January 2012 marks the third year for the Child Action Initiative Newsletter to inform supporters on progress and accomplishments of this worthy mission founded by Isaiah Njimbu Chot in 2006.
We are grateful for prayers offered during Isaiah’s &Yvette’s young son Eddie’s bout with malaria and typhoid fever before and during the Christmas holiday 2011. Thank you Ms. Paulette West, Executive Director of the United Methodist Volunteer in Mission program, Southeastern Jurisdiction, Decatur, GA and Mr. Tom Corson, Executive Director of Servants in Faith & Technology (SIFAT), Lineville, AL for contacting Mr. Hugh Guffey and his son Dr. Brad Guffey a medical missionary serving in Zambia and friends of Isaiah, for providing guidance during this difficult period. Also, we thank Shannon Trilli, with United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) for contacting Siméon Kashala, MD, MPH, Eglise Méthodiste-United, Médecin Directeur Hopital Samuteb/Kapanga,DRC for additional guidance.
Eddie responded well to treatment of antibiotics and intravenous fluids at a clinic in the City of Lubumbashi, DRC. He returned home for Christmas and is doing well.
Milestones reached by Child Action Initiative (CAI) in 2011 under the direction of Isaiah & wife Yvette:
• CAI received a grant from UMCOR for orphan education program. Currently 100 children are enrolled in the primary, high and professional schools. They are provided food, uniforms, supplies and school fees. All performed well and are making significant progress for further studies. This program provides new opportunities and is transforming lives;
• Three wells drilled and pumps installed January 2011 by World Vision in Kasungami, DRC. Wells were dedicated March 22, 2011 during a community wide ceremony. This project was made possible through donations from Hershey, PA Rotary Club and individuals;
• Development & implementation of women’s sewing and micro-business programs to ultimately generate family incomes;
• CAI received donations from Sydney Wentz to purchase 50 pairs of shoes and socks. Isaiah reported the children danced and sang: “we got presents, we got presents.”
• Dispensed over-the-counter medications provided by Dave, Bev & Ed from CAI Pharmacy located in the activities center by Sylvia, a volunteer from City of Lubumbashi;
• Dave Heiser visited in September, 2011 to meet with Isaiah and the congregation of Nazareth UMC to plan the parsonage for the pastor and family and address logistical issues related to the project. Dave also provided donations to purchase glass for the church windows and doors which was installed by Isaiah and church members;
• Representatives of (UMCOR) June Kim and Mozart Adevu and United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) Judith Santiago visited Kasungami October 2011, to meet with Isaiah, Yvette and the residents to begin implementation of UMCOR’s Sustainable Agriculture and Development Program;
• The construction of church latrines started by Dave and Isaiah in 2010 were completed by church members in 2011 under the direction of Isaiah;
• Kasungami orphans celebrated Christmas 2011. A party was organized at the CAI Center including food, songs, dances, competition and games;
• Recruiting continues for Nazareth UMC’s Parsonage Building Team to visit Kasungami, DRC June 15-30, 2012. Cost is $3,000 per participant including airfare, room and board. Application and medical forms available at: www.wnccumc.org/vim/bgt-ScheduleStatus.htm. Application deadline is the Team Orientation Meeting March 11, 2012, at Oak Ridge UMC, Oak Ridge, NC.
• Donations for the $15,000 Nazareth United Methodist Church Parsonage Building Material Fund gratefully accepted. Please send donations to: Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge, NC 27310 and note: Donation for: Nazareth UMC Parsonage Building Material Fund. (Tax deductible.)
If you wish to make a tax deductible donation to support Child Action Initiative, Advance No.: 3021036, please click on the “DONATE Now to this Advance Project” button on right side of this newsletter. Please complete amount and designate area of interest. 100% of your donation is applied to Child Action Initiative.
(Please see photos below)
Blessings,
Isaiah Njimbu Chot, Founder and Executive Director of Child Action Initiative
The United Methodist Church South Congo & Zambia Episcopal Area
Kasungami/Lubumbashi, DRC
Beverly A. Wentz, R.N. (Ret.) & Edward L. Wentz, Jr., P.E. (Ret.)
U.S. UMVIM Coordinators for Child Action Initiative
Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, Oak Ridge, NC
Greensboro District
Western North Carolina United Methodist Conference
David Heiser, P.E., B.C.E.E.
U.S. UMVIM Technical Advisor for Child Action Initiative
Fuquay Varina United Methodist Church, Fuquay Varina, NC
Raleigh District
North Carolina United Methodist Conference
Dedicating the New Well near Nazareth UMC
Hand Made Bricks Fabricated by the Nazareth UMC Congregation
for the Parsonage
SHOES ARE INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TO A CHILD'S EDUCATION AND SELF-ESTEEM.
"My guardians couldn't afford to buy me shoes I needed for my education and protection. It was so challenging, what then will become of feet without new shoes and socks? I could succumb to peer pressure and become robber to get them," said Joka Lumeka.
Many children are living with financial difficulties. Some of the children never had their own pair of shoes. These are not for a status symbol, but play important roles of protecting the feet from the hazards of the outside world.
"The provision of shoes can free up family budgets and keep us in school. Thanks to Sydney’s generosity for giving children school shoes. It was so exciting to be getting new shoes," said Joka Lumeka with a smile.
Eddie Chot
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