We were blessed with a whole lot of lovely potatoes, onions, and carrots, which the children of Helping Hand were part of giving out to many needy families! And we even had enough to give a large load to a children’s home housing over 130 little ones!
A farmer friend suddenly called us up, saying “the Lord told me to give you watermelon from my harvest!” We drove out, collected a vanload, and then spent the next two days distributing these delicious special treats to crisis centres for women, quadriplegic homes, an orphanage, a soup kitchen, and to the children at our Morningstar Sunday School!
Looking forward to another year of challenges and victories, struggles, answered prayers, miracles, Love, and Joy! 2024 here we come!
“Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!” shouted the hundreds of children from this desperate and dangerous community, only minutes from areas of prosperity and plenty.
Although this event wasn’t originally part of our “planned” projects, thanks to the Lord’s bountiful supply – not only of toys but of food and treats as well – we were able to bring Christmas to these families who largely missed out. Someone donated potato, pasta, and fruit salads, which we dished out on the spot. Another person had given lovely goodie bags with juice and treats! There were muffins and bananas, story books, CD’s, and Gospel tracts with the message of Christmas, plus special baby-&-child-safe sanitizer. A dear friend even added ice lollies for all the children on this extremely hot day. Such a treat!
So many people are lonely, sad, or hungry at Christmas, and it is a time of year when such lacks are most keenly felt. So, as part of our Celebration, we focused on bringing the spirit of Christmas – God’s Love – to as many as possible. It was our gift to Jesus and others!
We put up an invite sign on our gate and served a special Christmas meal – complete with dessert – to anyone who came in. Some friends also brought over several trays of delicious home-cooked food to add to the meals; God bless them.
Some of us (together with our Helping Hand children!) packed many trays of food into vehicles, and drove around the neighborhood, serving food to those in need. The reactions were so beautiful!
We also took a meal to the local police station and fire station; a small way to thank these community servants for all they do throughout the year. We are so grateful to have been on the ground, spreading Christmas Love to these dear ones. Over 100 people got a delicious meal, a “Jesus Loves You”, and a Gospel message. What a Merry Christmas Day!
Whatever your circumstances may be this Christmas, please take some time to meditate on God’s wonderful gift to all of us—His Son, Jesus. Let us pray for our ailing world, and let’s spend some time sharing His love and truth with others. By doing so we will be spending time with Jesus Himself, for He said: “Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you” (Matthew 18:20). That can be our Christmas present to Him!
May He bring peace to this weary world, and may you enjoy His presence with you and yours this Christmas!— Have a truly Merry Christmas!
In the middle of the very busy Gospel outreaches of the season and our full time members being stretched in every direction, it was a blessing to still be able to distribute three vans worth of fresh food, bread, and toys to over 600 people! One by one down a long, long line, we gave out to each person potatoes, apples, nectarines, 6 prepacked rolls of bread, goodie bags with sweets and treats, and toys for the children! Though hectic and a massive crowd of people, it was a wonderful success, both in us being able to hands-on share the Love of Jesus, and the many, many younger and older that received a physical touch of that Love.
A HUGE thanks to those who donated toys, bread, and fresh food, as well as those who facilitated through helping with fuel, vehicle repairs, and so much more! We could not do it without you!
We prepared and handed over Christmas hampers to the faithful and hard working rubbish collectors, (with both staples and special treats) to remind them that they are seen and loved by us and Jesus.
