Our daily preoccupation now seems to be about when the power will go off, and for how long. When it is off for 12 hours continuously, our activities are curtailed. Fortunately the solar bore hole pumps at the schools are functioning well, but they do not always keep up with the demand. We will also need solar electricity for other needs — computers, fridges and freezers, as the shortage of mains power is expected to get worse as the dry season continues.

We are also concerned about the food needs of our communities. There has been an increase in thefts as people harvest their own maize grown to feed their families in the coming months.

We are glad to announce that the Limapela Foundation was approved by the IRD and the NZ Cabinet for inclusion on Schedule 32 of the Income Tax Act. This was effective from 1 April 2023 but was only recently confirmed. So all donations made by New Zealand taxpayers for humanitarian purposes after that date are now tax deductible.

The long-planned building of the Lower Primary Centre at Limapela Cedric’s has at last begun. Door frames, window frames and roofing materials have already been fabricated and delivered, and the builders are now laying the foundation. When this building has been completed, we will be able to turn our attention to extending the school to full secondary. Our parent body has been pleading for years for us to do this.

The demands born of poverty, conflict, dysfunctional families and fractured communities are continually in front of us, so we all need patience and wisdom over how to respond effectively.

Lastone Kapayi, one of our Onesimus students, completed his Discipleship and Agricultural Training at the Dawn Trust last month and has returned to Baluba with new skills and much enthusiasm.

We note a strong sense of ownership on the part of our school communities. This should contribute well to the establishment of the secure future for Limapela that we have always hoped for.

Our thanks to you all once again for your interest, prayers and support.

— Matthew and Alison Raymond