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Launching Into 2008

Eagles Wings is continuing the vision to see children free and empowered to dream, in new and exiting ways, while maintaining and moving forward with our original programs: Camp, Family and Education. We hope you enjoy this Update that places emphasis on the road ahead for 2008.

In 2007, we were seeking how God would continue to build on the ministry of Eagles Wings for the sake of disadvantaged children. Throughout the year, as we prayed and researched this, His answer for our expansion became clearer, Place your efforts into local churches throughout Southern Africa - not Eagles Wings. In other words, Eagles Wings should not increase but the local church should. We are humbled by this somewhat unexpected guidance to expansion and are looking forward to putting the named ‘Acts Initiative’ into action through 2008. While many of us, at times, are guilty of doing things in our own strength (staff at EW included!), we humbly pray that God will use this initiative and that we will continue to look to Him for answers.

ACTS INITIATIVE
Extract from 2008 Eagles Wings Information Booklet

The Acts Initiative is an expansion of our social justice work with street children into other Southern African countries. In Acts chapter six the new Christian church was faced with an issue of social justice. Some of their widows were being overlooked in the food distribution. It was the church that initiated the assistance necessary to insure that justice prevailed and was sustainable. As a result, unity was restored and the church continued to expand as the gifts, talents and passions of each member was utilized to it’s fullest potential.

In the same way, Eagles Wings is looking to work closely with local churches in Southern Africa to see the church effectively reach out to their own children on the streets. We aim to assist local churches to understand how they can assist, establish measures of action and be a voice for children who are suffering in their own communities.

Through partnering with local churches, we believe they can be empowered to address prominent social justice issues, rather than such issues solely being addressed by Non-Governmental Organisations and church, Governments. The Christian church, active in their community, brings light among the darkness and ultimately we will see Jesus working through His people as the church cares for those who are suffering.

To achieve this, we will meet with willing local churches within the Southern Africa region to determine where they can assist street children within the existing community structure. We hope to establish partnerships and networks between those already involved, making sure that duplication of ministries is avoided. Building sustainable systems whereby institutions are not created, but human and community based resources impact the issue, is our goal.

Ultimately, we desire that the local church can support their own ministry with the international church adding further value, not sustaining the ministry. We have much to learn ourselves and we understand we do not have all the answers. However, we believe that as we work in partnerships, as a team and with much prayer, we will see these children transformed.

2008 GOALS FOR ACTS INITIATIVE

• Continue with Christian Revival Church Lesotho’s ‘Love in Action’ ministry, a new and exciting ministry assisting disadvantaged children around Maseru, Lesotho.
• Look into promoting ‘alternative care’ options in Zambia, such as foster care, through local church involvement as an alternative to institutional care which can be detrimental to the child.

• Promote UBUNTU: The Street Child Story throughout Southern African Churches. God willing, we will be able to promote in Lesotho, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2008.
• Promote UBUNTU: The Street Child Story throughout Australia, raising awareness of street children throughout the Christian community.
• Develop the Acts Initiative booklet that will assist local churches with Biblical principles in reaching out to their communities.

• Documentary Launch in Brisbane has been sold out.
• Documentary Launch in Sydney will be on the 7th March 2008 at Greater, Union Castle Hill 6.30pm

Contact Matthew for tickets:

email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
mobile: 0418 404 042

If you would like to purchase a copy of UBUNTU: The Street Child Story email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it DVDs are $25.00 plus postage

Watch the UBUNTU: The Street Child Story trailer here.

 

Camp Program 2008

Leaders from International Team for camp 2007

Our Camp Program (CP) has taken some exciting turns over the past few months. First, we have a new CP Coordinator, Clayton Hinds, who was our full-time administrator during 2007. With the placement of Wiza Kaira into administration late 2007, this has freed up time for Clayton to move into his new role. Secondly, our dream of having our own camp facilities in Livingstone has taken its first step as we have generously been offered land by another Non-Governmental Organisation named Cool Bananas. Clayton and Anna travelled to Livingstone in January to view the offered land.

 

Clayton writes:

In mid January, we met again with Martin Zuch, director of Cool Bananas, and Luyando Community Projects. Cool Bananas operates a couple of banana farms in Zambia, the proceeds of which are ploughed into constructing and maintaining community projects in the areas surrounding the farms.

Container for
Eagles Wings

Help Fill Our Container!

 

 

Victoria Point Baptist Church (VPBC) has long supported Eagles Wings. Joe Jansen, Associate Pastor at VPBC, has been on three building teams, leading two of them, with many VPBC members joining him in his efforts. In 2008, VPBC will be filling a container which by year-end will be sent to EW. A list of needed items can be downloaded from EW website or can also be emailed or posted. Please contact Joe to receive a list of items or for further information. Most of the items will either be educational resources for the community schools at EW or building supplies for Stage Three of Eagles Wings Christian Community School (EWCCS). Stage Three of EWCCS consists of grades 7 – 9, a library and a computer room.

Download list available here.

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Last year, Martin and his team offered Eagles Wings a piece of land in Livingstone alongside the farm there. In our last meeting with Martin, we were able to view the land on which the next Luyando Community Project and the Eagles Wings Campsite will be built.

 

At the moment, the land is raw and yet to be cleared. The plot is 10 hectares, of which Eagles Wings will use approximately 2 hectares. Clearing is due to start around the end of February or early March and the Luyando project is due to start building a community centre, a clinic, and a school shortly after that.

This is an exciting development for the Camp Program at Eagles Wings and we are looking forward to beginning the building process. It is envisaged that with a stable venue, Eagles Wings will be able to hold many more camps for disadvantaged children, sharing with them the Word of God.

This opportunity is a real blessing from God and we ask that you continue to pray for the people involved in developing and running our Camp Program.

If you would like to take part as a leader in our Camp Program for 2008, or for further information, email International Teams directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Our sponsor for the 2008 Camp Program is Toongabbie Baptist Church. Thank you Toongabbie.

 

Interview with Clara

Clara attends Eagles Wings Christian Community School - Monkey Fountain

How old are you?
I’m 10 years old.

Who do you live with?
I live with my uncle and my grandmother, my aunty, a boy and two girls.

How are you related to the boy and two girls?
I don’t know. I just know we are related.

How long have you been learning at EWCCS at Kanyala?
Since June 2005.

How does it feel to be moving to the new EW school at Monkey Fountain?
It feels great. I’m so happy that all the pupils here are so loving and full of acceptance.

What do you like at the new school?
It is very clean here. I have a uniform. I have a desk to put my books on. It is very dry when it’s raining and everything is nice.

Have you made new friends already?
Yes! Rita, Billia and Miriam.

What do you think of EW?
I think it’s a great place.
 

Daniel: Australia Bound

Daniel Zulu, our Education Program Coordinator and Principal, is counting down the days until he visits Australia for a period of two months for further training within Australian Christian Schools. We are looking forward to his time here.

Daniel writes:

Preparations are going great. I have booked my flights and on Monday I will be booking my Ndola to Johannesburg flight. I am working to my last nerve to make sure I leave an effective system in place for the Interim Head Teacher for the time I will be away. Almost everything is set for this semester.

 

Finances

October – December 2007
Income – AUD45,554
Expenses – AUD31,754

Breakdown of Expenses
Programs – 83.3%
Projects – 15.7%
Administration – 1%

Monthly Running Costs $11,160

Donate by either downloading brochure or by credit card online.

How do I feel? Well, to be honest, 14 hours in the clouds for a person flying for the first time can be a bit scary! Airport logistics, especially when Lackson has shared his experience of asking where the plane was when he was already in one, is a scary thought. Let me put it this way: yes I am nervous about the airport procedures and the 14 hours in the sky, though I am trying hard to hide that! But I am absolutely excited about the trip and I just cannot wait to catch up with the Eagles Wings family and friends in Australia.

 

I am looking forward to a lot. I have never been in a place where there is no nshima (staple diet of Zambians) and where no one speaks Bemba, one of the languages of Zambia. I guess that part will be an experience on its own. I look forward to experiencing typical Australian culture and foods, vegemite exclusive that is! I can’t wait to see classroom arrangements, teaching styles, structures and Australian children. I am told they are very naughty. Oh and the beach, how do I forget that one? I cannot wait to see the beach and buildings.