Gayla's Magazine

What is Cholera?

Having lived in several African countries in my lifetime, I have learned to watch carefully any health issues that occur.  Water borne infections, sick people and environment issues must be taken seriously when someone gets sick.  Maybe you don't know what cholera really is, so here is a little information for you.

I am very concerned about what is happening in Haiti right now as I write this.... please know that Moms Against Hunger has shipped enormous amounts of clean water and now is working on water purification systems. Digging wells is good, but when the water source is contaminated greater danger is given to the innocent to drink. It's purified water that's essential for life.

Cholera is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, which affects the intestinal system of the body. An infected person experiences severe vomiting, explosive diarrhea and severe dehydration. Without immediate medical treatment, cholera may result in death within four to twelve hours after symptoms begin. Due to a large loss of body fluids, cholera is gruesome in the way that it leaves survivors in their physical appearance, as well as in the biological toll it takes on the body.

Cholera is very contagious. It is spread by the unintentional consumption of infected feces that contaminate food and water. It can also be spread through human to human contact. Some people have been infected with cholera by eating raw or undercooked shellfish.

Cholera is easily treated with fluids and antibiotics. When antibiotics are unavailable, which is commonly the case in areas that are plagued by cholera, a simple mixture of water and glucose for rehydration is life saving. Cholera usually resolves itself after a period of time; the danger is the severe dehydration that quickly causes death.

Similar to the bubonic plague which has showed its face time and again, cholera is a plague that is suspected to be an ancient disease. It has unquestionably reoccurred in seven pandemics since 1817, including in Europe and the United States. The most recent pandemic began in Asia in 1961 and continues to the present day in Africa.

In developing countries, cholera is prevalent in areas that do not enjoy sanitary living conditions because of poverty and a lack of resources. In pandemic regions, even sanitary conditions may not prevent further outbreak. Many people do not receive information on how the disease is spread, fear seeking medical help or simply do not have access to any kind of treatment.

Cholera is not common in developed countries due to the availability of medical treatment, regulated heath standards, clean water and effective sewage systems. Cases of cholera in developed countries are the result of raw shellfish or people who have contracted the illness while traveling. Those traveling to countries that have cholera epidemics should take careful precautions to prevent infection.

Precautions for travelers include boiling water before drinking or washing. Water can also be treated with chlorine or iodine. Frequent hand washing with clean water, especially after using the toilet, is imperative. Travelers are also advised to ensure their food is fully cooked and hot, peeling their own fruit and avoiding raw vegetables, including salads. Raw and undercooked shellfish should also be avoided.

Article by www.wisegeek.com

 

Cholera has broken out in Haiti

I received this email  from Haiti 2 days ago..... PLEASE READ. 

Thank you for your prayers.The last death count was 153 as of yesterday afternoon. However, I am not sure that was after or before Ingvild and I dropped off another body at the hospital morgue. People continue to die and the challenge now is to get to the hospital as soon as you have symptoms as the Cholera kills in 24 to 48 hours.

Thanks to Mercy Trucks who donated an Ambulance to us after the earthquake three lives were saved yesterday morning! Duncan, a medical assistant, said; “We drove in as close as we could and then here came the sick woman being brought on the back of a horse!” Because the Ambulance and medical team got in close enough and they were equipped with IV’s, meds inside an air condition Ambulance this lady was saved!  Today the focus continues to be on mobilizing the Ambulance, distribution of bottled and pure water and setting up and repairing water filters throughout the area infected.  Pray for our vehicles, drivers and security so that people will not riot.

 We also spent precious hours yesterday with bad roads trying to get water to the interior villages. Today we will be shuttling with 4x4’s, from a larger distribution truck, bottle water into these areas.

Moms Against Hunger is here to support them in this crisis.  Please give today.. Click the donate button NOW.

 

 

I need to go back to Haiti..... please help!

 

Just the look on her sweating face made me want to reassure her that her newborn baby would be okay out here in the hot sun.  The burning sun mixed with dry blowing dust made my shirt stick to me as I stood there looking at this mother and her newborn wrapped in a towel.   Where was I?

 

In Haiti ….where 1 million + people still live outside in the dirt!  And as I walked around the tight tents of 20,000+ people giving away supplies, I see a beat up box truck with a woman inside.  And suddenly I was shocked to find out that she had given birth inside this truck just a few days before!!

 Her labor came on strong and having no place that was  off of the  dirty ground – a stranger had seen her gasping and groaning in pain…. and managed to pick her up and lay her inside this truck and left her to go through labor, delivering a child by herself!!!  Alone in the heat…. with a toddler beside her and no husband to help her, she somehow delivered her own child without help in this terrible place.

 

I saw the depths of sorrow in her eyes and knew that she was suffering trying to care for her 2 children.  Only another mother can understand how worried she is, how afraid she is, and completely dependent upon other mothers to help her in this her worst hour of life. Moms Against Hunger comes to her aid to help.  No words are needed between us – the eyes say it all…. Desperate fear and relief is the only way to describe the look in her eyes.  I know she saw love and compassion in mine as I gave her supplies.

Today I need your help….. we have  worked diligently gathering all the needed supplies of food, clothing, baby supplies, water, first aid, shoes and portable tents.  Lots of time has been spent finding the shipping money to send each container.  Then painstaking time has been taken to pack each container and get it across the waters.  And one at a time we have shipped an enormous amount of aid to the masses in Haiti still struggling to survive.  One by one we have continued to ship necessities to mothers with children.  Moms Against Hunger has shipped 18 containers of aid directly to Haiti and our support systems on the ground there.  Every time you sent money to me…. we shipped another container to Haiti.

 Now I need to go again to Haiti to find out how the mothers with little children are coping and I need your support.  I can’t rely on the media to really tell us the truth of what is happening there with the actual people and our co –laborers are very close to the problems.  The only way to know what’s truly going on ……is to go myself.

The news tells us of celebrities and politicians who have raised millions of dollars for Haiti and yet the aid has not been seen there.  I wish I had their support….. together you and I have shipped millions of dollars worth of aid for pennies!!!! Millions of meals have been given out without raising any money!!   How very, very sad that makes me when I KNOW exactly how much it costs to ship aid and equipment.  It really makes me sick in my heart to know what could have, should have been done with the millions they have raised.   We must continue on.

Please send me to Haiti.  Please put in my hands money to distribute to the workers as I visit the warehouses and ongoing work.  I intend to bring back a complete report – the good, the bad and the ugly truth of what is happening there for you my friends who have been a silent supply line of aid to hurting people.

Thank you for helping Moms Against Hunger make a difference in this world.

Dr Gayla Holley

Moms Against Hunger

°         Yes Dr Gayla count me with you…. go and bring me back some answers.

°         Yes Dr Gayla here is my financial support to send you to Haiti.

°         Yes Dr Gayla I would like to see some current pictures of what is being done there now.

°         I will go online and donate my support today   www.momsagainsthunger.org

Angels Among Us

We have to head down side roads trying to avoid the main intersections and possible attacks.  Through little dirt 'streets' to get to another church.  We did make it there but missed the pastor.  This area is so unstable it's become impossible to keep times and schedules as the population is uneasy and afraid of the cartel who seems to be trying to take control.

We see men simply standing on corners.... just standing and watching us.  I admit I did grab the Lord's hand a little closer as we had to go past them on these little neighborhoods.  I should have brought a hat to hide the blond hair!!!

Strange to see a big rig down here - is it hidden?  Is it seized by someone using it for ransom?  Wonder why it's here.  There are NO PEOPLE outside.  I have never seen a mexican neighborhood without mama's and little children outside.  The mama's talking while their children play.  This is certainly a sign as to the climate of Mexico now.

Then suddenly we need angelic help!  Our host had taken his air compressor out of the vehicle to make room for all the food we brought.  Now suddenly  we ran over something laying in the 'street' and the back tire goes flat and and we have no supplies to fix it.  So he digs around and finds a old can of 'fix a flat'.  We all got out and prayed it would work, while he filled the flat tire with it. The tire fills up nicely- so we stand  beside him and pray against any unusual activity around us.  No way would we let him get out by his self in this tense area - we would all three be together no matter what might happen. 

I know there are angels around us..... men down the street watch us closely, but never took a step toward us.The tire holds up perfectly all the way back to the USA.

Later we hear that another Pastor  has been kidnapped and held for ransom.  May God send Angels to release Pastor Pedro today.  Will you join me in praying for him today?

Never forget someone this very moment needs God's Angels! Moms Against Hunger is dependant upon His help for each and every delivery of food for the needy. www.momsagainsthunger.org

 

 

Border Missions

Preparing to go back across the border into Mexico, we were taken to meet two hard working Pastors- Jerry McKnight and his wife, who are at  Border Missions.  Located close to the border on the US side, they care for the needs of pastors and churches in Mexico.  Unable to cross now because of the ongoing danger we stopped by to encourage them in their work. 

Each week pastors come  here for services and prayer and practical supplies for their churches in Mexico. This building has served their needs for many years.It is a vital lifeline to entire churches and orphanages in Mexico. 

Pastor Jerry shows us the food that has been gathered up for the giveaways that will happen during the week.  They have to trust God to provide for them each week.  Boy does THAT sound familar! Each week miracles happen and they have enough to give out.

This is their clothing center - I am proud to see another ministry taking care of the poor.

His wife takes care of a sewing class weekly that provides skills training and products. I love it!

Helping women to learn to sew is a worthy education they can take back to Mexico and use to help support themselves.

After our tour we gathered supplies from Border MInistries and headed out for the border - we knew they were praying for our trip.

Why do we in the ministry care about practical needs of the poverty stricken poor? Because of children like this little boy. He is bright and normal, his parents simply cannot find enough work, enough food, enough opportunities to take care of him and his future.  The Mexico Pastors are doing all they can to help support their people and find answers for their lives.  Is the life of this little boy worth the risk?

To God he is......a special thank you to Border Ministries for all you do!! 

As you give to those in need - Jesus said 'you did it unto Me'.   www.momsagainsthunger.org

The Real World around us all......

Children like this put the real world in perspective for me.  This child literally has nothing.  No possible future to plan for.....not much clothing......no secure home to live in.... not even regular meals to count on.  Now seriously can any of us really complain about anything in our lives? 

Someone said to me recently, "if you feed them.... they will only reproduce and make more babies"  I was speechless to think of the absolute ignorance and selfishness of people who have never suffered long term hunger, or the feelings of never having enough or sickness that those who live without proper food are plagued with, or the OVERWHELMING suffering that the poor around this world live with every day. This statement burned in my heart while I was hugging this little boy. 

This little boy needs help.... this mother will do her best to help him. 

Please count your blessings.... and visit http://www.momsagainsthunger.org and donate now to show your gratitude for having enough for your own children.  Even poor people deserve to have a family. 

Sun Bonnet Penny Sue..... my mantra at 7 years old.

“Why should I have hope?”

 

This devastated mother cannot see any reason in her life to have hope.  I sympathize with her horrific life!  It is beyond belief how she has to live and try to protect her young child in the midst of this completely torn apart life.

But  I have found a way to bring hope and a fresh beginning to the lives of mothers in Haiti.  IF YOU WANT TO SEE HOW ……PLEASE READ THIS…..I remember living in Africa as a child and experiencing the lack of proper supplies due to being a growing child.  My family and I shared the same life sacrifices of going without enough to eat and enough to wear for growing children.   No money to purchase anything that we needed…. We learned to do without and ‘make do’  with what we had.

Necessities of life had a different meaning for me as a child.

My mother didn’t have enough for us….One birthday she made a sock doll for me called, ‘Sunbonnet Penny Sue’  out of one of my dads socks.  She tried her best to make it special for me,  but  as a child I knew my dad would go without one of his very small supply of socks for me.  Funny how I remember THAT doll more than any other birthday….. it was a dark sock with two button eyes, it was  tucked inside it’s self to give it body.  She sewed a little white mouth on it by hand … and the smile was a little crooked… like mine was when I got it on my birthday. It’s clothes were bits and scraps of cloth taken from the insides of seams of other garments.  Nothing was wasted, because we had nothing….  My doll was living proof of that.  I don’t remember ever playing with her, because I knew the sacrifice that had been made to make her for me.  I didn’t want something to happen to her. Sun Bonnet Penny Sue was my only doll at 7 years old….. I HOPED SOMEDAY I WOULD HAVE A REAL DOLL….

I know how it feels to be without, and to suffer lack.  Later on as a  older child  a length of cloth provided hours of fun for me to play with, and hours of hope for my mother to make clothing out of.  Simple cloth…. Just simple cloth.

Come  to Haiti and see what I have found…… HOPE! Moms Against Hunger helps the helpless in many ways to provide sustaining ways to overcome the terrible hardships that come to the poor around the world.  Finding creative ways to assist mothers to provide for their own is one way MAH makes a difference for other mothers.  I cannot provide for all the needs in the world, but when I find someone who is also working to help mothers overcome, I want to help them as much as I can.

Sewing Class

“Our first sewing class started on February 18, 2008 with fifteen women and seven graduated.  Five of the women who graduated have started to earn money from their sewing skills.  Even those who did not complete the class have gained skills that are allowing them to earn some money.  Three of the graduates have earned enough money to purchase their own sewing machines.   In fact, one woman has made enough money that she has been able to bring her children back from the village so that they can live with her and have her raise them.   Within a six month time frame she has earned about 6 years worth of wages (half of it going back to her business). None of the women that started the program were able to provide for their families before the class.  Most of them worked as merchants buying and selling products, but unfortunately, most of the merchants end up in debt to those who provide them goods as they are unable to sell enough goods at a high enough price.  This class has been a miracle for these ladies as they can now provide for their families in a positive and healthy way.

We are allowing the women who graduate from the sewing class the option to work at our facility several days during the week when our facility is not being used by other programs.  We provide the material, machine and a safe place and then each woman gets to keep 50% of the sales proceeds from each item they make. As women earn enough money they will buy their own machines and be able to work out of their homes.”

“I'm Chrismene, I'm 25 yrs old and married. I was born in Gonaive. I am currently living with my husband and 2yrs old daughter in Port-au-prince. I'm grateful for this program and love working here.”

“I am Marie I was born in the southern city of Jacmel. My birthday is January 7th, 1955. My family and I moved to Port au Prince in 1971. Both of my parents are deceased, and I have two brothers and two sisters. I now live near Port au Prince in an area called Croix des Missions. I have one daughter named Jemaella Carmelle, she is seventeen years old. The two of us live alone. I have never been married. I love the whole world and love spending time in prayer. I serve in a local church teaching Sunday School. I am a very patient person. I love to work and would like to keep working to improve life for my daughter. Before joining Heartline, I worked as a vendor selling things on the street. I did not know how to sew prior to coming here. I believe ‘La Couture est un art’ (Sewing is an art). It is by the grace of God that I am here now.”

“I am Myrielle D.I was born in the Grand’Anse region of Haiti, in the southwestern peninsula. My birthday is January 21st, 1973.  We came to Port when I was a child. I now live in my brother’s house in an area called Nazon. I have four brothers and one sister, and one daughter named Christie Goimin who is seven years old. I finished all of high school and attended a professional school. I worked as a secretary for two years but the business closed. I worked as an educator in a school for four years before that – when the school management changed I lost my job. I had no work for two years, and that is why I came to learn something that can help me provide an education for my child.”

“My name is Myrlene. I'm 27 and from Jacmel. I left Jacmel when I was 6yrs. old and moved to Port-au prince. I went to primary school in Port-au-prince and also finished high school there. I have a 1yr old daughter and I've been married for 3yrs. I graduated from the sewing school and now I'm working in the sewing program. This program means a lot to me because it gives me an opportunity to make changes.”

“There are very few stores in Haiti, most people shop for what they need on the street  ‘pepe clothing’ –  or used goods.
Since the earthquake the fabric supply has been very limited, both on the street and from visitors. Food and medications are priority and rightfully so.
I am always looking for ways to make the sewing program better. Having to depend on a "middle man" for fabric could be a weak link as far as I am concerned.
Question: Could the ladies be successful without my help on the fabric end of the deal. What would they do in a pinch?
Assignment: She would shop on the street for "pepe" used clothing . I would give each woman five dollars, she would get as much as she could. After I approved the fabric, she would have to make a bag from "pepe" that same day.
Risk: I had no idea what to expect. I could be blowing fifty bucks....it was time for some new thinking!
I am pleased to report the ladies out did themselves and created great bags! Greater than what I had hoped for. I wanted them to see that they could be successful even if they didn't have fabric coming in  from the States. “ They  have learned they do have what it takes to think outside of the box and be creative."

CAN YOU BELIEVE THEY ARE MAKING PURSES OUT OF USED CLOTHING.... REALLY... WITH ALL THE FABRIC HERE IN THE USA?

Moms Against Hunger can make a difference here….. can you send finances to help me ship aid to mothers in Haiti.  No mother should be without hope….Together we can help her climb out of despair  and begin to DO something about her situation.  It takes so little to help train a woman to sew… she can start providing for her own needs.  I bought one of the purses these ladies make and it's my favorite travel bag.... for so many reasons.

Please help me ship hope to Haiti…….

 

Your gift today CAN AND WILL change a mother’s life. CLICK HERE...ON THE DONATE BUTTON TODAY.

Moms Against Hunger…. Your best choice to help mothers with children around the world.

Sunbonnet Penny Sue….. my doll of hope, has become a mantra of care for thousands and thousands of children who live in rags and squalor.  Please help me help these mothers….

Sewing machines….. fabric…. Thread….. so little to do so much!!!

Help!! 

 

 

 

If You Can Use Anything Lord You Can Use Me......Please watch this.

1 Million Baby Wipes

I publicly said we need 1 million baby wipes for Haiti.  They are so important right now - with such a severe lack of water for cleansing it's essential to have them.  So far I have 3 million baby wipes donated.... do you know why  these are so useful?

Practical  Baby Wipes for Earthquake Victims:

 

1.      A economical form of soap and water when there is none.

2.      Gentle and non irritant form of cleanser to sensitive, tender and damaged skin.

3.      Baby wipes clean babies' bottoms.

4.      Protects against infections – diaper rash.

5.      Effective cleanser for little runny noses.

6.      Can be used instead of a tissue for sneezes and coughs

7.      A  temporary form of a bath in an emergency – all over the body – age wide.

8.      Washing hands and arms from grime and dirt after handling debris/spreading germs.

9.      Wiping a sweaty brow from a child trying to sleep in the heat.

10.  Cooling effect to the face living outside in the heat for a worried mom.

11.  Mopping up food spills to keep from being sticky and drawing bugs

12.  Wiping will protect clothing / bedding  in emergency living conditions (long term wearing of the same clothing needs extra care)

13.  For wiping  hands after handling possible contaminated surfaces/rocks/ human remains

14.  They make ideal travel companions when surviving outdoors.

15.  Wipe up area to set a child down in a unsanitary area.

16.  No need for washing over and over – quick hygienic and clean with every wipe.

17.  Storage is simple - prepackaged and ready for use instantly.

18.  Clean up temporary eating utensils/cups ect.

19.  Used for soiled shoes/ feet – after walking in garbage or rubble

20.  Cleaning cloth for personal effects/toothbrushes/brushes

21.  Alternative toilet paper source

22.  Keep from spreading germs person to person by hand washing with wipes

23.  Soothes dry skin

24.  Temporarily cool a sunburn by gently patting the area with a baby wipe.

25.  Baby wipes can also be used to treat cuts and scrapes/ cleanse a wound in a emergency. Although most wipes don't have any antiseptic properties, one can be  used for an initial cleansing before applying the proper topical treatment.

They are being shipped to Haiti with Moms Against Hunger shipments.... go ck out what's going on. Every mom there will be sooooo very grateful for these.

www.momsagainsthunger.org

 

 

Another Container goes to Haiti for Moms Against Hunger

Container #4 gets completed and shipped.  It was a very cold day with our staff packing this container.  But when I think of the suffering happening in Haiti while we are shivering outside packing this, there is no comparison between shivering and suffering!!!!!  I am privileged to get to be someone who is bringing supplies to them.

Arrangements are beginning for a trip to Haiti.... I can't wait to go and be there to help. 

www.momsagainsthunger.org  - go see what's happening and how you can be a part of the solution there. Donate today.... your gift will make a difference.  I promise to bring pictures back of all that we are doing there.