MEDIC India has launched its Child Scholarship Ministry. Children are given monthly scholarship awards to pay for their educational needs. Upon request specific long term scholarships can be created and awarded to a child in someone's name or a donors name.

Education Sponsorships are freeing impoverished parents from the expense of educating a child, thus enabling them to send their children to a good school. This program furthers our goals of demonstrating the Love of Christ through the provision of sustainable community development. Educating children plays a strong role towards community self-sufficiency. When a Community becomes self sufficient, the shackles of poverty can be removed. Education helps to eradicate poverty from a Community. The costs of education sponsorships are just $12.00 U.S. per month per child. Each scholarship sponsor will be provided a photograph and confidential information about the child. We encourage correspondence and communication between the sponsor and the child.

Mercy International Mission Outreach has been MEDIC's primary supplier, donating vast amounts of medical supplies and medical equipment. In turn these supplies have been sent across the globe to Benin Africa, and to Honduras with the help of another Missions organization, Mercy Ships International.

Thus far sponsorships have been coordinated with children though sponsors in the USA, and Canada. These are small beginnings, yet this means a lot to the children and their parents. Please pray that the child scholarship sponsorship ministry will grow and be established in India and with the other MEDIC Affiliates.

If you are thinking about sponsoring a child through an education scholarship or would like to donate to the general scholarship fund please contact us or make a donation though the web page indicating where you want your donation to go.

Getting the Fish to Market - MEDIC India Micro Business Program underway
We have all heard the expression, "Give a Man a Fish and He will eat for a day, Teach a man how to Fish and he will eat for a Lifetime": Well the purpose of MEDIC India's Micro Business Assistance ministry is to provide loans or grants to micro business entrepreneurs. Through the Love of Jesus Christ we can provide a businessman or woman with funding to launch his or her own business ideas leading towards self-sustenance.

Well just such a Financial Opportunity has been provided. Thanks to a sponsor\ship received through our MEDIC friends in Arizona. MEDIC India reports that not only has a man learned how to fish, but also he is transporting the Fish to Market with his business. Though a sponsorship grant provided to MEDIC India, a man is now in business transporting fresh fish every day from the seaport, taking them inland to Market to sell. This man has reported that with his profits he is faithfully paying his tithes to the local church. Now that's sustainability! top

An image and a word from Sri Lanka
By Susiri Lyinage, MEDIC Lanka Country Director

'Ayubowan' which means 'May You Live Long' is the customary greeting of the Sri Lankans.

Crossing the Finishing Line-

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race , I have kept the faith.' (2Timothy 4:7,8)

This confident declaration by the Apostle Paul was made from his prison cell in Rome at the tail end of his ministry. Not long after this affirmation he was executed by the Roman Emperor Nero who regarded Paul as a serious challenged to his authority.

It could easily be said that Paul was one who encountered the most severe obstacles, opposition and challenges in the course of his work for the Gospel. "I have worked much harder , have been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely and been exposed to death again and again ."(2Cor .11:23-28) .

Paul stands out as a sterling example of courage and perseverance. Nothing deterred him in his efforts and endeavors to accomplish the task of carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ to then known world . He easily ranks as one of ,if not , the most successful campaigner of the Gospel.

We need to take a lesson from his attitude to obstacles and even persecution . He regarded them as stepping-stones and challenges that only served to motivate and drive him to greater heights . He considered such circumstances as training in building the qualities of perseverance , endurance , character and hope in an individual .(Rom 5:4)

Unlike many ,who when they make a name for themselves think they have achieved it in their own strength and ability , Paul on the other hand humbly acknowledged the presence of the spirit of Christ within him as the source of his strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me."(Phil.4:13).

It often happens that when one is making steady progress , to make the fatal mistake of believing that one's goals have already been reached . Such an attitude contributes to reducing the momentum and effort. Paul was one who believed that the race was not over till the finish line had been crossed, and that there should be no slackening of the effort along the way . We see this attitude amply demonstrated in Paul, who when serving a similar term in prison claimed - "Brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it , but one thing I do; forgetting what is behind and straining towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus."(Phil.3:12-14)

Almost 12 years later this seasoned campaigner made bold to say--"I have finished the race, I have kept the faith . Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judge will award to me in that day."(2Tom .4:7)

The crown Paul talks of will be available to you and to me too when we cross the finish line in accordance with the rules- ".....and not only for me , but also to all who have longed for His appearing."(2 Tim. 4:7)

In whatever endeavors we are engaged in , there is a need to remain on course , maintain our focus and not slacken the pace , but rather increase it as the "finish" line is sighted.

Keep moving my friend.

Susiri

MEDSA Team in on the Move
MEDIC South Africa (MEDSA) is rolling up its sleeves establishing it's ministry with amazing rapidity thanks be to God for the aggressive efforts of its Executive Director, Derek Liebenberg, his wife Heather and a quality Board of Directors.

In just a few months the MEDSA team has managed to establish a small base office in an abandoned Nazarene College. Thanks to a recent donation the team has been able to purchase a 1982 Range Rover. Recently over 60 volunteers helped out with painting, scraping, and getting the office prepared for their ministry focused on those affected by the South Africa AIDS crisis. In Africa 34 Million people have been infected with HIV and 13 Million Children have been orphaned as a result. Their goal is to provide medical aid, nutrition, and job skills training and, even small business loans to bring sustainable skills to a community, through the Love of Jesus Christ.

They have asked for prayer: that they can all learn the Zulu Language; Health for team members; Divine protection for team members and guests; Favor within the community; a freezer; and guidance regarding an orphan camp/day out. Please pray with the Team and look for a project update soon. God is moving with this team.