Ecumenical Conference of Charity

News - July-September, 2006

“Then I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.”—Psalm 35:18

It has been a very busy time for the ECC since the publication of our last newsletter. We welcome back all our volunteers, associates and benefactors from their vacation. Due to the vacationing absence of some of our volunteers we were able to meet new people who have taken up some of their duties. Our outreach provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to reach out to others. Then there is something that keeps us coming back for years – the camaraderie with fellow volunteers and the many opportunities for social and special events. We still have work to do. Let's keep "Reaching out to others…" The Gudaibiya Fire Tragedy This incident made the headlines when 16 men died in a squalid labour camp and the plight of another 196 was brought to light. The ECC immediately spearheaded a campaign asking for donations of clothes, toiletries, food and money. The response was overwhelming. We were able to distribute to each of the 196 individuals 3 pairs of trousers, 5 shirts/t-shirts, slippers, some edible items and an allowance of BD 5. Our sincere thanks go to several individuals who helped with sorting and packing the clothes, transportation of the items, collection of items and money. The primary aim of the ECC has always been to help in crisis situations, and help is given to all, irrespective of race or belief. To protect their dignity no photographs were taken. With your help we hope we have been able to restore their faith in the human race. We have always strived to maintain the original intent of our founders:

Our Outreach During this quarter, we were able to reach out in various ways.

	Sri Lankan child with cancer - Visited the family and handed over BD 400 to them
	Ethiopian female in coma due to a rheumatic heart - After an appeal in the GDN, BD 193 + US$ 100 was collected from donors and given to the patient's family. We had already donated BD 400 earlier to assist with her repatriation. Unfortunately, after some weeks of being with her family she passed away at home in Ethiopia. She was discharged from the hospital due to lack of medicines.
	Sri Lankan lady with two children and abandoned by the father of the children was assisted with house rent and provisions for 3 months.
	An Indian widow with two children was assisted with BD 400 as fees towards obtaining a Degree in Physiotherapy.
	Bangladeshi kitchen assistant was partially paralyzed on the left side. ECC paid one way ticket and a draft for the remaining money making a total of BD 100.
	A 32 year old Filipina, was treated very badly by her employers. She jumped from the 2nd floor, fractured her leg. She was assisted with BD 300.
	Filipino elderly man was given BD 150 as he was departing Bahrain after living here illegally for over quarter of a century.
	Sri Lankan female suffered a stroke and was unable to pay BD 60 for a CAT scan. ECC was able to step in and do the needful
	Bahraini male suffered a stroke and was seeking further treatment in India. Condition at home was quite pathetic. We assisted him with BD 150.
	Bahraini male suffered a stroke and was seeking further treatment in India. He has 16 children and has a small electric shop which he could not run due to his conditions. He too was assisted with BD 150.
	Sri Lankan female married to an Indian and has two children. Man is an alcoholic. Wife has a lump on her hand that would cost BD 135 for an operation in Bahrain. In view of the circumstances she decided to return to Sri Lanka. BD 300 was paid for tickets and treatment expenses.
	Pakistani family where the man was in custody for illegal stay in the country and deported thereafter. Family now in dire straits. We were able to buy a second hand refrigerator at BD 75 for the family. Also, their two children are being sent for computer classes @ BD 380 so that they may be able to secure jobs.
	A Bahraini kidney patient who returned from his surgery in Philippines thanked the ECC and expressed his gratitude to the ECC and Christian community. ECC had initiated an article in the GDN requesting for assistance and a Bahraini VIP responded by sponsoring the treatment.
	An Indian laundry worker was reported as requiring cardiac surgery and we were requested by a reporter from the GDN to follow up the case. As we were in the process of taking a second opinion a Bahraini VIP responded. It was ascertained that surgery was not required.

Hospital Visits Two individuals and eight members from the NEC-English Language Congregation have volunteered their services for the Hospital Visits which are on a weekly basis. Meals on Wheels Beneficiaries have been  • A Sri Lankan woman and her two children • An Indian lady with three children, youngest child was 22 days old. Husband is a gardener • A Pakistani woman and her three children as their father has been deported • An elderly Pakistani widow who has no source of income Provisions are provided for three months. Thereafter, if the situation has not improved we recommend help for another three months. Request for a Child Counsellor A male teenager with a Bahraini father and South American mother needs counselling as his father has taken on a Bahraini wife and the child is very depressed. Unfortunately, they cannot afford the money and hence are looking for someone who can counsel the boy at no charge. Thank you Thank you to everyone who has supported the ECC in any way. You give us hope. You strengthen our faith. Without your help we would be unable to be reaching out to others… Pause for Thought Give God what's right -- not what's left.   Man's way leads to a hopeless end – God's way leads to an endless hope. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone. We don't change God's message – His message changes us.   When God ordains, He sustains.

The Ecumenical Conference of Charity
P O Box 54193
Adliya
Kingdom of Bahrain

(Physical Address: St. Christopher’s Cathedral, Opposite Police Fort, Manama)

Tel: 39440319,
Fax: 17621448
E-mail: eccbahrain@yahoo.com