Lalmba News Vol 60., No. 7

September 9, 2024 Rob Andzik News

Children Are The Future

In the quiet lakeside village of Matoso, life moves at a different pace, dictated by the lake, the weather, and seasonal rains. On Wednesdays, a small market springs to life, and on weekends, everyone gathers at church. Every day has its struggles, and every small victory is a celebration. These challenges are felt throughout the community, but young adults are particularly impacted. Among the many stories of resilience, Maricus’s stands out, embodying the spirit of hope and determination that defines this community.

At just 19, Maricus has faced more challenges than many encounter in a lifetime. Her father passed away when she was only ten. Her mother, a cook, worked tirelessly to provide for her seven children. As the third oldest, Maricus dreamed of becoming a journalist. She studied hard and completed high school, but those dreams were halted by the harsh realities of living in this rural community. There are few opportunities, and recently, illness has confined her mother to bed, leaving Maricus to shoulder the household responsibilities. “I am a good writer, and I want to tell stories,” Maricus explained. “But, there is no place to work, and I just stay home taking care of my family.”

Despite the setbacks, Maricus’s spirit remains unbroken. She spends her days caring for her siblings and guarding herself against the many pitfalls that claim the lives of young adults, especially young women in her community. Early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and the lure of quick money through dangerous means are constant threats. “I stay home to avoid falling into bad groups,” she explains. “I’ve seen what happens. I don’t want that for me.”

The community believes that secondary school is the pathway to success. However, after graduation, employment opportunities are scarce. Jobs are typically only available through the government or larger organizations in distant cities. Job postings are listed on a board in Migori, an hour and a half drive away, broadcast on the radio, or published in newspapers. Lalmba’s current small library is one of the few places where locals can access these resources. Unfortunately, it’s common for hundreds to apply for a job that is already filled by family, friends, and bribes. Some find “hustles” like fishing or driving a piki piki (motorcycle taxi), but many give up, join bad groups, or, in the case of young women, sell themselves for money.

Yet, opportunities are no longer restricted by geography. For an aspiring journalist like Maricus, the real opportunities can be found online. Unfortunately, even that is seemingly inaccessible in rural areas like Matoso. We believe that the new Matoso Education and Empowerment Center will part of the solution. Our hope is that this center will ignite change, fostering a community where young people can thrive and contribute positively toward a self-sufficient future for their families and their community.

The Matoso Education and Empowerment Center

From its start in 1963, Lalmba has believed that education is a key part of breaking the cycle of poverty. Over that time, the essence of education throughout the world has evolved from basic literacy to include an understanding of the modern, digital world. The rural communities we serve are on the fringes of this technological revolution and risk being left behind. Without digital skills, opportunities are scarce, even for the educated. However, with computer and internet knowledge, new income avenues emerge, offering hope for a better future, even in remote areas.

In 2023, our small, outdated library at Lalmba’s Matoso Clinic had nearly 20,000 visits. People came to learn, pulling dusty books off the shelves and reading the newspaper for local, national, and world news. In the cramped, single-room space, children gathered around the few working laptops to learn basic computer kills. There is a strong thirst for knowledge, but our small library barely scratched the surface.

Our new Matoso Education and Empowerment Center addresses this need. It’s not just a building; it’s a cornerstone of Lalmba’s vision for a self-sufficient, empowered community. Here, children and adults will learn essential skills to thrive in a digital world. The center will offer programs tailored to the unique needs of rural communities, from digital literacy and internet readiness to public health and business skills, opening new opportunities for those struggling like Maricus.

We cannot do this alone. For the Matoso Education and Empowerment Center to become a true community resource, we need support. Several organizations are helping us: The Rotary Club of Southeast Denver has contributed furniture, and Compassion International has donated laptops. We are forming a partnership with the gold Youth Development Agency (goldyouth.org) providing peer-to-peer leadership training and future business opportunities for youth in remote African communities. Yet, we still need more funding to complete construction, buy books, and ensure a successful launch. With your support, this center can transform lives, fostering a community where everyone has the chance to succeed and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their community.

Success Through Microloans

We want to share with you a great story of empowerment. As a single mother, Lilian Akinyi faced the daunting task of pro- viding for her family after being left with nothing when her husband passed away. Fortu- nately, she and her children were enrolled in Lalmba’s RCAR program, which became the foundation of their journey toward a brighter future.

Lilian needed a source of income to feed her family so she joined one of Lalmba’s small business classes. Armed with new knowledge and strong determination, she applied for her first Lalmba microloan to cover school fees while she started selling small fish at the local market. With this humble start, she was able to make ends meet and Lilian inside her small shop ensure her children went to school.

In 2019, Lilian took out a second loan and built a small roadside shop. Strategically located at the entrance of Matoso, her shop has become a go-to place for locals and visitors alike. The shop offers a variety of products, from fresh produce and school supplies to clothing and shoes. She works hard to manage her inventory. Perishable goods and sourcing inventory from distant cities are always a challenge. But, in the end, she is able to provide for her family and ensure her children are fed and going to school.

Lalmba’s microloan program has helped hundreds of single mothers, like Lilian, support their families by starting small businesses. These loans provide the initial funds needed to buy inventory and cover other startup costs. However, the success of their business is still closely tied to the overall local economy. In Matoso, where the economy heavily depends on fishing, the lake is overfished and floods have damaged the shoreline. The town sees fewer visitors, and small shops like Lillian’s are struggling.

Lalmba’s focus is on serving the poor, but our projects in both Kenya and Ethiopia have beneficial side effects that go far beyond the work we do directly. In Agaro Bushi, the local market day is now a bustling hub where people walk for hours to buy and sell goods and exchange information. We envision the new Matoso Education and Empowerment Center having a similar positive impact. Small shop owners, like Lilian, will benefit from more consistent traffic. People will come to Matoso not only for medical care but also for knowledge. Together, we are building a new economic engine and fostering a more self-sufficient community.

News From Africa. Vol. 60, No. 6

June 3, 2024 Rob Andzik News

Public Health Crisis

Photos by Lalmba’s Ethiopian Staff

We want to bring you an update on a little girl named Mekdes. You might remember hearing about Mekdes in a previous newsletter, a precious baby who came to us after her mother sadly passed away from malaria and her father had no means of taking care of her. Working with the local government officials, Lalmba staff took her into the Chiri Children’s Home in Ethiopia and she became part of Lalmba’s family.

Now at just eight months old, Mekdes finds herself battling another life threatening hurdle — measles, a highly contagious disease that is especially dangerous for young children. Our staff noticed Mekdes had developed a bad fever and quickly took her to the nearest hospital as her condition worsened. Thanks to the swift actions of our dedicated team at Lalmba’s Chiri Children’s Home, she received much needed oxygen and after about a week of hospitalization she is starting to improve.

For us, this very personal story of Mekdes highlights both the severe outbreak of measles we are dealing with Ethiopia and a larger concern that affects children globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over half of the world’s countries are at high risk of measles outbreaks due to vaccination gaps left during the COVID-19 pandemic. In remote communities like Agaro Bushi, a disease like measles that primarily affects children under five, can be devastating, particularly for the poor people in these regions.

As Mekdes battles this preventable disease, her story serves as a poignant call to action for the global community. It is a reminder of the importance of healthcare access and the critical need for robust vaccination programs. Lalmba is on the front lines of this battle, ensuring that children like Mekdes receive not only the medical care they require but also the preventive measures that can protect them from such diseases.

Your continuous support enables us to provide these lifesaving services. It ensures that our clinic has the resources to treat and care for the most vulnerable children. Each donation helps us extend our reach further, utilizing Health Extension Workers to vaccinate more children thus preventing the spread of preventable diseases like measles.

Thank you for standing with us and with children like Mekdes. Together, we are not just saving lives but also building a healthier future for the children who depend on us.

Love has always been at the heart of Lalmba

We are thrilled to highlight a recent inspiring chapter in the journey of Lalmba’s founders, Hugh and Marty Downey. Their commitment, spanning decades of selfless service, recently brought them back to Kenya, where they connected with our staff and the communities we serve. This trip was more than a return; it was a reaffirmation of the lasting bonds they have built with the people of Kenya. During their visit, Hugh addressed our dedicated staff, sharing words of encouragement and gratitude that reinforced the deep connection between Lalmba’s mission and its people. We invite you to watch this special moment captured in a video now available on our YouTube channel.

Hugh and Marty Downey were also recently featured in an article in the Denver Catholic. This piece offers an in-depth look at their lifelong dedication and the profound impact of their work with Lalmba. You can find the article online by visiting Lalmba’s website under About Lalmba / Our History, or simply using the link to the right. This enriching read provides further insights into their mission and the powerful legacy they continue to build with each passing year.

The story of Hugh and Marty inspires us all to consider how we might contribute to Lalmba’s ongoing mission. Whether you are new to our community or have been with us through various chapters of our journey, there is always room to make a difference. By volunteering, sharing our stories, or donating, you help sustain the cycle of love and service that defines Lalmba.

Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of this extraordinary family. Together, we are not just changing lives; we are transforming futures.

Celebrating our heros

At Lalmba, we are blessed with a community of volunteers that spans continents and we want to take a moment to thank you all. From expatriates who commit a year or more to live and work alongside our staff, to local community members who step up to help their neighbors, our volunteers are the heart of Lalmba.

Many of our expatriate volunteers come to us from the US, bringing diverse skills and a shared passion for service. They immerse themselves in local cultures, often learning new languages and adapting to different ways of life. Their commitment goes beyond the daily tasks; they build lasting relationships that bridge continents and cultures.

Equally important are our local volunteers in Kenya and Ethiopia, who offer what little they have to support our efforts. These dedicated individuals know their communities best. They are our guides, our translators, and our partners in every sense. They teach us, even as they learn new skills that enhance their own capabilities and the well-being of their communities.

To our volunteers, past and present, we extend our deepest gratitude. You are the backbone of Lalmba, the spirit behind our mission, and the hope for our future. Together, we continue to change lives, one act of kindness at a time.

Your support helps sustain this vibrant volunteer culture. As we move forward, we invite more of you to join us, whether by volunteering, spreading the word, or contributing financially. Every action you take makes a difference.

We want to extend a special
Thank You
to Martin Alkire for his year of volunteer service in Ethiopia.

You have been a great mentor and friend to all of us!

Become A Lalmba Vision Partner

Join us on June 22nd at 2:00 PM Mountain Time to learn more about our three pillars!

We are excited to introduce a special opportunity for you to deepen your impact with us: the Lalmba Vision Partner program. This new initiative invites you to join a community of supporters dedicated to advancing our mission through strategic, long-term commitments. As a Lalmba Vision Partner, your ongoing support will directly enhance our capacity to deliver meaningful change to those who need it most.

Focus Your Impact

Our efforts are structured around three crucial program pillars: Children, Medical, and Empowerment. Each pillar is designed to address specific needs within the communities we serve:

At-Risk Children: Supporting the health, education, and well-being of children, ensuring they have the opportunities they need to thrive.

Medical Care: Providing essential medical care and health education to prevent disease and improve quality of life.

Empowerment: Offering training and support programs that empower individuals and communities to sustainably improve their own circumstances.

How to Participate

As a Vision Partner, you have the flexibility to choose how your support is used. You can prioritize your support toward a specific pillar— At-Risk Children, Medical Care, or Empowerment—and receive focused stories, activity updates, and impact data related to your chosen pillar. Alternatively, you can contribute to our general fund to support all pillars of our mission and receive comprehensive updates on our latest endeavors.

To join the Lalmba Vision Partner program or to learn more, simply visit www.lalmba.org/vision-partner. Together, we can achieve our vision for a brighter future, bringing tangible hope and help to those who rely on us. Thank you for considering this opportunity to stand with us as a Lalmba Vision Partner.

News From Africa. Vol. 60, No. 5

March 19, 2024 Rob Andzik News

New Beginnings For A Malnourished Child

By Jennifer Wenningkamp

In Matoso, Kenya, and Agaro Bushi, Ethiopia, amidst the verdant fields of these rural communities, lies a silent crisis that touches the most vulnerable: our children. Malnutrition, a dire consequence of food scarcity, inadequate storage, and economic instability, threatens the future of countless young lives. At Lalmba, we witness daily the struggles and resilience of families fighting against the grip of hunger.

The story of a little bright-eyed young boy from a remote village near Matoso, brings this crisis to life. His journey to Lalmba began with his grandmother’s desperate walk to our clinic, seeking help for her grandson’s alarming weight loss and lethargy, classic signs of severe malnutrition. Like many in the surrounding areas, his family depended on small-scale farming and fishing, which, in recent years, has become increasingly unreliable due to shifting weather patterns and over-fishing in the lake.

Upon their arrival, his hungry grandmother was greeted with warmth and immediate action. Our staff quickly identified this young boy as severely malnourished, with not long to live unless immediate action was taken. They were both enrolled in our Chakula Bora program and received life-saving nutritional support and medical care.

The recovery of malnourished children like this little boy is both rapid and remarkable. Within weeks, children who once faced severe health risks due to malnutrition begin to show signs of improvement. Their energy returns, their smiles brighten, and they start to engage with the world around them in new ways. This swift transformation underscores the impact of Lalmba’s efforts and the resilience of the human spirit.

But our commitment extends beyond helping a child recover. Through education on locally fortified foods and sustainable practices, we empower families to sustain their health gains. This holistic approach ensures that children not onlyrecover but also thrive, embarking on a new beginning filled with possibilities.

Your support is crucial in this life-saving
mission. Together, we can continue to provide hope and healing to children and families at the end of the road. Join us in transforming lives and nurturing futures, one child at a time.

Navigating the Challenges of Food Insecurity

As we continue Lalmba’s mission to support the most vulnerable, recent trends have highlighted an alarming rise in malnutrition cases within the communities we serve in Kenya and Ethiopia. This increase prompts us to delve deeper into the underlying causes, seeking not only to provide immediate aid but also to address the root issues contributing to food scarcity.

In the regions surrounding Agaro Bushi, Ethiopia, and Matoso, Kenya, several factors exacerbate the challenge of securing sufficient, nutritious food. A significant portion of these communities relies on subsistence farming, dependent on natural rainfall and traditional storage methods. However, the absence of electricity complicates food preservation, leaving families vulnerable to crop failures and food shortages.

Moreover, both countries face the double burden of relying on imported food staples, such as cooking oil and fatty foods, while grappling with national inflation and the high cost of fuel. These economic pressures make it increasingly difficult for families to afford the essentials, pushing more households into food insecurity.

The situation is further complicated by changing weather patterns, with prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainy seasons disrupting traditional agricultural practices. Livestock, a critical source of nutrition and income for many families, suffer from the lack of water and grazing land, leading to decreased food availability and higher prices for meat and milk.

As we navigate these challenges, Lalmba’s approach focuses on comprehensive support for affected families. From initial medical treatment and nutritional support to education on sustainable food practices, our goal is to empower communities to overcome these obstacles. By understanding the complex web of factors contributing to malnutrition, we can tailor our interventions to meet the immediate and long-term needs of those we serve.

Dehydration is a problem with malnourished children and in severe malnutrition, special formulas and rehydration solution are needed. Resomal, a oral rehydration solution, and the F-100 formula are not available through MEDS (Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies). Dehydration would be a reason for referral to a nearby hospital. They are also more prone to infection so a severe presentation of an illness such as Malaria could be another reason for referral. All other cases are treated as outpatient care by our clincal staff.

Dr. Manasa Irwin
Lalmba International Medical Director (Kenya)

News From Africa. Vol. 60, No. 4

January 24, 2024 Rob Andzik News

Out of the Ethiopian Rain Forest

By Jennifer Wenningkamp

Lalmba conducts outreach clinics far into the Ethiopian rainforest. These journeys are not just a trek across rugged terrain, but a venture into the heart of human resilience and emphasize the reason Lalmba is needed in these remote communities. Recently one of our volunteers, Maria, experienced one such tragic situation.

Our small-but-mighty outreach team, consisting of an expatriate nurse and three Ethiopian staff, had come across a family with a feverish toddler. Maria quickly assessed that this was a serious situation and found herself surprised at her stern tone of voice when she insisted that the tiny child be brought to our clinic – straight away. The mother’s eyes darted between Maria and Aynalem, our RCAR social worker, as they explained the risks of untreated malaria. She wiped at the small band of sweat beads forming on the child’s tiny forehead. The fever was too high. They explained that the symptoms indicated malaria. Her child had to get a malaria test from our lab and start receiving treatment quickly. She nodded and agreed to bring her sick child to the clinic, but only after her husband returned from working in a village two days away.

It was difficult to leave the feverish child with her mom and siblings, but our outreach team had many families to visit. For families with children under the school age, a home visit is the only way to see them. Our volunteer, RCAR social worker, public health nurse, and guard spent hours that day navigating through the muddy trails and steep terrains. The homes they visited were smoky and poorly lit, with thatched roofs and mosquito-infested shadows. But it’s in these homes where the true spirit of community shone. Nominated by caring neighbors for Lalmba’s RCAR assistance, each family welcomed our team with open arms. Then, following a checklist, our staff asked questions and discussed how they are all doing.

Our team encouraged each family they visited to prevent sickness by using clean water, practicing hygiene, and eating nutritious meals daily. They reminded them that Lalmba’s clinic is within walking distance and advised them to come to our clinic for free treatment any time they are sick. Sadly this message is sometimes met with skepticism of modern medicine and disbelief that it is truly free.

That afternoon, as our outreach team began the long trek out of the lush green rainforest back to the village of Agaro Bushi, Maria’s thoughts were with that toddler with malaria. She hoped they would come soon, but sadly, later that week, the whole team shared in the deep sorrow of the mother who finally arrived at the clinic, too late for her feverish child to recover.

As I later spoke with Maria, her voice quivered, reflecting on the what-ifs. Malaria cases are on the rise in this region of Ethiopia and sadly toddler “Jane Doe” died of this treatable disease. But our resolve is unwavering. At Agaro Bushi Medium Clinic, and working with our European partner SAED, we see daily successes and we are making strides in educating the community through our public health initiatives. We are here, at “the end of the road” walking alongside each family, sharing in their struggles and triumphs.

We won’t lose hope, there are many patients treated at Agaro Bushi Medium Clinic, and thousands who are learning from our public health initiatives. We will continue visiting, teaching, listening, and engaging with the community we serve. Your support is integral to our journey. Together, we can continue to bring hope and change. Thank you for partnering with us and enabling us to continue this lifesaving and life-changing work.

As a mother of children who have survived malaria – I am forever grateful to the numerous medical staff, nurses and technicians who worked tirelessly to save their lives. I’m also incredibly grateful for malaria treatment and research that is reducing the number of lives lost to this preventable and treatable disease. – Jennifer Wenningkamp

Reflections on 2023

By Rob Andzik – Chairman of the Board

As we reflect on the past year, it’s not just the milestones we’ve reached that inspire us, but the leadership and adaptability that have marked 2023 as a year of exceptional transformation for Lalmba. Yet in all that, we are still the same small organization working at the “end of the road” and empowering the destitute and the poor to a better life.

In Kenya, our largest project, we celebrated a seamless transition in leadership with Jenipher Atieno taking the helm as the new Country Director, succeeding Marico, who retired a year ago after a commendable 36 years of service. This change sparked a series of well-deserved promotions within our Kenyan staff, enhancing our organizational structure and invigorating our mission with fresh perspectives. Under Jenipher Atieno’s capable leadership, the team has navigated a year of both challenges and triumphs, from dealing with floods and inflation to hosting the 2023 Tembea na Mimi team. Their resilience and passion for the work shone brightly as we celebrated Lalmba’s 60th anniversary with speeches from community members, RCAR beneficiaries, and retirees. It was truly, a testament to the enduring impact of Lalmba’s work in Kenya.

Lalmba Ethiopia also saw a year marked by both challenges and victories. Atinafu Gebreyohanis, our Ethiopia Country Director, has steered the organization through these times with steadfast determination. Last year, we not only faced the usual hurdles of remote work but also celebrated significant advancements. We had to respond quickly and rebuild our boy’s dormitory in Chiri, build new staff housing in Agaro Bushi, which was only possible through the incredible effort of community collaboration, expanded our RCAR program to reach Agaro Bushi, rebooted our microloan initiatives in Chiri, and updated numerous processes and systems for better efficacy.

Back in the US, Jennifer Wenningkamp has done a great job taking on the roll of leading this amazing organization. Working closely with Joan Marques, our VP of Operations from Spain, their combined leadership has infused Lalmba with a new energy, driving forward enhanced communication strategies, increased financial transparency, and a sharpened focus on strategic planning. They have brought in new passionate volunteers, working in both the US and in Africa. And they have increased the involvement of our Board of Directors, a group I am personally very thankful for.

Now as we stand on the cusp of another year with new challenges and opportunities. We carry with us our faith, the lessons of resilience, the spirit of compassion, and the heart of community that have always been Lalmba’s hallmark. These stories of leadership and progress are not just our stories—they are yours, too. Your support fuels our journey, and together, we forge a path of hope and transformation for the communities we serve.

In this newsletter we have included an insert showing you the impact Lalmba has had over the last year. We encourage you to take a moment and see what your support has enabled our incredible staff in Kenya and Ethiopia to achieve as they work to improve their own communities.

Thank you for standing with us through every stride and for being an integral part of Lalmba’s enduring legacy.

Tembea Na Mimi 2025

Its not too early to start planning for another amazing Tembea Na Mimi in July/August of 2025. Maybe you or someone you know has thought about joining one of these incredible journeys. In doing so you will not only be supporting Lalmba’s great work, but you will be able to witness it first hand, meet our staff, and walk hand in hand with the people and children Lalmba serves.

Please let us know if you would like to be kept informed as we start planning our next walk by sending a quick email to tnm@lalmba.org. We’re not looking for anyone to commit to the walk now. We just want to start building up our list of potential walkers now so everyone can start planning.

Christmas Gift Match is Going on Now!

December 9, 2023 Jennifer Wenningkamp News

Thank you for generosity and Christmas spirit! On behalf of Lalmba, it is my joy share how successfully our Christmas fundraiser is going: We kicked off the holiday season with Colorado Gives Day and brought in over $10,000 of online donations. We’ve just shipped out the first 120 Christmas gift masks and raised $45,006!

With over $55,000 our programs will continue serving thousands of patients and caring for over 1000 at-risk children. It is because of your support and dedication to Lalmba and the folks we love in Ethiopia and Kenya that we are able to make such a big impact with so little!

A generous couple is inspired by your giving – and is matching up to $40,000 of new Christmas donations through the end of the year. That’s right, you can help us turn $40,000 into $80,000!

Spread the word to family and friends about this great opportunity:

Now through the end of the year – your Christmas donation will be matched dollar for dollar. This is the perfect time to boost your year-end giving, and receive a lovely shepherd’s mask* as our Christmas gift to you.

Give HOPE today and DOUBLE your Impact

*Hand carved masks are approx. 6×3 inches

Your donation will be matched, dollar for dollar* through the end of the year. *up to $40,000

There are 380 of these beautiful shepherd’s masks ready to be shipped and placed along side your Lalmba Christmas treasures.

We will send our Christmas Gift to you through the month of December.

With your support and God’s blessing, we are loving at-risk children, saving lives, nourishing the hungry, comforting elderly and providing relief and assistance to those in need in our very remote locations “at the end of the road.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Jennifer Wenningkamp & Lalmba Christmas elves!

LALMBA NEWS, VOLUME 60, NO. 3

November 24, 2023 Rob Andzik News

This holiday season, we are honoring a symbol of enduring strength and hope: the east African shepherd. Much like the shepherds of yore, the individuals we serve hold stories of resilience and tenacity. Our Christmas emblem, a beautiful hand-carved wooden mask, about the size of a smiling infant’s face, represents the spirit of an East African shepherd whose life and struggles are, in some ways, similar to a shepherd’s life over 2,000 years ago.

We have all imagined that dark starry night – when silence was broken by the cry of a wee babe. Humble shepherds were amazed to receive a message of HOPE from hosts of God’s mighty angels announcing the birth of the promised Messiah, the embodiment of living hope.

That moment rings across time, traditions, and cultures. During this holiday season, that same message of hope and joy reverberates through the hills and valleys of Kenya and Ethiopia. It’s in the smile of a child receiving education, in the relief of a farmer cured of illness, and in the bright faces of families empowered and lifted to a better future.

Your support weaves you into this tapestry of giving and receiving, of past and present. With this mask, we celebrate the connection between your giving spirit and the hope it brings to so many. Thank you for your heartfelt generosity. May your Christmas be filled with the joy and HOPE you help spread.

Give HOPE and get your mask today!

We only have 500 of these beautiful masks!

Send your Christmas donation early to be one of the first recipients of these limited hand-made masks!

We will ship the first masks on December 8th so they arrive in time for Christmas.

A Shepherd’s Journey to Life-Saving Treatment

By Jennifer Wenningkamp & Rob Andzik

Recently Jeremiah, Jenipher and Wilkesta, Lalmba Kenya staff members, shared several stories of some of the young patients who visited the clinic. We wish we could share them all. Instead, keeping true to the stories they shared, we have creatively combined the stories to provide a look through the eyes of the children they talked about. Brave children who turned to Lalmba for help.

The sheep woke me up this morning. They’re louder than the cows but I like their curly hair and funny tails. They want their breakfast. They are always hungry. So am I.

We had to get up earlier today to tend to our neighbor’s animals as well. Our mom was feeling labor pains last night and the neighbor took her to the clinic on the back of his bicycle. Dad would have taken her but dad isn’t with us anymore. I hope she is ok.

I woke my sister, got dressed and we went outside. It was still dark and my sister doesn’t like the dark. I don’t either, but we pretended we’re strong and courageous like grown-ups. We left our farm and started to head to the pastures, encouraging the cows with a sturdy “eheheh yah”. The animals are stubborn and never go where we want them to. They kick up a lot of dust too. It was hard, and we had to cover our faces to keep the dust from burning our throats and nostrils.

As we walked, my sister started choking and coughing. It wasn’t like the little coughs you get from the dust. This one sounded deep and frightened me. I remembered the people from the clinic talking about more serious coughs. She was making the same sounds that sapped our dad’s strength at the end. I was worried.

It was our job to look after the animals and make sure they eat and drink, especially now with the new baby coming. Since dad isn’t here anymore, mom says we have to be responsible. But my sister’s cough was really bad and she was struggling to breath. It got me thinking, ‘What would mom do?’ I knew we needed to get help. So I decided we had to go to the nearby clinic.

But what do we do with the animals? Then I saw my friend watching her sheep nearby. I left my sister sitting and coughing by a big rock on the side of the road and ran to my friend. I begged her to watch our animals so I could get my sister to the clinic. At first she didn’t want to help, but when she heard that raspy cough, like the one that took her little sister away last year, she got scared too.

I tried to help my sister when she struggled and fell down. I thought I wasn’t big enough to carry her on my shoulders, like my dad did when she was smaller. But I was strong and carried her the last part, down that dirt path by the lake to the clinic. It was far and it seemed like forever but we made it. The clinic has always been such a nice place, but it can be confusing too. I was really nervous. Did I make the right choice leaving the animals?

A nurse in a white coat saw us and took us inside. She looked worried as she listened to my sister’s cough. She was a nice lady and told me we did the right thing by coming to the clinic. She said this was tuberculosis and that it could spread throughout the house. She asked me if anyone else in our family had a bad cough? When I drew in a deep sigh and held back tears, she patted my shoulders and let me explain more about my dad and my mom, and the baby on the way.

She comforted me like mom does and explained that my sister has a sickness but it will go away after she finishes taking medicine. I had a hard time believing her. I told her my dad took medicine and he didn’t get better. His cough didn’t go away. She asked me a few more questions and then explained that the sickness my dad had was really bad. People with that sickness need to be treated with special life-saving medicine and they have to take it for the rest of their lives. It wasn’t the cough alone that took his last breath, but the hidden sickness in his blood.

My sister is doing a little better but I’m still worried. Will mom or the new baby need life-saving medicine for the rest of their lives too?

The remote corner of Kenya where Lalmba works has long been a hot spot for HIV. At first those who contracted the disease were shunned and often hid the fact that they had it to avoid the stigma. But with new medicines came a new chance at life.

In Matoso and Ochuna, nearly 800 Kenyans living with HIV contribute to their communities and families and boast seamlessly productive lives. Seen by a Lalmba clinician every 2-3 months and routinely taking HIV medications, these men, women, and children attend school, fish in Lake Victoria, and grow maize, taro, and barley.

However, Congress’s failure to renew PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) in October may compromise their health and stability. Without this funding, HIV medication and clinical support will dwindle, and affected communities may see a return of epidemic proportions similar to that in 2000-2002.

Finally, during this Christmas Season we want to recognize Lalmba’s Founders, Hugh and Marty Downey for the amazing organization they created 60 years ago, and Jeff and Hillary James for carrying the torch for 9 amazing years. Without their vision and leadership we would not be where we are today.

Give HOPE Today!

Interested in Volunteering?

Email us at volunteer@lalmba.org
or fill out our online form

Volunteer

60th Anniversary Special Edition

October 1, 2023 Rob Andzik News, Tembea Na Mimi

On September 21, 1963, Hugh Downey stepped out of his US Army post in Eritrea and began a journey serving the people in Africa. For 60 years Lalmba has continued helping the poor and destitute, those forgotten at the “the end of the road”, achieve a better life.
Celebrations for the 60th anniversary have been held in Kenya and Ethiopia. This month we are celebrating in the US. Yet we are constantly reminded there is still suffering and poverty. Lalmba’s journey continues.

Meet Mekdes

^{By Joan Marques}

Lalmba’s 60th celebration at the Chiri Children’s home had just ended with joyful screams of children scrambling after candy falling from a piñata. As the guests were leaving, Aselefich, our RCAR Program Director, received word from the local department of social services that a newborn baby girl had been brought to the nearby government health center. Her mother had tragically died from malaria less than a week after giving birth and her father was not capable of caring for his daughter. Aselefich, Atinafu, Lalmba’s Country Director, and Minalush, Outreach Assistant, quickly drove to the health center where they found a young man, with tears in his eyes, holding an infant. An infant named Mekdes.

It is no small task taking in an infant and our staff fully understands the responsibility. Working with the head of the local social services, our staff learned more about the situation. The young couple was from a distant part of Ethiopia. They were unemployed and destitute so the government relocated them to this remote area and lent them a plot of land to farm. Neither the mother or father spoke any of the local languages and couldn’t communicate with anyone. After the mother tragically passed away he felt lost and abandoned with no way to care for his daughter. So he brought her to the local woreda (county) office and they brought her to Lalmba’s attention.

With compassion and empathy, our staff and the social workers tried to communicate the plan but we could see in his eyes that he didn’t understand. Finally a translator arrived and was able to share the plan, inform him of his rights and obligations, and confirm his consent for Lalmba to care for Mekdes for a few years while he gets his farm started.

We will do everything we can to reunify Mekdes with her father in a few years. Meanwhile, she will be living in the Chiri Children’s Home where she will receive love and loads of attention from our house mothers and her new siblings. She is our newest and youngest family member. Welcome to your new home, Mekdes!

60th Celebrations in Kenya and Ethiopia

^{By Rob Andzik}

We want to extend a very special thank you to the TNM 2023 Team for walking and helping kick off the celebrations in Kenya, and to all those in both Kenya and Ethiopia who helped organize the celebrations!

Compassion, Courage, Empowerment, and Community

^{By Rob Andzik}

Not everyone can make a journey like Tembea Na Mimi, visit the remote communities Lalmba supports, and witness the transformative impact of your donations firsthand. But if you could, what you would see is nothing short of a testament to the power of compassion, courage, empowerment, and community.

Many organizations do great work, promise efficient use of your donations, and aim to help the poor and destitute. So, what sets Lalmba apart? Lalmba’s uniqueness lies in these four words: Compassion, Courage, Empowerment, and Community.

Since 1963, Lalmba has been dedicated to serving some of the most remote and underserved communities in Africa. These are places that are hard to reach, far from the global media spotlight, where impoverished people are marginalized and virtually invisible to their own countries. It takes a great deal of Compassion and Courage to work in such challenging environments.

What truly sets Lalmba apart is our unwavering commitment to Empowerment. We don’t dictate; we collaborate. Lalmba provides for basic needs and also creates employment opportunities. We help single mothers start businesses through microloans. We help children receive an education and grow up healthy, with the potential to prosper. Above all, we prioritize the African people we serve, empowering them to lead change, and take ownership of their own futures. An example of this will be our new Education Center in Kenya, teaching skills needed to thrive in today’s world.

This philosophy leads us to Community. Lalmba is an integral part of the communities we work with, and the local people, together with our dedicated African staff, embodies the spirit of Lalmba as a People of Hope. Throughout Lalmba’s history, there have been countless stories of communities rallying together to overcome challenges. This spirit remains as strong as ever.

We witnessed this in Agaro Bushi, where we’re currently building staff housing. The trucks carrying materials couldn’t make the final steep climb due to mud and rough roads, stopping 3 km away. What we saw was remarkable: the community united, transporting building supplies on horses and their backs to ensure our clinic, which is, in truth, their clinic, could serve those in need.

The next day, in the cold pouring rain, it came full circle as three small boys walked into the clinic shivering with hypothermia. They had traveled alone and barefoot for two hours, from an even more remote community, so that their youngest brother could receive medical attention for a wound on his head. With Compassion, our staff tended to the wound, warmed these small boys to stop the shivering, and made sure they got safely home.

I invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. Your generosity fuels Lalmba’s work, ensuring that the impact continues for years to come. Together, with Lalmba’s staff and local leaders, we are transforming lives – one community, and in this case, three small boys, and an infant named Mekdes, at a time.

Reflections on the Road – Tembea Na Mimi 2023

^{By Jennifer Wenningkamp}

It was the final day of our charity walk – Tembea Na Mimi 2023. About half of our staff joined the TNM team and walked the journey between Ochuna and Matoso and I loved every moment of it. The glorious sounds of children singing and playing drums, people walking with us, dancing, and carrying banners, the taste of dust in my mouth, and the smell of camels overwhelmed my senses.

I closed my eyes, took a deep, warm breath, and was struck by the stark contrast between this day’s celebratory trek connecting Lalmba’s two clinics in Kenya and one of Lalmba’s earlier epic journeys years ago. What must it have been like to walk hundreds of miles from Keren, Eritrea, with the hope of finding safety in Sudan? It must have been eerily silent in 1977 when Sium led hundreds of children through the desert in the middle of the night, escaping a dangerous war zone that threatened the lives of Sium’s family and all of Lalmba’s 250 children.

That journey saved the lives of hundreds of children and and fundamentally reshaped Lalmba as an organization. It shifted us from being anchored in one city, a Place of Hope in Keren Eritrea, to being an organization firmly rooted in protecting the children and patients in our care. At great risk, Lalmba became a courageous people of hope.

Today, Lalmba remains committed to the essence of its name. Wherever we operate, we establish a Place of Hope. Wherever we go, we are a People of Hope. As we celebrate Lalmba’s 60th Anniversary, we reaffirm our dedication to being both a Place and a People of Hope.

Here are some exclusive TNM 2023 photos not included in the printed version of this newsletter.

We invite you to be a part of the 60th celebration by sending a special donation of $60 or more. Why are we asking for your help? We don’t rely on massive grants or government contracts; we operate at the pace of your generosity and we have so much more to do. We honor your contributions by keeping costs low here in the US. Approximately 90 cents of every dollar donated directly supports our programs. We are unwavering in our commitment to our mission and our vision for the people and communities we serve.

That’s why your participation in Lalmba is crucial. Your donations, gifts, and volunteerism are what keep the organization going and fuel the work of Lalmba.

Press Release: Bringing hope to the people of East Africa for 60 years.

August 28, 2023 Jennifer Wenningkamp News, Uncategorized

If you are passionate about bringing HOPE to the future of rural communities and folks in Africa, join us for a special mass followed by Reception and Dinner as we recognize the legacy of Lalmba’s Founders, Volunteers, and East African Directors who have been bringing hope to the people of East Africa for 60 years, and launch into a brighter future.* There are a limited number of Reception tickets available for Purchase online at:

https://lalmba-bloom.kindful.com/e/lalmbas-60th-anniversary-party

Details:

1:00 PM Catholic Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 969 Ulysses St. Golden, Co 80401

2:30 PM Reception and Dinner at Table Mountain Meetings and Events 16035 Table Mountain Parkway Golden, Co 80401

Guests will Enjoy a welcome cocktail, dinner reception with Ethiopian and American food, cash bar, silent auction, and dessert.

Contact information:

call 720-260-6785, email: Lalmba@lalmba.org, or write to: P.O. Box 2516, Monument Co 80132

Here’s how our long and beautiful story started…

In the early 1960s the founders, Deacon Hugh and Marty Downey, moved from the United States to Keren, Eritrea where they started a journey that turned into a life-time commitment of spreading HOPE through concrete humanitarian aid, medical services, education, and empowerment. All this started by one act of kindness when a young man, Hugh Downey, offered to teach villagers how to build a sturdy school outside of Keren, Eritrea in September 1963.

Details in their book “On Hearts Edge” https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29242005-on-heart-s-edge

The founders, Deacon Hugh and Marty Downey are a lovely couple in their 80s, who currently live in Westminster although their hearts are often in Africa. They love sharing stories about their children, many of whom are grown and successful adults! They also love envisioning a brighter future for Africa and emphasize it is only possible when we are dedicated to empowerment.

As Lalmba’s new president, I love spending quality time with them so that Lalmba can build on their legacy while launching into a brighter future. We’re committed to empowering folks, caring for children, and providing basic medical care so that we become more than a place of HOPE, we aim to become a people of HOPE who ignite a brighter future!

Their courage inspired hundreds of Lalmba volunteers, Africans, and thousands of donors to join them in caring for orphans, desperately poor refugees displaced by conflict, and providing medical care in many East African communities.

Through these 6 decades, Lalmba has grown into an organization with multiple clinical operations, public health outreach programs, community-based care for vulnerable children, and much more in Kenya and Ethiopia. Thousands of orphans became RCAR children, and many of them have grown into successful adults who are breaking the cycle of poverty. We are not only meeting immediate needs, we are committed to bringing sustainable change to rural communities. Our mission is to empower people in Africa to provide their own people with high quality basic health care, effective public health initiatives, elder care, micro-finance, and support for vulnerable children to ensure that they have the ability to go to school. We have a special love for children who we see –not as a burden—but as a part of a brilliant future for Africa.

Our commitment to spend individual donations on programs:

Lalmba has no big office in the US – in fact, we work from home to keep costs down. That commitment to keeping finances focused on the programs in Kenya and Ethiopia is one of the reasons we have been lovingly called “the world’s smallest relief agency” with a HUGE impact! That’s right, in the 80s and 90s Lalmba was recognized for touching a MILLION lives during the Great African Famine.

Each year, Lalmba’s clinics and vulnerable children’s programs in Kenya and Ethiopia continue to save patients’ lives and provide essential medical, food, and educational assistance to thousands.

Our name is synonymous to many as “A place of hope” because we believe in being a people of HOPE. Please join us in celebrating this beautiful legacy of “Bringing hope to the people of East Africa for 60 years.”

Lalmba News, Volume 60, No. 1

July 22, 2023 Rob Andzik News

From Drought to Flooding in Kenya

By Jennifer Wenningkamp

We want to update you on the recent challenges faced by the communities surrounding our Matoso Clinic in Kenya. As you may recall, we previously mentioned the nearly 2-year-long drought that had taken a toll on these remote areas. The lack of rainfall not only parched the land but also devastated crops, starved farm animals, and left vulnerable elders and children struggling for food.

However, a sudden shift in the weather has brought about a new set of difficulties for these communities – excess rain and flooding! The rains, which were initially received with prayers and feelings of relief, have now become a source of distress.

In mid-May we received a note from Jenipher Atieno, our Lalmba Kenya Country Director, providing more information on what’s going on:

Flood has affected some areas in the community and
their farms are being swept away, which increased famine in our community. We are planning to give some Relief food in two weeks time for the vulnerable and desperate people who were affected.
Jenipher Atieno, Lalmba Kenya Country Director

Thanks to your generous support, Lalmba’s staff in Kenya was able to distribute this much needed food to people desperately effected by these dramatic changes in the weather.

Photos of the flooding and food distribution by Jenipher Atieno, Lalmba Kenya Country Director

A Behind the Scenes Look in Ethiopia

By Jennifer Wenningkamp

As you know, Lalmba focuses on serving the most destitute and poor, yet it wouldn’t happen without the constant efforts of our amazing staff. With that in mind, we want to give you a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes efforts that make it all happen.

We recently submitted the Agaro Bushi Medium Clinic’s 5-year report. This report summarizes our operations from 2018-2023. Our Ethiopian staff did an amazing job! The local and regional government officials attending the presentation were impressed by the great work Lalmba is doing, and even offered suggestions for other communities in need of help.

All the administrative work our staff does behind-the-scenes plays a vital role in Lalmba’s operations in Ethiopia. It helps us secure the resources we need, form valuable partnerships, and navigate the maze of regulations and policies. By running things efficiently, we make sure that your generous donations have the biggest possible impact.

Moving forward, we’ll keep focusing on transparency, accountability, and excellence in all our endeavors. It’s the combination of impactful work on the ground and diligent behind-the-scenes efforts that creates lasting change and empowers the communities in both Ethiopia and Kenya.

Lalmba is Turning 60!

On September 21, 1963, a young man named Hugh Downey started this incredible organization. For 60 years Lalmba has served the poor and destitute in Africa and in doing so touched well over 1,000,000 lives. It is time to Celebrate! We are planning parties in Kenya, Ethiopia, and the U.S. this July, August, and September. Contact us for details if you are interested in joining one of the Celebrations!

How Were Your Generous Donations Used in 2022?

In our commitment to transparency, we want to share with you how your generosity and support of nearly $800,000 transformed lives in remarkable ways over the past year.

We Have Upgraded Our Communications

For over two decades Lalmba has used the same donor database to track all our amazing supporters. The system though was becoming cumbersome and a distraction from the real work, so we recently transitioned to a new, online system. Please let us know if you notice any incorrect information (names, addresses, etc) in any of our communications.

But don’t worry, we’re still the same Lalmba you know and love!

A Special Walker Joining Tembea Na Mimi 2023

By Dickens Otieno

Hi, my name is Dickens Otieno,

I am honored to be in the team of walkers in this wonderful adventure!

I was born and raised at Matoso, a small village in Kenya (where Lalmba is actually located). I am glad to inform you that I’m a pure product of Lalmba. I joined Lalmba Ongoro Children’s Home in 2006 till 2011, when I completed my primary education. Lalmba proceeded to pay for my high school until I finished and still, Lalmba supports me at the University.

I generally have no other way to say thank you for all these. That’s why I requested for this opportunity to join the walk and also raise money to help fund other needy children. I’m just one of the thousands of needy children Lalmba has supported, there are thousands of children currently in the program and there are thousands who are also not in the program but still need help, that’s why I’m joining this walk, coz there is still a bigger task.

I am a third year student at Mount Kenya University pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. Kenya has a rich and unique diversity of culture, wildlife and resources. I in advance welcome all the walkers to Kenya and welcome all to come and see the good work Lalmba is doing right here. Lalmba supported me, I will always strive to pay back in whatever means so that other needy persons can also get help. Lalmba has played a major role in community development and has also steered its growth. Please help me in supporting my young brothers and sisters.

Thank you!

Please take a moment to watch Dickens’ interview and hear his story in his own words at www.lalmba.org/tnm

Lalmba News, Volume 59, No. 6

March 31, 2023 Jeff & Hillary James News

Our Long Term Commitment to Children

By Jennifer Wenningkamp

It has truly been a long and beautiful story since Lalmba’s humble beginnings in 1963. But this story isn’t really about Lalmba. It’s a story about wonderful and amazing people living in marginalized communities at the “end of the road” and the challenges they face. It is a story about their children whose future is limited by the lack of health care, education, and income for their families. And most of all, it is a story about poor people overcoming these challenges with the limited resources they have and the support of amazing people like you who believe in Lalmba’s mission and long-term commitment to these wonderful communities.

That is just as true today as it was nearly 60 years ago when Hugh and Marty started Lalmba. Working in these communities is not easy. Every small victory brings new and unforeseen challenges and yet with compassion, courage and faith great things can happen.

So it’s no surprise that in the remote area of Ethiopia where our Chiri Children’s home is, we face numerous challenges and delays, especially from the environment. We have spent the last couple of years making improvements to the children’s home and those upgrades have come along very well. As part of our plan, we intended to repurpose the existing boy’s and girl’s dormitories (built about 11 years ago) as part of a learning center once the new dormitories were built.

Unfortunately heavy rains have caused delays and early last year Aselefich, our children’s program director, started to notice that water had infiltrated the walls in the boy’s dormitory causing large cracks to form. Eventually the damage got to the point where she had to move our boys into the “big house” where everyone gathers for meals, homework, and family fun. So for the last five months what was a dining room now also has been serving as the boy’s temporary bedroom.

The new boys dormitory with Aselefech showing us the inside.

With the limited resources we have we had to reprioritize, but we are happy to say that a new dorm is being constructed! We found a builder who could urgently clear the rubble and rebuild the home with better materials. Today the boy’s home is nearly finished and everyone is excited about that good news.

Leading Together

By Rob Andzik

We believe that empowerment is a critical part of Lalmba’s “special recipe” and a cornerstone to a prosperous future. Rather than sending armies of western volunteers to solve the problems and do the work, we employ local people and whenever possible promote them into key leadership positions and then ask them how they would solve the problems they see.

In 2007, this became a reality when we handed over the management of Lalmba’s Kenyan programs to Marico Osiyo Awino. Marico was hired in 1984 as a carpenter and then started moving up through the ranks. He successfully managed and led the staff and programs in Kenya for the past 16 years through both good times and bad. You probably have heard his name before through our newsletters and if you follow our social media posts, you may have seen that this past January our Kenyan staff, along with members of the local community and Lalmba USA representatives, celebrated Marico’s retirement and thanked him for his many years of service. He has been both a blessing and a true champion of the work Lalmba has done serving the people in Kenya and we extend our deepest gratitude to him for everything he has done.

As with any organization, the immediate question when such a critical leader leaves is “who is going to take over now? Well, we have been working on that for quite some time. Fortunately we have a very strong leader who has been serving as our Deputy Project Director. Jenipher Atieno has been Marico’s right hand and Deputy for well over a decade and we are very excited to announce that she has now taken over as Project Director.

But that simply resolves who will be next. We want to ensure an enduring and prosperous future for Lalmba Kenya and the people in and around Matoso. Over the last year and with the help of our first volunteer in Kenya, Gruffie Clough, we have been conducting a leadership training initiative that the team in Kenya named “Leading Together”. Utilizing her background as an executive coach and working with organizations like Outward Bound, Gruffie put together a curriculum specially tailored for our leadership team and the challenges we face in and around Matoso.

The training aimed to empower the leadership team to effectively lead and manage their programs and staff, with a focus on improving the quality of our services and impacts they have. The Leading Together sessions consisted of workshops and one-on-one sessions with experienced trainers, covering topics such as team building, conflict resolution, and financial management.

Our New Volunteer in Kenya

We are excited to introduce our new volunteer in Kenya, Dr. Jamie Reed. He will be working with the clinic staff in Matoso and Ochuna for the next year. Here is a little bit on his background.

Immediately after my Army discharge as a Medic, my 3 children and I began serving communities in need. It began with ministering to youth groups within our country, with the heart filled with selfless service and love of our fellow man. I began my 11-year educational journey shortly thereafter and obtained my Doctorate of Chiropractic and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees with a focus on HIV medicine. I then began serving in underserved communities suffering from HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. These communities included those of Mexican descent and Indigenous peoples from the US and Canada. Being of African descent myself, it had always been my life’s goal to one day visit the continent of Africa. Once I was presented with an opportunity to serve in Kenya, I knew that my prayers were answered. I look forward to learning, growing, laughing and serving with the Lalmba family.

The tradition continues! In July of 2023 we will be stepping off on our 5th Tembea Na Mimi charity walk across Kenya. Tembea Na Mimi means “walk with me” in Kiswahili. It is a transformational journey of the heart, mind, and soul, as we walk in the footsteps of the people Lalmba serves. If you haven’t heard about these amazing walks, we spend 10 days trekking across the Maasi Mara and rural Kenya to Lalmba’s clinic on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Each walker pays the cost of their own journey and is challenged with the goal of raising $10,000 for Lalmba. For more information, please check out www.lalmba.org/tnm. Most importantly if you are interested in joining us, or know someone who might be, please let us know! To contact us email tnm@lalmba.org or call 720-260-6785.

Give Hope Today!

News

Lalmba News Vol 60., No. 7

Children Are The Future

The Matoso Education and Empowerment Center

Success Through Microloans

News From Africa. Vol. 60, No. 6

Public Health Crisis

Love has always been at the heart of Lalmba

Celebrating our heros

Become A Lalmba Vision Partner

News From Africa. Vol. 60, No. 5

New Beginnings For A Malnourished Child

Navigating the Challenges of Food Insecurity

News From Africa. Vol. 60, No. 4

Out of the Ethiopian Rain Forest

Reflections on 2023

Tembea Na Mimi 2025

Christmas Gift Match is Going on Now!

LALMBA NEWS, VOLUME 60, NO. 3

A Shepherd’s Journey to Life-Saving Treatment

60th Anniversary Special Edition

Meet Mekdes

60th Celebrations in Kenya and Ethiopia

Compassion, Courage, Empowerment, and Community

Reflections on the Road – Tembea Na Mimi 2023

Press Release: Bringing hope to the people of East Africa for 60 years.

Lalmba News, Volume 60, No. 1

From Drought to Flooding in Kenya

A Behind the Scenes Look in Ethiopia

Lalmba is Turning 60!

How Were Your Generous Donations Used in 2022?

We Have Upgraded Our Communications

A Special Walker Joining Tembea Na Mimi 2023

Contact Us

Our Locations

Recent News