July 2023
COMPASSION FUND …
A 12-year-old boy came to my attention this week. I will call him Blessing (indeed, his Bemba name means that), though we might argue that has not been blessed at all. He is the youngest of three brothers. Some five years ago, after marital quarrels, his parents separated and the father went to live in Lusaka. His mother, who has problems with alcohol, later left all three boys with their grandmother in Baluba and disappeared. She has not been seen since.
Blessing has been blessed at least to have been enrolled at a good local Christian school where the children are well cared for. But Grandma is not in good health and has four other grandchildren for whom she is responsible. She asked If we could buy school shoes for Blessing — a small request for a boy with such huge needs.
Blessing is only one of countless children in Zambia in similar circumstances. So we encourage you to donate to our Compassion Fund so that we can more easily meet such needs. More details
FEE SPONSORSHIP …
We are looking for sponsors for at least another 20 pupils. NZ$30 per month covers the basic cost of a child’s education. How our Fee Sponsorship Programme works
Sponsor Godwinner Sobongo (9) for NZ$ 30 (US$ 20 or £15) per month. More details
THE ONESIMUS SCHOLARSHIP FUND …
Sponsors are needed for two very able young people who have completed their Grade 12 exams with outstanding results. Both are from very poor homes and one of them is a double orphan who was at Limapela Cedric’s for his primary education. Tertiary education is their dream, but the cost will be completely beyond them without our help. More details
THE KAFAKUMBA SINGERS …
We will make the four-hour drive to Chengelo School near Mkushi for the weekend of 15 July. This has become almost an annual event, and is certainly a highlight for the singers. They will sing at four events this time, including a performance at the Kapanda Community School next door to Chengelo.
BUILDING AND INFRASTRUCTURE …
- Thanks to the generosity of a private donor last month, work is about to start on fencing the complete 8-hectare property at Limapela Cedric’s School. In heaven there will be no fences, but in the meantime, here in Zambia they are necessary!
- The classrooms at Luyando are leaking badly and need new roofs. The cost will be around NZ$ 25,000.
- New classrooms are needed in both schools. The estimated building cost is NZ$ 150,000 per school.
Alison left unexpectedly for New Zealand on 14 June to be with her father (96) during the final days of his life. Understandably, the family is glad to have her home at this time. He passed away peacefully on 1 July. I remain busy here in Zambia, but have to think ahead a bit more over daily routines!
As you can see, this month we are asking, seeking and knocking. Please join hands with us!
—Matthew and Alison Raymond