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Since we officially started our relationship with Ludlati Carepoint in January 2010, a total of $20,000 has been raised and donated for Ludlati Capital projects. Through these funds and the Swaziland Government donated kitchen, Ludlati Carepoint has been blessed by God with a fence, kitchen and a water well! The Bomage and kids are blessed by this infrastructure and support. This provides security, easier access to water, storage and place to cook and eat on bad weather days. Things we take for granted most every day in our country. Not only are these things useful to improve life at Ludlati, it is a physical symbol of love, care, and compassion. When our letters are sent and we show up to visit each year, the kids and Bomage know this symbol stands for something real. We share in friendship and love of God's family, and see hope and encouragement grow in the kids, Bomage and surrounding community. It has been and continues to be amazing to witness. The credit and glory goes to God, but He allows us to be blessed and feel His love in return through our friends at Ludlati.

This year our capital fund raising goal is not to high, and we have a head start on the project already. The total need for the Solar Pump Upgrade is $12,000, but we only have $3000 left to meet the goal! Please consider contributing to this project to help Ludlati Carepoint move forward with development goals, and provide infrastructure that improves the lives of our neighbor kids and Bomake. The solar panel and pump will stand and operate as a symbol of God's love and compassion as we actively spread the gospel of His salvation and kingdom with actions and not words alone. A final date is not yet set, but I wanted to make the need known at this time. I would like to see the solar panel and pump when I go with the travel team to visit Ludlati on August 20-30.

To give by mail or on-line, please click here to be taken to the instructions below.Ludlati Capital Project. I am happy to address questions about the current and future capital projects by email Don@knowntome.net

If you want your gift to remain anonymous, please send it to Children's HopeChest by mail or on-line payment, and they will let us know only the total funding amount later. We do appreciate the ability to track progress, so if you don't mind, please email the amount you plan to give to Don@knowntome.net Thanks!

Here are some FAQ's about the Solar Pump Upgrade:

Q: Why do we need a Solar Pump?

A: While in Africa on the Ludlati trip last September, Jumbo and I discussed the benefits and downsides of an electric pump versus a solar pump. The electric pump is a lower up front installation cost, but Ludlati Carepoint ends up with an electric bill to pay every month. Electricity is also prone to loss of power due to unreliable infrastructure and delays in servicing of infrastructure problems. The solar pump provides the opportunity to reduce monthly costs at the carepoint. It is also a great tool to support future development plans to install and provide affordable irrigation for a garden. The garden will be used to teach the kids practical, self sufficiency skills. They will also learn skills and values related to working with and in their community. We hope they also discover the satisfaction and rewards of their efforts and labor when their garden produces crops they can use directly or trade/sell in the market place.

Q: What about reliability of the Solar Pump?

A: To date, I understand there are two solar pumps at two different Childrens HopeChest carepoints. Both have been running effectively without problems for 18 months. Jumbo was happy with this performance, and feels it is a good investment in a carepoint's development. As an engineer, I am also comfortable with the performance and benefits. It also does not add any monthly operating costs, and eliminates problems with unreliability of electric power.

Q: How will the Ludlati carepoint kids and Bomake get water on cloudy overcast days?

A: On the days when the sun is shining bright, the solar pump will be used to move water into the large water tank mounted on a tower next to the kitchen. I estimate the water tank will hold at least 500 gallons. This will keep the tank full for the days when the solar power is limited or not available. I believe the solar pump can still operate on cloudy days, but it will be at a reduced level. If for some reason the tank becomes empty, Jumbo can order a water truck to fill the tower tank as they currently are doing until the pump gets installed.

• Please add the words "Ludlati Carepoint Capital Project" in the NOTES box.
• Choose this link to give on-line: Childrens HopeChest on-line payment system

Mailing Address for Ludlati Capital Project donations:

• Write a check to Childrens HopeChest, and please write an added memo "Ludlati Capital Donation" on the check.
• Mail check to the following address:

    Childrens HopeChest
    Attn: Ludlati Carepoint
    PO Box 63842
    Colorado Springs. CO. 80962-3842

Call or write Childrens HopeChest with questions:

    Teresa Hansen - Accounts Receivable Manager
    thansen@hopechest.org
    719-955-4008