We’ve been busy with youth outreach – witnessing and discussing faith on campus, bringing faith-building books especially designed for youth to a centre in Phillipi, and most recently, spreading the Gospel at the Hermanus Whale Festival over the weekend! Students are taught to question, and we love to give them the Greatest Answer of all – Jesus! We often also exchange details so that we can keep in touch and meet up again. The centre in Phillipi acts as a “halfway house” and skills training centre for youth 18-21 – those who have finished matric but need assistance preparing to join the workforce. It presently can accommodate about 25 . At the centre they receive counseling, life skills training, and personal mentoring. We are so pleased to have been able to provide them with books full of youth-geared messages from Jesus, as well as student folders, exam pads, and a set of pens each. The Hermanus Whale Festival was yet another wonderful experience of seeing God work in lives and open hearts. Even though it was tough, and required a lot of walking and talking to get visible results, we are so thankful to have been there, and know that He will work further through the message that went out. We only see a fraction of the total effect immediately. For all of you who were a part of us being out there, thank you! We are co-labourers for Christ, and we appreciate you! 11 individuals accepted Jesus as their Saviour, and over 1500 Gospel tracts were distributed, as well as many Activated magazines and Gospel of John booklets. Still others were prayed for on the spot, or added to our weekly devotional list. His Word never returns void. (Isaiah 55:11) Hallelujah!

One of our focuses this month was visitation to senior citizens – taking time to remind them that they are loved and valued. What better way to do that then for our little volunteers – the children – to bring them flowers and chocolates! So, visiting different care homes, they took their time going person to person, with smiles and hugs reigning supreme! At one home – a very needy centre in Kraaifontein – we found out on arrival that they were in fact celebrating their 2oth anniversary the next day, and could use some of the beautiful flowers to decorate the hall! Another example of God’s perfect timing.  

We had a wonderful time sharing the joy of Heritage Day and braaiing with our neighbors and friends! The organizers really put extra thought into making it special for each person – younger or older! We all made teams and cooked a large variety of dishes in a friendly contest. There was even a pony organized for the children to ride on, which was a completely unexpected treat! For us, it was an unusual chance to just relax together and enjoy our blessings! (There was music, a jumping castle for the children, tents and gazebos to sit under, a dress up theme, plus judges to sample and rate each team’s food!) We talked, braaied, played rugby, shared food, and just generally had a wonderful time! Praise God for dear friends and family who make life exciting and fill our days with love!

On Thursday, Frank and Lisa welcomed a wonderful addition to their family – Nicholas Ethan! We rejoice in the miracle of new life and all the Lord did to bring little Nicholas safely into the world.

In the last weeks we have collected, sorted, and distributed over 500kg of meat, 2000kg of fresh vegetables and fruit, and hundreds of dairy items – benefiting quadriplegics, disabled children, the elderly, and an orphanage, as well as needy families.

This month, our focus was to make improvements for some of our beneficiaries centres. We communicated with three of the most in-need – a centre that teaches life skills and mentors troubled youth, a home for 40 severely physically and mentally disabled children, and a refuge for pregnant women in crisis – and found out their needs. Then, thanks to sponsors, we were able to bring them all the below pictured items! These included heaters, beds, mellaware kitchenware, food warming plate, screen, radio, blankets, towels, pictures for the walls, large toy balls and warm beanies for the disabled kids, iron, kettle, vacuum cleaner, microwave, water filters, bedding, toiletries, and more! We are so grateful and pleased to be a part of making things better for all those at these centres. The gasps of joy and astonishment as item after item was unloaded and displayed made us so happy, and we know that through this focus, Jesus was glorified! (note: some faces blurred to protect privacy)  

We were proud to assist a close friend in a project she organized – bringing the Love of Jesus to a desperately in need area. On her birthday, she decided to give back and focus on others; such a beautiful idea! About 70 adults and children gathered, and after an opening message by our friend and then prayer, we began to serve them. Home cooked food, prepared by the lady volunteers, was dished out, along with cool drinks for all. The grateful men, women, and children patiently waited their turn, eating and drinking with rapturous enjoyment, looking between each other with huge smiles. We provided a Gospel of John and other inspirational material for each person, and several Bibles too. These dear people even surprised our friend with a basket bouquet of wild flowers – a true gesture of love from these ones who have next to nothing themselves. All in all, a lovely time! We are so proud of our friend for giving of herself to bring Jesus to these people on her birthday. (John 13:34, Proverbs 22:2)  

In this very cold weather, we decided to bring a warm breakfast to the children at our Sunday School. A large pot of steaming oats, (and a bottle of juice to take home) divided out to all the sweet children, was a wonderful addition to speaking of Jesus, songs, and games. The Bible says that all will know we are His followers, if we show love. (John 13:35) So that’s what we endeavour to do.