Mozambique
Jo Lin and Gwen Willis, CWS International Programs staff, recently returned from meetings with the Christian Council of Mozambique – which was supported with A$ 50 000 from the Christmas Bowl this year.
One of the projects of the Christian Council of Mozambique has been enabling communities and individuals to relinquish weapons caches (a “legacy” from 19 years of war) and in return to receive tools and materials for home or business use.
“It’s more than about getting people to hand over weapons,” explained the Director, Forquilha Albino. “We highlight the negative impact that weapons have on a community and offer something positive in return.”
This might be pots and pans, a bicycle, roofing or – in the case of one farming community which gave up thousands of weapons – a tractor.
“It doesn’t stop there,” said Albino. “There are many people in these communities who were child soldiers and lost their chance of having an education in anything other than war. We aim to help them by training them so they can earn a living.”
If sufficient funds are available, it is hoped the project will be truly national by December 2004.
Your support for the Christmas Bowl this year will enable more funds to be available to the people of Mozambique as they struggle to recover from the ravages of war.
Photo: Jeronimo Mendoza, Civic Education Co-ordinator, Christian Council of Mozambique.
Iraq
“We cannot live in peace, and many people do not even travel from their homes because they are afraid,” said Patriarch Mar Addai II of the Ancient Church of the East – he was robbed in front of his church by thieves who roam Baghdad – they snatched his crucifix, and shot his companion in the foot.
The work of Action by Churches Together, a partner of Christian World Service, has helped to save Iraqi lives, not only during the war, but afterwards. Some agencies are leaving Iraq but ACT is staying.
Massive unemployment and unpaid workers, sporadic electricity supply (none for the churches), safety of girls and women, child kidnappings for ransom (a new crime in Iraq), are continuing problems. “Please tell your governments about our lack of safety and security.”
Edward Esho, who manages the ACT/Middle East Council of Churches program in Iraq, was also a robbery victim – travelling in a taxi which was hijacked – he believed taxis were safer than vehicles belonging to a non-government organisation.
Lack of safe drinking water is another problem – in 20 years Iraq may have a beautiful water distribution system, but it is not happening now and will not happen by next year.
The Christmas Bowl program for 2004 includes A$ 150 000 for emergency programs and the generosity of Australian people will enable continuing support for the Iraqi people.
Give a little HOPE this Christmas – Give to the Christmas Bowl
Information/ Colleen Hodge - Education and Communications Programs
Photographs: Christian World Service - The National Council of Churches in Australia
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