We received a unexpected call to come collect butternut – more than one TON of fresh, large butternut, as it turned out. It was divided out for several centres, as well as to hundreds of families at this local township. Here you can see some of the distribution and also the team with Chief E, who is in charge of the settlement.
On Sunday, our two teenagers (Stefanie and Amy) led Sunday School in a settlement off the N7. (towards Malmesbury) We use a wendyhouse classroom, which is part of the community preschool during the week. Each child was greeted and given an “entry sticker” as they came through the door. The children’s voices blended with the guitar’s rhythm as they sang “Yes, Jesus Loves Me; the Bible Tells Me So!” They filled in their own colouring page, (Jesus with the children) and received paper heart “necklaces” with “Jesus Loves Me” written on them. It is our hope and prayer that these children – and more in the weeks and months to come – will know God’s Love in a deeper way, and see that they are important and valued going forward. Thank you so much to all our sponsors!
Each Sunday afternoon we hold a house church fellowship – with songs, testimonies, a word, and prayer requests. It is so wonderful to worship Jesus together, and to hear all that He does week by week! (Psalm 133:1 “How good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity.”)
February saw more than 3400kg of fresh produce picked up, sorted, and distributed. These fresh fruits and vegetables went to children’s homes, crèches, orphanages, frail care centres, soup kitchens, quadriplegic centres, feeding schemes for the homeless, and many individual familes as well!
11 Helping Hand members joined over 10,000 other runners in participating in the Tyger Run. From the youngest (4yrs) to the youth and adults, each member completed their 5km “Fun Run” with smiles and satisfaction!
These children – all from difficult, underprivileged backgrounds – are such little champions! We were able to chat and interact with them as they sat in their playroom. Soon each child wanted personal attention and help with his or her own “project” ; colouring, drawing, or play-dough molding! We loved every minute, and know that the little bit of love and care they feel now will encourage them to be the best they can be in the future!
Two televisions were donated to us by some friends, who said “we don’t need them anymore, and hopefully they can benefit someone.” Well, little did they know just how much of a blessing those TV’s would be! We phoned up a lady we know who runs a multifaceted organisation, and asked her if she could use TV’s. Her response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive! “YES! We will really really use them! Thank you a million times!” She directed us to one of her projects; a home for coming-of-age youth, where they learn manners, social etiquette, skills, hard work, and how to live independently and make something of themselves. When we arrived, N (the house “mentor”) just stood there for a moment, speechless. Then he came forward, shook our hands, and said “God has sent you! You won’t believe how much the youth have been missing their TV!” As it turned out, the home’s TV had been in use for a number of years, and had just recently packed up completely. The arrival of the two new TV’s was impeccably on time, and we know God truly inspired our friends to give them just when they did! (The youth home also has a self-sustaining farm project, and a building, newly finished, to house a greater number of youth in the future!)
A van-load of fruit, veg, bread, spices, sauces, and milkshakes went to Rosie Mashale at the Baphumelele Children’s Home. She takes care of, schools and feeds more than 100 children, and thus every donation is greatly appreciated! We also brought lunch boxes, trays, plastic cups, clothes, and tissue paper. We are so happy that Ap (a good friend from up country) was able to join us on this day!
