk like: reading my Bible, going to church, praying, witnessing and doing good works. If we are not doing these things, our walk with God will be limited.

After doing all of these things (because we are suppose to), I found I was still missing out on the victory, peace and intimate relationship with Christ. I had become "works" oriented instead of "Christ" oriented.

To Abide in Christ is to be in the 'being' mode. I still want to do the things He has called me to do but I now want to do it with God's strength and for His glory. The intimate relationship with the Father is more important than the things we do or don't do.

The more we are abiding in Him, the more we will be faithful. We will hear His voice clearer and have more peace in our life. To abide is to experience His presence...

Remember Sanya?

2010-12-21T17:34:00.000-05:00

Remember Sanya? The little girl we were praying for and raising money for her surgery on her cleft palate. God answered our prayers and here she is with her new smile!!

When God Interupts Your Life...

2010-12-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

• God's plan is a challenge!
• God's plan has adventure!
• God's plan is miraculous!

- Pastor David Uth

On my way home!

2010-12-19T03:00:00.001-05:00

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My last look at the Dream!

2010-12-18T10:43:00.000-05:00

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Its snowing!

2010-12-13T08:11:00.001-05:00

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View from the Roy Disney Suite

2010-12-12T08:39:00.001-05:00

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Bremerhaven from my balcony.

2010-12-09T08:17:00.001-05:00

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Hope You Are Touched By The Images Of Our Recent Trip To West Africa

2010-12-04T08:01:00.000-05:00

Breathtaking!

2010-12-01T06:38:00.001-05:00

We made it!

2010-12-01T06:23:00.001-05:00

Hohenschwangau Castle

2010-12-01T05:47:00.001-05:00

Having lunch near the castle

Travelogue

2010-11-30T06:17:00.002-05:00

Wind Turbine Blade!

2010-11-30T04:44:00.002-05:00

Holly Still In The Snow

2010-11-30T02:55:00.002-05:00

Germany is Awesome!

2010-11-30T02:53:00.002-05:00

I Love Being Cold!

2010-11-30T02:43:00.002-05:00

View From Our Hotel Room in Wurzburg

2010-11-30T01:44:00.002-05:00

This is what we saw when we woke up and looked out our window this morning.

Papenburg Germany

2010-11-29T04:28:00.002-05:00

Holly's first snowfall!

We Made It To Germany!

2010-11-28T09:58:00.000-05:00

We are all settled in at our hotel in Papenburg and taking showers. Looking forward to having dinner with Donna and Jeff.

Pumpkin soup here we come!!!!!

Arrived in Paris

2010-11-28T02:09:00.002-05:00

We just arrived in Paris and it is 60 degrees colder here than in Ougadougou! We leave for Dusseldorf, Germany in a couple of hours to start our mini vacation until I go back to work on the Disney Dream. I will be sending pictures and updates when I can.

Thank you all again for your prayers, the entire team made it safely to Paris. Some are on their way home and some are staying in Paris for a few days to rest before going home.

Love and prayers Jim, Holly and the team.

Current Travel Status

2010-11-27T16:02:00.001-05:00

All checked in at the Ougadougou Airport and will be leaving for Paris in 3 hours.

Thank you again for your prayers throughout this trip!

Back in Ouagadougou

2010-11-27T09:23:00.001-05:00

We left the village early this morning and we are back in Ouagadougou. I don't have the exact numbers yet but we treated around 700 people, 25 people gave there lives to Jesus and we cut 6 witch doctor idols off of children.

We're shopping and then back to the mission house for showers and then to the airport at 8PM for an 11:50 flight.

Thank you for your prayers, they were felt and heard.

Prayer Request

2010-11-26T12:38:00.001-05:00

Lynn Kennedy needs your prayers. Her asthma is bothering her along with a very annoying cough and cannot sleep.

Thank you for keeping her in your prayers.

Decisions for Christ

2010-11-26T01:19:00.001-05:00

We have had almost 20 people in Tenkiedougou give their life to Jesus Christ... the most I have ever seen. Tonight we are showing the Jesus film in the village.

Please be in prayer.

Prayer Request

2010-11-25T15:14:00.001-05:00

Please pray for two very sick and malnourished babies that were brought to us today. Patrice drove them to the hospital in Dano just before sunset. Not sure they will make it through the night.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

God has been so good to us today. We finished with the school children in the morning and opened the clinic back up to all. Vegetable stew for dinner tonight. So much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

No one on the team has gotten sick. Praise His name, this has never happened before. God's love is all around us.

Wound Care

2010-11-24T12:32:00.001-05:00

Another awesome day in West Africa! Today Holly and I cleaned wounds for the wound care specialists in the morning and in the afternoon we did malaria testing. Time for dinner and a bucket shower. Tomorrow is our last full day in the village.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Clinic Day

2010-11-23T14:06:00.001-05:00

What a day we had today! The hardest but most rewarding I can remember. So many wounds and malaria. At lunch time we had 124 children from the village school come through the clinic with various illnesses and wounds. The kids are amazing, I want to bring every one of them home with me... If you want your reward before you get to heaven, go on a mission trip! We're all exhausted and need your prayers!

Finished First Day

2010-11-22T12:33:00.002-05:00

We just finished our first full day in the village and treated 37 cases of malaria, various infected wounds, one broken thumb and prayed with every patient. Your prayers are being heard. The Healer is with us always! Love and prayers, Jim, Holly and the entire team.

Please pray! Today a woman brought her very dehydrated young baby to us for treatment. Prior to that, she visited a witch doctor who told her to starve the baby and then kill her as a demon sacrifice. I prayed away all curses put on this child and we are praying that she will live to glorify God all the days of her life.

Jim & Holly

We're At Tenkiendougou

2010-11-21T16:27:00.000-05:00

We have arrived at the village of Tenkiendougou. After setting up the tents, we had dinner and are now off to bed. We start the medical clinic first thing in the morning.

Love and prayers to you all.

Jim and Holly

I had my last bowl of pumpkin soup before leaving Germany

2010-11-18T11:10:00.000-05:00

I just finished my last bowl of pumpkin soup in Papenburg, Germany. I'm doing my final packing and then I'm going to bed. My driver will be picking me up at 3AM to take me to the Dusseldorf Airport so that I can catch my 7:25AM flight to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa. Lynn Kennedy and I will be meeting in Paris and taking the same flight to Burkina, one day ahead of Holly and the team of doctors from the United States. We'll get a good nights sleep and get up early Sunday morning for a 5 hour ride with the medical team to Tenkiedougou.

Please keep us in your prayers!

Sea Trials Today

2010-11-14T05:50:00.000-05:00

Today we are about 200 kilometers off the coast of the Netherlands. The Disney Dream is conducting 2 days of sea trials and then we are heading back to Eemshaven, Germany. Most of the tests are no big deal but the "roll test" is exactly what you would expect. They did it in the middle of the night last night and all you can do is lay in bed and try not to barf. Our satellite connection is not very reliable but I will try to make another update before I go to bed tonight.

IMG00048-20101112-1835.jpg

2010-11-12T12:36:00.002-05:00

Leaving Papenburg, Germany tonight.

Leaving Papenburg Germany

2010-11-12T12:36:00.001-05:00

Netherlands today

2010-11-10T10:13:00.001-05:00

On our way to Groningen to buy props.

This is what moves the heavy pieces of the ship

2010-11-10T07:01:00.001-05:00

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Disney Fantasy

2010-11-10T04:50:00.001-05:00

Disney Dream in Papenburg Germany

2010-11-10T03:31:00.001-05:00

Its such a tourist attraction they sell cotton candy in the parking lot to people taking photos.

Need encouragement? Ask the One that created it...

2010-11-05T12:20:00.000-04:00

A few days ago I was praying and I told God that I needed encouragement.

I also told Him that I didn't want it in the form of money but that I needed something that would encourage my heart.

Yesterday, we received a check in the mail for $860 with a note saying that it is to be used for solar power for another maternity clinic.

This morning, I deposited that check at the bank and the teller said "HE sent me, that's a great name for a business. What do you do?" I told her and as she held on to every word I said, she then told me how amazing it is to see how God is working through us.

He always knows exactly what you need at the perfect time!

Hope you all are encouraged by this...

Our Third Medical Mission Trip To West Africa

2010-11-04T19:24:00.000-04:00

As we begin packing for our third medical mission trip to Burkina Faso, we can't help but think about all of you that have made this happen through your giving and time spent in prayer for us.

These trips are both difficult and rewarding. While enduring extreme temperatures and sleeping conditions, limited food and water sources and the risk of illness, we focus on God and our mission: helping the people in this neglected region of West Africa.

I will be traveling from Dusseldorf, Germany to join Holly and the team of doctors from the U.S. on November 19th in Burkina Faso. After a short rest we will head to the village of Tenkeindougou (about a 7 hour drive) to set up the clinic.

There is no more important team member on a mission trip than the ones that commit to meet with the Lord daily on behalf of the ones who go. Thank you for being a part of the team!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Jim Dotson
Executive Director

Click here to donate

Braces are off!

2010-09-27T09:48:00.001-04:00

Braces are off!

We spent our fourth day at "Jacob's Ladder"

2010-08-04T11:35:00.003-04:00

We spent the day at "Jacob's Ladder" another mentally/physically challenged orphanage.

I met this young lady named Sandy. Sandy's mother shipped her over to the orphanage from Kingston and has never visited her, ever! She held my hand almost the entire time we were there.

When I left Sandy I told her I was coming back to see her soon. She said, "when?" I told her in 3 or 4 months. She didn't say a word and did not look at me. I asked her if that was soon enough and she said, "no". Then I told her I would be back sooner and then she put her arms around my neck and hugged me. I kissed her on the cheek and said good-bye.

Visited the "Widows Mite" today,

2010-08-04T11:34:00.004-04:00

On our third day we visited the "Widows Mite", an orphanage for mentally/physically challenged kids. I will never forget this day...

Second day at the girl's

2010-08-04T11:29:00.003-04:00


These are the hand prints of all the girls living in the home.

The second day at the girl's home. Painting finger nails and playing basketball. We had so much fun doing praise and worship and Bible study with these amazing girls. Each girl has her own special story of incest, rape, sexual abuse and how God is working in their lives.

First day in Jamaica was

2010-08-03T19:17:00.002-04:00

First day in Jamaica was awesome. Spent the morning at Bamboo Tabernacle playing games and telling Bible stories to the kids.

"Fear is the policemen of Satan"

2010-08-03T19:16:00.002-04:00

"Fear is the policemen of Satan" a quote from my friend Thompson in Jamaica

The wind is amazing in

2010-08-03T19:15:00.002-04:00

The wind is amazing in Jamaica. Exploring power needs up in the mountains tomorrow.

I think Jamaica is more

2010-08-03T19:14:00.001-04:00

I think Jamaica is more beautiful than Hawaii! The people are AWESOME!!!

St. Ann, Jamaica

2010-08-03T19:13:00.002-04:00

Every man has a star

2010-07-29T10:36:00.001-04:00

Every man has a star and if the enemy can hunt down your star, you are in trouble.

2010-07-27T10:00:00.001-04:00

Boarding in 30 minutes for Jamaica!

HEsentme Explores Jamaica!

2010-07-25T16:14:00.002-04:00

Packing for Jamaica today! Toys we're taking to the kids in the orphanages.

2010-07-14T16:12:00.001-04:00

My portable Pro Tools rig for the MUPPET 3D theater mix at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Me and Tinkerbell

2010-07-09T19:11:00.002-04:00

Me & Tink

"God's Glory and Delight"

2010-07-03T10:39:00.001-04:00

This little girl was found 8 months ago wandering around the jungle in Africa. Naked, alone, frightened and starving. Her parents were dead and no one was taking care of her.

Lynn asked if anyone knew her name and found that her name in English meant "Insult" because her mother died during her birth. Lynn went through the proper legal channels and named her "Namwin Chilo" which means "God's Glory and Delight". She was taken immediately to a malnutrition center and was not expected to live.

Lynn Kennedy found a woman that had recently lost a baby and asked if she would be willing to take care of "God's Glory and Delight" her name in Dagara (Lynn named her).

Her guardian needed to see the dentist at our temporary clinic in Nakar in June 2010. As she stood watching, she became very upset. I sat down and picked her up and put her on my lap. She sat there with me for over an hour while her guardian finished with the dentist.

I'm sure that God has a plan for her life....

Best Father's Day Ever!! (June 20, 2010)

2010-07-02T13:48:00.000-04:00

This year I spent Father's Day in West Africa away from my entire family. Now I bet you're wondering why this would be my best Father's Day ever? The thing about these trips is that if you have any physical contact with the people in the villages, you will get sick. In the past I have avoided a lot of contact (especially with the children) because of this. I always feel so bad when I return home knowing that I deprived these amazing people of the very thing they need most in their lives. A few days before I left on my recent trip to Burkina Faso, I decided that no matter the outcome, I was going to spend a lot of time shaking hands and hugging the children. So while I was away from my family on Father's Day, I spent the entire day hugging all of the children in the village of Nakar.

Towards the end of the day I received a text message from my step-daughter Elena. It said "Happy Father's Day JD! I love you!

Shortly after that, I received another text message. It was from my son Grant. He said "Just wanted to say Happy Father's Day Dad. We are all proud of everything you are doing over there. I hope the day went well and everyone is doing great. Can't wait to hear all the stories and see the pictures. I love you and miss you! Be safe!"

I bet you're not wondering why I had such an amazing Father's Day now....

In case you're wondering, yes, I did get sick. Very sick. But it was worth it!!

Paris flight delayed. Not leaving

2010-06-26T16:07:00.001-04:00

Paris flight delayed. Not leaving Atlanta until 4:55PM...

Arrived in Paris. On my

2010-06-26T00:58:00.001-04:00

Arrived in Paris. On my way to Atlanta in 3 hours.

All checked in on Air

2010-06-25T15:34:00.001-04:00

All checked in on Air France in Ouagadougou. Arrive in Paris at 6AM.

Just finished shopping. On our

2010-06-25T10:58:00.001-04:00

Just finished shopping. On our way to the U.S. Embasy for dinner then off to the airport!

Half way to Ouagadougou!

2010-06-25T04:18:00.001-04:00

Half way to Ouagadougou!

Back in Diebougou, leaving for

2010-06-24T15:23:00.001-04:00

Back in Diebougou, leaving for Ouagadougou bright and early in the morning. Thank you for your prayers!!

Packed up and left Nakar.

2010-06-24T15:17:00.001-04:00

Packed up and left Nakar. So hard to leave the kids. We will miss them. Treated over 500 people!

Patrice's aunt died this morning

2010-06-24T11:59:00.001-04:00

Patrice's aunt died this morning in a motorcycle accident on her way to the clinic in Nakar.

The end of our last

2010-06-23T17:24:00.001-04:00

The end of our last full day in Nakar. We treated over 400 people so far. Busy day tomorrow preparing to leave on Friday.

There's a funneral going on

2010-06-22T14:02:00.001-04:00

There's a funneral going on near the village. 3 days of non-stop singing, dancing & mourning. This is the second day.

It's raining, FINALLY! First one

2010-06-21T17:32:00.001-04:00

It's raining, FINALLY! First one since we left the city. Good night all...

Today an older crippled woman

2010-06-21T16:35:00.001-04:00

Today an older crippled woman walked to the clinic using a bucket as a "walker". Heartbreaking...

Nakar is the poorest village

2010-06-21T08:55:00.002-04:00

Nakar is the porest village I have ever visited. The children here do not have clothes to wear! I have been giving lots of hugs!

Just finished the solar install

2010-06-21T08:50:00.001-04:00

Just finished the solar install in Bolimbar. Joined the medical team in Nakar today.

Just road motorcycles through Diebougou

2010-06-20T16:12:00.001-04:00

Just road motorcycles through Diebougou tonight. The poverty is so discouraging. Where do we start?

Finally a cool breeze in

2010-06-20T14:47:00.001-04:00

Finally a cool breeze in Africa...

I was talking to a

2010-06-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

I was talking to a man near Tngero. He said "America can not fall because of the work they are doing in Africa".

Praise and worship in Tnjero

2010-06-20T06:09:00.001-04:00

Praise and worship in Tnjero this morning was AWESOME!

The CSPS clinic in Balembar

2010-06-20T06:06:00.002-04:00

The CSPS clinic in Balembar has lights!

Cold bucket showers with dirty

2010-06-18T18:30:00.001-04:00

Cold bucket showers with dirty water are AWESOME! Good night all...

It's so hot tonight. First

2010-06-18T17:29:00.001-04:00

It's so hot tonight. First night sleeping without AC. We head for the clinic at 6AM. Be thankful for what you have. God bless!

We droped off the medical

2010-06-18T13:23:00.001-04:00

We droped off the medical supplies in Nakar. We're now in Kpakpara. On our way to Lynn's house soon.

In Dana waiting for final

2010-06-18T09:49:00.001-04:00

In Dana waiting for final approval to do medical work in Nakar.