Looking Back--and Ahead

Fall 2007:
1½ million Mexican children and youth do not attend school, mostly because of the cost involved. Parents don’t pay tuition for public education in Mexico, but they have to pay for uniforms and school supplies which, given the level of poverty, is a hardship for many families. Of those who begin, most don’t go beyond 3rd grade which, of course, limits their being able to escape the cycle of poverty.

Faith Ministry has an active scholarship program supported by churches in the U.S. CAMT sent $1375 to provide scholarships for Rosa, a second grader, Juan, a 5th grader, and Jhoan, a high school student. A Murder Mystery fundraiser helped provide the needed funds.

Spring 2008
Outley House, Philadelphia
Richard, one of Covenant’s new members, prepares and serves lunch six Saturdays a year at Outley House, a drug rehab center in Philadelphia. Fellow teachers and students from the high school in which he teaches as well as several members of Covenant have helped, but he's hoping others will sign on, too. There's always a need for more hands! Richard provides the food, so all volunteers have to do is commit 9:00am to 2:00pm on scheduled Saturdays to help with preparations and serving. The next date is May 24, so if you’re interested, call the church office, 610-648-0707.

Summer 2008
Gauley Bridge, WV
Plans are being made for a mission team to go to Gauley Bridge, WV to continue work with PA Christian Endeavor (PACE) youth teams who work in impoverished areas. Carl and Pat will again lead Covenant’s teams in preparing meals for the young people. The weeks of July 27 and August 3 are scheduled. More help is needed for the second week, but you’re welcome to sign up for either one. Team members make breakfast and bag lunches in the morning, have the afternoon off for “fun/relaxation time,” then return to make dinner. Call the church office if you’d like to join one of the teams. (610-648-0707)

Winter 2009
Faith Ministry, Mexico
CAMT continues to support the work of Faith Ministry in Mexico financially and with prayer. For five years, beginning in 2003, a mission team visited the 1st Presbyterian Church in Reynosa and spent a week teaching sewing and craft projects. Items made were sold either to supplement the women’s own income, or to benefit special needs at the church. Since the women are now working very well independently it did not seem practical to return even though we miss our Mexican “sisters,” so this year we sent money to help them replenish their supplies.

However, the women in neighboring Naranjito Church have asked that we teach them similar skills. Consequently, CAMT is making plans to go in February 2009 to work there for a week. Interested in joining in or supporting the work financially? Call the church office: 610-648-0707.