Rehema
Rehema is a local project in Musoma with which Go MAD is closely linked. The primary aim of the project is to raise sustainable income for programmes aimed at women and children living in extremely difficult situations. Rehema helps those from all backgrounds and religions and prays that through this ministry they may come to know Jesus.
The project was started by Amy Vinks, a missionary working for CMS Austraila, in co-operation with the Anglican Diocese of Mara. The original and main form of outreach is greeting card making, where the women learn the skills for this and then receive a fair wage to make the products Rehema sells. The project is rapidly expanding though, developing new product lines including jewellery and clothes making, and running a cafe in the compound of the Anglican Diocese. The money raised from the Rehema outreach supports to two main areas or work.
Supported Programmes
The first is a number of Kindergartens run by the Anglican Diocese for children from the local community between the age of 3-7. The money ensures that each day during school term basic food is provided to the children. This essential service enables the children to learn and play without being hungry. Rehema also plans to provide basic play equipment, such as balls or rope swings for the children as funds allow.
The second area is supporting women who, for many reasons, are raising their children alone. For example they may not have a husband or perhaps have a husband who has many wives but no ability to provide for them or their children. Of particular concern are women who have very little education or training and therefore do not have the skills themselves to provide for their family. Without assistance these woman will be forced in to compromising situations; selling their bodies, stealing or sending their children to be raised by other family members. Rehema’s vision is to give back hope and dignity to these women. click here to read more about one of the woman’s stories.
What would you do?
Through Go MAD there are a number of different ways you can help support Rehema during your trip. You will be given the opportunity to help along side some of the local women with the card making. As the most developed of the products a lot of assistance is needed with this to help keep up with the demand. The work will involve all parts of the production from cutting up the card itself as a first step, right through to decorating the cards themselves. There are a number of set designs to follow and so it does not matter if you don’t think you have any art skills as they are very easy to follow; you will be amazed at what you will produce. As the jewellery and cafe activities develop you will also have the chance to get involved if that’s where your talents are more suited. Rehema is always very open to any new ideas and talents team members may have that can be used to help develop the project further.
What else does Rehema Offer
By working alongside a number of the women that Rehema support you will be able to experience first hand the positive impact it has on their life. Working with Rehema is also a good way to let your body take time out from the busy building schedule you will be involved in which can be very physically tiring. As you work in a slightly less pressured environment it will also allow you to reflect on your trip and spend some quality time with your fellow team members.
To apply for the Summer Rehema 4 week trip please click here