John and I, Board Members, had the privilege of attending a celebration for the Center for Widow’s of Deceased Pastors. Today they celebrated God’s provision for a larger building for the Sewing Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Mtelo provided 10 machines last year and 10 again this year. They named the new building Mtelo Ministries!The goal is to teach the widow’s how to sew that way they will be able to make clothes and sell them for income for themselves and their children. They provide assistance for the widow’s and school supplies for their children. They have had a dentist come for check ups and to teach dental hygiene. They purchased land and they are growing green beans, corn, and manioc. They provide Biblical teaching and instruction in life skills for the children. They have learned how to make soap to sell as well. They harvest mushrooms. Several of the children are now able to attend university.

Last year Mtelo Ministries, under John’s supervision, completed the computer room paid for by donors. The students are able to do their research on the computers and have their papers printed and copies made. This is a huge advantage and time saver for the students so they no longer have to go into the city to get their papers printed or copied. Also, if a student dos not have their own computer they can use the ones in the computer room.

Mtelo Ministries coordinated and supervised the renovation of the infirmary on campus. It did not have any water or electricity so electricity was upgraded, toilets and sinks were replaced and water was brought in to the building. Medical supplies, materials, new beds, and other medical equipment were purchased. Many thanks to Trinity Church for funding this project. This infirmary provides medical services for the staff, seminary students, women’s school and 3,500 children attending FATEB schools here on campus.

The kichen in the women’s school was renovated, all new cabinets, tile and a moveable island table. The old outdoor kitchen no longer usable was gutted and a new bigger and better outdoor kitchen was built. The new outdoor kitchen has two ovens, 6 burners (4 little and 2 big), thanks to an anonymous donor. It is twice the size, has a much bigger rook and a brick wall around it as well as an outdoor wash area. Before they cooked in the kitchen, as shown in the picture, on their charcoal ovens and when the temperature outside is 105, the inside would feel like 180 degrees(lol). There was a time of praise, thanksgiving and prayer to God for answering this need. Under the supervision of John Roughley, board member of Mtelo Ministries.

Under John Roughley’s supervision, board member of Mtelo Ministries, and funds donated by an anonymous donor, the Library for teens and older children has been renovated. Electricity and a ceiling fan were installed, and a new coat of paint. A friend, Josue, assisted Marilyn with cleaning the books, mending the bindings and organizing the books. Josue framed and hung all the maps. There are many more books in a container that will be unpacked, mended and organized. The library will be open to the children here at FATEB once they have secured a librarian. This is the room I have been using for many years for the children’s program. So imagine my excitement to have electricity on the days that we have electricity. During the children’s program this year, teens would come in and read. I loved seeing the teens come in to read.

The work continues at FATEB’s Leadership Center! The center is able to be used now as the North wing is almost completed. The conference rooms are completed and 8 of the guest rooms are completed and six of them have been used. Solar power has been installed for the guest rooms and more solar power is to come for the kitchen and south wing.

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FATEB is grateful to God and to the donors that provided a new bus for FATEB after their van had been totaled in an accident. The bus is used to transport visitors and students and is vital to the operation of FATEB.

A dedication service was held on Saturday, February 1st. It was followed by the “maiden voyage” around the city of Bangui, Central African Republic.

The loud clap of colliding, crunching metal left the driver temporarily in a coma and all that was left of the van was an unrecognizable heap of scrap metal. After twelve years of faithful service, the van was gone and along with it all means of transport for FATEB Seminary in the Central African Republic.

On Behalf of the leadership of the Bangui Evangelical School of Theology I am writing to share with you the immediate need to replace the FATEB van and to ask that you prayerfully consider providing assistance.

Background on Bangui Evangelical School of Theology (FATEB).

FATEB, is an Evangelical Christian educational institution that is equipping leaders for churches and Christian outreach in French Africa.  There, Christian churches are in enormous need of well-trained Evangelical leaders.  Students come from west and central Africa to study at FATEB’s main campus in Bangui, Central African Republic and at its branch campus in Yaounde, Cameroon.  Through its educational programs, FATEB has been graduating leaders to serve a population of 325 million people for 42 years.

For the past 12 years, a donated 13-passenger van, has transported students and family members to local hospitals and clinics when they needed medical care.  Visiting professors and other friends of the school have been received, chauffeured to and from the International Airport.  Construction supplies and school equipment have been purchased and transported to campus in this van.  It has been critical to the operation of the institution.

This past August, the van was involved in a crash that seriously injured the driver and demolished the van.  Since then, the school has been without transportation, compromising both the health of campus personnel and the smooth operation of the administration.

A 13 passenger replacement van can be purchased locally with all import taxes paid for $45,000.  The school’s spartan budget cannot accommodate the purchase of such a van that is so greatly needed.  A small amount of money has been received for a new van, but the majority of the replacement cost is still lacking.  

Would you be willing to consider contributing to the purchase of a new van for FATEB?

Donations can be made by check to Mtelo Ministries, mailed to 302 W 5^th Street Suite 210, San Pedro, California 90731 or on-line at www.mteloministries.org.  Mtelo, a faith-based 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, is a fiscal sponsor for the Seminary, assesses no fees, and sends your entire contribution to FATEB.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at 310-739-5710 deborah@bergcm.com should you have any questions.

Thank you so much for your past support of FATEB, your prayers  and your consideration of this request.

By His Grace Alone,

Deborah Berg

On behalf of Dr. Nupanga Weanzana Wa Weanzana, President of FATEB

This past July heavy rainfall flooded areas of Nepal once again as we reported earlier. Mtelo Ministries reached out with assistance to one of the harder hit areas. With financial assistance, an Mtelo partner on the ground there, was able to purchase and distribute rice and cooking gas. 150 people received 30KG rice sacks each. Here is an excerpt of a letter from one of the benefactors.

“We are from the poor family and we used to work for other’s farm for food for the family. My husband used to work for the brick factory and bring food for the children.

In last July, immediately flood came to our village and a big river came near our small hut almost at Mid night. I immediately woke up and awoke all the children and we run to the safe place to save lives. My husband was out of home for work for 3 days.

From the floods time he is out of contact and we could not find him. It’s been almost 2 months but he is not at home. Our children are 10,7,4 and 1yrs old.

Now days most of our times spending with tears. No food at home, house damaged by the floods and 2 children are suffering from the flue after floods.

Last week I have got a 30 KG of rice sack with other community people. I was happy for I got food for the children for few weeks. Thank you.”

Mtelo Ministries is grateful to those who have sent contributions to help those in need of food and shelter.

John and the SIL employees of the CAM Shop are converting two guestrooms at the Annex Guesthouse into suites with their own private bathrooms.

Fabrice and Calvin are preparing the bathroom shower walls for tile. Armstrong is building the wall that separates the private bathroom from the shared bathrooms.

Tiling the private bathroom, installing the ceiling in the guest bedrooms and they are burying the plumbing in the wall of the building. The building is made of mud, bamboo, and wood framing. The construction is called pota pota here. They had the water lines under pressure for 24 hours to check for leaks before they covered it up with concrete.

Finished product-job well done!