Straight from the HEART

Pastor Bob and Tammy Francabandera have been involved with HEART’s work and ministry in Kenya since its humble beginning in 2000. They were pioneers who gave countless hours of time, along with generous support to help build HEART’s educational outreach and establish what is today The HEART Lodge in Nairobi. This engaging conversation is sure to inspire listeners who are prayerfully considering mission work, whether here in the U.S. or around the world. Stepping out in faith is the key and when you do that, God will embrace your obedience in ways that will change your life forever. That’s the story of their lives, which you’re sure to enjoy!

Pastor Bob and Tammy Francabandera have been involved with HEART’s work and ministry in Kenya since its humble beginning in 2000. They were pioneers who gave countless hours of time, along with generous support to help build HEART’s educational outreach and establish what is today The HEART Lodge in Nairobi. This engaging conversation is sure to inspire listeners who are prayerfully considering mission work, whether here in the U.S. or around the world. Stepping out in faith is the key and when you do that, God will embrace your obedience in ways that will change your life forever. That’s the story of their lives, which you’re sure to enjoy!

This episode of Straight from the HEART features Betsy Gunther and her 10-year-old daughter, Charley. Betsy’s love and commitment to missions, and the work of HEART in Kenya, has been expressed in many ways over the years. From the early days of traveling with church teams and later making multiple trips to Africa, to becoming a key staff member at HEART with oversight of volunteer team efforts, regional funding activities, and church relations.In this discussion, Betsy and Charley engage in a fun exchange about the value and life-changing impact a visit to Kenya can make in the lives of young people.

When Everylynn Shengahla was infected with HIV a number of years ago, her health spiraled downward. Like so many infected women, she experienced family rejection, separation from her own children, and a medical treatment intended to hasten her death. But that all began to change the day she was invited into the loving arms of HEART’s program. HEART’s Executive Director, Lori Powell, discusses with Everlynn what’s possible when others are empowered to get well, stay healthy, and rise to new heights.

The finale of our 2-part interview with HEART’s doctor, Dr. Mariana, we explore the challenges and opportunities faced by a single doctor who oversees the health of 695 HIV+ positive mothers and 2,400 children at 7 centers throughout Kenya. It’s a significant responsibility, but she approaches it with joy and shares her victories in this conversation, which also features Executive Director Lori Powell. Dr. Mariana first became involved with HEART as an aspiring student who dreamed of one day becoming a doctor. Today, she is HEART’s doctor!

In this 2-part interview with HEART’s doctor, Dr. Mariana, we explore the challenges and opportunities faced by a single doctor who oversees the health of 695 HIV+ positive mothers and 2,400 children at 7 centers throughout Kenya. It’s a significant responsibility, but she approaches it with joy and shares her victories in this conversation, which also features Executive Director Lori Powell. Dr. Mariana first became involved with HEART as an aspiring student who dreamed of one day becoming a doctor. Today, she is HEART’s doctor!

Do HEART Ambassadors Make a Difference?In this episode of Straight from the HEART, dedicated partners, David and Ginny Forbes, discuss the life-changing work of HEART, and the amazing experiences they have had while serving in Kenya. Today, they serve as Ambassadors for the ministry in Tennessee to help build awareness and expand HEART's national presence. To find out more about becoming an Ambassador contact us at [email protected].

This episode features special guests: Dr. Russ and Pam Tweet, as well as Barbara and Dennis Luther. These two couples share inspiring stories and perspectives based on many trips to Kenya with HEART, and many years of involvement and personal support.If you want to find out more about the benefits of volunteering and traveling with a HEART team to Kenya, or perhaps to learn more about why supporting this ministry is truly making a difference and so greatly respected, then you don’t want to miss this episode.https://africaheart.com/

In this episode of Straight from the HEART, program co-host, Jerry Kitchel, discusses HEART’s ministry, as experienced by four 2021 interns.Recorded at HEART Lodge, via Zoom, their valuable perspective brings fresh insight, youthful inspiration, and loving stories based on their in-country travels, personal visits, and work-related projects.If you’ve traveled to Kenya and know the work of HEART, you are sure to identify with Ashley Randolph, Chloe, and Jackson Powell, and Lily Penazola as they share highlights of their life-changing visit and never-to-be-forgotten memories.Listeners who have considered making a HEART trip to Kenya will find this enjoyable discussion a rich source of fuel to stoke one’s interest and desire.Whether you’re a supporter, volunteer, intern, future traveler, or someone who simply wants to learn more about HEART and serving on the frontlines, then you---for sure—need to take a listen!

For over 20 years, Vickie Winkler has served HEART as its Founder and Executive Director. In 2020, she strongly felt God’s leading to begin a process of transition to find her replacement in 2021.In this podcast, Vickie invites Pastor Phil Sparling, who serves as both HEART’s U.S. Board Chairman and Vickie’s personal pastor from Auburn, CA. Sparling was invited by Vickie to visit Kenya and spend time with the Kenyan staff to help them prepare and navigate through a huge change that will take HEART from a founder-lead ministry to a board-lead ministry.Sparling’s topic, “HEART Ministry in the Midst of Unprecedented Times,” is a conversation that includes many personal reflections, as well as clips from Pastor Phil’s transition training workshop at HEART Lodge in Nairobi in April 2021. In his experience with previous boards, Sparling has helped provide leadership to various ministry transitions over the years. He brings a wealth of knowledge and sees transition significantly influenced by dynamics of individual commitment to Leadership, Mission, and Benefits, or some variation of all three. Good listening with lots of wisdom to impart!https://africaheart.com/

It is not uncommon to look at huge challenges and wonder how you can make a difference.For Patricia Werner and her husband, Steve, the thought of adolescent girls missing out on an education in Kenya because of a monthly cycle was too hard to bear. That’s when Patricia decided to do something about it by asking friends and family—and just about anyone who would listen-- to contribute to an amazing, life-changing cause. Patricia says a year’s supply of sanitary napkins for a school-age girl costs about as much as a special beverage at Starbucks!In this fascinating interview, you’ll meet this special couple who have become widely known as “yes people,” a label they proudly wear. It’s a label they’ve earned because they find it nearly impossible to tell anyone in need “no.”This podcast with Vickie Winkler, Jerry Kitchel, and the Werners is sure to inspire and perhaps even stretch your capacity to serve others with Christ-like compassion.

Vickie and Jerry talk to Dr. Ellen Bowman. Dr. Ellen and her husband Dr. Dave Bowman have been partners with HEART since 2009. Their daughter Katie also served at HEART so this became a Bowman family relationship!That involvement began when Dr. Ellen Bowman was serving as Senior Executive with Proctor and Gamble and in need of a project partner in Kenya. She was looking for a partner with an established distribution system with high accountability for the distribution of Always pads valued at $212,000. HEART’s Freedom for Girls project allocated these to grade schoolgirls throughout Kenya.Dr. Ellen was introduced to Vickie Winkler, HEART’s Executive Director, and Founder, by Warren Buckingham, PEPFAR Director at US Embassy in Kenya. When Dr. Ellen saw what HEART was doing, an amazing partnership began that celebrates today's many accomplishments made possible by innovation, resources, training, and long-term commitment.Listen in as Dr. Bowman and Vickie talk about their close friendship and shared victories that have impacted WEEP mothers, as well as their children and communities for generations to come.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of H.E.A.R.T. The year began with exciting plans for a spring banquet that would involve guests from Kenya and many friends from throughout California and across the United States.But COVID-19 brought those plans to a screeching halt. In this episode of Straight from the HEART, listeners will hear highlights from HEART’s first-ever Virtual Celebration that took place in September 2020. The event was hosted by HEART U.S. Board Member, Lauri Harris and HEART Ambassador, Ken Christie.Vickie was back in Kenya when this podcast was produced. Shortly after her arrival, the following text arrived: “It feels wonderful to be home again! I am always so grateful for God’s blessings and His favor upon HEART. Thank you for your prayers.”https://africaheart.com/

In this podcast, Vickie Winkler is joined by Kenya and US staff members to engage in a heart-warming conversation with Dr. Peter Norris and Amy Rugel, a married couple from Boston, MA who have supported HEART annually since 2005.The Norris-Rugel Charitable Foundation provides materials and income for the WEEP women from three centers to prepare Malaria Prevention bed nets. Every net is handmade by HEART’s WEEP Mothers and provides income for them to care for their children and households. The nets are then distributed through a variety of HEART partners in Kenya.https://africaheart.com/

Executive Director/Founder, Vickie Winkler, discusses—via a Skype call with co-host, Jerry Kitchel, the topic of Food Security and how COVID-19 is adversely affecting the women and children HEART supports through the WEEP program (Women Equality Empowerment Project).In a country now experiencing a severe food shortage, lockdown conditions, curfew, and other social restrictions, how is it possible to provide a food source that can not only meet immediate food needs but also longer-term income earning potential for these ladies who have survived HIV/AIDS.Today, they are forced to survive at-risk conditions that again compromise their health and healing, and their developing abilities to not only survive but Thrive beyond HIV/AIDS and the chokehold of the current pandemic that has turned our world upside down.for more information contact https://africaheart.com/

In Kenya, the impact of a girl’s monthly cycle results in missed classroom instruction and missed opportunities to advance in life with the benefits that come from completing an education.The United Nation’s annual recognition of Menstrual Hygiene Day every year in May has become a key observance for HEART to spotlight its highly respected program called Freedom for Girls.In this podcast, Vickie tells the compelling story about Freedom for Girl’s launch in 2008 and defining moments when God brought people and organizations together to empower Kenya’s ‘girl-child’ with over 20,000 annual provisions of hygiene kits to adolescent schoolgirls. It’s an inspiring and enlightening conversation listeners are sure to appreciate.https://africaheart.com/

In this episode of Straight from the HEART, founder Vickie Winkler talks with Jerry Kitchel about the challenges faced by HEART's Kenyan staff.This was recorded during California's COVID-19 'lockdown' in late April 2020 via a Skype call. Skype and other social media platforms have taken on significantly higher importance during these times of distancing.In the midst of physical separation, the ministry of HEART preservers to meet the needs of vulnerable HIV/AIDS mothers and their children in remote villages of Kenya where HEART is working.Vickie explains the challenges, blessings, and uncertainties that come with leading a ministry through the COVID crisis and enduring strength that comes from knowing God is still in charge!https://africaheart.com/

In this podcast of Straight from the HEART, you will hear of a new reality in Kenya where HEART has been working for the past 20 years. The challenges of HIV+ women and their households were challenging before the COVID-19 pandemic hit that East African country and the rest of the world.In this episode, HEART's Founder and Executive Director Vickie Winkler paints a word picture of what life is like in the slums and upcountry of Kenya and how vastly complicated daily survival has become for these Moms who are overcomers. In the midst of a global health crisis, how do we pray for the women and children of Kenya?https://africaheart.com/

In this second podcast of HEART's new monthly series, Straight fromthe HEART, Vickie Winkler and Jerry Kitchel discuss the fascinatingarea of 'friend-raising'.It doesn't take long to realize how Vickie's approach to raising supportand awareness for HEART over the past 20 years is very different frommany popular strategies advanced today.Whenever Vickie is asked to define her fundraising strategy, heranswer always boils down to this... PRAYER! Without prayer, shecontends, nothing else can happen. The stories flow from thisconversation with amazing examples of how God has always providedexactly what's needed at exactly the right time.For anyone who has known the challenges of asking for money anddepending on the charity a special cause, this discussion is certainto be a wellspring of inspiration.Miracles still happen today, Vickie says. Many times, they'll happen inthe eleventh hour just to test our faith.In this 2-part podcast, Vickie and Jerry discuss HEART's early work.Vickie's mission in life to help mothers living with HIV/AIDS, as wellas provide help for their children who have been innocent victims ofthis dreaded disease. Vickie's story is one of surmounting challenges,witnessing miracles, and enduring with unshakable faith. This storyis sure to inspire any listener.www.africaheart.com

In this 2-part podcast, Vickie and Jerry discuss HEART's early work. Vickie's mission in life to hielp mothers living with HIV/AIDS, as well as provide help for their children who have been innocent victims of this dreaded disease. Vickie's story is one of surmounting challenges, witnessing miracles, and enduring with unshakable faith. This story is sure to inspire any listener.https://africaheart.com/