Current Activities
- The first of twelve thematic Bible-reading activity books to help children dig into, and fall in love with, their Bibles has been written and designed by a team led by Chandra. The activity books will be initially made available in English to several dozen churches throughout South Africa, and we’re excited to see where God will take it from there.
- Mike is working with Hatfield Christian Church’s Worship Pastor to help establish worship ministry at Betel South Africa. Betel is present in over 20 nations and just opened in South Africa in late 2011. We hope to help Betel South Africa acquire sound equipment and instruments, provide some basic music lessons for a season, and develop their young believers into worship leaders.
- Chandra’s involvement with Hatfield Christian Church’s children’s ministry as well as other child centered community ministries continues to develop. With SA Cares for Life, she has the opportunity to develop and implement the Spiritual Care and Discipleship Strategy for the staff, care workers (ladies in hurting communities who visit children’s families and coordinate holistic care), parents, orphan babies and SA Cares Early Childhood Centers.
- Chandra is also assisting with developing Early Childhood Development teachers in poor communities throughout the northern and eastern parts of Pretoria through the Berakah Educational Foundation. By increasing effective early childhood development in poor communities, children can reach school age without the learning disadvantages currently plaguing underprivileged children. We are excited for the opportunities we have to influence those who have a direct impact on children to ensure that proper and strong foundations are being laid at a young age.
- Through Mike’s work with the James 1:27 Trust, he is able to assist a growing number of groups who are spreading the gospel and developing communities around Pretoria. In the last six weeks, Mike has met with several ministries to help reduce administrative burdens through better technology and processes, empowering them to touch more lives with the love of Jesus. Currently 15% of vulnerable children in South Africa are receiving some sort of care; our goal is that within five years at least 60% of vulnerable children in South Africa will have received holistic care and an effective witness of the gospel.
- Charis and Russell are helping the children’s ministries at Hatfield Christian Church. Charis is involved in “student leadership” where she assists with the toddler program and is involved in skits, music, and clean-up. Russell helps with cleanup after most services. We are thrilled to see our children developing a heart for ministry.
