Volume 24 Issue 8

As in the past few months, a member of our journalism club has submitted a report to update us about what is going on at the New Dawn Tanzania campus. As always, we are leaving the article completely unedited and as written by the student reporter.

By Nancy Daniel
Reporter
New Dawn Secondary School

Summary:

In every year in New Dawn there is a general election which is done to elect new leaders. It is always done so as to find new leaders because the form four leaders are completing their studies so they are not able to continue with the leadership.

It is said that, “everything that has a beginning has an ending”. Today was a good day of a farewell for the old student’s leadership and welcoming the new student’s leadership. The new leaders took the vow led by our director Bishop, Dr. Steven Mshomi who led the inauguration event. The leaders read the vow and promised to work hard to bring positive changes in the school and the entire community. 
        
The event went also with praying for the new leaders to ask God to guide them in their new responsibilities. The new leaders were advised to use well the opportunity given because it is a talent which might help the to grow and be big leaders in the future. They have to be faithful servants in the positions they have because if they become faithful in this little, God will make them rule over many things .

The taking of vows marks the beginning of the responsibilities for the new leaders. For now, the new student’s leadership is led by president Sharon Maeda, vice president Daniel Simeon, prime minister Nancy Daniel, deputy Thomas Zabron, minister of education Anna Emmanuel, deputy Frank Godson, minister of health and environment Sophia Petro Mollel, deputy Dickson Omary, minister of sport and games Ebenezer Said, deputy  Gertrude John, store keeper Jacob William, time keeper Obed Laizer, ministers of home and resident Andrew Makorani and Praise Abraham, minister of agriculture Aloyce Fredrick, deputy Hawa Kilagani, minister of information Emmanuel Felix, deputy Charity Lamech and minister of food Avon Steward and Simon Paschal .

Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) was founded in 1979 by Billy Graham and other Evangelical leaders to enhance trust in Christ-centered churches and ministries through its annual accreditation of organizations based on the Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship, drawn from Scripture.

New Dawn Communities USA has received updated and confirmation of accreditation by meeting the high standard of financial integrity required by ECFA to ensure trust, accountability and best practices being better stewards of Gods-given resources.

Two of the most distinguishing assets of an organization are governance and leadership. Over the years, New Dawn has been led by an amazing group of men and women who have exhibited the highest standards of selfless sacrificial service and integrity.

We all recognize that living things grow over time, and what grows changes. During the last few years, New Dawn has experienced some significant leadership changes, and we thought many of you might be interested to know how our organization has transitioned.

New Dawn began as a ministry of World Christian Outreach in 2001. One of the most dedicated WCO board members at that time was Jack Klaer. He was a very successful Orange County contractor who brought much wisdom, insight and experience to the ministry. Sadly, Jack passed away in October. He remained engaged as a significant supporter and leader until his final days. He served for nearly 24 years, and he will be greatly missed.

Another loss our ministry suffered recently was with the passing of one of our most committed volunteer staff members, Steve Pitchford. He owned and operated a successful printing and business development firm. He helped produce many of our recent publications and inspired us to keep things simple and pure. Steve was passionate about the kids at New Dawn Communities and this loss leaves a huge void.

Another very committed board member has been Ian Dyer. Regrettably, he recently retired from his board position yet remains an ardent supporter of our mission. He is all about marriage and family. As a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ian has a passion for mentoring youth and uses volleyball as a vehicle to reach young people. In 2006 he brought a volleyball and a net to our Community in Kenya and led a training clinic with our students. To this day, Volleyball remains a favorite sport for our students.

Another former board member and unquestionably the most effective corporate secretary we have ever had was Tom Slatten. He and his wife Teresa travel around the country and world helping ministries in very practical ways. He retired from our board a couple of years ago to dedicate his energy to a wonderful school and church ministry in Ghana. I doubt that anyone could ever replace him or will measure up to his standard of excellence. We miss him dearly.

With the sad losses, there have been some encouraging additions. So, we are excited to welcome three new board members onto the team:

One is Winston Wardwell, the Family Pastor at Cornerstone Community Church, and Recovery Pastor at Joshua House, both in San Clemente. He and his wife Kristen dedicate themselves to providing foster care for young children in strained family situations. In April, he went with a team to visit our community in Tanzania and made a significant impact on the ministry there. He drew a crowd of kids and youth everywhere he went. He is an anointed minister and brings many gifts and talents to the mission.

Another new board member is Ernesto Hernandez, who is husband to his wife Corina and father to their two adult children. He oversees El Buen Pastor, a Spanish Congregation in San Clemente. Ernesto is a retired US Marine and applies his amazing skills in civilian life with a growing electrical contracting company in Southern California. He has made many trips to East Africa with us and has been involved with New Dawn since the early days.

Our third new board member is Russ Henderson, who has been serving as one of our dedicated volunteer staff members. He is a devoted husband and father of two, who embraces his wife’s parents into their household. He invests much of his time and energy, helping strengthen and guide businesses and ministries to efficiency and effectiveness. His diverse experience and skill set is a tremendous addition to the team.

Although so many amazing people have shaped New Dawn over the years, none of the growth and fruitfulness would have been possible if not for the years of wholehearted commitment of our founders, Stan and Damaris Herpick.

And finally, another profoundly influential board member and supporter comes to mind, Ron Birtcher. Ron was a dear mentor and a tremendous guiding force from the inception of New Dawn. Although he has passed on, he remains a perpetual inspiration to us all. His legacy continues through the generosity of the Birtcher Family Foundation.

We look forward to receiving another 36-40 orphaned freshman students in January 2025. If you are looking for a practical way to show some gratitude this Thanksgiving season, would you consider sponsoring one of our students?

• $125 One student for one month
• $1,500 One student for one year
• $6,000 One student for four years

We also have a need for safe and reliable transportation for our championship sports teams and nationally acclaimed choir.

• $60,000 40 seat Tata Bus

Our next capital improvement to our campus is a much needed and long overdue Administration building.

• $95,000 Structure, equipment, fixtures and furniture

If you would like to help in another very effective way, Please Pray for us.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. . .

Colossians 4:2