For all those who could not join us on Saturday, below is a brief summary of the status of this years' project. Please feel free to contact us with any additonal questions that you may have! If you are interested in this years trip - we cannot stress enough how important it is to let us know ASAP!

Opening Devotions:

Dave Reid kindly took on challenging the group with the challenge presented to each of us - “Help me, help you” and how knowingly or unknowingly, God has repeatedly challenged us to Help Him, help others and in turn help ourselves through participation in mission trips.

Project details:

Two projects were proposed for the teams consideration this year. The first project of building a quarters in Antigua was investigated by Joel and Ethan Turley in October. This is a major project that would have required a significant amount of work to be completed by local contacts in Antigua in a relatively short period of time so that the team would be able complete the project in our usual travel period. The existing building owned by the Army has been condemned and is currently being used as a thrift shop. The three officer couples stationed in Antigua all live in properties not owned by the Army so the residence is highly needed.

Unfortunately shortly after returning, Joel fell ill was hospitalized for a period of time. As he does not yet have medical clearance to travel and travel insurance requires a significant period of stability before he would be covered during a trip, we have had to accept the second proposed project for the team. The second proposal is focussed on addressing basic structural needs at the Hanbury Children’s Home in Mandeville Jamaica.

The Hanbury Home project needs are to replace the roof of the Babyland building and repair the roof on the Girls dorm. There are additional maintenance projects needed on the property and no doubt lots of painting projects that can be undertaken.

We have previously worked at Hanbury Home on previous trips, the most recent approximately 15 years ago.  The need is great, and the Army has an incredible challenge in meeting the needs of the children that call Hanbury “Home”. Although additional details on establishing our building contacts etc must be finalized, we believe that this is the project that we are being led to support this year.

Although the need in Antigua is great, we believe additional planning time will be beneficial and it will be considered again for another years project if THQ is in agreement.

 

Proposed Accommodation (not yet finalized):

 It is proposed that the team can stay at Windsor Lodge as it has enough space for the team and has cooking and dining facilities. Additional information will be forthcoming once this is confirmed.

Needs:

• Applications and donations towards mission expenses be sent ASAP
• Volunteers to be part of a social committee
• Skilled individuals willing to assist with driving
• Ongoing prayers to facilitate quick resolution to remaining questions to facilitate this new project

Application Forms and Mission Expenses:

If you have not yet received the application form by email, please contact Laurie McArthur at laurie_mcarthur@hotmail.com to request this. Team members are again being asked to commit to contributing a minimum of $1600.00 towards the project. It is requested that fees be sent with their application if possible. A minimum of $800 is required before flights may be booked.

Please submit your applications ASAP!!! If received before November 14^th, it will support the team leaders ability to secure flights in a timely and cost effective manner. If submitted after this time, your applications and funds will be held securely at Canada Post as my mail will be on hold until my (Laurie’s) return to Canada in December.

Because of this challenge in planning, please also email Shirley at Shirley_n_bob@hotmail.com letting her know that your COMPLETED application has been mailed, and how much of a deposit accompanies it. Monies will be remitted to THQ mid December and a tax receipt will be issued for 2012. Additionally to secure flights, she will need the following information from your application:

• Name as it appears on your passport
• Passport number
• Date of Birth
• Insurance policy number and/or permission to purchase insurance on your behalf (at additional personal expense)