Like previous Christmases, we wanted to be sure that everyone – including the homeless – would be served a special warm Christmas meal. Unlike other years, with COVID restrictions and social distancing in place, we were not able to invite others unto our mission property to enjoy this meal. So we adapted.

Thanks to the generous donation of take-away containers, we were able to pack and give a full three-course meal to all those who would have otherwise gone without on this special day, as well as to essential services workers.

As we handed out the meals, we encountered surprise, joy, and tears. More than once we were asked to pray with and for these dear ones; struggling with their future in these uncertain times.

For the nearly 100 people that received a meal and a juice, in spite of restrictions and social distancing, it turned out to be a very Merry Christmas!

All the children at Sive Nathi home had a treat for Christmas – soft toys to cuddle and hold, plus bubbles and interaction to enjoy! For E, a young man who is the oldest resident, we brought a special gift – bluetooth headphones! He was absolutely thrilled, thanking us again and again!
Then, for the precious staff who faithfully care for the children day in and day out, Christmas hampers, which were received with smiles and joy!

When we heard about the over 1000 households that were displaced – with 6000 people left homeless and hopeless following a massive fire – we immediately felt led to help as much as we could!
We filled up two vans with everything from blankets, hygiene products, and household goods to clothing and shoes. Thankfully, we were able to add toys and goodie bags for children; making sure that Christmas will still be celebrated this year. We’re praying for the residents of Masi to be reestablished as soon as possible.

We were preparing to distribute Christmas presents to a group of teenagers and were told there was one 15 year old boy among them.

The girls’ presents were easy, but what to give a teenage boy? After looking through the gifts all we could find that was suitable was a cricket set, (we hoped and prayed he was a cricket fan)

When H. opened his present he was speechless (we were eagerly looking on. Did he like it?) Then his mother started crying and explained that H. has been wanting to be a ‘Protea’ since he was a small boy. He was so good, in fact, that the local High school recruited him for their cricket team while he was still in primary school.

When we heard this we decided to add an official Protea shirt as well; which we had but hadn’t known who was best to give it to! Now we did!

He was so pleased and proud and overwhelmed with joy that it brought tears to our eyes too. Coincidence? We think not. God planned it, no doubt about it.

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!