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May 13, 2023
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Singing and laughter fill the Care Point in Houtbos Community, South Africa
November 2, 2022
Eight -year-old Chiku was born in Eswatini, but her family had moved to South Africa in search of a better life. In some cultures, polygamous marriages are not uncommon, and Chiku’s father has two wives. Along with her two siblings, they all live in a one-room house. One day, Chiku appeared at the Care Point in Houtbos in search of help. She was hungry, as she had not eaten for several days, and so when they gave her food, it made her sick. Neli, one of the Care Workers, went to spend time in her home and assess her family’s situation. She could see the vulnerability, and all three children were welcomed to the Care Point. Chiku’s family is grateful for the support they have received. One of the mothers has now become a Care Worker herself.
June 1, 2022
Ma Nester is a Care Worker in Houtbos Community, South Africa and a long-time friend of Hands at Work. She truly embodies the commitments of making it personal, running after the lost one, giving freely and praying continually. Every morning, she spends time praying on behalf of the most vulnerable children, Care Workers and Primary Caregivers on the mountain outside the Houtbos Care Point. It is sacred time between her and her Heavenly Father. Sometimes she is joined by other Hands at Work volunteers but regardless, she is faithful in praying daily, knowing that without it, she will not be equipped and ready to care for the children.
October 2, 2021
Child-headed households are not uncommon in the community of Houtbos in South Africa. At only 11 years old, Isaac* is responsible for all household chores, including fetching water and firewood, on top of caring for his younger sister. Thankfully, Isaac and his sister have been seen. Care Workers like Gertrude are committed to coming around the family, and walking with them in their challenges, ensuring that they are holistically cared for and can experience Christ-like love.
February 4, 2020
Houtbos Community, South Africa: Despite both parents of 12-year-old Admire* being alive, life remains challenging, as neither has been able to find work. Seeing the desperation, the Care Workers invited Admire and her brothers to the Care Point, where they receive a hot and nutritious meal daily and support with their education and basic health care. Praise God!
September 22, 2019
Houtbos Community, #SouthAfrica. While doing #HolyHomeVisits in 2017, local #CareWorker Nelisiwe met Portia* + her family. There are times when the family doesn’t have any food in their house, which makes the support of Nelisiwe a lifeline, giving them hope + a sense of worth + belonging.
October 22, 2017
Hands at Work is committed to reaching the most vulnerable children within the most vulnerable communities across Africa. At the beginning of October, the ‘3 essential services’ of food, education and health care began in Hautbos Community, South Africa which is located near the Swaziland border. Many of the families in Hautbos and the surrounding areas have come from Swaziland. This makes obtaining identification documents extremely difficult. Pray for the children and those caring for them to find favour as they seek to obtain their identification documents.
There are currently four Care Workers who have committed to supporting the most vulnerable children in Hautbos. Pray for more Care Workers from the local churches to step forward and dedicate themselves to serving.
October 6, 2017
At the beginning of the week, 50 of the most vulnerable children in Houtbos Community began receiving a hot and nutritious meal daily, access to education and access to basic health care. Praise God! The Oshoek Local Office who support this community has specifically asked for prayer for the following: "As many of the Care Workers are vulnerable themselves, pray for God to provide for their needs; giving them the strength and courage that they need to persevere in tough circumstances. Pray for the children to see the Care Point as a place where they can find not just food but also love and hope in the midst of darkness. Ask God to give us the wisdom and energy that we need to support the community well."
#ServingTheMostVulnerable #Pray