Update to follow about what the last few weeks have held for us.
-M
Friday, 30 June 2017
Finn's First Big Adventure
Today we made the two-and-a-half-hour journey towards to Swaziland border to visit the Community of Sthobela. Tommy was sharing at Community Prayer, and the whole family tagged along. It was Finn’s first time in the community, and he was very popular with the kids and Gogos. He had many kisses and cuddles! We had the opportunity to take him on a Holy Home visit in the afternoon. My heart was full with joy watching Finn in the community, here are just a few pictures from our day.
Update to follow about what the last few weeks have held for us.
-M
Update to follow about what the last few weeks have held for us.
-M
Monday, 22 May 2017
Our Little Man
It's been 6 weeks since our little man entered the world! It’s been a challenging but beautiful few weeks, beginning to figure out what it means to be parents to this amazing little human. Trying to create a loving, safe and nurturing environment for this little life to grow and flourish.
Despite some initial struggles with feeding and Finn not gaining weight, we are back on track and he is doing well! Tommy had three weeks’ paternity leave and we were grateful for that time to bond as a family. Papa and Gigi (my mom and dad) were here for 5 weeks, it was special to have them around during the first few weeks and they were a massive support to us.
Life is settling into a bit of a routine now. I am home with Finn until the end of July. In between feeding and diaper changing I have been reading different blogs and listen to podcasts. Wanting to learn and hear from others about their experiences with motherhood.
Recently I came across a post on website called The Fresh Exchange, talking about the journey of motherhood “ I thought in some way this whole journey would be about keeping my old self in tack. The misconception that the old self was the one that I would want to keep. For a while I did. I wanted to retain the parts of me that I didn’t realize were incredibly selfish. I wanted to hold on to the girl who saw the world as solely her’s to do with as she wished. I wanted to retain the girl (yes I say girl) who THOUGHT she knew what she wanted. Silly me.”
Although this journey for me is just beginning, I see a lot of myself in those words. Before having Finn, and even as I write this now, I wrestle with not losing myself in becoming a mother, some days I want to cling to that girl in me because she is familiar and comfortable and I know how to navigate her world. How do I balance being a wife and mother, with our calling to serve the most vulnerable? How do I not lose that passion and deep conviction through the sleep deprivation and endless loads of laundry? … The truth is I don’t know, but I do know that I am committed to embracing the journey. I am thankful for a God who will grant me grace and a community and family who loves and supports us.
Despite some initial struggles with feeding and Finn not gaining weight, we are back on track and he is doing well! Tommy had three weeks’ paternity leave and we were grateful for that time to bond as a family. Papa and Gigi (my mom and dad) were here for 5 weeks, it was special to have them around during the first few weeks and they were a massive support to us.
Life is settling into a bit of a routine now. I am home with Finn until the end of July. In between feeding and diaper changing I have been reading different blogs and listen to podcasts. Wanting to learn and hear from others about their experiences with motherhood.
Recently I came across a post on website called The Fresh Exchange, talking about the journey of motherhood “ I thought in some way this whole journey would be about keeping my old self in tack. The misconception that the old self was the one that I would want to keep. For a while I did. I wanted to retain the parts of me that I didn’t realize were incredibly selfish. I wanted to hold on to the girl who saw the world as solely her’s to do with as she wished. I wanted to retain the girl (yes I say girl) who THOUGHT she knew what she wanted. Silly me.”
Although this journey for me is just beginning, I see a lot of myself in those words. Before having Finn, and even as I write this now, I wrestle with not losing myself in becoming a mother, some days I want to cling to that girl in me because she is familiar and comfortable and I know how to navigate her world. How do I balance being a wife and mother, with our calling to serve the most vulnerable? How do I not lose that passion and deep conviction through the sleep deprivation and endless loads of laundry? … The truth is I don’t know, but I do know that I am committed to embracing the journey. I am thankful for a God who will grant me grace and a community and family who loves and supports us.
Thursday, 20 April 2017
Back to Nigeria
It is always a blessing and a privilege to be asked to spend time in Nigeria. Many people at Hands are hesitant to visit because of the environment and hectic nature of Lagos and the communities we work in. But for me, it really does have a special place in my heart, so when I was asked to go again I jumped at the chance (even with a 34 week pregnant wife). Some people thought it was a bit unwise to be travelling so close to the due date but I had faith that this was all part of God’s plan
It was a much shorter trip than usual (only about 9 days) because the visa was delayed and obviously I had a time commitment to keep, so had to be back for a specific date. My primary focus of this trip was to help the financial management and ensuring our bookkeeper (Vivian) was functioning well in her role. A highlight of my trip was actually to see just how well she was doing. It is often so difficult to asses from thousands of miles away just how well things are going. I was so impressed with how she was doing her work and encouraging others to also stay strong in the procedures we laid out.
Of course, another highlight was getting out into our communities. As I said before, our Nigeria communities are some of the ones where poverty hits you right in the face as soon as you step foot in them. But for me, this emphasises and confirms that we are in the right communities. Communities where no-one else wants be because they are seen as the least or not worthy of being cared for.
I spent most of my time in a community called Temitope, which means ‘worthy of gratitude and thanks.’ This is so apt for this community, where many of the kids we meet do not feel that worthiness. Our local Care Workers are breaking the mold in this community by showing that sense of self-worth to our kids. This specific Care Point is focused on the younger kids (pre-school age) and caring and preparing them for them to move to Eagles Wings, our other Care Point and fully functioning community school. It is still a very new Care Point, having only started caring for children in February, but there is huge potential.
Often when we do home visits in our communities, we visit those who are not currently part of the group of kids we are supporting. The reason for this is to be continually assessing the children in our community. Ensuring those who we are serving are the most vulnerable when looking at the circumstances of others. Things are often changing and sometimes children are taken in by other family members who do not live in the same community, sometimes they move away - just a few of many reason why a space may open up for a new child to be cared for. During my couple of days in Temitope, I went on one such home visit. I had the opportunity to visit the home of a young boy named Diola. He is 6 years old and lives with his mother, brother and sister. None of the kids have ever been to school. His mother tries to earn money by walking the local market and offering to carry people’s food they have purchased. She only gets 50 Naira (0.15 USD) per load for doing this and most people usually opt to use wheelbarrows to transport their food anyway. When we visited their home, there was very little in the wooden shack which was built on rubbish. It was very humid and it was even tougher when I thought about the four of them sleeping on the wooden floor in this heat at night with no lock on their door. Often Diola and his siblings wander the community looking for food because their mother will not have earned enough that day to get her family through the day let alone week. It is a story all too familiar in Nigeria and is why this community is exactly the place we need to be especially as we learn more and more about the stories of those who live here.
Please pray for Diola and his brother and sister. Pray that the mother will be able to find more work. Pray for this family as they continue to place their trust in God’s provision for them. Pray for our SC team in Nigeria as they have the difficult task of discerning the most vulnerable kids in a already very vulnerable community.
Since going to Nigeria, lots has changed in our little family. More about that in another post
-T
It was a much shorter trip than usual (only about 9 days) because the visa was delayed and obviously I had a time commitment to keep, so had to be back for a specific date. My primary focus of this trip was to help the financial management and ensuring our bookkeeper (Vivian) was functioning well in her role. A highlight of my trip was actually to see just how well she was doing. It is often so difficult to asses from thousands of miles away just how well things are going. I was so impressed with how she was doing her work and encouraging others to also stay strong in the procedures we laid out.
Of course, another highlight was getting out into our communities. As I said before, our Nigeria communities are some of the ones where poverty hits you right in the face as soon as you step foot in them. But for me, this emphasises and confirms that we are in the right communities. Communities where no-one else wants be because they are seen as the least or not worthy of being cared for.
I spent most of my time in a community called Temitope, which means ‘worthy of gratitude and thanks.’ This is so apt for this community, where many of the kids we meet do not feel that worthiness. Our local Care Workers are breaking the mold in this community by showing that sense of self-worth to our kids. This specific Care Point is focused on the younger kids (pre-school age) and caring and preparing them for them to move to Eagles Wings, our other Care Point and fully functioning community school. It is still a very new Care Point, having only started caring for children in February, but there is huge potential.
Often when we do home visits in our communities, we visit those who are not currently part of the group of kids we are supporting. The reason for this is to be continually assessing the children in our community. Ensuring those who we are serving are the most vulnerable when looking at the circumstances of others. Things are often changing and sometimes children are taken in by other family members who do not live in the same community, sometimes they move away - just a few of many reason why a space may open up for a new child to be cared for. During my couple of days in Temitope, I went on one such home visit. I had the opportunity to visit the home of a young boy named Diola. He is 6 years old and lives with his mother, brother and sister. None of the kids have ever been to school. His mother tries to earn money by walking the local market and offering to carry people’s food they have purchased. She only gets 50 Naira (0.15 USD) per load for doing this and most people usually opt to use wheelbarrows to transport their food anyway. When we visited their home, there was very little in the wooden shack which was built on rubbish. It was very humid and it was even tougher when I thought about the four of them sleeping on the wooden floor in this heat at night with no lock on their door. Often Diola and his siblings wander the community looking for food because their mother will not have earned enough that day to get her family through the day let alone week. It is a story all too familiar in Nigeria and is why this community is exactly the place we need to be especially as we learn more and more about the stories of those who live here.
Please pray for Diola and his brother and sister. Pray that the mother will be able to find more work. Pray for this family as they continue to place their trust in God’s provision for them. Pray for our SC team in Nigeria as they have the difficult task of discerning the most vulnerable kids in a already very vulnerable community.
Since going to Nigeria, lots has changed in our little family. More about that in another post
-T
Thursday, 2 March 2017
40 Days of Prayer
Join Us
March 1 - April 16
IN 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR AFRICA'S VULNERABLE CHILDREN & HANDS AT WORK
Join the Hands at Work family around the world as we pray for 40 Days on behalf of the most vulnerable children in Africa and our work to support them. As the body of Christ, we commit to coming together to intercede and to bring hope to the hopeless. Invite your church, friends and family to participate too!
Prayer Guide
Download our Prayer Guide + Child’s Activity Book
Prayer Points via WhatsApp
You can also sign up for our Daily Prayer Points via WhatsApp
This year we are excited to share prayer points with you daily via WhatsApp. From March 1st to April 16th you can receive the 40 Days of Prayer prayer point directly to your mobile device.
How Do I Join?
1) Add +27 72 4505562 to your phone’s contacts
2) Send '#40Days2017' and the country you live in via WhatsApp to us on the above number.
3) We will add you to our prayer list and send you prayer points daily from March 1 – April 16th.
(Please note this is a WhatsApp blast and not a group, you will not be able to communicate with other receiving prayer points)
At anytime if you wish to unsubscribe message “STOP” via WhatApp to the above number.
Thank you for praying with us!
----------
Morgan and her team had the opportunity to spend some time in Swaziland a few weeks back in preparation for 40 Days of Prayer.
Meet Thandeka, she represents one of thousands of children being cared for by volunteer Care Workers across the communities Hands at Work supports.
March 1 - April 16
IN 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR AFRICA'S VULNERABLE CHILDREN & HANDS AT WORK
Join the Hands at Work family around the world as we pray for 40 Days on behalf of the most vulnerable children in Africa and our work to support them. As the body of Christ, we commit to coming together to intercede and to bring hope to the hopeless. Invite your church, friends and family to participate too!
Prayer Guide
Download our Prayer Guide + Child’s Activity Book
Prayer Points via WhatsApp
You can also sign up for our Daily Prayer Points via WhatsApp
This year we are excited to share prayer points with you daily via WhatsApp. From March 1st to April 16th you can receive the 40 Days of Prayer prayer point directly to your mobile device.
How Do I Join?
1) Add +27 72 4505562 to your phone’s contacts
2) Send '#40Days2017' and the country you live in via WhatsApp to us on the above number.
3) We will add you to our prayer list and send you prayer points daily from March 1 – April 16th.
(Please note this is a WhatsApp blast and not a group, you will not be able to communicate with other receiving prayer points)
At anytime if you wish to unsubscribe message “STOP” via WhatApp to the above number.
Thank you for praying with us!
----------
Morgan and her team had the opportunity to spend some time in Swaziland a few weeks back in preparation for 40 Days of Prayer.
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer
'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.' Romans 12:12-13 (NIV)
This is our 2017 Watchword as Hands at Work. At the beginning of January, as per every year, we gathered together to hear the wo
rd God had given us for this year. As George shared his heart of how God gave him this word, we all reflected on what had been a tough year in 2016 and how God would continue to grow us throughout 2017.
As I reflect personally on this word, it reveals a lot to me. When serving the most vulnerable children in Africa, it is often difficult work as we hear so many stories of children who are suffering. How do I respond to these stories? There is often a wrestling in my heart to trust in our model as Hands but also wanting to ‘do’ something. In the verse above, the words say ‘share with the Lord’s people who are in need’. Notice how it references the Lord’s people. Every single child we visit in our communities is one of God’s children. So I am called to treat this child as God would treat them. How do I make it personal in my own heart? One commitment I want to keep to this year is to pray more for our children in our communities. I have the privilege of being in the ground in Africa and have opportunities to meet these children face to face. But how often do I personally pray for them? Not enough.
This was a great start to the year and since then both Morgan and I have been busy with end of year reporting. One report the communications team created was about how Hands responded to the drought crisis in the last few months of last year. You can find it here
Morgan has the opportunity for spending three days in Swaziland next week. She will be spending time with our kids and Care Workers in two communities, Msengeni and Bhandeni. I will be continuing to finalise the financial reports for closing out 2016.
In two weeks, we will have 7 new faces joining our volunteer intake. It is an exciting time to see how God will shape them as they seek what it means to serve the most vulnerable in Africa. Baby Malster is doing very well. We had our 30 week scan last week and everything is all healthy. Only 10 weeks remaining now! The time is going to fly and we are both very excited for the new chapter that lies ahead.
Please pray for baby that s/he will continue to be strong and healthy. Pray for Morgan as she enters these last few weeks of pregnancy.
Please pray for the group of new volunteers we have arriving from US, Canada and Australia in 2 weeks’ time.
This is our 2017 Watchword as Hands at Work. At the beginning of January, as per every year, we gathered together to hear the word God had given us for this year. As George shared his heart of how God gave him this word, we all reflected on what had been a tough year in 2016 and how God would continue to grow us throughout 2017.
As I reflect personally on this word, it reveals a lot to me. When serving the most vulnerable children in Africa, it is often difficult work as we hear so many stories of children who are suffering. How do I respond to these stories? There is often a wrestling in my heart to trust in our model as Hands but also wanting to ‘do’ something. In the verse above, the words say ‘share with the Lord’s people who are in need’. Notice how it references the Lord’s people. Every single child we visit in our communities is one of God’s children. So I am called to treat this child as God would treat them. How do I make it personal in my own heart? One commitment I want to keep to this year is to pray more for our children in our communities. I have the privilege of being in the ground in Africa and have opportunities to meet these children face to face. But how often do I personally pray for them? Not enough.
This was a great start to the year and since then both Morgan and I have been busy with end of year reporting. One report the communications team created was about how Hands responded to the drought crisis in the last few months of last year. You can find it here
Morgan has the opportunity for spending three days in Swaziland next week. She will be spending time with our kids and Care Workers in two communities, Msengeni and Bhandeni. I will be continuing to finalise the financial reports for closing out 2016.
In two weeks, we will have 7 new faces joining our volunteer intake. It is an exciting time to see how God will shape them as they seek what it means to serve the most vulnerable in Africa. Baby Malster is doing very well. We had our 30 week scan last week and everything is all healthy. Only 10 weeks remaining now! The time is going to fly and we are both very excited for the new chapter that lies ahead.
Please pray for baby that s/he will continue to be strong and healthy. Pray for Morgan as she enters these last few weeks of pregnancy.
Please pray for the group of new volunteers we have arriving from US, Canada and Australia in 2 weeks’ time.
Thursday, 22 December 2016
Reflecting on 2016
As I look back over this past year, I have many things to thank God for. We have a new addition to the Malster family coming in April, I have been privileged enough to visit many of the countries across Africa which we support, we have had loved ones come to visit us.
Our watchword as Hands at Work this year is “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity amongst yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5 (NIV84). As I look back on how God has moved through our lives this year, it is so true. We have faced challenges in our personal lives and in our work, but through them all, God has unified us stronger together as a body of Christ and we are moving forward in that sense of togetherness into 2017.
Responding to the drought crisis has been a major focus for Hands this year and I want to thank all of you who have taken this on personally to respond by prayer and/or giving. In the past couple of months, we have started to see a little rain but nowhere near the level needed to fill dry rivers or lakes yet. So please join with us in praying for more rain, especially in Swaziland and Mozambique.
At the end of November, we had my parents come to visit for a week. It was a great time of catching up, getting out to some communities and even planting a vegetable garden. One day, we drove out to a community called Sommerset, we had the opportunity to go on home visits with a Care Worker named Fatima. We visited two homes but I want to tell you the story of Simon. He is 14 years old and lives with his gogo and 2 brothers. Until recently, the family were living in a very small tin shack with all their possessions and the four of them sleeping in and amongst all the stuff. But in the past few months, a new house has been built for them with two rooms, so they can sleep in separate rooms and store their possessions in the tiny shack outside. They were all very happy as they told us about their new home. The eldest brother had finished school but like his brothers does not have an ID, so cannot officially graduate. The family moved from Mozambique when the boys were very young and so do not have South African IDs. Without these, they cannot get their school results even though they have taken the exams. This makes it almost impossible to get a job. The only work the eldest brother has been able to find is a few small building jobs in the community.
Simon is very bright and creative. He was eager to take pictures with Morgan’s camera and we were impressed with the level of natural skill he had. But this made it even more heart-breaking to know that he will not be able to officially graduate until he gets his ID papers. This situation is not unique to this family, so many children have this exact same story across many of our communities. We are committed to speaking up for them and advocating on their behalf.
On the Friday of my parent’s visit, we joined the RST (Regional Support Team) and Service Centre team in one of our communities called Zwelisha. The RST and SC team were finishing a week long workshop called a Maranatha workshop. Throughout the week, the Care Givers (of our children) and the children themselves have their eyes opened to who Jesus really is. Many of our local community churches preach about a Jesus who blesses those who give to the church. But during this workshop, the focus is on Jesus connecting with us in love and walking alongside us even with our sinful natures. As a result of this, many issues arise and children and gogos are able to share deep personal things which otherwise would have never been heard. It gives a freedom to people who do not have a place to share openly about their struggles in a safe environment. We joined for the last day, which is the day of testimonies so we were able to hear how God had been working through many people throughout the week. It was amazing to see the joy in children and gogo’s faces as they shared about burdens being lifted. After the workshop finished, we had the opportunity to hang out at the care point and play with the kids. My mum even got to play a bit of netball with some of the girls.
A few days ago, we had our latest baby scan. The baby is all well and healthy and growing strong. One of the scans we had, our doctor gave us the measurements of a few different key indicators, one being the leg bone. We can already tell our baby is going to be tall. No surprise there! We want to thank all of you who have sent us encouraging messages.
Lastly, Morgan’s parents are joining us for Christmas this year in South Africa. It will be great to spend time with them and experience their first African Christmas. We plan to spend the time off from the office relaxing and preparing for what 2017 holds. It is going to be a very exciting year! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2017!
Our watchword as Hands at Work this year is “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity amongst yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5 (NIV84). As I look back on how God has moved through our lives this year, it is so true. We have faced challenges in our personal lives and in our work, but through them all, God has unified us stronger together as a body of Christ and we are moving forward in that sense of togetherness into 2017.
Responding to the drought crisis has been a major focus for Hands this year and I want to thank all of you who have taken this on personally to respond by prayer and/or giving. In the past couple of months, we have started to see a little rain but nowhere near the level needed to fill dry rivers or lakes yet. So please join with us in praying for more rain, especially in Swaziland and Mozambique.
At the end of November, we had my parents come to visit for a week. It was a great time of catching up, getting out to some communities and even planting a vegetable garden. One day, we drove out to a community called Sommerset, we had the opportunity to go on home visits with a Care Worker named Fatima. We visited two homes but I want to tell you the story of Simon. He is 14 years old and lives with his gogo and 2 brothers. Until recently, the family were living in a very small tin shack with all their possessions and the four of them sleeping in and amongst all the stuff. But in the past few months, a new house has been built for them with two rooms, so they can sleep in separate rooms and store their possessions in the tiny shack outside. They were all very happy as they told us about their new home. The eldest brother had finished school but like his brothers does not have an ID, so cannot officially graduate. The family moved from Mozambique when the boys were very young and so do not have South African IDs. Without these, they cannot get their school results even though they have taken the exams. This makes it almost impossible to get a job. The only work the eldest brother has been able to find is a few small building jobs in the community.
Simon is very bright and creative. He was eager to take pictures with Morgan’s camera and we were impressed with the level of natural skill he had. But this made it even more heart-breaking to know that he will not be able to officially graduate until he gets his ID papers. This situation is not unique to this family, so many children have this exact same story across many of our communities. We are committed to speaking up for them and advocating on their behalf.
On the Friday of my parent’s visit, we joined the RST (Regional Support Team) and Service Centre team in one of our communities called Zwelisha. The RST and SC team were finishing a week long workshop called a Maranatha workshop. Throughout the week, the Care Givers (of our children) and the children themselves have their eyes opened to who Jesus really is. Many of our local community churches preach about a Jesus who blesses those who give to the church. But during this workshop, the focus is on Jesus connecting with us in love and walking alongside us even with our sinful natures. As a result of this, many issues arise and children and gogos are able to share deep personal things which otherwise would have never been heard. It gives a freedom to people who do not have a place to share openly about their struggles in a safe environment. We joined for the last day, which is the day of testimonies so we were able to hear how God had been working through many people throughout the week. It was amazing to see the joy in children and gogo’s faces as they shared about burdens being lifted. After the workshop finished, we had the opportunity to hang out at the care point and play with the kids. My mum even got to play a bit of netball with some of the girls.
A few days ago, we had our latest baby scan. The baby is all well and healthy and growing strong. One of the scans we had, our doctor gave us the measurements of a few different key indicators, one being the leg bone. We can already tell our baby is going to be tall. No surprise there! We want to thank all of you who have sent us encouraging messages.
Lastly, Morgan’s parents are joining us for Christmas this year in South Africa. It will be great to spend time with them and experience their first African Christmas. We plan to spend the time off from the office relaxing and preparing for what 2017 holds. It is going to be a very exciting year! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2017!
Thursday, 3 November 2016
Serving Together
It is an absolute privilege to be called to serve with Hands at Work. We are blessed by being able to work with men and women from all over Africa who have daily sacrifice far beyond our own. In the past couple of months, I have been reminded of this time and again.
I have been able to walk in some of our toughest communities in Malawi so far off the map that it causes cars to break down. I’ve served alongside Zimbabwean leaders who give everything to reach the most vulnerable children in communities all around them. We have joined together with 50 of our leaders (African and International) for a time of repentance, confession and commitment to go even further in reaching Africa’s most vulnerable.
Back at the beginning of September, I had the opportunity to visit Zimbabwe (for the first time) and join a team of us to share in a wedding of one of our long term Zimbabwean volunteers, Andrew. It was a time of true celebration as people from all over came together to celebrate Andrew and Kuda getting married. As with our own wedding, many of the Hands family rallied around the wedding organisation and helped make the day as memorable as possible for Andrew and Kuda.
Following the wedding, I stayed on for a week to support our Zimbabwe team and to get to see some of the communities I had heard so much about. It was a surprise and joy to be able to visit a young girl named Mary* on one home visit I did. She has been struggling with seizures for many years and doctors have tried many things to help her. Over the years, I have seen her name come through the receipts, when specific medical care and attention was needed for her but had never met this young girl. It was such a joy to finally be able to put a face to this name! While visiting her home I learnt that next term she would be able to return to school because her seizures were now under control enough for her to be able to make the walk to school safely. When I am working in the office, it can be easy to become disconnected from the children, sitting behind a community and working with numbers. I have to remind myself, each number is representing a vulnerable child. In this particular case, the link was so clear and I thank God that he took us to that home when I was in Zimbabwe. Please join with me in continuing to pray for Mary as her improvement continues and she is able to attend school consistently.
At the beginning of October, Morgan and I travelled to Zambia to prepare for our annual gathering. We knew this time would be a bit different as it was a much smaller group of African and International leaders coming together. We had many times throughout the week where God revealed to us the brokenness in our own hearts and repentance that was needed between each other and to God. At the end of the week, everyone was empty on energy but full of the spirit. We were ready to reach our vulnerable children with a new energy and ready to make situations even more personal.
Immediately after this gathering, I travelled to Malawi by bus with member of our local office there. It was a long journey but we made it safely to Dedza, right on the border of Mozambique. I was spending time with the Service Centre (SC, local office) team to help with budgets, projects and planning for 2017. I had one day where I was able to visit a community. Chinku is a community about an hour off of the main tar road. We took a taxi along dirt roads right into the mountains very close to the border of Mozambique. Many of the children we care for in this community are from families who have fled Mozambique. While driving from one of our Care Points to another our car broke down. So our driver and one of the local staff stayed to fix the car, while Catherine (our Care Worker), Ivy (our bookkeeper in Malawi) and I started on our Holy Home Visit from the car to the home. On our walk, I got to know Catherine’s story and how for the last few months, the children have been coming to receive their food and care from her own house because the normal Care Point had fallen down and was being rebuilt. When Jesus speaks of sacrificial giving, this is a true example! When we reached the home, we met Gogo Florence*, who was looking after her granddaughters, Cindy* and Naomi*. Cindy was at school when we visited but Naomi was not able to attend school today because her family could not afford the exam fees. When we talked through the situation, we learnt that the Gogo was going to sell some of the little dried grass she had to raise money for the exam fees. The family had recently been given some old maize cobs from another family who had discarded them because of the quality. Gogo Florence, and her girls had to pick through the maize to get rid of the rotten kernels, so they could use what was left. It is nearing planting season, so Gogo sends the girls to the field nearby to plough it in hope that rains will come in a few weeks’ time. If the rains don’t come and the drought continues, this plough will all be in vain. It’s heart-breaking to see how the drought continues to affect so many families across Africa. Please continue to join with us in praying for the many families across Africa who are being affected by the drought.
To learn more about Hands at Work’s drought response visit our website.
Over the next few weeks, we have time at our home in South Africa and then at the end of November, my parents are coming to visit which is exciting. A couple of weeks later Morgan’s parents will be visiting. We are blessed to have family willing to visit us as we continue to serve Africa’s most vulnerable.
- T
I have been able to walk in some of our toughest communities in Malawi so far off the map that it causes cars to break down. I’ve served alongside Zimbabwean leaders who give everything to reach the most vulnerable children in communities all around them. We have joined together with 50 of our leaders (African and International) for a time of repentance, confession and commitment to go even further in reaching Africa’s most vulnerable.
Back at the beginning of September, I had the opportunity to visit Zimbabwe (for the first time) and join a team of us to share in a wedding of one of our long term Zimbabwean volunteers, Andrew. It was a time of true celebration as people from all over came together to celebrate Andrew and Kuda getting married. As with our own wedding, many of the Hands family rallied around the wedding organisation and helped make the day as memorable as possible for Andrew and Kuda.
Following the wedding, I stayed on for a week to support our Zimbabwe team and to get to see some of the communities I had heard so much about. It was a surprise and joy to be able to visit a young girl named Mary* on one home visit I did. She has been struggling with seizures for many years and doctors have tried many things to help her. Over the years, I have seen her name come through the receipts, when specific medical care and attention was needed for her but had never met this young girl. It was such a joy to finally be able to put a face to this name! While visiting her home I learnt that next term she would be able to return to school because her seizures were now under control enough for her to be able to make the walk to school safely. When I am working in the office, it can be easy to become disconnected from the children, sitting behind a community and working with numbers. I have to remind myself, each number is representing a vulnerable child. In this particular case, the link was so clear and I thank God that he took us to that home when I was in Zimbabwe. Please join with me in continuing to pray for Mary as her improvement continues and she is able to attend school consistently.
At the beginning of October, Morgan and I travelled to Zambia to prepare for our annual gathering. We knew this time would be a bit different as it was a much smaller group of African and International leaders coming together. We had many times throughout the week where God revealed to us the brokenness in our own hearts and repentance that was needed between each other and to God. At the end of the week, everyone was empty on energy but full of the spirit. We were ready to reach our vulnerable children with a new energy and ready to make situations even more personal.
Immediately after this gathering, I travelled to Malawi by bus with member of our local office there. It was a long journey but we made it safely to Dedza, right on the border of Mozambique. I was spending time with the Service Centre (SC, local office) team to help with budgets, projects and planning for 2017. I had one day where I was able to visit a community. Chinku is a community about an hour off of the main tar road. We took a taxi along dirt roads right into the mountains very close to the border of Mozambique. Many of the children we care for in this community are from families who have fled Mozambique. While driving from one of our Care Points to another our car broke down. So our driver and one of the local staff stayed to fix the car, while Catherine (our Care Worker), Ivy (our bookkeeper in Malawi) and I started on our Holy Home Visit from the car to the home. On our walk, I got to know Catherine’s story and how for the last few months, the children have been coming to receive their food and care from her own house because the normal Care Point had fallen down and was being rebuilt. When Jesus speaks of sacrificial giving, this is a true example! When we reached the home, we met Gogo Florence*, who was looking after her granddaughters, Cindy* and Naomi*. Cindy was at school when we visited but Naomi was not able to attend school today because her family could not afford the exam fees. When we talked through the situation, we learnt that the Gogo was going to sell some of the little dried grass she had to raise money for the exam fees. The family had recently been given some old maize cobs from another family who had discarded them because of the quality. Gogo Florence, and her girls had to pick through the maize to get rid of the rotten kernels, so they could use what was left. It is nearing planting season, so Gogo sends the girls to the field nearby to plough it in hope that rains will come in a few weeks’ time. If the rains don’t come and the drought continues, this plough will all be in vain. It’s heart-breaking to see how the drought continues to affect so many families across Africa. Please continue to join with us in praying for the many families across Africa who are being affected by the drought.
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| Gogo Florence, Naomi and Catherine |
Over the next few weeks, we have time at our home in South Africa and then at the end of November, my parents are coming to visit which is exciting. A couple of weeks later Morgan’s parents will be visiting. We are blessed to have family willing to visit us as we continue to serve Africa’s most vulnerable.
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