Young volunteers spent Youth Day packing parcels for new mothers and their little ones.

What an inspiration to see these young people giving of their time to ensure that new mothers today get a little help with their babies; the youth of tomorrow.

Included in each parcel were a set of clothes, nappies, blankets, cereals, a toy, tissue paper, and an inspirational magazine.

As a small ‘extra’ our artistic-minded volunteers designed a lovely card with an encouraging message to give to each of the new mothers.

All the families eagerly lined up to receive their parcels – each person getting a full portion! So for example, a mother, father, and their two children received four parcels between them – meaning there was enough food for several meals! It was truly wonderful to be there, reminding each one as they came through the line that Jesus loves them, and leaving them with not only food, but also tissue paper, an Activated magazine, and a special treat for the children!

We spent a lot of time preparing for a large scale food distribution – 500 parcels for families! Here you see the various eatables – potatoes, carrots, onions, apples, seasoning, tea, sugar, stock cubes, treats, health bars, rusks, cereal, samp and beans – that went into each parcel. At any time, these vulnerable families are in great need, and even more so in winter. it was a massive undertaking, including prepackaging all 500 bags of cereal, samp, and tea/sugar, (so 500 x 3) then completing the packing into the 500 larger bags and adding the other foodstuffs. Yet we know it’s more than worth it! A huge thanks to those who donated many of the items, and those who helped sponsor the rest! (Deuteronomy 15:7)

A dear local lady took the time to cook and package 17 delicious meals (rice and meat), and pass them on to us. We then drove around the same evening, seeking out those in need, and giving them a meal, together with a Gospel Activated magazine and a “Jesus loves you!”

God’s timing is amazing! We had bread and sweeties prepared for our Sunday School kids,yet were quite burdened about the cold weather hitting in force, and wondering what we could do to help them. Then, a lady showed up at our gate – just someone who heard about us and wanted to help. And you know what she had done to help? Without knowing the need and desire of our hearts for these kids, she had hand-knitted a big bag of beautiful colourful beanies! Just perfect! The next morning, after their Bible lesson and prayer, each child joyfully chose a beanie in their preferred colour!

We’ve been sorting many boxes of shoes, in preparation for distribution! Some have already gone to local centres, and we’ll continue to get them into the hands of the needy.

What an honour and privilege to be able to bring “appreciation packs” to over 140 nurses at five clinics! These comprised of chocolates, a hot drink sachet, an Activated magazine, and a thank you card specifically designed for these special men and women. The children got involved too, working with so much joy to create handmade signs, and then joining us on our rounds to “show the nurses love!”

The surprise and thankfulness on their faces as they received their “Nurses Appreciation” was truly satisfying! Some even became teary-eyed, just being reminded that their labours of love are not forgotten – not by God, and not by us. Who knows but that a little thing like this can lift up a weary soul and give them strength to carry on. Thank you for helping us to help and encourage others!

Here’s an example of God’s faithfulness, care for the needy, and “guiding, then providing!” One focus for May is mass food distribution to communities (above and beyond the daily loads to soup kitchens and centres)

So, we had the desire, and the plan, yet not the ability. We were taking it a step at a time. Then, upon visiting a food seller who will often donate a couple bags of potatoes or onions, he suddenly added 238 packs of sweetcorn! Wow!

And there’s more. At the next stop, the owner pointed us to a half bin of butternut, saying “take that for projects.” A few minutes later, he returned and said “actually, take that half bin, AND this full bin here as well! Oh, and take all these pockets of oranges!” We were just amazed and so so thankful!

Because of this above-and-beyond supply, we were able to give fresh fruit and vegetables to two soup kitchens, a drug rehab, a quadriplegic home, and still have enough to give out over 150 individual parcels in two communities!

More than anything, this reminds us to follow God, and He will make a way to care for both us and the many dear ones in need of help. Love never fails, for God is Love. (1 John 4:8)