We all spent a special evening of singing carols in the beautiful Avondale gardens in Durbanville. Everyone wholeheartedly joined in with old favourites and enjoyed some interesting and innovative new adaptations as well. Well done to all who helped organise and plan this event and especially to the Protea Valley Church for providing the wonderful songs and music.
The pregnant ladies of a center for women in crisis were treated to an outing and delicious, buffet breakfast. After the meal each one was surprised with a special Christmas Gift bag which included a pamper-pack of toiletries, a beautiful scarf, an inspirational booklet and magazine and chocolates. Our photographer took special time to get beautiful pictures of them as a memory of the event. As much as the ladies enjoyed the food and presents, they were even more grateful for the love and acceptance from us and the deeply moving messages contained in the “From Jesus, with Love” books. (Note: Faces blurred to protect privacy of individuals)
The Jack and Jill creche in Morningstar received a surprise visit from us on Monday. Our teenagers played games with all the little ones there, causing lots of excitement and laughter. (there are forty children, aged 2-5) Then, after treating them to a special snack, it was time for….Christmas presents!!! It was great fun to see the little faces light up as names were called out and the children were given their gifts. Forty little children waited until all the presents were handed out; and then the unwrapping began! Chocolates and games were sweetly shared and toys were carefully put away to be taken home. As the main teacher shared the touching background and personal stories of some of the children we were grateful to have been able to add a little cheer to these little ones’ lives this Christmas season.
All students of the Alpha Primary School in Morningstar and Cavalleria Primary School in Scotsdene received a surprise at the end of their school year. Each student was given a bag of Christmas chocolates and a Gospel pamphlet to start off the holidays. Altogether just over 2000 packets were distributed . As one can imagine, there were smiles all around; the last day of school, and chocolates to top it off. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas all!
We participated in two events today. In one, the children of the Bloekombos township were invited to a Christmas celebration at the local sports field. Around 1,500 children were treated to an afternoon of fun and treats. There were games and a jumping castle and a water slide to play on. They all patiently waited for their turn and had so much fun splashing and jumping around. Each of the children received a goodie-bag with fruit, sweets, and a toy. The children were taught safety lessons by a local police captain, and were also treated to a program of song, dance, and scripture by Shiloh Synergy. The other event was hosted at Wallacedene and served around 1,600 children. First, the children joined in with the singing and clapping as they watched a fun-filled programme of choreographed songs, and later they lined up to receive their treats and toys. We had a great time and were blessed with wonderful weather and a great group of kids.
Getting everything ready for the Christmas Outreach projects is part of the fun for us. This year we aim to provide chocolates and toys to around 5000 children. Packaging toys and treats for this amount of people takes the help of many, young and old. A huge thank you to all the volunteers that so cheerfully assisted in this year’s Christmas preparation. We’re ready to roll!! (Note: Not all volunteers are pictured here. But we appreciate you ALL! Thank you.)
