January Newsletter

I made it to my new mission in western Mozambique in a village near Gondola. Let me tell you a little about this mission.

Africa 180 is the name of the group led by Tracy Evans from Bethel Church in California, and they have about 800 orphan infants who are on a health and nutrition program based in a relative’s home. They felt it was best for the children to remain with a family member rather than put in an orphanage as it was with Iris and many other groups because then the kids can maintain their culture and family ties better.

The mission also care for their care-givers (sisters, grandmas, aunts.) with food as needed. There are 5 missionary nurses/staff, hailing from S. Africa, USA, Ireland and Germany (plus the
Mozambican staff). They have two prison ministries serving 200-300 men. They have a pre-school and have just secured the government's permission to build a Christian high school.

A couple on the staff have also established an excellent Christian primary school, serving 600 local kids. They have a 9 acre farm, to train ex-convicts agriculture. The foundation is laid for a hospice unit/recovery center, and soon for a high school and 2 or 3 duplexes (to house more missionaries).

So, it’s quite full! I am planning to write a few project proposals, particularly for the HIV clinic because this mission is supplying the $12,000 in milk and food and medicine PER MONTH because HIV positive women are not to give breast milk after 6 months according to World Helath Organization WHO guidelines. But, sadly, WHO will not provide any milk along with many NGOs!!

Terrible- so the malnutrition is subsequently rampant along with the fact many have HIV or their parents do. This mission is the ONLY group in at least a 150 mile radius that is even attempting to supply milk and support for these vulnerable families. They tried goats for milk and other means, but this is the cheapest and most culturally acceptable means. But what a challenge!

We had enough milk for today, but on Monday when Jackie goes to pick up the order of powdered milk for the next 2 weeks, she doesn’t have the $3000 needed YET. They said they literally live hand to mouth each day but God has been providing for the last 7 years! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next 3 days!

I’ll stay here indefinitely—so thanks for your prayers, especially for these little ones who need their milk provided. I will ask someone to help me write a project proposal for some NGOs to see if they can help us. Please say a prayer we obtain their favor for this and next year. I applaud this mission for taking on this challenge of providing milk and food for these forgotten little children who are malnourished and who have HIV or are disabled. It’s really the heart of God they are living out.

Lots of love to you and thanks for your love and support, especially all the prayers!

Katie