Dear Friends and Partners,

Greetings with this months update on the work of Zimbabwe Orphan Care (ZOC) during September 2009.

Container Shipments – Please continue to pray for the safe arrival to Harare of the shipment which left last month, and for the blessing these goods will be when they arrive.

Official Paperwork – We have been busy this month with all the necessary papers for Jabulani government registration and PVO License (Private Voluntary Organisation) which will assist us in transportation and importing goods into Zimbabwe. These have all been deposited with social welfare and we eagerly await their response as we cant get any more babies until we get registered. Please pray for this urgently.

Treasure Hunt & BBQ – We held our annual car treasure hunt and BBQ on Saturday 12th September in Bangor Co Down, and were truly blessed with the sunshine and awesome weather. Over 100 people attended, we didn’t lose anyone on the way, and pictures can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/alandlowry/ZOCCarTresureHuntBBQ2009#

ZOC Website – Work continues to upgrade our ZOC website over the next month with new functionality and also a merchandise shop for our new T-shirts etc. Keep checking in on www.zimorphancare.org to see the changes as they happen and bear with us during our ‘down time’ !!

Escalating Costs – The cost of goods in Zimbabwe continues to escalate, and our recent electricity bill for Jabulani was over $480. This is more than many people earn in a year! We have also recently had to have annual health checks for all the staff and workers which are very expensive. We thank God for your faithful giving and ask that you prayerfully consider helping us with these massive costs in running Jabulani and the ongoing work of ZOC.

Child Sponsorship – With our registration papers now approved and change or usage agreed we are hoping to establish a programme for child / baby sponsorship. Many of you have been asking me about this and we hope to be able send more details in the next few weeks. If you are keen to get involved can you please email me at alanl@zimorphancare.org and I will forward you more details.

Zimbabwe Orphan Care Merchandise – Our newly designed T-shirts and Polo Shirts with ZOC logo and the ‘What Disturbs You?’ message on them are continuing to sell well with orders this month to California. These are helping to spread the word about the work of ZOC and also to raise funds. Check out the website for the ZOC Golfers wearing them at a recent outing

Account Details – many people have contacted me recently asking about our bank account details to set up monthly direct debits etc. The details are enclosed, however if you need any help please get back to me.

Bank – Northern Bank, Saintfield / Sort Code 95-04-34 / Account 6003 5203

We are always keen to help when people want to run events for fund raising – please let us know if we can help your event in any way, or publish it on the website.

May God continue to richly bless you as you support this ministry in your giving and prayers

Best Regards

Alan Lowry
Chairman