Dear OBK Children Supporters:
We would like to take this opportunity to update you on a few recent activities at OBK Children. It has been some time since our last update and we have much news to share from South Sudan!
Website & New Video:
The OBK Children website has been updated, please check it out and the new video on the homepage at www.obkchildren.org! We are also on Instagram and Facebook so please look us up, like us and share with friends and family. The website update allowed us to switch to Chimp donation technology which will greatly reduce the amount of back office work for one of our directors (Thanks Shen!) this change will provide an instant tax receipt for donors. Try it out with a donation today.
Country Update:
South Sudan has unfortunately spiraled back into a state of war with ethnic conflicts that started one year ago. Thousands of people have been killed in fighting all over the country and over 1 million persons have been displaced from their homes. The fighting has caused many organizations to suspend operations and they are therefore unable to help provide the basic needs to people whose suffering has increased. Thankfully, in the southern area near OBK Children conflict remains minimal and fairly calm. Please continue to pray for things to get better throughout the country.
OBK Children is operating in a very difficult place. Julius and Martina Otto have given their lives to help the uncared for children of this community and we thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers, we all stand behind them in support.
Please see the following articles for more information on the conflict in South Sudan
http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/10/world/cnnphotos-south-sudan-abyss/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29991398
Missionary Home Update:
The home at the OBK Children site being built for Julius and Martina Otto is nearing completion.
There have been many delays as the battle between political factions in South Sudan has made transportation in our region much more difficult. We are very pleased to report that we expect the Otto family to move onto the site by February/March, 2015. This will be a great blessing for the organization and the children.
Water well Project Update:
We are very happy to report the much needed water well has been drilled and completed now. The water table has been reached and we now have access to fresh water. Thank you to all for your continued support and prayers for this project.
Bathroom Building Project:
We recently received a large donation that will allow us to go forward with the much needed toilet facilities for the children. We are very thankful for this donation and construction should start in early 2015.
Sustainable Farming Operations:
We continue to work on funding to purchase the needed equipment, seeds and begin land preparation for the sustainable farming project at the OBK Children site. Food costs are a large part of our budget and if we can get some sustainable farming started this will help lower costs, increase self-reliance and teach the children additional skills that will help them in the future.
OBK Children Board Members & South Sudan Advisory Team:
OBK Children’s Board of Directors has recently changed. Mr. Jeff Dyck has stepped down and the board thanks him for his service and continued support. OBK Children welcomes Mr. Sheniff Harji, CPA, CGA. Sheniff is a Certified General Accountant, works in corporate accounting with the public sector. Sheniff, is also a member of the audit team for a locally based charity delivering social services to lower mainland residents. Being deeply moved by the traumatic, and often devastating effects of war on the very venerable in society, Mr. Harji assists on various levels for OBK Children.
OBK Children would also like to welcome Mr. Ryan King. Mr. King is married with a son Maverick King. Ryan is a businessman located in Vancouver, he is actively involved in several public companies as an officer or board member.
The Board of Directors consists of David Emri, Bob Emri, Wayne Zielke, Sheniff Harji and Ryan King.
OBK is also pleased to introduce our South Sudan Advisory team, all of whom are instrumental support for Julius and Martina. Mr. Joseph Lasura, (UN employee in South Sudan), Mr. Avelino Androga, (South Sudan Ministry of Education employee) and Dr. Godwin Mindra, (CDC Atlanta Georgia employee).
Fundraising:
Our monthly operating budget continues to be a challenge which is additionally being effected by the US$ exchange rates. We are currently collecting $2,500 from regular monthly donors. We need to increase this to $8,000 a month and ask for your help in finding additional donors. Remember 100% of all funds donated to OBK Children end up with Julius & Martina and the children in South Sudan and that OBK Children is a registered Canadian charity and all donations are eligible to be tax deductible.
Message from Julius Otto:
Julius – “To the board of OBK Children and all of our supporters, thank you so much for all the efforts. Basically the year has ended and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the great effort supporting the OBK Children South Sudan program.
This year we have successfully completed many projects including; the director’s house, which is now constructed. Painting, plumbing, windows and final electrical fittings are all that remains before we can move in. We are very much looking forward to moving onsite, this will help OBK Children significantly.
The borehole (water well) has been successfully drilled. We are very blessed, the drilling company has hit the water table and water shortages should now be history. All the children have successfully done their exams and all did very well and promoted to the next class except for one and we ask prayer for him.
A special final prayer request, if I may. Unfortunately my health has been troublesome over the last while. My back is in bad shape and I am having critical pain just sitting, prayer is greatly be appreciated.”
Contact Information:
As we continue to grow and increase our communication with our followers and donors we want to ensure we have the most accurate contact information for you, please take a moment to email or mail us the following;
Full Name:
Email Address:
Best Phone number:
Mailing Address:
Our best contact email address is obkchildren@gmail.com our mailing address is
#1 – 3126 Highland Blvd North Vancouver, BC Canada V7R 2X5
www.obkchildren.org
facebook.com/obkchildren
instagram.com/obkchildren
Thank you again for your support!
The Board of OBK Children.