Just a few weeks ago, we received an unexpected call from a local factory shop, to collect up a donation of ice cream – lots and lots of vanilla ice cream! Originally it was estimated to be about 1000 tubs, but ended up being more than double that. What a special treat for so, so many people! Our men picked up vanload after vanload, distributing to centres and individuals all over Cape Town and surrounds. We were able to give to libraries, orphanages, creches, soup kitchens, drug rehabs, hospices, feeding schemes for the elderly, clinics, schools, and youth centres, as well as homes for quadriplegics, disabled children, women in crisis, and more! We even discovered and were recommended to a few new centres and beneficiaries, making our circle of God’s Love recipients even larger! So special to be able to supplement regular food distribution with this unusual, but wonderful gift of delicious ice cream!

As before, a Paarl company donated large bags of leather off-cuts for use in a startup community project which makes clothing, blankets, etc, and has started doing crafts, earrings, and more as a method of sustainable income for the local ladies. This time – as one of our focuses for October – we also brought several knitting looms, expanding the possibilities of their creations. We really believe in helping those who are trying to help themselves, and are glad to be a part of this initiative.

In addition to our mass food distribution projects, low-income families, community centres, soup kitchens, underprivileged creches, and quadriplegic homes are some of those that regularly benefit from foodstuffs. We are grateful to be Jesus’ hands and feet to show His Love, and help these dear people – each of whom is infinitely precious to Him.

Thanks to a friend who gave us tickets, we were able to take all the children to a local agricultural expo, where they enjoyed the many animals, stalls, and educational shows.

Day by day, bit by bit, over 25 boxes of shoes and insoles were sorted and distributed to centres and individuals all over Cape Town. Beneficiaries included orphanages, a home for women in crisis, children’s centres/creches, quadriplegics, soup kitchens/upliftment programs, and more! What a awesome blessing for so many!

In this Kraaifontein farm informal settlement, there are a number of families, predominantly white and coloured. Their needs are often neglected, and they can tend to feel forgotten. We feel it is vital to help, reminding  them that God does care, and loves them greatly. On previous occasions we have brought them clothes, shoes, blankets, and foodstuffs – this time it was a food parcel for each person! Apples, oranges, potatoes, and carrots filled up the bags, and the families went home with a Gospel tract and the proof of God’s loving Hands.  

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.