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| Robin visits with a child at her home which is made of tin. The lollypop was a gift from the mission group. |
The people of South Africa suffer as much, if not more than any country in the world as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The consequences of this disease for families and communities are devastating. The HIV / AIDS Ministry at St. James United Methodist Church is partnering with committed people of faith at MCDC (Mukhanyo Community Development Centers) in KwaMhlanga , South Africa to make a difference in the lives of orphans and suffering people in this hurting community.
KwaMhlanga (pronounced "Kwam - shlan --ga") is located about 50 miles northeast of Pretoria , the capitol of South Africa . Approximately 45% of this this community of over 500,000, are HIV positive or have AIDS.
MCDC currently oversees five Centers that each feed, clothe, and care for 100 to 120 orphans and vulnerable children. Located in each Center is a foster care program to place orphans who have no adult in their life, home care workers to help those desperately sick, and workers to assist with economic initiatives. MCDC operates Nakekela Care Center , a hospice to care for those dying alone.
Check out MCDC's Website
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| The children are fed two meals at the Manaleni Care Center before they go home. |
As you cruise through this St. James website you will no doubt be overwhelmed in part by the unbelievable statistics, the heartache of hurting children, and the enormity of the need. However, you are encouraged to adopt the vision of this ministry and be one "offering hope and action instead of despair and paralysis."
Before going further, check out the following 3 minute video, Click here for:
"I Saw Jesus"
Check these out:
The MCDC Home Page
A 2009 Report from the CEO of MCDC
"Offering hope and action instead of despair and paralysis
to the people of Tampa Bay and KwaMhlanga , South Africa, who are afflicted with or impacted by HIV/AIDS."
