New drive to aid women in Central Africa

The Rev. Mutima Peter of Westbrook is reaching out to local women in an effort to help women and children victimized by war and genocide in Central Africa.

Peter, who is asking for 200 donors to each give $200, has a goal of raising $40,000. Hi is the founder of Central Africa Vision, and, he said, if the goal is met, the money could save the lives of 360 widows, create 360 jobs and small businesses and feed and educate 1,800 orphans.

Central Africa Vision literature states that four wars and genocide have widowed 70 percent of native women in Rwanda, Democratic republic of Congo and Burundi. A native of the Congo, Peter and his family fled the violence in 1993. He is pastor of International Christian Fellowship in Portland.

In August, Peter returns to Central Africa for three weeks on his annual peace mission. He organizes peace conferences in an effort to reconcile warring factions. He said last week a journalist was killed in the Congo. “Eastern Congo is boiling,” Peter said.On a mission three years ago, Peter witnessed the aftermath of a massacre on Aug. 13, 2004, at the Gatumba refugee camp in Burundi. The massacre left 163 dead and 300 wounded.

Central Africa Vision is currently aiding 2,160 widows and 10,000 children.

Donations are tax deductible. Those who want to help can sent donations to Central Africa Vision, P.O. Box 1975, Portland, Maine. 04104. For more information, call 773-8811 or visit the Web site www.cav2000.org

Rensselaer recognizes Athearn, Pratt

Two students from Westbrook have named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. They are Kathleen C. Athearn and Michael W. Pratt.

Athearn, a senior, majored in biochemistry and biophysics. Pratt, a junior, is majoring in select media, arts and communication.

Currie in concert

In the free summer series at Riverbank Park, Carolyn Currie will be in concert from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Stephen W. Manchester Post 62 of the American Legion will be selling food and beverages beginning at 5 p.m. at the park. The food includes hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers and strawberry shortcake.

The concerts continue on Wednesdays through Aug. 29.

Simmons Gospel breakfast speaker

A New Hampshire lawyer will be the guest speaker when the local chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International meets for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at the American Legion hall, 17 Dunn St.

John A. Simmons has a law practice in Hampton, N.H., and is a former state representative. He is active in ministry work and is pursuing a masters degree in missions and evangelism.

The breakfast is $8; seniors, $6. For reservations, call 774-6416, 772-5744 or 727-3252.

WHS class of ’92 reunion

Westbrook High School Class of 1992 will have its 15th reunion on Saturday.

There will be a family event held during the day at Wassamki Springs Campground and an “Adult’s Night Out” that evening at The Stockhouse Restaurant & Sports Pub.

For more information. contact Greg Post at gpost@maine.rr.com.

Jersulam Marketplace in the park

Families with children ages 7-12 are invited to a week of fun at the Westbrook Riverbank Park on Main Street, July 16-20 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. daily. Children under age 7 can come as long as a parent or guardian accompanies them.

“This year we are transforming the park into a bustling Jerusalem Marketplace” said Salvation Army Capt. Melissa Nataluk, coordinator of the event.

The program will provide Bible-learning activities. Each day children will join together to create a small group named after one of the 12 Tribes of Israel. These tribes will come together for singing and then explore traditional Bible-times family life. They will take part in a Synagogue School, play authentic games and sample Middle Eastern snacks. They will witness real-life dramas and the chance to speak with the shopkeepers.

The following churches of Westbrook have combined efforts and resources to conduct this Jerusalem Marketplace: Calvary Chapel, The Salvation Army River of Life, Trinity Lutheran Church and Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church

Pre-rgistration is recommended as there are a limited number of slots available. Registration date is Saturday from 4-6 p.m., at 11 Bridge St. in Westbrook. Those with questions can call 856-7729 and leave a message.