Be Part of US this 2011 - Serve & Give

(Rev. Valerie holding one of the babies found in Malerato Centre of Hope)

What a great visit! A group of teenagers from the USA led by Rev. Valerie Toney Parker visited the Malerato Centre of Hope in Mamelodi East, Mamelodi - in Pretoria. What a day! Moreover, it was a holiday, 01 January 2011 and the teenagers engaged themselves in a servolution programme.

Servolution can be fun; servolution can also bring tears. This is what I experienced on the day. Rev. Valerie couldn't hold her tears back as she was holding the little Ofentse around her arms. Precious Mahlangu (Mrs. Mondlane) also shared some tears as she watched little Ofentse in pain.

More teenagers were holding back their tears. This was at Malerato Centre of Hope where 80% of the kids are HIV positive, and some are very sick. 

The teenagers from USA and the local team helped out by cleaning the centre; sweeping the yard; scribbing the floors; bathing the kids and washing dishes. It was a day full of activities. Moreover, they donated R600 for painting the buildings.

Servolution can be fun ofcourse. At the end of everything, the teenagers were engaged in some board games with the kids. 

(Helping out with some dish washing. Teenagers from USA getting to serve)

WHY SERVE?

We serve others for several simple reasons (By Pastor Rizo Dino of Healing Place Church):

1) Jesus did. Our goal as Christians is to become more like Christ every day. As we study God's Word, we learn about Jesus and the way He lived. Because Jesus loved people, He served them to show them that love (John 13). Our goal is the same, to serve people so they would also come to know Jesus as their personal Savior. 

2) The church and its purpose is best expressed outside its walls. We can't sit inside and wait for the world to come to us. We've got to get out in our communities and show people that we care and that there's a God who wants to heal them. 

3) It's a tangible expression of the love of God for lost humanity. Words can't always fix our pain. People may know that God loves them, but maybe they haven't ever experienced God's love for them in a practical way. We can be a testimony to others of what God can do in their life! 

4) It makes us irresistible to the world. When people see our genuine love for each other and others, they can't help but be drawn to it. Many times, serving can be a way to start conversation with people and give us an opportunity to tell them about the cross. 

5) It tears down barriers and opens hearts. A kind word goes a long way. You never know what someone may be going through. Handing them that bottle of water or a hot meal may be just what they need for God to soften their hearts and open their minds to hear about the truth.

(A joint group picture: USA and RSA Servolution team)

WHY SERVE TOGETHER?

We can accomplish so much more for the Kingdom when we work together! Our impact is multiplied. 1 person can only serve so many but if we all work together we can serve tons more! 

There is value in shared ideas. In a group setting, we can draw on each other's gifts, talents and creativity to polish the original idea, making it even better and more effective in building God's Kingdom. 

Creates momentum and energy to move things forward. There is so much excitement when we all work together, accomplishing a similar goal. God designed us to be part of the body and this is the body at its best! Each part doing it's job and moving forward with passion!

Unity proves the Gospel works. John 17:18-21 says, "Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one-as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. As we work together, we are living out God's Word!

 

 (A dedicated Nkateko from Mamelodi East township. She is one of the few teenagers who visits the centre on daily basis)

(Rev. Valerie bathing little Ofentse)

 

(USA teenagers ensuring that all the babies at Malerato were bath)

 (In loving arms)

Compliments of the new year!!!

For the past 10 years I have been involved in the children’s ministry. I gave hope to 100s of hopeless kids. I provided food; education; clothing; shelter and created a safe place for them to play. And moreover I gave them love in Christ Jesus.

This year; I would like to invite you to be part of “doing good” to the needy kids. By a kind donation of clothes; food; or money. You can also order gospel CDs by Nokhya or by Moruti Shoba and the Simunye Spirit of Praise Band.

Do good this 2011. Your small contribution can make a difference.

God Bless