First Congregational Church of Gibraltar, UCC
Preparing food for the animals.
Tabita Project - Malawi
This ministry project was started in 2004 after meeting Rev. Smart Msinkhu from
Many of the funds, such as the farming fund, sewing fund, and microloan fund are set up on the “pay it forward” plan. The funds help people and families based on their need. The funds paid back are placed back into the funds for use in helping others in need.
Educational Fund
Though primary classes are free in Farming Fund The farming fund assists poverty-stricken farmers buy seeds, fertilizer, weed control products, livestock, and other needed farming supplies. Orphan Farm Fund The orphan farm fund is for support of growing crops and livestock in the orphan’s field. The fund assists in purchasing seeds, fertilizer, weed control products, and livestock. The food produced from this field is used to feed orphans in the Ntchewu area that are under the care of Rev. Smart Msinkhu. Microloan Fund The microloan fund provides loans to poverty-stricken people and families for starting small businesses at low interest rates and with low monthly payments. All principle payments go toward supporting new microloans. The interest payments are used for growing the microloan fund or supporting other Tabita Project programs. The sewing fund assists needy persons and families in providing sewing machines and sewing supplies. If a person has a sewing machine and the needed supplies, they might be able to earn money to help support themselves or a family. Joy Boxes Joy Boxes are care-type boxes to provide a sparkle of Joy and a touch of hope to the desperately needy in Items to avoid: Avoid items that require batteries as batteries are hard to get and quite expensive in Blank paper (because of the weight) is normally not sent Liquids and breakable items are not sent. No second-hand clothes can be sent ( No coins, currency, banknotes, expensive jewelry, precious stones or precious metals can be sent ( No weapons, etc. can be sent Note: Patent medicines must be plainly marked with the composition and dosage. Send medicines in the commercial package. Watch expiration dates. Package Size Limit: The maximum size limit for rectangular-shaped parcels of 42 inches in maximum length and 79 inches in maximum length and girth combined applies Examples of items that can be included in a Joy Box: school supplies other than paper, such as: flashcards for math, numbers, alphabet, phonics; pencils, erasers, colored pencils, pencil pouches, pens, crayons, solid water colors and brushes, rulers, protractors, reference books, text books, atlases, beginner reading books, classic literature, pencil sharpeners, solar-powered calculators, educational games: Boggle, Tri-ominoes, Scrabble sewing supplies, such as: needles, pins, thread, hem gauges, pin cushions, fabric, thimbles, safety pins, buttons, zippers, ribbon, lace, snaps, needleworking, embroidery, quilting supplies health supplies, such as: bandaids, bandages, complete multivitamins, aspirin, Imodium, Aleve, emergency blankets, sheets, blankets, nitrile gloves, bar soap, towels, wash cloths, first aid books misc. items, such as: flashlights that require no batteries, ball or bike tire pumps with needles, backpacks, waist packs, totebags, buckets, sleeping bags, Frisbees (flying discs), jump ropes, pots, pans, non-breakable dishes, stainless flatware, cooking utensils, gardening hand trowels, heavy plastic sheeting (6 mil thickness), tarps, bungee cords, soccer balls, large sprinkling cans, new clothes This list is not meant to include all items that can be included in a Joy Box but merely a suggested list to give an idea of useful items that can be included. Donations for the Joy Boxes can help us in covering the mailing costs for shipping items. If you are interested in sending your own Joy Box to Donations As often is the case, the needs are much greater than the resources available. All donations received are used for the ministry as specified by the donor. No overhead costs are taken from donations that are received. If you would like to be a part of this ministry by making a donation, donations can be sent to the First Congregational Church, U.C.C. in If you want your donation to go towards a specific Tabita Project fund, you can also specify that on the note line along with “ First Congregational Church, U.C.C. If you wish to receive a document of your charitable donations sent to this church for tax purposes, please place a note in the envelope with your name and mailing address so that the document can be mailed to you.
Sewing Fund
