Moms and their babies at three different government clinics (two in the Northern Suburbs and one in Wellington) excitedly received parcels with nappies, blankets, baby clothes, and towels – and a face cream for the mothers! The grateful smiles from tired-looking mothers, and the joy evident on their faces as they looked through their parcels, made it a complete success! At one clinic, we left parcels for the ladies in labour, so they each already had a set of “welcome gifts” for their soon-to-be-born little one!

Recently someone donated a beautiful set of furniture, and we were discussing and praying about who it was meant for. We felt led to give it to the faithful pastor leading a large soup kitchen and outreach project in Kraaifontein, which we support with food 5+ days weekly. We planned to bring the furniture to him and his wife Thursday afternoon, and were very excited to see their reaction. Then, Thursday morning when dropping off a load of fresh produce for the soup kitchen, we were surprised when he asked “if you have any furniture, we are in need of some.” We could only laugh and say “Well, we have a surprise for you! The Lord has already answered!” Just hours later, we unloaded the complete set in front of them, to exclaimations of praise and joy! Pastor N and his wife then prayed over us in great thankfulness to the Lord for His preplanned answer to their unspoken request!

Several weeks ago, E. called and revealed that he is facing extremely hard times, and asked us for help – just for food for him, his wife, and seven month old baby. We felt very moved, prayed together about it, and thanks to YOU who support us, were able to organize a collect shopping order for them!

For Women’s Day we wanted to show love and appreciation to women in the ways they like best. We thought of three things; give something beautiful, eat something yummy, and do something fun! So we gave a lovely scarf, bottle of lotion, and other hygiene products to the women patients of two government clinics, in addition to fresh fruit for all patients. Certain ladies also received a lovely handbag, which they thrilled to. And everyone was left with an inspirational Activated magazine and “Jesus loves you!” Then a group of ladies from a crisis centre were treated to a special tea, complete with delicious snacks! They were each given a goodie bag with hygiene care products and other gifts- a welcome and extra delight! Little Sam was a total hit and charmingly gifted each lady with a smile as he handed out the presents. These ladies truly need every bit of love and care they can get; we are thankful to know and help them. Angela takes time to personally encourage and minister to each lady during her weekly devotions with them – as well as over the phone. Particular credit also goes to the house “mother” and social workers, who dedicate time and affection to each of the girls as if they were their own. God bless them.

After many years of faithful service here in Cape Town and surrounds, Francis (Frank) and Lisa and their children (Jason, Zoe, Robert, Emma, and little Nico) have moved to England.
We are so grateful for their love and faithful service for these many, many years, as well as their company and friendship through so many ups and downs.

On this cold and wet winter’s day, we drove around the neighbourhood and around Cape Town Centre with special gifts ready – winter clothing items! Carlos, a fellow missionary from Brazil, helped us distribute them. The homeless people we met were grateful recipients of scarves, beanies, sweaters, and blankets! Some of them we were able to pray for right on the spot, and each was given an Activated magazine with faith-building articles, our details, and a simple Salvation message. In fact, six of these dear individuals gave their lives to Jesus, accepting Him as Lord, Saviour, and Forever Friend! Our thanks go to our friends and sponsors, without whom these dear ones would have faced a far more difficult winter’s night.    

We supplied this cottage industry project – a method of sustainable income for the local ladies – with large bags of leather off-cuts for use in crafts, earrings, and more. They also make blankets and other clothing items, so were thrilled to receive a very impressive knitting machine (complete with boxes of wool) to streamline such work. Here you see them looking over the knitting machine manual and with the donated leather and wool.

Over the last days, Baphumelele collected three big loads (cupboards, highchairs, beds, mattresses, a double fridge, and double freezer) – very useful additions to the centre!