Calling Us Back

God has called us back to Macha.  We (Greg & Kathy) will be leaving on July 1^st. LeeAnn, Mike and Dennis will meet us in Macha on July 16; together we will all return to Wisconsin on July 31. Together, as a team, we will see the school operate without a hitch while the Krauses are in the US on medical leave. And we'll work on lots and lots of projects to complete on the buildings before the next term begins in September. In addition, we will be working with the Zambian television station in Livingstone to advertise Macha International Christian School to the entire nation. With the possibility of increased enrollment, it makes the building projects more crucial to complete. As you can see, we need all of us, all gifted differently to make this outreach effective and successful.

                                                      

From adapting newly acquired buildings to repairing the water pump, (this was the pump that Greg and Dan Green installed back in October) to creating storage and closet areas, roof repairs, plumbing and showers, painting and more, there is a lot to do. Right now we are trying to determine which projects are the highest priorities as there is more to do than we will likely have the time for. It appears necessary to raise funds to purchase a couple of power tools to make the projects go much faster.

We are gathering badly needed items for the school. Recently Crestview Academy gave us 10 boxes of curriculum & books, as well as classroom resources.  LeeAnn and Kathy have been sorting through them to determine which items will be the first to go to Macha. We will use our checked luggage to haul what we collect to Africa. That means that we each will only bring for ourselves what we can get into our carry-on bags.

In a recent email conversation with Ronda, we found out that several of the kids have been writing scripts and performing puppet shows. Ronda mentioned that they could use some more puppets. We’d love to collect some puppets to take along with us. We’ve also decided to construct a puppet stage for the kids to use. Kathy will begin sewing the curtains, which we’ll take along with us. Once we arrive in Zambia, we will purchase the PVC pipe to make the frame.

In April, during the last term break, the home that ‘our kids’ live in with their grandmother caught on fire. While the structure survived the fire, the contents of the home were destroyed. The few clothing items that our kids had are now gone. We are looking for clothes, backpacks and shoes for our kids & others. If you like to sew and would like to make some easy uniform items, we love your help!

Many of you are helping us to prepare to go by supporting us with your financial gifts. Thank you to each of you who once again are standing and partnering with us. At this writing, our team has raised approximately 75% of what we need to cover our travel and living expenses.

There is still time to get involved if you are feeling like you want to participate.  We would love to show you the list of things that we are collecting to take along. Just send an email asking for that list: kjhazsmith@gmail.com  .

If you would like to donate funds to either supporting a team member or towards the purchase of some power tools or others items on the “want list”, you can send a check written to Valleybrook Church and send to us: Greg & Kathy Smith, 11195 47^th Avenue, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729; make sure to tell us your wishes.

Again, thank you for all who are collecting items, generously supporting us, praying for our team as we prepare and loving us with encouragement! We are getting excited and feeling loved!

Greg & Kathy