Banner Newsletter | March/April 2023

IN MISSION
GROWING HOPE GLOBALLY Lebanon South
SHAWL MINISTRY
The main goal of this program is to empower
farmers and improve the livelihood of
Lebanese and Syrian women and their families
in rural, south Lebanon by rehabilitating an
existing nursery, conducting agricultural
training sessions, and distributing vegetables
and fruit plants. This project, led by the
Mennonite Central Committee, will address
the issue of local farmers’ exhaustive
dependence on tobacco agriculture, which
has failed to alleviate their poverty despite
the state-subsidies for more than 70 years, by
encouraging value-chain marketing of organic
vegetables and eco-friendly practices.
All are invited each second Tuesday of the month
to join a group of dedicated knitters and crocheters
meeting to bless newly created shawls, create new
shawls, and enjoy fellowship. New knitters and
crocheters are always welcome!
TEA PARTY
On the 3rd Tuesday afternoon of every month,
the BUMC Caring Ministries continues to deliver
Tea Parties to those who are homebound. Both
visitors, and those who are visited, really enjoy the
visit. Let Elaine Anderson know if you want to join
us or receive a visit. As the group was ready to leave for the January
tea party, a tribute was made to Carol Svoboda, the founder of the
BUMC tea parties.
Colombia Sincelejo Montes de Maria
Located in one of the regions of Colombia that
was most affected by the conflict and violence
of the early 2000’s, this program, run by the
Mennonite Central Committee, focuses on
increasing food security through improved
agricultural practices and peace building.
Activities include agricultural training,
community organizing, improving access to
markets, and advocacy for victims of violence
and displacement.
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