Like previous Christmases, we wanted to be sure that everyone – including the homeless – would be served a special warm Christmas meal. With continued social distancing in place, we were not able to invite others onto our mission property to enjoy this meal. So we adapted.

We were able to pack and give a full three-course meal to all those who would have otherwise gone without on this special day. (as well as to essential services workers) As we handed out the meals, we encountered surprise, joy, and tears. More than once we were asked to pray with and for these dear ones; struggling with their future in these uncertain times. One young man (barely 15) had been looking through every garbage bin on the main road, hoping to find leftover food. When we came to him with a full packed meal, he almost couldn’t believe it, and thanked us again and again. Then, he sat down right where we met him, and began to enjoy the food! it is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, to see how much hope a little love can bring. Later, we also heard of a policeman who had passed away in an accident just Christmas morning. We were able to counsel and encourage his fellow SAPS members when we brought them their meals and treats.

For all the people (over 70) that received a meal, pudding, a juice, and a Gospel message, in spite of restrictions and these difficult times, it turned out to be a very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and blessings in Jesus to you and yours!

A special Christmas came for 90 dear children from our Sunday School in Morningstar informal settlement! They were so excited! As we pulled up they jumped up and down; then eagerly trying to catch a glimpse of their treats and toys as we unloaded.
After a recap of the Christmas message which we’ve been going through for a few weeks, the festivities began! Each child went home with a pack of treats and a toy of their choosing!
To our absolute joy, five of the children gave their hearts to the Lord, accepting Him as their personal Friend and Saviour! We’re really grateful to be able to provide an active touch of Christmas and expression of the Love they learn about every week. Enjoy seeing the happy faces and thankful smiles, and may we each be reminded of just how blessed we are.

PS Something incredible happened at this event. A few minutes after arriving, an old bakkie pulled up, and a couple from the informal settlement jumped out and handed us a big bag full of wrapped presents! We were so stunned, at first we throught they had the wrong people, or meant for the gifts to go to specific children. But no, they told us “these are for you to give to the children!”
What a kindhearted Christmas miracle! Because of their gift, we had enough gifts for all 90+ kids, and even some of the original ones we’d packed left over which we later gave to an orphanage! How wonderful!

For these two farm communities, life is extremely hard. They often have to struggle and make do without even what we all consider basic needs. And lack is felt more than ever at Christmas.
Sadly, because of their situations, they can tend to feel disheartened and forgotten; or even worthless. We wanted to change that perception! So in addition to helping them throughout the year, this time we did something special for Christmas – foodstuffs for all, plus toys and treats for the children! And the adults got a Gospel message and a bunch of decorations to brighten their simple homes. Love came down that first Christmas, and now came with open Arms to them, reminding them “you ARE loved.”

Through the season, we’ve prepared and packed hundreds of treat packs, toys, and food parcels for families! Some of these were for large-scale projects, and some for individuals or families in great need.

We are so thankful that – in the middle of these very tight and trying times – with “a lot of help from our friends” we were able to make this project a reality! Over 700 parcels went out to older and younger; potatoes, onions, carrots, apples, and bread for all, plus treats and toys for the children! A little bonus was several Christmas decorations for each adult along with their Gospel magazine!
It truly was a joy to be able to wish each of these ones a very Merry Christmas!

This Youth Center is a sort of half-way house between orphanage and full-on adulthood. While here, the young men and women learn very necessary life skills along with Godly values. It was absolutely awesome to be able to present these young people with a whole lot of fun toys, board and card games, craft projects, puzzles, and most of all, a wide selection of youth-geared Gospel material!
Then, each young person received their own wrapped and labeled gift pack, with chocolate, messages from Jesus, and a Bible study booklet.
They told us again and again how this really made their Christmas, and thanked us for thinking of them.
Praise the Lord for open doors to spread His message to these leaders of the future.

With a whole lot of love and care, toys were sorted, wrapped, and labeled for children at two centres! And then, goodie bags added to the pile! At one centre – a community creche which has seriously struggled to stay solvent through the pandemic – the children rejoiced to see us arrive with their presents and treats! We then spent time presenting each one’s present by name, and watching them open and enjoy them! Then to the safe house, which cares for children as young as 3 months, and unwed mothers of 19 and 20. It was wonderful to be there and let them know they are deeply loved by Jesus – and He will never abandon them. For some of these children, the present we brought may be their only gift, and we are just so grateful to have come and spent time with them. The kind-hearted teachers and caregivers also each received a Christmas hamper, which they more than deserve. As we left each place, the children smiled and chorused “Thank you!” and we called back “Merry Christmas!”