Hands Family Gathering
news and talks for the family
Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 74
This issue of Hands on Deck includes a reflection from Catherine Clarkson on our partners, a reflection from Kara McLaughlin on the church leaders in Mozambique, a story from Michael Mwila about one of our children in Chilabula Community and a reflection from Bethuel Mkhabela on how they are caring for the most vulnerable in this midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.
We heard an update from Sara (Waldvogel) Makwakwa, long-term US volunteer living in South Africa. Sara shared the impact fear has had on our communities in South Africa and our response that shows our communities we will not run away when times get tough. She told us stories of how meal times and Holy Home Visits look different, but the children are continuing to receive care and God is glorified. "God is the same God as He was six months ago, and He hasn't changed through this. Through this we can worship Him when we go and we walk and we cook. These are the ways we can show that He is God."
Ruth Knecht, an Advocate from Ridgewood Pentecostal Church in Woodhaven, NY, reflected on their trip to South Africa last year and how God provided all of their needs. She also shared how God is continuing to lead and use them to keep their church community encouraged as they spend time in fellowship through technology and how they are meeting the needs of their congregation while social distancing. "This (shelter in place) has given us a great opportunity to pause and to seek God. To make sure that we use our time wisely and in a way that helps us get to know God better."
Lynn Chotowetz (Hands international office director) updated us on what’s happening across Africa in the midst of the spread of coronavirus. We were reminded about the importance of us continuing to advocate for the already-vulnerable children, their care givers and the Care Workers as their communities face the pandemic. If you weren’t present, we encourage you to listen to Lynn’s update:
Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 73
This issue of Hands on Deck includes reflections from Pragcidence Mwenda on her time in Nigeria, a reflection from Sylvia Mwewa, Kay Chizu and Pinky Ngutshane on the African Leaders Training in Kabwe, the new Volunteer Intake reflects on their time in Eswatini, an update on the maize distribution in Baraka from Tommy Malster and Gideon Mbuzi, and praise and prayer requests for Hands at Work in Africa.
Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 72
This issue includes reflections from Michael Mwila and Angelle Coutu on the watchword launch in Kabwe, a update from Royie Nazombe on Malawi, an introduction of the 2020 Volunteer Intake, and reflections from Daytona Swarbrick, Pinky Ngutshane and Tyler Ralph on the watchword for 2020.
George Snyman shares an update on his recent time in Zambia and Zimbabwe. He reflects on how difficult circumstances show us how far we have come and encourage us. He also shares about radical growth happening in Africa, and challenges us that we cannot inspire change in others until we have been changed ourselves.
Brooke Heubner speaks into the importance of processing the past and dreaming for the future as we each work on our Advocate Action Plans. She shares that it's important for us to reflect so we can see what worked and maybe what didn't, and to challenge ourselves to grow and stretch ourselves because that's when God builds our faith.
Michelle (Tom) Damour, long-term volunteer (US), reflected on the Watchword for 2020 and the need to question ourselves and the condition of our hearts if we want to truly bear fruit.
Sara (Waldvogel) Makwakwa, long-term volunteer (US), challenged us to identify things within us that we allow to choke out the good things God wants to change in us and to specifically name things in order to face our sins.
Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 71
This issue of Hands on Deck includes reflections from the October Gathering in Zambia, the gathering in South Africa and prayer requests for Hands at Work in Africa.
Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 70
This issue of Hands on Deck includes reflections from Kara McLaughlin on her time in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Daytona Swarbrick on his time with the North America Communications Team, and prayer requests for Hands at Work in Africa.
Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 69
This issue of Hands on Deck includes reflections from Celine Letkeman on her time in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Dan Waspe on his time in Zambia, Tyler Ralph on the Nurses for Africa team in Mozambique, a few highlights from the teams in 2019 and praise and prayer requests for Hands at Work in Africa.
On the 13th September, Jackie Okinda shares on finding joy amongst the challenges that we face.
On the 6th September, Blessings shared from Ephesians chapter 1 verses 3-14, where he explored spiritual blessings in christ.
Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 68
This issue of Hands on Deck includes stories from Audrey Sibiya on the recent Maranatha Workshop in The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), Nathan and Genevieve Bell on their time in Zambia, Chris Dittmann on his time in South Africa, Xolani Makwakwa and Hannah Mohajer on the Oshoek Youth Camp and praise and prayer requests for Hands at Work in Africa.
At Digging Deeper on the 23rd August from the hub in South Africa, Levy Mwenda, shares on the importance of being willing to act in obedience and go wherever God calls.
George Snyman shares his insight about “when the battle chooses you.”
Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 67
This issue of Hands on Deck includes stories from Dan Waspe on his time in Malawi, George Snyman on his time in Australia, Frank and Crystal Letkeman on their time in Zambia, Michael Mwila on the Maranatha Workshop in Katetaula in Zambia and praise and prayer requests for Hands at Work in Africa.
For July 12th, 2019 at digging deeper from the hands at work hub in South Africa, Lynn Chotowetz, shares about what it means to carry our cross.
For July 5th, 2019 at word and worship from the hands at work hub in South Africa, Paul Craig, From Sunbury Baptist church, shares about the love of the father for ourselves and others.
Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 66
This issue of Hands on Deck includes stories from Tyler Ralph on his time in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Jill Peacock on serving the most vulnerable in Canada, Lisa Dalley on her time in the Democratic Republic of Congo and praise and prayer requests for Hands at Work in Africa.
