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.

Some before and after pictures of work completed in several apartments in the etage. The etage is married housing for the students at FATEB. Walls and staircases were painted, plumbing is being replaced to include new toilets and electrical repairs are being done. The last picture is of the men taking a much needed lunch break and rest.

Wonderful time with the women in the women’s school at FATEB yesterday. I may have shared a recipe or two with them to make but they continually teach me how to cook over a charcoal oven and to improvise using what I have. They are such a joy to be around. There are 40 women in the school under the direction of Marcelline. Gertrude teaches the cooking class. We made a cabbage soup. one day and egg salad sandwiches another day. Bon Appetit!

Cooking over a charcoal oven.

The teen girl program started last Monday night. These girls are beautiful, inside and out. Our message was on being a daughter of the King and what that means. Then they made a craft that says” daughter of the King” (“fille du Roi” in French) for their doorknobs and then the greatly anticipated moment when they were able to choose their yarn and knitting needles. I would not be able to do this without my friend and translator, Yolande, to whom I am deeply grateful. Each week we have a time of singing and praying, devotional time and then the girls make a craft to remind them of the devotions. It is fun to see their creativity and personalities and to watch them growing into young ladies. One of the young ladies has been coming for many years. Her dad teaches here at FATEB so they have lived on campus for many years. The others girls come and go as their fathers and mothers complete their degree. It is always sad to return and they are gone but it is wonderful to get to know new girls. On Valentine’s Day we talked about God’s unconditional love for them. The night the girls made necklaces and bracelets the lesson was on God giving us a “Clean Slate”. Our last night our topic was “We Need Each Other” and the girls had to help each other braiding their embroidery floss to make a pendant.