Friday, April 22, 2011

Our Pledge

It is said by many that West Africa is one of the most troubled places on earth; however, we are seeking to change that perception by building school facilities that are equipped with clean water pumps in these impoverished nations. Into Africa Inc. believes that every individual in our global community has the fundamental right to receive a foundational education as well as clean drinking water. We believe that by making the school facility the center of the community’s healthy water, we can also educate the future generations of these nations, thus strengthening their desire for democracy and their ability to attain it.

From civic and township public works development, to improvements within the education and application of information technologies, Into Africa Inc. will continue to provide new jobs, new opportunities and new hope of change. Each country presents its own set of challenges, complexities and situations; however, with your help, the children of West Africa will be drinking clean water and many of them for the rst time. These children will be receiving a quality education that will empower them to play a foundational role in strengthening their community infrastructures, stabilizing their future, and forgoing modern democratic progress in each nation; therefore, building a hope for Africa’s future.

Thousands of children have been orphaned by West Africa’s con ict. According to some estimates, 8000 children were separated from their families or orphaned by the civil unrest. Carol Bellamy, UNICEF’s Executive Director said, “Children should have no part in war.” She added, “The wider problem [is] the complete neglect of a whole generation...” Sociologist Kama Bangura, of the University of Sierra Leone said, “Children will be hardest hit by the gradual collapse of basic services.” With you help, Into Africa Inc. can restore the basic services of education and drinking water in some of the poorest regions of West Africa, including The Gambia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Liberia, Cameroon and Sierra Leone. With your assistances, Into Africa Inc. will continue to provide the important foundation for a brave new Africa and
beyond.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Why we do what we do?

After living and surviving the war that lasted for ten years in the nation of Sierra Leone, West Africa, Pastor Alvin Smith saw first-hand the tragic condition of the people of Sierra Leone. As a result a new charity was birthed, called "Into-Africa".

Many humanitarian organizations from the West have done a commendable job in seeking to address an on-going problem throughout the region of Africa, but with very little to show for it in return. One of these reasons has to do with sending money to "people and individuals who have no real track record of accountability," even though most investments are given with the hopes that they will do the right thing. Needlessly to say, little if any of the resources given ever fulfill their intended purposes. Into-Africa's unique but simple strategy may be one of the most efficient and effective ministries in Africa today. It has to do with discipleship, which addresses the root of the problem. As a result of twenty years of ministry in the nation of Africa, Pastor Smith has had the privilege of developing young disciples among the indigenous people. A disciple is nothing more than a disciplined learner. This investment has produced men and women of honesty and integrity, and has developed a personal vision within the hearts of these workers to make significant and lasting investments back into their country.

Into Africa's strategy is to partner with these "like-hearted" men and women and assist them in building their nation rather than to do it for them. This is where the name "Into-Africa" was coined. Because of the men and women that have been trained through our ministry – we are not working as an international organization with our fingers crossed, hoping that our money will be utilized correctly. Through the support of grants, foundations and the faithful giving of many of our supporters, Into-Africa has funded and completed various building projects in Sierra Leone as well as Burkina Faso.

It is only through these men and women born and living "in Africa" that Into Africa is able to provide fresh water wells and build churches as well as educational facilities and support medical mission teams. Into-Africa's success now and in the future is due to the faithfulness, prayers and contributions of the congregation, and its' volunteers. These sacrifices and trust are greatly valued and it is Into-Africa's continued commitment to use the resources it is given wisely, and to provide its' donors with the greatest return on their investment. I encourage you to visit us at www.Into-Africa.org. No matter how small your pledge, your partnership with us will take you into Africa where you will make a difference in the lives of many.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

It Takes Two

Into-Africa is beginning a new fundraising campaign entitled "It takes two." The truth of the matter is that two are better than one. Here at Into-Africa we have learned that inorder to effectively serve the needs of those throughout Western Africa, it is going to take a concerted effort. It takes two campaign is simply urging our supporters, sponsors, friends and family to give $2.00 per month throughout the year in an effort to complete various building projects in Liberia, Cameroon and Benin. We believe that by asking for $2.00 we are giving everyone - worldwide an opportunity to be apart of a life changing venture. These will be multi-purpose facilities that consist of churches, schools and vocational learning centers, but will also be outfitted with fresh water filtration systems for the general population in the local community. Into-Africa can only make this kind of impact with your generous donation. Maybe you would like to give a one time gift of $24.00 for the project, or maybe if will work better for you to give $2.00 a month. This can be done easily by going to our website: www.into-africa.org. We at Into-Africa are shouting from the rooftops for all of the good things that have happened through this charity. It is our hope and prayer that you would join with us in this celebration. Let's do together what we cannot do alone. It's take two!!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

A new poem, "Make a Difference For Sure"

As I woke another morning and the sun was shining bright
As the holidays approach and we want to do what's right
One by one the mail comes, give to this and give to that
This country needs blankets and this one just needs hats
Much of Africa is in need but our aim for them is focused
To raise young men and train them, give them vision, give them purpose
Raise men up to help within, and encourage their own nation
See their people blossom... encouraged, developed, and strengthened
Africa is a place that already has a history
Wild animal safaris and rainforest mysteries
Allow me to introduce to you a different place to give
Where the money hits directly home, right there where they live
Into-Africa.org is an interesting and unique organization
Where your dollar changes people, changes lives, and changes nations
Beginning in Sierra Leone and pushing out from there
We are able to direct every penny you can spare
We have great credibility because we do what we say
We simply stuck to our word and that's very rare in this day
We are here to help a people that simply want opportunity
To educate themselves with school and medical facilities
To give them hope and dignity
A chance and opportunity
A sense of responsibility
And a vision to see families
Come out from under poverty
And be greater than they could ever be
And have a chance to do great things...
"In America we become so cautious and reserved
In our own little world we protect and we preserve
But Africa depends on one another to endure
And here is where I ask you, to make a difference for sure
You can look at Africa's nations and say "AH! This is ridiculous,"
"The need is really, really big, how can I ever make a difference?"
But there are many witnesses who can testify to you
That all that Into Africa does is honest and is true
West Africans who lives have changed are results of your investment
Go to our website, read for yourself and see the money well spent
We may not change it all at once, but we can do our share
By giving your dollars to a dot org that cares
It is anyone, and I mean anyone, who wants to play a part
You can be that anyone, and here is where it starts
When one charity after another puts out their hand and lies
And the need seems so great for our fellow man to survive
It begins with a vision first, our vision to reach the nations
Into Africa is on the inside in less than ideal situations
Know this year there is someone who is giving all your cents
To help us to help Africa, and make a for-sure difference
Building churches, wells, and schools for growth
Medical care to give people a hope
The heart of God beats strong in them
And you can position them to win
By giving your dollars to a dot org that cares

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

1st Annual 5k Run/Walk

To start the day 40 runners took their positions as the gun was fired and began the long, arduous 3 mile trek along the scenic Santa Cruz River in Tucson Arizona. The top male finisher for this run was Phillip Valine, while our first female to finish was Kota Rose. Immediately after the run was completed, over 90 walkers lined up and began their journey along the route. The walkers were a diverse and free variety of peoples. We had speed walkers make their way in at 42 minutes such as Pastor Bill Neil. Along this journey there were plenty of women enjoying the fellowship and breeze while pushing strollers, drinking water and walking at a relaxing pace as to take advantage of the warm morning stroll. This walk offered a contrast of both challenge and leisure, depending on the preference.

Finally, we are very excited to announce that we were able to raise the exact amount needed to complete the final stage of the building project in Bo, Sierra Leone. With this, the director of Into-Africa, along with all of the volunteers would like to thank those who took the time to come and participate in the walk. We understand that many of you are very busy and have other commitments; however we do value your time and financial contributions. Thank you for joining us by walking and/or donating - you have touched the lives of so many people in West Africa. I want to take this time and thank you for casting your bread upon the waters. We look forward to all of the upcoming events and next years' walk Into-Africa. Be blessed!