Due to the rapid growth of the SDA Church membership and the mushrooming of new groups of believers, there is an urgent need to provide worship houses to the new congregations. EG White has aptly defined the work of the Church.
"When an interest is aroused in any town or city, that interest should be followed up. The place should be thoroughly worked, until a humble house of worship stands as a sign, a memorial of God's Sabbath, and a light amid the moral darkness. These memorials are to stand in many places as witnesses to the truth." Testimonies volume 6 page 100.
During the time of Moses God called on His people to make Him a sanctuary (Exodus 25:8). Their response was very positive. They continued bringing in more offerings for the construction of the sanctuary until the leaders advised them to bring no more (Exodus 36:1-7). EG White comments - "The plan of Moses in the wilderness to raise means was highly successful. There was no compulsion necessary. Clod commanded Moses to invite the children of Israel to bring the offerings. Moses was to accept gifts of every man that gave willingly from his heart. These freewill offerings came in so great abundance that Moses proclaimed it was enough. They must cease their presents; for they had given abundantly, more than they could use." Counsels on Stewardship page 203.
In view of this great challenge of assisting congregations to construct houses of worship, the CC leadership has decided that we establish a Conference-wide Church Building Development Fund. The contributions will be used specifically for church buildings, The plan is to help first those congregations which are about to finish their structures.
The date suggested for the launch of this special Fund among all CC Churches is Sabbath August 11, 2007. The Fund will be known as the Haggai Venture Fund.
Individuals or families are encouraged to prayerfully plan their giving (R10, R20, R50, R100, R200, R500, R1000, R2000 and more) every month. This will be in addition to their regular support of the Lord's work through tithes and offerings. The best approach will be to use the available tithe and offering envelope for this purpose. However, the donor will need to clearly indicate his/her offering as "Haggai Venture Fund" on the envelope.
For 2007 the following congregations will benefit from the Haggai Venture Fund: Paballclo (N. Cape), Concordia (N. Cape), Atlantis (W. Cape), Harare (W. Cape), Bonteheuwel (W. Cape), Emacwerheni (E. Cape), Hopedale (E. Cape), Dimbaza (E. Cape), Enkululekweni, (E. Cape), Dulcies Nek (E. Cape), and Salt Pan (E. Cape).
As we plan our generous gifts of Love to "build memorials to the Lord," let us bear in mind that our Lord was the first one to give. The Scripture declares: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believe in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. Thank you for your sacrifice to advance the Lord's cause. 
Leonard M. Mbaza (CC President)
Cliff R. Glass (CC Treasurer)
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