In August we celebrated the 70th birthday of Anthony, who, with his wife, started Helping Hand. Anthony has been serving the Lord for 45 years in The States, all over Europe, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, The Philippines, and for the last twenty years in Africa. Still busy, still serving. Happy birthday Anthony!
Three Helping Hand members went with a vanload of supplies – food, clothing, kitchen dishes, and bathroom necessities – to drop off at three needy centres. One caters for homeless and disabled men, while another focuses on women in crisis. The third takes care of TB/HIV/AIDS children, as well as burn victims. Each of these centres received their goods along with three simple yet powerful words, “Jesus loves you!” We are so proud of the staff who faithfully run these centres, and make a difference in the lives of those they assist. It is our honour and pleasure, thanks to your help, to be a part of keeping them going.
The youth of today need the Gospel message more than ever; they need to know that Jesus cares for them just as they are – and in spite of their personal questions and issues. For this purpose, the youth volunteers of Helping Hand (including Caleb, one of our members visiting from Netherlands) walked through this university campus, distributing tracts and striking up conversations. At the conclusion of the day’s outreach, hundreds of tracts had been given out, and ten individuals committed their lives to Christ! Many more were encouraged and prayed for, and some requested to be added to our weekly devotional list. Hallelujah! (Mark 16:15) “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature”
David and Frank delivered thousands of fresh bread rolls to two clinics – making it possible for TB/HIV/AIDS patients to have food with their medication!
Correct nutrition is vital for the growth and development of children, and we were blessed to be able to bring fresh oranges (as well as vegetables) to this settlement! We unloaded outside the community leader’s house, to much excitement from all around. Thank you, our friends and sponsors!
For Women’s Day, youth volunteers packed parcels with beauty and hygiene products, and we then brought them to ladies at a home for women in crisis. As we had tea together with them, each lady received her parcel, as well as an inspirational book on love. After tea each one had a chance to have portrait pictures taken, which they very much enjoyed! Other parcels went to women at a small informal settlement, where we were greeted with much joy! Children were given candies and fruit, and the women each got their own special “appreciation bag!” To women everywhere, may you be blessed on this day!
What a blessing to be able to affect change! We each have that power in the everyday things we do. Here is a reaction from Pastor Raymond, who runs a feeding scheme in Heidelberg. We were able to assist the project with some foodstuffs. “When they arrived with the food last week, it was right on time. I (Oom Raymond) was cutting the bread and there was nothing to eat the bread with. And suddenly Jesus appears with peanut butter. Right on time as the first child was given their slice of bread, which was their supper. The joy that they had! They started shouting “thank you Jesus” as we told them that Jesus supplied. Thank you Helping Hand!!!”
At Sunday School, the children enjoyed the Bible stories, colouring, and songs. They participated, laughed, sang, and chattered excitedly. But oh how their faces lit up as we handed each one a large chocolate chip cookie! An extra treat and manifestation of His Great Love for them. Hallelujah!
