Walking with God in 2019
Dr. John LaNoue • February 11, 2019
It is Valentine Day and do I have “A Love Story”!
It was September 25 th , my 20 th birthday. Due to an injury, I was not traveling with the football team on that Saturday. I was trying to find the game on the radio in the Baptist Student Union, when a friend from my hometown joined me.
Lorella was a strong Christian, so the conversation turned to the Lord, His work, our experiences seeking and following His will for our lives. As we shared testimonies of how we had experienced His leadership, I told her about my off- campus activities. I was pastoring two small half-time churches in a rural area, and preaching as an interim pastor at a Black Baptist Church on Friday nights.
I realized being a single pastor had its dangers and pressures! The matchmakers in the congregations were having a heyday trying to find me a wife from the singles in the church!
I started praying for God’s will in my search for a wife. I had stopped dating for at least three months because I was convinced that God would bring the one I needed to me. My seeking the one had not been fruitful. I told God what kind of mate I wanted, I even gave Him the dimensions!
I told myfriend about my dilemma, and that I was wasting my time dating until I foundsomeone who was called to the ministry as a preacher’s wife.
She said shehad to run some errands, but for me to stay because she would like to continueour discussion later.
When shereturned, she brought her two roommates. One was a curly haired cutie who wasmiss personality. The other was very quiet, had Vaseline on her face, and hereyelashes and bangs were singed. She was the exhibitionist twirler and hadgotten too close to two fire batons.
She sprained her ankle marching in a parade on Monday. I got permission to tape her ankle, carry her down stairs, and help her to class.
WE starteddating and every date ended with a Bible study or a prayer meeting. I was a hotblooded Cajun, but God told me to keep my hands off because she was Hisproperty! Three weeks later she answered God’s call to be a pastor’s wife in achurch service. I asked God if this was the one? He gave me the affirmation!
That night, I asked her to marry me! We found each other through the will of God as an answer to prayer.
She said,“yes!” !!! Then I kissed her for the first time!
We had known each other three weeks and we married two months later! Since we both were from broken homes, we did not have a good example to follow, but since God created the family we used the Bible as our marriage manual.
We have beenmarried 64 years and 6 weeks, so its working extremely well!
Oh, by the way, I still remember those warm lips and that precious first kiss like it just happened!
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Be a Hero: Support Our Medical Outreach and Change Lives in Burundi Have you ever wanted to be a hero? Well, here's your chance! Our upcoming Medical Camp in Burundi is gearing up to make a real difference by bringing essential healthcare services to underserved communities. We're on the lookout for passionate medical professionals and caring volunteers who want to lend a helping hand. Imagine the impact you could have by supporting our medical outreach and offering compassionate care to those who truly need it. Ready to roll up your sleeves and join us? Let's make a change together while spreading hope and joy!## Medical Camp Burundi: Event Details Our Medical Camp in Burundi is set to bring much-needed healthcare to those who need it most. Let's dive into the specifics of this life-changing event. Dates and Location The Medical Camp Burundi is scheduled for August 15-30, 2025. We'll be setting up our base in Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi. Our team will then branch out to rural areas surrounding the city, where healthcare access is limited. We've chosen this time frame to avoid the rainy season and make travel easier for both our volunteers and the local communities we'll serve. The exact locations within Bujumbura and the surrounding regions will be finalized closer to the event date. We're working closely with local authorities to identify the areas of greatest need. Services Offered At the Medical Camp Burundi, we're bringing a wide range of essential healthcare services to underserved communities. Our team of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals will provide general check-ups, vaccinations, and basic treatments for common illnesses. We'll also offer specialized services like dental care, eye exams, and women's health screenings. Mental health support will be a key component of our camp, with counselors available to provide much-needed psychological care. Additionally, we'll be running health education workshops to empower communities with knowledge about preventive care and healthy living practices. Lastly, we'll distribute essential medications and medical supplies to those who need them most, ensuring that the impact of our camp extends beyond the duration of our stay. Targeted Communities Our Medical Camp Burundi aims to reach the most vulnerable and underserved populations in and around Bujumbura. We're focusing on rural communities where access to healthcare is severely limited. These areas often lack basic medical facilities and struggle with issues like malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and preventable illnesses. We're also targeting urban slums in Bujumbura, where overcrowding and poor sanitation lead to numerous health challenges. Special attention will be given to children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who are often the most affected by lack of healthcare access. By working with local community leaders and health officials, we're ensuring that our services reach those who need them most. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on these communities' health and well-being. How You Can Support Medical Outreach Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of those we serve. Here's how you can get involved and contribute to our Medical Camp Burundi. Volunteer Opportunities We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a real impact at the Medical Camp Burundi . If you're a healthcare professional, your skills are invaluable. We need doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, and mental health professionals. Your expertise will directly improve the health of hundreds of people. Non-medical volunteers are just as crucial. We need help with logistics, translation, health education, and community outreach. Your support will ensure the smooth running of the camp and help us connect with the local communities. Volunteering isn't just about giving - it's also about personal growth. You'll gain unique experiences, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you've made a real difference in people's lives. Donations and Supplies Needed Can't join us in person? You can still play a vital role in our Medical Camp Burundi through donations and supplies. Financial contributions are always welcome. Your money will go towards purchasing medical equipment, medications, and supplies. It will also help cover logistical costs like transportation and accommodation for our volunteer team. We also need donations of medical supplies. Things like bandages, syringes, gloves, and basic medications are always in high demand. Even small contributions can make a big difference. Non-medical items are needed too. We're looking for donations of hygiene products, reading glasses, and educational materials. These items can significantly improve quality of life for many in the communities we serve. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal of providing essential healthcare to those who need it most. Your support can literally save lives. The Impact of Compassionate Care The power of compassionate care goes beyond immediate medical treatment. Let's explore the lasting impact our Medical Camp Burundi can have on individuals and communities. Stories from Past Camps Our previous medical camps have left lasting impressions on both the communities we've served and our volunteers. These stories showcase the real impact of our work. Take Maria, a young mother from a rural village. She'd been struggling with an undiagnosed condition for years. At our camp, she finally received proper care and medication. Now, she's healthy and able to care for her family. Then there's John, a volunteer nurse from the US. He was deeply moved by the gratitude of the people he helped. The experience changed his perspective on healthcare and inspired him to continue volunteering. We also met Amina, a local teenager who attended our health education workshop. She's now spreading the knowledge she gained to her peers, becoming a health advocate in her community. These stories remind us why we do what we do. They show that with compassionate care, we can change lives one person at a time. Long-term Benefits for Communities The impact of our Medical Camp Burundi extends far beyond the days we're there. We're creating long-lasting positive changes in the communities we serve. By providing immediate healthcare, we're preventing minor issues from becoming major health crises. This reduces the burden on local healthcare systems and improves overall community health. Our health education workshops empower people with knowledge about preventive care. This leads to healthier lifestyle choices and better management of chronic conditions in the long run. We also work to build capacity within local healthcare systems. By partnering with local health workers and sharing knowledge, we help strengthen the community's ability to address health issues independently. Lastly, our camps often spark interest in healthcare careers among local youth. This can lead to more healthcare professionals serving their own communities in the future, creating a sustainable cycle of improved health care. Through these efforts, we're not just providing temporary relief, but contributing to lasting change in Burundi's healthcare landscape.
Blake Johnes had not seen his daughter in three years.
A Permanent Endowment to Serve Children, Families, and the Gospel—Forever In a world where needs never stop, we must build solutions that never run dry. That’s the heart behind the John LaNoue Sr. Forever Fund , a permanent endowment hosted by HighGround Advisors and stewarded by Amigos Internacionales . This fund protects its principal forever and uses investment income to fuel long-term impact through water, education, health, and Gospel-centered outreach. This is more than a donation. It’s a legacy. And it’s needed now more than ever.
One Surgery. One Child. A Lifetime Transformed 15% of Ugandan children will require surgical care before age 18. Only a fraction ever receive it . Rural children are hit hardest : over 80% of cases are in remote villages. Almost half of surgical needs remain unmet . Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is common. These children suffer feeding challenges, risk of aspiration, chronic ear infections, and speech delay . Malnutrition is rampant : up to 68% of infants with CL/P in Uganda are undernourished; many remain ineligible for surgery due to frail health Untreated consequences : ongoing pain, family isolation, lifelong stigma, lost chances, and even school dropout . Yet the solution exists. Simple, safe surgery can restore wholeness. But time, resources, and access—especially in remote regions—are missing.
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Transform communities through education and vocational skills. Learn how Amigos Internacionales equips underserved youth and adults with training for lasting economic empowerment.
Discover Balaam’s inspiring story: how holistic sponsorship gave him education, mobility, and dignity, nurturing his spirit and empowering him to dream.
Every child deserves the chance to smile confidently, but for many underprivileged children, dental issues can stand in the way of this simple joy. The Bethel Smile program by Amigos Internacionales is changing lives by providing essential dental surgeries for children, offering them not just improved health but also the hope of a brighter future. This heartfelt initiative focuses on helping underprivileged children regain their self-esteem and quality of life through impactful healthcare initiatives. By sharing personal success stories and the significant transformations witnessed, we aim to inspire compassionate individuals to donate dental care and support this noble cause. Join us as we explore how a community of supporters can come together to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. https://www.amigosii.org/bethel-smile
“Explore compassionate pediatric feeding support in Uganda. Learn how Bethel Smile restores nutrition and hope for children facing feeding challenges.”
Discover Ojok’s story in Uganda. Learn how Bethel Smile provides cleft lip surgery, restores health, and brings hope to children and families.
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Emily is 2 years 10 months and needs cleft palate surgery in Uganda. Your gift of $3,000 funds hospital care, anesthesia, and follow-up. Help her eat and speak.
Dental care transforms health, learning, and livelihoods in underserved communities. See how Amigos International and Doctors on Mission International expand access through medical camps in Uganda.
Be a Hero: Support Our Medical Outreach and Change Lives in Burundi Have you ever wanted to be a hero? Well, here's your chance! Our upcoming Medical Camp in Burundi is gearing up to make a real difference by bringing essential healthcare services to underserved communities. We're on the lookout for passionate medical professionals and caring volunteers who want to lend a helping hand. Imagine the impact you could have by supporting our medical outreach and offering compassionate care to those who truly need it. Ready to roll up your sleeves and join us? Let's make a change together while spreading hope and joy!## Medical Camp Burundi: Event Details Our Medical Camp in Burundi is set to bring much-needed healthcare to those who need it most. Let's dive into the specifics of this life-changing event. Dates and Location The Medical Camp Burundi is scheduled for August 15-30, 2025. We'll be setting up our base in Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi. Our team will then branch out to rural areas surrounding the city, where healthcare access is limited. We've chosen this time frame to avoid the rainy season and make travel easier for both our volunteers and the local communities we'll serve. The exact locations within Bujumbura and the surrounding regions will be finalized closer to the event date. We're working closely with local authorities to identify the areas of greatest need. Services Offered At the Medical Camp Burundi, we're bringing a wide range of essential healthcare services to underserved communities. Our team of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals will provide general check-ups, vaccinations, and basic treatments for common illnesses. We'll also offer specialized services like dental care, eye exams, and women's health screenings. Mental health support will be a key component of our camp, with counselors available to provide much-needed psychological care. Additionally, we'll be running health education workshops to empower communities with knowledge about preventive care and healthy living practices. Lastly, we'll distribute essential medications and medical supplies to those who need them most, ensuring that the impact of our camp extends beyond the duration of our stay. Targeted Communities Our Medical Camp Burundi aims to reach the most vulnerable and underserved populations in and around Bujumbura. We're focusing on rural communities where access to healthcare is severely limited. These areas often lack basic medical facilities and struggle with issues like malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and preventable illnesses. We're also targeting urban slums in Bujumbura, where overcrowding and poor sanitation lead to numerous health challenges. Special attention will be given to children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who are often the most affected by lack of healthcare access. By working with local community leaders and health officials, we're ensuring that our services reach those who need them most. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on these communities' health and well-being. How You Can Support Medical Outreach Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of those we serve. Here's how you can get involved and contribute to our Medical Camp Burundi. Volunteer Opportunities We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a real impact at the Medical Camp Burundi . If you're a healthcare professional, your skills are invaluable. We need doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, and mental health professionals. Your expertise will directly improve the health of hundreds of people. Non-medical volunteers are just as crucial. We need help with logistics, translation, health education, and community outreach. Your support will ensure the smooth running of the camp and help us connect with the local communities. Volunteering isn't just about giving - it's also about personal growth. You'll gain unique experiences, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you've made a real difference in people's lives. Donations and Supplies Needed Can't join us in person? You can still play a vital role in our Medical Camp Burundi through donations and supplies. Financial contributions are always welcome. Your money will go towards purchasing medical equipment, medications, and supplies. It will also help cover logistical costs like transportation and accommodation for our volunteer team. We also need donations of medical supplies. Things like bandages, syringes, gloves, and basic medications are always in high demand. Even small contributions can make a big difference. Non-medical items are needed too. We're looking for donations of hygiene products, reading glasses, and educational materials. These items can significantly improve quality of life for many in the communities we serve. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal of providing essential healthcare to those who need it most. Your support can literally save lives. The Impact of Compassionate Care The power of compassionate care goes beyond immediate medical treatment. Let's explore the lasting impact our Medical Camp Burundi can have on individuals and communities. Stories from Past Camps Our previous medical camps have left lasting impressions on both the communities we've served and our volunteers. These stories showcase the real impact of our work. Take Maria, a young mother from a rural village. She'd been struggling with an undiagnosed condition for years. At our camp, she finally received proper care and medication. Now, she's healthy and able to care for her family. Then there's John, a volunteer nurse from the US. He was deeply moved by the gratitude of the people he helped. The experience changed his perspective on healthcare and inspired him to continue volunteering. We also met Amina, a local teenager who attended our health education workshop. She's now spreading the knowledge she gained to her peers, becoming a health advocate in her community. These stories remind us why we do what we do. They show that with compassionate care, we can change lives one person at a time. Long-term Benefits for Communities The impact of our Medical Camp Burundi extends far beyond the days we're there. We're creating long-lasting positive changes in the communities we serve. By providing immediate healthcare, we're preventing minor issues from becoming major health crises. This reduces the burden on local healthcare systems and improves overall community health. Our health education workshops empower people with knowledge about preventive care. This leads to healthier lifestyle choices and better management of chronic conditions in the long run. We also work to build capacity within local healthcare systems. By partnering with local health workers and sharing knowledge, we help strengthen the community's ability to address health issues independently. Lastly, our camps often spark interest in healthcare careers among local youth. This can lead to more healthcare professionals serving their own communities in the future, creating a sustainable cycle of improved health care. Through these efforts, we're not just providing temporary relief, but contributing to lasting change in Burundi's healthcare landscape.
Blake Johnes had not seen his daughter in three years.
A Permanent Endowment to Serve Children, Families, and the Gospel—Forever In a world where needs never stop, we must build solutions that never run dry. That’s the heart behind the John LaNoue Sr. Forever Fund , a permanent endowment hosted by HighGround Advisors and stewarded by Amigos Internacionales . This fund protects its principal forever and uses investment income to fuel long-term impact through water, education, health, and Gospel-centered outreach. This is more than a donation. It’s a legacy. And it’s needed now more than ever.
One Surgery. One Child. A Lifetime Transformed 15% of Ugandan children will require surgical care before age 18. Only a fraction ever receive it . Rural children are hit hardest : over 80% of cases are in remote villages. Almost half of surgical needs remain unmet . Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is common. These children suffer feeding challenges, risk of aspiration, chronic ear infections, and speech delay . Malnutrition is rampant : up to 68% of infants with CL/P in Uganda are undernourished; many remain ineligible for surgery due to frail health Untreated consequences : ongoing pain, family isolation, lifelong stigma, lost chances, and even school dropout . Yet the solution exists. Simple, safe surgery can restore wholeness. But time, resources, and access—especially in remote regions—are missing.
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When we first met John Paul, his world was cloaked in darkness—literally and spiritually. Once a reader and active member of his community, John Paul had lost his vision due to a severe form of cataract that left him completely blind. He came to the Missionpoint Medical Camp in Uganda with a quiet hope, though years of living in darkness had nearly smothered it.
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In the hills of Buhweju District in southwestern Uganda, the world had grown dim for 39-year-old John Paul Taremwa. Blinded in one eye by disease, and slowly losing vision in the other due to a cataract, John Paul lived on the edge of complete darkness. Each day became more difficult—navigating uneven paths, depending on others, feeling the slow erosion of dignity that comes when something as basic and vital as sight begins to slip away. At Amigos Internacionales, we believe that no one should have to live that way. Ours mission has never been about numbers or events—it’s about people like John Paul. We exist to restore hope through healing, to meet both physical and spiritual needs in places the world often forgets.
In a remote village in southwestern Uganda, a woman named Joy once faced the devastating possibility of permanent blindness. Last year, driven by deteriorating vision and rising desperation, she traveled many kilometers on foot to reach a government hospital in hopes of receiving cataract surgery. But the cost— 3,000,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately $800 USD )—was impossibly high. She returned home defeated. “I decided to forget about my left eye,” Joy shared. “And I prayed my right eye wouldn’t die.”
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