Dear friends,

As the close of 2010 nears, and we reflect on all the Lord has done through Faith’s Orphans Fund (FOF) this year, we are amazed.  Over the last 12 months we have continued to support 3,500 HIV/AIDS orphans in Zambia through the provision of school fees, clothing, Bible training, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, as well as life skills instruction in horticulture, bee keeping, and poultry rearing.  In fact, due to the commitment of so many Canadians to this cause, we agreed to respond to the demand for our support to several hundred more orphans this fall.  FOF now has 3,800 orphans registered in its program living in 23 centres in rural Zambia.

We are extremely thankful to finally receive the deed for the 15 hectare plot of land on the edge of Kitwe where we are about to launch an income generating multifaceted farm.  Due to the generosity of our Canadian donors and the dedication of Faith and her team, significant progress has been made to date on the farm’s development.  At present, the storm water management ditches have been trenched and lined with stone and cement, the high voltage security fence is in and the first two hectare banana grove is being planted with irrigation equipment installed. 

It has been five years since Faith’s Orphans Fund was first registered in Canada.  Since then, we have seen our prayer and donor base grow significantly, allowing us to send about 200 mature orphans to a Spiritual Life & Skills Training month long program each year, and keep the FOF Skills Training Centre running as well.  

As we approach the Christmas season, we want to ask you to support Faith’s Orphans Fund again this year.  Considering the needs and opportunities that lie before us, we are asking you and your fellow FOF donors to help us raise close to $70,000 before the end of 2010.  These funds will be used proportionally in the following way:

1)      Provision of School Fees & Exam Fees for one semester for 3,800 orphans  = $50,000

2)      Spiritual Life & Skills Training Program: 200 orphans x $50 = $10,000

3)      Shipment of Canadian Donated, Sewn & Knitted Clothing: $40 x 125 boxes = $5,000

4)      Provision of Christmas parties for each orphan centre: 23 centres x $150 = $3,450 

Thank you for your support of FOF in the past and in advance for what you are able to provide during the 2010 Christmas season.  It is truly a privilege to work alongside of the Canadian donors and see the impact of FOF on the lives of so many in Zambia.  We also wish to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and may your new year be filled with health, and true happiness. 

Sincerely,  

Ian Ross

Chairman