AT A GLANCE | MEMBER CHURCH NEWS AFRICA Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM) tackles healthcare deficiencies through its development programme Located in the centre of the capital is SAF, an organisation set up as a Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM)’s development programme, which runs a medical clinic and main pharmacy to tackle deficiencies in healthcare. This project funded by the Union of Welsh Independents (UWI) since 2018/2019 has borne fruit in Madagasar, where medical care is also too expensive for the average person and the population to doctor ratio is high.
Image by FKJM.
Housed as part of the FJKM offices, SAF has acquired ultrasound equipment and built waiting and examination rooms, where they treat adult and child-related diseases and administer vaccinations at affordable fees. SAF also runs a maternity and contraception clinic, which serves 200 women and 80 pregnant women every month. As malnutrition affects half the population, SAF also runs a National Nutrition Programme in rural villages where they have pharmacies. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/3tsXzrN 04
Easter Message by Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) General Secretary
The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) General Secretary Rev. Lungile Mpetsheni has reminded Christians to speak out in adverse situations, and to speak up for those in need in his Easter Message. Referring to John 19:28-29 where Jesus said that he was thirsty after six hours on the cross, Rev Mpetsheni wrote that those who suffer should use their voices in this trying time of COVID-19 infections, where issues of economic inequality and gender-based violence have worsened, and church ministers face difficulties in their work. Those at the cross responded to Jesus’ thirst and provided him with something to drink. Likewise, we should hear and respond positively the voices of those who are in need. Serving God includes serving the needy, homeless and destitute, since Jesus said that whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).
Image by UPCSA.
INSiGHT | April 2021
CARIBBEAN The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI) builds new columbarium and memorial garden Hope United Church in North Eastern Regional Missional Council of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI) has constructed a columbarium and created Hope Memorial Garden, which were dedicated in late February. The environmentally friendly Garden is powered by solar energy, and offers 24/7 access with seating capacity up to six visitors.
Mr. Stephan Wright, elder shows the features of a section of the columbarium.
Members in discussion.
Construction had begun last August in a phased approach, and the first column was ready by January 2021, thanks to the dedication and skills of many church members and friends. The project is intended to be an income source for the church’s programmes and the vision is to construct four towers to house a total of 256 inurnments.
