We
met on the veranda of the Hub at 8.00 am for briefing before
travelling to Mluti for Community Prayer. More than 40 of the Hands team, plus
service centre personnel accompanied us for this monthly event which rotated
around the care points. Following prayers for a safe journey and members of the
communities, observing “African Time” we eventually set off in convoy.
Once in Mluti we joined in worship and praise songs before introductions from
the care workers, who are divided into two groups - cooks and a visiting team.
The care point has recently increased in size, as a response to demand: it now
caters for 50 children and has recruited a number of new care workers.
Multiply
Loving
United with each other as they go out
Teachable, touchable
Image of God for us all
Imitating Christ in serving others.
7 For we
brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and
clothing, we will be content with that.
Carolyn illustrated with a
couple of questions that no one can actually take anything with them when they
die and no baby is ever born with any clothing on. Therefore the scripture was
correct we come into the world
with nothing and we leave with nothing.
Carolyn
emphasized the teaching of Jesus, that we should be content with what we have,
but also we should take the opportunity that God has given us, not allow our
lives to be ruled by earthly possessions. Rather that we should fight the good
fight of faith and follow the example of Jesus.
As community prayer came to an
end we organized ourselves into small groups ready to go on holy home visits.
We visited a variety of homes between us and spent time talking and praying
with the Care Givers.
Water is a struggle as it is
delivered by truck once a fortnight and has to be carried up to the homes and
stored in a variety of containers.
There is little regular work
available, however some manage to find some ‘piece work’. Many of the people
are refugees from Mozambique and this adds to the complications as they do not
have South African papers.
Having returned from Home visits we had chance for a quick bite to eat before the children turned up from school.
We spent time skipping, with
some very fancy footwork from the children, before it was time for them to eat
and us to return to the hub.
With little time to spare we
made our way to Kristi and Daytona’s house for our final debrief! Kristi asked
each of us to feed back on - “what”; “so what” and “now what”. Each of us
recounted the stories that had touched our hearts and Kristi encouraged us to
write these down, so that firstly we wouldn’t forget, but mainly so that we
could recount these when we got home.
We
shared what these stories meant to us and how they had strengthened our faith
and also how we would use the experiences that we had had to tell people back
home.
Our time in South Africa is rapidly coming to an end and we went out in the evening for a final meal together as a team with Cat, Daytona and Kristi. And we watched the Lunar Eclipse.
Rosemary
and Chris
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