From serving dinners to shaving heads to hosting auctions, Hands at Work Advocates are creative in raising support and awareness for Hands at Work and the most vulnerable in Africa. When teams and individuals return from Africa, they often have opportunities to share stories at different events and in their local churches. There are many ways to advocate for the most vulnerable in Africa – sharing stories with family and friends, hosting bake sales or dinners, telling people in your local church about Hands at Work, prayer and inviting others to join you, meeting together with other advocates to encourage one another, sharing on social media. The ideas are endless! How are you being a voice to the voiceless in your community? Learn more here.
Upon the return of Sunbury Baptist Church Team and a few individuals from Victoria, Sunbury Baptist Church hosted an African themed ‘Bring and Share’ dinner and time of sharing. A few team members, Judy Riddell, Phil McLaughlin and Paul Craig shared stories of how God has been working in their lives and in the lives of those they met in Africa.
A few weeks ago, Kalahari Restaurant in WA hosted their fourth annual fundraising dinner for Hands at Work, cooking and serving a delicious African meal. Several local businesses sponsored them, all the staff donated their time, and the guests were generous in their giving.
New Horizons Church in Whittlesea, Victoria, held their annual variety and auction night, raising awareness and funds for Hands at Work in Africa (Australia). People came for an evening of fellowship and had generous hearts.
Many others have been busy advocating in their local communities as well. Eddie Skinner, who is leading a team from Heart City Church, shaved his head to raise funds and awareness for Hands at Work. Eliza Henderson will be sharing at an upcoming Missions Conference in Harvey Bay about the Short Term Service Team she was a part of. Judy Riddell has had a few opportunities to share about her time in Africa at a Women’s Conference and with the seniors at her church. Advocates in Victoria met recently for a ‘Friends of Hands’ evening at Mt. Clear Church of Christ in Ballarat for a time of fellowship and stories. Many people across Australia are actively advocating for the most vulnerable in Africa and their own communities in small and big ways, keeping in mind the words of Proverbs 31:8 - "Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all ... Stand up for the poor and destitute!"