First Annual Report

A group of seven men and women from across the United States and Canada were randomly put together as a team of volunteers for "Dream for Africa" in Swaziland in August, 2005. Their guide for the week was a 33 year old minister, Reverend Innocent Mabuza. When we asked Inno his dream, he quickly wrote down:

1. Plant more churches within and outside the Kingdom of Swaziland and provide structures for them.

2. Start pre-schools for Christian Liberty Church (CLC) which will grow into a school.

3. Expand our workshop and start a poultry project to help sustain 1. and 2.

As you know, I am a part of that group and that by the end of that week, we had committed to helping Rev. Inno build his church. (They gather under a tree today.) I'm involved because you all gave encouragement and generous support. Some of you may see this as a random circumstance while I see it as the hand of God...that God decided to save the next generation of Swaziland. (At present a child born today has a life expectancy of 33 years.) How cool is it that I bought into god's plan (DUH!)

So here's the first annual:

1. So far the team has raised about $10,000 (though we have yet to find Mr./Ms. Deep Pockets).

2. Bill (CT) and Rick (CA) spent a week with Innocent in early August in Swaziland to offer any help and moral support they could. They met with several realtors and looked at a $10,000 piece of ground.

3. They agreed on an action plan to keep us all focused. Most importantly perhaps, their very presence helped the community to believe that this will happen. Too many Americans have made lots of promises...and kept none.

And it will happen! But on African time...not ours. If you would like some insight into the hurdles we face, read "When Elephants Fly" written in 2001 by Carol Batrus.

Not a lengthy report...but I think it's huge! I really appreciate your continued interest. If you have and idea, please share it or, if you would like to add a few more dollars, that would be great. (Make checks out to Westminster Presbyterian Church (note Swaziland Fund) if you would like a tax deduction.)

Go well (as they say in Africa),

-John Hawkins

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