December 2006 Thief River Falls United Methodist Church Newsletter

Now in November we began the second year of the Walter Project to provide food, education and a future to the orphans of AIDS in the Ngculwini area of Swaziland.   With the help of many of you and others around the country, funds received have been used to fence in 100 acres of land to keep roaming animals out, to dig a well for clean water, plant large gardens for food for energy and to elevate the children’s immune systems.  The maize crop was adequate to add to their food for the winter.  We also built a building for the water tanks, plumbing hookups and storage, as well as a toilet/shower building with septic tank and drain fields.  The most recent task was building the 3 room school which will accommodate 90 children grades 1-6.    

We are now raising $14,500, to completely pay for all that has been done.  The next task in the project is to build a feeding kitchen where food will be prepared with proper sanitation and served to the children.  Until that is built at a cost of $30,000, the food will continue to be cooked outdoors in the large black kettles on a fire made on the ground. 

Last December some of my friends and I sent money to provide a special meal for Christmas for “our” children along with other children in the area.  I would like to be able to do that again this year and will need help from you to make it happen.

Please consider the Walter Project in your Christmas giving plans so we may bring Joy and Hope to the children, and to build the next phase of the project.  John Weatherson, emergency coordinator for food and agriculture in Swaziland, sends his Christmas greetings and thanks to all of you for your gifts and prayers for the project.  John planned the project with me last year and continues now volunteering his time to oversee the development of the project.

Donations may be made to the United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 595, Thief River Falls, Mn. 56701, Attn: Walter Project.  All donations go directly to Swaziland and all donations are tax free.