Rebuilding at Osire Refugee Camp, Namibia

3 Dec

Back in February, Gospel Fest Goes West’s 10th Anniversary concert, raised an incredible £1,800 for World Mission Partnership’s work with refugees in Namibia.

This month, we received a letter of thanks from Bishop Christopher M. Gaya, along with some photos updating us on how the funds have been used to start rebuilding a key part of Bethlehem Church at Osire Refugee Camp. Read an excerpt from the letter below:

“This significant contribution has been directly channeled into the vital work of rebuilding the Bethlehem church building at Osire. That was destroyed by the high rainfall and strong winds that Namibia experienced this year. As you may know, this structure is far more than just a place of worship; it is a true beacon of hope and a cornerstone of the community for the refugees residing in Osire. This building does not just operate as a place of worship on Sundays as well as during the week. During the week, it serves as a crucial pre-school, providing early education and a safe environment for our youngest members. Furthermore, it functions as a community center, offering essential services such as vaccination drives and medical care, which are indispensable for the well-being of the community. In a testament to its multifaceted role, the building also houses a computer lab, where young people are equipped with vital computer literacy skills, opening doors to future opportunities and empowering them in an increasingly digital world. The destruction of this building was, therefore, a devastating blow to the community, impacting every aspect of their daily lives and their aspirations for the future. Your timely and compassionate assistance has been instrumental in helping them to regain a measure of dignity and hope amidst challenging circumstances.

Your solidarity and practical support have reinforced our faith and reminded us of the powerful bonds that unite us as a global Methodist family… Together, we can continue to strive towards restoring dignity, fostering faith, and providing more opportunities for those who have endured so much. We pray for God's continued blessings upon the Irish Methodist Church and look forward to strengthening our fellowship in the years to come.”

Thank you again to Gospel Fest Goes West, to all who organised and attended the event, your efforts and giving are having a real impact in Namibia!