This week we brought tinned goods, pasta sauces, and breakfast cereals to centres for women and children in crisis. It makes such a difference to both the budget (these centres often struggle to cover monthly expenses) and to the morale of these sweet women and children. (Many of whom come from very difficult situations) We are honoured to be able to give them Jesus by giving them love, for “God is Love!” (1 John 4:8)
One Christmas Eve, the presents and snacks we brought were a happy surprise for the little patients of the Sarah Fox Convalescent Hospital. We went from bed to bed, helping each child unwrap their present, and we were able to share in their joy and pleasure. After visiting with the children we gave gift hampers to all of the staff, who were thrilled with them!
As part of our Christmas projects we dropped off food, toys, and chocolates to the residents of two centres for women and children in crisis.
Our visit with presents and chocolates to the local community clinic was a pleasant surprise to the many patients waiting to see the doctor this morning.
On Tuesday we had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with nearly 250 disadvantaged children and teenagers. As the hall filled with children-many of whom suffered from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome-we could also feel the excitement mounting. The children were gathered for a Christmas programme with a difference. Everyone was given juice and a snack and we showed them a DVD, outlining the message of salvation in simple story form. After the DVD, we presented the children with the opportunity to accept Jesus as their personal Saviour. Then, the children respectfully bowed their heads as Amy (12) led them in prayer. We also presented each child with a gift-bag filled with treats, chocolates, and a toy. Seeing the sweet reactions of the crowd made sharing the meaning of Christmas in word and action even more rewarding for us all.
Christmas is usually a time of excitement and the giving of gifts. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone; there are still many children who don’t partake of this special season. Because of this we plan events that include the giving of Christmas presents to those who wouldn’t normally get any. Here you see the youth of Helping Hand sorting presents for Christmas parcels, and the staff and management of Sash Consulting who kindly donated the gifts for the children of the Sive Nathi center and the Sarah Fox Convalescent hospital.
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.
Here you see the ladies of a centre for women in crisis gratefully receiving groceries and foodstuffs. They recently received news that one of their main sponsors would no longer be supporting them, and this has left them with the challenge to still meet their budget. These dear women who will soon be bringing new little ones into the World need all the encouragement they can get, and we are thankful to be able to assist them. (Note: Faces blurred to protect privacy of individuals)
