when all hope is lost, there's still hope in Jesus!

it's five years ago today since i first stepped foot on south african soil, a lot has changed since then and having moved over full time two years ago i have meet some amazing people, these could be white vineyard owners, coloured community leaders or simple black children who capture your heart with their stories and smiles.

no one has captured my heart more than a 15 year old boy who has been regularly coming to our sports outreach in the iraq squatter camp in grabouw, this young lad has provided me with endless hours of laughter, his ability to translate my bible stories or soccer training to the younger children has enabled me to build into many many children's lives.....however his life story is one that would keep me awake at night as the wind and rain pour down on my tiled roof, whilst he only about 1/2 a mile away from my home contends with the same conditions in his small tin shack.

only last week when we were chatting about how the local people have accepted me (us VoH) into their community did he really share the truth about his life, the hardships he faces each day as he lives away from his mother due to her new boyfriend not wanting to help her children from another marriage.....

....not only does he care for himself, cooking, cleaning, collecting water, but he also walks to school each day to gain the education to change his life. when i asked him how he coped he replied that 'well i pray to Jesus every night like you tell me Tim, and he helps me when i feel sad, or lonely or scared'.....

there's not much hope for the likes of this guy, but his only hope is placed at the feet of Jesus.