"I'd like to begin by talking about what it means to be in mission and outreach. As Christians, we come to a realization through Christ's word that we are called to be good stewards of our possessions and look after each other in love and compassion wherever we are able. A Tanzanian, Mr. Shibanda, put it very eloquently to me one day while on safari. He was responding to my statement that I was thankful God loved me. He said, Yes, God loves you and He has an assignment for you. The larger your blessings, the larger the assignment."
-Carl Forsberg, Task Force Lay Leader, August 2005

There is much to learn and share together about outreach as we connect with those around us in need. Many words come to mind - compassion, love, energy, excitement, drive, sharing, involvement, connection, goal setting, persistence, follow- through, effectiveness, ministry, reverse ministry, thankfulness, and resources, to name some.

The African AIDS Orphans Projects have been in existence at Mount Calvary for five years. Carl Forsberg's involvement began in 2000 when he linked up with the Evergreen Rotary and participated in "Climb for the Children" through C6 in Denver. At that time Mt. Calvary's focus was in supporting the treatment of childhood diseases at Selian Lutheran Hospital with a concurrent contribution from Mount Calvary to support the beginning development of an AIDS Education Program at Selian during that trip.

Dick Kraft was instrumental in pointing the way to other projects, particularly at the Huruma Centre through his connection while at Tumiani University in Iringa. Now, after two Tanzania group trips by Mount Calvary people lead by Bruce Bennett and Holly Phillips we are fully committed to two major projects - Selian Lutheran Hospital AIDS Education Program in Arusha and the Huruma Centre AIDS Orphans Sponsorships in Iringa. There were also extended stays in Tanzania by the Bennetts, working at the Masai Girl's School west of Arusha and Janelle Kringel's nursing experience at Selian Hospital. Drs. Charlie and Ashley Jones recently traveled to Selian Hospital to train the staff in laproscopic surgery.

A new goal now is to expand our orphans outreach to the Arusha area where, under the capable leadership of the Selian Hospital staff, we hope to reach a vastly larger group of kids in need. Working with Dr. Mark Jacobson, Director of Selian Hospital this Task Force will determine what the support needs are (e.g., funds, supplies and possible visits there.)