We started off the morning with a relaxed team breakfast while some members popped up to the chapel to receive communion.
Today we returned to Mafambisa to paint the toilet block with the classic Hands at Work design. Some of the group suited up and we began to paint to blue colour to the top half of the walls.
Once this was done we began our relationship group while Loneck and Adam started to measure and draw the pattern on the bottom of the walls.
During relationship group we checked on how each other were doing and sung worship. We then shared prayer requests and prayed all together. After this Oliver shared some words of encouragement with the Care Workers. The scripture came from Corinthians 1 and spoke about how God gives us specific tasks to do and that even when we are tired we should use his strength to keep going and do good work for him. The Care Workers shared that these words really helped to make them feel like what they do is worth it and will help them to keep going on days they feel they don’t want to continue. Eunice from the service centre team added that these words also encouraged them and are relevant to all of us. As a team these words have helped us realise the importance of visiting and that what we say does have an effect on the Care Workers.
After this we got the opportunity to paint on the design to the walls. All the Care Workers and even some of the children joined in. They all take such pride in their Care Point and want to help improve it which is amazing to see. The painting took all afternoon and we had to eat very quickly so we could finish before we left. All that is left to do now is the black lines between all the colours.
We had time for a quick dance before we left and then it was time to return to the Hub.
This evening we have been preparing for the Hands on Deck meeting tomorrow where we are sharing about our ten years of partnering with Hands and Siyathuthuka and having some down time as a team. Here are a few memories of the very first time St.Andrews sent a team - ‘The Room’ to Africa.
By Pippa
Well done Pippa great blog! And great work all of you with the painting! It really brightens up the place when it is done! I liked the passage you shared Oliver and you seemed to get a great response! Liz visited me in hospital today and she asked after you all and sends her love!
ReplyDeleteAnother fantastic blog guys xxxx
ReplyDeleteWow the painting on the house amazing 👏 enjoying reading these blogs x
Well done on the painting. Great to see the classic Hands at Work colour scheme extended to the toilets. I hope the Hands on Deck day and your presentation goes well tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see and hear what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteThose times in the Relationship Groups are so special; sharing troubles and joys in prayer and singing. Though we might not share a common language, we share a common faith and humanity - each having difficulties of their own but supporting one another.
Send our love to Eunice, Prudence, Virginia and Loneck - those guys do so much to support the Care Workers and Care Points.
Relationship groups were one of my favourite times whilst out with Hands providing such strength and comfort to all who take part. Felt quit emotional seeing those pictures from 10 years ago - praying for you to have a wonderful Hands on Deck day tomorrow sharing in God's faithfulness over those last 10 years.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for your stories and the painting was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteIt was good to hear of yours times together praying and worshipping together
Sharing your deepest thoughts and cares with each other will make friendships for ever.
Take care of each other
Angela x