Finishing the first home at House of Faith Orphanage!

As provided by Mike Jones, our Director of African Missions(edited): This picture was taken yesterday (9-10-07). I expect to see the roof on tomorrow. I met with the District Councilor for Silembe. He says he will help with the approvals. The buildings should be ready next month. If we get the approvals in two months, that would be fast. We will probably have to pay at least k1,000,000 (approximately $250 US$) a year for something like a business license. I'll probably have to be interviewed at a District Council Meeting, for which a sitting fee is required. The problem with doing any kind of ministry or business here is that the laws are not clear and keep changing.

Some of the upcoming costs for the Orphanage are as follows:

• To plaster the house will cost maybe $160.00 inside and another $160.00 outside. Ceilings may cost $700.00 (I need to price ceiling boards again).
• Kitchen Laundry has the foundation dug. The total cost will probably be $7,000.00. This should serve all six houses. We can probably get the roof on, with open sides, for $500-600. Sinks for washing and cleaning, fireplace area for cooking, and storage bins can be built over time.
• Bathhouse is at top-of-door level and should serve three houses; $270.00 to get the roof on, $525.00 toilets, $270.00 sinks, $425.00 showers, water tank and pipes $700.00, and $500.00 septic system and pipes for a total $2,700.00. These are estimates.
• Furniture - beds $150.00 x 6 = $900.00 + "Parent bed/beds $130.00. Cabinet/store area for each child $50.00 x 12 = $600.00. Wardrobe/storage for "parents" $100.00. Table should be space saving, such as a folding table or narrow shelf table attached to the walls or wall hinged to fold up and down with chairs or benches $500 (complete guess). A few odds and ends will probably pop up $200.00. Consider dishes (small cost), Sheets, blankets and clothes. Lighting will have initial purchase and monthly costs $5.00 for kerosene lantern, $59.00 for pressure kerosene lantern (very good light), $400.00 for solar. Maintenance always needed for batteries, LED Flash lights (batteries last for weeks) $50.00. Generator would cost a lot to purchase and operate if that is the direction we want to go. Total cost $3,000.00 or there abouts.
  
  Final Approval for children to move into the home could be next month, probably more likely 2 months, but could possibly be 3 or 4 months. I'm confident of receiving approval. Its just a matter of time, African time.
  
  Have Fun! Mike
  

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Please keep these needs in your prayers as we continue with this project. Most of these costs we have no commitments for at this time, however, we would like to finish these items in the next 60-90 days. Blessings, Scott