A 10,000+ mile self-contained bicycle journey of the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico Raising funds and awareness for the forgotten children of Ghana, West Africa
and the dreaded Malaria that constantly threatens their lives.
T H E M I S S I O N
E-mail me at: (tphelps at bikewithamission dot org)
I. MY PART:
I have a dream! In my mind's eye I can envision no more hungry children. I can see abandoned and orphaned children that are no longer alone, unloved, and uncared for. I see children enrolled in quality schools of learning, and making a difference. I have a dream that the dreaded Malaria no longer threatens their young lives.
I've had the rich opportunity to lend a hand in such a place. The Least of These Children's Home near the tiny village of Jae Krodua in the central region of Ghana, West Aftica. Here, a helping hand is extended to the many abandoned and orphaned children of this coastal, sub-Saharan country. Love and warmth is offered by the dedicated staff. Clean, comfortable bedrooms give the children a sense of their own space. Modern showers and toilet facilities are provided to promote hygiene. Three wholesome, delicious meals are prepared in a modern, well-equipped kitchen every day. And family dining instills a real sense of belonging. There is lots of melodious singing as the children pitch in to help with the daily chores.  Plus, their brains are challenged in their own Western-standards primary school. This wonderful home stands in vivid contrast to the mud huts and destitute conditions of the surrounding villages.
There are other orphanages scattered throughout Africa that offer very basic food (often 1 meal of rice or yams per day) and humble shelter for survival, and these orphanages and organizations are doing an important work. However, the vision for the Least of These Childrens' Home goes beyond providing minimal support for survival. The goal is to offer each of these children a real helping hand—the opportunity for a rich, fulfilling life. In this beautiful home, hope is rekindled, where once there was none. But, in spite of the hope and opportunity that this radiant home on the hill offers to the detached children of Ghana, it is struggling to stay afloat financially. In this time of global economic uncertainty, funding for the operation of the home is drying up. They need our help! It is for these forgotten children and the Least of These Childrens' Home that I ride.
But, I have more on my heart. While helping to establish a primary school for abandoned and orphaned children who now live at the Least of These Childrens's Home in Ghana, West Africa, I was inoculated by a very nasty mosquito that happened to be infected with Plasmodium falciparum—the parasite that causes the deadliest form of malaria. As a result, I fell extremely ill and was taken to the nearest facility—a tiny, dank clinic/hospital in our small bush village. Malaria being so common in Africa, they were prepared with the necessary medications. Refusing admission, I was taken back to our children's home where I laid in bed, dilerious with fever. Suffering from extreme weakness and slipping in and out of awareness, our dear workers stayed with me around the clock sponging me with cool water. After several days the fever broke returning me to consciousness. However, I didn't have the strength to get out of bed and had to be carried to the toilet. My weight was just 62 kg (138 lbs.) and I'm 6'1" tall. Meanwhile, I'm grateful to have survived that mosquito bite, but many of Africa's children don't survive. Second only to AIDS, Malaria kills one million people in sub-Saharan Africa each year—many of them children. Other parts of the world suffer from Malaria, but the deadliest form is found in sub-Saharan Africa. In my dream, malaria is irradicated once and for ever—no longer threatening the existence of these dear people.
I will be bicycling for one-year (more if necessary), some 10,000 to 15,000 miles in the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico, seeking to raise funds and awareness for the plight of these forgotten children of West Africa, India, Nepal, Belarus, and Malawi. I will be living simply, mostly camping and eating foods that I prepare at camp. I will be reminded that thousands and thousands of Africa's children don't even have food or a simple shelter. I also bike to make the world aware of the scourge of malaria on Africa's people. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Read on . . .
II. YOUR PART:
Your financial help is desparately needed. The immediate financial outlook for the Least of These Children's Home in Ghana is bleak, to say the least. If this home is going to be able to continue to represent hope for these deserving children of West Africa, then we are going to have to take action. Economic times are not at their best here in the U.S.A., but evan in the worst of times, things cannot compare with the everyday life of the thousands of abandoned and orphaned children in Africa. This Home extends to these children a wonderful ray of hope and the opportunity to learn and grow into giving, caring, productive adults. Please, give of your means to help these deserving children who have nothing—except hope.
III. PLEASE, MAKE A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION:
The goal is $100,000. This will allow the Home to meet its immediate operating expenses and begin construction of a school—a school for the children who live at the Home, but the purpose will also be to invite the children from the local village, for a minimal fee. This school will represent a much higher level of education than is offered by the terribly inadequate national schools. 100% of your donation will go to the Least of These Children's Home (excluding credit card processing or PayPal fees).
Please click on the "Donate" button below. Your donation is tax deductable.
Trips With A Mission is a small, non-profit organization trying to make a difference. They have children's homes and schools in India, Nepal, Belarus, Ghana, and Malawi. Learn more HERE >>>.
Ted Phelps
E-mail me at: (tphelps at bikewithamission dot org)
If you would like to volunteer service at any of the Least of These Children's Homes in Ghana, India, Nepal, Belarus, and Malawi, or offer financial support for one of these deserving children, please contact Trips Wiith a Mission, (303) 660-8866, or e-mail: (info at tripswithamission dot org). (Least of These Childrens's Homes are operated by Trips With A Mission, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization—www.tripswithamission.org).
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