I haven’t posted for a few weeks now. You’ll be glad to know that Nora and I have moved back to our house in Woodstock and we’re returning to “normal”, as if that could ever happen. We had to buy tomato plants this year. This week, the Canadian government returned the excess taxes they took from Nora earlier this year, so we can pay some bills. Ha. And we’re going to contribute to the Ndirande Social Club, which perhaps you can do as well.
Thank you for your support.
Nora and I worked a little with this club and it was a project we reluctantly left behind. Hamilton Banda lives in Ndirande and with a board of directors, leads the club. Hamilton has been instrumental in moving in faith to keep the club running for years. Since leaving Malawi, we have been getting news and we’re glad to report the project continues without our humble efforts.
Ndirande is a poor suburb of Blantyre. You can Google “Ndirande” and get a little more information, but some of it is pretty dated. I did drive there a couple of times from our home nearby. There’s a hole in the road about the size of my VW Golf and 2m deep, so one must be careful. The Presbyterian Church has supported the social club. I wrote about the club in earlier posts. Over the years, they met in church halls in Ndirande and they even managed to buy some land. They now own land at the edge of the community and in April of this year, they started building a security wall. They hope also to construct buildings that can be used to generate income and for their ongoing meetings. The Presbyterian Church in Canada has helped to build the wall with approximately $30,000, but that only pays for ¾ of it. In other years, the PCC also helped to rebuild some homes destroyed by flooding. So, if you have contributed to your church and local hospital during the Covid-19 crisis, now you can also contribute to Malawi through the PCC.
Here’s an update from the project engineer, with pictures. The club is reporting regularly and we (PCC) feel confident that the money is being wisely spent.
Speaking of Covid-19, Malawi has reported about 250 cases of the virus. They have a problem now with quarantining suspect and actual cases. Quarantined individuals are escaping and thus almost certainly spreading the disease. The Ndirande slum is very high density with little chance of social distancing. The club has in the past and will continue to educate members about health and hygiene.
Pray for the people of Malawi.
In the Warm Heart of Africa 
That is an interesting picture. I’m not quite sure what I am seeing – kind of looks like a wrecking yard from here. I’m guessing it represents a significant degree of poverty. I’m happy to know that there are serious efforts to help these special people.
Blessings,
Vera
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