Patrick and Grace’s work in the community continues with church programmes, their real focus being on the children. It is a work that yields much fruit, but the fruit grows up and leaves. Hence the need for the scholarship programme as well.
The ministry in the community and the scholarship programme continue to be an essential part of Patrick and Grace’s strategy in the area. Patrick says: “The programme should be there always as part of the local church reaching out in one of the poor communities, soon or later the young leaders should be in charge.” The purpose of the training is not just academic, it is to produce leaders in the church in the future.
Many of the young people do not have a lot of capacity when they come from the background they do in poor families. They work with what they get, and they do a remarkable job.
In 2020 BHW sent extra funds for computers to assist students with online learning because of Covid and also for Covid relief.
In 2022 we sent US$3,000 to assist believers with recovery from two cyclones.
Here is a picture of two of their young people, Dercio and Paulina. They were married last month and came from the Mchava community. They were saved and trained and are now leaders in the church. Dercio is a graduate in Journalism.
Costs have gone through the roof and this year they have not been able to help 10 young people due to a lack of funds. They would like to have an increase in funding but discussions about this will have to wait until we have been there next year.
It is very hard to get enough information for a comprehensive report from Patrick in writing and trying to connect by Zoom is a challenge. The only way to get anything of substance is to be there and talk face to face. BHW personnel are planning to be there in June/July next year.
As indicated above, we are planning to get there mid-2023. There is a case for an increase in funding here as we have not done that since 2018, however, we will visit first.
On the night of the 13th October Patrick and Grace's house was broken into during the night and they lost a lot of stuff from their lounge area including computers and personal effects. BHW has sent US$500 to assist them with replacing stolen items.