We received a donation of chips recently; and this morning distributed packets to patients at the Morningstar Day Clinic. With each packet we presented a Gospel Pamphlet with a down-to-earth salvation message. Although simple gifts, they were received with happy smiles and brought a bit of cheer to all those at this busy facility- staff and patients alike!
Over 600 boxes of snacks were delivered to our center for distribution. Each box contained at least 16 packets of chips/cheese puffs etc. Wow! That’s about 10,000 packets! First of all we contacted all our beneficiaries to let them know that we would be coming to deliver these treats. Then, we set off; loading our vans time and time again-in total delivering to over 20 places- until, just one week after we received them all, 600 boxes had found homes and many, many disadvantaged children and adults were treated to these special snacks. We delivered to: homes for abused women and children, hospitals and HIV/AIDS clinics, soup kitchen&feeding schemes, drug-rehabilitation centers, a local creche and school, the children of a nearby informal settlement, an orphanage, and individual families in need.
We did our best to bring the Christmas spirit to Sarah Fox Convalescent Hospital; giving every child a present, snacks, and attention. These children will be spending Christmas at the hospital, away from their friends and family, so we are so thankful to have been empowered (thanks to the toys donors and other local individuals) to give them a “real” Christmas -not only with the toys and snacks, but the love and care that every child on Earth deserves. The staff received a box of donated chocolates and an inspirational magazine each; which, by their smiles and hugs, we could tell made their day special as well! More Photos Here
Both proper nutrition and true hope play a role in recovery. At the Morningstar Clinic, we try to fulfill both these needs throughout the year by supplying them with fresh produce, rolls, loaves, and Gospel pamphlets. Research has shown that the health of HIV/AIDS patients who don’t have access to fresh fruit and vegetables deteriorates more rapidly than those who do have their nutritional needs met. Those who do are able to live longer, happier, and more productive lives. This Christmas season, in addition to the regular drop-offs, we decided to try and make it special for those coming for checkups and medicine. We made early morning trips on consecutive days, bringing snacks, cool drinks, treats, and presents. Over 300 families benefited from this initiative, and we pray it made this Christmas more memorable one for each of them! More Pictures HERE
Since learning of this small, neglected community – comprised mostly of unemployed men and women- with many children that have never known a life away from tin roofs, cardboard blankets, and daily hunger, we have taken them on as one of our dear projects. This Christmas, thanks to our sponsors and a company which donated the wonderful toys, we were able to give over 1200 snack packages, cool drinks, presents, and Gospel pamphlets. Each child received a gift and all babies a box of special crackers. The looks on the faces of these sweet people and their thankful words reminded us once again of the true purpose of Christmas. It is to love as you would like to be loved, and in doing so, honouring Jesus, the first and best Christmas Present ever! More Pictures HERE
Those at NLC (a center for women in crisis) often have a sad story that leads to their present condition. Sometimes they have been through terrible trauma; sometimes family and friends have rejected them, and for some it’s the culmination of a series of unfortunate events. These brave pregnant women have decided to either keep their babies or put them up for adoption, rather than get an abortion. Some are due within the next few weeks and most won’t be seeing their loved ones this Christmas. We decided to arrange a special meal to encourage them and make this Christmas one to remember! One of the five-star hotels in Cape Town donated a breakfast buffet for all seven women, the likes of which they had never before experienced! Each woman also received a pamper pack with beauty products, chocolates, and an inspirational book. Looking out over the ocean, with as much food and love as they could handle, we pray they felt the wonder of Christmas; as we surely felt the joy of giving.
