The Joseph Project Orphanage

1. The Joseph Project Orphanage In Togo, West Africa A ministry of International Missionary Outreach Fellowship Inc. www.imofinc.org

2. In the village of Sika-Kondji Our partner, Pastor Sika Yawo, reports that this orphanage is like no other in Togo because of the considerable size of the property (some ten acres) which allows for the cultivation of crops and rearing of animals to help sustain the orphanage. As a result it is attracting a lot of attention in the area, and so we see how important it can become as a Christian witness, as well as a good role model, for both the orphans and others in the surrounding villages.

3. Its name was inspired by the Old Testament hero, who effectively became an orphan when sold into slavery by his brothers. However because of his persistent trust in and obedience to God, he overcome every difficulty to eventually become a godly leader who saved his family and even the whole nation. One of the primary goals of the JP orphanage is to help the orphans know God and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so that, like Joseph, they can learn to trust God and become godly leaders.

4. Education is also a very important priority as most of the orphans have had very little schooling so far. School supplies must be provided to attend even the local village school. In addition it is planned to teach the children other important topics, such as improved methods of hygiene, community health, and sustainable agriculture. Here a Peace Corps worker is teaching them about growing Moringa trees, which are a protein supplement and provide many nutritional benefits.

5. 2012 is the fourth year that corn has been grown on four acres of the agricultural field. In spite of terrible flooding in two of the years, a successful harvest has been gathered, with the dried corn providing food for the orphans in the ensuing months. This year once again the orphans will help with the harvest; in addition, a year-round vegetable garden with various fruit trees, and small farm animals will help supplement the diet. It is also hoped that soon the remaining four acres of agricultural land can be cleared and planted with oil palm trees, which once matured would provide oil for cooking and additional income to help the orphanage.

6. The directors and staff of the orphanage want to provide a loving, Christian environment for the children, where they truly come to feel part of one big family. At times they play games; at times they help with the chores; at times they meet together for bible study or to pray and trust the Lord to meet the needs – and it is hoped that in this way they will all be healed from the wounds of their past and instead be instilled with new hope for the future, as is expressed in the foundational scripture of the JP orphanage: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

7. In July 2012 the first 20 children were registered and accepted into the JP orphanage. They range in age from 9-17 years old and come from Sika-Kondji and ten surrounding villages. They have all lost both parents, and although many had been living with host families, they were often abused and treated like servants. Pastor Sika reports that selecting the children was extremely hard as their stories were all truly heartbreaking. Although promised funding is still insufficient to provide the many needs, we believe the time had come to take this giant step of faith to provide a home for these desperate orphans.

8. The Joseph Project Orphan Boys Kossi A age 13 Yao age 11 Yaovi A age 13 Gregoire age 11 Mabourou age 17 Djimedo age 9 Joseph age 13 Gros age 14 Kossi H age 13 Yaovi K age 12 Tchinvi age 9 Kokou age 12 Patrick age 10

9. The Joseph Project Orphan Girls Yawa age 9 Chantale age 10 Emefa age 12 Abla B age 14 Afine age 10 Akouvi age 15 Abla T age 13

10. As can be seen by the photos, the JP orphanage is not a typical American-style one – buildings are of the local style; children share large beds; and cooking is done outdoors (although a simple kitchen lean-to has now been built). However the addition of floor-covering, mosquito nets, sanitary toilets and a protected water well do much to improve the hygiene compared to most local homes.

11. How YOU can help It will take probably a year or more to establish the gardening and raising of small farm animals to the point where most of the orphans’ food needs can be met, until then help is urgently needed for the following: • Monthly donations to buy food - $1.50 per child per day • School supplies - $35 per child • Donations to help pay staff salaries – total of $225 per month • Funds to buy more farm animals – chicken $4; goat $28 Even small donations of $5-10 make a difference and add up – and are a great encouragement to the orphans and everyone involved as they continue to trust the Lord to meet their needs on a daily basis!

12. Contact information Contact Pastor Sika in Togo via e-mail: luciesika@yahoo.fr For more information in the USA contact: Shirley Davis of IMOF Inc. (903) 889-2233 imofinc@gmail.com Please send donations to: IMOF Inc, 8069 FM 1251E, Henderson, TX 75652 www.imofinc.org (And add a separate note specifying the funds are for the Joseph Project)