Monday in Malinyi & Tumaini
I said I would tell you about the wall being built around the school grounds. Pictures don’t do it justice! In total it’s about 3500 linear feet. About 60% of phase one (constructing the wall) has been completed. They have fallen short on funds to complete the remaining 40%, and to do phase two (plastering the inside of the wall to make it more sustainable through rainy seasons). So why wasn’t there enough money?
The original quote of $4000 became woefully short for two reasons:
1. Inflation. Shortly after making the bid the war in Ukraine broke out and that has affected the economy here like everywhere. Supply and demand has increased prices significantly.
2. Instead of connecting the buildings between walls (which would have been a jigsaw and a lot more jogs & corners, and drastically reduces the footprint), they decided to build a rectangle around the whole premises – enlarging the project, but helpful in the long run.
How were they able to do so much more than the $4000 donated for the wall? They put some of the “extra” money donated by St Luke toward the expanded wall project. It’s amazing how much has been done, and in such a short time, but there isn’t enough to complete it.
With all of the funds donated, the priority was to purchase all of the new text books, build a library (both of those are completed), build a new science classroom and laboratory (which they have set the funds aside to complete and have now just begun that project), and do as much of the wall as possible – which was nearly 2/3rds of phase one. Oh, and we asked to support two girls with tuition ($800ea.1yr.).
How much would it take to complete the project? $15,100 to complete phase 1 & 2. $5400 to erect the 40% remaining, and $9700 to complete the whole wall with plaster to make it durable and sustainable.
St Luke has already been so generous, the people here are reluctant to even share their needs. But the reality is, they have no other sources of help. What about their dioceses?They are very poor and the needs are very great. What about our Synod? Our Synod has already committed resources to other projects in the dioceses: to their hospital here; to the dioceses conference center and guest housing in Ifakara; and to assist churches, scholarships for students, and other needs. So why St Luke? Because this is our sister dioceses, and St Luke has always had a passion for helping children. As I’m here, I am constantly hearing Luke 12:48 ringing in my ears: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.”
I know that we have not only done great things to help here, and to help with Ukrainian relief, and to send our kids on a mission trip, and for the Mead Food Bank, Crosswalk (a homeless shelter downtown for teens), and the Bite To Go program (helping grade-schoolers with weekend meals), and so many other ministries locally, but is there the possibility of more? I know that we also have a ministry to run, a building to pay for, and people within our own congregation who may need help. Bearing one another’s burdens is our priority and must not suffer by spreading ourselves too thin. The question is: is there the capacity to do more? If not, may God bless what is possible. Mungu awabariki ninyi nyote (God bless you all).
If you are so moved to give, and able to give above and beyond your tithe commitments already, you can send donations to St Luke c/o Tumaini Wall.
