Dear Friends,

It is an honor for me to be able to write to you because I know that the recipients of this newsletter are some of our biggest fans, supporters, and friends. Thanks for your investment into the lives of South Africa’s children over the years. When we started Oceans of Mercy in 2002 (yes, next year is our 10^th anniversary), we dreamed about the day when we would be loving and supporting thousands of children. That day has arrived and it is sweet (over 2000 kids are now part of our programs). We began our work with just eleven darling children who were living with Mama Gladys Panda in Motherwell, outside of Port Elizabeth. We loved them, nurtured them, even spoilt them a little and enjoyed watching them grow up into amazing human beings. This past trip to South Africa (July 2011) was especially pleasing to me as many of the counselors at our camp were from this original 11. Athobella, Sinoxolo, Unako, and Xolelwa have all grown into the most amazing, Godly, young ladies. Also at the camp were others from that original 11, Lilitha, Lisakhanya, Aphelele and more. It was great to reminisce with them about their journey. Atho shared with me that for many years kids would make fun of her because she chose to remain abstinent, but now those girls all have children and she, still abstaining, is about to become a missionary. She shared that the purity ring I gave her when she was 13, six years ago, helped her make healthy choices to keep herself pure. I am sure you can appreciate how much those words meant to me.

We are about to embark on our second decade as an organization. For quite a while now the mission statement of Oceans of Mercy has been: Oceans of Mercy provides hope, life, and love to orphans and vulnerable children impacted by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Of course this is a noble endeavor which is holistic in nature, Hope-Spiritual Development, Life-Physical Development, and Love-Emotional Development. We are, however, entering a new season of development in which we believe our main investment should be in empowering communities to take care of their own children. We are learning a strategy that raises awareness of need and opportunity, and facilitates a process by which the community itself identifies solutions and begins to work together in an organized way. The community gains hope and vision, and a development process is catalyzed. This approach to an empowering methodology has necessitated that we change our mission statement to: Oceans of Mercy empowers communities to provide hope, life, and love to orphans and vulnerable children impacted by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. An addition of a couple of words truly transforms business as usual. We believe that once communities fully realize the potential that already exists in their midst, we will see great transformation. This methodology has being successfully used in 108 countries and the results are: health improves, infant mortality decreases, agriculture becomes more productive, jobs are created, water systems, roads, schools and clinics are built, orphans are cared for, churches are established or strengthened. All of this is achieved at the initiative of the people. Peace, justice, compassion, and righteousness are witnessed in the community and God is glorified. We will keep you updated on our progress.

Thanks again for believing in what we do through your continued support and encouragement. Nkosi sikelele abantwana. God Bless the children.

Schaun Colin