Charis Around the World

Childbirth Paths International
by Amy Elliott, CD, CCE, MA
Executive Director for Childbirth PATHS International

Dear Charis Family,

Below I have included a letter that we are using to raise support for an upcoming trip to Kenya and, hopefully, to Malawi. Please consider helping to spread the word about PATHS and our goals for this year. Even after the Kenya trip, we will have needs for regular donors to support the work in many other areas. Because of our desire to work safely in areas that are sometimes hostile to like minded people and our message, the organization has a secular public image. But our partners on the ground in the field are either working in outreach or are local believers.

Thank you, Charis Family!!! Please feel free to copy and send this letter to trusted, potential donors and PLEASE begin praying NOW for this awesome trip ahead.

Sincerely,
Amy

PATHS general letter:

I am writing you about a new non-profit organization which aims to share Christ through working in sustainable ways to improve birth outcomes worldwide. The organization, Childbirth PATHS International, Inc. was started this year in order to

• Provide a means for God’s people worldwide to come alongside others and share the message of the gospel

• Provide an option for God’s people in “creative access countries” to access the local population and have impact at the family and community level

• Promote best practice in community development and poverty reduction among women worldwide

• Reduce the risk of death and abuse for women and children

• Train and credential more Christian birth professionals worldwide

• Advocate for all of the above mentioned goals

I am writing you today about this organization because we are dependent upon donations from local church bodies and Christian ministries. We are in need of:

-- $1500 monthly for operational and organizational growth expenses

-- $8000 quarterly to accomplish and support overseas ministries, trainings, research and advocacy for the most vulnerable among unreached populations.

Our most urgent needs at present include funding for a research and training project in Kenya and Malawi. PATHS Board member, Kristin Shuchmann, will join our Donor Relations Intern, Brooke Neale, in traveling to 5 Kenyan towns alongside a local, Charis midwifery student who is making a new life for herself after years of hardship. Lilian, a lovely Christian woman, has realized that she cannot meet all the needs of impoverished, lost women in some of the most remote parts of her nation. She has invited PATHS to come alongside her to identify and train traditional birth attendants in best practice, to share the gospel, and to mobilize local resources in order to promote holistic health (physical, emotional, social, environmental and spiritual wholeness) of women and families in each community. The project will also include training and ministry in Nairobi with an established birth clinic there and a group home for abandoned/vulnerable young women who are pregnant or caring for infants. Finally, Kristin and Brooke will be conducting a rapid needs assessment and ministry in two of the largest slums in Nairobi.

After completing the Kenya portion of the trip, Brooke will travel to Malawi where she will explore opportunities to undergird the Christian ministries established there as they address the DIRE need for life-saving interventions in the lives and births of Malawian women. Infant and maternal mortality in Malawi is among the worst in the world, but is mostly due to preventable problems.

This first quarter of 2017 is JAM PACKED and is such a special opportunity, but our plans alone cannot have any impact without financial and prayer support from those who value the vision of PATHS. Please prayerfully consider how the Lord may be calling you, your organization or church to partner with us in these upcoming opportunities.

Giving Options:

1. Donations can be made via the organization website www.childbirthpaths.org

2. Donations can also be sent via check to the treasurer of the board. Make checks payable to the name of the organization. Mail checks to:

Margaret Hollingsworth
118 Segar St
Hampton, VA 23663

*All donors will receive a receipt for their tax deductible contribution.

Thank you for your attention to this request. We value your own ministries and your prayers above all!

Sincerely,

Amy Elliott, Executive Director
Childbirth PATHS International, Inc.
www.childbirthpathsinternational.org