Our Visit with Samaritan Community Orphanage

continued from Trekking Across Africa

In Zambia, Steve and Tim visited Samaritan Community Orphanage, one of ITMI’s newer projects. Steve’s report was glowing.

From the directors Rev. John and Joyce Jere, to the smallest child, Steve had something positive to say about them all. “Joyce has an infectious smile. She smiles all the time,” he reports. Steve was also impressed with the children’s respectful behavior. “They are being brought up well,” he affirms.
SCO, now home to 40 double-AIDS orphans, is more than a place to stay for these kids, it is a family and a home. John is not just their guardian, he is their “Daddy.” In addition to his family responsibilities, John pastors a church. His civic activities include helping Parliament to resist the trend toward becoming a secular nation and to keep “Under God” in their constitution. Although the needs John works to meet in Zambia are great, he recognizes that needs elsewhere are sometimes greater. Thus he makes frequent missionary trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

John is a visionary constantly working toward the future growth of his ministry. Like Jabez, he is asking God to enlarge his sphere of influence so that more lost souls can be reached for Christ. He does not bury what God has given him, but seeks to multiply it.

With the help of ITMI missionary Charl van Wyk, John purchased a brick-making machine which is currently being used to build an auditorium where his Church will meet on Sundays. When it is finished, he plans to use the brick-maker and the auditorium to earn money by renting them out in the community. He is planning to build a school on his property where the children can receive a God-centered education, instead of the humanistic education that they receive from the state. John visualizes opening some shops on his land as well, allowing the children to learn a trade and to survive in the world. ITMI is privileged to be a part of God’s work through the Jeres in Zambia. It’s a joy to partner with them as God allows their vision to be realized.

... continued

Note: you can give to Samaritan Community College online by clicking here.