ShawneeDispatch.com

Another door may soon be opening for the Oceans of Mercy organization headed by Shawnee businessman Schaun Colin.

Colin will leave Thursday to return once again to South Africa to work towards establishing a multi-purpose village there to benefit HIV and AIDS victims and orphans. Colin, a South Africa native, will be making this trip to possibly strike up a partnership between several similar-minded organizations and possibly to secure a land donation from the local government that could be used as a home to the planned village.

"I have already spoken to several people over the phone and we are very excited about the possibilities," he said. "This could mean that we would be able to reach thousands as opposed to hundreds of people."

The possibility for the partnership and land donation came about as a result of relationship building and missionary work of Shawnee residents Thomas and Lori Clouse who arrived in South Africa in January to begin the initial phases of starting the village and providing help to HIV victims, Colin said.

"They have formed amazing relationships and contacts," he said.

Colin will meet later this week and next week with government officials from the city of Port Elizabeth and the Motherwell Township, areas home to more than 130,000 people living in poverty, he said. He also will meet with representatives from the various organizations that may ultimately form the super-partnership that Colin is hoping for. Those organizations include HOPE Worldwide, Mother of Hope, Mama's Ark, Child Line, Rape Crisis and the Eagle Skills Development Center.

Colin said indications are that if the partnership is reached then the land will be donated and all of the organizations can provide a facility or service in what would become a giant care village.

The Oceans of Mercy foundation will continue to conduct a series of benefits locally to help raise the funds that will be necessary to complete the village and realize Colin's village.

"This has all gone so far beyond our own individual strengths and talents," he said. "It is obvious that God must be involved in directing us."