November 27th, 1998

Dear Friends,

Here is another mini newsletter from Makeni Ecumenical Centre, whose work you have shown so much interest in and have supported so faithfully:

1. News about Zambia:
(a) In the year ending March 1998, one of Zambia's major copper mines, ZCCM, experienced a drop in production from 320,000 tons to 282,000 tons. Cobalt production went down by 1100 tons from 4016 tons. Copper prices fell from S1.25/lb to $0.74/lb in a 6 months period. Low production and prices led to a net loss of K468 billion Kwacha (US$1=K2200)

(b) The economic and social research unit of the Jesuit Theological Centre says the minimum monthly income needed by a family of six in Lusaka has risen from K165,000 in Dec.1995 to K215,350 in Sept.1998 - a 30% increase in the basic essentials of a family.

(c) Revd Peter Chintala of the State House Religious Desk says the Ministry of Health estimates that by the year 2010 nearly 2 million Zambians will have died of AIDS

(d) "Corridor Disease" has reduced Southern Province cattle herds from 1.1 million head to 700,000 head. K2 billion has been set aside to help peasant farmers.

(e) Government has finally agreed to grant NGO's, including MEC, exemption of VAT taxation on cement, blocks, sand and roof sheets for building projects.

2. Upgrading of a workshop, previously used for the carpentry project,  now to be used for MEC's new computer course, is nearing completion. A new floor and ceiling were installed, walls were plastered and painted, 16 electric supply points, new lighting, burglar bars and security gates were installed. The outside area is being paved to reduce the inflow of dust. The works will cost US$3250. Workbenches will be installed. 18 computers and 3 printers were generously donated by the Mission Department of the Reformed Church in the Netherlands. We are looking for a UPS (an Uninterruptible Power Supply) for them - can anyone help with this? We are still looking for a volunteer to kick off this project....

3. Makeni Ecumenical Centre now has its own Homepage/Web site on the Internet. Why not visit it? You can find it at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/antondil
As you may guess from this, the site is maintained by Dr Anton Dil in England.

4. Audited Accounts for 1997 have now been produced. A summary can be found on our homepage. Accounts have also been produced for the Family Planning Project which is financially sustained by the Sonnevanck Foundation in Holland. Total expenditure for the period Sept.'97-Oct.'98 was US$40,600. Funds will run out by June 1999... A new donor is being sought for this vital project. If you know of any FP agency in your country to whom we may apply for funding, we should be grateful to hear from you.

5. Makeni Church has been made a separate parish which will also serve the five congregations out in Mwembeshi district. Confirmation classes and Bible Study meetings are now taking place. The congregation is slowly growing after a long period of neglect and having no pastor. Fr Dil is acting as caretaker in his retirement. For all these congregations, and for new ones being set up in the new settlement villages, donations of "Mission Praise" song books and "Hymns Ancient & Modern Revised" and Bibles are presently being solicited with the kind help of Mr Bill Bridge in England. You can contact him at web@botten.demon.co.uk  if you want to assist.

All for now. Best wishes,
Yours in Christ,
PJD
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Very Revd Canon Pierre J Dil,
Honorary Chairman Makeni Ecumenical Centre  P O Box 50255,Lusaka, Zambia
Private mail: Private Bag RW304X, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel 260-1-274991  Fax 260-1-272437

e-mail:mecdil@zamnet.zm