Bible Media News reached out to Chris from the The Helping Hand team.
Helping Hand SA aims to provide assistance, whether physical, emotional, or otherwise, to those in need, regardless of race, creed, or social status. Their passion is to change the world through empowering people to develop a personal relationship with God, and in turn, to change their part of the world.
Making the World a Better Place: Sharing the message of God’s love for humankind.
You can read our interview with Chris below:
Give us a glimpse into your life by describing one thing on your To Do List for this week, that is giving you energy.
This week, as part of our school supplies initiative, I am preparing a short talk on education, self-worth, and God’s personal care for the older children in my Sunday School class. (about 25 kids, ages 8-14, class held weekly in Morningstar informal settlement) I am really excited to be able to share with them this message, as well as equip them with some much needed school materials.
Is there a story you tell people when they ask: What gives you hope for South Africa?
Oh well, there’s a few! One that stands out is of dear “Mama” Rosie who founded a centre in Khayelitsha settlement completely on her own. Wanting to help destitute, abandoned, or orphaned children around her, she began taking them into her own home. Then she got some other ladies from the community involved. She created a “hole in the wall” where mothers tempted to abandon their babies could rather leave them, and Mama Rosie would then take them in. She cared for, educated, prayed with, and encouraged these little ones faithfully. In the midst of so much sadness and struggle, she persevered, and today she has expanded to over 200 children in an orphanage and creche, plus a youth centre/agricultural project, small bakery to employ local women, frail care centre, AND a feeding scheme in Khayelitsha. And though she still struggles to make ends meet, she never gives up. One person who won’t quit and holds on to Jesus can achieve anything – for a little candle like her shines all the brighter in a area of great darkness. I am so honoured that we can regularly assist her with food and other items, and find her a prime example of hope in our country.
What was the last thing that surprised you?
Going to collect a donation of “some meat” from a local butchery and ending up loading TWO vanloads of over 1600 kgs total; then delivering to soup kitchens and feeding schemes same day! I’m still mind boggled by it! Praise God.
Also, seeing a huge turtle with a dragonfly just resting on his back while out for a hike yesterday morning. Incredible.
What have you learnt about how Christians can make an impact in society?
In my life I’ve learned a lot about faithfulness in the little things – the seemingly mundane. I deeply believe in long term “sticking” to whatever God has called one to, and that through our samples of Jesus, we can change firstly OUR world; the people around us, and thus, our society at large. Also, I have learned not to be burdened with the vast physical and spiritual need, but rather focus on the things that are good, amplify them, and keep plodding on to uplift individual’s hearts and minds. To help where I can, and even if I can’t do anything materially, a smile and a “Jesus loves you!” works wonders to show what I believe.
Like the man walking on the seashore and calmly tossing stranded starfish back into the water, when asked “what’s the point, there are so many, you can’t possibly make a real difference!” he smiled and replied while placing one more into the surf “well, it made a difference to THAT one!”
That’s my goal as a Christian in society, to make a difference to whoever the Lord brings across my path. And that is how we at Helping Hand operate.
What is God up to in your life?
I’m so thrilled to be able over the last several months to help mentor two young men who have a real desire to be forces for good and for God. We’ve been having lengthy discussions on all manner of down-to-earth topics, and it is so special to see them grow in faith and strength – so much so that they are reaching out to others themselves!Also, my wife and I are expecting our third child this year!
I hope this helps and is clear enough! Please let me know if you would like a “call to action” writeup on our School project… thanks!
What was the last thing that surprised you?
Going to collect a donation of “some meat” from a local butchery and ending up loading TWO vanloads of over 1600 kgs total; then delivering to soup kitchens and feeding schemes same day! I’m still mind boggled by it! Praise God.
Also, seeing a huge turtle with a dragonfly just resting on his back while out for a hike yesterday morning. Incredible.
What have you learnt about how Christians can make an impact in society?
In my life I’ve learned a lot about faithfulness in the little things – the seemingly mundane. I deeply believe in long term “sticking” to whatever God has called one to, and that through our samples of Jesus, we can change firstly OUR world; the people around us, and thus, our society at large. Also, I have learned not to be burdened with the vast physical and spiritual need, but rather focus on the things that are good, amplify them, and keep plodding on to uplift individual’s hearts and minds. To help where I can, and even if I can’t do anything materially, a smile and a “Jesus loves you!” works wonders to show what I believe.
Like the man walking on the seashore and calmly tossing stranded starfish back into the water, when asked “what’s the point, there are so many, you can’t possibly make a real difference!” he smiled and replied while placing one more into the surf “well, it made a difference to THAT one!”
That’s my goal as a Christian in society, to make a difference to whoever the Lord brings across my path. And that is how we at Helping Hand operate.
Click here to visit more about Helping Hand SA.
Photo: Facebook / Helping Hand SA
