Answers to prayer abounded in the preparation and outworking of this large scale food distribution; over 450 individuals received food parcels filled with bread, cereal, flour, rusks, tea, coffee, apples, naartjies, carrots, potatoes, onions, tissue paper, and Gospel tracts!
Leading up to the project, we didn’t have all that was needed, but began packing and preparing what we did have…
The children of Helping Hand were the major “sparkle” of this Nurses Appreciation focus, as they joined in to go from clinic to clinic, giving smiles, hugs, and treats to these faithful caretakers, who labour long and often unthanked hours all the year. So many times we were tearfully thanked by the nurses “for loving and caring for US!” The children even quoted a poem “Our Lives Wouldn’t Be The Same Without You” and performed and impromptu song and dance “show” to a song about God’s Love, which was met by loud cheers! A lot went into packing, printing, and preparing the treat and card packs, and we are so very glad to see how thankfully they were received by all the nurses.
We visited schools in multiple villages, sharing the Gospel and giving invitations to accept Salvation. We spoke often on how we all – regardless of our cultural or geographical background – are loved and called by God to be in a personal relationship with Him! Seeing these dear faces light up with understanding never ceased to be beautiful.
And sports events were such a success! In two villages (one at 2200m and the other at 2450m) we organized football games, which drew in eager children quickly! The hours passed in joyful abandon as we ran and laughed and played, finishing up with some treats and Gospel tracts, and leaving the footballs for the villages to continue enjoying.
We went house to house in villages spread across the mountains – interacting, offering prayer, and sharing the Gospel of Christ’s Love. One night we also held a service, with praise and worship, a message, altar call, and individual prayers for healing and other requests! The Holy Spirit was so faithful to open hearts and draw people to Jesus, and many times tears filled our eyes as we heard people’s stories and prayer requests (“life to care for my family” was one often repeated.)
We also spent time discipling and training the young people that came with us; giving them Bible classes, tips, and hands-on experience witnessing.
Certain days are special in Life’s eternal plan,
Special in the eyes of God and in the eyes of Man.
And there’s an extra beauty that sets these days apart,
And brings a lovely happiness to life & soul & heart.
We had an amazing blessed time in Lesotho! Most of our time was spent between 2200m and 2500m above sea level! With no running water, electricity (except for a small generator every few days to charge phones) or dependable signal, it was a full-on missionary adventure, and very inspiring. We hiked and walked all over, backpacks full of material, and met so so many precious individuals.
There were also many things that brought tears to our eyes, like…
Our Sunday School at Easter was even more special than usual this year.
The children wholeheartedly sang songs of praise to the Lord, remembering His victory over death itself!
They also talked about the meaning of the death and Resurrection of our precious Saviour, sharing lessons and insights.
Of course there was also much cheer about the impromptu Easter egg hunt and the bags of goodies each child received. Easter celebrations all round!
There is a special meaning to sharing Jesus’ Love and Resurrection with the over 140 precious people at this home for the elderly. Not many people here receive visitors and in the twilight of their years a little love and kindness is so appreciated.
