Before heading to Zambia we spent time with the team from Capel which was so great to see our Capel and African families living alongside one another for a couple of weeks. We travelled out to Eswatini (previously known as Swaziland) with them and spent 4 days visiting kids and care givers in their homes and getting to know the Care Workers who sacrificially care for hundreds of kids every single day. Each member of the team was such a huge blessing to our Care Workers and kids in a unique way, whether it was washing plates, fixing a water tank, playing games with the kids or simply sitting and chatting. We also felt so encouraged that each person sacrificed their own resources to come and see what we are doing in South Africa and Eswatini. A couple of highlights for us were seeing Wes and Vusi (volunteer with Hands from SA who works in Eswatini) chatting outside one evening and to see Stella and Melody (another volunteer with Hands from SA who works in Eswatini) sharing their stories with one another. When I think of church, this is a big part of it for me.
Over these past couple of weeks, we have had the privilege of being a part of the annual October Gathering at Hands here in Zambia. Hands family from all over Africa (and even outside Africa) come together to dig deeper with one another and focus on where we are going as Hands into next year. It was such a special time and so great to re-connect with people. There were many sessions where all of us felt deeply challenged about how we as individuals care for the children we serve in a personal way. For me specifically, the word ‘confess’ came through strongly as a theme and I recognised this is an area where I really need to grow in my walk with God. I certainly do not spend enough time looking at where I need to ask for forgiveness for things I have done wrong and it then causes a barrier between God and myself.
We are excited to see what the rest of this year has for us as we finish out the year in Zambia.
Blessings, Tommy (Morgan + Finn)
