Christmas Came to Bishop Lavis

“Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!” shouted the hundreds of children from this desperate and dangerous community, only minutes from areas of prosperity and plenty.

Although this event wasn’t originally part of our “planned” projects, thanks to the Lord’s bountiful supply – not only of toys but of food and treats as well – we were able to bring Christmas to these families who largely missed out. Someone donated potato, pasta, and fruit salads, which we dished out on the spot. Another person had given lovely goodie bags with juice and treats! There were muffins and bananas, story books, CD’s, and Gospel tracts with the message of Christmas, plus special baby-&-child-safe sanitizer. A dear friend even added ice lollies for all the children on this extremely hot day. Such a treat!

On Christmas Day We…

So many people are lonely, sad, or hungry at Christmas, and it is a time of year when such lacks are most keenly felt. So, as part of our Celebration, we focused on bringing the spirit of Christmas – God’s Love – to as many as possible. It was our gift to Jesus and others!

We put up an invite sign on our gate and served a special Christmas meal – complete with dessert – to anyone who came in. Some friends also brought over several trays of delicious home-cooked food to add to the meals; God bless them.

Some of us (together with our Helping Hand children!) packed many trays of food into vehicles, and drove around the neighborhood, serving food to those in need. The reactions were so beautiful!
We also took a meal to the local police station and fire station; a small way to thank these community servants for all they do throughout the year. We are so grateful to have been on the ground, spreading Christmas Love to these dear ones. Over 100 people got a delicious meal, a “Jesus Loves You”, and a Gospel message. What a Merry Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas!

Whatever your circumstances may be this Christmas, please take some time to meditate on God’s wonderful gift to all of us—His Son, Jesus. Let us pray for our ailing world, and let’s spend some time sharing His love and truth with others. By doing so we will be spending time with Jesus Himself, for He said: “Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you” (Matthew 18:20). That can be our Christmas present to Him!

May He bring peace to this weary world, and may you enjoy His presence with you and yours this Christmas!— Have a truly Merry Christmas!

Hundreds of Toys + Foodstuffs for a Large Community

In the middle of the very busy Gospel outreaches of the season and our full time members being stretched in every direction, it was a blessing to still be able to distribute three vans worth of fresh food, bread, and toys to over 600 people! One by one down a long, long line, we gave out to each person potatoes, apples, nectarines, 6 prepacked rolls of bread, goodie bags with sweets and treats, and toys for the children! Though hectic and a massive crowd of people, it was a wonderful success, both in us being able to hands-on share the Love of Jesus, and the many, many younger and older that received a physical touch of that Love.

A HUGE thanks to those who donated toys, bread, and fresh food, as well as those who facilitated through helping with fuel, vehicle repairs, and so much more! We could not do it without you!

Our Sunday School Christmas Event!

For the children at our Sunday School in Morningstar settlement off the N7, this week was a very special one! Little Isabelle from the mission joined us, as well as two volunteers! First we set up an impromptu nativity scene, complete with lots of “sheep” making noises, angels singing, and shepherds gathering around “Joseph” and “Mary.” We followed with a refresher of the Christmas message and meaning of the season – JESUS!

Then all the children received their own wrapped Christmas present, and oh what excitement as scores of children tore the wrapping to reveal the gifts within! (a few children kept their gifts wrapped, saying “I would like to open this with my mother at home.” So very sweet and touching. All the children went home rejoicing with goodie bags of sweeties to complete the event!

Children of Helping Hand are Part of Giving Food, Treats, and Toys to Hundreds of Adults and Children in Two Communities

It was an incredibly happy and busy day as we brought special Christmas hampers to men, women, and children living in two rural communities. Two of the children from the mission joined in the event, handing out the goodie packs and other foodstuffs, all while wishing young and older a Merry Christmas! There was meat, pies, cereal, bread, veg, fruit, sauces, instant soup, rusks, tea, coffee, juice, and Gospel material – and of course sweeties and toys for all the children!

Working into the evening to hand out to each and every person, our team was delighted to be a part of bringing the Love of Jesus to these ones at this wonderful time of year.