Child Action Initiative Newsletter 01-12Feb2010

Dear Friends,

As U.S. Coordinators for Child Action Initiative and on behalf of Isaiah Njimbu Chot, we wish you a happy and prosperous 2010. This is the first issue of Child Action Initiative News Letter to update you on the activities and accomplishments of this organization founded by our friend Isaiah in 2006.

The programs of Child Action Initiative (CAI) affiliated with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Committee on Relief, South Congo – Zambia Episcopal Area and Nazareth United Methodist Church, Kasungami, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) include: a. Education of HIV/AIDS orphans; b. Provisions for necessary medical services; c. Additional drinking water and irrigation wells; construction of latrines and d. Establishment of a developmental farming program.

Our relationship with Isaiah dates back to June, 2005 when we met him at Africa University, Zimbabwe, Africa during a mission project in which we participated at nearby Old Mutare Mission Centre. As a result of that providential meeting, the Oak Ridge United Methodist Church Annual Africa University Scholarship Fund was established and Isaiah was the first recipient. This support provided him the means to continue his education and graduate in 2006 with a degree in sociology. Following graduation from Africa University, Isaiah returned to DRC and founded Child Action Initiative.

2009 was a busy year for Isaiah particularly meeting various groups from the U.S.visiting the South Katanga-Zambia Episcopal Area in Lubumbashi, DRC. Isaiah served as an interpreter for Bishop Katembo Kainda and as a guide to the visiting parties.

In 2008 Isaiah and his wife Yvette founded and directed the orphan children’s choir. Yvette started a program to teach the women of Nazareth UMC to sew and knit.

April 16, 2009, Yvette & Isaiah were blessed with their first child Edward. He was named for Ed, co-writer of this newsletter.

In early 2009, we were advised Lisa Jackson, Darla Crowley and Shannon Trilli, representatives from UMCOR, planned to visit Lubumbashi in April. We requested they meet with Isaiah, if possible, to learn about CAI’s mission and visit Nazareth United Methodist Church, in nearby Kasungami, the church around which this mission is focused. Throughout 2009, we met, via the internet, other individuals and UMVIM team members from around the U.S. who visited the Lubumbashi/Kasungami area.

As a result of the visit by the UMCOR team, Ms. Jackson recommended Isaiah apply for a grant with UMCOR to support a malaria and HIV education program. Isaiah submitted the application and was subsequently issued a one year grant to support this effort.

During the 2008/2009 school year, Isaiah and Yvette were able to provide tuition, supplies, uniforms, shoes and lunches for 22 Kasungami children through “seed money” we provided during our visit in May, 2008. Academic year 2009/2010, they enabled 52 children to attend school, receive supplies, lunches, shoes and uniforms.

Bishop Katembo requested Isaiah to speak at the South Congo-Zambia Episcopal Area Conference June, 2009, to report on the status of CAI and its various programs.

Isaiah was also selected by Bishop Katembo as the recipient of a scholarship to attend training for indigenous missionaries at SIFAT, Lineville, AL from mid-September to November 23, 2009. Funding for the scholarship and related travel expenses was raised by SIFAT through donations from United Methodist churches in Alabama and Northern Florida.

While attending classes at SIFAT, we arranged for Isaiah to spend the weekend of November 13-15, 2009, with us in Oak Ridge, NC. This provided an opportunity to introduce him and have him speak to the congregation of Oak Ridge UMC during which he graciously thanked them for their financial support while he was attending Africa University and for supporting CAI.

Isaiah initiated the fabrication of bricks by the people of Kasungami to begin the construction of the CAI Children & Women’s Activity Center adjacent to Nazareth UMC. The center will ultimately contain an office, meeting room & pharmacy. Women and children will be able to visit the center for spiritual orientation, bible study, malaria and HIV/AIDS education. Women from foster families will attend for general education, knitting lessons and learning proper sanitation practices.

Throughout 2008 & 2009, we have sought funding for the drilling of additional drinking water wells and construction of latrines to improve sanitary conditions in the Kasungami area but to no avail. Anyone knowing of funding sources for these purposes is encouraged to contact us at their earliest convenience.

When we visited Kasungami in May, 2008, Nazareth UMC did not have a roof, windows or doors. All were removed during the turmoil of civil war since the church was constructed in the early 1970s. Due to inclement weather, the conditions under which church services were held were less than adequate. In 2009, materials were provided by individuals, the Jerusalem District and the local Catholic mission to replace the roof. The church is still in need of doors, windows, painting and electricity, among other refinements.

During our visit, the parsonage for the church was uninhabitable; the parsonage was demolished in 2009 by heavy rain. The plan is to build a new parsonage in closer proximity to the current Nazareth UMC for the pastor and his family. This is a potential UMVIM team project; funding will be required.

The current CAI blogspot was developed by Isaiah and mutual friend Rev. Jim Anderson from Portland, OR. Plans include the development of a CAI website. Anyone who has this knowledge and wishes to assist us in this program is encouraged to contact us at their earliest convenience.

Isaiah has arranged for volunteer medical personnel in nearby City of Lubumbashi to visit Kasungami monthly to provide free, limited medical services to the residents.

During Isaiah’s visit to Oak Ridge, NC our granddaughter Sydney had an opportunity to meet him and learn about the plight of the children in Kasungami. In lieu of receiving gifts at her 6th birthday party in December, she decided to receive monetary donations to purchase shoes for the children. Thus far, $401 has been collected and will be forwarded to Isaiah.

In early 2010, Isaiah will submit an application to UMCOR for a grant to participate in the Sustainable Agriculture & Development program. Should CAI be awarded this grant, the funds will provide the means for Isaiah to initiate a much needed developmental agriculture program to enable the people of Kasungami to become self-sufficient growing crops, animals and fowl for their consumption and eventually to generate income.

Isaiah submitted an application to United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) in New York City to qualify for an Advance number for CAI to which donations can be made. In September, 2009, Advance Code 3021036 was issued. This Advance Code will enable individuals and churches to submit donations through GBGM directly. There is also an opportunity to donate funds online via the GBGM page, click on The Advance, and then Give Now to the Advance of Your Choice. Note: 100% of donations are applied to CAI activities. There are also provisions for your churches to receive credit. On-line donations will reach CAI in a shorter period of time.

We are hopeful the information provided in this first Child Action Initiative Newsletter has been informative and gives everyone a sense of the importance of this mission. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We welcome your ideas to strengthen Child Action Initiative. Please feel free to circulate this letter to your friends and family.

If anyone receiving this newsletter has plans to visit the Lubumbashi, DRC area in 2010, or know someone that is, please advise us so that we can arrange to send items to Isaiah and his family if the need arises.

Blessings,

Bev &  Ed Wentz

Beverly A. Wentz, R.N. (Retired) & Edward L. Wentz, Jr., P.E. (Retired)
U.S. Coordinators for Child Action Initiative
Oak Ridge United Methodist Church
Oak Ridge, NC
Greensboro District
Western North Carolina United Methodist Annual Conference