Center of Good News

Brandi and I returned from Ghana last night and in the midst of jet lag, a sick baby, and Christmas only days away, one thing is for sure - it's nice to be home.

Markaz al Bishara - our client in West Africa - is Arabic for "Center of Good News". It's a progressive social enterprise that encompasses several businesses and even more humanitarian outreach projects in the region.

So for Amani Global, this trip brought a new perspective on what 'good news' sometimes means.

Several important things happened for us during our 3 weeks in Ghana:

1. Our daughter, Audrey, took her first steps. (Somehow I knew she was waiting for this trip!)
2. Everyone stayed healthy.
3. We solidified our relationship with Markaz and advised them on the next steps to take in the development of their social enterprise business group.
4. Destiny Foundation got to experience Africa for the first time.

All of these things were the subjects of much prayer and contemplation before and during the trip...so we're grateful that we can look back and say 'good news' on all fronts.

We also experienced a few firsts along the way...

- Our first official visit to the leading Muslim cleric in the region
- The visit included the mosque and his home (inner room - most rare)
- Our nanny on the trip, Gail, got to experience Africa for the first time and loved it - she kept a great attitude the entire time (also very rare!)
- Visit to the poorest village I've ever seen in 15 years of traveling to Ghana - heartbreaking



Woman in Daboya Village, Northern Region of Ghana


With Christmas here, of course, the best 'good news' is that the reason for doing what we do...the reason for all the humanitarian work...the reason that we love others...is Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

- mike

Awaiting Destiny

Being in Africa is good for the soul.

We've been here one week now and are finished with all the preparations for the Destiny Team to arrive tomorrow. I'll be flying from Tamale to Accra in the morning to pick them up at the airport.

I can't wait to greet them - they will be so surprised that they're on the ground in Africa, finally. It will bring back a lot of memories of my first time in Africa 15 years ago!

Our meetings with Johnson Asare at Markaz al Bishara have gone exceedingly well. He's a long-term partner of Amani Global without a doubt. We believe in him, his passion, humility, and integrity - 100%.

His social enterprise model is brilliant...and sustainable. Africans solving Africa's problems. Sure - outside investment is needed, badly.

But one thing is for sure - the traditional donor-recipient funding model does not work. What's that definition of insanity again?!

As most of you know, Amani Global's mission and passion is to promote social entrepreneurship as a sustainable model to help end poverty. Doesn't matter if you're in Portland, Daka, or Kinshasa.

We are doing it. Right now. In West Africa. And it works. We just need more of it.

Sorry we can't upload photos - the Internet connection here in Tamale is just good enough to post text. We're taking good photos - we promised! But you'll have to wait.

- mike

Ghana, Coming Right Up

We're off to Ghana, West Africa next Wednesday.

Hard to believe it's been 3 years since our last visit to the country I once called 'home'.

We couldn't be happier about the relationship with Destiny so far - smart people, risk-taking, and totally passionate about the work.

Our potential partners for them on the ground in Ghana are excited, too - not just for potential funding, but also because it's so affirming when someone believes in you and your life's work and joins you in partnership.


2004 photo from inside Elmina Slave Castle in
Ghana, built by the Portugese in 1482.

Someone once told me, "Once you've tasted the waters of Africa, your thirst will never be quenched." Despite unparalleled poverty, a sobering past and overwhelming obstacles, Africa's spirit is very much alive.

And it demands our very best.

Anyway, after one last meeting with Destiny next Tuesday to talk financials, we're off to the land of Akwaaba - and back just in time for Christmas - a holiday we thoroughly enjoy celebrating.

Please offer up some prayer for Audrey - we're a little nervous about taking a 16-month old to the meningitis belt of Africa as you can imagine.

In the meantime...Happy Thanksgiving to all. Much to be thankful for.

mike

PS. We have joined the One campaign and encourage you to do the same if your heart is in it.

Introducing...The Destiny Foundation of Central Florida

Greater Accra Region, Ghana, West Africa


Welcome to our new blog - Amani Global Adventures!

Amani Global is in the business of helping organizations find innovative, sustainable solutions to help lift people out of poverty. And our newest partner, The Destiny Foundation of Central Florida, is aiming to do just that in Africa. Why expand to Africa?

Did you know that 15,000 Africans die every day from malaria, TB, and AIDS despite billions in foreign aid? This is unacceptable.

Until now, Destiny has successfully focused on fighting domestic hunger and poverty in Florida. In an effort to reach global neighbors, they are now expanding their mission to Africa. We're privileged to help them secure sustainable, local partnerships and make the dream a reality for them.

So...we're off to Africa!

We'll be in Ghana this December visiting a variety of projects that Destiny could potentially fund. Personally, Brandi and I are excited about what could come out of this partnership on behalf of so many people in Africa who need a hand up.

We'll be posting regularly during the trip, so if you're interested to see life firsthand in West Africa, bookmark it and come along with us.

Anyway...we hope you enjoy our blog. (We promise to take really good pictures.)

- mike