Fresh Passion began several years ago as an outgrowth of The Chapel's heart to be more heavily involved in addressing poverty and oppression issues in a personal way. We have partnered with two organizations, the Dalit Freedom Network and World Relief, in India and Mozambique, respectively, to pursue this.
In India, the Dalit's, the lowest rung of the caste system, have suffered the worst kind of oppression for years and years. The Dalit Freedom Network (DFN) focuses on four areas of work to bring an end to this oppression:
Through the development of Dalit Education Centers, the next generation of Dalit's are receiving an English-based education that will greatly expand their vocational opportunities.
DFN provides a micro-loan program as well as vocational training, providing Dalit's with marketable skills.
DFN provides a variety of health resources for the large segment of the Dalit population that has no access to medical facilities.
DFN cooperates with the Indian government to pass and maintain more equitable laws that allow for the all of India's people to have freedom.
In the last few years The Chapel has been able to partner with DFN in building several schools as well as sending teams to India, providing medical care, training, and encouragement. We look forward to continued partnership with DFN.
Beginning in 2006, The Chapel has partnered specifically with two villages, Chaimite and Koca Misava, in the southern area of Mozambique. During our time with these villages we've been able to work with them in installing a new water system, housing for visiting teams, health care, Bible training, vocational training, and encouragement.
World Relief, our strategic partner in Mozambique, has been providing world-wide relief in poverty stricken areas for over 60 years. Their innovative H.E.A.R.T. model allows for holistic ministry that addresses all areas of a village or town's development, meeting the range of physical needs and spiritual issues. H.E.A.R.T. stands for:
Sub-Saharan Africa is being devastated by AIDS. The major focuses of World Relief include HIV/AIDS and child mortality.
Through innovative and engaging Child Development programs, World Relief reaches children in a variety of settings.
World Relief helps Mozambiquans begin and evaluate sustainable agri-businesses that will provide a reliable income.
World Relief maintains an active presence in disaster relief, whether from famine, storms, or political unrest.
Providing micro-finance loans and vocational training, World Relief works strategically with village leaders to provide training.
Take a moment and pray for our new friends in India and Mozambique. Pray for our partnering organizations, that they would have wisdom in guiding us. Pray for our leadership (Doug Lauer and Bob Schneider for India, John Rasnick and Jay Halley for Mozambique) and the many lay leaders who give support and direction to our efforts. Pray that more people in our congregation would catch the vision and become involved in some way.
The Chapel - Fresh Passion
Our Fresh Passion partnerships have been a distinct part The Chapel's
DNA since their inception in late 2005. While we continue to have a
strong missions present, both in people and resources, in the rest of
the world, Fresh Passion's focus on Mozambique and India has allowed
many people to mobilize in missions that up to this point had never
been involved. There are a variety of links embedded within the site
that will give you more information and angles on the initiatives that
we are working on.
World Relief
The Chapel's efforts in Mozambique are facilitated by World Relief, who have been around since 1944. Our Fresh Passion initiative with them saw its beginnings in 2005. One of our projects with them has been installing a water line,
which you can view here.
Dalit Freedom Network
The Dalit people in India are some of the most oppressed people in the world. As half of our Fresh Passion partnerships, our teaming with the Dalit Freedom Network provides education, resources, and pastoral training for new Christians and established churches.
The awareness video that was shown on Thanksgiving Sunday at our morning services. Hosted on youtube.
