At the beginning of the Christmas season we drove through to Villiersdorp to surprise the children of two creches there with presents and treats. Due to the limitations the Covid restrictions had put on this community there was no money to organize a Christmas party for their kids, so we stepped in to help.

The little ones were so delighted with their gifts and it seemed each gift was specifically chosen with that particular child in mind ( the Lord and His angels must have had something to do with that!)

After opening their presents they eagerly tucked into their yummy treats; while making sure to leave some for later to take back home.

The teaching staff were touched to tears and couldn’t believe we had driven out all this way just to bring the kids some Christmas Cheer.

Truth be told, WE were the ones who felt cheered by the joyful sweet reaction of all the kiddies there. Christmas Cheer!

A special Christmas came for 70 dear children from our Sunday School in Morningstar informal settlement! They were so excited!

As we pulled up they jumped up and down; with several “scouts” running alongside and peering into the van to see what treats were coming!

Each child went home with a parcel of non-perishable foodstuffs, goodie bag, 6 pack of yoghurt, and a toy of their choosing!

To our absolute joy, 14 of the kids gave their hearts to the Lord, accepting Him as their personal Friend and Saviour! We’re really grateful to be able to provide an active touch of Christmas and expression of the Love they learn about every week.

Two vans full of meat, yoghurt, toys of all types, and goodie bags – plus carrots, potatoes, apples, and Gospel Activated magazines – brought a touch of Christmas Love to three extremely in-need communities – a total of more than 750 people! Each person came through the line, receiving both staple and special items, and went away with the knowledge that they are not alone, not forgotten, but in fact very much Loved. We were even able to call the fathers aside and give them each an entire pocket of potatoes! So, so many smiles, and even a few joyous tears, made full a wonderful and fulfilling day. May we all continue to think of others, count our own many blessings and have a truly wonderful Christmas!

Upon arriving at our event in a very impoverished community, we found that the “hall” organized was just an old makeshift building, and used also for the local Sunday School, church, and a community gathering centre. The community has no electricity or running water. It was so wonderful to be able to speak to the children, explaining the Christmas story and salvation, and then inviting them and praying with them to accept Jesus as their personal Friend and Saviour!

Then, each child came up and got to choose a toy, receive their goodie bag, a fruit bar, and a 6 pack of yoghurt! (amazing testimony, the yoghurt and fruit bars were donated just the day before, in perfect timing to add this healthy treat for all!)

The event was such a success and the children so well-behaved, we are so thankful to have been able to bring Christmas in this way to nearly 200 children – especially since these dear little ones probably won’t get much of a Christmas otherwise. Best of all, 94 children gave their hearts to Jesus, which makes it more than worth every effort!

It was such a joy to be able to bring a touch of Christmas through toys and goodie bags to these children at a local underfunded creche. For some of them, the present we brought may be their only gift, and we are grateful to have come and spent time with them – reminding them how very much Jesus loves them. And the kind-hearted teachers each received a Christmas hamper! As we left, the children chorused “thank you” and waved their new gifts happily. In the midst of social distancing and marked-off spaces, the smiles on their little faces made it all worth it!

Faces of students and teachers alike lit up as we brought them sports’ equipment this month. After the difficult and hectic year we’ve been having, this donation of equipment will enable them to have a solid and inspiring re-start to their efforts in 2021.

We were so blessed to go on this “faith trip” (Hebrews 11:8) – going out to witness and speak on the streets, in homes, on farms, and just all over – in Ceres, Worcester, Robertson, Swellendam, Heidelberg, Mosselbaai, Hartenbos, George, Sedgefield, Oudtshoorn, Ladismith, Barrydale, and Montegu! (And the Lord always provided a place to sleep even though we often didn’t know where until the evening!)

Immediate, known results: 11 people gave their hearts to Jesus, over 5400 Gospel tracts distributed, and 162 Bibles, Activated magazines, and other Gospel books given out to those who needed!

As well as outreach on the streets, we spent a lot of time meeting and following up on people that we met or who received the Lord during previous outreaches – to encourage them and monitor how they are growing spiritually. We were also invited to speak to a group of 50+ men on a farm, with faith and trust being the topic!

With two of the ladies from a home for women in crisis coming to the end of their stay, we decided to host a little party! We played games, chatted, enjoyed treats, and presented them with gifts – chocolates, a journal, toiletries, and a book of encouraging messages from Jesus! We then prayed together and continue to pray for these dear ones as they strive to start afresh, with God’s help.