Short stories from churches

Six and counting: Regina youth come through for AIDS

When Mennonite Central Committee sent out an emergency response call for the Faith Alive Clinic in Jos, Nigeria, which provides free Anti-Retro Viral drugs to 2,800 “poorest of the poor” living with AIDS, the youth of Parliament Community Church in Regina responded in amazing fashion.

They decided to give enough money to provide six people with drugs for one year ($840). ARV drugs strengthen the patient’s immune system, making it possible for adults to work and care for their children.

The youth reached their goal, many sacrificing significantly out of their own resources. They then challenged others at the church to match what they had raised. The youth and three small groups also hosted a chili fundraiser lunch.

When all was said, done, eaten, and given, $5,300 had been raised for the Faith Alive Clinic.

—from report by youth pastor Jason Unruh

Singing ministry group visits India

“What an exciting experience it was to be in India for 33 days and to sing about God’s love in 33 programs all over the southern states of India!” said Daniel Neufeld, one of the members of a Discipleship Making International (DMI) team from Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, that ministered in India this winter. Consisting of Art and Hilda Hamm and Hugo and Helen Neufeld and their family, the group sang and presented the gospel. They stayed at the MB medical hospital compound in Jadcherla.

The Clearbrook congregation prayed for and encouraged the group, and is especially grateful for the inspiration of Art Hamm, who passed away the day after the group returned to Canada. (See obituaries.)

—church report