CoLaborers International https://colaborersinternational.com

-The project began. It was led locally by 2 African leaders and 1 CLI representative. (Then known as “JESUSpolitik”)

– These leaders served with the project providing food, clothing and meeting the needs of an average of 52 street children weekly.

– Clothing and material goods are donated.

-The project grows. A building and sewing machines are bought to teach girls at risk of prostitution to sew and learn vocational skills.

– Student intern Tyler Lee makes a mini-documentary of their efforts – “Get Me Off the Streets for Christ’s Sake!” which receives awards in 2009. The first showing of this film was at Parmer Cinema.

– MD and PA bands come together for “World Speaks” benefit concert for the Love Maputo Project. It was held at Gray’s Beach. Organized by Gottseligs.

-JESUSpolitik begins to assist Masana’s efforts in Maputo. Masana is a ministry that grew out of the Reformed Church of Mozambique. Masana operates as a daycare. Workers provide children with a full curriculum of education including literacy, writing, language classes in Portuguese and English, mathematics, civic studies, music classes and physical education. Children additionally receive daily food and water and medical helps as needed as well as mentoring, spiritual resources and vocational training. Masana also operates as a reintegration program by working to reunite street children with their families or relatives and to help them live together in a healthy framework.

– April 2009,The Kunhymela House came to Maputo and assisted Masana’s work. The Kunhymela House’s role was to provide short term housing for street children that Masana was still in the process of reintegrating. Workers of The Kunhymela House function as mentors for the children, put on special outreaches for the children, such as worship nights and soccer outreaches, and assist with the day care operations put on by Masana.

– In the summer, musical instruments and supplies are donated to their work through JESUSpolitik.

– Singer-songwriter Talain Rayne releases “I realize” a song about, and in support of, the work in Maputo. JESUSpolitik produces a promotional video of him and this song.

– Singer- songwriter Jeremy Eshelman releases “Dreamer”, a song about what life would be like as a street child in Maputo. JESUSpolitik produces a music video of this song for Jeremy.

– JESUSpolitik student intern Jonathan Stutzman begins directing “Masana” documentary.

– Messiah College’s World Christian Fellowship host a Love Maputo benefit concert with musicians from Messiah College, Eastern University, Asbury University and Contemporary Music Center.

– Masana and Kunhymela House hold a soccer clinic in Maputo as a mass outreach event to street children. Over 500 people come over the course of the clinic.

– LoveMaputo.com is launched

– LaPlata Chik-Fil-A, LaPlata Walmart, LaPlata Rite-Aide, Waldorf Shaw’s Jewelers and personal donors donate gift items for annual Christmas party in Maputo.

– Singer-song-writer Talain Rayne releases “Twinkle-Lightly”, a song about the children of Mozambique.

– 15 street children are reunited and reintegrated into families.

-14 street children are reunited and successfully reintegrated back into their families and school.

– Masana.org is launched

– JESUSpolitik student intern, Jane DeBoer researches grants on behalf of Masana & Kunhymela House

– Water filter provided

-JESUSpolitik student volunteers complete a 40+ minute promotional documentary “Masana” featuring interviews with staff members and children they have helped. (Directed by Jonathan Stutzman, filmed by Sarah Olds, translated by Mariana Gomes and Sarah Olds, music by Talain Rayne)

-Kunhymela House is absorbed by Masana and they become unified as one organization. JESUSpolitik’s partnership with their work is complete.