Late Summer Update

It would be easy to assume that between trips to Africa, not much goes on with Mercy Tech Mission - but that's not exactly true.

A number of things do go on behind the scenes - it's just that I don't often have photos to share about it. This blog has mainly been a photo journal of our adventures to "Change lives, one skill at a time," as opposed to a commentary on mission work or serving the needs of the poor.

That being said, I know a number of folks have been checking back to "see what's new," so I want to give you a brief update on where we're at as an organization.

1) Charitable Status:

As many of you know, Mercy Tech Mission has made application to become a recognized Canadian Charity. Although we submitted our initial paperwork back at the beginning of 2012, the process became bogged down while I was overseas during the months of April and May. I'm happy to report that we are back on track, and are hoping to receive our status as a Charitable Trust with CRA in the not too distant future. This is an important step for Mercy Tech, and we value your prayers in this regard.

2) The Next Trip:

We are tentatively planning a return trip to the SAMM mission base in Mozambique in early 2013 (possibly March or April). There are a number of local volunteers already showing interest in being a part of that team, and it has the potential of being our largest team yet. Our goal will be to work with the local staff to complete a major portion of the remaining work on the Maintenance Shop and bring it to a lock-up stage.

Current status

As you can see from the above photo, the walls have been completed to about the 1st level of windows. The exciting news is that SAMM has received donations through friends and supporters at various churches, and as a result more concrete blocks have been ordered.



Our goal for next spring



This will enable the local staff to continue building the walls, hopefully taking them up to roof height in anticipation of the arrival of our "roofing team" next spring. We also hope to do all the interior electrical and plumbing work at that time. Our immediate goal: To raise around $35,000 for the remaining projected costs of building materials and local labor.

Donations towards this important project can be made online at the SAM Ministries Project page or through this link: Mozambique Maintenance Shop Project

3) Looking Forward:

Check out this link to a recent article featured in Tire Review, a US-based automotive magazine. It's based on a telephone interview I did last month with staff writer Shana O'Malley, and describes how Mercy Tech Mission came to be.

On a personal note, I have been busily working on the second book in my series of humor stories about Slim Shambles Auto Repair. The great part about living in the Okanagan Valley in the summer is the ability to take my laptop out to one of the many parks or beaches in the area and write to the inspiration of God's beautiful creation. The down side is, I drink too many MacDonald's coffees and eat too many of their muffins...

Some upcoming dates:

September 14: I will be speaking at Prairie Bible College's chapel service, addressing the student body on how God can use our vocations to show others the love of Christ. It begins at 9:55am if you happen to be in the area.

September 15: Once again I will have the privilege of talking about our volunteer time at the SAMM base in Mozambique to the great folks at God's House Pentecostal Church in Okotoks, AB. The service begins at 6:30pm Saturday night.

September 18: MTM will be hosting an information night, 7pm at the home of Bob and Connie Denesiuk in Summerland, BC. This will mainly be a Question and Answer night for those showing interest in making a future trip to Mozambique, but is open to all who are interested in learning more about what we do and why we do it. Please let me know if you're planning to attend. (Note: There will be a formal MTM Update evening at Summerland Baptist Church sometime this fall; time and date to be announced)