April 2007 COZV News

MAFUTA ORPHAN CARE CENTER & OTHER MINISTRY NEEDS

Many of you are aware that we have been feeding a little over 100 orphans the past five years. Unfortunately the food that we are able to give is not enough. We are looking for churches or sponsors that would be willing to take this ministry on. Another part of this ministry is a preschool/kindergarten center. We have donations for the beginning start up cost but are in need of a long term commitment in order for it to survive. Also, a small children’s home with perhaps 10-12 children is needed in Mafuta as well as the Western Caprivi where the Bushman/San people live.

  
We are asking for you to pray and see if your church or group would like to take on one of these ministries. I believe that God desires for it to happen but we need the funding, commitment and people to run these other ministries. There are over 4,000 orphans in a three-four hour drive in the Caprivi region alone. We are not looking for large homes but smaller homes that would be placed near local schools and clinics in order for the children to be able to stay in their area.

   
If you are interested please contact us and we will be able to give you rough estimates on the costs and how this could be implemented.

One of our little girls receiving her only meal for the day

Orphan children at the makeshift preschool

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TO HIM WHO HAS BEEN GIVEN MANY GIFTS…

Our children from the age of 6 years up to 13 years old were asked to participate in the Katima Art Competition this month. We were excited that five of our children were awarded places for various age groups!

   
For the age of ten years old, Lisedi took 2nd place in the animal drawing category". Then in the 11 year old category with the same theme, Goty took first, Mateo 2nd and Jacob third! COZV took a clean sweep in that category! For the 13 year olds, the category was "The Caprivi" Nico took 2nd place. We are very pleased that our children were able to participate and show their talents to many in the Katima area.

      

Our boys band: left to right - Martin, Karifere, Disco and Samuel

Through the dedication of one of our teachers, Fortune and many volunteers the children’s musical talents are blossoming! We now have our own electric band! If that isn’t enough perhaps you would like to listen to the locally made marimba’s!

Marimba lessons with Uncle Fortune,
Back Row: left to right - Engela, Anna & Imasiku
Bottom row: left to right -  Simeon, Mwiya & Uncle Fortune

Through many donations of ballet clothes several of our girls have had the opportunity to learn some basic moves through various volunteers. Here is a picture of five of our special ballerinas!

From left to right: Marsela, Elisa, Hilda, Jennifer & Isabella

Family talk:
Samuel has now returned from the States. Continue to pray for him as his recovery from his surgery did not progress as planned. Please pray for Samuel that he will regain his strength.
Our grandson is beautiful and I thank God that while I was home I had the chance to visit Jennifer, Scott ,August. and Laurin. Laurin was able to come in from Michigan to help me with Samuel while he was in ICU, but our time was much too short. Laurin is in physician’s assistant school and DJ has just finished his frist year of medical school.
Jennifer is teaching first grade. It was special to be able to go watch the gift that God has given to her in her class. Scott is building and refurbishing homes.

    
Business talk:
Just a reminder that you need to put "Mink ministry" on the checks when they are sent into COZV USA. If you desire a specific project also place that project name on the check such as: "Mink vehicle" education, vocational, goats, building fund etc.
  

EASTER DAY ACTED OUT BY THE BEAUTIFUL ZAMBEZI