Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 87

Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 87

This issue of the Hands on Deck Newsletter includes a reflection from Busie Sityatha-Jones on the impact that the Bible schools are having, a story from Shana Brunt on the Chisamba Youth Camp, reflections George Snyman, Prudence Mthabini and Sisanda Sityatha on the African leaders training in South Africa, feedback from Barbara Singoyi on her time in the DRC, feedback from Alicia Ralph and Melody Masuku on the under-fives programmes happening across Africa and praise and prayer requests from Hands at Work in Africa.

Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 86

Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 86

This issue of Hands on Deck includes a reflection from Tyler Ralph on his recent trip to Zimbabwe, feedback from Prudene Mthabini and Nontobeko Mnisi on the Oshoek Bible School, highlights from Jimmy Shamasefu and Mutale Kakumbi on the Maposa Marnatha Workshop, a reflection from Michael Mwila on his time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and praise and prayer points for Hands at Work.

"Her Journey", a Hands at Work North America Event

In April, Hands US and Canada jointly hosted a special online event entitled, “Her Journey”, to delve into the role and relevance of the Church in caring for the orphaned and the poor, exemplified by the Care Workers in Africa and others here at home.

  • Introduction & purpose (0:00)

  • Role & Relevance of the Church (2:19)

  • The Church in Africa, Featuring Mama Safi (14:25)

  • Conclusion (21:39)

Sunday’s panel featured Mary-Stewart Torrie (Lakeview Church; Sons & Daughters), Katie Wells (City South Church; Wells Family & Friends), Abe Lee (Church of the Beloved) and Eric & Ashley McKinley (Grace Church Alameda).

Sunday’s panel featured Mary-Stewart Torrie (Lakeview Church; Sons & Daughters), Katie Wells (City South Church; Wells Family & Friends), Jeff Locke (Eucharist Church) and Eric & Ashley McKinley (Grace Church Alameda).

North American Hands on Deck - March 2022

Our March HOD call was all about fundraising. We talked about why we do it, how we can do it better, and some practical application steps. Three of our international volunteers, Jed, Kristal, and Katie, walked us through these steps. Below, listen to Jed Heubner talk about why we fundraise.

Following up on Jed’s ideas, Kristal walks us through how we fundraise and some worldwide statistics on effective strategies for fundraising.

Wrapping up our call, Katie Wells discussed the practical steps of fundraising and some ways we can do it more effectively in our advocacy.

San Francisco US Advocates Gathering - Marc Damour & Toby Kurth

A couple weeks ago we had one of our first physical gatherings in over a year at an outreach event in the San Francisco Bay area. Listen to Marc, a long term volunteer in Zambia, share about how Hands at Work responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in their communities, as well as in the hearts and minds of their volunteers. And listen to Toby, lead Pastor of Christ Church, share about his passion for what Hands at Work is doing in Africa, and how his church has strengthened its relationship with Hands throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Where our response really started to gain momentum was when we very purposely turned our attention back to Christ. Not looking at the crisis as the definitive thing. Christ is not shaken by the crisis that comes. We did this by growing and strengthening our spiritual rhythms. We began to pray 3 times a day as a Hands community and we made an effort to find moments of silence and solitude.” - Marc Damour 

“For us as a church, our ministry is so interwoven with Hands at Work, that I can't even imagine what it would be like to be a church without it.” - Toby Kurth

Hands on Deck Newsletter - Issue 79

Hands on Deck Newsletter Issue 79

This issue of Hands on Deck includes a reflection from Catherine Clarkson on her time in Malawi, feedback from Sylvia Chinyanta on the Maranatha Workshop in Katetaula, stories from Jess Thomas and Tyler Ralph on their time in Mozambique, a reflection from Jones Kabambanya and Blessings Sambo on their trip to the DRC, reflection from Kara McLaughlin on the Maranatha Workshop in Mafambisa and praise and prayer requests for Hands at Work.

North American Hands on Deck - February 2021

On our last Hands on Deck call we had a tutorial on how to use the new advocate tool, the Crisis & Response Presentation. This new tool enables you to tailor a message to your advocate group or church in a clear and concise manner that accurately portrays the model of Hands at Work. Below is the recording of the tutorial led by Kristal and Angelle. Download your own copy of the presentation here to edit for your advocacy efforts.

North American Hands on Deck - September 2020

Listen to Lynn Chotowetz, a long term volunteer with Hands at Work, talk about the long lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the most vulnerable communities in Africa. He shares about the response of Hands at Work to the pandemic, how we have responded in Africa, as well as the responsibility of our international partners to share the stories of the families who have been devastated by the pandemic. “Africa is not independent, they are interdependent. Interdependent with us outside of Africa, the other parts of the body.”