 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
South Africa Mission Group
WANTED: Carpenter/Builder/Teacher [Read more]
St. Columbans are building relationships with the people and church of South Africa’s Eastern Cape — one of the country’s poorest and most AIDS–devastated provinces, but also one with a proud anti–apartheid legacy. We are working with South Africans in the Diocese of Grahamstown to help improve the well being of families (particularly through combating poverty and HIV/AIDS); support opportunities for spiritual growth and development; learn from South Africa’s unique experiences, perspectives, and gifts; and increase connections and understanding between our people.
St. Columba’s work in South Africa is part of a larger commitment by the Diocese of Washington to partner with the Church of the Province of Southern Africa. If you would like to make it part of your own personal ministry as well, please let us know — we welcome newcomers!
How are we involved in South Africa?
In 2006, we are focusing our energies chiefly in three places:
The
Ilinge Children’s Project... an after–school program
serving more than 50 AIDS orphans and their caregivers in a remote and
impoverished community. St. Columba’s parishioners contributed
nearly $4,000 for this project during Reach Out at Christmas in 2005,
funds that helped provide hot meals, school tuition and even underwear
and socks for the children. Identifying and training local residents
to provide child care services at orphans’ homes will be the next
phase of this program.
The Bolotwa Retreat Center... a former rectory recently converted for use as a rural Anglican retreat and conference center. Pilgrims visiting South Africa in November 2005 from St. Columba’s, Christ Church Georgetown, and St. Margaret’s Dupont Circle pooled their resources and donated $3000 to purchase and install a water tank for the center, enabling it to accommodate larger groups. Bishop Thabo of the Diocese
of Grahamstown envisions this center as a place where Anglican youth
in southern Africa can come together, find a voice and a place for themselves
in the church.
uMariya
uMama weThemba... an Order of the Holy Cross monastery at the heart
of much that the church is doing in the Eastern Cape. The brothers
have established an Alcoholics Anonymous program, empowered women to
seek relief from domestic violence, and assisted residents with home
ownership, among other things, but they have been especially active
in working on behalf of vulnerable children, including
those orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Their Children of the Cross program
provides 45 local at–risk children with transportation to and
from school and an after–school program that provides a meal and
academic support. St. Columba’s has raised money for rain gear
and alarm clocks for the children. With the help of community volunteers,
the brothers hope to expand their programs for vulnerable children.
Where do we hope the next few years will lead us?
- Growing personal connections between St. Columba’s parishioners and South Africans, including through reciprocal visitor exchanges.
- Intercessory prayer by our parish for our friends in South Africa.
- Prayerful response to emerging South African material and spiritual needs.
- Connecting with other people and programs in the Diocese of Washington that share our mission.
What can I do?
- Newcomers are most welcome! Watch the newsletter and the Sunday wrapper for information on upcoming meetings and activities.
- Email us for further information about getting involved with or making a monetary contribution to Ilinge, Bolotwa or the Monastery.
- Join our listserv to stay abreast of our plans and activities. Send an email to our List Manager with ‘subscribe South Africa Mission Group’ as the message body.
Contact: Elizabeth Vaden
Staff Contact: Rose Duncan
WANTED: Carpenter/Builder/Teacher
Not Jesus of Nazareth, perhaps — but maybe you, or someone you know?
Beginning in 2005, St. Columba’s and Christ Church Georgetown, helped launch the Bholotwa Retreat Centre in South Africa with money and prayers. The Centre provides a place for Anglicans in a remote part of the Eastern Cape Province to gather for spiritual nourishment and reflection. We’ve also been looking for opportunities to provide in-kind assistance.
Now the Centre needs someone with solid carpentry experience—perhaps a retired contractor or a shop teacher—who could give a few months of their life to live and work there. The volunteer would organize and lead work on several projects, providing valuable training and experience to local members of the team. Examples include building a small cement-block storeroom, doing indoor carpentry work, and installing fencing. A room and kitchen access at the Centre will be provided. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Vaden (202-237-6058; vadenfamily@verizon.net).