(note: we will feature here several of the latest posts. To see more please visit www.blog.helpinghandSA.org
Celebrating the Resurrection with Over 300 People – Older and Younger!
We packed and distributed over 300 treat packs with rusks, chocolates, and a Gospel message!
These packs went to an elderly care home in Kraaifontein, a Christian community initative in Scottsdene, and our Sunday School in Morningstar settlement off the N7.
At the Scottsdene event, Mike was suddenly asked to give a word to the assembled people, which he did with a wonderful Easter message! At the elderly home, the residents and patients were so very grateful for the love and interaction. And at Sunday school, the treat packs were the perfect companion to our handmade “Jesus is Risen” necklaces given after the lesson.
Wonderful celebrations of the most important day in history!
Education in Afrikaans and Eternal Life through Jesus!
We were extended an invite to give a Gospel message to the children and parents from a rural school in Paarl at their bazaar; which of course we gladly accepted!
It was a more rainy day than anticipated, but still the mood was cheery and excited. We brought some healthy snacks – bananas and apples – to the bazaar, and to open, spoke briefly with the parents and children on the importance of mentorship, education, good examples, and faithful study. Then we gave a Salvation message, and invited any who were willing to accept Jesus as their Forever King and Best Friend. 61 did!
The lady who connected us with the school also sponsored 220 Karakterbou (character-building) books – one for every child at the school! And we were able to leave Gospel tracts in Afrikaans for the parents!
Answers to Prayer for 20 Families and an Orphanage
We heard from Mama Rosie (who runs an orphanage and home with over 140 children in Khayelitsha and whom we have been partnering with for over 12 years) that they were in desperate need of foodstuffs. We told her we would certainly see what we could do, but we ourselves are very stretched in resources. Then a couple days later, we heard of 20 families in great need, with one parent of each working at a company which has severely downsized, and even the remaining employees have had to go on short time.
We could clearly see the need, and were in prayer for supply. Then, left field and unexpected, the Lord laid on someone’s heart to give us the proceeds for something they were selling… which was, amazingly and wonderfully, just enough to go out that same afternoon and buy bulk supplies! Then we worked late into the night to pack 3 full bags for each family, with toiletries and all kinds of foodstuffs!
The next morning, we were able to deliver the parcels, which were received with so much joy and thankfulness! And we had enough to fill up Mama Rosie’s bakkie with supplies too! The Lord is always on time – HIS Time, and with just enough supply to do what He puts before us.
Computers, Appliances, and Other Electronics for Youth Home and Skills Training Centre!
It’s so important these days that young people get computer knowledge and training. Yet in order to gain that, equipment is needed. What a joy to bring these various electronics – laptops, desktop, screens, printer, router, keyboards, headphones, software, office chair, and more – to this youth home and training centre in Phillipi. And right before we went to them, a dishwasher was donated as well, which they received most gladly!
When we arrived and opened the van, the two house leaders exclaimed “computers!” and then shared the most amazing story…
Two of the young people at the home had applied for a business course, been rejected, then finally accepted! And then, they found out having zoom classes WITH STUDENT VIDEO was a requirement for the course. And they didn’t have the computers or webcams, so were on the verge of forfeiting the course access. How amazing that not only were there laptops, but also a high quality webcam for them to use!
Laughingly, the house “fathers” then said “whenever you call and say you have something for us and can we use xyz… it is ALWAYS a direct answer to items we have been praying for. So you don’t really need to ask “can you use” anymore, as what you have to bring always seems just right.” We are so thankful and thrilled to hear these encouraging confirmations that our steps are being directed by the Lord!
School Supplies for Hundreds of Learners!
We visited two large schools in Wellington and Worcester, speaking with the learners and giving school supply packs to 200 of them!
Most wonderfully, 72 of the children accepted Jesus as their Saviour! We were blessed to have packs of cereal for them to take home and fresh mealies (sweetcorn) to leave with the school kitchens.
Another lovely event was with a very underfunded creche in Worcester, at which we gave out lunchboxes, water bottles, cups, crayons, paper, bananas, cereal, and children’s Gospel material for over 150 kids!
And then supplies and a special message on education for over 70 children at our Sunday School!
Amazing times with blessed results!
Christmas Day 2022: A Three Course Meal for the Homeless!
As part of our Celebration, we focused on bringing the spirit of Christmas – God’s Love – to as many as possible. We put up an invite sign on our gate and served a special three course meal – complete with dessert – to anyone who came in.
Another team packed many trays of food into a car, and drove around the neighborhood, serving food to those in need. The reactions were so beautiful! We are so grateful to have been on the ground, spreading Christmas Love to these dear ones.
We also took a meal to the local police station; a small way to thank these community servants for all they do throughout the year. What a Merry Christmas Day!
Putting Christ Back into Christmas for the Children of Wolverivier
What a privilege to be invited to partner with an initiative for the children of Wolverivier area, specifically to bring Christ into their Christmas event! The organizers reached out to us, knowing that we are missionaries and do our weekly Sunday School in the area. They had the gifts, games, and snacks ready, and asked if we could come to the event to tell the Christmas story and give an altar call; which we could not be more thrilled to do!
After all the little ones and teenagers were gathered, Chris spoke to them on Christ’s great Love and the message of hope and Salvation that Christmas brings! Then, the children who had not done so yet had an opportunity to accept Jesus as their Saviour, which 160 of them gladly did! How wonderful! Each one also received an parallel English and Afrikaans “Christmas Long Ago” booklet to read – plus a CD with the story narrated on it!
A Joyous Celebration with Toys, Talks, and Treats for Hundreds of Children
At two different communities, we organized events for hundreds of children! First we unloaded many boxes of toys, goodie bags, and more! Then Angela and Mike gave Christmas messages and presented the opportunity to these dear ones to accept Jesus as their Forever Friend and Saviour – with many responding wholeheartedly! (240 in total!)
In one of these communities, the families don’t even have electricity, and this was absolutely what made their Christmas. All those that received are from very low or no income families, and could not afford the Christmas extras! But the Lord wanted to show His Love for them in this way! One by one interacting with the sweet children – and giving them their toy, treat bag, and sanitizer to take home – we were reminded of the words of Jesus “Let the children come unto Me … the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)
All Work is Great if Done with Great Love – A Christmas “Thank You” to the Waste Collectors
As a little thanks for all their faithful (and often unpleasant) work throughout the year, we made up large hampers for the waste collectors, which the children helped prep and hand over. In addition to all the other staples, treats, and Gospel material, each of the men and women also received a pack of mince pies and a Christmas pudding!
A Very Special Sunday School!
A wonderful Christmas experience came for 91 dear children from our Sunday School in Morningstar informal settlement! They were so excited as soon as we unloaded the lovely sponsored treat bags; and even much more upon seeing the variety of toys for younger and older!
After a prayer, we began giving out the gifts! Each child went home with a pack of treats and a toy of their choosing! How lovely to see their shocked faces and smiles as they received the goodies, and wave goodbye with a reminder to each one that “Jesus Loves you!”
