Last night the congregation of Love of Christ was invited to a presentation of our mission trip. We had a good response and most of our team was in attendance. There were plenty of snacks for everyone and of course coffee and juice. All the team members were asked to bring some articles that were purchased in South Africa and these were displayed on a table in the front of the sanctuary. The attached picture shows Glenda and Norma at the table with the array of different items. Many of those in attendance mentioned that we should bring back items with us to sell and benefit the people of the community. Perhaps in the future, we will be able to begin a cottage industry in the Center of Compassion to accomplish this and provide an income for the communnity. Many items were displayed reflecting their ability to create bead work, both jewelry and decorative pieces along with carving and local art, even a married ladies hat was brought to display.Our program consisted of a slide presentation and that took everyone thru the journey from our luncheon before we began to our last days in South Africa on this trip. The first picture had not been seen by many of the team members and that was a picture of the waddle house that a family was living in before the mission began. I have included this picture at the end of the blogs, keep in mind there were 3 or 4 children living in this "house" and everytime it would rain, more mud would be lost from the walls. This home inspired the first visitors to Shongweni to form the mission in order to provide adequate housing for the orphan children. Bob and Linda Funk returned to the states after experiencing the conditions that these orphans were living in and dedicated their lives to improving their future. Thus the first home was built, the church was repaired and a parsonage built. Now there are over 175 children that share the results of this dream.
After the slide presentation, there was time for questions and then time to socialize, look at the albums of pictures and enjoy the deserts. Everytime a presentation of our mission is given, someone new is touched by the work being done in Shongweni. I will be giving presentations at my Optimist Club meeting on the 19th and then to 2 other Optimist Clubs in the valley. There are many other churches and organizations available and I hope to have an opportunity to share the message with them.
Thank you for your comments about this blog. Our work in Shongweni continues and our plans are underway for next year.
