4th Week

Again we want to give all glory to God for the way He is using us to show His love to the people of Masiphumelele, and for the way He is continuously changing our hearts through the situations He takes us and the people we meet.

Soccer field clean up
Due to the recent public holidays, most of the organisations we work with were operating on only two of the days last week. For that reason we decided to clean up a soccer field at the far end of the township. Even though there is clearly a “No dumping” sign, the place was covered in litter. We spent many hours cleaning and were glad to see some children joining us (see photograph below). “After we had cleaned the field”, Carine said, “I realised that God had moved with us and it was as if the soccer field was just a picture of what God wants to do in the hearts of the people of Masiphumelele.” Later on we played soccer with some students from the high school.

Living Hope
Mampho and Andries continue to serve at Living Hope. Mampho is building good friendships there with the patients, many of whom are suffering from HIV and Aids. She helps two chaplains to pray for the sick and facilitate support groups. She experienced a personal breakthrough last week as she understood that God is using her to bring hope to the needy. “But now”, she says, “I know that I can offer them a hope through Jesus Christ, a life in eternity and a chance to change their lives – a living hope.”

Andries has been doing maintenance work in and around the building. The people that work there have expressed their gratitude for his hard physical labour – especially in the garden in Cape Town’s windy winter season. Serving in this way gives him the opportunity to worship God with manmade tools as well as a time to reflect on his own life and relationship with God.

Please pray for:
- As we continue helping Johnny to build a shack, we have come across some basic needs. We are currently looking for people to sponsor a tin roof, hard board, cement for the floor and plastic covering to insulate the walls of his future home. This is an urgent need as Cape Town’s very windy and rainy winter has already begun.

- With the Global Day of Prayer approaching, we are looking into holding a prayer gathering with churches from in and around the township. We will be inviting as many congregations as possible, so as to encourage stronger relationships between the churches of Masiphumelele.

- We have started two weekly Bible study groups. After we leave we do not want these groups to disappear, but rather to grow in faith as their members deepen their relationship with Jesus. Therefore, please pray that we find someone to take over the leadership of these two groups.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.