We asked our dear friend Annie to gather around 200 children from the Scotsdene/Wallacedene area to come to our special Christmas Party. (We always prepare for more and this time nearly 300 children showed up!) For the event we were able to use the community center, which was a great blessing.  Many hours of great fun were spent by the kids; playing ball  games, bouncing on a jumping castle,  receiving gifts and goodie bags and even having ice-cream. A real treat! But the main highlight for us was being able to show all the children the real Story of Christmas,  explaining Jesus’ mission on earth,  and praying with them to accept the best Christmas gift ever into their own hearts and lives.      

(From Jean, Kristina, and family in France) Over the last week the children have been working hard to make beautiful Christmas cards and cookies to give out at the elderly center here in our town, But due to regulations at the center we were not able to go there as we had planned. Though this was a bit disappointing at first we were reminded of the verse ” all things work together for good to those who love God” (ROM 8:28) The Lord reminded us of a few specific people that would enjoy a visit and a little bit of Christmas cheer. Over the next couple of days we have been able to go to various individuals who got a bunch of yummy homemade cookies, a Christmas card, lots of hugs and a touch of the true Christmas spirit. One lady kept thanking us as we left for her “lovely Christmas gift” (the children’s visit) and others were so pleased that we had visited them We were also invited to join our neighbors for a Christmas service at their home. Everyone was asked to participate in some way during the evening so the children were able to sing “What Can I Give Him” for everyone. Everyone was very touched by it.

Over the Christmas season we packed thousands of goodie bags for children all over Cape Town. Here you see some of our youngest volunteers assisting in packing. Thanks to their cheerful help and the help of our sponsors many, many children were blessed this year!

For the many children at this informal settlement, elements of Christmas that we take for granted – such as snacks and gifts – are often not part of their experience. That’s why we had such a good time giving each of them goodie bags with tasty treats, a set of building blocks for the smaller ones, and a frisbee for the older children! We even had a few soft cuddle toys for the very youngest ones, which they were so grateful for!  All the children and adults also got a few apples to take home, ice lollies, and a Gospel tract with a special Christmas message. God bless one of the older boys who attends our Sunday School; he helped organised the line of chdren and made sure each of them received their Gospel tract. And of course to our friends and sponsors; this is all thanks to YOU!

The pregnant ladies of the New Life crisis center (some as young as 15, so sad) went out for a special Christmas breakfast with some of us. What a lovely treat for them. They were so happy for this outing. Before the breakfast we had shared the nativity story with them during our weekly devotions and afterwards we returned to the center to present them with their gift parcels. We had such a joyful time watching them take out their dresses and beauty products. They especially liked the devotional books we gave them; something to feed and inspire them. We were thankful to be able to finish off their year on this happy note! (Note: faces blurred to protect privacy)

The children of our Sunday School eagerly sat to view a brief Nativity Story video! The teachers paused and discussed it throughout, making sure that each child understood the wonderful message of the First Christmas, when Jesus came to us in human form. What Good News!      

The families of the Klein Akker informal settlement come from many different backgrounds and cultures. In spite of their dismal circumstances, they make the most of what they have and always greet us with a warm smile. We were so happy to bring them fresh food and bread as well as Christmas presents and bags of yummy treats for the children. Christmas is largely a forgotten event for these children. But not today!  Today Christmas came for everyone!  Just like Jesus did, that very first Christmas.