The ladies from a centre for pregnant women in crisis were treated to a special breakfast. ( at which they could order anything they wanted) Little cravings like a cappuccino or bacon were satisfied, and there was lively conversation all around. Also given to each one was a gift hamper with beauty products, an umbrella, an inspirational Activated magazine and a porcelain doll. One of the ladies began weeping when the gifts were handed out. After some time, we found out that it was the first doll she had ever had. What a touching scene, and how grateful for our blessings it made us. Within minutes, each lady had named her own doll, and was holding it close. Thank you to our friends and sponsors for making these women’s Christmas a glad and memorable one! (Note: faces censored to protect privacy)

To encourage the children to study and help them be ready for the 2016 school year, we gave new donated schoolbags -water bottles included- to 100 children in a local informal settlement. As excited as the children were, it was clear their moms were even more thrilled to see the Lord supply this necessary item for their children.

To help bring Christmas to as many as possible, we participated in an event for thousands of children – each child receiving a goodie bag with fresh fruit, sweeties, and other snacks. It was a real pleasure to see how happy they were, as they laughed and talked and ate together. May they remember this as a physical expression of God’s great Love for them!

200 children from an isolated settlement off the N7 were each given a toy, a goodie bag of snacks, and a cool drink. For many of these children, it may be the only Christmas gift they get; their laughter, excited chatter, and smiles told us that this act of love indeed impacted them!

After terrible fires left more than 4000 people homeless, we sorted and compiled two van loads of goods for the relief efforts ( over 1400 plates, bowls, cups, trays, and other kitchenware items; plus blankets, mattresses, hundreds of pairs of shoes, adults/children’s clothing, and building materials) Many of these families have lost everything, and face the unhappy possibility of spending Christmas without even basic necessities. It is our hope and prayer that the goods and items will be a blessing and an encouragement during this time, and remind them that there is Someone Who loves them.

We partnered with Shiloh Synergy to bring goodie bags to thousands of school children in Kraaifontein. There was also a Christmas play performed by children from the community. Twice the hall filled with children – first the lower grades and then the higher grades – and for each group the show was performed.  It told the Nativity story in a fun and interactive way, and the kids loved it! Then each group received their goodie bags and lollipops. This event was a great opportunity to affect many, many little lives and bring the joy of Christmas into their hearts!

On Sunday we were invited to Carols by Candlelight in a beautiful local garden. A few of us assisted the organizers ( Rotary Club of Tygerberg) by painting faces as part of the event, and many children enjoyed their own “new” face! We picnicked, fellowshipped, sang together, held up our candles, and had a good time. How wonderful to celebrate the Christmas Season with family, friends, and thousands of other members of our community!

Each of the 38 staff from a local care centre received a Christmas parcel of soup, lotion, soup, peanut butter, sugar, juice, and many other items – both staples and extras! We greatly admire the faithful staff of this centre, and know that their service – day in and day out – brings quality concerned care and happiness into the lives of their patients. It is wonderful to be able to thank them in a small way through these parcels.  Thank you to our sponsors and donors!