I'm going to write more about that but in the meantime I want to tell you about two
things YOU can do right now to help others.... as there are two significant events coming
up that could use your volunteer help!
One is the Grace Process. Healing Trip to Rwanda in September 2009
Dr. Lori Leyden and our own Christopher Lowman are planning a trip soon to Rwanda to help Orphans.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help, mostly by spreading the word
and fundraising for this important documentary trip, please contact Christopher Lowman celowman@movingtowardspeace.com
Christopher has produced a youtube video which talks a little more about his commitment and why he wants to go on his first mission with Dr. Lori Leyden. Christopher wrote an appeal letter not long ago. Here it is:
"As you may know, I have been invited by a non-profit organization here in Santa Barbara to travel to Rwanda, Africa early in September to provide specialized therapeutic services for orphaned genocide survivors, mostly in the capacity of offering Jin Shin Jyutsu sessions, facilitating Constellation Work groups, and perhaps even teaching yoga. Fifteen years after the 1994 genocide, in a country where millions suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Rwanda still has no formal programs or professional systems to address trauma healing. Each member of the team of 5 (including an award-winning filmmaker documenting the impact of our work) depends on grassroots donations to cover travel expenses and program costs to make this important trip a reality. Since beginning my personal fundraising campaign just 12 days ago, I am happy and humbled to report that I have received $5,315 of my $10,000 goal. While this amount has effectively given me the green light to go (just got my immunizations the other day!), there are still some important items on my budget that need to be covered and time is of the essence as I leave on September 9th and would like to have all funds raised by August 21st to allow ample time for final trip preparation.
As a caring soul, easily able to gauge the importance of our cause, I'm asking you to make a donation (investment) of any size—every dollar counts—to make miracles happen. With that mind, donations above $50 are strongly encouraged due to the remainder that needs to be financed in relationship to the deadline. Donors coming in at a $50 level or above will have their name appear in the sponsor credits of the film and receive an advance copy of the DVD.
Tax deductible donations should be made out to TGPI and mailed (please include your contact information and note 'friend of CL') to:
TGPIBox 31134Santa Barbara, California 93130... or made online at: www.createglobalhealing.org.
Why am I so interested in traveling to Rwanda ... enough so to extend my hand for dollars in a very challenging economic climate? Check out this YouTube video I made to answer this question.While we will specifically be addressing the trauma needs of the orphans, there is a much deeper message about the power of forgiveness going on here that is so very pertinent for anybody interested in disrupting the mindset of anger and war to solve human conflict.This trip will be made possible by good people like you, committed to a world of fairness and kindness, and I thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, or would like to talk about the trip further, just let me know and I'd be happy to talk with you live. If you are unable to contribute, I would appreciate any introductions to people you know who may be inspired to do so or postings on your blog or newsletter. Feel free to forward this email or any of the below material as well.
Latest press release (PDF format).
Overview of programs (PDF format).
Imana Iguwe Umagishu (God Bless You).
Fondly,Christopher
I am well aware of both Dr. Lori Leyden and Christopher Lowman's commitment in these
area and strongly endorse their work. Patty De
Also in Africa, and something you can get involved in right here in Southern California is a special program by Dr. Victoria Bentley.
Empower Congo Women
* * *
Life is hard in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
War has raged there for over 12 years and almost 6 million people have died, most of them innocent women and children from preventable causes.
Rape is the weapon of war, and Congo is the worst place on the planet to be a woman.
Come celebrate the resilient spirit of these brave women who have not lost hope for peace, and learn more about what you can do to stop this humanitarian disaster.
Presented by
Victoria Bentley
Dr. Bentley is a trauma psychologist who went to eastern DR Congo to treat women survivors of sexual violence. She quickly learned that people who are starving aren’t interested in therapy, so she founded the Ushindi Center, which provides job training, microloans, rights education and emotional support for women survivors in South Kivu Province, DRC.
The Center is supported by Empower Congo Women, a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to helping the Congolese heal, rebuild their lives and prosper.
* * *
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 7-9 pm
Admission Free
Karpeles Manuscript Museum, 21 W. Anapamu, Santa Barbara
For more info: (707) 478-8796 or go to http://healingtraumaindrcongo.blogspot.com
-- Victoria Bentley, PsyD, MFTPresident - Empower Congo Women
PO Box 60940Santa Barbara, CA 93160(805) 722-2661
(707) 478-8796
www.empowercongowomen.orgwww.healingtraumaindrcongo.blogspot.com
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