Haiti Earthquake Update

Dear Friends,

Assist International is receiving many calls on how volunteers and Assist International can respond to the terrible devastation that has hit Haiti, already the poorest country in the Caribbean with many thousands unaccounted for. All levels of the Government and people have been hit by the devastating earthquake.

When the Tsunami hit Indonesia, we responded with GE to provide a huge water purification system that was sent from Dubai by the largest Russian cargo plane in the world to Singapore. It was then sent by barge to the epicenter of the earthquake and provided purified ocean water for the people of that area.

We also sent water purification systems on trailers that can immediately provide purified water from filthy unpurified water. Assist International can also respond by providing medical equipment in hospitals that may need intensive care/critical care equipment.

Volunteers have stepped to the plate to go and dig out rubble and build homes. We have two "in-country" contacts that we can work through.

If you want to volunteer or you want to donate to Haiti Relief, you can call our office: 831-438-4582 for volunteer information. For checks, you can send a check to Assist International and mark them "for" - Haiti Relief. The address is:

Assist International

P.O. Box 66396

Scotts Valley, CA 95067

You can also make a secure donation online, by visiting www.assistinternational.org.

Haiti is in our backyard. We need to respond to this need and we need to respond immediately.

Thank you for your help.

For the people of Haiti,

Bob Pagett

President

Assist International

Shoes to Romanians

Dear friends of Assist International,

In August, I was with President Radu Tirle, the President of Bihor County of Romania. We have been friends with him for a number of years and our plan is to do some medical projects at a couple of major hospitals in his County during his tenor as President of the County.

As we had our time together, he was very thankful for our partnership with Soles4Souls, who provide footwear to impoverished families around the globe. Through Soles4Souls and the generous donations of many shoe companies, we were able to donate hundreds of pairs of quality boots and shoes to the poor of Romania, many of whom are gypsies.

President Tirle is concerned for the gypsies of his County. There are more gypsies in his county than any other county in Romania and Romania has the largest population of gypsies than any other country in Eastern Europe. There is a lot of animosity towards these people, but the President has a burden to help them.

There are also a lot of poor people in the hinterlands who were wearing shoes with holes in them. The children put cardboard in their shoes to try to escape the cold when going to school. The people in these regions were so grateful to receive boots that would actually keep them warm. They had never before experienced this kind of comfort or generosity. It was one less worry on their minds.

Below you will see a few images of the many families that were blessed by our relationship with Soles4Souls. These are also the kinds of families that will enjoy the better care, training and new medical equipment in their hospitals when the medical projects are complete.

Thank you to Soles4Souls and all of their supporters for allowing us to make a huge impact in many lives in Romania.

Warmest regards,
Bob Pagett

People Making a Difference

Dear Friends of Assist International,

We have all heard the words, "making a difference" many times. What we need to understand is that are many unknown people, people maybe only known to God, who have chosen to put their fingerprints on the needs of our time and have chosen to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. They possibly may never be in the headlines, but they will certainly one day in the headlines of heaven as: PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY CHOICE, NOT BY COERCION. It is people who are motivated, in my view, by a higher calling.

Two of the people we featured in the last mailer were a big part of the recent projects and successes at the FELIX FAMILY VILLAGE in Surat, Thailand. The new homes constructed for orphans was quietly funded by Jim Sankey, a friend of Assist International and Caminul Felix. Lars Hornburg of Sweden is the founder of Caminul Felix Ministries, a ministry Assist International has chosen to partner with since its beginning in 1990. It was a privilege as a member of the FELIX INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS to attend the inauguration of the FELIX FAMILY VILLAGE on May 9, 2009. As a 'stand in' for Jim Sankey, who could not be present, I cut the ribbon for one of the orphan homes with the mayor of Surat and Lars Hornburg.

We at Assist International salute Lars, Jim and others who are making a difference. There are many people, young and old, over the nineteen years of existence who have and are making a difference. Many of you have chosen to partner with Assist International and together we have committed to HELP HUMANITY... A CHOICE. AS JESUS CHRIST ONCE SAID, "AS MUCH AS YOU HAVE DONE IT TO THE LEAST OF THESE, YOU HAVE DONE UNTO ME." Assist International has chosen to help "the least of these"... and with your help, a difference is in the making.

Thank you for your partnership and thank you for helping us do what cannot be done without your help.

Bob Paget

There is Power in Partnerships

God has blessed Assist in so many ways through the eighteen years of our existence and as our nineteenth year begins. We've completed over eighty (80) medical projects in forty-two (42) countries around the world. Only God knows the many lives that have been saved as a result. Also, these endeavors have inspired and deepened peace and understanding in Muslim countries as Americans come and help.

Our assignment in addressing the needs of this world has taken us to dangerous areas like Kabul, Afghanistan, Israel and in some of the poorest and neediest places on our planet. Yet, for missionaries and Americans working in these troubled and dangerous places, these great gifts of outstanding critical care medical equipment and training ensure their capacity to stay in the country and continue the essential work they are doing.

Many times when these American workers are involved in these projects it inspires the national authorities to renew their visas and to see them as they are, friends of the people. A tangible act of love and mercy which saves the lives of the children and residents and enables the medical staff to work at their best levels, brings understanding and affirmation in powerful ways. Some Egyptian doctors on loan to the Islamic Republic of Djibouti highlight this great dynamic.

One evening, during the installation, we took the Egyptian doctor working with us as our translator to dinner (we also included his wife and two children). About halfway through our meal he stood and asked for the attention of the entire team.

"You're the first Americans I've ever met," he said. Then, he teared up and continued, "And you're nothing like I thought you would be."

I could go on and on with saving children through our work in orphanages in Romania and Africa. However, the point of this is: THESE ACHIEVEMENTS COULDNOT HAVE BEEN DONE BY ASSIST INTERNATIONAL ALONE. THERE IS A POWER IN PARTNERSHIPS.

The Scripture says something about doing things alone, noting that when two work together it is ten-times more powerful. We have found this to be universally true, and as a result, Assist rightfully gives the credit to the many organizations, companies, churches and individuals who have partnered with us over the years. THERE IS POWER IN PARTNERSHIPS!

On most of our projects Assist takes little or no credit for what's been done. All the credit goes to the hospital, organization or partners we're working with no matter where we are; Tibet, Sudan, Sri Lanka or Djibouti. For example, when we partner with Rotary International, we are happiest when Rotary gets the credit. ASSIST INTERNATIONAL IS CALLED TO GIVE AND SERVE ... AND THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY FOR US TO DO THIS IS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS.

So, from the individuals who support us to hospitals, churches and organizations, we would never have accomplished all this without your help. However you view your relationship with Assist, we view you as an essential partner. Thank you for all you've done.

I hope you'll agree THERE IS POWER IN PARTNERSHIPS.

Bob Pagett - President

New Beginnings

Dear Friends,

As we begin our 19th year of Assist International and our first issue of this New Year, all of us at Assist International are thankful for your partnership and grateful to be among those who make a difference in the lives of others. Our partnerships. personal and corporate, are the reason so many lives have experienced a new beginning.

Cheri Reynolds, who has dedicated her life to empower the women of Africa through Enzi Imports, inspired us with a story worth hearing and acting on. Her story is of a mother with beautiful twin daughters. It is both heart breaking and inspirational:

"The New Year brings new lists, commitments, determination, the 'new' you... yell less, work harder or smarter, save more, lose more, exercise more...the list can be endless. As we all look to a New Year of new beginnings, new resolve, let me share with you a way that you can help others with a new beginning as well. As I have travelled and met women, I am always amazed and humbled at why I wasn't born in Africa, but instead was born in land where I am presented with the same opportunities as the next person. Women in most African countries have little to no rights and they suffer unspeakable indignities on a daily basis.

Consider the real life story of Emma. She lives in Webuye, Kenya, and is the mother of twin girls, Shirlyne and Sandra (pictured). In her tribe, twins born first are considered a curse, and the legend states that the father will die (ten years later, he is still alive); however, when anyone connected with Emma dies, the tribe blames the death on the twins. Legend has it that the only way to break the curse is to kill one of the twins. Her tribe, including the father, has set out to kill one of Emma's girls. Because of these death threats, Emma has left her tribe and is trying to provide for herself so that her twins can live.

She is starting to make jewelry for Enzi Imports, and aside from being able to provide the basic needs for her family, her work allows her to remain independent and her precious daughters to live.

Africa is full of courageous, hardworking women who are looking for opportunities to rise out of poverty and care for themselves and their children. Perhaps a chance for us also to have something new in our lives as well; how many of us can say we helped change a life in a tangible and lasting way? How many of us know that a small amount we give as seed money can change the destiny of a family in need?" - Cheri Reynolds

What better way can we change the destiny of a family than to help them begin a new life with a new destiny under the direction of Cheri Reynolds who is dedicated to "empowering women of Africa?" The seed money you give will change the destiny of a family in need. It's worth considering.

For the poor and needy,

Bob Pagett

Gifts that Keep on Giving

Char with children in Jinja, Uganda

Dear Friends of Assist International:

As 2008 begins to wind down, my heart is full of gratitude for all that has been accomplished through the support of so many. Thank you for all you've done to empower the lives of the most vulnerable among us, and for the privilege of partnering with you as responsible and compassionate citizens of the world. I am always amazed at how far resources can go when placed in capable and caring hands.

What stands out to me this year is that the GIFTS that many have given, keep on giving. With your support in 2008, 4 schools have been built in Uganda, new homes were built in Lira and Jinja and a playground and soccer field were constructed in Jinja, Uganda. Due to your continued support, we have been able to complete medical projects in Africa, Romania and China. Families, hospitals, villages and schools in Central America and in 5 countries in Africa have been blessed with clean drinking water. These are YOUR gifts to an impoverished world.

During the holiday season, we all receive gifts and we value them. If we are honest, many of these gifts are temporary and after a few months, have lost its "shelf life"! In the spirit of Christmas, Char and I are going to be giving gifts to our family and friends because we want them to know that we love them and they are meaningful to us.

However, we are also investing in Assist International because we believe that clean water, education, a safe and stable family, life-saving medical equipment, vocational training or the medicine that keeps a parent alive and productive are all the gifts that really do keep on giving. Together we have the opportunity, responsibility and joy of giving these gifts which lift the lives of thousands beyond mere existence.

In 2009, Assist International is committed to doing more than in any previous year. I invite you to join me and my family in adding such a gift to your shopping list for the season. Your contribution to Assist International (large or small marked "gifts that keep on giving") will uniquely and powerfully touch the vulnerable of our world, bringing relief and the continuing gift of a hopeful and productive future.

Above all, Merry Christmas to you and may 2009 be filled with God's blessings, His Grace and Mercies on your life for this coming New Year.

With Warmest Regards,

Bob Pagett

Beyond Mere Existence

Dear Partners of Assist International:

There is a question that I ponder when a friend or a loved one faces the dreaded disease of cancer. All of a sudden, you think of things you may have never thought of before, like: life and death issues and living beyond mere existence. I think the goal of all of us is to live BEYOND MERE EXISTENCE.

In Jinja, Uganda, we see mothers and children who because of circumstances beyond their control, (the death of a husband and father through war or AIDS) are pondering questions like: "how are we going to survive?"

Widows in Africa are in a panic because the man of the household is gone and they do not have the means to support their own children. Some of the women who lost their husbands felt they had to turn to prostitution so their children would not starve.

Now they have a chance because someone cared. Cheri Reynolds along with her husband Tim (Executive Director of Assist International) and their four sons spent last summer living in Africa. While there, Cheri decided to partner with women who had become her friends to help them be able to put bread on their tables, send their children to school and take steps out of extreme poverty. It's a classic example of moving from mere existence...tackling a problem, and finding a solution.

A.I. currently is partnering with Cheri and her company, Enzi Imports, to set up a women's group in Webuye, Kenya and in Uganda, with cottage industries that will lift women out of poverty and secure their future and their ability to provide for their children. Currently, there are 30 women in Webuye sharing one sewing machine. Assist International is donating many more sewing machines, as well as clothing and beads to help these women start businesses to be able to care for their children and support them in their bid to rise above poverty. If you would like to donate money towards the purchase of a sewing machine, please send your money to Assist International and mark the envelope: Women's Empowerment Fund.

If you want to buy jewelry that lifts a mother and her children from poverty, please visit www.enziimports.com. If you want to know how you can get involved, email Cheri at cheri@enziimports.com. There is a potential of empowering hundreds of women, mothers with tears of joy in their eyes, knowing they now have an opportunity to provide a future for their children.

Assist International does not belong to Bob & Charlene Pagett or a Board of Directors. It belongs to people like you who want an avenue by which you can make a difference. IT'S AN AVENUE THAT CAN EMPOWER ALL OF US FROM MERE EXISTENCE.

-Bob Pagett