World Federation News - Nov 2009
Added: 18th November 2009
World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women News
Methodist Newsletter - November 2009
September was a very special month for the Ireland Unit. Project 3 was completed, linked to the UN Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 - to Improve Maternal Health. You helped to finance the hire of the operating theatre and beds for the Vesicovaginal Fistula operations performed by Dr Alan Miller at the Wenchi Hospital in Ghana.
On Friday 25th September at Edgehill College a very special event took place when Dr Miller, accompanied by his wife Susan, received a cheque for £28,000 from the Ireland Unit Committee.
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Dr Alan Miller receives the cheque from the World Federation Unit Committee Photograph taken by Laura Griffith |
Dr Miller was overwhelmed by the generosity, he thanked the MWI, World Federation and others for their outstanding response to the ostracised women of Ghana. He also thanked everyone for embracing the vision and taking a massive step in faith to raise this amazing amount which will be sufficient to pay for more than 100 operations and will be instrumental in setting up a centre for fistulae repair that will continue to bless the women of Ghana for years to come.
Now we have to go forward to support another very worthwhile project.
Project 4 commenced in September until June 2010 and is again linked to the UN Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 - to Improve Maternal Health also MDG 6 - Combat HIV and Aids,Malaria and other Diseases.
The Project title is to Prevent Mother (parent) to Child Transmission of HIV and AIDS at Chikwawa in Southern Malawi. It is in partnership with Tearfund and Eagles Relief Development Programme.
Cost of the programme for each village is £3,300
This programme can only start when funding is in the Tearfund bank account by February 2010. Any additional funding by June will go towards sponsoring another village.
The Purpose of this project is to treat and support pregnant and breast feeding mothers by counselling, medical tests and treatment. Post test clubs will support, educate and give access to nutritional aid and advise breast feeding mothers. An awareness campaign will educate, encourage and mobilize males and youth also HIV testing and counselling for all couples planning children will be encouraged. Local church volunteers will identify the poor and most vulnerable for hospital tests and treatment. A detailed flyer is with the MWI Districts and Branches. If you require a copy please contact the Unit Correspondent Mrs Irene McKeown at 028 92638904.
Through this project we will make a difference and help prevent mothers (parents) transmitting HIV and Aids to their children.
During this year WF representatives will undertake speaking engagements throughout Ireland, please support them with your prayers.
In September there were terrible natural disasters in the south east Pacific where Mele'ana Puloka, WF Area President for South Pacific and EunYoung Choi, WF Area President for East Asia represent . They greatly appreciated the prayer support of our Area, Europe - Britain and Ireland.
Preparations for the 12th WF World Assembly in Johannesburg in August 2011 have commenced. I know that Gertrude Mncuba the WF Area President for Southern and East Africa and her Local Arrangements team would greatly appreciate your prayer support. I hope you will join us there.
Thank you for your prayers and practical support for our projects and the ongoing work of World Federation. We will continue to know God and make Him known in all we undertake .
Blessings,
Sheelagh Wonnacott
WF Area President
