BIBLES
In addition to his pastoral work at Maranatha, Pastor Mike Betha serves as a Chaplin at a nearby prison. He has need for 250 bibles in four different languages. Costing 70 Rand each, a gift of $2,500 will provide these.
SEWING MACHINES
In 2006, donors provided six new sewing machines to Evaton Noord church. These are now being used in three churches affiliated with Evaton Noord. Members have learned how to sew and are making school uniforms. As the project has grown there is need for a couple of larger machines. We believe that a gift or loan of $5,000 will give this project the opportunity to grow and become self-sustaining.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS FOR KIDS
Most of the kids served by the five STM church partners in South Africa do not have the opportunity to enjoy celebrations or receive presents during Christmas. A gift of $1,500 will allow one of these churches to provide a full Christmas event for 100 of these children.
TOTE BAGS
Lack of transportation facilities in South Africa means people constantly are carrying goods by hand. In 2010, STM funded small tote bag manufacturing project providing 1,800 lettered tote bags. maranatha and Aliwal North cooperated in making these and selling them at a nice profit. This manufacture provides local work, creates job skills, and is environmentally responsible because the bags are reusable and replace throw away plastic. Bag purchasers take great pride in advertising their church. We would like to help keep this project going working eventually toward a small self-sustaining sewing program in one of the churches. $2,100 will keep this project going through 2011 and provide another 1,000 bags.
ROOF VENTS AT OHRIGSTAD URCSA CHURCH
With labor help from the congregation, this could be a “hands-on” project for one or two skilled workmen. This small church is packed each Sunday. Its roof is made of corrugated metal and has no vents. Since the sun shines most days in South Africa, the pent up heat is horrific, especially in the summer.