Ministry Updates
MATE/SOUTH AFRICA PARTNERSHIP
Macfarlan is entering mid-fall - winter gardens are in the final weeks of planting. Home Gardens have been established or assisted in approximately 180 families, and 70 families with a family member afflicted with HIV/AIDS have also been assisted with home gardens under guidance of Sister Gugwini. Part of the 2-hectare field adjacent to the refurbished well & pump is currently being planted by Ernest Jwambi and 4 other men, plus his wife Patiswa and 6 women are developing a communal garden there as well. MATE has empowered the Macfarlan poultry committee with the final decision on whether to proceed with restocking of hens.
Dr. Norma's HIV Hope Project is currently treating 46 AIDS patients with ARVT and support, with 10 others being monitored for probable treatment. MATE supports this effort by providing transportation funds and assisting with communal gardens.
Our next meeting is June 3 at 6 PM @ Fairbanks - all are invited to come and share a pot luck supper and updates on the Partnership. Scott Planting and George Hardy will be going to South Africa this August as part of a PNNE pre-planning Pastor Exchange program scheduled to happen in 2010. MATE is most likely going to have a trip August 5-19, 2010 - the trip is open to all who would like to see first-hand what is happening in the Tyume Valley of the Eastern Cape Province in the Republic of South Africa. Check out our webpage on the MATE website - it is slowly but surely being improved.
NORTH PARISH HOUSING MINISTRY
As the coordinator of the North Parish Housing Ministry, I see our ministry as a direct means of helping people with their shelter needs. At this time, interviews with potential clients are being given so that the work groups that come in late June through mid August can have their skills matched with the needs of the clients. This year’s emphasis will be on reducing fuel costs through better insulation and window winterization.