The continued distribution of fresh food – fruit, veg, bread, and other items – has been keeping us busy. Through the work of picking up and delivering, we are also able to meet and minister to many people; sharing with them the message of Jesus and His Love. Food for the body, accompanied by food for the soul! Praise God!
We were so blessed to have 980kg of meat donated, which benefited feeding schemes and families in two different townships, affecting thousands! A huge thanks to our sponsors! What an amazing and valuable food item!
Happy Mother’s Day! Thoughts from the children (ages 2- 18) at Helping Hand on mothers: -Mommies look like rabbits because they are soft. -The best mommies change diapers. -It is not easy to be a mommy. -Mommies like to do picnics. -A mommy is a mommy because she is kind and always gives kisses. -A mommy smells like nice things. -A mom is someone you can run to at night when you have had a bad dream or aren’t feeling well. -A mommy always takes care of the kids. -A mother is someone who holds your hand when you take your first steps and continues to do for the rest of your life. -A mom is some one who smells like a fresh summer day. – A mom is someone who always has time for her kids.
While delivering foodstuffs to a few of our beneficiaries in the Southern Suburbs, John and David had a wonderful opportunity to lead seven children and adults to accept Jesus as their Saviour! John recounts: As we were speaking with them and explaining Salvation, the one teenage girl – who had received Jesus previously – really encouraged the others to listen and open their own hearts to Jesus’ Love. She kept saying to them “yes, you must listen! You must repeat the prayer with them!” Praise the Lord! She became a witness herself and helped us lead seven more souls into the Kingdom of God! (Note: some faces blurred to protect privacy)
Seven of us had a great time on Thursday morning – five running the Safari half marathon and two doing the 10km walk. We joined over 10,000 other participants and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and camaraderie of the event. Each of us also beat our personal best and made better time than previous years; praise the Lord! I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalms 139:14
(From Sue and Caleb in the Netherlands) To mark the birthday of the Dutch king, on the 26th of April Holland celebrated “King’s Day”; a great opportunity to celebrate the King of Kings! On this day, in every city, town and village there are many festivities as well as the traditional “vrijmarkt”, a nationwide fleamarket. People clear out their attics, cellars and cupboards and sell their wares on the sidewalk, so I decided to pull out all the posters, tracts, books, Activated magazines, calendars etc. I had in my cupboard to share God’s Word with the crowds passing by my makeshift booth. As was to be expected, reactions to the message about Jesus differed from person to person, but many gladly received a touch of His love carried by a tract, magazine, poster or calendar. The sweetest and most fervent reaction came from a small group of children, aged about 9 years old. When I offered them a “What Everybody Needs is Love” poster, they politely declined, explaining they had already spent all their money. Their interest was piqued, though, when I told them that they could have one for free. ” What is it about?” they asked, so I showed them the picture in front and told them that on the back it tells you all about Jesus. The moment they heard “Jesus”, all three of them cried out in unison: “Oh, then we definitely want one!” One boy looked inquisitively at the other things I held in my hand and spotted another poster, “The Colour of Love”, and asked: “Is that one also for free?” Their faces lit up once again as they received a second poster featuring their Hero. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6)
We dropped off foodstuffs for this centre – a home and refuge for women in crisis. Here you see Michelle smiling as she shows the ladies the various items. (Note: faces blurred to protect privacy)
The beginning of this week we picked up fresh rolls from a local bakery – enabling us to distribute to a creche, quadriplegic centre, school, clinic, and individuals in need. Staples like this are always greatly sought after and we are thankful for these sponsors who made it possible for so many to benefit from this bread!
