Newsletter-Jan-June-2015

Norma Murrain
Pictures from ASD 2014
During the workshop I met a widow who owned her own gemstone mine…she told us that because
they don’t have the technology or equipment to cut the stones they have to sell them for little or
nothing By Anastasia ‘rough’. Oyebanji
We paid her a fair price and bought some of the stones back for testing, they turned out to be genuine
natural gemstones.
We hope to return to Nigeria in February 2015 to bring further jewellery making skills and tools including
lapidary and stone cutting machines which will enable the widows to cut and polish the
stones and sell them for a fair price.
We are also extremely excited about the ‘Shepherd Treasured Academy’ with the Dorcas Foundation
which will continue to support and train widows and disadvantaged women in the diocese.
I continue to thank God for this privilege and partnership.
Anastasia, the event coordinator and proprietor of TASHADY catering, explained
the African meal to guests. It was presented in a bio-degradable parcel
(see picture above) donated by London Bio Packaging. Special thanks to
Florissa Designs, London for decorating the venue. We also appreciate other
organisations for their support in kind and cash.
Tables and chairs decorated by Florrissa
Designs.
A cross section of guests at the ASD