"INSPIRING HOPE"

200 YEARS, 200 COUNTRIES

2011-02-27T23:17:00.000-08:00

An Optimistic View of the World: I like it!

CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINK / Sentence ABOVE & Watch an Amazing Video

I get so very tired of hearing gloom and doom reports all the time. Yes, this is part of reality just like taxes and death, but good things are happening too. And good people are working together to Inspire Hope and Empower Potential all around our world. Until Jesus comes back this is the kind of work I want to do and the kind of news I want to hear more of.

ABOUT Hans Rosling
Wikepedia EncyclopediaStudy and careerFrom 1967 to 1974 Rosling studied statistics and medicine at Uppsala University, and in 1972 he studied public health at St. John's Medical College, Bangalore. He became a licenced physician in 1976 and from 1979 to 1981 he served as District Medical Officer in Nacala in northern Mozambique.
On 21 August 1981, Rosling discovered an outbreak of konzo, a paralytic disease,[2] and the investigations that followed earned him a Ph.D. degree at Uppsala University in 1986. He spent two decades studying outbreaks of this disease in remote rural areas across Africa and supervised more than ten Ph.D. students. Outbreaks occur among hunger-stricken rural populations in Africa where a diet dominated by insufficiently processed cassava results in simultaneous malnutrition and high dietary cyanide intake.[3]
Rosling's research has also focused on other links between economic development, agriculture, poverty and health in Africa, Asia and Latin America. He has been health adviser to WHO, UNICEF and several aid agencies. In 1993 he was one of the initiators of Médecins Sans Frontières in Sweden. At Karolinska Institutet he was head of the Division of International Health (IHCAR) from 2001 to 2007. As chairman of Karolinska International Research and Training Committee (1998-2004) he started health research collaborations with universities in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. He started new courses on Global Health and co-authored a textbook on Global Health that promotes a fact-based world view.
Rosling presented the television documentary The Joy of Stats, which was broadcast in the United Kingdom by BBC Four in December 2010.[4]
GapminderRosling co-founded the Gapminder Foundation together with his son Ola Rosling and daughter-in-law Anna Rosling Rönnlund. Gapminder developed the Trendalyzer software that converts international statistics into moving, interactive graphics. His lectures using Gapminder graphics to visualise world development have won awards.[5] The interactive animations are freely available from the Foundation's website. On 16 March 2007 Google acquired the Trendalyzer software with the intention to scale it up and make it freely available for public statistics.

WATCH THIS VIDEO: The Joy Of Stats / 59 minutes
CLICK ON THE LINK / Sentence ABOVE

In 2008 Google made available a Motion Chart Google Gadget and in 2009 the Public Data Explorer.[6]
GOOGLE PUBLIC DATA DIRECTORY: Amazing!
CLICK ON THE LINK / Sentence ABOVE

Rosling is also a sword swallower, as demonstrated in the final moments of his second talk at the TED conference.[7] In 2009 he was listed as one of 100 leading global thinkers by Foreign Policy Magazine.[8]

Awards2009 Georg and Greta Borgstrom Award from the Swedish Royal Academy of Agriculture and Forestry

2008 The Big Debate Award from Dagens Medicine
2008 Speaker of the Year from the Swedish Event Academy
2007 Knowledge Prize from the National Encyclopaedia of Sweden
2007 Jubilee Prize from the Swedish Medical Society
2007 Statistician of the Year Award from the Swedish Association for Statistics
2010 The Gannon Award for the Continued Pursuit of Human Advancement (US) [9]

Selected Works:
Lindstrand A, Bergtröm S, Rosling H, Rubensson B, Stenson B, Tylleskär T (2006). Global Health: an introductory textbook Lund: Studentlitteratur ISBN 978-91-44-02198-0

RUN FOR HOPE / NASHVILLE MUSIC CITY HALF MARATHON

2011-02-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

Visit the People for Care and Learning website and click on the "Run for Hope" graphic for downloads, etc.
http://peopleforcare.org/runforhope.html

This is your opportunity to accept the challenge of a doable goal and get in shape while also doing something significant for someone in a developing country (Cambodia). You can do it. Follow one of the plans I've got for you on the PCL / Run for Hope web page and you'll be a success.

Let me hear from you: fredgarmon@yahoo.com

MARCH 2011 - PCL CAMBODIA HOSTS 9 COUNTRIES AT RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

2011-02-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

On March 18, 2011 forty (40) people from around the USA will make the long adventurous trip to Cambodia where they will join up with seventy (70) others from eight other countries for what is being called the "RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT."
Countries / representatives attending:

Cambodia
Thailand
Vietnam
Laos
Myanmar (Burma)
India
Dubai
Singapore
United States

The goal is to get "everybody in the same room." Which will I believe will be magical concerning what it will do in terms of encouraging the hearts of those living and working within Southeast Asia and concerning a new jump-start for ingenuity and initiative.

Too often people work within a certain region, attempting to help those in need, but they have no idea who is working in the same area and very often within the same city. We live in the information age and being able to share what each person is doing, where and how they are doing it, along with contact information will exponentially create a new found synergy!

Synergy, in general, may be defined as two or more agents working together to produce a result not obtainable by any of the agents independently.

Stay tuned to this BLOG, the PCL facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/fgarmon#!/peopleforcare) , and the PCL Website (http://peopleforcare.org/)
for updates concerning this exciting and ground breaking event.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE by Bettie Marlowe

2011-01-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

Printed in the Cleveland Daily Banner / Sunday, 1-23-2011
INSPIRING HOPE / EMPOWERING POTENTIAL

From southeast Cleveland to southeast Asia, People for Care and Learning is making a difference — supplying the needs of children and adults wherever the need exists. It is true to its motto: “Inspiring hope ... empowering potential.”

Fred Garmon and his wife, Shirley, have worked with PCL since its start in 2001 with Bob Pace, the founder and president. In 2004, Garmon was asked to go into the venture full time and take over the reins as executive director.

People for Care and Learning began with the Church of God, starting work with children in Cambodia. Now the ministry is present in five counties of southeast Asia. The independent and non-sectarian entity is registered as organization partners with other charitable organizations, clubs and companies to educate, feed and house people in the poorest parts of the world.

In the last four years, PCL has taken more than 400 people in mission teams to Cambodia. The voluntourism tours could be called “vacation with purpose,” but there is no vacation to those who choose to go on a working tour. “The chemistry of the makeup of team,” Garmon said, “dictates the work to be done.”

(voluntourism) n. The activity of traveling to a destination and taking part in projects of a charitable nature. Projects are commonly nature based, people based, or involve such things as restoration or construction or assisting professionals (i.e archaeologists.) For additional definittions check this wikipedia link.

The volunteers include doctors, nurses, construction workers, teachers and helpers of all ages.

PCL started with only one orphanage in 2003 and now it is supporting two in Cambodia, along with a learning center, feeding center and medical clinic.

In the Tonal Sap Lake region — “Great Lake” — there are millions who live on the lake in boats and shacks, Garmon said. The ministry has bought and built two barges for education, feeding and water purification and solar energy.


Pastor Mitch Maloney

North Cleveland Church of God pastor Mitch Mahoney has sponsored a water system on one barge. Rudy and Yvonne Wright from Dallas, Texas, have initiated the Solar Panel Project, a state-of-the-art system, in partnership with the Lee University business department. Internships are served on the mission field. They are also partners with Lee’s Cross Cultural Studies, which sends students to the area 10 weeks per year.

In Siem Reap, Cambodia, Common Grounds, a combined coffee shop and cyber café — a micro-enterprise and sustainability project — has been launched. The shop employs 25 teens who are given vocational training and language skills.

The premise is “business as missions.” Non-government organizations can start businesses which provide income which comes back to sustain the economy.

Everything PCL does is free — “We do not charge for anything — medical care, feeding, orphanage, education, pig farms and so forth,” Garmon said. “... give jobs; teach English; and give computer training.”

This is the cutting edge for sustainability in rural villages: Integrated farms with pig farms, fish ponds, fruit and a rice bank. Each part strengthens the next. The rice bank provides rice for the crop and at harvesting, the rice goes back to the bank to provide for the next season.

It’s not everyone who can partner with a country or an international organization. But The Kingdom of Cambodia, in its recognition of the efforts of People for Care and Learning, presented PCL with the Humanitarian Medal of Honor. And PCL is also working with the United Nations in its Poverty Reduction Plan.

Southeast Asia is an area in which people live below international poverty level ($1 or less). Although 95 percent of the poorest live in southeast Asia, only 3 percent of Christian giving goes to that part of the world, according to Garmon.

“We are trying to change it,” he said.

Poverty Reduction Homes / Phnom Penh

It only takes $1,000 to build a home and 125 homes have been built for the those who otherwise would have to sleep on the streets, on dumps or on the river. A two-story learning facility has also been built. And in Thailand, PCL supports an orphanage in Chiang Mai run by missionaries Richard and Connie Cummins.

There is also a state-of-the-art dental facility overseen by Dr. Ken Pilgrim of Flintstone, Ga. Drinking water is provided through purification containers which cost $10 and will last one year, along with putting in wells where the only other accessible water is from ditches and dirty rivers.

First Baptist Church and Keith Ministries have played a part in the Asian projects, as well as several clubs and organizations in the Cleveland area. Youth camps are conducted and local teams have been involved in construction and teaching, as well as medical and food distribution.

“We invite anyone to go and be involved with Cambodia, Vietnam or Thailand,” Garmon said. “It’s a safe environment,” he added. A team is scheduled to go in March. Youth camps are held every summer.

PCL is definitely making a difference from southeast Cleveland to southeast Asia. In Cleveland, the organization donated a playground to Habitat for Humanity Century Village. And it partnered with Men and Women of Action and First Tennessee Bank (which donated land) to install a $100,000 playground at the Raider Drive walkway at the beginning of the Greenway. PCL’s $50,000 grant was matched by Hammill Recreation out of Concord, Ala.

Garmon’s heart for the hurting comes form a life of heartbreak of his own. Born in Charlotte, N.C., his mother died when he was nine years old and only six months before his sister was murdered in hi front yard before his eyes. His father turned to alcohol and left young Garmon to care for himself. He turned to the streets and eventually ended up in an orphanage himself.

He was the first from his family to graduate from high school. He came to Lee College in 1976 and worked his way though schnook, graduating debt-free. He went on to receive his master’s of divinity and his doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University. He is a marathon runner and was honored as an Olympic Torch bearer in 2001. He and Shirley met at Lee University where they both graduated and afterward served as pastors for 25 years before coming to PCL. They have two daughters and two granddaughters.

Garmon said if you could have any job ... “What I am — just what I do — (it’s the) best job in the world,” he said. “Helping people and giving back. What better job in the world could you have?”

PCL meets the need

Needy families and individuals go daily without proper food, clean water, shelter and essential medical care. In 2010, People for Care and Learning was able to meet the needs of thousands of people — in Cambodia alone, each month. More than 5,600 people are impacted by PCL’s ongoing outreaches monthly:

— 828 patients are treated in eight different free medical clinics.

— 705 hungry people are provided healthy meals.

— 76 people study at the PCL management institute.

— 38 children are provided a safe and happy home with a family that loves them.

— 35 young people participate in youth programs.

— 426 students study English.

— 39 staff members are employed.

— 1,000 families drink safe clean water from PCL water filters.

— 275 people live in new homes built by PCL.

— 56 people have access to water though a new well dug by PCL.

— 516 students are given the opportunity to attend school.

— 914 students study computer.

— 461 students study in leadership development schools.

This list does not include the changed lives form the solar panels and water filtration system installed at the Tonie Sap, the lives touched by the CBS broadcast, the 300-plus students whose lives were impacted by youth camp or the hundreds of people who traveled with PCL, including three teams of university students who interned.

For more information on People for Care and Learning, visit the website www.peopleforcare.org or visit on Facebook.

Lee students’ Cambodia Project — Keeping the village afloat

2011-01-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

Read more: Cleveland Daily Banner - Cleveland, TN
by Gaurav Tiwari, Special to the Banner
Printed: January 17, 2011

Four business plans developed by Lee students are at the heart of a comprehensive project seeking to create a sustainable village model in Cambodia, as the Lee University Department of Business and the People for Care and Learning join hands to make a difference in the country’s dire social scene.

This project started to take shape when the chair of the Department of Business Dr. Dewayne Thompson and assistant professor of Business Guy DeLoach went on a trip in 2009 to Cambodia with the People for Care and Learning.

This organization has been offering classes to village children and is a major presence in Cambodia.

The trip included a visit to the Tonle Sap Lake, a floating village of about 1 million ostracized Vietnamese people. The people living on the lake share a common story of suffering — they have been banished from the mainland and forced to live in abject poverty and plight.
Cambodia is known for its sex trade of young children as many parents sell their children due to indebtedness brought on by local lenders. Seeing the problems from a close range, Thompson and DeLoach decided that something had to be done to break the cycle of poverty, and the idea of a sustainable village model entered a period of incubation and hope.

“When we returned, we decided to offer a course consistent with our experiential learning model but with a purpose to alleviate the suffering of a few,” said Thompson.

“While our efforts are modest, we have 13 students involved in developing four business plans that we hope can be implemented to break the cycle and create the sustainable village.”

Katie Rowcliffe, Blake Kernea, and Jacob Brown are working on a soy production project which they hope will allow them to provide a nutritional meal for the Tonle Sap children. These students also have concrete plans of Soymilk production and including “okara”, a soymilk byproduct, in some of the local food to provide an effective source of protein for children.

Kayla Smith, Ginny Stewart, and Justin McComber are developing a business plan to produce solar energy to power refrigeration for the barge and to create other revenue-producing enterprises.

Integrated farming is the project being developed by Morgan Adams, Andrea Mouser, and Jared Houghton. This is a green initiative that includes building fisheries, pig farms, and other agricultural plans designed to provide a source of income for families.

Cait Kooistra, Kristine Tuck, Lauren Thompson, and Alan Ponce are working on the microenterprise and microfinance project. They hope to loan money for personal needs and to create business opportunities.

“An alumna, Bilguun Boldbaatar, is an advisor to the teams,” said Thompson. “BB, as she is better known by, is from Mongolia and has tacit insight.”

The project has a clear vision in incorporating locals and tapping into the local resources and partners, as the goal is to make life better for Cambodians’ families, including those on the Tonle Sap Lake.

“Students have individuals who serve as advisors to help navigate through the more difficult and technical aspects of each project,” Thompson said, further adding that the students have also presented their projects before technical advisors and to potential donors.

As the students, with support from the Department of Business, embark on an eventful journey to change lives in Cambodia one family at a time, their project seeks to enact St. Francis of Assisi’s compelling charge to all Christians: “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”

“The goal is to change lives by showing the people of Cambodia the love of Christ manifested by, quite literally, teaching them to fish,” Thompson said.

The tireless individuals in the Cambodia project are applying their expertise to alleviate poverty halfway around the world. If the buildup to the program, enthusiasm of the team, and support from sponsors is any indication, 13 Lee students and many Cambodians, including those on Tonle Sap Lake, are about to have a truly life-changing encounter.

2010 SETBACKS; MOVING FORWARD IN 2011

2011-01-10T20:57:00.000-08:00

In June of 2010 I had a bad accident in my backyard. It was early one morning. I had just returned from a log trip to Cambodia and was enjoying coffee on our back porch in Cleveland, TN.

I was taking it easy, answering emails, watching the beautiful birds eating from our feeders and appreciating the hard work of creating a flower / tree / garden and playground. I noticed a small stray limb on one my small trees and decided to get my small scissor like trimmers to remove it. I was still dressed in my silk pajama shorts and placed my cell phone in the pocket as I made my way to the garage to retrieve the trimmers.

I made my way to the back yard and proceeded to place my hand up head high into the tree to cut the small limb off where it connected with the tree. To my surprise, I placed my hand and trimmers into a large gray hornets nest. The hornets immediately came out of the next and commenced stinging me all around my head, neck and shoulders. Some got into my t-shirt and while running, jumping and jerking, I took my t-shirt off and threw it to the ground. Problem was, the trimmers had become caught in the t-shirt which behaved like a sling-shot and traveled to the ground with force.
I felt a thud on the back of my right calf muscle on my right leg but did not immediately realize what had happened. As I approached our back porch I look down at my right leg and I immediately went into shock. My calf muscle was opened up like a piece of french bread all the way to the bone; blood pouring everywhere. I tried to get to my cell phone to call 911, Shirley or Marissa (my oldest daughter), but adding to my shock - my cell phone had come out of my silk shorts and was lost in the grass (we have no land line phone) and Shirley along with all our neighbors, were gone to work. I was alone. I did have the presence of mind to realize that I had to get the bleeding stopped or I was going to be in bad, life threatening trouble. I grabbed to the two sides of my separated calf and pulled them together and wobbled my way up on the porch, into the screened back porch and paused before entering our home. Even though we have wood floors throughout our home, the first thought that entered my mind was that Shirley would kill me if I got this much blood in her home. This was not true of course (I don't think) but it did cross my mind.
I made my way through the kitchen into our laundry room where I found a white t-shirt and tightly tied my calf muscle together, made my way back out into the backyard, got on my hands and knees and felt around until I found my iPhone. I called Shirley and explained that I had cut myself really bad and that I was frightened. To which she said, "Then what are you calling ME for? Call 911 quickly!" I took her advice, called 911 and went back up on the porch, elevated my leg and waited.

About 5-6 minutes later Shirley, the Firemen, the EMT's, Teddie (my sister-in-law), and my daughter Marissa's pediatric office all appeared on the back porch. I had felt no pain until the EMT's explained that they needed to remove the t-shirt so they could apply a better bandage that would serve to help slow the bleeding while they rushed me to the emergency room. When he untied the bandage all the pain I had NOT felt came rushing to the surface! They bandaged my leg, loaded me on the stretcher and carried me to the front of our home where the ambulance was parked. About 10 minutes later I was lying in Cleveland's emergency room.

The emergency room staff did a great job getting me drugs and cleaning the wound so they could get ready to stitch and staple the wound. Needless to say, my goal of 10 half marathons in 2010 would not be realized. The doctor explained that I would have to spend at least 6-7 months healing and recovering.

Three inside layers of stitches and 18 staples on the outside later, I had been repaired.

I spent the next 6 months following the doc's advice but I also knew that my trip to Dubai in December of 2010 also included the opportunity to participate in the Dubai Creel Striders Half Marathon. I only had 4 weeks to prepare and I took my time.

On Friday, December 10, 2010 my friend Tim Fortner and I ran the Half! Tim finished in a personal best time of 1 hour, 43 minutes. I finished in my worst time ever, 2 hours, 23 minutes, but I finished and actually beat my personal goal for this particular event of just wanting to finish under a 2:30 time.

So, I did not realize my goal of 10 Half Marathons in 2010, but in spite of the terrible accident and set back, I did get to run 5 halfs in 2010.

It is now time to focus on 2011, getting back in shape and moving toward the Nashville Music Half Marathon on Saturday morning, April 30. This year we once again partner with Lee University and the alumni office to sponsor the event including the traditional Friday night pasta pig out. But this year PCL also is challenging runners to use the event to raise funds for PCL's Children Homes in Cambodia.
PCL is calling the fund raising event "RUN FOR HOPE."

Visit PCL's website at www.peopleforcare.org to register and begin your new year with a great goal that challenges you to get in shape and do something significant. What better way to start a new year!

NEW PCL LEARNING & CARE CENTER BEING CONSTRUCTED

2011-01-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

People for Care & Learning (PCL) Constructing

New Learning & Care Center in Khan Dang Kao

Relocation Camp in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Dedication set for Monday, March 21, 2011

People for Care and Learning (PCL) has been working in Cambodia since its inception back in 2002 and one of its many accomplishments is represented by its collaborative relationship and partnership with the Kingdom of Cambodia’s government. PCL initiated the partnership several years ago by building a medical clinic in a rural area just south of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The next collaborative partnership involved association with the Poverty Reduction Plan, a United Nations driven initiative encouraging non-government organizations (NGO’s) to partner in relocating families from slums and garbage dump areas to government supplied relocation camps. The Khan Dang Kao relocation is located several miles from the front entrance of the Phnom Penh International Airport and has 1800 families that call it home.

Each family is given a 3 x 5 meter (10’ X 16.5’) piece of land. The family rebuilds there straw, bamboo and cardboard house on this land until they are able to move into one of the $1000, Habitat for Humanity designed homes being constructed by PCL, the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and other NGO’s. At present, PCL has constructed 100 homes and with a recent grant from the Lazarus Foundation (Dr. John Gregory of Bristol, TN) PCL is constructed 100 more homes. Several churches (North Cleveland Church of God, Keith Street Church of God of Prophecy to name a few) and organizations (Habitat for Humanity) in Cleveland, TN and across America of contributed to this effort and more continue to get involved as they learn about the project.

PCL’s latest project in the Poverty Reduction Plan revolves around construction of a two-story facility that is being built in the center of the Khan Dang Kao village (artist rendering shown above at top of article). This project again represents a further attempt to partner with the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Phnom Penh local government. The government will house the bottom floor of this facility with PCL operating from the second floor.

The PCL Learning and Care Center is scheduled to be completed in early March of 2011 and dedicated on Monday morning, March 21, 2011 while a large PCL team is in Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh. 25-50 more PRP homes are also scheduled to be dedicated and keys handed over to the families during this government sponsored event. Local and national media groups will also be present with the events being broadcast on radio and TV across Cambodia.

For more information about to partner with PCL in these or other projects , visit their website at www.peopleforcare.org or call and/or come by the PCL Headquarters located at 4235 TL Rogers St just behind Sonic Restaurant on Stewart Road (423-478-7071)

LET'S GET IN SHAPE TOGETHER: 10 Half Marathons in 2010

2010-01-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

ANGKOR WAT INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON

Siem Reap, Cambodia

December 6, 2009

People for Care Team

I have several goals for 2010 but I would like to challenge YOU to join my craziness! I have been a runner / jogger for more than 20 years now, but I seem to enjoy it more today than ever before. I also enjoy inspiring others to lace up the sneakers and hit the road as well. I guess to date that my friend Mike Forbis is my poster child in terms of those who have accepted my challenge, experienced results and have stuck with it. A few of us ran the Memphis Saint Jude's Half Marathon in December of 2008, a little over 13 months ago. Mike Forbis and Sandy his wife live in Memphis and hung out with us while we were in their home town. Mike saw something that intrigued him and requested a training program so he could "possibly" run the Nashville Music Marathon in April of 2009; just 4 months away. Mike was overweight and letharic but made the commitment to change. The next time I saw Mike was at the Nashville Music Marathon expo the day before the event. It was amazing....Mike had lost more than 65 lbs and looked great! What's more, he beat me in the Half Marathon.

Mike Forbis, Tim Fortner, Fred Garmon

Mike and I have ran several Halfs together since including the Angkor Wat Half Marathon in Siem Reap, Cambodia (photo above) and just a few days ago, the Disney World Half Marathon. We are now setting our sights on several Half Marathons around the country this year.

You'll come up with several good and legitimate excuses explaining why you can't do this. First will probably be "you can't afford it." Sure it will cost you something but the rewards are sooooo worth it!
ANYONE can train and run / walk a half marathon, ANYONE!
I have several training programs I can provide you and there are multitudes that can be found FREE on the internet. Email me at fredgarmon@yahoo.com and I'll be glad to send you one.
The Nashville Music Half Marathon is a perfect goal. Let's get started.

WON'T YOU JOIN US?

Here's my schedule of 10 Halfs in 2010:

Let me know if you're interested in joining me at any of these great runs.

1- Disney World Half - January 9, Saturday, 5:50am (Complete - 2:06:48)

2- Chattanooga, TN Scenic City Half - February 27, Saturday, 8am

Click on the Grapic below to see Chattanooga Course Map

3- Little Rock, Arkansas Half - March 7, Sunday, 8am

4- Nashville, TN Music City Half - April 24, Saturday, 7am

5- Missoula, Montana Half - July 11, Sunday, 6am

(Voted Best Overall Half Marathon - Runners World Magazine)

6- Disneyland Half - September 3, Anaheim, CA, Sunday

(Run two Disney events in one calendar year and receive a third comemorative medal.)

7- Mount Desert Island Half - Bar Harbor, Maine - September 18, Saturday, 8:30am

(Voted Runner-up to "Best Overall" Marathon and Half Marathon by Runners World Magazine)

8- New York City MARATHON (26.2 miles) - November 6, Sat., If I get in the lottery.

This event is the FULL marathon. I thought I'd never run another full marathon since my first and only marathon in Seattle, Washington back in November of 2000. But the New York is the grand daddy and worth the effort. And now my daughter and son-in-law, Whitney and Nathan live in NY so New York, New York, here I come.)

9- Charlotte, NC - December, MY HOME TOWN. Info not available yet.

10- Yet to be discovered. Suggestions welcome!

PCL HOLIDAY TRIP TO CAMBODIA

2009-12-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

12 Days in Cambodia

Be sure to look through this entire BLOG! There are 12 days of photos and testimonies. Thanks to all our partners who are "Inspiring Hope and Empowering Potential."

We are making a difference!
Mercy continues to speak....The force of God saying "NO" to poverty, suffering and a life with no hope!

Remember PCL with your Christmas giving...

PCL Team in front of the King’s Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia Left to right: Back row: Charles Campbell, Guy Deloach, Cameron Fisher, Rudy Wright, Mike Forbis, Mike Jones, Front row: Charlie Campbell, Jr., Dr. Dwayne Thompson, Cody & Joni Crawford, Tim & Debbie Fortner, Sandy Forbis.
PCL Team with children and villagers at the Poverty Reduction Site
(1800 families live here)

We arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and immediately went to work visiting PCL ministry sites. The first site was the Poverty Reduction site where houses are being built for the poverty stricken of Phnom Penh. This United Nations initiated project has several non-government organizations (NGO) joining together to provide thousands of Cambodians with homes; People for Care and Learning is one of those NGO’s raising support - $1,000 USD buys one home. You can be a part of this incredible opportunity and the holiday season is a great time to “give back.”

PCL Team walks with children who live in the poverty site. The buildings to the left and right of the team are homes recently built through the Poverty Reduction project.

The photo to the left depicts what the people in this village presently live in.

Cameron Fisher (Cleveland, TN) and Mike Jones (Corbin, KY) stand with PCL’s new Learning Center in the background. The Learning Center is home to multiple ministries and projects from computer training to English as second language. The most recent initiative involves seeking government sanction and accreditation for a two-year associate’s degree in Social Work and Business.

ASSOCIATES DEGREE PROGRAM TAKING SHAPE - Accreditation Underway

Dr. Garmon and Bien Raneses (PCL Southern Cambodia Development Director) and PCL Director of the new Leadership Institute, Thida, meet with the Cambodian Minister of Education and his staff at the new PCL Learning Center in Phnom Penh. Dr. Dewayne Thompson and Guy Deloach of the Lee University Business Department was also with us on this trip and talked with Bien about possible collaborative projects between PCL and Lee's Business Department.

3rd from the left: Cambodian Minister of Education for Phnom Penh accompanied by his staff. Bien &Fe Raneses along with the PCL Learning Center staff, Rose & Thida have worked diligently to meet all the governmental requirements for accreditation.
Site of the Carol Howell Memorial Playground – Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Carol Howell (Cleveland, TN) was a loyal and devoted PCL volunteer who loved Cambodia and our work there. Carol had a special place in her heart for this particular poverty stricken village. Carol passed away before getting to return to Cambodia but her dream of helping these children lives on. Her husband, Dan Howell, and many devoted friends have joined together to raise the money to build a playground in Carol’s beloved village in her name. The local government has given permission to use the land, a beautiful wall is being constructed now, and January 2010 the playground equipment will be installed. We are still raising funds to complete this project and we encourage you to contribute to this worthy cause.

Cody & Joni Crawford (Arkansas) play with children at Poverty Reduction village. Guy Deloach with the Lee University Business Department is in background. The children are excited about their new playground!

"MERCY SPEAKS"
ANYU'S TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY CONTINUES

One year ago Anyu had a four pound tumor removed from his face. This past week Dr. Garmon had the privledge of performing a memorable wedding ceremony for Anyu and Chom Uie, Anyu's beautiful bride. The entire PCL team was honored to be present at the wedding and then had the privledge of touring the Takam village and meeting many of the residents who live in this rural Cambodian village that PCL regularly helps. Emotion is not something openly revealed in public cermonies in Cambodia so an awkward nevertheless humurous moment came when Dr. Garmon told Anyu he could "kiss his bride." You could observe Anyu's pride...he was precious.

THIS IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO!

Anyu's Mother sits with Julie Martinez -

Anyu's mom was so very proud!

TAKAM VILLAGE - ANYU'S HOME

(Where PCL Staff member, Sine, grew up)

Photo shows the widow's home that was built by a Lee University team last summer (2009). The team was led by Guy Deloach with Lee's Business Department. Dr. Dewayne Thompson, the head of Lee's business department is present in this photo.

In photo below:
Dr. Fred and PCL Children's Home Director,
Matt Bohlman sit with children at a well in Takam
Village following Anyu's wedding.

Dr. Garmon sits with men in Takam Village.

PCL TEAM TAKES CHILDRENS' HOME ON FIRST EVER BALLOON RIDE HIGH OVER THE ANGKOR

TEMPLES AND PALACE SITES

The Holiday Team stage a photo with the Childrens' Home

The children, widows and PCL staff were all very nervous about this adventure but also extremely excited!

10 PCL MEMBERS RAN THE ANGKOR WAT INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON ON DECEMBER 6, 2009 Left to Right: Solin, Sine, Cameron Fisher, Fred Garmon, Richard & Connie Cummins, Andrew Quinley, Cody Crawford, Tim Fortner, Mike Forbis.

We are so very proud of Solin and Sine.

Solin is one of our young adult boys living at our childrens' home. Sine is one of our staff members at the children's home.

They completed the half marathon in 1 hour 48 minutes (Solin) and 1 hour 50 minutes (Sine)....

WOW! And they didn't even train!

DR. FRED MEETS ANDREW ZIMMERN OF TV NETWORK'S BIZARRE FOODS PROGRAM WHILE AT

ANGKOR WAT HERITAGE SITE -

STARTS HIS OWN BIZARRE FOODS DISPLAY

You really don't want to know what's being cooked on this grill for our dinner.

Visit my YouTube Videos Site to see more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSrilhE2g7Q

Cameron Fisher & Ponny (Cook at Common Grounds) help me with a "cook on your table" dinner experience. We chose the "meat set." It included, yes, a bizarre selection of meats and vegetables. I believe it was Cameron's favorite meal - eat just kept dipping into the pot!

The Holiday team departed Siem Reap, Cambodia on Tuesday, December 8 leaving Cameron Fisher and me to lead the two day PCL Staff Retreat.

PCL STAFF RETREAT -

A COMMUNITY BUILDING SUCCESS!

Phnom Penh &Siem Reap Teams Come Together for Two Days

Childrens' Home Band Played During Our Retreat (These boys have been playing together since they were little children)

Matt Bohlman, Director of PCL Childrens' Home Addresses PCL Team

Julie Martinez (Northern Cambodia Development Director) & Bien Raneses (Southern Cambodia Development Director) Describe the Scope of PCL Projects in Cambodia

Ezra (PCL Childrens' Home Staff Member Translated for the Retreat)

55 PCL Team Members Attended the Two Day Retreat at Allston Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, Cambodia

One Highlight of the Retreat - When PCL Staff was requested to write 3 appreciation notes to other team members; an emotional and encouraging experience!

Evening Fellowship Included a Snooker Tounament

(A Billards Game) According to Wikipedia, Snooker is a cue sport that is played on a large baize-covered (bright green woolen material) table similar to a typical billards (pool) table. A regulation (full-size) table is 12 ft × 6 ft. It is played using a cue and snooker balls: one white cue ball, 15 red balls worth one point each, and six balls of different colours yellow (2 points), green (3), brown (4), blue (5), pink (6) and black (7).[1] A player (or team) wins a frame (individual game) of snooker by scoring more points than the opponent(s), using the cue ball to pot the red and coloured balls. A player wins a match when a certain number of frames have been won.

Cameron Fisher looks on and learns how to play Snooker

THE CHAMPIONS !
They each won a brand new cell phone.

This is a sight becoming more and more prominent in SE Asia - yes, it's Santa, his sleigh and reindeer in the entrance to a hotel. Notice what they used for snow...rocks painted white.

In keeping with the Holiday Season I am proud to announce a gift being given to one of our PCL staff couples. Ezra and Pinet who are house parents at our children's home have announced they are pregnant with their first child due spring of 2010. Congratulations!

HELP PCL TO SAY NO TO POVERTY IN CAMBODIA!

Your tax deductible gift of any amount is deeply and profoundly appreciated.

Our next trip to Cambodia is scheduled for March 2010. Plan to join us!

COMMON GROUNDS COFFEE and CYBER CAFE GETS GREAT REVIEW ONLINE

2009-11-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

THE TASTE OF SUNDAY in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Flip n Travel is an online travel site that posts reviews about places visited. Recently they visited Siem Reap, Cambodia and wrote some fine comments about People for Care and Learning's Coffee Shop. Visit their website to read the article for yourself. http://flipntravels.wordpress.com/2009/11/07/the-taste-of-sunday/

THANKS FLIP N TRAVEL! :)

SOCIAL LEGITMACY IN CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE

2009-11-09T12:39:00.000-08:00

PCL'S NEW PLAYGROUND A HUGE HIT IN CLEVELAND
Quote = Mayor Tom Rowland, Cleveland, TN
"This playground is one of the greatest assests to the city."

According to Sunday's front page article entitled "Greenway playground opened and dedicated," it didn't take long for children and their families to find the new PCL (People for Care and Learning) playground. The ribbon-cutting and formal dedication program was held Saturday morning, November 7 at 10:30am and was attended by a host of community officials and local families.
The playground was made possible by a generous $50,000 donation from People for Care and Learning, a matching grant from Play and Park Structures, and donated land from First Tennessee Bank. According to Dr. Douglas LeRoy, Board Chairman for PCL, "our international humanitarian organization concentrates on helping the poor in many different parts of the world and assisting them in vocational and humanitarian efforts. But since we are a part of this community in Cleveland, TN, we also want to make a contribution because Cleveland is our home. We built this park here to let this community know that we care about our home base."

This playground project represents a tremendous collaborative effort on the part of many different members and organizations within the Cleveland Bradley County area.
But honorable mention must be given to Hugh Carver and Men and Women of Action for their outstanding dedication and work ethic that was applied to this project.

Other team players included the Lee University rugby team, Ace Hardware, Church of God World Missions, Cleveland High School Interact club, Habitat for Humanity, WCLE MIX 104 Radio, First Tennessee Bank, the Parks and Recreation department, the City of Cleveland and People for Care and Learning.

PLAY MATTERS - RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

Present at the Robbon Cutting:
Dr. Douglas LeRoy - Board Chair, People for Care and Learning
Dr. Fred Garmon - Executive Director, People for Care and Learning
Keith Barrett - City President, First Tennessee Bank
Adonia Latham - Raider Drive Financial Center, First Tennessee Bank Manager
Mayor Tom Rowland - City of Cleveland
Cameron Fisher - Cleveland Bradley County Greenway Committee Chair
Jennifer Tollefson - People for Care and Learning
Dr. William Lamb - Director of Field Experiences, Lee University
Patti Pettit - Director, Cleveland Parks and Recreation
Lisa Stanbery - Bradley County commissioner, 3rd District
Dan Howell - representing the Bradley County Mayor
Bridget Baggett - WCLE, My Mix 104 Radio
Justin Bunch - People for Care and Learning
And the Chick-Fil-A Cow!

According to Greenway Chair Cameron Fisher, "We appreciate the donation, but it is more than a check, Dr. Garmon and Hugh Carver along with many volunteers have spent days personally working on this project."

A PCL TEAM EFFORT:
Left to right - Jennefer Tollefson, Cari Shanks, Nona Carver, and Justin Bunch
*Special thanks to Cari Shanks, Playground project coordinator for PCL.

MERCY SPEAKS CONCERT IN ENNIS, TEXAS

2009-11-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

Pastor Tom Sterbens Mercy Speaks Concert

Pastor and songwriter Tom Sterbens joined New Hope Church in Ennis, TX on October 18th for a free concert to benefit the People For Care and Learning, whose focus is missionary outreach to buddhist Cambodia. Pastor Sterbens partnered with Pastor Rhea Marshall (New Hope Pastor of Worship) and the musicians (both band and praise team) of New Hope Church in Ennis to perform these original songs live. Every one of these inspired songs lifted the spirits and touched the hearts of those in attendance. It was a night filled with worship, laughter, tears and a call to participate in helping families in need in Cambodia.
To that end, over $3,100 was received in an offering with every penny of the proceeds going to the missionary efforts to Cambodia. An additional $200 was received in pre-order sales of the Mercy Speaks concert DVD and CD. The concert - already filmed in Sevierville, TN and still to be performed in Cleveland, TN and Tampa, FL is comprised of all original works written and orchestrated by Pastor Sterbens. It truly was a night when Mercy spoke and the spiritual ramifications will be felt in the lives of many in Cambodia as well as Ennis, Texas.

Buck Marshall
Senior Pastor
New Hope Church
Ennis, Texas
www.NewHopeForever.com

Join Pastor Tom on Sunday evening, November 8, 6pm at the North Cleveland Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee for another "MERCY SPEAKS" Live concert. And go to www.mercyspeaksconcert.com to find out more about this great benevolent project and what People for Care and Learning is doing to benefit poverty stricken Cambodians.

OCTOBER 2009 PCL OPPORTUNITIES AND PROJECTS

2009-10-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

People for Care and Learning has had several different projects underway during the month of October. This posting will seek to briefly update these projects.

IN THIS POST:
- Jenn Tollefson / Teddie Fletcher (MWOA) Reach Out to Ethipodia
- Dr. Garmon Completes DMin Class at Seminary - Dr. Dale and Melody Denham in Malaysia, Sri Lanka & Cambodia
- PCL Donates Playground to Cleveland Greenway

JENN TOLLEFSON / TEDDIE FLETCHER REACH OUT TO ETHIOPIA

PCL's Administrative Assistant, Jennifer Tollefson has once again ventured outside the PCL offices located in Cleveland, TN. This time making her way with Teddie Fletcher and Men and Women of Action to Ethiopia. Emails tell us they have had a great trip with Bishop Hiruy Tsige, Ethiopian Overseer facilitating and leading the team.

According to Teddie Fletcher,

"We visited over 10 Churches/schools and ministered to over 3,000. As of Thursday we have given out over 3,000 gifts to children and adults. We even visited a bush church with 500 people. We had to take a donkey cart, then we waled through marshlike... fields with hundreds of children following us. What an experience! And what a great team of ladies! They will do anything to see that the job gets done. During our last night in devotion we talked about laughter, which is what we have done a lot on this trip. Laughter is a gift from God.... When you really laugh with someone you have shared an experience that you will later recall with fondness. Laughter builds bridges and makes people feel at home."

DR. GARMON COMPLETES DMin CLASS AT SEMINARY

After five days of intense instruction seven Doctor of Ministry students and several professors and lecturers breathed a sigh of relief. I have the great priviledge each October to teach Christian Leadership Theory and Practice to second year Doctoral students at the Church of God Theological Seminary. Dr. Paul Metler, Senior Pastor of Heritage Fellowship Church of God in Oak Ridge, TN assisted me again this year along with two guest lecturers; Jake Stum, PhD candidate at Regent University Organizational Leadership Program and Tim Spiers, instructor in the Executive Leadership MBA at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Together we discussed issues, concepts and theories of leadership relating to character, integrity, credibility, leading change, managing conflict, work-life balance, stress in ministry, personal development and much, much, more.

DR. DALE AND MELODY DENHAM IN SE ASIA

Saturday in Phnom Penh we celebrated the graduation of 91 ISOLD students (International School of Leadership Development) who received their 2-year diploma. These students were from four different villages across southern Cambodia and Viet Nam. Twenty-five crossed over the border from Vietnam (always at great risk) were picked up by bus transport & brought three hours to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to participate and receive their ISOLD diplomas.

Following the graduation these students rode the bus back to the Vietnam border where they had to find a place to wait through the night hours so they could cross the border in the morning. One older lady walked with a shriveled leg walked with a crutch to receive her diploma, smiling all the way and then made her way back into Vietnam as a proud ISOLD graduate. It is very humbling to see their desire for God and for a deeper understanding of Him.

Tuesday near Battambang, Cambodia we meet with 36 pastors and 70 public high school teachers and launch a new ISOLD school. These teachers have about 4000 students. 60 Elementary school teachers have asked if they can join also.

In Malaysia we set forth three more schools, visited some existing schools and in Sri Lanka graduated ten more students making more than 100 graduates of ISOLD'S two year discipleship course there. One of our former graduates, a village chief, has planted three churches already since his ISOLD training. One young lady from the same graduating class has three home bible studies and one ISOLD school that she has started and these are just some of the stories.

Dr. Dale & Melody

PCL DONATES PLAYGROUND TO CLEVELAND, TN GREENWAY

PCL partnered with the Cleveland, TN Greenway Committee to purchase and construct a playground on the Greenway located at the First Tennessee Bank property on Raider Drive. PCL donated the money and First Tennessee donated the property. Several local organizations including Men and Women of Action, City of Cleveland, Ace Hardware, Lee University Rugby Club, and Church of God World Missions joined PCL staff and a supervisor from "Play Structures" to erect the playground. Ground covering tiles have yet to laid and swings put in place before the project is ready for play. A restroom, parking area and picnic tables are planned for the near future.

BACK IN THE GOOD OLE U.S. OF A. Teaching in the Doctor of Ministry Program

2009-10-14T19:15:00.001-07:00

I arrived back in the U.S.A. late Monday afternoon from Hungary and had the opportunity to begin teaching in the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program at the Church of God Pentecostal Seminary (Yes, it's a new name) early Tuesday morning. Jet lag has yet to be a problem, but then I am staying active in the teaching role.

Dr. Paul Metler, Senior Pastor at the Heritage Fellowship Church of God in Oak Ridge, Tennessee is my assistant teacher in this class and thanks to him I was able to miss Monday and begin teaching Tuesday. We have seven great students from the around the United States and one from India.

Already this week our dialogue has revolved around leadership principles like
- Integrity, Character, Credibility, Trust
- Relationships, Change, Conflict, Transitions in ministry
- History of Leadership, Servant Leadership

Stay tuned to this blog for more information about this class.

COMING UP -

REDEMPTIVE LEADERSHIP TRAINING IN PHILIPPINES
I leave for Manila, Philippines and the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries (ASCM) the last week of October to conduct Training for Trainers in my Redemptive Leadership: Ten Critical Skills series. Scott Rains is the President of the Semanary in Manila and I'm looking forward to this return trip.

LEADERLAB IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
Going Home

Thursday & Friday
November 12 & 13

HOLIDAY CAMBODIA TRIP - FULL
November 27 - December 8

DAY OF HONOR AND CELEBRATION

2009-10-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

Today (Saturday) started out with a 3 1/2 mile jog and moved quickly into a sentimental time of honoring a great leader within European ministry. This morning I was present as the European leadership within the Church of God (14 countries represented) honored and celebrated Bishop and Mrs. Dieter Knospie's ministry as Field Director of Eastern Europe. Bishop Knospie has plans to step down from this position next July at the International Assembly in Orlando, FL.

With those plans in place the Eastern European Leadership from 14 countries (15 if you call Tennessee a foreign country; and some do) took several hours to share memories and celebrate the accomplishments and exemplery pastoral behavior the Knospies have modeled for the past several decades. I met Dieter Knospie a little over a year ago in Germany at a national pastor's conference. The second day of the conference we had breakfast together and he invited me to come spend several days training the Leadership of Eastern Europe. Bishop Knospie's words to me in both private and public are extremely kind and affirming.

TEN YEAR CHURCH CELEBRATION IN HUNGARY

This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of the Church of God in Hungary and we literally celebrated it all afternoon and into the evening. All 15 countries of us boarded a big bus and drove about 30 kilometers to the town of Debrecen, Hungary. Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary following Budapest.

We left for the church at 3:15pm and arrived back at our hotel after 9:00pm; 6 sermons, many testimonies and lots of singing and eating in between. It was a wonderful time of celebrating with these kind and proud people but the highlight of the evening for me involved getting to meet Janos Vigh, a 90 year old man that stole the show.

Janos is the oldest living Church of God member in Hungary, having been a member for 72 years and a bi-vocational minister for over 40 years. Janos cared for his wife for more than 20 years before she passed away and raised 5 beautiful children. How can I describe him to you? Meek, humble, conscious, inspiring, precious, honorable...you just want to listen to him talk and he loves to talk about the past. Janos is one of those people who cry at the drop of a hat and he has the contagious ability to encourage your tears as well.

And now what would a church celebration be without food and good ole table fellowship? And boy did we enjoy a spread. See photo above.

TEACHING AND TABLE FELLOWSHIP IN HUNGARY

2009-10-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

Delegates in this meeting come from 14 different countries:
Germany, Austria, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Russia, Belaras, and the Ukraine.

Today, Friday, October 9 was the second day of my LeaderLab training opportunity here in Hungary. I am with some of the best people on earth. People who day in and day out live to make a difference in the lives of men and women, boys and girls. Listening to their stories of humble self-sacrifice and the trials they endure is both inspiring and convicting. Today we spent our teaching and interaction time focusing on conflict in the ministry, a topic that always keeps a group like this one awake and interested. The time seemed to fly by.

Room and Board for all delegates has been included in the confrence price and the food...well let's just say it has been "generic." So, this afternoon a few of us decided to slip off down the street to a little Hungarian restaurant. Boy was this a good idea! It was the real deal! Music, atmosphere, food preparation and all.

In this photo to the right, Jonathan Augustine and I are enjoying authentic Hungarian Goulash - it was spectacular.

PCL ESTABILISHES SOCIAL LEGITIMACY IN CLEVELAND
Back at home in good ole Tennessee the People for Care and Men and Women of Action teams are collaborating with other organizations in Cleveland to build a playground structure on the Greenway. This playground has been donated to the Cleveland Greenway as part of PCL's commitment to Inspiring Hope and Empowering Potential both at home and abroad; from SE Tennessee to SE Asia. I can't wait to see the finished product. Thanks to Cari Shanks and the other PCL staff volunteers that are heading up this project in my absence.

MWOA PROJECT IN ETHIOPIA - JENN TOLLEFSON PART OF THE TEAM
In addition, another group of ladies led by Teddie Fletcher from Men and Women of Action are on their way to Ethiopia where they will present early Christmas gifts to more than 1,000 children. Jennifer Tollefson, my administrative assistant, is representing PCL on this trip.

LEADERSHIP / MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES IN SE ASIA
Dr. Dale Denham is also in SE Asia moving from country to country Inspiring Hope and Empowering Potential through the leadership / ministry development arm of PCL. Dr. Dale has already been in Mylasia, is on his way to Sri Lanka and will close out his trip in Cambodia. Dr. Dale has more than a thousand students in ministry development ISOLD schools (International Schools of Leadership Development).

SHIRLEY GARMON - ESSENTIAL TO HOME OFFICE
And we cannot forget about my lovely wife Shirley. She is back at the PCL offices making sure everything runs smoothly so that the rest of us can travel and do what we do. Her incredible work ethic accompanied by her ability to multi-task makes Shirley an invaluable part of our PCL Team effort. Make sure you're signed up for her Constant Contact email blasts that she sends out regularly. This email newsletter will keep you up to date with all that our ministry is up to. Go to our PCL website at www.peopleforcare.org to sign up and learn more about People for Care and Learning.

A LITTLE FLESH FROM DEBRECEN?

2009-10-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

GROUP PHOTO OF LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

From left to right, first row:
Csaba Tenkely; Tom Rosson; Dieter Knospe & his wife, Field Director
Church of God, Central and Eastern Europe; Jonathan Augustine; Fred Garmon

In this blog I'm going to provide, what might seem to be, and most likely is, several disconnected thoughts, but informative I hope.

I don't have a photo of Wednesday evenings meal but that's probably for the best. It wasn't terrible...in fact, it was okay. Nevertheless, the description on the menu was not so inviting. It read: "Little flesh from Debrecen on chips with sourness." Before you proceed reading this paragraph STOP and try to imagine just what they were attempting to say. (My friend, Dr. Bill George would love this.) The interpretation is = "Cubed pork prepared in the city of Debrecen style, served on French fries with pickled peppers." Well there you have it.

Fred Teaching in Thursday's Sessions

Group Representatives are from various countries in Eastern Europe

Teachings being translated into three languages: Russian, Hungary, & English

HOW TO PRONOUNCE THE NAME OF THE CITY?
Hajdúszoboszló
"Hoi do sew bow slow" Try it!

HAJDUSZOBOSZLO, HUNGARY

2009-10-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

I FIANLLY GOT MY LUGGAGE TODAY! IT TOOK MUCH PERSISTENCE BUT I AM HAPPY!
In the photo above I am standing in HERO SQUARE located in Budapest, Hungary. Jonathan Augustine took Jerry Lillard and me to this Public Park area just before leaving Budapest for the city of Hajduszoboszlo, Hungary. I hear this city name pronounced but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to say it; you try it! The millenial monument was built in 1896 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of Hungarians

Opposite the entrance to Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest City Park is one of Budapest's most famous monuments — the Statue of Anonymous by Miklós Ligeti. Both professional and aspiring writers touch his shiny pen as a sort of good luck thing. Anonymous is supposed to be an unamed historical scribe (obviosily).

In the middle of Heroes' square stands a 36 metres high corinthian column with the statue of Archangel Gabriel on the top. At the pedestal the equestrian statues commemorate Árpád and the seven chieftains of the Hungarian tribes.

Two hundred kilometers north-east of Budapest lies Hajduszoboszlo, Hungary and scores of thermal spa resorts. It is here that I'll spend the next several days in Leadership Development training for 50+ ministry leaders located within Eastern Europe. After a two hour trip traveling at 160 kilometers per hour (you figure it in mph) we have arrived, enjoyed dinner and meeting many of the ministry leaders.
Jet lag has hit me hard tonight. Looking forward to jogging tomorrow and scouting out the thermal spa area. Goodnight for now.

In photo: Jonathan Augustine;Jerry Lillard (Prague, Czech Republic; Fred Garmon) in Hero Square.

BEAUTIFUL BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

2009-10-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Dr. Fred Garmon with Dr. Jonathan Augustine in Budapest, Hungary
Well, I have finally arrived in Budapest after another interesting journey. It all started yesterday (I think it was yesterday), Monday, October 5th around 3pm. I was in the Chattanooga, Tennessee airport waiting on my 3:15pm flight to Atlanta, Georgia on the infamous ASA Airlines; notoriuous for its inconsistent and sometimes non-existent service. The call came for us to board our flight and I was relieved; it was on time. Boarding the plane I was excited to see Dr. Steve Land, President of the Pentecostal Seminary in Cleveland, TN. I sat beside him and momentarily we began our taxi out to the runway. But I had assumed too much! The pilot explained that we were being held by the Atlanta traffic control system and that we would have to sit on the runway for 45 minutes. My flight itinerary was already tight and this news wasn't what I needed to hear. One hour 30 minutes later we were given the okay to take off....yes, it was 5:00pm. I could tell you more about our time on the ground. You know the drill. It was hot, cramped space, and customer service? What customer service? Any news we got we had to ask for and the agent behaved as if we were inconveniencing him to ask.
We made it to Atlanta just as my flight to Amsterdam and on to Budapest was departing; I missed my flight. The agent inside the Atlanta gate was very helpful but I learned that they were rescheduling me to leave the next afternoon at 3:45pm. So I went to work; there had to be a better routing. And there was.
Two hours later I was booked on a flight to Paris and on to Budapest. The flight departed Atlanta at 8:40pm and actually had better connections than my original flights.
After a delightful plate of ribs at TGI Fridays I boarded the Air France flight to Paris. Eight hours later and 5 hours sleep we arrived in Paris. Did I tell you I hate the Paris airport? Well I do! It is an experience in navigating a conflicted structure and system. And it seems as if they pride themselves in this reputation.
I had 55 minutes to get through customs and find my way through three terminals and 65 gates. I made it with 5 minutes to spare wondering the entire time how in the world my one luggage bag was going to make this connection, especially in "this" airport.
I don't remember much about the two hour flight from Paris to Budapest. I had a window seat and fell asleep before the jet left the ground and didn't wake up until the tires struck the runway pavement in Budapest. I woke up thinking to myself just how much I enjoyed the deep sleep I had just enjoyed.
I deboarded the aircraft and found my way to the baggage claim area only to find myself still standing there with about 15 other people who were wondering, like me, where their bags were.
We stood in line forever going through more red tape than I've seen or experienced before. Twelve papers to fill out for one bag. And they did not know where my bag was. They "thought" it was in Amsterdam but not sure. I gave them my hotel address in hopes that the bag would be delivered after arrival of one of three other scheduled flights coming into Budapest from Paris.
It is now 12 o'clock midnight here in Budapest. I have had a great afternoon and evening with five gentlemen from all over central Europe. We've enjoyed coffee at an outside cafe at the downtown square next to St. Stephens Chapel. We've walked all over the river center and enjoyed a magnificent dinner on a floating restaurant. Here I am back in my room and still no luggage. So tomorrow morning (Tuesday) I guess I'll go shopping.

I'll be uploading pictures of Budapest later today. It is magnificient, reminding me much of Prague. Stay tuned. This one-week journey has just begun.

FREE-LIVE CONCERT TO BENEFIT PEOPLE FOR CARE AND LEARNING

2009-09-05T08:12:00.001-07:00

Pastor Tom Sterbens, as most of you know, is not only an inspirational and gifted pastor, but also an accomplished musician and song writer. Tom has written songs and had them recorded by Donnie and Reba Rambo-McGuire, Ron Kenoly, Karen Wheaton, Lee University Campus Choir and Lee University Singers. In addition, Pastor Rick Warren of the famous Saddleback Church in California used Tom's song "May Your Glory Fill This Place" to dedicate their new facility. The report is saying that the songs being recorded on Tom's latest project, "MERCY SPEAKS" are no doubt his best!

I join with Tom Sterbens in the belief that MERCY is the force of God's grace refusing to join us in any identity that is less than God's high purpose for us; whether that dysfunctional identity be insecurity, powerlessness, or poverty.

Jesus brought a message of Good News to the poor. Help us bring them Good News!

Join us, Pastor Tom Sterbens, the New Hope Church of God congregation, and People for Care and Learning as we together imbark on a journey to be a voice of MERCY that speaks to the poor in Cambodia, all of Southeast Asia and even right here in our own backyard of the southeastern United States.

THURSDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 17, 7PM
NEW HOPE CHURCH
2450 WINFIELD DUNN PARKWAY
KODAK, TN (865) 932-4673
DOORS OPEN AT 6:30PM

REMEMBER: IT'S FREE! IT'S LIVE! IT WILL BE PACKED! DON'T MISS THIS EVENT!

Fred & Shirley Travels - A Pictoral Tour

2009-09-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

2009 has taken Fred & Shirley to many marvelous places to "Inpire Hope and Empower Potential" in the lives of wonderful people. Along the way we have invested in various projects that help the poor while spending time with our friends, PCL staff and partners. We have also been blessed to experience some of the world's most magnificent sites. Enjoy the photos.

CLEAN WATER PROJECT - A Well for a village

Fred & Shirley Garmon with PCL Children in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Fred with Anyu after his 3rd reconstructive surgery - Anyu had a 4lb tumor removed from his face a few months ago. Here Anyu is teaching Fred how to grill a frog

Fred reads books the children at the PCL Childrens' Home bring to him

Hong Kong from Victoria's Peak - A side trip whle on the way to Cambodia

Fred & Shirley on the Great Wall of China just outside Beijing.

We would love to have you travel with us!
Inspire Hope and Empower Potential....what we call "Travel with significance" or a "Vacation with purpose."

A TOUR OF STRASBOURG, FRANCE - MARVELOUS!

2009-06-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Basti Schmidgall Tour Guide - Cheap but Good
Today was another great day in Europe. Basti Schmitgall graciously took me and two German pastors to Strasbourg, France; a 45 min drive from Knebis, Germany where I've been teaching Leadership at the European Theological Seminary (ETS). The drive was breathtaking; green, green and more green. Green pines, greener than green grass along mountains that resemble those found in Gatlinburg, Tennessee within the great Smokey Mountains (USA). The air is cool and the sky is crystal blue. And can I say that the air is thin. A little important note one should make if they decide (like I did) to play basketball at this altitude. Anyway, Strasbourg was picturesque and wonderfully stereotypical of what I imagined it to be like. I was especially delighted to be in the city where the Gutenburg printing press was created; an invention that catapulted the world into the embryonic beginning of the information age. Strasbourg is also the headquarters for the European Union. The mixture of old and new seemed to take me back and forth in time. I personally like the old!
One of my favorite experiences in Strasbourg was a visit to the Strasbourg Cathedral.

Strasbourg Cathedral, otherwise known as Our Lady of Strasbourg is a Roman Catholic cathedral. It is widely considered to be among the finest examples of high, or late, Gothic architecture. Erwin von Steinbach is credited for major contributions from 1277 to his death in 1318. At 142 metres, it was the world's tallest building from 1647 to 1874, when it was surpassed firstly by St. Nikolai's Church, Hamburg. Today it is the sixth-tallest church in the world.

MASTERS CLASS IN LEADERSHIP: Knebis, Germany

2009-06-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

I am once again in the beautiful mountain area of Germany referred to as the Black Forest. It resembles Gatlinburg, Tennessee a great deal. In fact, all of Germany looks extremely similar to eastern Tennessee. I visited Knebis, Germany (the small town with a population of about 500) located in the Black Forest, last October. It is now summer and it is absolutely beautiful. I have the privledge this trip to teach a Masters Class in Leadership that has enrolled 12 middle to top ministry leaders from Germany (the National Overseer, Erich Scheider is also in the class). I am so encouraged to see so many top leaders hungry for training! I will complete this class Friday afternoon, June 18, 2009 and then will stay over to speak Sunday and Monday, June 22 and 23, 2009 to the pastors of Germany who are coming to Knebis for a 3-day retreat. I really enjoy being with these people! Paul and Gabi Schmidgall, the President of the European Theological Seminary (ETS) are kind and extremely considerate hosts. The students; the few that are still around for the summer, are some of the most committed and dedicated young adults I've ever encountered. This school is producing effective and loyal leaders! It is a pleasure and honor to be here.
View Seen From Back of the Seminary
Students Involved in an Experiential Learning Project

HAVING FUN TALKING WITH STUDENTS!

Fred Visits Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

2009-06-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

Pastor Jivko of Crossroads International Church in Knebis, Germany with Fred
Pastor Jivko met me at the Stuttgart Germany airport early Monday morning, June 15, 2009. He had to leave his home before 6am in order to meet me at my 8:15am arrival time. Jivko graciously volunteered to take me on a one day tour of the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany; a 3 1/2 hour drive to the south. I had flew alnight on the "red eye" from Ethiopia and wasn't really sure if I could stay awake all day but the weather combined with the friendship and incredible scenery proved to be more than enough to keep my attention! What can I say, this has to be one of the most wonderful settings in the world. I can't wait to bring my wife Shirley to visit this place! Thanks Jivko for a wonderful day!

View of the valley below the Castle and the Swiss Alps in the foreground. The castle in the middle of the photo seen in the far distance is the castle the King (builder / designer) of the castle grew up in this castle; his parents castle of course.

Fred standing with a model of Neuschwanstein Castle. The model is located at the end of the castle tour.

Fred Garmon Visits Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2009-06-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

Represenative Group of Emerging Leaders in Ethiopia
I had the honor of traveling to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this past Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, 2009 for two intense days of fundamental leadership development. I worked with 50+ incrediblly devoted and educationally hungry emerging leaders; 80% of which were between 18 to 35 years old. Greeting me at the airport was the Ethiopian pastor and overseer, Hurey Tisege; the African Superintendent for the Chruches of God, Jurgen Rudolph; and Bishop Christopher, the Eastern Africa Christian Education Director.

Dr. Fred Garmon; Hurey Tsige; Christopher; Jurgen Rudolph

TrueNorth LeaderLab - Madisonville, KY

2009-05-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Dr. Garmon conducted a LeaderLab focusing on the subject of LEADING CHANGE in Madisonville, KY Thursday and Friday, May 20 & 21, 2009. Dr. Michael Knight's initiative to train church planters and encourage plauteaued ministries saw almost 1000 people attend Labs at his Madisonville, Ky campus of Covenant Community Church. This particular video was part of an experiential class that focused on technology and it's impact on ministry and the minister.

Taking Clean Water Filters to Takam Village in Cambodia

2009-05-07T03:13:00.000-07:00

Dr. Garmon's Video Interview with Anyu - Takam Village, Cambodia

2009-05-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Climbing the Great Wall in China

2009-04-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

Climbing the Great Wall in Beijing, China. April 30, 2009. Shirley and myself with Mike and Sandy Forbis on our way to Cambodia.

UPDATE #2: BILL GEORGE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

2009-04-13T15:06:00.001-07:00

Thanks for your continuing concern and interest in helping Bill secure a donor. He has given me a couple of Web sites that offer helpful information to potential donors. The Web sites include one from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, his primary registration place, and another from Mayo Clinic. These provide overview information. You can also do a Google search on "kidney donation" and find dozens of sites. Most of them say essentially the same thing, These two give you a sample of the info available.

UAB: http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=38844

Mayo: http://www.mayoclinic.org/kidney-transplant/livingdonorfaq.html

Bill has been approved by Blue Cross for the surgery and they cover all costs associated with the surgery for him and for you. They do not "pay" you for the kidney (that is a felony offense); only the costs associated with the transplant. Also, if you become a donor, you automatically go to the top of the list if you were ever to have any difficulty in the future.

Bill chose UAB because they have done the second most transplants in the nation, completing 7,000 by the end of last year, second only to the University of California.

Please keep Bill in your prayers. He and I believe out there somewhere is the person with the match and the willingness to do something extraordinary.

BILL GEORGE UPDATE: KIDNEY DONATION?

2009-04-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank you for the considerate assistance and responses we have received concerning kidney donation for Dr. Bill George. We definitely need to continue the search, but an update is in order at this time.

Dr. George writes,
"We don't have anything specific arranged at this point, but there are a couple of inquirers who have indicated an interest and are presently gathering information that will help them make an informed decision about being a donor. Also, anyone who wants to know more about being a living kidney donor can visit this Web site:
http://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/index.cfm and look on the top right of the page, clicking on "Thinking About Becoming a Donor."

Every day I am more hopeful that a qualified donor will come through.
Keep praying with me about it.

Bill

Help Me Help My Friend! Get the Word Out!

2009-03-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bill George Needs a Kidney

INFORMATION BELOW ABOUT DONOR PROCESS

Recently People for Care and Learning was instrumental in using the World Wide Web and internet technology to help secure medical treatment (surgery) for a young man in Cambodia. Anyu, a young man living in a rural village outside Siem Reap, Cambodia had a four-pound tumor growing on the right side of his face completely disfiguring him (photo below).

READ MORE ABOUT ANYU FURTHER DOWN IN THIS POSTING:

Now, I turn to the World Wide Web and twenty first century internet technology to assist me again in finding medical help for another deserving individual.

Dr. Bill George has been a mentor and personal friend for more than 31 years. Bill took me under his wing back in 1976 when I was a freshman in college. In fact, Bill George has mentored and positively influenced hundreds if not thousands of young men and women; it is an endowed gift that through the years been refined to a passionate art!
A few years ago Bill was diagnosed with diabetes that for a while was managable with medicine. But early in 2009 Bill had to go on dialysis. Now, several times a week Bill has to drive 30 miles to Chattanooga, TN and spend four plus hours as machinery recycles and purifies his blood.

After a battery of physical tests in February 2009 Bill was approved as viable for a kidney transplant. Upon hearing this news I discussed Bill's situation with my wife and two daughters and made the decision to be his donor. However, during my physical exam I was diagnosed with mild high blood pressure and therefore was disqualified. Bill now goes on a transplant list and will await the availability of a donor.

There are not very many opportunities in life where a person can make a contribution like this.

Won't you help me help Bill?
Use your BLOG.
Use your MySpace and Facebook pages.
Use your websites.
Pass the word around in your emails and around your offices. Surely we can work together to find my friend and the friend of so many others a kidney.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

We did it for Anyu in Cambodia.
Now let's do it for Bill in Tennessee.

KIDNEY DONOR PROCESS:
BLOOD TYPE?
Bill’s blood type is A (40% of the population), but kidneys can cross-match with other types. The most common type is O (50% of the population), and, happily, O usually matches with A quite well. This means there is probably a large pool of potential donors in Bill’s case. The catch, however, is that more than "type" is involved. Once a person volunteers and passes a couple of preliminary tests (such as, whether one has high blood pressure), then blood samples are taken and compared with samples they have of Bill’s blood. Blood contains substances called "antigens," (which stands for "anti-body generating"); antigens are inherited and most everybody's are a little different. If you have the "wrong" kind of antigens (that is, different from Bill’s), you can't be a donor. When doctors do the matching, it is ideal if the donor and recipient have all six points of match; this is rare, however, and they will do the transplant if there are as few as two points of match.

CAN THE DONOR BE FEMALE?
Yes…there is nothing gender related about kidneys.

THE PROCESS involves asking the potential donor a few preliminary questions; Is he/she over 60 years of age? Do they have high blood pressure or a history of heart disease? Answering “yes” to either of these questions will remove him/her from consideration. If the person passes this quick test, the next step would be to get in touch with the UAB people (hospital in Birmingham, AL); Bill George has this contact information. Bill is also attempting to get on the Vanderbilt hospital list, which would make it more convenient for anyone living near Cleveland, TN. However, this process will take another couple of weeks. The Transplant Coordinator will tell the potential donor how to go about the blood typing.

MORE ABOUT ANYU
The staff of People for Care and Learning was working in Anyu's village building homes for a local widow and a Cambodian pastor (see photo below).

The PCL staff decided to try and find medical help for Anyu. The PCL staff went to work contacting as many people as possible through word of mouth and technology. They requested help from missionaries and humanitarian organizations and asked that they pass on the urgent request. The PCL team also began publishing Anyu's need on the World Wide Web via every avenue available; emails, blogs, email blasts, constant contact, YouTube, Myspace, and Facebook. Several people came forward wanting to help but it was a group of French surgeons that ultimately stepped up and came to Cambodia to examine Anyu. Another equally important miracle within this wonderful story involves a Cambodian hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia that allowed the French doctors to use their operating room. The examination, however, turned into a surgical project that was wonderfully successful!
(see photo below).
After a few months of recovery, Anyu is back in his village and continuing to heal. The transformation is incredible.

Anthems Project Coordinator Selected

2009-03-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

Adrianne Hart joined the PCL team as Project Coordinator for the Anthems project. Adrianne poses in front of PCL offices with The Saturn Project band members.

ANTHEMS PROJECT - GREAT START!

2009-03-22T14:27:00.001-07:00

The Saturn Project played at Lee University during Pi Kappa Pi's St Patty's Day celebration event. The social service club partnered with PCL to sponsor the outdoor event that encouraged community involvement.

The Lee University student body and Cleveland, TN community came together for a great outdoor experience that included spirited music provided by The Saturn Project. The Band's message focuses on helping the poor in Cambodia.

PHOTO #1: The Saturn Project plays at Lee University chapel Tuesday, March 17 to student body.

PHOTO #2: Pi Kappa Pi, a social service club at Lee University partnered with People for Care and Learning to help with the Anthems Project. Adam, Pi's president, is interviewed by Brigette Baggett of Mix 104, WCLE radio.

PHOTO #3: Jake Stum of First Baptist of Cleveland, TN sends a representative to PCL office with check for $1000 representing their young adult ministry contribution to the Anthems project.

Winterfest and The Saturn Project CD Release - Photos Below

2009-03-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

Friday evening, March 13, 2009 we presented the Anthems For a Broken World album and the Cambodia project to a room full of youth leaders behind the stage at Winterfest (Knoxville, TN). That went very well. Within 30 minutes, we distributed thousands of CDs. We won’t say exactly how many just yet. But, it blew us away, completely exceeding expectations. Allow us to provide a brief overview as to how this project started:
- songs written by Jesse and performed by the band,
- a challenging idea between Jesse Santoyo and Pastor Travis Johnson, LifePointe Church,
- a massive challenge to the people at Life Pointe Church, Homestead, FL,
- a God ordained partnership with Dr. Fred Garmon and People for Care and Learning (PCL),
- donated studio time from Murray Arts Center, (Atlanta, GA; thanks Dr. Tilley) and
- a gracious partnership with Tom Madden and the YWEA team.
As of Friday evening, March 13, the band had not even played at Winterfest and it looked like we are on our way to completely selling out of the entire first run of CDs (10,000)here in Knoxville! Amazing! Check out some of the pictures (inserted below) from Friday and Saturday nights as 18,000 students came together for an amazing night at Winterfest at the University of Tennessee’s Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN.

PHOTOS FROM WINTERFEST, KNOXVILLE, TN - MARCH 13, 14, 2009

2009-03-15T04:12:00.001-07:00

PHOTO 1 -

The Saturn Project Band looks over the sold out arena in Knoxville, TN.

PHOTO 2 -

Reianna Santoyo (Jesse's Wife)sells CDs at PCL Booth.

PHOTO 3 -

Jesse Santoyo plays piano at Winterfest 2009 in front of 18,000 people.

PHOTO 4 -

Jesse Santoyo and Matt Izaguirre savor the moment at Winterfest 2009.

PHOTO 5 -

Brent Maloney plays in front of 18,000 people at Winterfest.

PHOTO 6 -

Alex Santoyo on stage in front of 18,000 people at Winterfest.

PHOTO 7 -

Alex Santoyo poses in front of PCL booth with a "fresh off the press" copy of Anthems CD.

PHOTO 8 -

Darius Walden accepts Athems Box #1 - 100 CDs

JOIN THE CAUSE! Anthems for a Broken World

2009-03-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

PHOTO ABOVE:
TSP Band attempts to "sit like a Khmer." Try it and have some fun! The Cambodian people can sit "flat footed" placing all their weight on their ankles with their backs straight. I think TSP has a deeper respect for this ability now.

I have finally made it back to Los Angeles, CA and the shores of the good ole USA. It is always bitter sweet due to the fact that I've left so many wonderful friends on the other side of the planet in Cambodia. But now it's time for all of us to go to work for them!

The Saturn Project band is giving all the proceeds from their new 13 song CD Project (Anthems for a Broken World) to PCL's humanitarian work in Cambodia. And PCL is making it easy for youth groups to help in this endeavor. Simply order one box of CD's (100 CDs per box @ $10 each) and we will consign them to the church on a 60 day consignment. We'll even ship them to you. So, BUY MUSIC. DO GOOD. And each box provides 100 people incredibly good music and the opportunity to partner with PCL in providing homes for poverty stricken people in Cambodia...one box = one home.

You can also purchase individual CDs by going to The Saturn Project website (http://www.thesaturnproject.com/) or the People for Care and Learning website (www.peopleforcare.org).

The Band plays this Saturday and Sunday at Winterfest in Knoxville, TN then next week in Cleveland, TN. Make plans to engage this band; they are GREAT! And the cause is awesome!

A FEW THOUGHTS BEFORE LEAVING CAMBODIA - Dr FRED

2009-03-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

PHOTOS ABOVE:
PHOTO #1: Dr Garmon poses with PCL Cambodia Staff and two remaining travel team members (Phil Thompson & Mark Schrade)just prior to Dr Garmon departing for Seim Reap Airport. PCL has the special forces of servant leading staff in Cambodia!
PHOTO #2: PCL Cambodia Staff plays dominos in loft at Common Grounds Coffee House.
PHOTO #3: "The Art of Compassion" is a book about various popular artists who are giving back in a marvelous way. I pray that more of us learn what a gift it is to ourselves and those around us when we learn that "it truly isn't about us, it is about helping others!" Thanks to Jane Failer, one of your PCL Volunteer staff members who told me about this book and the project. TSP now joins this great group of servants who are making a difference in this needy world.
PHOTO #4: Phil Thompson - Video man from Heritage Fellowship Ch in Oak Ridge, TN. Thanks to Pastor Paul Metler and the Hertiage Family who allowed Phil to travel with us and document via video all the Saturn Project journey here in Cambodia.

This has been an incredibly productive and enjoyable trip to Cambodia. The Saturn Project band played their hearts out all over this country in various venues. Their attitudes and personalities spoke to the Khmer people as much or more than their music; and their music was out of this world!

TESTIMONIES FROM THE BAND - TSP

2009-03-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

PHOTO ABOVE: Dr Garmon, Alex, Matt, PCL Staff Matt, Brent, Pastor Travis.

The Saturn Project band left Cambodia last night heading back to the USA. I am still in Cambodia awaiting the departure of my return flight this afternoon at 1:00pm.

Jesse and Brent, two guys from the band left the following testimonies - enjoy.

Jesse Santoyo
This trip was beyond what I expected. Life can never, and will never be the same for me. My heart is here with the Cambodian people. To perform for the children at the PCL was something I will never forget. We didn't have the equipment we "thought" we needed, the stage a band usually wants to perform on, but I tell you...these shows have been the best we have ever had. It's never been about us. To see those kids jumping, singing, dancing and laughing was more than enough. Nothing will ever come close to performing for the children, teens and families of Cambodia. We are looking forward to the festivals in the next few days and weeks in the US, but something special happened to us on this trip and we hope the US joins in that same spirit. Cambodia needs people of hope than can help them rise up, rebuild, believe and make their world a better place. I hope that with our music we can make some sort of impact of hope for the Cambodia people. Until next time..."I feel so alive!"
peace.

Brent Maloney
It's been such an amazing experience we've shared with everyone here in Cambodia. I believe you can tell a lot through the look in someone's eyes, and by the hugs they give, and everywhere we went there were people, young and old, who would come up to Fred, and some of the other team members, to gratefully embrace them. I was also blessed by our time spent at the orphanage with Matt, his team, and all the amazing children! Those kids were beautiful, and to see and hear their love for God, through song and interaction, was a picture that is forever captured in my heart! They were also the rowdiest bunch we've ever played for....even rowdier than a club in South Beach Miami! The impact that People For Care & Learning is having in the culture here was so evident. I have been so touched by the love and generosity of the people here, and can't wait to return again!

We have had a great trip. The Saturn Project arrives back in the USA Tuesday morning and begins a Marathon of performances.
Smokey Mountain Winterfest - Saturday and Sunday, March 14 & 15
Heritage Fellowship Church, Oak Ridge, TN - Sunday night, March 15
Lee University Chapel, Cleveland, TN - Tuesday, March 17
Lee University Open Air Benefit Concert for Cleveland Community - Wednesday, March 18

Stay in touch and join the movement - BUY MUSIC. DO GOOD.
See our website at wwww.peopleforcare.org

THE SATURN PROJECT JAMS AT PCL CHILDRENS' HOME

2009-03-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Saturn Project (TSP) played before a large audience that comprised the PCL Childrens' Home and the local community. It was as if the Beatles or some other rock band were in town; the local Khmer (Cambodians) loved them and screamed their lungs out! The bond between TSP and the Cambodian people has become deep and strong. The band is presently touring the great Angkor Wat Temple and Palace sites and are scheduled to leave for the USA late tonight at 10:30pm.

Photos Above:
Photo 1: TSP with teens from the PCL youth group after evening concert at the Childrens' Home.
Photo 2: TSP with Cambodian Youth Group.

STREAMING LIVE VIDEO FROM COMMON GROUNDS COFFEE HOUSE

2009-03-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

We have been streaming live video from Common Grounds Coffee and Cyber Cafe this monrning. The Coffee House is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia and is operated by People for Care and Learning, a Non-Government Organization (NGO) serving the poor in SE Asia. We had people join the live internet broadcast from Europe, Hawaii, and all throughout the USA. Scores others logged on to this BLOG to see moment by moment photos of the gathering and "a week in review" photo report.

Stay tuned for more; the Saturn Project plays again twice Sunday afternoon and the team visits Angkor Wat and the Place Sites tomorrow (Monday). Remember - the USA will experience a one-hour jump forward in time, but Cambodia remains the same, so instead of being exactly 12 hours ahead, Cambodia will only be 11 hours ahead of EST.

WEEK IN REVIEW - PHOTOS

2009-03-07T19:03:00.001-08:00

SUNDAY IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

2009-03-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

Photo 1: THE SATURN PROJECT plays and sings at Common Grounds.
Photo 2: THE SATURN PROJECT plays and sings at Common Grounds.
Photo 3: Mitch Maloney addressess crowd at Common Grounds Coffee and Cyber Cafe; Siem Reap, Cambodia.

INCREDIBLY PRODUCTIVE DAY! WOW!!!!

2009-03-07T02:46:00.000-08:00

It is Saturday here in Cambodia. We are 12 hours ahead of those of you in the USA and the future looks good! This has been an incredibly full day, that is not finished yet. I'm presently sitting at the Common Grounds Coffee and Cyber Cafe and THE SATURN PROJECT is getting ready to perform another out door benefit concert right out front of the Coffee Shop. We have closed off the streets and are preparing to rock the town!

SO HERE IS A RECAP OF OUR INCREDIBLE DAY: See photos of above.
Photo 1: The Saturn Project Band plays live benefit concert in front of Common Grounds Coffee and Cyber Cafe in Siem Reap, Cambodia - IT WAS GREAT!
Photo 2: The Saturn Project Band with Cambodian friends and PCL staff during a visit to Anyu's village in rural Cambodia.
Photo 3: Pastor Travis Johnson (LifePointe Church - Homestead, FL) holds Water Filter; The Saturn Project band in background.
Photo 4: Dr. Fred Garmon, Phil Thompson, Travis Johnson, Mitch Maloney, Mark Schrade
Photo 5: Pastor Mark Schrade (Birmingham, AL - Metro Church) plays with a Python Snake on the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia.

THE SATURN PROJECT BENEFIT CONCERT

2009-03-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

The Saturn Project played in front of a large crowd inside Emmanual Village (Phnom Pneh, Cambodia); a relocation village for the poor. It was a tremendous success! Well Done men!

Bien Raneses, the PCL Development Director for Southern Cambodia did another great job today organizing and promoting the Benefit Concert for TSP. A big thank you and congrats goes out to Bien and his Khmer staff! Job well done! (See photo above: Dr. Fred with Bien Raneses.)

We ended the day at the Pizza Company restaurant at a nearby mall. We were joined by many of our Khmer staff and friends. We depart early in the morning (7am) for the Phnom Penh Airport where we take a 9:30am flight 50 minutes north to Siem Reap, Cambodia. We are all very tired and ready for a good night’s rest. It has been a great day!

Oh yea…I almost forgot.
We lost Phil Thompson tonight! That’s right Naomi (Phil’s wife), we lost em…or I probably should say, Phil lost us. He took too long getting off the bus at the restaurant and no one noticed that he wasn’t with us till about 45 minutes later when Phil finally found us on the fourth floor of the Pizza Company. He said he had been walking the streets attempting to explain to local Cambodians that he was looking for Pizza. This was way too funny. Phil, however, was his regular good ole boy self! All is well and we’re still laughing – well, at least I am.
Good night.

HOPE ORPHANAGE & CULTURAL LEARNING

2009-03-04T23:18:00.000-08:00

CHECK OUT MY VIDEO LOCATED ON THE VIDEO BAR BELOW:
Today was a day of learning about SE Asia and particularly Cambodia. We studied "bas relief" inscriptions carved on walls that depict the origin of the material world from the Hindu perspective. The creation account reveals the Hindu god Vishnu riding upon the back of an enormous turtle surrounded by celestial beings (Apsaras). On the right and left of Vishnu are the forces of evil and the forces of good in an epic battle of tug-a-war using a Naga or seven headed serpent as their rope.

From here we walked to the ancient and historic hill called "Wat Phnom." The word "wat" in the Khmer language means "temple," and "Phnom" means "mount." At the top of this historic hill is a Buddhist temple were people come each day to offer gifts and to pray. On our way down from the mount we took time to observe (but not get too close to) scores of monkeys that were playing in the trees and on the grounds.

Next we boarded our mini bus and went to visit Hope Orphanage, an orphanage of 37 children that PCL has been sponsoring for the past year. It didn't take long for the kids to steal the hearts of our American team. (1st photo above: Dr. Garmon receives award from "Kim," the young director of Hope Orphanage for PCL's support. 2nd photo: Jesse Santoyo, lead singer with THE SATURN PROJECT plays with orphan children at Hope Orphanage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.)

We then went to a very famous and historic restaurant for lunch: "KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN!" Just a few days in SE Asia and the team was ready for a good ole piece of fried chicken that came with cole slaw and mashed potatoes. Interestingly enough, however, the portions were 1/3 the size of what Americans are accustomed to and some on the team thought the Khmer employees were playing a joke on them. We reasoned that this is why they (the Cambodians) are so small and we (Americans) are so large.

We are now, at this moment resting for a few hours, preparing for THE SATURN PROJECT Concert that will take place this evening at 6:00pm. The Benefit concert is taking place in one of the relocation camps for the poor. PCL's new Learning Center is located inside this camp.

The journey continues - all is well. Stay tuned and tell others about this Blog!

PCL TEAM VISITS GENECIDE SITE - "THE KILLING FIELDS"

2009-03-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

The PCL team from the USA, including THE SATURN PROJECT Band, Pastor Mitch Maloney, Pastor Mark Schrade, Pastor Travis Johnson, Music Minister Phil Thompson and others visited “The Killing Fields” and “Tul Sleng” Prison today. These sites tell the story of the Cambodian genocide that took place from 1975 – 1979 under the leadership of Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge. It is estimated that as many as 3 million Cambodians were killed during this horrible period in Cambodian history.
(Also present in this photo are: Dr. Fred Garmon, Kristen Pace, Matt Bohlman, and Carol Knight, a volunteer nurse from Michigan.)

DEDICATION OF NEW LEARNING CENTER

2009-03-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

The Governor of the Phnom Penh district was present Wednesday morning, March 4 to assist with the Dedication of the new four-story PCL Learning Center located in Emmanuel Village, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Governor also honored PCL for its continued partnership with the Kingdom of Cambodia and expressed appreciation for the continued support and encouragement of the poor and needy.

Dr. Garmon also spoke to the large audience and expressed appreciation for the opportunity provided PCL to help the people of Cambodia and to be a partner.
Bien Raneses, the Southern Cambodian Development Director for PCL, and his staff were very proud of the new center and served as wonderful hosts to all the dignitaries, honored guest from the USA team, along with the TV and radio crews that were present covering the event.

The new facility will be used as a multi-purpose facility housing such programs as; Information Technology (IT), English as Second Language, a two-year Associates Degree, and a “high-diploma,” the equivalent of a GED degree in the USA. The Southern Cambodian offices for PCL will also be located in this new facility.

Blessed Are the Flexible, For They Shall Not Get Bent Out of Shape

2009-03-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Ok...sorry about that. I was sitting in the Chattangooga Airport, Gate 02 waiting on my US Air Flight to Charlotte, NC and on to LA, CA when the announcement was made that the Charlotte to LA flight had been canceled too. Oh my! Back down to the Delta counter, reclaim my checked bag, only to find out that I had no options left that would get me to LA in time to make my international Thai flight to Bangkok. The other three gentlement were finally on their way, but I was stuck. That's when Ken Kennedy, (Northgate Tripps Travel Agent and miracle worker) called and saved the day. He was talking with me on the cell phone while the Delta agent was telling me there were no options. He saw on his computer system that American Airlines had "one seat" available from Nashville, TN to LA that would barely make the needed international connection. I told the Delta agent and shed grabbed the seat (middle seat on a full four hour flight - oh, the flexibility clause is aggravating me at this time!). Now here's the stinger! - I had four hours before that flight left from Nashville and there were NO FLIGHTS going from Chattanooga to Nashville. Yes, I had to drive. So off to the Hertz Rent a Car counter I went. Secured a compact rental car and down the road I drove, two and a half hour drive to Nashville, TN. I made it of course....with 45 minutes to spare and even got an exit row middle seat (still between to giant men, shoulders rubbing the entire flight) but I was on my way to LA.
I landed in LA with 40 minutes to go; luggage probably not going to make the flight, but I was. I made it to the international terminal, found Mitch Maloney and the Thai Counter was closed. The lone attendant was kind and helpful. Printed our tickets and rushed us to the gate where we met the astonded, yet grateful Mark Schrade and Phil Thompson.

We boarded our flight and made the 17 hour non-stop journey without event - thank the Lord! We arrived in Bangkok with 35 minutes to make our transit flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. We made it and landed in Cambodia without incedent. Bill and Jannet Tolia met us on this flight. They had been in Bangkok for a few days and plan to assist me with the Cambodia tour (Bill Tolia is a PCL Board member and Int'l Field Representative).

We made it through customs and yes, Mitch and my luggage did not make it (just seems to be par for the course or trip doesn't it?). It was 9:00am Tuesday morning (you lose a day going to Cambodia and gain the day back on the return trip) and we hit the ground running.

We visited the relocation camp across from the airport. This camp is where 1800 poverty stricken families have been moved. They live in straw roofed, dirt floored dwellings and "gray water" stands between and around each home (gray water is so called due to the sewage and other nasty comtaminants that are in it.). This camp is part of the Poverty Reduction Plan that the United Nations has designed. Non-Government Organizations (NGO's) like People for Care and Learning (PCL) are partnering with the Kingdom of Cambodia to build 3 x 5 meter homes for these people. $1,000 USD will build each family a home. PCL had committed to build 100 of these homes - WON'T YOU HELP US HELP THEM?

It was terribly hot and we were terribly tired! But the trip was worth it. No matter how many times I come here and see this, I am moved! So was the rest of the team.

We made it to our hotel, got a much needed shower and change of clothes. I borrowed some shorts from Phil Thompson and I'm delighted to say that they did not fit me. My belt came it handy! Phil says he's going to lose weight when he returns home.

We went to the Foreign Correspondence Club (FCC) for lunch. The FCC in Phnom Penh was made famous in the award winning film "The Kiling Fields." Rent this video if you want to get a realistic idea of the Khmer Rouge genecide that happened in Cambodia from 1975 - 1979. It was in this restaurant that the foreign reporters and their Khmer (Cambodian) translators held up immediately after the Americans left Phnom Penh.

After leaving the FCC we made our way to Emmanual Village. Another relocation site where PCL staff have been working for years. It is here in this village that PCL has constructed its newest four-story Learning Center, designed for education, training, feeding center, and other much needed humanitarian activites. We plan to dedicate this facility on Wednesday morning. Photos will be uploaded tomorrow.

We are tired and ready to receive the other half of our team - Pastor Travis Johnson and the Saturn Project Band along with another medical volunteer from Michigan, Carol Knight. As of this blog, the team has arrived late last night and I'm about to meet them for breakfast and go to the Dedication.

Keep in touch!

2009-03-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

Ok, the adventure has definitely begun! I woke up Sunday morning to notice a Delta Airlines notification coming through on my Blackberry phone. The notification explained that our 3:50pm flight out of Chattanooga, TN and our 5:15pm flight from Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA had been cancelled due to a bad weather system coming throught the Southeastern United States Sunday afternoon and evening; snow and lots of it! There are four of us flying to Cambodia Sunday evening; Fred Garmon and Pastor Mitch Maloney (North Cleveland Church of God, Cleveland, TN) were to fly out of Chattangooga, TN. Phil Thompson, music director and video tech from Heritage Fellowship COG in Oak Ridge, TN was to depart from Knoxville, TN and meet Mitch and me in Atlanta, GA for

2009-02-28T22:28:00.000-08:00

The Saturn Project band: Left to Right

Matthew Izaguirre

Alex Santoyo

Jesse Santoyo

Brent Maloney

A new journey begins - The Anthems Project

2009-02-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow (Sunday, March 1, 2009) I leave for Cambodia. I'll be taking with me a muscial group (band) who call themselves THE SATURN PROJECT. This group of four young men have just finished recording an original 12 song CD and are donating all proceeds from the project, called ANTHEMS FOR A BROKEN WORLD, to People for Care and Learning and global missions. For the next few days I'll be writing about this trip and sharing with my followers the adventure and experiences of this unique group of young men. Stay tuned.