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This balance is hard to maintain in view of the systemic poverty and corruption in Chad, which are simply impossible for any of us to imagine. Every major expert on Africa bemoans the clear failure of foreign aid across the continent, while at the same time recognizing the necessity of aid itself, if it is used strategically and given to people of integrity. Again, we are thrilled that the leaders of both Village Altonoddji and ESTES are such people of strategic vision and honesty, without which there would be no strategic work to be done. So as we move forward, we are attempting to thread the needle of partnership for the sake of self-support.
So what is next? In addition to the monthly infra-structure support that is still necessary as both VA and ESTES continue to grow (food and clothing for the 40 orphans specifically supported by Mission:Chad, books and salaries for the bible college, with an occasional motor scooter and computer thrown in!), we are joining with them in four "support-for-thesake-of-self-support" projects, two infrastructure projects and two development projects:
1. The construction of a classroom building for the last two grades of the high-school at VA (which not only educates the entire 123 orphan student body, but also earns tuition from the over 177 additional students who attend from the surrounding towns). Projected Cost: building: $19,500 and the equipment: $5,200.
2. The development of a for-profit farm to provide jobs for rural farmers in the area, land and crop development for the region, and revenue for the operating budget of VA. Though the land is already secured, the business plan is still being developed.
3. The construction of a small building to house the ESTES children during their day-care while their parents are studying, so that they do not have to stay outside all of the time. Projected Cost: $18,418 (total cost is $24,418, but World Vision has already pledged $6,000).
4. The further development of the successful ice-business and the irrigation projects at ESTES to increase the profits of both. The business plan for the ice project is still being developed. Projected Cost of the Irrigation Project: $9,000 for an initial upgrade to the pipes; $24,838 for the eventual digging of three wells with immersed pumps for a steady water supply to increase the growing season (currently they are dependent on the yearly rains and a leaky retention pond).
Once again, as with "the Wall," these are ambitious projects, but necessary in order to create outposts of the Lord's work that will outlive us. Moreover, we begin new projects for a new year not with a sense of triumphalism, but with an awareness of our weak, but growing faith. We know that we are utterly dependent on God's work in your lives, as in our own. Please pray for us as you pray about your own involvement. We take seriously that we are stewards of God's resources entrusted to you, and then to us.
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Structure currently used to shelter daycare center
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The Apostle Paul was uncompromising about two things when it came to supporting the work of the Christ's Kingdom. First, followers of Christ must embody the gospel to others by meeting their needs and the needs of the church's ministry, considering both more important than themselves (see Philippians 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14). At the same time, whenever possible followers of Christ must work to support themselves and others – indeed, we are to prepare for the return of Christ not by waiting passively, but by following God's call to do his work in his name for his glory until that day (see 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8-10).
Yes, we at Mission: Chad are celebrating how far we have come; but we are doing so in a subdued way, since we are still preparing for that Resurrection Day, when all our labor will be seen not to be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). It is this hope that keeps us going, from our small celebrations to that day of eternal rejoicing.
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