A welder and a rodent do not normally have anything in common. Unless you travel to the remote region of Indonesia. A team from America had come to volunteer their time and abilities.  There was a skilled welder on the team and he was organizing some needed projects. After finding the welder and looking it over, he realized it was not working. After a close inspection of the welder it was clear the wiring had been chewed by a rodent. Another...

Oscar Wilde  said, “Youth is wasted on the young”. I still feel young, as long as I do not have to bend over. You get those physical reminders of an aging body, but my dreams and passion to help the poor is still very alive and strong. I am finding myself  hanging out with the young people who are interested in going to Indonesia. It is inspiring to see their wide-eyed enthusiasm. The doors are opening to these awesome young adults...

I have been to the Hohidiai base on the island of Halmahera many times. The base has changed from 75 acres of jungle to the life changing station with three children’s homes, a clinic, hospital, leper rehabilitation, HIV/AIDS residential treatment, T.B. patient housing, food services and children everywhere. It is a place that brings hope for those who come asking for help. The message of hope is clear–no one is turned away. The...

Standing in the frigid wind on Thompson Pass at sunset was a spectacular site. Hendra Pontomudis, principal of Hohidiai School and Danny Galbraith, a volunteer teacher at the school, could only marvel at the breathtaking beauty before them. They had just left an amazing group of people in the coastal Alaskan hamlet of Valdez. Valdez is known for the rich history of being a staging area for the early gold prospectors and today it is the terminus...

You would never know the pain he has experienced if you saw his big broad smile. Tison was only 8 when he was showered with kerosene in an accident in his home on a remote island in Indonesia. His burns were extensive and covered both legs, both feet, torso, arms, neck, chin, ears and the right hand. He had limited undamaged skin to use for grafts. When he was 11 years old he came to Fairbanks, Alaska. An amazing group of medical professionals...

I normally would not highlight one particular donor. IFC has the best partners, and we appreciate all of them. We have some who have lovingly given to our work since our origins. That is over 13 years of regular support.  Just when we need the support, it seems like someone remembers us with a perfectly timed gift.  IFC needs the support to continue the worthwhile programs we are committed to provide. We really feel blessed to have these...

Rain–tornadoes–scorching heat–B-2 bombers–amazing people were all a part of the recent trip I took to Illinois, Missouri, Arizona and Idaho.  The best part of the month long trip was meeting some amazing people. The meeting in the living room of my friends, David and Valarie, was how it all began. Followed by the best time with Stan, Rosann, P.J. and the friends at Koke Mill. We had lots of laughs and the interest was...

In 2008, our team met a wonderful example of what a grace filled mother looks like. Her name was Hawila, and she was the mother of Gloria, a little girl born with severe birth defects. It was close to a miracle for our team to meet Hawila and Gloria. Our team was going to volunteer at the medical base on the island of Halmahera, but our flights from Manado to Halmahera were delayed for three days. It actually became a bit funny because we could...

A road is a pathway to a destination. Some roads are better than others. Roads can begin as a simple walking path. Roads definitely make progress much easier.  Well, a new road has been built to access the new school property.  The road replaces the old path that was just a meandering and rutted trail around coconut trees. There is now a good access to the school property. It does remind me of the pathway to a good education. We are determined...

Over the last month, IFC has had two dinners with our partners.  We met with a group in the beautiful city of Valdez. This was a special time with friends and the drive to Valdez was full of animal sitings and stunning scenery. There were many animals close to the road–we saw five moose, eleven caribou, a bear and a wolf.  It was an extra blessing we saw the wildlife and enjoyed the drive to Valdez.  The interest and kindness of our...