SPECIAL BENEVOLENCE OFFERING FOR NOVEMBER
YORK ASSOCIATION MICRO-LENDING PROJECT
Micro-lending provides low interest loans to help individuals, families and even villages in 3rd world countries work themselves out of poverty. Since 2003, Mt. Zion has been supporting OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL, and have helped hundreds of poor people in the Dominican Republic, Ghana and Nicaragua. Three years ago, we joined with churches of the York Association to sponsor Trust Groups. Nineteen of our sister congregations have now joined us in this initiative, which has resulted in the establishment of eleven Trust Groups in Africa. Currently, the Association is very close to establishing our 14th Trust Bank through Opportunity International. For every $2 a church contributes to the York Association project, it is matched by $1.
The 2009 Annual Report from Opportunity International is entitled: “Helping Communities Thrive.”
Believe in Rosemary to transform a generation. Forty years she opened a small school for infants. Today, thanks to tireless determination and several loans from Opportunity International, Rosemary has five permanent buildings for her elementary school and orphanage in Uganda.
Sugey lives in Columbia. One day ten armed guerrillas stormed their house. The next day, they fled for safety. For several years they lived in a shantytown with no water or sewage system. In 2008, she learned about Opportunity International and she now has renewed hope. Her sandal business has already grown and she has repaid her first loan of $109.
Please give generously to this month’s special benevolence offering that provides people with a hand up not a handout.
Thank you for your gifts to our September Special Benevolence Offering: Salvation Army. Receipts totaled $1,557.50.
Thank you for your gifts to our Neighbors in Need Offering. Receipts totaled $1,055.00.
Northeastern Food Pantry
During the month of November, we will be collecting tuna fish, one pound bags of rice and any Thanksgiving items in our grocery cart to be donated to the Northeastern Food Pantry. In October we collected 28 boxes of pasta, 47 boxes of Hamburger Helper, 26 boxes of potatoes, 3 cans of pasta and 1 box of Splenda. Thank you for your generous ongoing support!
Don’t know what to do with that free turkey from your boss or the grocery store? If you call me, I’ll pick it up and deliver it to the Northeastern Food Bank. Thanks! ~ Doris Loucks 757-1436.
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, November 15th
6:30 PM – Mt. Zion U.C.C.
Opportunity International Update by Mr. Mark Lutz, Senior VP for Opportunity International
Mr. Lutz joined OI in 1989 and brings 30 years of development experience to his position. He has traveled to more than 50 countries and lived for 18 years in South Africa. In his present role, Mr. Lutz helps build new partners in other countries and create strategic alliances with other international development organizations. He is the author of Un Poverty: Rich Lesson from the Working Poor.
Join with members of our sister congregations for dessert, at 6:30 PM and an OI update, presentation by Mr. Lutz, and awards to York Association churches beginning at 7:00 PM.
Chop & Peel
We will again have Chop & Peel on Monday November 29 at 6:00 P M. Please join us to help with this ongoing mission event; also sign up in the narthex to donate the needed food items. We thank you for your continued support. ~ Nancy Sleeger
Mt. Zion will be sponsoring one or two families for Christmas. Watch future bulletins for more information and opportunities to participate!!!