Ronald B. Shimkus Sept. 5, 1946–July 16, 2013

Dear LTLA supporters,

Ron was called home to heaven on July 16, 2013, after suffering a heart attack while serving the Lord in Zimbabwe.

Ron spent more than 40 years working for the Navigators in various capacities that spanned three continents. More recently, Ron's passion and care for others led him to start and lead Life to Life Africa, a charitable organization devoted to meeting physical and spiritual needs of people in Africa, with a special focus on those living in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe.

Ron was a passionate, driven visionary whose heart for others was clearly evident to all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He worked tirelessly on behalf of widows and orphans, and he routinely put the needs of others ahead of himself. When not in Zimbabwe or planning a trip to Zimbabwe, Ron loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

To read his full obituary: http://amestrib.com/sections/obituaries/ronald-b-shimkus-sept-5-1946%E2%80%93july-16-2013.html

Please continue pray for his family and Ron's ministry in Zimbabwe.

Readers are welcome to leave comments to this post or at this blog.

A Facebook page has also been set up for you to share your comments and testimonies: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ron-Shimkus/576913562346736

The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, and a memorial service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, both at First Evangelical Free Church of Ames, located at 2008 24th St., Ames. Memorial donations may be made to Life to Life Africa, PMB 344, 10151 University Blvd., Orlando, FL, 32817.

Photos from the Critical Care Unit

Critical Care Building

Few of the children served by LTLA

The Critical Care children

Mother with twin babies and two sons

Our Critical Care workers

Not just a statistic.....

A 2012 Christmas Story from the Southern Hemisphere: 

3 year old Lavestor, a real boy, not just a statistic.

Lavestor with other orphans at Critical Care Center

Three years ago, when Lavestor was abandoned as a 7 day old baby, Loveness (37 years old) took him into her family even though they are not related.  She already had 6 children.  Life to Life began providing a milk supplement from Iowa for Lavestor and weekly food each week for Loveness’s family.  In the past year, Lavestor has been coming 5 days a week to our nutrition/preschool program where Tsungai has taken a special interest in him.  We are “stuffing” him with love and high quality food. 

Tsungai feeding Lavestor at Critical Care Center

With a mentally ill husband, Loveness sells tomatoes and other vegetables to try to earn a living.  But she has HOPE.  We have a mentoring program where Loveness is meeting regularly with our key staff, Grandmother (Gogo) Mildred.  Loveness is learning to read her Bible daily and is hiding God’s word in her heart.

Lavestor enjoying a donated tricycle from America

                                     

We like to help people find a living HOPE in God in the midst of a difficult economy in Zimbabwe.  The unemployment rate continues at 95%.  Yes…95%.  But where there is great darkness and injustice, God’s grace is greater still.

I have just returned a few days ago from 5 weeks in Zimbabwe.  I appreciate you praying and cheering. I am AMAZED at all the wonderful things that are happening there.  In 2013, I will share more stories.  But we need some money to keep going.  Your generous gifts in 2012 made a difference.  THANK YOU.  If you can begin to help us financially in 2013, we will continue our work.

Have a marvelous Christmas.  We who have faith in God, have a living HOPE.  Thank you for bringing HOPE this Christmas and in 2013 to Loveness, Lavestor, and their family. 

The meals arrived!!!

Two mid-west churches packed and donated more than 286, 000 packs of meals. The container arrived and the meals were distributed. Blankets and hats were also sent with the container and given to orphans. Thank you for your labor and gifts of love.

  

 

Letter of thanks and gratefulness.

Here was a letter of thanks from a 16-year old Zimbabwean girl who received clothing from the container we sent. To the person who donated a light-weight purple winter jacket, Prestege Kandigiru says:

"I don't know what to say because I am so happy.  A thief came to my house and stole my jacket but I thank God I got another one.  Thank you who donated the purple jacket.  I am so happy."  Prestege

 

We know all of you who donated supplies (clothes, food, etc) have met the numerous physical needs of hundreds of Zimbabweans. But more importantly, you have helped them to realize that someone they don't know cares for them. And even if they can't see you, they feel your love. Because of that, they will know there is a God who cares for them and even though they can't see Him, they can feel His love through you. Thank you!

Little Dresses - Made with Love!

 To the ladies of the Little Dresses ministry at Lansing First Southern Baptist Church, Kansas,
What a blessing you are to LTLA. Thank you for your passion and your gifts!

"In March 2012, several women and teens from our church began sewing simple and beautiful dresses as gifts of love to be given in Jesus' name to orphaned or needy girls. We want to share the beautiful truth of God's love for His people in Africa, and to let the recipients know that they are special and valued by Him and by the family of believers at Lansing First Southern Baptist Church in Kansas.  Many thanks to Life to Life Africa for making plans to deliver these 75+ dresses to girls in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe!" ~ Casey V., Pamela H., and Karen L.  

 

Building a vision for our elementary school project

In Uganda, Global Builders (LTLA's sister organization) has almost completed the school project. It is our prayer and hope that we might be able to plan something similar for Zimbabwe with help from Global Builders.

VIEW VIDEO at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVVAEQ7mP3Y

The potential land for the school project will be located in the vicinity of the poor families who will be able to find convenient access to our Critical Care Unit, preschool program, and other educational programs if this project is accomplished.

We seek prayers for vision, wisdom, and resources.