PILGRIM’S PRESENCE, KENYA
Pilgrim’s Presence located in Kiwawa, Kenya ministers to Pokot communities.  Traditionally, the Pokot people have led a nomadic lifestyle.  Little value has been placed on education for children.  Currently, there is an estimated 93 percent illiteracy rate among the Pokot population.  Geoffrey Lipale, director of the mission states, “Insecurity and harmful traditional practices remain a threat to our people who are highly endangered because of their lifestyle.”  The mission supports a variety of educational programs including student hostels for local schools and scholarship programs.  Recent NACCC Pokot scholarship donations were used to help a mother of four children complete her education. This is significant as many girls and young women are abused though female genital mutilation (FGM).  Additionally, many young girls are subjected to early or forced marriages. Pilgrim’s Presence hopes to expand the scholarship program to include 20 girls, 5 boys and 6 disabled students at a cost of $2,000 (US).

The treatment and spread of HIV/AIDS has been declared a national disaster by the president of Kenya.  Pilgrim’s Presence is training mission personnel to teach prevention.  Other mission leaders are attending training sessions that support peace building issues.

“Friends we are clearly aware that you are not giving out of comfort but out of sacrifice & your love for Christ & the Pokot people.”

Geoffrey Lipale, Mission Director

PRAYERS FOR AWIT
The Castillo family, founders and directors of the National Association of Congregational Churches located in the Philippines, have requested prayers for Awit who recently suffered a stroke.  Awit has been released from the hospital but will need to undergo extensive physical therapy. 

Medical expenses have been a cause for concern for this missionary family.  The Missionary Society is sending $1,000 to aid with the hospital and rehabilitation costs.  Donations from individuals and churches would be appreciated. Please designate donations, Castillo Medical Expense, NACC.  Checks may be made payable to the Missionary Society and mailed to the NACCC office at PO Box 288, Oak Creek, WI 53154-0288.

MAZAHUA VOLUNTEER TRIP SPRING 2004
A short-term volunteer to Mission Mazahua, Mexico, is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2004 to Wednesday, March 3, 2004.  The principal purpose of the trip is to assist with a Christian Camp for Special Friends (mostly wheelchair bound young people in their teens and twenties, but some with other handicaps such as deafness or blindness).  Additionally, work projects might be completed including painting, repairs, stone/cement work, computers, and possibly tutoring.

Persons with medical backgrounds are encouraged to apply as well as volunteers who are willing and able to lift campers (Special Friends) on to and off transport vehicles. Work at the mission is completed by volunteer teams - so trip organizers are looking for people who are willing to do whatever needs to be done, people with a willing spirit, and those who work well with others. Additional information is available at:  www.Pilgrimcongchurch.org or contact the volunteer mission leaders:

Jack Brown: pilgrim_pastor@hotmail.com
Telephone: (248) 642-2290

Wayne Olson: olsongtmi@cs.com Telephone: (248) 627-6802 

ATTENTION:  SUNDAY SCHOOLS, YOUTH GROUPS & MISSION SUPPORTERS
This is the time of year our missions begin collecting school supplies for children and youth. See the following listings for specific needs.

The Morgan Scott Project located in Deer Lodge, Tennessee,  works  primarily  with

families trapped in the rural poverty of Appalachia.  Jill Potter, mission director has requested the following items:

Backpacks, Paper, Folders, Calculators, Pencils, Pens, Notebooks

Money designated for Morgan Scott Cool School Tools should be sent through the Missionary Society. Mission leaders will purchase items with assistance from the local Girl Scout troop.  Hard goods may be sent directly to Morgan Scott at Box 8, Glades Road, Deer Lodge, TN 37726.

Bread of Life Christian Mission located in Plant City, Florida helps migrant farm workers and low-income families in the community.  Since 1993, the mission has served approximately 4,000 families.  Elba Santana lists the following needs for children supported by the mission:

Tennis Shoes                Book Bags
Crayons                       Wide Ruled Paper
Notebooks                    Scissors
Glue                             Markers
3 Prong Pocket Folders

Donations of $25 per child designated for Bread of Life School Supplies. 

Financial Donations should be sent through the Missionary Society.  Hard goods may be sent directly to the Bread of Life Christian Mission,

908 E. Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33564.

The Panamerican Institute located in Tijuana, Mexico, is a fully accredited technical school that prepares teenagers for careers that would otherwise be out of reach.   Juana Santos has requested sponsorship money for school supplies. 

• Replacement of two text books for each of our 76 students.  Cost per book: $12

• Uniforms for students.  Cost $50 each

• Shoes for students.  Cost $20 each.

• Typewriter ribbons at $5each.  Students use approx. one per month.

• Ink, paper & toner for computer room.  Approx. $65 per month.

• Science Laboratory materials.  Approx. $75 per month.

• Office and school supplies (#2 pencils, black pens, three-hole line paper, scissors, glue sticks, paper clips, tape, Geometry sets, legal and letter size white paper, folders, and colored markers) Cost per month $150

• Cleaning materials (Soaps & cleansers, bleach, toilet paper, mops, brooms, etc.) Cost per month: $70

• First aid medicines for everyday aches and cuts. Cost per month $30

Donations may be sent through The Missionary Society designated for Panamerican School Supplies.  Checks should be made payable to The Missionary Society.

SUPPORT DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR GIVING BECOME A FRIEND OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY
In an effort to ensure that Dollar for Dollar giving continues, the Missionary Society board invites you to become a contributing member of the Missionary

Society.  Every dollar given for mission work goes to mission work.  Administrative expenses are paid from separate administrative funding. Your annual contribution to the Missions Administrative Fund will help ensure the future of dollar for dollar giving to missions.

      Bronze Membership    $100

                  Silver Membership      $250

                  Gold Membership        $500

Donations should be made payable to
The Missionary Society and mailed to the NACCC office.  Please contact Ruth Mahnke for further information: rmahnke@naccc.org or (800) 262-1620 Ext: 17.