The Samaritan Care Centre Opens a New Facility
On Sunday, October 28, 2007 Global Ministries missionaries Dawn and Jon Barnes participated in the joy of their South African colleagues as the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa celebrated the opening of a new Samaritan Care Centre.
On Sunday, October 28, 2007 Global Ministries missionaries Dawn and Jon Barnes participated in the joy of their South African colleagues as the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa celebrated the opening of a new Samaritan Care Centre. Sandra Gourdet, Global Ministries Africa area executive, could not be a part of the celebration, but she sent the following letter to congratulate the Board, staff and volunteers of the HIV/AIDS hospice which is a beacon of light in this community of East London:
Dear Friends,
On behalf of Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, and particularly the Africa Office, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and wish you well on this day of celebration. The grand opening of your new center is a great achievement and a symbol of great pride for the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa. From humble beginnings and small steps you have achieved greatness in a short period of time and have set the bar very high for all of us. And you have done it knowing that “with people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible, Matthew 19:26”.
It is our prayer that as your ministry grows that you will never lose sight of your objectives and Christian values. Jesus came with a message of God’s inclusive love, which expressed itself in Jesus’s caring ministries to all kinds of people. We pray that the Samaritan Care Centre will always be a place where people will receive compassionate care and respect without losing their dignity. May it be a place where we learn from those who bless our lives by allowing us to be a part of their lives. May you continue to devote your ministry to doing what God has called you to do.
We sincerely regret that we are unable to be with you physically for august occasion. However, we will be there with you in prayer.
May God blessings continue to be upon you.
Sincerely,
Rev Sandra R. Gourdet
Executive, Africa Office