“I used to stare up at the planes as they flew over me in the sky, but I never EVER thought that I would be in one in my whole life! Especially a plane coming to America. I feel like I’m living in a dream,” shared Jack Odhiambo.
Meet Jack. He is a former street boy from Kenya, who lost his arms when trying to jump on a moving train in attempt to escape the police. He is a man who for many years never had any hope for a future, but God has restored him and has given him a life he only dreamed about.
Now at age 26, he is beginning to live out his dreams, and experience many firsts that he never imagined. Jack left Kenya and flew in a plane for the first time. He has come to America for the first time. He went to the beach, and felt the sand between his toes for the first time. He swam in the ocean for the first time. And just last week, he shared his story to over 1,500 American students for the first time.
“I have been given a second chance for a reason. My dream is to be able to share my story of redemption, and that God would use it to change lives,” says Jack.
Jack’s dream is becoming a reality. On June 9, he stood on stage at Bigstuf Camp in Panama City Beach and shared his story with over 1,500 students from across the country. He was welcomed with cheers and a standing ovation from students and youth pastors who were inspired by his message.
Jack’s story is one of unimaginable hardships on a journey to redemption. He grew up on the streets of Nairobi, stealing food to eat and money so he could buy glue to sniff and get high. His nights were spent sleeping on the dirt outside his family’s house, because there was no room for him inside.
He was 21 when he lost his arms. He has no recollection of the accident. All he remembers is running for his life, and then waking up in the hospital to find that both his arms were gone.
“For so long, I wished that I had died under the wheels of that train. In an instant, I went from being a tough street boy to being a baby to people. I had to depend on people to do everything for me. Every night, I would cry to God to be dead,” said Jack.
This life of hopelessness continued for the next three years, until Jack met a man named Moses at a shelter in Nairobi. Moses began to speak hope into Jack’s life, and would tell him about God’s love, and that God still had a plan for Jack, even though he didn’t have his arms. In 2005, Moses brought Jack off the streets to live in the Christ Compassion Rehabilitaion Center in Joska. It was here that Jack found hope in Jesus Christ.
“The biggest lesson that I have learned is that no matter what I go through, God has a plan and He will never leave me. I just have to keep seeking Him first,” said Jack.
While at the CCRC, there was a group that was serving there with The 410 Bridge. They heard Jack’s story, and felt called to do something. So they donated money to bring Jack to America to get two prosthetic arms.
When asked if he’s scared about the surgery, he grins and exclaims, “No! I am not scared at all. I am just excited and happy to be here. I can’t wait to be able to bathe myself and feed myself. I will be able to carry my bible and turn the pages myself. ”
When Jack returns to Kenya, the first thing he wants to do is show his family his new arms, and share with them his experience in America. He then hopes to enroll in bible school, so he can pursue his dream of becoming a pastor.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Press Release for Missing Child in NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: T.J. Ward
404.932.4016
LEAD INVESTIGATOR IN NATALEE HOLLOWAY CASE ASSISTS IN THE DISAPPEARANCE OF NEW YORK CHILD
Investigator T.J. Ward goes to Albany, New York to determine the truth in adoptive father’s involvement in the disappearance of 12-year-old, Jaliek Rainwalker
T.J Ward, the lead investigator in the Natalee Holloway case, meets with law enforcement in Albany, N.Y. to assist in the investigation of the missing child, Jaliek Rainwalker.
Using the Layered Voice Analysis 6.50 to analyze interviews of the adoptive father, Stephen Kerr, Ward discovered that Kerr knows more about the child’s whereabouts than he is revealing. Ward is the only private investigator in the country licensed to use the Layered Voice Analysis, which is a state-of-the-art tool used to detect truthfulness and deception in human speech.
Rainwater was reported missing by Kerr on November 1, 2007, and was also last seen with him. The child had spent the previous six days with a respite family, while Kerr was out of town. According to the respite family, Kerr claimed that Rainwalker had been unmanageable for some time, and they were looking to undo the adoption. The day after Kerr picked up Rainwalker from the respite family, he was reported missing.
-more-
Stephen Kerr has not fully cooperated with law enforcement, refusing to take a polygraph test. He remains a person of interest in the disappearance of Jaliek Rainwalker.
Founded in 1982, Investigative Consultants International provides expert investigative and security consulting services in the United States and abroad. For more information, please call 678.356.0146 or go to www.investigativeconsultantsinternational.com
Contact: T.J. Ward
404.932.4016
LEAD INVESTIGATOR IN NATALEE HOLLOWAY CASE ASSISTS IN THE DISAPPEARANCE OF NEW YORK CHILD
Investigator T.J. Ward goes to Albany, New York to determine the truth in adoptive father’s involvement in the disappearance of 12-year-old, Jaliek Rainwalker
T.J Ward, the lead investigator in the Natalee Holloway case, meets with law enforcement in Albany, N.Y. to assist in the investigation of the missing child, Jaliek Rainwalker.
Using the Layered Voice Analysis 6.50 to analyze interviews of the adoptive father, Stephen Kerr, Ward discovered that Kerr knows more about the child’s whereabouts than he is revealing. Ward is the only private investigator in the country licensed to use the Layered Voice Analysis, which is a state-of-the-art tool used to detect truthfulness and deception in human speech.
Rainwater was reported missing by Kerr on November 1, 2007, and was also last seen with him. The child had spent the previous six days with a respite family, while Kerr was out of town. According to the respite family, Kerr claimed that Rainwalker had been unmanageable for some time, and they were looking to undo the adoption. The day after Kerr picked up Rainwalker from the respite family, he was reported missing.
-more-
Stephen Kerr has not fully cooperated with law enforcement, refusing to take a polygraph test. He remains a person of interest in the disappearance of Jaliek Rainwalker.
Founded in 1982, Investigative Consultants International provides expert investigative and security consulting services in the United States and abroad. For more information, please call 678.356.0146 or go to www.investigativeconsultantsinternational.com
Press Release for Natalee Holloway case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: T.J. Ward
404.932.4016
THREE-YEARS SINCE DISAPPEARANCE OF NATALEE HOLLOWAY AND EVIDENCE STILL BEING DEVELOPED
May 30, 2008 marks the three-year anniversary since the tragic disappearance of Alabama teen, Natalee Holloway in Aruba, but T.J. Ward, lead private investigator to the victim’s family, states suspicion that a boat was brought to the island to collect her body.
“We are in the same place now, as we were three years ago when she disappeared. With the amount of evidence found, there is no reason that an arrest has not been made,” said Ward.
Ward has spent the past three years researching and compiling evidence that indicates Van der Sloot’s involvement in her disappearance, and with the case still unresolved, he continues to develop new evidence.
Authorities in Aruba are claiming there is not enough evidence to prosecute. However, Ward recently released new information to the FBI and the Dutch authorities through the victim’s father, Dave Holloway leading to suspicions that someone was hired from a nearby country to drive a boat to Aruba to collect Holloway’s body.
To collect this evidence, Ward used the Layered Voice Analysis 6.50(LVA) tool in conducting interviews with the informants. This investigative tool is used to identify truthfulness and deception in human speech. Information is currently being developed to determine the facts.
-more-
Founded in 1982, Investigative Consultants International provides expert investigative and security consulting services in the United States and abroad. For more information, please call 678.356.0146 or go to www.investigativeconsultantsinternational.com
Contact: T.J. Ward
404.932.4016
THREE-YEARS SINCE DISAPPEARANCE OF NATALEE HOLLOWAY AND EVIDENCE STILL BEING DEVELOPED
May 30, 2008 marks the three-year anniversary since the tragic disappearance of Alabama teen, Natalee Holloway in Aruba, but T.J. Ward, lead private investigator to the victim’s family, states suspicion that a boat was brought to the island to collect her body.
“We are in the same place now, as we were three years ago when she disappeared. With the amount of evidence found, there is no reason that an arrest has not been made,” said Ward.
Ward has spent the past three years researching and compiling evidence that indicates Van der Sloot’s involvement in her disappearance, and with the case still unresolved, he continues to develop new evidence.
Authorities in Aruba are claiming there is not enough evidence to prosecute. However, Ward recently released new information to the FBI and the Dutch authorities through the victim’s father, Dave Holloway leading to suspicions that someone was hired from a nearby country to drive a boat to Aruba to collect Holloway’s body.
To collect this evidence, Ward used the Layered Voice Analysis 6.50(LVA) tool in conducting interviews with the informants. This investigative tool is used to identify truthfulness and deception in human speech. Information is currently being developed to determine the facts.
-more-
Founded in 1982, Investigative Consultants International provides expert investigative and security consulting services in the United States and abroad. For more information, please call 678.356.0146 or go to www.investigativeconsultantsinternational.com
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Press Release for Drop Dead Gorgeous event
FASHION BENEFIT, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, BEING HELD TO RAISE AWARENESS OF CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING IN ATLANTA
ATLANTA- According to the FBI, Atlanta ranks as one of the top cities in the nation for child sex trafficking, but most Atlanta residents have no idea this issue exists in their city. On May 29, Meet Justice, a nonprofit organization, will address this issue through a fashion and entertainment benefit called Drop Dead Gorgeous (DDG) starting at 9:00 p.m. at Amore located [insert address here] . Using fashion as an avenue for advocacy, DDG is an event to raise awareness and funds for victims of child sex trafficking in Atlanta.
“This is an opportunity for the fashion industry to use their influence on society to bring positive change to the community, and to use their resources to restore beauty to children who have been victim to sex trafficking,” said Daniel Homrich, Director of Meet Justice.
Capitalizing on the influence fashion has on culture, this benefit will empower people within the fashion industry to use that influence as a platform to make a difference in the fight to end child sex trafficking. At last year’s DDG event, 100 beauty kits were distributed to victims in Atlanta, Romania and Cambodia.
This year, DDG will be complete with music from DJ Jeremy and a runway fashion show featuring the season’s latest trends from boutiques throughout Atlanta. This will also be a time where patrons will learn more about child sex trafficking in Atlanta and how they can get involved in bringing an end to this injustice. Along with Amore, Drop Dead Gorgeous is sponsored by Lamborghini, Atlantan Magazine, Daily Candy, Infiniti Entertainment, Thread House, Crescent Moon Productions and House of Music. Tickets and event information can be found at www.dropdeadgorgeousevent.org.
To schedule an interview with Hugh Robinson, Daniel Homrich, Susan Muscari, Andreas Nakios or Justin Faltot on Drop Dead Gorgeous, please contact Carmen L. Cruz at 404-408-2103 or at pr@dropdeadgorgeousevent.org.
Meet Justice is a 501-c3 organization that exists to unite people and organizations to engage in global issues and to provide tools and inspiration that enable solutions. For more information, go to www.meetjustice.org.
ATLANTA- According to the FBI, Atlanta ranks as one of the top cities in the nation for child sex trafficking, but most Atlanta residents have no idea this issue exists in their city. On May 29, Meet Justice, a nonprofit organization, will address this issue through a fashion and entertainment benefit called Drop Dead Gorgeous (DDG) starting at 9:00 p.m. at Amore located [insert address here] . Using fashion as an avenue for advocacy, DDG is an event to raise awareness and funds for victims of child sex trafficking in Atlanta.
“This is an opportunity for the fashion industry to use their influence on society to bring positive change to the community, and to use their resources to restore beauty to children who have been victim to sex trafficking,” said Daniel Homrich, Director of Meet Justice.
Capitalizing on the influence fashion has on culture, this benefit will empower people within the fashion industry to use that influence as a platform to make a difference in the fight to end child sex trafficking. At last year’s DDG event, 100 beauty kits were distributed to victims in Atlanta, Romania and Cambodia.
This year, DDG will be complete with music from DJ Jeremy and a runway fashion show featuring the season’s latest trends from boutiques throughout Atlanta. This will also be a time where patrons will learn more about child sex trafficking in Atlanta and how they can get involved in bringing an end to this injustice. Along with Amore, Drop Dead Gorgeous is sponsored by Lamborghini, Atlantan Magazine, Daily Candy, Infiniti Entertainment, Thread House, Crescent Moon Productions and House of Music. Tickets and event information can be found at www.dropdeadgorgeousevent.org.
To schedule an interview with Hugh Robinson, Daniel Homrich, Susan Muscari, Andreas Nakios or Justin Faltot on Drop Dead Gorgeous, please contact Carmen L. Cruz at 404-408-2103 or at pr@dropdeadgorgeousevent.org.
Meet Justice is a 501-c3 organization that exists to unite people and organizations to engage in global issues and to provide tools and inspiration that enable solutions. For more information, go to www.meetjustice.org.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Newsletter Article-"Water Restores Hope to Ngaamba"
Can you imagine walking several hours just to fetch water? How about with a three-year old child on your back? This has been a common daily chore for the women and children of Ngaamba…. until now.
As of November last year, one of the subvillages of Ngaamba has a brand new holding tank at the Itumbule Primary School, giving the people access to running water for the first time. This is the first phase of a project that will install water tanks throughout the other five subvillages in this community.
“Due to a five-year drought, the hearts and minds of the people were as dry as the land. Meeting the basic need of water has brought new life to our community both physically and spiritually,” expressed Pastor Leonard, chair of the leadership council.
With Ngaamba being in a semi-arid region, their access to water is extremely limited. Hence, clean running water has always been a distant dream they never believed would come true. Through the H2O4K project, that dream is becoming a reality, and it has motivated the entire community to work towards continued growth and transformation.
As the leadership council worked to establish a plan for transformation, the only need they stressed is “Water! Water! Water!” They could not see past this desperate need for water.
In order to make a solid impact and build our working relationship in Ngaamba, a water project was initiated. Word that water was coming spread through the community like wildfire, and the people of Ngaamba were overjoyed.
They were so motivated to see this project through, that they immediately began digging trenches for the piping. The people dug two miles of trenches in two days!
These trenches would house the piping that would pull water from the existing borehole that accessed the water underground to a holding tank at the Itumbule Primary School.
This tank is one of six that will be strategically placed throughout the six sub-villages of Ngaamba for more convenient community access. There will be two more tanks installed in the second phase of the project, and will begin this Spring.
As of November last year, one of the subvillages of Ngaamba has a brand new holding tank at the Itumbule Primary School, giving the people access to running water for the first time. This is the first phase of a project that will install water tanks throughout the other five subvillages in this community.
“Due to a five-year drought, the hearts and minds of the people were as dry as the land. Meeting the basic need of water has brought new life to our community both physically and spiritually,” expressed Pastor Leonard, chair of the leadership council.
With Ngaamba being in a semi-arid region, their access to water is extremely limited. Hence, clean running water has always been a distant dream they never believed would come true. Through the H2O4K project, that dream is becoming a reality, and it has motivated the entire community to work towards continued growth and transformation.
As the leadership council worked to establish a plan for transformation, the only need they stressed is “Water! Water! Water!” They could not see past this desperate need for water.
In order to make a solid impact and build our working relationship in Ngaamba, a water project was initiated. Word that water was coming spread through the community like wildfire, and the people of Ngaamba were overjoyed.
They were so motivated to see this project through, that they immediately began digging trenches for the piping. The people dug two miles of trenches in two days!
These trenches would house the piping that would pull water from the existing borehole that accessed the water underground to a holding tank at the Itumbule Primary School.
This tank is one of six that will be strategically placed throughout the six sub-villages of Ngaamba for more convenient community access. There will be two more tanks installed in the second phase of the project, and will begin this Spring.
Newsletter Article-"The 410 Bridge Communities help One Another Amidst the Unrest in Kenya"
Our 410 Bridge communities come to the rescue by rushing to aid their fellow Kenyans affected by the recent ethnic and political unrest in Kenya.
The unfortunate situation in Kenya has contributed to many displaced families. Many of these people have fled their home communities in western Kenya to safety in three 410 Bridge Communities – Karima, Kwambekenya and Joska. Over 300 people sought refuge in Karima, 100 in Kwambekenya, and another 100 in Joska.
The communities opened their homes by providing food, shelter and clothing to those in need, but resources were limited and the three 410 Bridge communities needed more help.
At the recent Leadership Summit for 410 bridge community leaders, the topic of displaced people was discussed. The leaders in communities that were unaffected by this tragedy agreed to garner support for the communities that were. The 410 Bridge Communities all rallied together to lend a helping hand to the displaced.
The 410 Bridge agreed to match whatever support they raised and assist with logistics. It was wonderful to see how the six communities came together to support each other in this time of great need.
“We visited a home in Karima that had up 30 people living in a small home and compound,” said Kurt Kandler.
On Sunday, January 13, the community leaders announced at their church services that they were going to raise support to help the three communities affected by the displaced people, and The 410 Bridge was going to match whatever they raised.
Members from The 410 Bridge communities showed their compassion by gathering food, blankets and clothing and delivering to the displaced victims in Karima, Kwambekenya and Joska. Ngaamba raised food and supplies for Joska.
The youth started a Youth Empowerment Movement in Joska and gathered clothing for the displaced. The 410 Bridge Kenyan Staff helped the communities deliver the supplies to Karima and Kwambekenya.
To fulfill our promise, The 410 Bridge provided 30-days worth of staple food and supplies, such as rice, beans, maize meal and blankets to all the displaced people in our communities.
“It was moving to see the communities unite to help each other through this difficult situation. It was non-denominational and non-tribal effort. It was simply Kenyans helping their fellow Kenyans,” said Kurt.
The unfortunate situation in Kenya has contributed to many displaced families. Many of these people have fled their home communities in western Kenya to safety in three 410 Bridge Communities – Karima, Kwambekenya and Joska. Over 300 people sought refuge in Karima, 100 in Kwambekenya, and another 100 in Joska.
The communities opened their homes by providing food, shelter and clothing to those in need, but resources were limited and the three 410 Bridge communities needed more help.
At the recent Leadership Summit for 410 bridge community leaders, the topic of displaced people was discussed. The leaders in communities that were unaffected by this tragedy agreed to garner support for the communities that were. The 410 Bridge Communities all rallied together to lend a helping hand to the displaced.
The 410 Bridge agreed to match whatever support they raised and assist with logistics. It was wonderful to see how the six communities came together to support each other in this time of great need.
“We visited a home in Karima that had up 30 people living in a small home and compound,” said Kurt Kandler.
On Sunday, January 13, the community leaders announced at their church services that they were going to raise support to help the three communities affected by the displaced people, and The 410 Bridge was going to match whatever they raised.
Members from The 410 Bridge communities showed their compassion by gathering food, blankets and clothing and delivering to the displaced victims in Karima, Kwambekenya and Joska. Ngaamba raised food and supplies for Joska.
The youth started a Youth Empowerment Movement in Joska and gathered clothing for the displaced. The 410 Bridge Kenyan Staff helped the communities deliver the supplies to Karima and Kwambekenya.
To fulfill our promise, The 410 Bridge provided 30-days worth of staple food and supplies, such as rice, beans, maize meal and blankets to all the displaced people in our communities.
“It was moving to see the communities unite to help each other through this difficult situation. It was non-denominational and non-tribal effort. It was simply Kenyans helping their fellow Kenyans,” said Kurt.
Press Release Template for The 410 Bridge
THE DARAJA CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF AFRICA TO PERFORM IN (CITY)
Children from Kenya journey to inspire and share their culture with America
Cultures will collide as The Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa will perform at (INSERT CHURCH NAME) on (DATE AND TIME) to bring a message of joy and hope through African song and dance.
Daraja means “bridge” in Swahili, and the Choir, made up of 24 orphans and vulnerable children from Kenya, serve as a bridge to connect the people of Africa and America. This is a life-changing opportunity for these children to learn and experience the American culture, as many of them have never experienced life outside of Kenya. At the same time, the American people get to step into the lives of these Kenyan children through hearing their testimonies and experiencing traditional African song and dance.
INSERT QUOTE FROM CHURCH LEADER
The Choir is embarking on two U.S. tours this year, which includes a stop in (CITY). In spite of dealing with unimaginable hardships, these children are overflowing with joy and love, which they are eager to share, as is evident in their performance.
The Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa is part of The 410 Bridge, which is a non-profit organization focusing on mission work in Kenya. The organization exists to connect people within the body of Christ to contribute to the self-developing capabilities of the people of Kenya.
###
For more information on this topic and the organization, visit www.410bridge.org or www.darajachildrenschoir.com.
Children from Kenya journey to inspire and share their culture with America
Cultures will collide as The Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa will perform at (INSERT CHURCH NAME) on (DATE AND TIME) to bring a message of joy and hope through African song and dance.
Daraja means “bridge” in Swahili, and the Choir, made up of 24 orphans and vulnerable children from Kenya, serve as a bridge to connect the people of Africa and America. This is a life-changing opportunity for these children to learn and experience the American culture, as many of them have never experienced life outside of Kenya. At the same time, the American people get to step into the lives of these Kenyan children through hearing their testimonies and experiencing traditional African song and dance.
INSERT QUOTE FROM CHURCH LEADER
The Choir is embarking on two U.S. tours this year, which includes a stop in (CITY). In spite of dealing with unimaginable hardships, these children are overflowing with joy and love, which they are eager to share, as is evident in their performance.
The Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa is part of The 410 Bridge, which is a non-profit organization focusing on mission work in Kenya. The organization exists to connect people within the body of Christ to contribute to the self-developing capabilities of the people of Kenya.
###
For more information on this topic and the organization, visit www.410bridge.org or www.darajachildrenschoir.com.
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