Come celebrate African Medical Mission’s 30th Anniversary at this year’s Kentucky Derby Fundraiser, May 7th, at Camp Mondamin! Catch the spirit of the Derby, enjoy a traditional southern supper, visit with Jenny McConnachie and support one of St. James’ longtime outreach projects.
30 years ago St. James parishioners Jenny and Chris McConnachie left their home and an established medical practice in Hendersonville and moved to Mthatha, South Africa to provide medical care and what became their lifelong devotion to the people of the Eastern Cape. Our congregation bid them farewell, but never good-bye. Upon their departure in 1980, Fr. Alex Viola wrote, “the Medical Mission has been adopted as the chief commitment of the Episcopal church in Western North Carolina to the mission of Jesus Christ beyond this diocese. This is a profound confirmation of our faith and fellowship.”
In addition to celebrating 30 years of work in Africa, AMM also celebrates Jenny who is the longest serving Episcopal missionary.
For over three decades, the congregation of St. James has joined with people from all over the world who believe in the work of Jenny and the late Chris McConnachie. We continue to support the work of African Medical Mission and the people it serves. The Derby Fundraiser is one of AMM’s primary sources for raising money. For more information on attending this year’s special Derby celebration and fundraiser, visit the Derby page on our website.
The Annual Walk for Africa has been scheduled for Saturday October 23rd in downtown Hendersonville. The walk kicks off the 5 mile route at the Gazebo on Main Street. For those of you who might not have walked in the past, it’s a wonderful experience. You might meet new people, you’ll get some good exercise, and you’re helping a great cause! Visit the walk page for more info. Hope to see you there!!
Because of the excitement of the World Cup being held in South Africa, Jenny got a big screen and a projector to watch the Opening Ceremony in Itipini. We can’t wait to hear how the kids and families enjoyed the festivities. Pictures and reports will be forthcoming!
Elizabeth, AMM Board Member
Read all about Irena’s, Bedford’s newest volunteer, travels to Bedford and her experiences getting settled in: Irena’s Bedford Blog.
Picture 1. Malary Kubichek, Jennie Boyer and Jenny McConnachie in Maryland
Picture 2. Jenny in a handmade South African outfit
Picture 3. Teacher and Jenny at St. Timothy’s School in Maryland
Picture 4. Jenny with the Bullocks in Winston-Salem
Jesse Zink is the Young Adult Service Corps missionary of the Episcopal Church working with Jennie McConnachie at the Itipini Community Clinic. His service is wrapping up now and since his blog has given us in the US a direct link to South Africa, I thought I would blog about how much his words and his service have meant to us. Jesse has been in Mthatha since June of 2007 and has, I’m sure, experienced some incredible victories and some failures along the way. His blog is wonderfully written, and if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s time to check it out. http://mthathamission.blogspot.com/
Former AMM Board member and accomplished videographer, Patrick Long, spent several weeks filming in South Africa and Hendersonville, NC to document the work of African Medical Mission. The result is a stunning video with footage of Dr. Chris McConnachie before he passed away.
If you are interested in a free copy of the DVD, please email the request to amminfo@mchsi.com, or call (828) 696-9930.
