Mission Team Update & New School Building Grand Opening❗

Dear Friends & Ministry Partners,

Our mission team recently traveled this July of 2025 to Gambella, Ethiopia where we had the privilege of training 300 pastors from various denominations, with approximately 50% coming from the Church of the Nazarene. This year's theme was the Life of Christ. During the trip we witnessed Pastoral Training, and celebrated the Orphans’ achievements, including those at their Graduation of the Grand Opening of our New School Building we have worked so hard to build and fundraise with the guidance and help by you, our donors! Praise be to God and thank you!

Many of the participating pastors in the Gambella training included those of whom with limited formal education, and described the Pastoral training as one of the “best they have received and expressed a strong desire for ongoing training to help them minister more effectively to their congregations and surrounding communities.” Also distributed on the trip were 170 pairs of eyeglasses given to those pastors struggling to read their Bibles.

Brother Stephen Dak from the ARM Center was blessed by our team's visit, saying, "We extend our sincere appreciation to the West Texas District Church for their unwavering support of Rev. Michael Gatkek and his noble vision—caring for orphans and widows, and equipping pastors for effective ministry. Your partnership has played a critical role in advancing this mission." We firmly believe that one of the most impactful ways to share the Gospel is by equipping pastors who can, in turn, reach others with the message of our Lord Jesus Christ.

MISSION: GRAND OPENING CEREMONY FOR A.R.M. SCHOOL CHILDREN

We were so blessed to have visited displaced refugees from South Sudan, and what we witnessed was heartbreaking. Many live without sleeping nets or sufficient food supply and rely on ARM for support.

The intent of this year's trip was to celebrate a huge milestone - the Grand Opening of the orphans’ new school building and the event was attended by hundreds of community members and government officials! So far there have been 20 NEW classrooms built, and the orphans are overjoyed to finally have classrooms! However the school still does not have chairs or seating equipment (benches) which we are planning to purchase 350 seats. Each bench can seat 3 children and cost $50/ea. CLICK HERE to Donate 

At the ceremony we were thrilled to welcome Dr. Simon Muon, the City Mayor of Gambella, Ethiopia, to the center of African Relief Ministries during the Grand Opening of the New School Building. This year we were excited to provide 10,000 copies of The Life of Jesus book additionally to our Pastoral team in Gambella during the event!! Many expressed their gratitude and praised God for those who made this possible!

CRITICAL NEEDS

• Classroom Supplies & Furniture (350 benches) for 1,300 children. Your support will make a meaningful difference for the comfortability in their daily learning experience.

• Humanitarian Aid goal is to purchase 20,000 sacks of Maize/Corn with each bag totaling $20. Thank you for your continued support for our daily feeding program
• The purchasing of 10,000 sleeping nets at $10/ea. to protect displaced families

We had the privilege of celebrating the Graduation of our Kindergarten Students to Grade 1 during our recent visit with the orphans in Gambella, Ethiopia. This achievement is a profound source of encouragement—not only for me, but also for the many Widows who are witnessing the academic progress of their children. It is a testament to the impact of consistent care, support, and investment in their futures. Beyond academics, we are reminded of a greater truth: these children represent the future of the Church. 

Educational Program: Smart Box Software - Teachers Program 

These powerful educational tools known as Smart Boxes were big Gifts to orphans this trip, thankfully granted to them by the Heart of Africa organization (led by Mike Henderson). These educational tools enable the children access to computers and engage with all their school materials, that are preloaded onto these devices. We are deeply grateful to God for the Heart of Africa ministry and their discipleship to support these vital resources for these children in their educational journeys during these challenging times. Their generosity is instrumental in helping the orphans pursue their academic goals and a brighter future!

We sincerely thank you Pastor Hazel Seavey, and Executive Director Mike Henderson and staff. Learn more at www.heartofafrica.org.

The ARM Center School has 20 dedicated School Teachers, each requiring a monthly incentive of $100. Would you consider sponsoring a teacher with a monthly contribution of $50/100? Your generous support would be sincerely appreciated and would significantly impact both the teachers and the displaced students they serve.

ARM Daily Feeding Programs require ongoing support, as many orphans arrive at school without having eaten and sometimes go through the entire day without food. As a ministry this is heartbreaking and we believe that our Lord is a Great provider! In light of this, we are appealing to all our partners to continue supporting the vital programs that bring hope and sustenance to these often forgotten children.

Sponsor A Child Program $30/Month

CLICK HERE     

The Bible clearly emphasizes caring for widows and orphans as a core mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, with special attention to their needs (James 1:27). This is our mission statement and the foundation of our work and what has brought us to where we are today. The South Sudanese refugees - orphans and widows are facing dire circumstances, and our response is urgently needed and greatly appreciated. We kindly ask you to consider donating what God has placed on your heart.

We are thankful to you our dear brothers and sisters in Christ for your unrelenting faithfulness.

Sincerely,

Rev. Michael Gatkek & The A.R.M. Board of Directors

Founder/President, African Relief Ministries

5009 Stanley Keller Rd.

Haltom City, Texas 76117

Phone: 817-492-6859

Email: gatkek.michael1213@gmail.com 

Your little bit of help means the world to them.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7 (ESV)

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Rescuing the Hurting, Hungry & Homeless