Van Der Schyff visit

"Are we there yet...?" (only 15 minutes out of Cape Town)

Luke and Daniel had no idea of the adventure they were heading to... just that it took a loooong time to get there (7 hours).

Their parents, Sherwyn & Shirley, wanted to take their boys to Addo Elephant Game Park and booked a B&B between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, not realizing that it is still far to Addo.

Uncle Nathan to the rescue!!



The Van Der Schyff's (long time Christian friends to Nathan) have never been to "Uncle Nathan's', in fact, the last time they saw him the boys were too little to remember.

Besides... Knysna Elephant Park gives the opportunity to feed and touch the ellies!

Another afternoon was spent at the Overmeyers.  Nathan knows exactly what  little boys like - to slide down the hill on plastic.  First comes a lesson on how to avoid Tata (the tortoise)!

Then Daniel is ready to give it a go!

















Following a yummy braai, the boys all hang out on the sofa...



One week later, Sherwyn says all they talk about is the trip to Uncle Nathan's!!

Well done Nathan!!!

It doesn't feel like Christmas...

For the Int'l Volunteers (& Julianna), it just doesn't feel like Christmas because it is not winter... it is summer. Therefore when Nathan told them what our Christmas tradition is they were excited to help and even finance the project!

While the homeless gathered we set up the food (roasted chicken, rolls, apples, juice).  the table was very full, so Barnabas guarded a few plates in the back of the Combi!

"Which type of person are you...?"  In the story of the wise men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus, Nathan explained the 3 responses to Jesus birth.  The religious leaders (knew the scriptures predicting Jesus coming, but chose not to believe), King Herod (hated Jesus because He was a threat to his way of life) and the wise men who wanted to worship Him.  Christmas is not about having money to buy and give gifts... it is about receiving the greatest gift - Jesus himself and worshiping Him!!

The volunteers prayed for several with various needs

then food was served and enjoyed...

and big hugs given in thanks for prayer and food!







While serving, friends from BSSM group dropped off even more food, so the volunteers drove to the homeless hang-outs and fed 40 more people!  We are very proud of them!!

After a relaxing afternoon at home (the volunteers went out to eat), we opened gifts with the lights shining bright on the tree... the girls said it did feel a little more like Christmas with the lights!!

Knysna Prayer Day

Gathering at the Loerie Park field residents of the greater Knysna area prayed for the city and then enjoyed the afternoon with family.  Nathan worked together with Zurhya Donson to organize the venue, sound and events for the day.  

Pastor Andrew started off the service with encourage- ment to be in the right position for blessing... in prayer! The answer is not to be on Facebook, email, Mixit, Twitter... etc.  But rather to be on our knees before the LORD.

Pastor Zurhya Donson (volunteer counselor at Options) shared the scripture God gave her from Jeremiah, "Death has climbed in through our windows ad has entered our fortresses; it has removed the children form the streets and the young men from the public squares." (9:21)

While meditating on the passage she felt like it was something the churches in Knysna prompting her to organize these prayer gatherings

Wrapping up the prayer day, Nathan presented food donated by participants to our newly elected Mayor, Georline Wolmarans to be distributed among the needy.

Candida and Andisiwe (YFC Schools Ministry) painted faces... even some adults enjoyed the fun.

Music performed by Cazz Davids brought people to their feet... dancing and singing along.

While the young played on the field.














"If my people, who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin, and heal their land."  
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

BUSY Tuesday...

BADISA Caring Services Workshop


Requested to facilitate sessions for foster parents and children.  Reggie and I met with 48 children and their parents separately.

Topic for children... Self Image and Puberty &Hygiene.  Expecting and prepared for 20 kids our facilitation skills were stretched when 48 showed up (school's out... nothing better to do)!

Using the story of David & Goliath, Reggie taught the truth that we are all special in God's sight and can do anything with Him on our side.

Dividing the boys from the girls we then talked about puberty and how to take care of our bodies.

After lunch the parents were very appreciative of time spent teaching them how to build their foster children's self image.  

Training/facilitation is my passion... Thank you Lord for opportunities to teach your truth!!

Hlalane Christmas Party

While I was busy with facilitation... Nathan & the Int'l volunteers helped the Island Church with the annual Hlalane Christmas Party.

Girls Pampering Party...

To end the day, a pampering party for the girls from the St. Andrews soup kitchen.  Expecting 13 girls, Julie and I picked up 28 from the church and brought them to the YFC hall where Viola and Carolin had prepared for an evening of pampering.

While I was helping prepare burgers and extra hot dogs, Julie led a beautiful devotion telling the girls of how special they are in the Father's eyes.


He loves them unconditionally!










Each girl was given a yogurt facial

and fingernails painted!












Feeling very special, they left knowing they are loved by their heavenly Father and the International Volunteers.

By 10pm all girls were safely back and home... the Int'l Volunteers cleaned up, came home washed laundry and at 2am they were safely on a bus for a holiday in Durban!

Whew... what a Tuesday!! (Nathan and I have 5 days alone... Yippee!!)