I’d like to
tell you a little about Douglas McFalls, the gentleman we will be visiting while in
Africa. He is an amazing person who directs
a nonprofit in Africa. He is a member of
our church in Seattle (University Presbyterian Church www.upc.org), however, has been in Africa most of
nine years.
Douglas,
interior designer by trade, became an “accidental missionary” when we followed
God’s call to Tanzania to work with some of the world’s (financially) poorest
people. His organization works with
talented artisans to improve the quality and consistency of their products. He is teaching them vital business and
marketing skills needed to help their product sales succeed. His organization focuses on building self-sufficiency
(“hand up, not hand-out”) by mentoring individuals who aspire to lead their own
people.
Since settling
in Tanzania in 2002, Douglas’ work has gone beyond just work with the artisans. There is a severe drought in areas of Africa
(Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Tanzania).
Near Rombo, Tanzania, the drought (and confiscation of grazing land for
National Parks) has resulted in almost 100% loss of the Massai people’s beloved
cattle. This has be devastating on these
people’s lives and leaves their futures uncertain. His love for the people
and his Christian faith has lead him to become involved in unexpected projects
such building multiple schools, emergency food programs to fed school children,
and nutrition education. He is also
involved with projects that tap into the rich (but fast disappearing) reservoir
of traditional African cultures by attempting to preserve/document traditional
dance, stories, and artistic traditions.
ADEA Africa Website (please visit and consider a donation as they are in real need right now)
Recent
Newsletters sent out by Douglas:
Here is a quote I found on the ADEA Website that was very inspiring:
"Thanks to salad servers, I am able to put my children through school."
--Almasi Mkulola (Makonde carver)
I think you can guess which one is Douglas. ;-)
