PAGE 10, WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15,1987 At the last meeting of Regional council, members opted to receive for information a report compiled by chief ad- ministrative officer Don Evans concerning the Mensah Food and Orphanage Fund. Dr. David Mensah, the foun- der of the project had previously appeared before council to request a "twinning" between Durham and his homeland of Janga in Ghana. The request was initially made because the group thought they would require the name of the Region to qualify them for funding by the federal government. They have since learned this is not necessary as they have already qualified to receive matching funds from par- tnership Afriea Canada, but they would still like to twin with our Region, and I feel it would be a good thing. In a letter to Evans, Mensah stated "Durham's endor- sement of the project will therefore be needed only for education purposes: i.e. creating interest in the people concerning the project through publicity when necessary which may encourage them to visit the project in the near future and to support it financially as well." Well I'm going to give them that bit of publicity they want and for good reason. Coincidentally, I recently completed an interview with a local Brooklin couple who had spent some time teaching in Gambia. Now Gambia and Ghana are not too far removed from eaich other, and from what I can gather, the situation in most of Africa's small countries are pretty much the same. The people are in dire need and many of those who rule do so with themselves, and not the people, in mind. According to my friends, there is a great deal of corrup- tion and very little of the money sent over to assist the people actually gets to them. They told me that the only way to help the people was directly, within the com- munities, and I believe them. It is for that reason that I support the efforts of Mensah. They are local people who are trying to help their neigh- bors. Their purpose is "to provide love and hope to orphans and the destitute poor in the Janga region of northern Ghana by establishing a self-sufficient, productive com- munity facility which will act as a role model and provide basic health, agricultural, technical and spiritual services for the area." VIEWPOINT by ROXANNE REVELER The project plans a duration of 10 years. After this time, the projet will continue on a self-supporting basis accor- ding to Mensah. MFOF is a registered Canadian charitable organization founded by pastor David K. Mensah, a native of Ghana, who has been ministering in Stouffville for several years while completing his studies over here. The organization is committed to the fundamental Christian principles of compassion, integrity and accountability.* The host organization in Ghana is the Northern Evangelistic Association (NEA) a rigridenominational Christian organization with its headquarters based in Janga. It is recognized by the Ghanian government and is highly respected in the local communii . The leadership of the NEA is indigenous to the area anid is fully acquain- ted with the customs, language, culture and aspirations of the local people. Those actively participating in the program's activities and receiving directly in the way of aid, training and assistance number 6,000. Another 140,000 benefit indirec- tly from health teaching and agricultural demonstrations. People helping from within is the only way the destitute of Third World countries are going to get any kind of help. But this project doesn't come cheap. Mensah has estimated the total cost of the project will amount to $6.5 milion. He is hoping the majority of this will come from sources within his homeland, but is looking to the. Canadian goverrnment for 18 per cent of the funds. So what does Mensah hope to do for his people? He wan- ts to establish a self-supporting, productive facility which will provide training, hope and a decent standard of living for orphans and the very poor, as well as serve as a rôle model for the community at large. The program hopes to serve and assist as many of the existing villages and peasants in the Janga region as possible through the provision of agricultural expertise, primary health ser- vices, recreational facilities, technical training and spiritual ministry. There are~three phases in all covering the ten-year period. During that time the NEA board of directors, numbering il in all, would be directly responsible for the operation of the project in consultation with the Canadian board of the MFOF. An Action Committee from among the board members will be appointed to oversee the day to day administration of the project. This action committee would work directly with the staff directors in the management of the program. Those in staff positions, especially those in top leader- ship and management, will be required to be committed and strictly adhere to the standards of conduct, philosophy goals and attitudes set forth by the NEA. Men- sah says in every case a strong demonstration of Christian love, virtue and integrity must be maintained. Funding for the project is being sought from three potential areas. The most important source of revenue will be the returns from project activities such as the sale of crops, crafts and other programs. Some revenue will come from the rental of conference and youth facilities by other church groups and organizations as well as donations, from local people. While most of these donations will consist of "in kind" or labour contributions, their value cannot be minimized according to Mensah. Last, but not least, did from donor agencies and people outside Ghana, such as Canada, is being sought. Needless to say, I think this type of program is the only one that is going to help the people of Ghana. They don't want a free ride, only the knowledge to help themselves. Look into it yourselves. Write Mensah Food and Or- phanage Fund P.O. Box 142, Coldbrook, Kings County, Nova Scotia, BOP 1KG or P.O. Box 9, New-Longford, via Wenchi, Ghana, West Africa, or David Mensah R.R. 3, Stouffville L4A 7X4. aerators Ashburn News By FLORENCE ASHTON Thanks to all those willing work- ers who showed up for the work bee at the church. I understand they JUST LISi t::u NORTH WHITBY BROOKLIN - $135,200 Situated on large country-size lot 68' x 165'. This 11½ storey renovated older home, with large farmhouse eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, sliding- glass walk-out to deck from living room, some pine plank floors and wainscotting and 3 bedrooms. For appointment call Jackle Wright 655-3309 or 655-8930. NORTH WHITBY ASHBURN $159,900 "Circa 1868" - Renovated School House on ½ acre. Original Wain- scotting & arched windows with flower-pattern tin trim, 2 foot walls, 2 bedrooms, new detached garage. For appointment call Jackie Wright 655-3309 or 655- 8930. 55 bldwvn sIeet bu3ý(416 655330 had a pile of fun, as well as accom- plishing a pile of work. And doesn't the church hall look sparkling clean with the new coat of paint? Word has been received that Dorothy Lunney passed away sud- denly in Florida this past weekend. Our sincere sympathy to her family and ber sister, Evelyn Lynde. Dorothy has had many friends in this area through the years, having lived in Myrtle and having grown up in the Ashburn area. The Ladies Bible Class met at the home of Florence Ashton last Wed- nesday evening. Acting as vice- president, Florence chaired the meeting, and opened the meeting by reading a poem titled "Two pieces of wood." The Old Rugged Cross was sung. The meditation was titled "My Name is Mary," with some very lovely thoughts on Easter. Catherine Humphrey led in prayer, followed by singing "He Lives." Aldine Wick was in charge of the study and spoke on the Queen of Sheba, with members reading the portions of scripture. The next meeting will be at the home of Catherine Humphrey. Lois Daw spent a few days last week with. her son Brian Daw a his family near Woodstock. Visiting with Bill and Berni Gardner recently,-were Irma Tri of Blackstock, Mr. and Mrs. Re Williams of Don~Mills and Mr. a Mrs. Harold Wilcock of Uxbridg with Bill and Bernice visiting w Mr. and Mrs. E. Westfall a family of Hamilton. Art Oliver led in the responsi reading at morning worship la Sunday, with Ruth Oliver readi the scripture lessons. Rev. McE tyre's sermon title was "T Healing Tears of Jesus." This bei Palm Sunday, we were in for special treat when our minist sang so beautifully "The Palms Burton and Ruth Wood are t] ushers for the month of April. There will be a special Go( Friday Service at 7:30 p.m. in t] church on April 17. Everyor welcome. Keep in mind the special con memoration services on Sunda, April 26 both morning and eveninI On this day we will commemora the re-building of the new Buru Presbyterian Church, which wa dedicated on Sunday, April 21, 196 Rev. Kenneth Heron preached th sermon of dedication, and the fir sermon in the new church. O February 12, 1967, our forme church was completely destroye by fire. We are very privileged t have the Sydenham Kiwanis choi from Oshawa minister to us i music at the evening service at 7:3 nd ice pp Bes nd ge, ith nd ve ast ng and other lawn and garden equipment. BROOKLIN RENTALS 3BALDWIN ST. BROOKLIN 655m3600 p.m. Plan to join with us, bring a frjind. Teacher and tramning in Gambia FROM PAGE 9 he baîf hour out for lunch. They ng usually taught six classes eacb day a during that time. ýer Phyllis explains lunch at first l. usually consisted of bananas and he canned soda pop. "You had to be s0 careful what d you ate " she says. She said lunch uie was a communal pot into whica nie everyone dipped their bands and ate. n- "But you only used your right cand to eat with," she smiled. "The g.left hand was the 'toilet hand,' and te "ot supposed to be used for eating." is Phyllis says the natives finaly ws caught on to the Webb's uneasiness 8. and supplied them with bowls and ie spoons during the lunch hour. st Reverting back to the discussion )n of Ronald the Renault, Glenn says r transportation in Gambia was an ,d adventure unto itself. As gasoline is o very expensive and often in short r supply, bis driver would onfly pur- in chase one litre of gas at a'time. If W be came to a stop sign, he would turn off the engine wbile waiting for another vehicle to pass. He ran out of gas on a regular basis. When not using Ronald, to go to and from the ' scbool, tbe Webbs usually relied on public transpor-. tation that is, the local bus or mini- bus. Mini-buses ran- often, but not on a regular schedule according to Glenn. It was simply a matter of flagging one down, screaming your destination to the driver and waiting until he screamed back wbere hie was going. This went on until the two names coincided, then you got on the bus. . The Webbs encountered many adventures and met many people while they were in Africa. Some of their memories still leave tbem shaken, but for the most part they thoroughly enjoyed their time in Gambia. So much s0 they- would like to return to another'part of Africa in a few years time to do it qUl over again. Walk behind and ride on lawn rollers, tillers, thatchers, THE IIAIR STATION is under new ownership and would like to welcome all newcomers as well as past clients of LINDA PEGUITER fonriiicly of 11he Brookin Ilair Cutting Place. DONNA PEARSON foinerly of No Frills, Oshawa would also like to introduce her LINDA past clients to her new place of eiploynent No appointmcnts necessary 655-4201 16-