Newsletter March 2024
AVODAH
Via Dolorosa – He paid for our sin
Our group testifies on what happened at the crucifixion over 2000 years ago. At our Easter Passion play, all our members could take part in portraying the profound events of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Despite any physical or cognitive challenges, these individuals embraced their roles with enthusiasm and dedication, embodying the spirit of the story in a truly inspiring manner.
Their involvement not only added depth and authenticity to our performance but also served as a powerful testament to the compassion of God sending His only son to forgive our sin. As parents and other visitors watched on, they were moved to reflect not only on the events of more than 2,000 years ago but also on the significance of empathy and understanding in our present-day lives.
We are still working with our 20 beneficiaries and 8 volunteers to keep this program running. We focussed on the Easter theme: Entry into Jerusalem; Communion; Crucifixion & Resurrection of Jesus and continued with other activities such as:
Needle work lessons for Geraldine.
A once-a-week apprenticeship for Josua at Prowell kitchens
cooking lessons with the high functional members (polony sandwiches and cutting melons)
Doing experiments together with creative story telling (Skittle experiment). This month’s storytelling adventure focused on the theme of keeping our environment clean and free from pollution.
Dancing with flags
Practising for the Passion Play
Updating Props (donkey; stone of grave)
It is truly a privilege to work with these disabled adults. We feel blessed to be able to live out our God-given talents and purpose by serving these individuals in our programs.
CHILDRENS MINISTRY
Open your eyes and ears to hear God’s voice
The Supersterre children saw a Passion Easter play performed by our staff about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. It is not an easy topic to explain to 3-4-year-old children. We had some tears and quite moments when our actor of Jesus was on the cross. All the parents of our children were present, and the Passion play really impacted them.
After the play we took out music instruments and danced and praised and worshiped God for this gift of forgiveness. It was truly a blessed morning because our King is alive!
During activity time, our teachers and tannie-mammas had the opportunity to explain the full Gospel to each parent and child using a bag of eats as props.
Part of the Hope4Kids program is a lesson about hearing and seeing God’s word: We teach the children to use their eyes and ears to listen to God and to get to know Him better. As we listen to God, we discover more about Who He is and how He loves us. During this activity, the children crafted creative pairs of glasses with oversized ears, serving as a reminder to engage with Scripture, and attune their ears to His voice.
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EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Learning through play
The Grade RR learners are well on their way to learning to write through play, enjoying clay to mould the letters of their names. They are moulding not just letters but also a love for learning. As we focused this month on shapes and colours, the theme was repeated continually in daily play, outdoor activities, and games.
The learners engaged in a fun gross motor activity, tossing colour-coordinated balls into matching boxes. Colour ball sorting aligned well with our theme for the week, developing both their physical and cognitive skills.
Once a term, we ensure our learners have an out-of-classroom experience. This month, our learners had a Fun Sports Day, where classes competed in beanbag races, ‘sak-resies,’ and athletics! We were blessed to be able to enjoy the Le Bac venue, with wide open grass fields and shady trees.
Parent engagement: Our parents had their first parent training session of 2024. Part of our session plan for this year is Love Languages. Parents learned the importance of knowing what the five Love Languages are for themselves and their children.
HOPE FOR PARENTS
Our own POP-UP shop
In the Hope for Parents program, we spread the gospel of Jesus to participating parents, fostering a deep connection through active acts of love. Throughout the term, we prioritise building meaningful relationships with them. At the end of each term, we offer them the opportunity to shop for their families, selecting from donated clothing and other items. This act of support empowers them to provide for their loved ones in a meaningful way, reinforcing the bonds of community and offering a tangible expression of care and solidarity.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
God provides for his children
On the 28th of February one of our dear colleagues, faced a devasting loss as her house burned down completely.
In the face of this tragic event, we saw something remarkable unfold. It was as if God’s hand was guiding us through the darkness. Despite of the loss, we found comfort in the fact that God provides for His children in unexpected ways.
Through the kindness and generosity of our community and friends, we were able to come together and rebuild a permanent Newtek home with a cement floor for Christa — where she could start anew. It was a beautiful display of the power of community and the unwavering grace of God.
So let us continue to hold onto faith and hope, knowing that God’s provision knows no bounds. And let us always be ready to extend a helping hand to those in need, for it is through our love and support that miracles can happen. Any household donations can be dropped off at our offices at Blignaut Park.
TESTOMONIES
God is faithful
Children’s Ministry– On the last day of the first term, parents of our Supersterre beneficiaries gathered with their children for a morning of bonding and fun. Together, they engaged in activities ranging from arts and crafts to games and watching the Passion Play, hearing, and seeing the Good News. Parents enjoyed being part of their children’s day, witnessing their goodness and feeling proud of their accomplishments. It was a heartwarming experience, highlighting the importance of spending quality time together and celebrating the special bond between parent and child.
Avodah Home Visits – Since we hold parent meetings only once a quarter, we realized the necessity of more frequent contact with members’ families. With the Wellbi app, home visits have now become a monthly occurrence. Marilyn, along with a fieldworker, conducts these visits, adhering to arranged appointments at members’ homes. She finds it truly worthwhile as it creates an opportunity to build relationships with the parents. With each visit, it becomes easier for her to carry out her work, and parents become more comfortable with the questions asked. Where previously she stood outside some houses, she is now warmly welcomed and invited in. Parents feel they are more directly involved and hopefully gain a better understanding of our work, feeling more equipped to meet the needs of the members.
Early Childhood Development – Tommy Sass has returned from chemotherapy, which targeted his throat, and we are delighted to report that everything went well. He is currently in remission. He’s back at Ma’s vir Wellington, assisting with security at the ECD.
It brings us great joy to see him dedicating himself to serving our children every day, ensuring their safety and well-being!
