War on HIV and TB

“TB is a time bomb, and the clock ticking is HIV/AIDS”

Every day, 700 Kenyans die of HIV/AIDS related diseases . . .

Due to reduced immunity the numbers of deaths caused by tuberculosis and malaria is rising . . .

We join this war because we are determined to make a difference . . .

"This is one of the most effective programs I've seen . . ."

The Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center (VCT) in Kisumu, Kenya, is truly making a difference in the lives of suffering people according to Milton Jones, president of CRF board, who recently visited the VCT, located in the slums of Kisumu. "This area has the highest prevalence of AIDS in the world. Before the existence of the VCT there were no health facilities for 700,000 people. It was our dream to partner with the government and still remain a faith-based program. The VCT is directed by Koteino Thomas, trained and certified in healthcare administration, especially the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Free testing, counseling and World Bible School correspondence courses are offered to every patient. If a patient is HIV positive the patient receives treatments."

"I had malaria and didn't even know it . . ."

"The VCT is a full-blown health clinic and pharmacy with a doctor, a physician assistant, anda nurse who can each prescribe medications. The doctor is the best in the city, trained in London." says Milton. "I ran into a guy on the street who told me how much better he was feeling since he went to the clinic. "I had malaria and didn't even know it,' he said, but the clinic tested him and gave him medication." Needs: While the HIV medications are provided by the government, the VCT needs $2,000 each month for the malaria, tuberculosis and cholera medications. To support the volume of patients seen, the VCT is in need of one more physician assistant. $200/month would procure another physician assistant. Case workers who go out into the field to monitor patients on HIV medication are necessary because the HIV can mutate so medicine needs to be adjusted accordingly. A small stipend of $75/month per worker would be helpful in retaining case workers. A CD4 count machine is needed to test blood. Because this machine normally costs $38,000 hopefully one can be donated.

In the Homes of Kenya

Barbie Jones, CRF employee and wife of Milton Jones, CRF president describes the need she saw in Kenya:

I was honored to visit the homes of some of our sponsored children around Eldoret, and homes of others who have been on a waiting list for over a year. My goals were to reassure the sponsored children and their guardians that CRF would continue to help them, and to encourage those who are still waiting…and hoping.
Survival is an issue here - day to day survival . . .
Devastated by political violence after the presidential election in December of 2007, Kenyans are now experiencing a year-long drought. Corn, the staple food in Kenya, is stunted from lack of rain. Puny bean plants struggle to survive under the corn stalks. We met dear people who were so needy, and yet so gracious. One household was five children, ages 12 to 19. That's it - no parents, no guardians . . .
Their corn patch was barely growing at all; they couldn't afford fertilizer. One widow had ten children. The baby had accidentally been named the same name as one of his brothers by the clinic. She asked us to give him a new name. We chose David because King David was the youngest of many children, yet chosen by God to lead his nation. The widow smiled. Another guardian prepared hot chai tea for us inside her mud hut. Yet another widow gave us a gift - a gourd used to store milk. It was decorated with beads, leather and elaborate burned designs. When we returned to Eldoret we learned that the gourd was extremely valuable. She gave us the best she had, hoping her children would soon be sponsored . . . . DONATE TODAY!

Romania Relief Update

"We are people who are trying to live what we teach and preach." That is what I tell new people when they want to know about our church and faith. I have been busy since June 1st . We gave out 2500 packages to children which were really appreciated. I am still hearing good things about it. I am compiling a list of the needs for Christmas. It just takes a lot, when you are trying to help 5000 children. Thank you for your help, monthly support, and prayers. We are blessed to have you as friends, supporters and sponsors. We love and appreciate each of you. Imo & Dale McAnulty

CRF Sponsored Children Earn College Degree

With help from CRF sponsors and hard work, these four students recently graduated from Cuttington University in Liberia:

1. Moses Zolue 2. Johnny Miller 3. Amanda Cooper 4. Togar Tarpeh

From starvation and crushing poverty to a college degree! We congratulate these students and you who have helped! We thought you would enjoy reading their comments:
1. Moses Zolue, Agriculture, sponsored by M/M Tyson Browning: "I lived for many years in a ghetto area inhabited by ex-soldiers who loot, steal and maim. I thank God for the Christian Relief Fund whose financial support enabeled me to not be a part of such activities. Because of the civil war in Liberia my parents were unable to acquire an education. I would like to contribute to the rebuilding of Liberia and to devote my services to the Lord's church and the uplifting of my family. "
2. Johnny Miller, Biology, sponsored by M/M Troy Link, graduated Magna Cum Laude: "The university has brought so much joy to my life and made my life more valuable and meaningful . I really enjoy having good friends and attending chapel, but it will be the best when I reach my zenith, becoming a doctor."
3. Amanda Cooper, Nursing, sponsored by M/M Darrell Swanson
4. Togar Tarpeh Sociology,sponsored by M/M Richard Dale, describes the university: "Much damage was done during the civil war, but it is in the process of being restored. The dorm is simple, 4 students to a room, who obtain water from a hand pump for drinking, bathing and washing. Electricity is only on from 6AM to 5 PM and 7PM to 12AM. Meals consist of bread & tea for breakfast, rice for lunch, and a sandwich & juice for supper. There is no choice of foods but these are appreciated because I did not eat 3 times a day in Monrovia. There are few books in the library. No computers. Most students rush to Monrovia to have term papers completed on time. It is possible to pay students with personal laptops to do term papers, but this is not easily affordable. Learning under these conditions is difficult but I was determined to make all sacrifices to get education at all costs, hoping to graduate from a state of poverty to a better life. "Through CRF and my sponsors, I've had a great time through my academic journey thereby graduating with a BA degree in Sociology and an advanced certificate in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. I graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude). I really do appreciate all you have done to help me make it through. It is my prayer that the Lord reward you for the duties that you all continue to perform.
43 CRF students continue to attend university. Any help for these who are struggling to make a better life will be appreciated.
If you would like to help click here: YES! I want to DONATE TODAY!

A New Home for Children in Dominican Republic

Imagine 18 children crowded into 2 small bedrooms and having to use an outhouse for a bathroom! The children of the CRF Children's Home in Neyba, Dominican Republic were badly in need of a better facility in which to live. With special thanks to Whiltes Ferry Road Church of Christ, they are getting their new home which will have twice as much living space for the kids with a nice kitchen and two bathrooms!

To help click "Current need" and type "DR HOME" in the comments block on CRF donate page. Click here to donate.

After the Violence of 2008: Update on Aid to Kenya

The need in Kenya is still very great as people struggle to recover from the election violence of 2008. Homes and property were stolen, burned or demolished and families have not been able to raise crops for two years. CRF sends aid with Fielden and Janet Alllison when they make periodic trips to the affected area. Here are some of their comments: "We arranged for enough seed and fertilizer to be bought to supply 175 families with enough to plant one acre of corn each. A committee in the most affected area will coordinate with church leaders to decide which families are the most needy. "One Christian lady whose husband had been murdered during the unrest, was unable to pay rent for the house she's staying in. We left some funds for her to purchase roofing material so that she can return to her farm and build her own house. "We met with the high school board to discuss the reopening of the school. They have opened, and have four teachers with about 25 students. All of the students were in need, as the families who've moved back into the area found their houses and possessions destroyed or burned. Thanks to funds from Christian Relief Fund, we were able to provide 21 students with fee money and enable the school to operate and pay teachers. "Some of the stories that the children had to tell were tragic. One student told me that his father was shot and killed by the insurgents, and his mother was burned alive in their house. No child should ever have to suffer such a thing! Another said that he was separated from his parents when they fled their home, and now he doesn't know if they are dead or alive. Many had at least one parent killed during the unrest. Our hearts go out to them. We want to give them hope for the future by providing some high school education. Your generous gifts have helped the people to look to the future with hope again. The churches are regaining strength and peace, though there is still a residue of fear and distrust between the clans. Church members are reaching across clan lines to make amends. We insist that relief be offered to both sides, as all suffered equally, which they were already eager to do. Pray that Satan be defeated and God be exalted." {cms_selflink page='55' text='
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Dental Clinic for the Poor

Some of the worst living conditions in this country or even most third-world countries can be found in the poor neighborhoods of south Texas (pictured here). Dilapidated homes, bad water and sewer systems, and lack of medical services result in high rates of disease: hepatitis, typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera, tuberculosis and and others. For children, this lack of medical care can be devastating. Because of the great need for inexpensive or free medical and dental care (there is NO dental care available to the poor here) North Pharr Church of Christ, Mission,Texas, is assembling a mobile unit which will enable them to have clinics as often as dentists/doctors can come.


"Over the years, North Pharr has hosted many congregations in working in poor colonias in South Texas and northern Mexico, obtaining the services of dentists and doctors from various congregations. To stage these clinics, we had to rent mobile dental clinics owned by the state and/or medical schools. Unfortunately, this is not possible any more because of scheduling and budgetary issues. With a mobile clinic (with generator) we can actually stage this anywhere we want including the five churches we have established in the Colonias. We will offer cleanings, examinations, extractions, fillings, etc. Also, the dentists will be able to refer patients to local dentists or dental surgeons if more extensive care is needed. Also, this clinic would be able to be used by doctors and optome- trists. For more details about this work go to



The church has purchased a truck and trailer and the Longbrake Foundation has given half of the money. An additional $20,000 is needed to remodel the trailer so the mobile dental unit can serve the poor.