Bethany Home, Umtata
Diocese-Umtata, South Africa
In 2005, Christ Church, Huntingford and the Good Shepherd began to work together to support our Companion Diocese of Umtata, South Africa. We started out by supporting the building of new wells in a hope that fresh water would be made more available. From 2005 to 2007 we were able to send $6,216.53 to Umtata for Wells. In January of 2008, we were informed that the government in South Africa would be funding the building of wells.
Through Bishop Terry Dance, we then became aware of the Bethany Centre Orphanage in Umtata, which is a home that cares for children, birth to age six. We decided to refocus our efforts to support the Bethany Centre. Since January of 2008, we have been able to send $7,255.68 to this fine organization. We have raised these funds through donations, Cent-A-Meal, wishing wells, An Evening With Angus, Sunday evening services, Jazz Vespers, and at Fr. Victor's 2008 Induction Service, just to name a few.
In total, from January 2005 to December 2009 we have been fortunate enough to raise a grand total of $13,472.21 for our Companion Diocese of Umtata. Thank You! We have made a commitment to continue to support the Bethany Centre in 2010. For more information on the Bethany Centre, visit the site here.
During Bishop Terry Dance's visit with our parishes on February 28th 2010 he spoke about, and showed slides of some of the faces of the people of the Bethany Centre. In his presentation to us, he noted that next to the Cathedral, we are the top supporters in the Diocese of the Bethany Centre, and he offered his thanks to us for our efforts.
Thanks to all who have contributed to this initiative.