Matipane, Limpopo, South Africa -

	Book shelves in the new children's library, Matipane, South Africa. Photo provided by Horizon International.

In 2006 a group of individuals gathered to embark on a Vision Tour of South Africa with Horizon International. They knew it would be challenging, difficult, thrilling, and life changing, but what they didn’t know was just how much they would impact the lives of the children they would meet in Matipane Village, South Africa.
           
While on this family missions trip, the kids and adults alike recognized a serious need for school supplies for the local children. Dorinda Jacobson, a member of the group stated, “School supplies are something they [American children] can relate to and provide with help of their classmates.”

After returning to the United States, the group (mostly from Highland Park Community Church in Casper, Wyoming) decided they wanted to do something about the needs they saw. Their plans involved sending children’s books to Matipane, lots of children’s books.  
           
Mike Orcutt, another member of the team, decided to sponsor a book drive at his public middle school in Casper. The drive was a resounding success collecting approximately 2,500 books! Jacobson and others helped to sort and ship the books to Matipane a couple months later.
           
Recently another group visited the same Matipane Children’s Library. They supplied a fresh coat of paint, and varnished and installed book shelves. While the library is still in need of books, it has gotten off to a wonderful start thanks to one group of loving individuals who saw a need and met it.

This need for good books is still very present in almost all of the areas where Horizon ministers. The library in Matipane still has many empty shelves, and Horizon intends to start more libraries in several of our areas throughout Africa. If you or your church family feel you can help meet this need, please do not hesitate to start collecting books. Contact Horizon’s American staff at (765) 778-1016 so we can work together to make this goal a reality!