The two of us who had previously gone to Africa through Hands at Work shared stories of what we might have experienced while there — stories of Holy Home Visits, attending local churches, and building relationships with long-term volunteers. At the end of the two weeks, the team realised that we would have arrived home. We agreed that we did not want to stop meeting.
One of our first tasks was bridging the gap between the government health authorities – who were making the decisions about which essential services could stay open and what people could or couldn’t do – and the communities that are off the map, where the needs amongst the poorest people are the highest.
Across Africa, the idea of ‘social distancing’ is foreign, as relationships and social interaction are an integral part of the culture – which can be seen in families and in the interactions of people at the local marketplace. Together, these challenges have filled our Primary Caregivers, Care Workers and children with anxiety about what tomorrow will hold and a fear of the unknown.
When the government tells you to observe social distancing and you live in a remote village in Mozambique, how can you help your community to apply the rules? 16-year-old Joseph* took it upon himself to try and find a solution to helping protect the children who attend the Care Point in Chigadole, Mozambique.
From February 26th– April 12th, join the Hands at Work family around the world as we pray for 40 Days on behalf of the most vulnerable children in Africa and our work to support them. Safta represents one of thousands of children being cared for by volunteer Care Workers across the communities Hands at Work supports.
Across Africa, men and women from the local churches have raised their hands and committed to being Care Workers in the poorest of the poor communities.
Through their dedication to doing Holy Home Visits, knowing the names of the most vulnerable children, and caring for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs, Care Workers like Nelisiwe are bringing the Hope of Christ into the darkest and most desperate circumstances.
“Initially, I became a Care Worker because the local Hands at Work team in Oshoek needed people to come and care for the children. Yet by visiting me while my mum was at her deathbed and I was
struggling, and surrounding me with love, I realised that there are other families going through the same things as me. And if their visit helped carry the burden, then I can do the same for others.
I fell in love with caring for others and I love playing and interacting with the children. Becoming a Care Worker was the easiest decision I’ve ever made.”
Nelisiwe is a Care Worker in Houtbos, South Africa
George Snyman will be visiting North America at the beginning of November to the beginning of December. This is an exciting opportunity for people to come together to hear stories from Africa. We invite you to join him at one of these venues and listen to what God is doing in the lives of the orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa.
