I want to tell you the story of the project in Pecs, Hungary and the St. Stephens Burn Center in Budapest, Hungary.
Pecs, Hungary
Dr. Irene Doktor Csontos, was a Hungarian doctor. She escaped from Hungary while living in Pecs, immigrated to Canada and then to the US and continued her medical education until she received a medical degree in the US. For years she was a Chaplain at the UC Davis Hospital in Sacramento, CA. Later she started her own non profit humanitarian organization, organized a medical school in Belize and had a heart for Hungary.
Assist International has done medical projects at the Bathesda Children’s Hospital and the Summelweis Children’s Hospital in Budapest, Hungary at the request of Irene. Then she appealed for us to do a medical project at the University Pediatric Hospital in Pecs, Hungary.
Pecs is a 2,000 year old city with great culture and history. It also is one of the major medical training facilities in Hungary. It was also the city where Dr. Irene Csontos received her initial medical training.
Assist International in partnership with Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, General Electric, the Livermore Rotary Club of Livermore, CA, Rotary District 5170, the Pecs Rotary Club, the Budapest City Rotary Club, the Oklahoma City Rotary Club and the Roeselare Rotary Club of Austria participated in this project.
Assist International provided 14 Philips full perimeter neo natal and pediatric cardiac care monitors, two ultrasounds, one with echocardiography capability, GE infant warmers, GE bassinets and a GE incubator.
The project was done in honor of Dr. Irene Doktor Csontos. It was our sadness to learn that while this project was taking place, Dr. Csontos passed away due to Cancer. She was highly respected and honored. She was acknowledged by the Hungarian Parliament, the Mayor of Pecs and the President of the Pecs, Hungary Rotary Club. She will be missed.
The St. Stephens Burn Center – Budapest, Hungary
The St. Stephens Burn Center is the adult burn center of Hungary, consequently the most critically burned people are directed to this hospital. Earlier in this year, the President of the Pentecostal Churches of Hungary entered the hospital for treatment of severe burns. While in the hospital, he asked his colleague Rick Wislocky, missionary to Hungary if Assist International would help this hospital as the burn center could not afford the equipment that would strengthen their program. Within a half an hour this respected church leader was dead from a blood clot that entered his heart.
In his memory, Assist International provided for the hospital two anesthesia machines, six full perimeter cardiac care monitors on roll stands, two defibrillators, six infusion pumps and a Hill Rom Fluidization Bed and a generous supplies of bandages, gauze, disposable gloves and sterilization supplies.
This project was done in memory of Reverend Atila Fabian, a highly respected churchman of Hungary.
The hospital and the director of the hospital were deeply grateful for this gift in memory of this great church leader.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Friends and Family of Assist international,
Rather than send a quarterly newsletter, I decided to write a Christmas letter. Christmas is a time to count our blessings and to share our love for family and friends through getting together, sharing meals and gift giving. Some people are extending their appreciation of God's blessings by remembering the poor and needy as well. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. My wife, Charlene, has grounded me for December so that beyond work, we will see our grandchildren in Christmas musicals and programs, bond with family and friends and count our many blessings.
For sure, this year may have been our greatest outreach in many countries around the world in our 17th year of operation. Nancy Farber, the Chief Executive Officer of Washington Hospital (WHHS) in Fremont California, leads an 1100-bed hospital with a local population which is extremely diverse. She writes: "Our trust in Assist International is so substantial that I would not consider committing our resources or efforts to projects like in Afghanistan without the very capable, dedicated and effective team at Assist International. We know that when we donate equipment and supplies they will get where they are suppose to go, will be functional and beneficial to the recipients. Speaking as a hospital CEO, I can say we have great confidence and trust in our relationship with Assist International. Assist International is one of those altogether rare organizations that lives out its charitable purpose faithfully, driven by a commitment to serve humanity."
I am humbled by such relationships with people like Nancy Farber and Sam Downing, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare Systems (SVMHS), and others too numerous to mention. Sam Downing and SVMHS have been our most faithful partner in medical projects around the world.
Because of your gifts, 98% of cash, goods and services goes directly to the poor and needy, which allows Assist International to receive a sound rating from Charity Navigator for solid fiscal management indicating that Assist International outperforms the majority of non-profits in fiscal responsibility. We are dedicated to serve people around the world with the resources that you have sent our way.
I am humbled when I think of all that has been accomplished this year: OVER 200 volunteers have built orphan homes in Romania and Uganda. In Lira, Uganda, alone, 10 homes have been built where the orphaned children, some who have escaped from child soldiering, now have a place of refuge and a secure home. Assist International hosted the Romanian Orphan Choir in Western US in September. I get teary when I see these kids sing and know that once they were abandoned (rejected) and orphaned. Now they have a mother and a father and a hope and a future. These kinds of stories drive me.
In 2007 alone, 90 medical volunteers helped with 9 major medical projects in Vietnam and the Africa countries of Uganda, Mali and Djibouti. That does not count the water, power and medical projects done in Ghana, Honduras, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi.
I am truly blessed to be part of Assist International and its wonderful staff. And I can't thank you enough for standing with us, believing in us and partnering with us. As you know, we have felt compelled to enlarge our distribution center. The small warehouse cannot meet the need. We are in the middle of building a 24,000 sq. ft. distribution center. A number of letters have gone out asking for assistance. At this moment, $45,780 has come in. I am praying that this $1.5 million project will eventually be debt free.
So I wish each of you a blessed Christmas Season. Take it from me we are blessed to live in the US. I almost kiss the ground when I return home from a developing country. We are truly blessed. I hope you count your blessings this Christmas season. I hope you love your friends and family more than ever...and thank you for your support of Assist International.
Warmest regards,
Bob Pagett - Assist International
Rather than send a quarterly newsletter, I decided to write a Christmas letter. Christmas is a time to count our blessings and to share our love for family and friends through getting together, sharing meals and gift giving. Some people are extending their appreciation of God's blessings by remembering the poor and needy as well. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. My wife, Charlene, has grounded me for December so that beyond work, we will see our grandchildren in Christmas musicals and programs, bond with family and friends and count our many blessings.
For sure, this year may have been our greatest outreach in many countries around the world in our 17th year of operation. Nancy Farber, the Chief Executive Officer of Washington Hospital (WHHS) in Fremont California, leads an 1100-bed hospital with a local population which is extremely diverse. She writes: "Our trust in Assist International is so substantial that I would not consider committing our resources or efforts to projects like in Afghanistan without the very capable, dedicated and effective team at Assist International. We know that when we donate equipment and supplies they will get where they are suppose to go, will be functional and beneficial to the recipients. Speaking as a hospital CEO, I can say we have great confidence and trust in our relationship with Assist International. Assist International is one of those altogether rare organizations that lives out its charitable purpose faithfully, driven by a commitment to serve humanity."
I am humbled by such relationships with people like Nancy Farber and Sam Downing, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare Systems (SVMHS), and others too numerous to mention. Sam Downing and SVMHS have been our most faithful partner in medical projects around the world.
Because of your gifts, 98% of cash, goods and services goes directly to the poor and needy, which allows Assist International to receive a sound rating from Charity Navigator for solid fiscal management indicating that Assist International outperforms the majority of non-profits in fiscal responsibility. We are dedicated to serve people around the world with the resources that you have sent our way.
I am humbled when I think of all that has been accomplished this year: OVER 200 volunteers have built orphan homes in Romania and Uganda. In Lira, Uganda, alone, 10 homes have been built where the orphaned children, some who have escaped from child soldiering, now have a place of refuge and a secure home. Assist International hosted the Romanian Orphan Choir in Western US in September. I get teary when I see these kids sing and know that once they were abandoned (rejected) and orphaned. Now they have a mother and a father and a hope and a future. These kinds of stories drive me.
In 2007 alone, 90 medical volunteers helped with 9 major medical projects in Vietnam and the Africa countries of Uganda, Mali and Djibouti. That does not count the water, power and medical projects done in Ghana, Honduras, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi.
I am truly blessed to be part of Assist International and its wonderful staff. And I can't thank you enough for standing with us, believing in us and partnering with us. As you know, we have felt compelled to enlarge our distribution center. The small warehouse cannot meet the need. We are in the middle of building a 24,000 sq. ft. distribution center. A number of letters have gone out asking for assistance. At this moment, $45,780 has come in. I am praying that this $1.5 million project will eventually be debt free.
So I wish each of you a blessed Christmas Season. Take it from me we are blessed to live in the US. I almost kiss the ground when I return home from a developing country. We are truly blessed. I hope you count your blessings this Christmas season. I hope you love your friends and family more than ever...and thank you for your support of Assist International.
Warmest regards,
Bob Pagett - Assist International
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Romanian Medical Center Project
Dear Friends of Assist International,
On my current trip to Romania I met with Senator Radu Tirle. He is one of 465 parliament members in the Romania parliament and he is one of 35 who have been selected by the Parliament to represent Romania in the European Union.
Senator Tirle is asking Assist International to join in partnership to help them complete the much needed RAFA Care & Medical center in Oredea. Oredea is the capital city of Bihor County, a region of some 630,000 people.
This new medical center will serve thousands of homeless and gypsies in the area, as well as give benevolence, medical and other support to a great number of Romanians who are in need. I really want to help the Senator finish this Wholeness Clinic that will give hope and wellness to thousands in that region.
The center will also house community chaplaincy outreach to our prisons, jails, homeless, and other institutions and desperate individuals and families. Within the center, in addition to medical, benevolence and care, they will have an active pregnancy center.
Assist International has committed to completing the offices above the Theranova Orthodic and Prosthetic Clinic. This will offer the European Union staff the space by which they can administer funds to the 6 Provinces in that area of Romania.
The new RAFA Care & Medical holistic building will consist of the following:
a) Underground level: the benevolence center, storing goods for the needy and homeless and pharmacy storage area.
b) Ground level: a 24 hours pharmacy and a full medical laboratory providing medical investigation for the most distressed people.
c) First floor: ten medical offices whereby consultation and other medical treatment will be provided for the unemployment, retired and uninsured individuals.
d) Second level: 120 seat auditorium, designated for continuum counseling/ chaplaincy/ community/ leadership training, a pregnancy center, three counseling offices that will serve as a counseling and training center, and a research center available for staff and students.
e) Third floor: five apartments for trainees, visiting consultants and partners.
On my current trip to Romania I met with Senator Radu Tirle. He is one of 465 parliament members in the Romania parliament and he is one of 35 who have been selected by the Parliament to represent Romania in the European Union.
Senator Tirle is asking Assist International to join in partnership to help them complete the much needed RAFA Care & Medical center in Oredea. Oredea is the capital city of Bihor County, a region of some 630,000 people.
This new medical center will serve thousands of homeless and gypsies in the area, as well as give benevolence, medical and other support to a great number of Romanians who are in need. I really want to help the Senator finish this Wholeness Clinic that will give hope and wellness to thousands in that region.
The center will also house community chaplaincy outreach to our prisons, jails, homeless, and other institutions and desperate individuals and families. Within the center, in addition to medical, benevolence and care, they will have an active pregnancy center.
Assist International has committed to completing the offices above the Theranova Orthodic and Prosthetic Clinic. This will offer the European Union staff the space by which they can administer funds to the 6 Provinces in that area of Romania.
The new RAFA Care & Medical holistic building will consist of the following:
a) Underground level: the benevolence center, storing goods for the needy and homeless and pharmacy storage area.
b) Ground level: a 24 hours pharmacy and a full medical laboratory providing medical investigation for the most distressed people.
c) First floor: ten medical offices whereby consultation and other medical treatment will be provided for the unemployment, retired and uninsured individuals.
d) Second level: 120 seat auditorium, designated for continuum counseling/ chaplaincy/ community/ leadership training, a pregnancy center, three counseling offices that will serve as a counseling and training center, and a research center available for staff and students.
e) Third floor: five apartments for trainees, visiting consultants and partners.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Dear Friends of Assist International,
I write this letter having just returned from Jinja, Uganda at the headwaters of the Nile River. Many people associate the Nile with Egypt, Moses, and the deliverance of God's people. Some think only of the Nile in terms of epic motion pictures with big stars from the past like Charlton Heston, confining the significance of the Nile to "Hollywood" productions. To me the Nile will always be associated with deliverance from bondage and despair.
When I travel to the Nile I do not go as a tourist, or to relax and take a break in a beautiful place of Biblical significance. I visit the Nile River in Uganda because it is the home of two amazing villages for orphaned children. These villages are comprised of nearly 25 homes funded by supporters of Assist International.
Uganda has had a tough history from the time of Idi Amin through the more recent problems with Joseph Koney and the LRA, which has been abducting children into their army and displacing over 1.5 million people. Some of the children in our family villages were rescued from the clutches of the LRA where they were forced to commit heinous acts of violence and were torn away from their community. Through the building of these villages, children have been put back into nurturing families full of hope, security and care. Others are receiving new families after their family of origin fell victim to HIV/AIDS.
Here at the Nile, once again there is deliverance for God's precious ones, and an exodus from despair, slavery, and hopelessness.
I seldom find it difficult to make financial requests on behalf of children in such dire need. In contrast, I always find it difficult to engage in requests for our own needs as a humanitarian missions organization. Raising money for orphan projects is easy; raising money to administrate the gifts and facilitate the work is always difficult. When you stop to think about it, every good organization needs a base of operation. In order to forward donated goods those goods have to have an efficient point of collection and distribution. I trust you can see the direct link between supporting AI at home and accomplishing projects oversees.
This is why we undertook the building of a distribution center in Central California. It is a tool to do the work God has assigned us to do. Last year we completed phase I of this operation that helped us increase the amount of donated goods we could accept.
Now we are in the process of building phase II to provide additional space and to maximize your investment for the future. Your investment in A.I. at home will ensure that we have the needed facilities to do the work you have partnered in with us for so long. It will allow us to advance into the future without hindrance. Your investment in A.I. at home directly effects the most needy overseas.
Will you please join us in completing this Distribution Center so that further deliverance from despair can be facilitated on the banks of the Nile for God's precious children?
Stand with me please,
Bob Pagett
I write this letter having just returned from Jinja, Uganda at the headwaters of the Nile River. Many people associate the Nile with Egypt, Moses, and the deliverance of God's people. Some think only of the Nile in terms of epic motion pictures with big stars from the past like Charlton Heston, confining the significance of the Nile to "Hollywood" productions. To me the Nile will always be associated with deliverance from bondage and despair.
When I travel to the Nile I do not go as a tourist, or to relax and take a break in a beautiful place of Biblical significance. I visit the Nile River in Uganda because it is the home of two amazing villages for orphaned children. These villages are comprised of nearly 25 homes funded by supporters of Assist International.
Uganda has had a tough history from the time of Idi Amin through the more recent problems with Joseph Koney and the LRA, which has been abducting children into their army and displacing over 1.5 million people. Some of the children in our family villages were rescued from the clutches of the LRA where they were forced to commit heinous acts of violence and were torn away from their community. Through the building of these villages, children have been put back into nurturing families full of hope, security and care. Others are receiving new families after their family of origin fell victim to HIV/AIDS.
Here at the Nile, once again there is deliverance for God's precious ones, and an exodus from despair, slavery, and hopelessness.
I seldom find it difficult to make financial requests on behalf of children in such dire need. In contrast, I always find it difficult to engage in requests for our own needs as a humanitarian missions organization. Raising money for orphan projects is easy; raising money to administrate the gifts and facilitate the work is always difficult. When you stop to think about it, every good organization needs a base of operation. In order to forward donated goods those goods have to have an efficient point of collection and distribution. I trust you can see the direct link between supporting AI at home and accomplishing projects oversees.
This is why we undertook the building of a distribution center in Central California. It is a tool to do the work God has assigned us to do. Last year we completed phase I of this operation that helped us increase the amount of donated goods we could accept.
Now we are in the process of building phase II to provide additional space and to maximize your investment for the future. Your investment in A.I. at home will ensure that we have the needed facilities to do the work you have partnered in with us for so long. It will allow us to advance into the future without hindrance. Your investment in A.I. at home directly effects the most needy overseas.
Will you please join us in completing this Distribution Center so that further deliverance from despair can be facilitated on the banks of the Nile for God's precious children?
Stand with me please,
Bob Pagett
Friday, August 17, 2007
Dear Friends of Assist International:
This Spring found Assist International doing life-saving projects in Djibouti (East Africa), Mali (West Africa), and four hospital projects in Vietnam. These projects are giving life and hope to so many! Dr. Cat from Khanh Hoa Provincial Hospital in Vietnam said:
"The Cardiac Ultrasound that we received is the best gift. It has been working very well and is a big help for children's heart disease diagnosis in Khanh Hoa. Looking at the crowd of children and their parents at the clinics, I can see the hope in their eyes. Without this chance, many of these heart patient children can never afford diagnosis and treatment."
There is nothing more satisfying than to know that with your help, we can save lives and give people a hope and a future. These projects will ensure that lives can be saved each day for years to come. Thank you for being a partner with Assist International.
Bob Pagett,
President & Founder
Assist International
www.assistinternational.org
This Spring found Assist International doing life-saving projects in Djibouti (East Africa), Mali (West Africa), and four hospital projects in Vietnam. These projects are giving life and hope to so many! Dr. Cat from Khanh Hoa Provincial Hospital in Vietnam said:
"The Cardiac Ultrasound that we received is the best gift. It has been working very well and is a big help for children's heart disease diagnosis in Khanh Hoa. Looking at the crowd of children and their parents at the clinics, I can see the hope in their eyes. Without this chance, many of these heart patient children can never afford diagnosis and treatment."
There is nothing more satisfying than to know that with your help, we can save lives and give people a hope and a future. These projects will ensure that lives can be saved each day for years to come. Thank you for being a partner with Assist International.
Bob Pagett,
President & Founder
Assist International
www.assistinternational.org
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