“From the 25th floor of our Kyiv apartment, my daughter woke up at 5:00 am to the sound of bombing and began crying because she could see the explosions of war in the distance.”  As they got closer and closer, this FAME partner realized that they needed to find a place of safety.  From basement to basement, and shelter to shelter they eventually (over 2 months) were able to get to the West and then out of the country to Turkey.

Escape!  I can’t imagine having to escape my home and Country.  I was relieved last week when I was able to escape the oppressive heat outdoors and go into air conditioning.  Your FAME partners around the world serve people who have no escape from lack of access to healthcare, illness, or disease, except what you help provide!

Back to our Ukraine ministry partner; She is still coordinating a team of nearly 40 healthcare workers, the majority of whom are still serving the elderly, injured, and vulnerable in this war-torn region.  She visited us at the FAME headquarters last week- so many stories of heartbreak and impact!

You, in partnership with FAME, have sent 150 shipments through this partner to Ukraine!  Many times we are excited to report about the successful delivery of medical equipment and supplies to you, but today I need to ask for prayer for 120 of these shipments.  30 of them can be accounted for and have reached the intended destination INSIDE Ukraine!  But 120 have not been received, and actually are not trackable at this time.

Here’s the opportunity – these shipments not only have needed medical equipment and supplies- this partner (Marcel Fund)includes what is called “In-Touch” players – basically small MP3-like players that have the Bible, the gospel/salvation message, and encouraging messages in multiple languages.  They have been received by thousands and the gospel has been heard in Europe through these players.

Please pray that these shipments will reach the people God ordains, whoever that may be!   I heard of a Border guard many years ago who confiscated Bibles at a border crossing; he read one and became a powerful leader of an underground church!  God can do more than we can ask or imagine with a shipment of supplies – whether they reach the people to whom they were sent or the people God re-directs them to impact!

Thank you for your partnership in prayer, funding the shipment of gospel-impacting medical equipment and supplies – all that open the door for the good news giving access to help and hope around the world!

Freedom, Access, Hope.   Can you imagine a country missing those three things? The USA  is one of a kind out of nearly 200 countries in the world!  Many do not have these values that give us a reason to celebrate.

Freedom, Access, Hope. 

Malika woke up to sounds of terror in their village and they realized not only had their government invaded the village, but it was killing leaders and burning every home in the village. Malika did exactly what every other village family did; grabbed what they could carry and ran into the jungle. 

This isn’t a story from years ago in the past…this is happening to Village after Village in Myanmar this year.

FAME partners have brought help and hope to refugees by providing food, shelter, and even starting churches in refugee camps along the border of Myanmar and Thailand. 

FAME recently approved a project with Asia Christian Services (ACS) to establish a clinic in one of the Refugee Camps that will bring Access to healthcare and the gospel.  ACS will bring Hope, and we will continue to pray that the day will come that they will have Freedom from the tyranny of the government. Until that time, you through FAME, and other partners will bring help and hope through Medical Evangelism. 

If you would like more information about this Project at the Refugee Camp at the Myanmar/Thailand Border click here: 

Thank you for your partnership!

Bill Warren
Executive Director

Thank you for your continued prayers for the ministry of FAME; its partners, staff, board members, volunteers, trip participants, scholarship students, and special projects. People all around the world are being blessed by your faithful prayers each day.

As we begin the month of July and then celebrate July 4th, Independence Day, let us be reminded of the freedoms we have here in the US. With these freedoms, we have religious freedom where we can express our faith in Christ and share that good news with others. In other places throughout the world that is not always the case. Many of your FAME Partners face opposition and persecution for the faith they profess. May this Independence Day be one where we reflect on God and the ways he has blessed us through the freedoms we have here and pray for FAME partners that are sharing the love of Christ through medical evangelism in the midst of persecution.

This month, please also partner with us in prayer for the FAME staff and Board members that serve the ministry. Pray for wisdom and discernment as FAME starts a new fiscal year and considers new sustainable healthcare projects, locations to ship medical supplies and equipment, and locations and dates for short-term medical mission trips.

Other items of prayer include praying for FAME Executive Director, Bill Warren and Director of Development, Jeff Coon as they speak to partner churches and at special events on behalf of FAME this month. Pray that partnerships with the churches or organizations they will be visiting will be strengthened and that new opportunities for partnerships may form.

And pray also for all our volunteer groups listed on the calendar this month. FAME could not do all we do without them, as they share their time and talents in serving the ministry.

Blessings in the coming month.

Click here for the July prayer calendar

If you walked to school as a child, you understand the situation of Jolinea and millions of people in the world. 

I walked to school until sixth grade.  I took the route out the back door, up an alley about a block to my school.  I walked home for lunch and back in time to play on the playground.  My co-worker Jeff Coon claims he did the same thing but walked further (7 blocks) and in worse weather (Michigan vs. Ohio)!  You may have walked in snow, heat, uphill both ways and carried your sister J!  Either way, you’ll understand this global need a little more! 

Recent research of how FAME can best help the medically at-risk found that 805 million people walk more than 3 hours to receive healthcare, and 20% walk more than 24 hours!  One of the studies used a “walking OPTIMAL SPEED” variable- and acknowledged that “being unwell will increase travel times” – now that’s an understatement! 

Every FAME partner Clinic, Health Ministry, and Hospital shares the gospel with every patient. 

That makes EVERY HEALTH FACILITY OR TEAM –
 EVANGELISM OUTPOSTS!!! 

That is why YOUR FAME IMPACT has Eleven (11) facilities ready or under construction to move access to healthcare and access to the gospel CLOSER TO MILLIONS of the world’s most vulnerable! 

YOU help people like Jolinea every day!  Jolinea was feeling pain in her abdomen, she rested hoping it would go away.  The next day she was in so much pain she could barely stand, but decided to walk to a FAME partner clinic she had seen many times, but never visited.  She walked only 7 blocks (notice I said, only, Jeff) and was able to be treated caringly, hear about Jesus and resolve her medical issues.  Most importantly she is now attending one of the churches which is partnered with the clinic! 

ONLY 7 BLOCKS FROM HER HOME WAS THE HELP AND HOPE SHE NEEDED!  And she never had heard the gospel even though it was only minutes away!  This is Medical Evangelism! 

Together, let’s shorten the trip for more of the world’s people in great need of help and hope! 

FAME and YOU together can move access to healthcare and access to the gospel closer and closer to more of the world!  

Thank you for your partnership!

Bill Warren
Executive Director

I’m sure it’s no surprise to you that we aren’t the only ones facing an economic pinch these days.  Many of your global FAME partners are working diligently to maximize the help and hope you have sent to stretch and be used to complete their projects to the best of their ability!! 

Eleven (11) sustainable projects are READY or UNDER CONSTRUCTION right now!
One of those is a long-term partner of FAME, Ghana Christian Mission! 

Last year FAME funded the construction of critical Housing for Hospital Staff for the Ghana Christian Mission.  In Ghana the majority of Ghanaians WALK to reach healthcare, a high percentage of those people walk more than 3 hours to reach even a clinic!  The staff faces similar limitations for travel, so adequate housing is needed for the mission to hire and keep quality Nurses on staff. 

The solution:  Kumdi Nurses Project! 

                                           

 

 

 

 

But inflation is hitting Ghana hard!  Here is a report I received recently: 

Several factors have led the economy in Ghana to see a 25% increase in materials costs on most items, most notably cement and steel.  Fuel prices have increased the most by nearly a 50% increase from January to this point in 2022.  Of course, this increases the cost of living for all the skilled workers and so it is affecting labor costs on the project

The results of all these external changes have led to a projected shortfall of about $20,000 to fully complete the Kumdi Nurses Quarters.  Wisdom (Wisdom Nyador Executive Director in Ghana) has been diligently managing the cash flow and reducing the number of workers for the time being to ease the situation. 

I know we’ve had to tighten our belts here in the US, but if you find it possible to help this global inflation impact in Ghana go to www.fameworld.org/donate and choose
Project Fund-Sustainable Projects and put “Inflation” in the notes!

if you would like to know a little more about the Staff Housing Project at Ghana Christian Mission, Click Here. 

 

My wife and I took our 2 young grandsons into the “wilderness” at an Indiana State Park.  As they climbed over rocks and played near the campfire…there were many “opportunities for injury” and as I watched these 2 boys I realized we were many miles from any medical care facilities if something were to happen to either of them and they needed medical care.  But I also realized:

• I have a car
• I have a cell phone, and I have service (patchy, but still available)
• 9-1-1 services would send an ambulance if we called
• Lifeline Helicopter services could arrive if it were seriously needed 

But most of those 4 things are NOT true for 646 Million of the World’s Most Vulnerable
whom FAME/YOU serve every single day! 

80% of Kenyans WALK to access to healthcare. 

1 out of 10 people in the world walks more than 3 hours to access healthcare 

Where Kelly and I were camping, we were 18 miles from a Hospital with an Emergency room.  Not a big deal if I hop in my car.  But walking with a sick child?  That is over 6 hours of walking! 

Heather was caring for an infant in a remote village.  The child became ill and had a fever which Heather had nothing to give the baby to reduce!  She began to walk to a village that she knew had a clinic (a FAME partner).  Heather walked for 5 hours to reach the clinic carrying the baby!  Upon arrival, the doctors quickly realized what the baby needed, gave her fluids, medicine, and told Heather, “If you had not come today, your little one would not have lived.  Good job mom, walking to our village even though it was difficult to do so!”  We know Heather’s story because she was so impacted by the love of the Christian staff that she became connected to the church in her village and is now a follower of Jesus! 

With your partnership, FAME is providing new clinics every year that move access to healthcare and the gospel closer within reach to thousands every day! 

Thank you for your partnership!

Bill Warren
Executive Director

 

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing, and the waters grew rough.  When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. (John 6;16-21 NIV)

Max Lucado explains further what Jesus is saying to them when he approaches the boat. “The literal translation of what Jesus said is ‘I AM; don’t be afraid.’ I AM is God’s name. If God had a calling card, it would contain this imprint: I AM. Ever since Moses saw the burning bush that refused to burn up, God has called himself, ‘I AM’ (Exodus 3:14). This is the title of steadiness and power. When we wonder if God is coming, he answers with his name: ‘I AM!’ When we wonder if he is able, he declares, ‘I AM.’ When we see nothing but darkness, feel nothing but doubt, and wonder if God is near or aware, the welcome answer from Jesus is this: ‘I AM!’ “.(© Max Lucado, August 4, 2019)

What a great reminder in these troubling times we live in. Violence, war, hunger, corruption, sickness, disease,…the list goes on. Though we are in the midst of the storm, it is Jesus (the I AM) to whom we can always turn to get us through it. The disciples understood that and welcomed him into the boat. The Bible says then that the boat made it through the storm and reached its destination.

Though many people around the world are in “a storm” because of a lack of healthcare, God is doing great things through the ministry of FAME right now through You, as several new sustainable healthcare projects were just approved, and medical supplies are leaving the warehouse (listed on the calendar this month). As these projects are completed and as these supplies are shipped, pray that the love of Jesus will be shown so that the world’s most vulnerable can be delivered through their “storm” and that they can be healed both physically and spiritually.

Other items of prayer this month include some volunteer groups, to whom we are so thankful, and some visits that Bill and Jeff will be making to some of our partner churches.

If your church or group would like to hear more about what FAME is doing right now and how you can become involved, contact us at FAME@fameworld.org. We’d love to come and tell you about all the ways you can partner with us in medical evangelism.

We are so thankful for you and your partnership in prayer for the ministry of FAME as you approach the great “I AM” on behalf of FAME and FAME’s ministry partners.

Click here for the June Prayer Calendar

“… an opportunity to touch the lives of others.” 

We receive messages and notes like this all the time.  Recently, my co-worker Jeff spoke to someone who had given, what I  would call, a significant financial gift to FAME.  They said, “We just lost our dear father and could think of no better way or organization to honor his legacy than FAME.”   

FAME and YOU together are BRINGING LIFE AND HOPE to others through access to healthcare that brings access to the gospel.  FAME is honored to be considered by so many as a way to take a loss, and grief and turn it into hope! 

Sometimes it is in a financial gift you can honor a loved one.  Other times it can be through donating the medical supplies and equipment used in the ending days of a loved one’s life.  The opening quote is from such a story.  A family had cared for a loved one for many months in their home.  A hospital bed and all the supplies that accompany that type of Home Healthcare were then filling their home after their loved one passed away.  They had no idea what to do with all of these healthcare items, which were sad reminders of the preceding days.  Then they heard of FAME.  After contacting our team in Indianapolis and learning that every piece of equipment could be used to touch the lives of hundreds or thousands of people in clinics and hospitals around the world, they were thrilled!  That is when they said, “Our greatest moment of loss, FAME turned into an opportunity to touch the lives of others”. The son said, “Wait until my sisters hear that this equipment is going to Africa and helping some of the world’s most vulnerable!  They won’t believe it!  It actually helps ease the loss.” 

Our global partners respond on the other side of the situation.  One partner just posted on social media, “Yet again thanks to FAME we are able to help with new walking equipment for several folks here in Lepaterique!”  Every one of those items was a donation received at the FAME Indianapolis warehouse! 

FAME resource personnel received a box last week in the mail filled with several baggies of various medical supplies left after a lady had passed away. Inside the box was a piece of paper with a photo of her, and a message that said, Donated in loving memory of (name) who was welcomed home into her Savior’s arms on May 3rd, 2022.

What a great memorial, that someone’s life, difficult days, and even their death can remind us of the hope that we have in Jesus.  It was He that said, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in Me will live even if they die.”  I know that Jesus meant, we can live eternally with Him – but many people’s legacies live on because of the generosity of people like you!

This Memorial Day weekend, we at FAME pray that as you remember those who have impacted your life, touched your life, and given you hope- that you will be most impacted by your memory of how Jesus gave his life to “…go through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.” 

And that you, partnering with FAME continue the same work that Jesus began! 

Bill Warren, 
FAME Executive Director

 

**Honor a loved one this Memorial Day with a memorial gift. Your memorial gift will be a lasting tribute to your loved one and make an eternal impact in the lives of the world’s most vulnerable.

 

Recently, I heard a mom say, “Who are you and what have you done with my son?” 

This humorous response of surprise toward someone’s change in attitude or behavior has never been asked of FAME!  Because for over 50 years FAME has not changed in purpose, activity, or goals!  Who you are and what have you done with….? Is not a question! 

Angelica* was 30 weeks pregnant and everything was going smoothly; the baby was moving as expected and the heartbeat was strong.  Your FAME partner clinic had been keeping on top of her vitamins, diet, and appointments – she was in good hands.  At her week 32 appointment, your faithful FAME doctor was concerned.  So, they loaded her into a hired pick-up truck and she went to a Hospital nearly 2 hours away.  Angelica had the baby early by C-Section and great news, she and the baby are perfectly healthy! 

But because of you, in the next 12-18 months there will not just be clinics in that area; a Hospital is under construction!!  A full birthing center, neo-natal area, and surgery suite, all accessible in their area– no more pick-up truck rides for pregnant moms!

Who are you and what have you done with …? 

FAME and you have been partnering together to:

• Give grants for Sustainable Projects like this Hospital
• Shipping Medical Equipment and Supplies
• Sending Short-Term Teams (like the ones in Colombia and Honduras right now!) 

Who FAME is…is who you help us continue to be!

What FAME has done…is what you’ve made possible! 

Thank you for your partnership with FAME to bring Medical Evangelism to the world! 

How can you share the gospel with 229.1 people in one hour?
Partner with FAME! 

How can they hear unless someone tells them? 
How can they go unless someone sends them? 

When you partner with FAME you are sending and some of you are going!  Each week around 5,500 people are treated in the name of Jesus and hear the gospel through partners of FAME!  That means that 229.1 people hear the gospel every hour a year! (Of course this is an average and some days/weeks have more than others – but the year long impact is accurate and YOU are making it possible!)

THIS WEEK we have teams headed to Honduras and Colombia – the gospel will be shared as they treat each patient in the love of Jesus.  But that is not the only type of impact!  Over the last decade new buildings, new ambulances, equipment, supplies, and teams have been in over 50 countries, and with over 100 global partners!  Over 2 Million people will hear the gospel and be treated in 2022- that means YOU HAVE SHARED THE GOSPEL WITH 229.1 PEOPLE PER HOUR!

As an Indy-based ministry, we hear a lot about the Indy 500 race in May, where drivers go nearly 229.1 Miles per Hour.  Impressive!  But so is your global impact at 229.1 people per hour!