IN LATE AUGUST, 2009 Christ Church made a bold decision to start a major initiative supporting pregnant women and young children in AIDS-ravaged and poverty-stricken Northern Malawi. For the last year, this group has been investigating how our parish ministry can best take on an international perspective, especially in Africa.

We have been working with Rt. Rev. Christopher Boyle, Bishop of Northern Malawi, and his official representative to North America, Leah Creighton of Upperville, Virginia.

Inspired by the work of St. Peter's, Coburg (where the Rector is former CCDP Assistant Curate, Canon Peter Walker) over many years on an orphan feeding program in Malawi, we have been researching how best Christ Church can play a meaningful role.

After reviewing many options and a visit from Leah Creighton in the spring, we are excited to announce a final decision. CCDP will be starting a Dietary Improvement Program on the Islands of Likoma and Chizimulu. This program will be run by St. Peter's Hospital on Likoma, which is operated under the auspices of Bishop Boyle. We expect that it will provide weekly benefits to about 100 expectant mothers and babies, many of whom are HIV/AIDS positive and/or suffer from other diseases and conditions, most significantly malnutrition.

The program will be offered by nurses from the hospital as a mobile clinic that will focus on education and providing healthy food, especially for pre- and post-natal mothers and babies. It will be connected directly with CCDP's Sunday school program PromiseLand, and the children will be linked with the program and people on Likoma Island. We have agreed to pilot this exciting project for 6 months and then assess its success and determine our longer-term commitment.

In order to make this a reality, we are seeking to raise $25,000 over the next year. Already, we are off to a roaring start, with one parish couple generously donating $5,000 to pay for the first three months. We are a dedicated group of about 18 parishioners and others and we would welcome new members – both from CCDP and from the broader community. In particular, we are looking for those who can assist with some marketing efforts. Over the next month, there will be a series of announcements and promotions relating to this very initiative in both the parish and the local community. We are very excited about the project and the impact it will have both in Malawi and at Christ Church.

Malawi Partnership

The Bishop of Northern Malawi, Fanuel Magangani was as charming as he was direct when he visited Christ Church on March 15, 2011.

Only four months into his episcopate the Bishop brought thanks and an update regarding the Dietary Program supported by Christ Church Deer Park. The program was originally developed to support pregnant HIV positive pregnant mothers and their children.

Bishop Fanuel told us that initially they started with 35 women and children, however the success of the program has meant that it has been opened up to others who are HIV positive, and to date 80 women, children and men are participants of the Dietary Program. The Bishop reminded us that the anti-viral drugs without proper nutrition are very dangerous and can kill rather than heal. The Bishop reported "that this program is making a real difference in the lives of people. Not only are those taking the drug and in the program making good progress but, it has encouraged others to be tested for HIV and to seek help. This is the only way to break the stigma and the silence."

Within the last year Malawi has become part of the internet system and "that has changed our world" said the Bishop. With available internet, communication and updates will be much easier. A plan to match our children and the children in the program as 'spiritual partners' is underway. This will foster relationship with each other as the children and families pray for each other and exchange photos and encouragement.

The Bishop's visit has given us confidence to move forward with our continued support of this important work. We are our each other's keeper. Your continued financial support is appreciated. To give to this initiative please make your cheque payable to Christ Church Deer Park, and make the notation 'Malawi' .