Care Workers are the key in bringing healing and transformation to the lives of our children. They are men and women from the local churches within our communities who recognize their Biblical mandate and answer their call to care for the most vulnerable children. They demonstrate what it means to give freely, love unconditionally, and sacrifice everything. Often, Care Workers face their own traumas and live in dire poverty, just as the children they care for do, but their determination to persevere and care despite their own circumstances challenges everyone they come into contact with. They are greatest in the Kingdom of God!
Care Workers have greatly impacted many people within the Hands at Work family. Here, a few members from the Hands family share stories and photos of these men and women who have touched their lives.
Sanday and his family
Sanday – Susu Community, Zambia
“Sanday is a gentle and kind man. He owns a farm in Susu, a bush community 1.5 hours off-road from Kabwe. He is a community leader and organizes a group of Care Workers. Daytona and I stayed with a family near Sanday’s for the weekend learning what it is like to live in this community as well as meeting many people who are a regular part of Sanday’s life. Sanday has a great family and all of them have a heart to lift up those around them. This is how Sandy is actively bringing the Kingdom of God to Susu.” – Kristi Swarbrick
Melindah – Kamakonde Community, Zambia
“Melindah is a mother; a friendly, willing and available person. She loves her community and the children in it. One particular visit I went on, she was amazing – she knew the grandmother’s name and her three grandsons, and they were happy to see her. Upon finding two of the boys ill and the grandmother not having enough money for the taxi fare to the clinic, Melindah was quick to run home, prepare herself, and bring the boys to the clinic. She showed so much love, care and commitment to this family by going the extra mile to get medical attention. Because of her, the boys quickly received medication and soon recovered. Kamakonde Community is much richer because of Melindah.” – Carolyn Snyman
Evelyn – Share Community, South Africa
“This photo is very special to me; it captures my mother and Evelyn talking. My mother listens as Evelyn tries to describe life for a vulnerable child in this rural community in South Africa. It reminds me that our Care Workers not only care for our children, but also have to be the bridge between us and the child; an interpreter who has to try to explain what we are seeing.” – Rose Westwood
Thembi – Welverdiend Community, South Africa
“It has been a privilege to become friends with this amazing lady, Thembi. Our family first met Thembi in 2012 on a team, and as we have returned each year, my admiration for her continues to grow and to challenge me as I see their servant hearts. It challenges me to serve the Lord back in Australia as I see their example of selfless serving in Africa. As I have gotten to know Thembi from our visits each year, I have seen how committed she is to caring for the poorest of the poor in her community. Even in the face of many challenges she continues to lead the team of truly amazing Care Workers and quietly leads by example.” – Rachel McLaughlin
Francis - Mngwere Community, Malawi
Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Dupe, Mrs Michaels, Esther – Ilaje Community, Nigeria
“This photo is significant to me because it shows a broad aspect and of Hands at Work. From left to right, there is Dupe (one of the cooks), Mrs Michaels (a Care Worker), Esther (both a teacher and Care Worker) and myself. Each one of these ladies knows many of the children in Ilaje by name and they are constantly looking out for their biggest needs. I have known Esther from my first visit in 2011, when I visited her home. It is amazing to see how God has used her in the past five years to reach many vulnerable children in Ilaje.” – Tommy Malster