Dear Jack - Val,
We hope all is well with you in Canada. We are fine and have this report and pictures to present to you for the month of June.
We realize that the reports are coming sometimes later than you expect but we hope you can understand that the work load for just two social workers within the hospital is much and so we have to squeeze some extra time to meet up. Secondly, like has been our cry since last year, access to computers is very limited after working hours (which is the best time to work on reports). But we believe this will change with time.
Remain blessed and stay well. TABEBOT William Besem We realize that the reports are coming sometimes later than you expect but we hope you can understand that the work load for just two social workers within the hospital is much and so we have to squeeze some extra time to meet up. Secondly, like has been our cry since last year, access to computers is very limited after working hours (which is the best time to work on reports). But we believe this will change with time.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon (ELCC) is a Companion Synod with our Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Manitoba/North West Ontario Synod (ELCIC/MNO) - we have been actively involved with this companionship for approximately 10 years. We are presently, mainly involved in the work of the: Kids Helping Kids - the Women for Christ (including young women and the plans for the future ordination of women) and Evangelism. But, we have also put many church roofs on - supplied motor cycles/bikes for pastors and evangelists/catechists - re-wired the Hospital - been involved in the Evangelism of the church - assisted in the renovations of the church offices.
William and Fanta oversee the 'Kids Helping Kids' program - affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Protestant Hospital (OS-EELC) in N'gaoundéré, Cameroon. There are 65 children enrolled in this program, ranging in ages from 4 - 17 years. These children have been for most part, abandoned at the hospital following the death of their parent(s) or care givers. HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and cholera remain critical in this part of Cameroon. Many are looked after by neighbours, grandparents or extended family.
Fanta and William meet with the children monthly to nurture their lives with spiritual care (stories, singing), informing them of good nutritional and healthy living practices and that their own personal good hygiene is most important.
We supply a supplement to their diets bi-monthly with rice - groundnuts (peanuts) - soya beans - milk powder - oil - soap. This past year we have also paid for the schooling/uniforms/school needs for 19 of the children that were not attending, because of the lack of funds. We also look after emergency health care for those not able.
Pastor Jack and Valerie Frederick will be returning to Cameroon on October 18th for ~three months to visit with all the children, Fanta Gaknone - William Besem - the Hospital and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon. Our goal is to continue with this program and guarantee that all is accountable and the future for these children will be made just a little easier having our communication and funding.
We ask for your travel prayers - continued prayers for the children - youth - men and women of the EELC in Cameroon.
In Mission for Others... until next time - Jack & Val
