A letter from the President

Haiti Earthquake Update

2010-01-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

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

2009-09-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-02T11:25:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-16T11:11:00.001-08:00

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

2008-10-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

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

The Least of These

2008-07-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

It's Summer, it's hot, God is alive and well and Assist International is doing its best to meet the obligations and responsibilities that come our way. THE LEAST OF THESE (poorest and neediest) is our commitment and calling.

One of our greatest responsibilities is to the children of our world who have been abandoned and orphaned due to EXTREME POVERTY, ARMED CONFLICT, and/or HIV/AIDS. At the moment, Assist International is involved in FIVE SCHOOL PROJECTS: a kindergarten and a high school in Jinja, Uganda, an elementary School near the border of DR Congo and Uganda and an elementary School for the children of the Deraige IDP camp Darfur, Sudan.

In Romania, laser technology at Theranova is helping the lame to walk. Hundreds of children have received arms and legs and twisted bodies have been fitted with braces. At Caminul Felix Village, Assist International continues its commitment to the 160,000 orphaned and abandoned children of Romania. Not only does each of these children have a story, but now they share a common theme: Out of tragedy there is hope and future.

Can you understand what drives us? It's the opportunity to address the needs of the LEAST OF THESE. We feel privileged to be called to this work and honored that you partnered with us in it.

Project and Earthquake in China

2008-05-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

I just returned from Taojiang, China where we installed critical care 4000 Dash GE monitors with central station and provided for the hospital a new echocardiography ultrasound and 6 “etep down” cardiac care monitors that can be sent throughout the hall ways of the hospital.

The Taojiang County Hospital is in a city of 800,000 people, a small city compared to the many big cities in China. The people in Taojiang were so friendly, warm and nice. They invited some of our medical team to visit their home, they wanted to have their pictures taken with “Americans” and the young boys and girls wanted to speak to us to try out their English.

The Hospital greeted us with open arms with a big banner thanking Rotary International and the Maria Yee Inc. and Assist International for providing for the hospital this wonderful equipment.

It was this equipment that was a motivating force to build a new wing of the hospital. It also lifted their medical care to the place that they have been invited to be a “sister” hospital to a much larger hospital in Changsha, the capital city of Hunan Province.

Our medical team was made up of people from Assist International, a GE Engineer from GE Healthcare, a lady cardiologist doctor from Chengdu and Hong Kong, representatives of the Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 5170 of California and a Rotary Club of Hong Kong.

It is interesting that the leadership of the hospital smokes constantly, but tried to avoid smoking when we were there. There are no smoking signs in the hospital but largely ignored because the doctors smoke. I don’t want to put down China, but in that hospital they smoke and spit on the floor and the restrooms are atrocious.

After the project was completed, we challenged the hospital to respect the equipment by not smoking around it, to respect their no smoking sign, to do a better job of keeping the hospital and the restrooms clean. They were a little sober with this challenge, but they are determined to follow our instructions because they know that with this new life saving equipment, the hospital is looked at in a new way.

Earthquake

On Monday May 12, the great earthquake hit China. We were 400 miles from the epicenter and felt long rumbling tremors for at least two minutes, strong enough for us to flee the building for fear the building would collapse. It was kind of fearful.

Our Chinese Cardiologist was from Chengdu, close to the epicenter of the earthquake. She found out that two of the doctor friends that she works with lost their only child in the earthquake. She had to leave our group to control her sorrow. We all felt the pain for her and the children and people of China.

The devastation and death in that earthquake was horrendous. It could be that the final toll of death may reach upwards to 100,000 as 70,000 people are still missing or unaccounted for.

We were amazed at the quick response by the people of China. They were donating millions of dollars, the army, medics, doctors, nurses and volunteers throughout China rushed to the scene. The Prime Minister of the Country immediately went to the scene and with tears in his eyes said he was a grandfather and please work hard to rescue the children.

Unfortunately, the earthquake began at around 2:45 p.m. while many children were still in school and thousands of children were killed. What was doubly hard is the “one child” policy of China. Thousands of parents were is despair as the future of their family was lost in the death of their child. Many are either too old or sterile by which they no longer have the ability to have children. It was devastating.

All of us were sobered by what these people were experiencing and our hearts were heavy for those who lost their family members and loved ones. The whole country responded to the need. The response to the disaster was the greatest response I have ever seen.

The closure ceremony for the medical project and a Rotary Wheel Chair Foundation giveaway took place in a public park in front of the County Government Building and before hundreds of people. There was a band, leaders of the Government and the entire Hospital staff present. Other Medical leaders from the capital city were to come, but at the last moment were called to the earthquake zone.

The Chinese certainly know how to express their thanks when they have been helped.

The trip is one that will be remembered forever. Assist International has done over 80 medical projects in 40 countries around the world, but no one demonstrates their thanks like the Chinese people.

After the project was over, a huge dinner was hosted by the hospital and Government leaders for the Rotarians and medical people who attended the event.

The request for this project came from the Maria Yee Furniture Factory. Maria Yee, from China, who now lives in Santa Cruz, CA asked for this project and contributed to this project as a gift to the County where many people work for her company. Maria Yee and her associate Elsie Ponn did a wonderful job of coordinating the trip and project.

We left Taojiang, thankful that we in some small way a blessing to the hospital and we left with new friends.

For more information on the project in China, visit Tim and Ray's blog here.

Violence in Kenya

2008-01-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Here is another letter from our missionary friends David and Beckie Smith in Kenya. Please pray for the protection of their family during this time.

Dear friends,

What do you when the lines reach 300 people in front you and you don’t know if you are going to get into the grocery store? My friend Clive & I had been to several stores and we could not find milk, bread, and many other basic things in any store. The petrol stations where closed for 3 days because there was no fuel. Thieves came to the house next door a few days ago but the guard happen to see them before they broke in and sounded the alarm. Riot police are surrounding the police station a block from our house to protect some of the people inside.

The Bible speaks that there is going to come a day when a man will work all day for a loaf of bread. What do you do when you have money and there is no bread to buy? We have heard of these kind of things happening in other countries of Africa but never before like this in Kenya.

On Wednesday I was able to buy a few hundred dollars worth of maize & flour after begging & pleading that this is for people who do not have anything.

Yesterday, we moved early before the demonstration rally to some areas that people are really hurting. We only had problems on the Malindi Road near Kisanuni when the people started motioning for us to turn around so we did. We found out latter that the people were rioting and police shot and killed one person. We were able to go around the problem through Nyali and on out to Bamburi where we found the pastor on his knees praying in the church. The presbyters were able to get the food to other pastors & friends. They were so thankful for the little we could bring. I have received several SMS's of thanks from Maritini, Bakoli, Likoni. Some do not have anything in the house. Shops have been closed and no bread, milk, cooking oil, kerosene, available. We were able to beg at one petrol station to get enough diesel to keep going.

Today the planned demonstrations failed in Nairobi and Mombasa after the police moved in with tear gas. Again I went to buy what we could this morning and took supplies to the church in Kisauni. Next I went by the house of a Muslim friend and give him some maize. We also took charcoal that had cost three times the normal price.

One Muslim friend who lives across & near the Likoni ferry told me he was up all night protecting his property. There is a bar (owned by a Kikuyu man) next door to his house and the people came to burn it three separate times. They had to be alert because the the fire would spread even to their house.

Two different pastors called me & said it is so good to be alive this morning. We thought we were going to die during the night. Shops were being burnt all around us.

Another pastor has left his family here in Mombasa & traveled up country to Molo. His family has had to leave the area because of the burning of houses.

As we were leaving the house yesterday morning a Baptist pastor came to the gate and said we lost everything last night and we don’t have any food or anything. He said they even stole our mattress. We were glad we had just been able to get some food and clothes to help him a little.

Another man who works for me at times called and said they did not have anything in the house so we were able to help him also. He said that they had organized the men in his area to protect the property with bows and arrows and panga’s. They told the police to please stay out we will not kill the thieves but will bring them to the police station. The night before the looters had broken into many of the shops and took everything. Another Kikuyu friend who had a hardware shop lost everything and all his wielding equipment.

Please pray for peace to return to Kenya.

David & Beckie Smith
Mombasa, Kenya

Unrest in Kenya

2008-01-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

Here is an email I received from David & Beckie Smith, missionaries in Africa that are currently in the middle of the recent political violence in Kenya.

Dear Family and Friends,

You may have seen or read recent reports in the news of the tragic events that have followed elections on December 27th in Kenya. The top two contenders for President have come to a political standoff with the support of their political parties. President Kibaki had himself sworn back into power while the Honorable Odinga claimed a rigged election and is threatening to instate himself as the Peoples President. There is much clouding the whole affair and efforts are being made by the international community to find an equitable solution with which both parties can agree.

This has caused violent clashes and left more than 300 people dead, the most horrific being the death of over 40 villagers, near the town of Eldoret (a town 185 miles from Nairobi), who fled to a Kenya Assemblies of God church in an attempt to escape vigilante gangs roaming the streets. The church was torched as they were seeking shelter. Those who died were mainly women and children. Over 70,000 have been driven from their homes since this past weekend.

During our 32 years of serving in Kenya, we have experienced unrest and turmoil from time to time in various cities or areas of this nation, but never have we seen this beloved land gripped nationwide in such ongoing ethnic violence. We believe God has strategically placed Kenya to be a powerful light to the nations in central, east, and southern Africa and the enemy has greatly risen up to diminish that light.

Due to the unrest and insecurity in the city of Nairobi, our congregation was unable to gather last Sunday (Dec. 30th). However, we have been reaching out and ministering to our congregation through the leadership base in our cell group structure, which is once again proving a vital way to care for the needs of those affected by this difficult situation.

As a family, we are safe and we want to thank so many of you who have been in touch with us either by phone or email. It means so much to hear from you and we are deeply grateful. Several have enquired as to what they can do and our greatest need is prayer. We are asking God to have mercy on our land, to turn the tide of evil that has flooded this nation through hatred and tribalism. This coming Monday we begin our annual season of prayer and fasting, as a congregation, and will focus our hearts together in crying out for God to heal our land and bring revival to us as a result. Here are a few Prayer Points in which you can join with us in agreement;

· A ‘Million Man March’ has been reorganized by ODM, the main opposition party, for Tuesday, January 8th in Nairobi. It was to be held today (3rd) and even though declared illegal by the government, thousands tried to turn up and were dispersed by riot police, thus its been postponed now for Tuesday. Pray for divine intervention.

· Pray against the spirit of tribalism that is holding this nation hostage and is being fought out among the nations’ poor and young unemployed.

· Pray for the thousands of displaced peoples who are fleeing to churches, schools, and police stations.

· Pray for the spirit of humility to come to our political leaders; that they will heed both the local and international pleas to reach out one to another in dialogue.

· Pray for justice and truth to prevail in Kenya during this critical season of establishing a new government for the next 5 years.

· Pray for the restoration of daily life, which has put the transport of even the basics such as vegetables, bread, and milk out of reach for many of the common folk, especially in the cities.

· Pray for our economy that has been losing about 2 billion shillings a day (apprx $31 million), for banks to return to normal work.

Again, thank you for standing with us in these most trying of times and we assure you that we feel so privileged to serve alongside our precious Kenyan brothers and sisters. We say Jesus is Lord of this nation and our greatest days are yet ahead!

Projects in Hungary

2007-12-31T10:38:00.000-08:00

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.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

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

2007-10-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Romanian Medical Center Project

2007-10-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-08-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

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