Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Ryer.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Amigos Internacionales is a 58 year old non profit. When I was 8 years old, the founder, Dr. John LaNoue came to our church to share about the work he was starting. I felt the desire to be a part of that work and Dr. John has been my mentor and friend since. He is now 91 years old, on our board and our largest fundraiser. 22 years ago, he came to me and asked me to join the Board of Directors and I was very excited to see the work and be an actual “part” not just looking in from the outside. In 2006, the Board asked me to be the President and CEO and my journey began. My first task was to restore a grant that had lapsed for 7.5 million meals a year in Guatemala, I researched and applied for the current years grant with USAID and won. That work continued annually until USAID stopped last year. As CEO, I began to look at opportunities and we began working to stop sex trafficking and abuse in East Africa. What began as a simple “sponsorship” program has developed into building sustainable communities in the refugee settlements of Northern Uganda through drilling water wells, building schools and churches, teaching adults life skills such as sewing and making soap, community gardens and most recently (last year) medical camps and clinics in areas where no medical assistance is available. Through partnerships, our Medical Director, Dr. Paul Mulyamboga, has enlisted over 150 surgeons, doctors, nurses and associates to come together in remote locations for 3-5 day medical camps and surgical camps provided difficult surgeries (cleft palate, cancers, ENT, etc) to children than could never afford or access this care. Only last week, we performed a Children’s Surgical Camp and Medical Clinic in Napak, Karamoja Region or Northeast Uganda. Amigos with it’s partnerships organzied 650 children’s surgeries and saw 6,000 men, women and children in the medical clinic. Our efforts spent $85,000 but returned over $5,050,000. (that’s five million!) in medical services…returning $71 for every dollar spent. We have moved into Nigeria, Burundi, Malawi, and have invitations to Kenya and the DRC. Truly amazing work that keeps this 67 year old guy excited to come to the office every morning! You can find more at https://www.amigosii.org.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, however, the difficulties we encounter are always outweighed by the work we are doing. Most recently we had a double cleft palate child that underwent two very demanding surgeries. That child eventually passed but the parents thanked us for keeping him alive an additional 8 months for them to spend with him, as most children would not have made it past childbirth.
Funding is always a challenge. In today’s world of self indulgence, few people see the global awareness of helping those without, especially a world away. These small challenges pale in comparison to the joy received every morning from images in the field….of lives forever changed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Amigos Internacionales, Corp?
I believe I may have already answered that question earlier…..but if you need more, just reach out to me….
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
First is my faith, without it, the sustaining power to continue would be difficult some days. Secondly would be an optimistic attitude of life, changing doubts to “gotta do it” when faced with new tasks and challenges. Finally I believe flexability is key to success for any individual. Most say I’m so “flexible I’m fluid”…which works out great when you find your self in the bush of East Africa with little resources and the need to move forward is pressing.
Pricing:
- $40 sponsors a child
- $10,000 drills a water well
- $10,000 sponsors a medical clinic
- $45,o00 builds a school/church
- $50,000 provides for a children’s surgical camp
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amigosii.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missionpointafrica
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missionpointafrica
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nhknkljihi/posts/?feedView=all
- Twitter: https://x.com/amigosii
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@missionpointafrica
- Other: https://michaelryer.com
