i write today to share some experiences that we hear about daily, the first happened to one of children in the community that we work with, this isn't a request for money but its about how best to show God's love to this families in their time of need.
about 6 months ago a very poor family, 4 people sharing a single room timber built shack, came to me to ask if i could find them a good second hand computer that their 17 year old son could use and that they could buy via me, their son is doing well at school and also helps arron with his soccer club near their home.
well amazingly someone donated a laptop, which was working to a standard that it could be passed on to them, with the agreement that they would pay for it, nominal R500, about £35.00, i just didn't want to give it away as everyone has to understand our roll in the community (that we don't just hand out) and even a second hand laptop has value...
we left for our 6 week trip to england and when i got back the mom was beside herself, she had been waiting those weeks to let me know that she didn't have the means to pay for the laptop as yet, but was going to start paying as soon as she could, my heart broke for her and for the situation, i told her not to worry herself and that payment at any time would be ok...
anyways, yesterday their little home was broken into, and amongst other things the laptop was stolen.........i haven't seen the mom yet but just wanted to let people know the type of place we are working in, the heart break of a family who want to see their son do well in school, provide for him beyond their means....
the second story is of a child from our local community who starved to death in their home not 400meters from where we live, there are people, including thembacare here in town, even some of our amazing volunteers from new york have been out this week, who provide food parcels to the poor and needy, its not a case of not having its a case of best supporting people once we know.
this isn't a plea for laptops, money or anything else other than to pray for these two families, their neighbours and the wider community we seek to serve everyday.
what a sad story - though on +ive note, its great that you are there to try and help. spur us on to pray / make a difference in whatever way we can to support you and these kids.
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