On our first day in Serenje we met with the Pastors and Volunteers in the PAOG church building. That was the day the volunteers and pastors received their t-shirts. it was also the day that each of the team was presented with bright new clothes by Hilda - always so humbling to receive their gifts.
We began with an overview and progress report on the Project - or to give it it's full title, the "Integrated HIV/AIDS response in Serenje". They compiled fantastic, inspiring lists of different statistics of progress made in year 2 of the project:
890 children received school jumpers
526 children received shoes
365 children received uniforms
371 Goats distributed
5 pastors attended Willow Creek GLS in Lusaka
700 farmers received 15kgs of beans, plus sweet potato vines and groundnuts
155 vegetable farmers living near rivers were also given seeds
They also reported these very encouraging personal anecdotes:
- There is greater unity amongst Churches and Pastors in Serenje
- Pastors are leading by example and having orphans live with them and their families.
- Farmers are being trained.
- A seed bank is being established in each of the 4 communities.
- School enrolment has increased.
- Children are performing better at school - many are now eating breakfast before school and so can concentrate better.
- Food security has increased.
- Volunteers have received training in home-based care.
- Churches are growing.
Isn't this great and encouraging news?
Thank God for His blessing.
Thank God for the hard-working people of Serenje.
Thank God that we are able to play even a small part in it all through our financial giving.
Let's keep thanking, keep praying and keep giving. It's not in vain.
We began with an overview and progress report on the Project - or to give it it's full title, the "Integrated HIV/AIDS response in Serenje". They compiled fantastic, inspiring lists of different statistics of progress made in year 2 of the project:
890 children received school jumpers
526 children received shoes
365 children received uniforms
371 Goats distributed
5 pastors attended Willow Creek GLS in Lusaka
700 farmers received 15kgs of beans, plus sweet potato vines and groundnuts
155 vegetable farmers living near rivers were also given seeds
They also reported these very encouraging personal anecdotes:
- There is greater unity amongst Churches and Pastors in Serenje
- Pastors are leading by example and having orphans live with them and their families.
- Farmers are being trained.
- A seed bank is being established in each of the 4 communities.
- School enrolment has increased.
- Children are performing better at school - many are now eating breakfast before school and so can concentrate better.
- Food security has increased.
- Volunteers have received training in home-based care.
- Churches are growing.
Isn't this great and encouraging news?
Thank God for His blessing.
Thank God for the hard-working people of Serenje.
Thank God that we are able to play even a small part in it all through our financial giving.
Let's keep thanking, keep praying and keep giving. It's not in vain.
Send us to lessen the suffering
and teach us that worship is more than words we sing.
We look to You, we look to You
Give us the courage to honour You
with love and with justice in everything we do.
We look to You, we look to You.
Take all that we are, Spirit of God,
stir up our hearts for You
with grace and compassion we're called into action
stir up our hearts for You, for You.
Dave Betts :Stir up our hearts