Author: Helping Hand

Sive Nathi Outing

Helping Hand

The severely mentally and physically handicapped children of the Sive Nathi Care center look forward to their special outing at Christmas time the whole year. No wonder they were thrilled when the appointed day had finally come and the big coach pulled up at the center. After 45 minutes-during which everyone was treated to songs by the staff-we arrived at the Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West.   Thanks to the many volunteers who had joined us for the day, we were able to take each child around the reserve in their wheel-chair. Being out in nature and seeing the beautiful trees and flowers was a huge treat to them.   Since these children are only able to eat soft food we had brought custard, chocolate mousse, yoghurt, and muffins-just about anything yummy we could think of! And we soon found out that everyone definitely had their preference, ha! They had a great time being spoiled and we sure enjoyed spoiling them.   Toys and balloons for everyone completed this memorable day.

A Little Child Shall Lead them…

Helping Hand

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.

“When You do it Right, the Devil will Fight”

Helping Hand

That’s an old saying, and we’ve seen it proven as, for the second time in a month, someone collided with one of our cars. Thankfully we were not at fault in either accident, and no one was hurt badly, so that in itself is a blessing. Unfortunately our other car from the accident a few weeks ago was written off and this one substantially damaged. Please pray for this situation now to be resolved and the car fixed easily and speedily. At this time of year we need all our vehicles on the road more then ever to keep up with the outreach and various projects, so please join us in prayer for protection and to get the car back as soon as possible. As Martin Luther wrote in the famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,”  “And though this World with devils filled should threaten to undo us, we will not fear for God has willed His truth to triumph through us!…and He will win the battle!”  

Christmas Gifts and Toys

Helping Hand

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.

Christmas Carols by Candlelight

Helping Hand

We all spent a special evening of singing carols in the beautiful Avondale gardens in Durbanville. Everyone wholeheartedly joined in with old favourites and enjoyed some interesting and innovative new adaptations as well. Well done to all who helped organise and plan this event and especially to the Protea Valley Church for providing the wonderful songs and music.

Christmas Surprise for Women in Crisis

Helping Hand

The pregnant ladies of a center for women in crisis were treated to an outing and delicious, buffet breakfast. After the meal each one was surprised with a special Christmas Gift bag which included a pamper-pack of toiletries, a beautiful scarf, an inspirational booklet and magazine and chocolates. Our photographer took special time to get beautiful pictures of them as a memory of the event. As much as the ladies enjoyed the food and presents, they were even more grateful for the love and acceptance from us and the deeply moving messages contained in the “From Jesus, with Love” books. (Note: Faces blurred to protect privacy of individuals)

Creche Christmas Event

Helping Hand

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.

School’s Out!

Helping Hand

All students of the Alpha Primary School in Morningstar and  Cavalleria Primary School  in Scotsdene received a surprise at the end of their school year. Each student was given a bag of Christmas chocolates and a Gospel pamphlet to start off the holidays. Altogether just over 2000 packets were distributed . As one can imagine, there were smiles all around; the last day of school, and chocolates to top it off. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas all!