Our four person team has arrived at the KKNK in Oudtshoorn, ready to spread the message of Jesus’ Love to any and all who will receive it! Please keep them in prayer in the next days- for great victories of salvation, miracles, Gospel spread, protection on the roads, financial supply, good health, and a wonderful time of blessings overall. Thank you so much!
We gathered 144 needy individuals – both adults and children – in a local hall; and were able to lead those who hadn’t yet to accept Jesus as their personal friend and Saviour! Then, each one was invited to come browse the boxes of clothes, as a sort of free “shop.” Men, women, and children were all able to pick out items, and if they fit, take them home! From tops, pants, socks, jackets, blankets, baby clothes, linens, and more, all went away with several items, and many grateful tears were shed. We also set out pairs of donated shoes, which were divided to the most needy. All in all, this event was a great blessing to so many, and we are so so thankful for all of you who make the continued ministry possible!
The recovering addicts at this centre received not only brand new shoes, clothing, and foodstuffs, but Mike also gave a word of encouragement for them – reminding them that God loves them and has a plan for their life, beyond what they could possibly know now. How wonderful to assist them in their journey away from drugs and into better things. (Hear their reactions in video)
There are a number of families, predominantly white and coloured, that live in this Kraaifontein farm informal settlement. Their needs are often neglected, and they can tend to feel forgotten. In addition to helping them with foodstuffs throughout the year, at this specific event each person could come and choose brand new shoes, as well as clothing items to take home. Children, women, and men alike, all blessed with these much-needed and appreciated items. What sweet and precious people, and how glad we are to bring God’s Love to them in this way.
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.
