VIMM ministers
to the physical and spiritual needs of children and adults in developing
countries around the world through an interdenominational group of physicians,
dentists, nurses, ministers and others. The organization was founded by
several doctors from the Greenwood area and church members have served
on its Board. Budgeted: $500.00
The session of First Presbyterian approved $5,000.00 for the Well Drilling Project in southern Sudan, a project sponsored
by
Trinity Presbytery.
These funds, along with donations already collected from other churches within the Presbytery, add up to the $15,000.000
needed to purchase the well drilling machinery, ship it to southern Sudan and train personnel on how to operate the equipment.
This project will not only help alleviate the critical clean water problem throughout southern Sudan, but will also enable
some Sudanese communities or families to become self sufficient by providing well drilling services to other communities in the area.
With session approval, the outreach Committee is encouraging Sunday Scxhool classes and
Presbyterian Women Circles
to participate in
Grinding and Sewing Machines Project of
Trinity Presbytery's Sudan Ministry Sub-Committee.
In an on-going effort to assist members of the 1300 congregations of the Presbyterian Church of Sudan, the Sudan Ministry Sub-Committee is working
to provide hand operated grinding mills (at $75.00 each) and foot treadle sewing machine ($288.00 each) to families in the congregations.
Currently, grinding flour is done on a family by family basis, with each married woman spending 2 to 4 hours a day while she uses a mortar and pestle to pound grain into
flour for that day's meal. A grinding mill could provide a business for one family, freeing perhaps 20 to 30 other women from
that daily, grueling task, and give them time for other activities such as schooling or growing a garden.
Similarly, the sewing machines could provide a means of economic income for a family. As of the end of May 2006, the Presbyterian Women Coordinating Council, Disciple Bible Classes,
Sojourners and John Knox Sunday School Classes have contributed $1,570.00, enough to provide 4 sewing machines and 4 grinders. Several other classes are also working on raising money for this project.
GUATEMALA MISSION
In June 2000, an intergenerational mission team traveled to
Guatemala, where a number of schools,seminaries,
clinics and other projects supported by the Presbyterian Church of Guatemala were visited.
"Colegio el Redentor" (School of the Redeemer) in the village of San Felipe made a strong
impression on the Team. The school provides education for about 300 elementary students in the morning, and another 300 high
school students in the afternoon in a facility that would best be described as primitive.
Starting in 2002, members of the team have annually made a $500.00 challenge to the congregation to raise funds for scholarships and supplies. The Outreach Committee
has budgeted $500.00 in additional funds. In 2005, about $1,800.00 was raised for scholarships and supplies.
