AFM serving in Ukraine

By Nancy Moore

AFM has been serving in Ukraine with our partners Tavriski Christian Institute (TCI) and the State Emergency Services Ukraine since 2019.  Our team that trained in 2019 remembers standing on the front defense lines from Crimea into Kherson and thinking how frightening war would be in that area. While we trained the firefighter we offered encouragement and connection to spiritual and mental health.

The firefighters in Ukraine are kind, giving, creative and brave. We were offered amazing hospitality while we trained alongside them. Firefighters in Ukraine are tasked with not only fighting fire, but also with disarming/recovering undetonated explosives and with providing psychological first aid to their community. Due to these somewhat unique functions, they were uniquely prepared to serve their community during the war in Ukraine. 

Personally, Dave and I have been connected to Ukraine since the mid-90’s. Our church was providing support to churches and Christians in the post-Soviet era and helped to form TCI. TCI is now fully Ukrainian run and is the only accredited Christian College in Ukraine.   

Located in Kherson, TCI’s staff evacuated their campus on the first day of war and staff were dispersed to various locations to continue serving. As a result of the war, TCI immediately began making plans to modify their ministry to serve the current needs of the country and to help churches serve their communities. TCI has 3 focuses right now: 1) Assist with safe evacuations from dangerous areas in Ukraine (both refugees and internally displaced persons) 2) Support churches financially that are serving their communities with resources especially for food and medical resources 3) Provide spiritual and emotional support. TCI is planning strategically for the current crisis, and is also preparing for the long term needs for humanitarian aid, Christian witness and eventual rebuilding of Ukraine.   

TCI is on the front lines of humanitarian aid for Ukraine and many of AFM’s partners are collaborating to support their efforts. Please be praying for their efforts and for Ukraine: You can sign up for daily prayer updates throughout March through IDES > sign up here

If you are looking for an organization to give financially to support the people of Ukraine – I encourage you to give through TCI’s US forwarding agent sign up here.

Firefighters in Ukraine are serving their community during this war.   Search and Rescue, removing explosives, assisting with community evacuations, fighting fires. I know their community is grateful for their service.

AFM is exploring ways to specifically support the firefighters in Ukraine – now and after the war (Equipment was a need before the war and there is still a need for more equipment).   We are also looking into ways that we can support the firefighter’s psychologically and spiritually.   If you are interested in getting involved with AFM’s efforts to serve firefighters in Ukraine please email info@africafiremission.org and we will get in touch with you!   

Here are some pictures from Ukraine as AFM worked there before the war:

Transitioning Leadership

by David A. Moore, Jr.

In late 2012, when I first shared the idea of creating the organization that would become Africa Fire Mission, my wife Nancy's reaction was one of bewildered amusement. 

My how things have changed since that night in 2012!  Africa Fire Mission has grown from an idea into an award-winning, international non-profit organization that has provided life saving training and personal protective equipment to thousands of firefighters on four continents.  When AFM started, all we needed was as small corner of our basement and now we occupy a professional office and storage facility. We have blossomed from a small group of volunteers in Cincinnati to a large, international, group of volunteers. 

Over the years, AFM has adapted to new opportunities and made many changes to best serve others.   January 3rd, 2022 marked a significant change in the leadership of AFM.  On that date, Nancy Moore was named Executive Director of AFM. 

As 2019 came to a close, I recognized that it was time to transition out of the role of Executive Director and we began the search for my replacement.  At this point, Nancy had taken on the role of Director of Programs for AFM and she was leading day-to-day operations.  The Board, along with Nancy and myself, recognized that she was the perfectly suited to be the next executive director. We have worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition. 

Nancy has spent years working in small business and non-profit management, social work, and the fire service. She is deeply committed to empowering our partners to continue their growth while supporting their changing needs. Nancy's diverse background gives her the mastery, leadership and vision to carry AFM into the future. 

As I step back from my role as ED and into my new role on the board of directors, I am excited to see the new places and programs that AFM is able to work in and on under Nancy's leadership.   

Please join me in congratulating Nancy on her new position and encouraging her as she grows AFM into the future.   

Sincerely,

David A. Moore Jr., MPA, CFO, MIFireE 

Founder, Africa Fire Mission

Africa Fire Mission Receives Major Grant from Motorola Solutions Foundation

For Immediate Release

September 28, 2021

Africa Fire Mission Receives Major Grant from Motorola Solutions Foundation

Africa Fire Mission (AFM) is a Cincinnati-based group of firefighters from across the United States who for nearly a decade have provided fire training and equipment to several African nations.   AFM has announced that they will receive a $ 30,000 grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation to help continue its outreach to train several fire brigades in Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia through 2022.

This grant will support hands-on Fire Training and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) turnout gear scheduled for delivery in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia.  The 2021 Kenya trip that will take place from November 10th to 21st, will be partially supported by this grant, as well as four other scheduled team trips in 2022.

This distribution of needed fire equipment and training is only possible through the generosity of such organizations as the Motorola Solutions Foundation funded through the Motorola Corporation, a world-wide leader in the field of emergency communications equipment.  The AFM training staff consists of firefighters from departments that span across America, who volunteer their time and pay their own expenses to travel to Africa to teach their fellow firefighters the latest techniques in firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services.

“Africa Fire Mission is grateful to Motorola Solutions Foundations for its continued support of our programs through this grant.   We will be able to continue to impact communities and support firefighters in Africa as they strive to save lives and property” says Nancy Moore, Director of Programs for Africa Fire Mission.

AFM is a 501c3 corporation headquartered at 1373West Galbraith Road in North College Hill, Ohio.

Each year, the Motorola Solutions Foundation’s awards grants to charitable organizations such as Africa Fire Mission to support three primary areas of focus: first responder programming, technology and engineering education and programs that blend the two.

"The Motorola Solutions Foundation aims to partner with organizations that align to our values of accountability, innovation, impact, diversity and inclusion," said Karem Perez, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. "We are proud to support organizations like Africa Fire Mission that embody these values while driving positive change in their communities.” 

For additional information:

Motorola Solutions Foundation grants program: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation - Contact Sarah Packard at sarah.packard@motorolasolutions.com


Africa Fire Mission: www.africafiremission.org  - Contact Nancy Moore at 513-620-4236 or nancy@africafiremission.org, or Robert Rielage at 513-728-9978.

Meet Firefighter Kennedy

by Nancy Moore

I traveled to Isiolo, Kenya in July 2021, our Fire Safety Advocate, Jose and with Raphael and Steve from Missions of Hope International. It was finally time to meet with Fire Chief Wako and see face to face the young fire brigade in Northern, rural Kenya. They have formed a new fire brigade and are less than three years old.

While we were getting to know the firefighters there we noticed Kennedy. He stood out with a friendly grin and a confident presence. He also stood back - tucked behind some of the other fire fighters. José noticed right away that Kennedy had an amputated leg. As we talked with Kennedy and Chief Wako we learned that Kennedy was in a motor bike accident that resulted in the injury that led to his leg being amputated - while he was in the process of becoming a firefighter.

Chief Wako said he could see the spirit that Kennedy had and decided that he could use Kennedy on his team - in spite of his amputation. Kennedy serves as the Isiolo Fire Brigades Public Information Officer, Pump Operator and supports his team in any way he can. He wants to be fully restored to serve his community.

Will you help Africa Fire Mission by supporting this project to help get Physical Therapy and a Prosthetic for Kennedy? We are raising $10,000 to help make Kennedy’s dreams for serving his community come true!

Read Kennedy’s story in his own words:

“I applied for a vacancy of fire when I saw that advert on daily nation newspaper on August 2018 being complete with my two legs. I applied because I had passion for helping the community by fighting fire. I was given an interview in November 2018. I attended the interview and in February 2019 I received an appointment letter to report as a firefighter on 15 April 2019.

My accident occurred between my the day of picking my appointment letter and that period of reporting to my working station.

The accident was a rare accident, I was on motorbike and it happened to get a mechanical issues and we had fell into a drainage furrow. I got a normal fracture of the bone of my right leg. I was rushed to the Isiolo Referral Hospital where things turned to be worse. The doctors in charge of orthopedic messed up with my leg and the blood stopped circulating in my right leg after they put on plaster which was too tight. This resulted in the nerves not to function.

I had hoped to be transferred to one hospital but due to lack of funds I was unable to go. Later on I was transferred to a mission hospital. Things turned to be worse and worse after everyday. So there wasn't any alternative since my leg started getting worse and got rotten. I was in bad condition almost died.

It reached a point where one of the doctors came and advised me, instead of you loosing your life whereas you can get amputated and life be as normal as possible. I accepted the amputation and that things would be as normal as before even if I would not be having one leg.

So that's how I accepted for the amputation and life continued and I reported to job even if I reported late than others due to the recovering period.

So I went to work. Chief Wako shifted me to the office as an IcT manager of the fire dept of Isiolo. Sometimes I also help with pump operations and I do it to my level best regardless of being an Amputee. In some instance the county government wanted to do away with me due of me loosing the leg stating I will not be able to work as fire fighter but God fought for me and I retained my vacancy and Chief Wako insisted a lot he needs me in the department due to PASSION I had towards my career.

When I officially reported to work, I felt demotivated. Seeing others who we had applied with them same job had two leg whereas me I don't have. I was feeling much depressed and stressed but Fire Chief Wako was always there for motivating me and giving encouragement alot big morale for the job.

I want to get a prosthetic leg which can improve my performance as a firefighter. I am from a humble background which can't raise all that money to get that prosthetic. I am the one who is taking care of my family with that small amount of salary I get and am the one who pays school fees for my little sister who is in high school.

Am much humbled and may Heavenly God will Bless you Abundantly. Thank you alot as you look forward to help me.”

Yours Kenneth Mugambi Orutwa Isiolo fire and Rescue Department ICT Manager.

There are 4 fire stations in Malawi!

by Nancy Moore

We’d last been to Malawi in 2017 when Co-Founders Dave and Nancy Moore went on a vision trip. During that trip they worked to better understand the needs of the fire service and their dreams of the future as a better fire service. Lodious - the Fire Chief in Zomba, Malawi has a vision for Malawi’s fire service and made sure to share it with us.

Malawi has four fire stations - you read that right - four. For perspective land mass wise, Malawi is about the geographic size of Pennsylvania and there are four fire stations and less than 100 firefighters in the country. Firefighters are misunderstood by their community and under equipped to serve the communities where they are located. Firefighters are often stoned and ridiculed by the communities they are trying to serve.

AFM began looking for the right partner that could help us reach out and train the firefighters and the community across Malawi. Our friends at Namikango Mission were part of that next step, and something was missing. During conversations with Parkview Global, Orland Park, IL and their initiative for Peace Plan Malawi it became clear that we’d be able to partner with Peace Plan Malawi and reach the fire service across Malawi.

Finally, in June 2021, we were ready to travel with a team from Parkview to serve in Malawi. God provided a way for us to go even when the borders were closed to foreigners due to contacts in Malawi’s National Government and Department of Health.

While we were in Malawi, we we able to provide firefighter personal protective equipment to the Zomba Fire Brigade.

We were able to train firefighters from 3 of the 4 fire departments in the country (Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Zomba)! It was difficult to see the lack of equipment, the lack of PPE and the broken equipment. At one fire station there appeared to be 4 fire trucks - as we asked questions we learned that only one was in working condition.

We were able to pray for the firefighters and share God’s love with them as we conducted training on hose operations, using ladders, and search and rescue operations.

In Lilongwe, we found out that there were new Jaws of Life (Vehicle Extrication tools) that had been sitting in storage for over a year because no one knew how to operate them - and we were asked if we could teach them - YES! In a few days time we trained on the new equipment and it was able to be put into operation at vehicle accident scenes to save lives!

We are looking forward to what our work will look like in Malawi in the future and are planning to take a team of firefighters to serve in Malawi in June 2022!! Learn more about our mission trips here >

Partnership highlight - Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International

The Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International and Craig Duck - Missionary/President has been partnering with AFM since 2015. Their ministry has allowed AFM to provide bibles and devotional books to the Fire Service in Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, Zambia and Ukraine. Through FCFInternational, firefighter Chaplains have been trained in Zambia and weekly bible studies are taking place with firefighters in Kenya.

FCFInternational is currently having a membership drive. Firefighters - we encourage you to get involved to help FCFI continue their work! Memberships are $35/year and helps the ministry of both AFM and FCFI continue across the world!

Craig Duck gives this invitation: Would you like to see God glorified in the fire department He has called you to? Then FCFInternational wants you. February and March are our Recruitment and Retention Campaign. We are asking you to join our ministry and take the Gospel message to your department. There are several different levels you can sign-up for. The funds raised help us to produce the Encourager Magazine, place Bibles and devotion books in the hands of firefighters and in stations all across the world, and provide resources to help firefighters and first responders grow in their faith. Sign up today and make a difference in your department. For more information: https://www.fellowshipofchristianfirefighters.com