Easter Eggs for Sandy Relief
Social Ministry would like to thank everyone who participated in the Easter Eggs for Sandy Relief. Zion raised $1,450. All donations went to Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey where they will be used to purchase construction supplies to aid families with the re-building of their homes that were destroyed or damaged during Super Storm Sandy.
Heart for Africa
Most of Africa is in crisis due to poverty, war, lack of education, and diseases such as the HIV/Aids pandemic. It is estimated that every 14 seconds a child is orphaned by AIDS leaving 11 million orphans in sub-Saharan Africa. Zion has been committed to projects that offer safe and secure environments for orphaned children, while providing a means for future self-sufficiency through employment opportunities.
This commitment has guided us to “Heart for Africa”. Heart for Africa is a Christian charity in the small African nation of Swaziland. Swaziland is about the size of New Jersey with a population of about one million people. The AIDS rate is 56%. As parents die of HIV/AIDS the orphans become head of the households and some children as young as 10 years old become the caregivers for younger children. Heart for Africa is developing a place of hope in Swaziland called Project Canaan. Project Canaan is a 2,500-acre land development project that will provide training and employment, grow food to feed orphans, and stimulate the local economy. There are two sides to this development project the first is the farm side and the second is the children side.
Project Canaan Farm will have fish and dairy farming, raise chickens and goats, and grow coffee and fruit trees. The proceeds from farming will be used to help Project Canaan be a sustainable community as well as help feed and support existing children’s homes.
Project Canaan Children will provide a safe place for orphans. Children’s homes and schools will be built to provide a chance for children to live and grow as well as be educated to help break the cycle of poverty.
Zion has committed to helping Heart for Africa by donating funds to start a chicken farm for eggs and meat which provide a great source of protein. It also makes available employment and training opportunities for local workers.
If you want to find out more about Heart for Africa check out their web site at www.heartforafrica.org
IHN
Just a reminder that our IHN guests will be arriving on Sunday May 5 and we will be hosting for two weeks. As we walk on the “Road to Discipleship” think about this important ministry and volunteer to help make our guests’ stay at Zion a comfortable one.
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