Celebration! +Dedication+ Christ Church, Mpaka, Swaziland ~~ Saturday, April 9, 2011

In 2004, a team of Iowans in Swaziland were invited to enter into a dream to build a school for orphans and other vulnerable children in Mpaka, an impoverished, drought-stricken area in Swaziland.

In 2005, Bishop Meshack Mabuza, Anglican Diocese of Swaziland, presented plans to construct a multi-purpose facility to serve as a school, a church, a clinic & a community center in Mpaka, and gave his blessing for this cooperative companions project to proceed. Episcopal parishes and individuals across the dioceses of Iowa and Brechin, Scotland, responded generously with funds to help make the dream come true.

In 2006, a team of Iowans contributed sweat equity to the dream... making concrete building blocks with Swazis for the school ~ church ~ clinic ~ community center at Mpaka.

By 2008, steel girders were in place and a steel roof had been purchased. In 2009 & 2010, work progressed on the building foundation and walls. In 2011, the roof was added & the facilty was ready to be dedicated during Bishop Alan Scarfe's six-week sojourn in the Diocese of Swaziland.

Now, we celebrate the completion of the dream of building & the beginning of creating a school for the children of Mpaka! Christ Church dedication ~ April 9, 2011 ~ Mpaka, Swaziland!