At our weekly Sunday School, the children experience lively songs, personal interaction, and character-building Bible lessons. They pray together, colour and learn, and even enjoy fresh milk, fruit, or other snacks. In this way they are “nourished” both physically and spiritually. “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:14-18 ESV

Truly, the men and women who care for the disabled children of the Sive Nathi Care Centre are amazing. Always smiling, singing, and so positive; they care for these young cerebral palsy patients with so much love and patience. Even though most of the children cannot speak or do anything for themselves and need to be fed, bathed, comforted, and cared for constantly, the staff always exudes a spirit of love and happy efficiency. They spend many hours on their feet, faithfully attending to the children’s needs. We recently received a donation of top-quality shoes, and are so grateful to have been able to present each of these staff members with a brand new pair; comfortable and quality footwear to make their lives easier. As they eagerly tried on their own pair (presorted into the sizes required by each man and woman) their excitement soon expanded into cries of “oooooh, these are SO comfortable!”, “look at me run” and “now my feet won’t hurt anymore.” One of the nurse’s sandals were so worn they were completely floppy and disintegrating, while another tearfully told us “I often soak my feet in ice water at the end of the day…now, I won’t have those problems I’m sure!” Even the lady who founded Sive Nathi – fondly referred to as “Mamma Lorraine” was brought into the circle by her staff and excitedly given her pair of shoes! With smiles, laughter, jumping and dancing abounding, we truly felt thrilled to be part of making such a personal difference to each of these nurses – one that will benefit them daily, and remind them that God both sees and rewards their efforts of love.  

Each of the ladies at a centre for women in crisis (at which we host weekly Bible studies) received a box of chocolates, red roses gift-wrapped, and a Activated magazine with a special message of love and encouragement from Jesus. For these ladies, with so much going on in their lives and so many decisions to make, we are glad to be able to remind them that Love and forgiveness is always available, and they are valued. (here is the message they were each given.) My love is unconditional. I love without partiality. I love the unlovely and the difficult to love. I love the sad and the lonely. I love those who are struggling and those who are lost and confused. My love is enduring, patient, and unfailing. It knows no limits and has no stopping place. My love will go the distance to bring one lost, lonely, wounded soul through to victory. Of course, you have weaknesses and shortcomings, but I don’t love you any less because of them. No matter what condition you are in, I love you. My love doesn’t depend on you having a glowing record. Don’t ever think that I love you any less because you aren’t all that you would like to be or think you should be. When I look at you, I see My creation that I love, and I love you just the way I made you. —Jesus

School-aged children from the Morningstar informal settlement off the N7 were thrilled to gather for a school-prep event. We played games, laughing, jumping, and enjoying every minute; then each child got a bag of school supplies and lunchbox to use throughout the year, as well as a healthy food parcel. What a privilege to be able to represent Jesus by helping them in this way.  

Working together with a dear man from the community who runs The Hotspot Library that we’ve previously assisted, we held an event to present 48 children (handpicked by him) with schoolbags, high-quality folders, pens, pencils, exam pads and notebooks, as well as lunchboxes to use through the year. Then, each of the children received a little parcel of food and snacks, to start them off on a joyful note!

We’ve sorted and distributed over 100 bags of donated clothing – as well as many other household items and necessities. What a blessing to so many – men, women, and children – and reminder of God’s willingness to provide the needs of those who trust Him.

As part of our Celebration, we focused on bringing the spirit of Christmas – God’s Love – to as many as possible. Together with some of our good friends and regular volunteers, (who gave part of their Christmas to help us, bless them) we put up an invite sign on our gate and served a special meal – complete with dessert – to anyone who came in. They “ahhhhhed” in wonder when large, full plates were placed in front of them, and smiled gratefully when we brought them second servings, and even pudding! We sat with these dear ones as they slowly ate and savoured each bite. What a reminder to be thankful for our blessings, not least of which is having enough to eat. We were also able to give each one a special goodie bag to take with them. Their hugs and smiles warmed our hearts, and their happy, positive attitudes amazed us. Best of all, one of our regular volunteers helped us to lead six of these dear men to Jesus, and each one received a Gospel of John to build their faith! Another team packed trays of food into a car, and drove around the neighbourhood, serving food to those in need. Others took a meal to the local police and fire stations; a small way to thank these community servants for all they do throughout the year. It was a blessed day, full of joy and love, which is all we could wish for on Christmas. Jesus Christ said in the Bible “As much as you have done unto the least of these my brothers and sisters, you have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:40)