WHO WAS PASTOR MARTIN TIVANE?

Pastor Martin Tivane was a spiritual giant.  His compassion, love and energy were boundless when it came to the care of the orphans in his community.  It broke his heart to see their condition– without guardians, shelter or food.

He made it his business to be a fierce guardian of these children… not only seeing that they were fed, but seeing that they were cared for and did not fall prey to sexual traffickers.

For those orphans blessed enough to have a home, he would go to their village huts, examine their cupboards, and fill them with food.

He found that many orphans… children themselves… were filling the role of guardians to their younger siblings.

 Without income, these pre-teen ‘guardians’ either fell prey to evil men, or their young family starved. 

One of the horrors that troubled him most, was the copper colored hair of so many of his orphans… a result of serious malnutrition.

So, Pastor Martin arranged with the school to allow him to provide a hot breakfast before the start of school each day. He did this without fanfare or anyone knowing.  He made this happen by sacrificing a portion of his own wages; for he worked as a businessman to provide for his family, in addition to being a pastor. 

In 2010, Marchmin Ministries and ZoeForKids became partners with Pastor Martin in his vision.  He envisioned construction of a school kitchen suitable for feeding these 250-300 orphans at least two meals a day. 

Sadly, for all who knew and loved him, Pastor Martin was called Home to Jesus and passed from this earth in May 2011. After recovering from the shock of his sudden death, his family, church and friends at Marchmin Ministries and ZoeForKids locked arms… determined to see his vision come to life… WITHOUT FAIL. 

CONTINUING PASTOR MARTIN TIVANE’S WORK

In 2013, the Midwest Food Bank, Illinois specially formulated a mix of rice and beans with all the vitamins the kids need for a day including protein.  They made it shippable and flavorful such that it would  please the palate of a South African child.  Marchmin Ministries purchases and ships two pallets of this blend which lasts a full year.  The most deprived children are given any leftover food for weekends and school vacations.

Now the orphans had a regular supply of food, BUT the only place to prepare it, was in cauldrons in an outdoor lean-to.  Flames Ministries paid the modest salaries of the dear faithful women willing to work in these conditions to prepare the food.

At the same time, ZoeForKids began soliciting and receiving donations to build this kitchen. To bring Pastor Martin’s vision to reality required much more than money.  It required meeting with village boards, school management, seeking out architects and contractors, creating architectural and construction plans, getting them approved, finding laborers, dealing with national strikes… and finally doing the actual building!  We broke ground for the Center in the winter of 2016. It was hard managing a project that moved at South African speed, especially when the need for it is so high. 

 

After overcoming all the obstacles through much prayer and support (from you) we completed the Center

and a netball/ volleyball/ tennis court!

I would like to thank ZFK long time supporters, Dr. and Mrs. Steven Murphy for funded the tennis court.

 

The day of celebration finally arrived…

On May 18, 2019, our long held dream –since 2010– has been realized. In honor of our late Pastor Martin Tivane, we have now opened the Martin Tivane Children’s Center!!   I had the privilege of representing ALL ZoeForKids supporters. 

We gathered at “The Center” (it feels so good to say it) located at the local grammar school in the village of Majakeneng, South Africa. 

The entire Tivane family were there as honored guests… his wife, Pastor Alcy and his beautiful children, Praise, Hlayi, Sasi, and Tammy.

The students, beautifully adorned in their native costumes, met with his family, and friends to honor the life and work of Pastor Martine Tivane.  

Pastor Alcy had traditional dresses made for both of me and herself.

Our 250 orphans were in attendance for the entire event and given a scrumptious meat stew.  They ate like kings and queens along with us. Our new dining hall is big enough to seat over 300 kids.

THE CEREMONY VIDEOS

Here is a peek into the Dedication Ceremony:

https://youtu.be/MKzVgviYOvA

Zoe for Kids Director, Sally Herman, gave an emotion retelling of her memories of our beloved Pastor Martin Tivane:

https://youtu.be/hpI7bTMqEoE

THE CEREMONY… a summary

The dedication ceremony included our kids in native costume entertaining us with dancing…

and singing. 

…accompanied by The Flames Worship Team with their instruments. 

A congratulatory note from Bruce Marchiano from Marchmin Ministries was read.

The leaders of the local school board addressed the gathered audience and expressed the community’s gratitude. The keys to the Center were handed over in a ribbon cutting ceremony and thus, new era of provision for our children has started! 

Remember the children with copper streaks, a classic sign of malnutrition, in their hair?

I’ll have you know, as I looked out on a sea of happy faces,

… there was not one child with coppered hair at this ceremony which used to be so prevalent!

Our feeding program is working!  Our kids are THRIVING and doing extremely well.  Having removed their concerns about surviving day to day, they can now begin to dream and live out those dreams, to draw close to our God… and it is all possible because of our God Who cares for the little ones, and Who provides for them through YOU,   His faithful servants.

Thank you for your charitable and sacrificial giving… each and every one of you Zoe For Kids supporters!! 

    

LATE UPDATE: Right now our kids need new uniforms and other personal hygiene supplies. I am going to South Africa next week to see about appliances for the kitchen and to measure kids for proper uniforms…

THINGS YET TO BE DONE

• The kitchen still needs finishing touches: cupboards, refrigerators, sinks and accessories
• We need to add a bathroom that could not be fit into the original budget because we encountered extra labor costs for removal of the large rocks and bad soil.
• The school has committed to providing the flooring and better ceiling but there has been little movement.  We may need to pick up these components as well.

  Our kitchen project is ‘soldiering on’!!!

The exterior is in the most advanced, walls are up, roof is on…

windows are going in…

The interior walls are under way

Our hopes and dreams are still high… though this has been a fierce spiritual battle. We are constructing this kitchen for the physical and spiritual welfare of our kids and kitchen workers. There is a military expression: ‘If you are taking flak you MUST be over the target!’ So, given all the flak we have taken, I am 100% sure our kitchen is ON TARGET. It is going to be a mighty center for physical and spiritual nurture for hundreds… or thousands… of kids over the years.

Actually, the kids aren’t waiting… they are making the best of times and chowing down

IF our funding increased by $1 for each delay…

….   we could build our own ‘Buckingham Castle’!

• Of course there were the normal construction delays—late deliveries, missing tradesmen, too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry… you know the drill.
• Within the Majakaneng village, there is general violence, civil and unrest.
• As you may have heard, hatred for Caucasians in South Africa is being expressed in the most vile ways—physical attacks resulting in injury and death, stoning cars, setting them on fire, and many other atrocities.
• We’ve had problem sending money– the banks will not release the money and send it back.
• We even had fighting among our workers
• Then SA money promised to the building project, fell through
• I‘ve had to beg, barter, and wheel and deal to come up with the money ZFK committed to provide,

So progress on the kitchen has had serious roadblocks.  We take three steps forward then two steps back… I like to call it the Majakaneng Cha Cha!

BUT GOD… is our project manager!

He will bring in this project on His Schedule… in His Time. God willing, we look to be finished this year… unless our Project Manager intercedes.

I have not personally gone to visit our kids and our project. In addition to the unrest and threat of violence; every personal penny that would have purchased my airfare I have invested in the kitchen.

Now, in other news…

• All our kids have been safe and none have been caught in the violence.
• A few children have died of the natural causes due to disease.
• The gospel continues to go forward through the faithful; pastors of Flames Church!
• Pastor Hendricks goes one or two times a week to minister and pray with the kids… who have come to see him as a protector and father figure.
• We are starting to set up a basketball court (?); we have had funds donated specifically for that part of the project!
• The ZFK feeding program continues despite the many obstacles; another shipment of Tender Mercies on the way over!
• Several of our kids in Majakaneng are journeying by bus to attend Bible classes in Flames Church Bible school… keep their spiritual growth in prayer!
• Flames Church is a sanctuary of protection and holds the Word of God on high! If anyone needs help they will find it at that church.

There are beautiful things happening!

 

So, ZFK Prayer Warriors, here is your assignment… PRAY FOR:

• our construction workers and the materials they need
• a timely completion of our project
• our feeding program and an uninterrupted food supply
• Flames Church and all their ministries
• Pastor Hendricks as he ministers to our kids and is looked to as a role model
• our kids safe travels to Bible Studies
• ALL our kids’ spiritual growth
• an end to hate, envy, theft, violence, and murder in ALL of South Africa
• my ability to give you an eye witness report from SA!

Keep up the prayers.. please.  This is my biggest request!  Thank you so much!!!!!!

Love, love ,love!  hugs and more hugs!!!!!!!

Now, sing it with me….

“We’ve come this far by faith “- Albert A. Goodman

Don’t be discouraged, when trouble’s in your life.
He’ll bear your burdens, and move all misery and strife.
Thank God we’ve…

We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord;
Trusting in His Holy Word, He’s never failed me yet.
Oh, oh – -, oh – – can’t turn around – –
We’ve come this far by faith.

 Just the other day I heard a man say
He didn’t believe in God’s word.
But I can truly say that God has made a way.
And He’s never failed me yet.
That’s why we’ve…

 We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord;
Trusting in His Holy Word, He’s never failed me yet.
Oh, oh – -, oh – – can’t turn around – –
We’ve come this far by faith.

 Just remember the good things God has done,
Things that seemed impossible.
Oh, praise Him for the things that He has done.
Oh, yes, we’ve…

 We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord;
Trusting in His Holy Word, He’s never failed me yet.
Oh, oh – -, oh – – can’t turn around – –
We’ve come this far by faith.

First There Were Footings…

When last we spoke… construction on the Majakaneng Kitchen had just begun. The footings were dug and poured. The first courses of brick had been laid.

Now, The Walls Have Begun to Rise…

In our first FALL KITCHEN UPDATE, the walls are rising… and rising, and so is our delight and thankfulness to the Lord and to you, His faithful servants.

Brick by brick…

… windows are miraculously appearing…

We are still facing a $13,000 shortfall, but we are sure that the Lord will come through.

The “First Diners” Arrive!

Ahhh, to see life through the eyes of a child… through the eyes of faith. What you and I see is hard packed earth, but to our ever hopeful children, they see a luxurious dining room.

They gather up their plates of food…

                 and march off to the NEW dining room, VIVIDLY seen in there blessed little hearts…

                         to feast upon their gourmet meal!

I can’t wait to hear the squeals of joy the first time they can eat in this same place with floors, walls, a roof, tables and chairs!

(Oooo, look at those little legs!)

It’s Sooo Inspirational… Even for the Adults!

Even the adults are getting excited by the progress… it’s an amazing thing to see a vacant lot being transformed into a real building of Hope. The building process is so inspiring that Pastor Alcy is now dreaming of building a church in Majakaneng Village. This village is a spiritual battlefield… the enemy has strong footholds here with spiritism, demons, witchcraft, voodoo, and other cultic practices. The spiritual war for the souls of our orphans rages, but Yehovah Nissi (God our Banner) ALREADY has the victory.

Without your prayers… without the faithfulness and blessed grace of your giving, these children would not be fed, and we would not be building a protected area for our cooks to work their culinary skills, and our children to feast like the prince and princesses of the Kingdom that they are.

Our long held dreams for our kids are at last manifesting themselves… Please continue in prayer for civil peace while we build, control over expenses, and funding to cover this project.  I love you all sooo much!  –Sally

July 14: YOU’VE HELD YOUR BREATH…

                                          AND NOW IT BEGINS… WOO HOO!!

DIG WE MUST!

After years of praying and planning… our dreams have begun to materialize! We have broken ground for our ZoeForKids kitchen! Wow… ten years in the making, and it’s REAL!!!

Here it is! Because of you, our precious ZoeForKids supporters! I am so happy… I would like to scoop you all up in a BIG group hug until we couldn’t breathe!

ON TO THE FOOTINGS

August 9: HICK UP?  DID YOU HEAR A HICK UP??

.

While digging for the kitchen wall footings, they ran into rock trouble.

So much rock trouble, they had to reposition the building!   Hick up solved and we are back on our way!!!

… AND THE FOOTINGS ARE DUG

AND… I have a praise report, too!!! We were just blessed with funding for a netball (basketball) court!   I cannot thank God and this generous donor enough for allowing us to add this special play area for our extra special Kids.  Now our little ones can set up bball teams, give them time to bond and enjoy each other’s company…  and then snack in our kitchen!!!!!!! When God answers our prayers… He enjoys ‘wow-ing” us!

August 19: SATAN DOESN’T LIKE WHAT WE ARE DOING

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Please pray for Majakaneng…our kitchen building is in the midst of a civil war! Here is a message I just received from Pastor Hendrick who ministers every week to our at-risk kids. Be advised it’s a bit unsettling…

“The people in Majakaneng are rampaging. The highway and all access roads are blocked. Apparently a farmer was being robbed by 3 black men and he shot them, killing one. I just got the information from a pastor who lives inside the village. So I will not be able to visit the school until things cool down. But it’s a no-go area right now. They haven’t been able to work on the building for several days. Don’t know how long this will last…”

Every man sees his society from the viewpoint of the heart wounds he has endured. South Africa is still suffering from the wounds of apartheid. Nothing can change history… so what is the answer?  Venting anger, vengeance, and violence only creates new wounds and compound our pain.  There is only one Healer – Yehovah Rapha.. God our Healer!  Jesus was unjustly wounded more than ANY man… and yet… He said, “Father, forgive them”.  Jesus came in love, to die for those who hate him.  Even today, it is ONLY the deep love of Jesus and His indwelling Spirit that can heal our hearts and change us so that we CAN love and forgive.

Our ZFK orphans have known social unrest from birth. Some fled, without documentation, from the front lines of wars in neighboring states.  All are facing the post-apartheid tensions are in South Africa.  My heart grieves for them… and for ALL children who are forced to witness Satan’s rage.  That is what all this is about… Satan’s last chance to steal, kill and destroy… before Jesus comes and stops him forever and ever.  So until Jesus comes, join with me to cover our ZFK orphans, and all children with our prayers for protection, peace, and provision.

September 1: BACK TO BUILDING!!

.

The unrest has abated and now our construction can continue!!!! Thank you all for you powerful prayers!

Our kitchen is taking form!!!!! I am very excited! The Lord is doing great things!

… THE FOOTINGS GET “CEMENT SHOES”

AND JUST IN TIME, THE BRICKS ARRIVE

AND THE WALLS… THE BLESSED WALLS… BEGIN TO RISE FROM THE DUST

AND THE PAD IS FILLED WITH GRAVEL!

 

So the walls are on the rise, and we are $13,900 short of our goal… but I will not worry! We serve a great God and this is His project!   

I KNOW He will provide. How? The Bible tells us that God Himself personally protects and provides for orphans and widows. “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling” (Psalm 68:5). Nothing escapes God’s notice, and He will avenge the orphans and widows who have been abused. “You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror” (Psalm 10:17–18).

God commands us to care for orphans and widows. When He gave the Law to Moses and the Israelites, He gave instructions for how to treat the orphans and widows among them—with harsh consequences promised if they failed in their responsibility (see Exodus 22:22–23).

So, I KNOW He will provide, because we are serving the ZFK orphans, and they are the apple of His eye.

He will withhold no good thing from them…

They will soon be blessed with  a kitchen… and a dining room… and bball court!!!

All thanks be to God and the ZoeForKids supporters through whom He works!

… I love you all to the moon and back!

  IF WE HAD ONE WORD TO SAY..  That one word would be   Joy

ZoeForKids 2017 Birthday Celebration Team

“It is His joy that remains in us that makes our joy full.” ~ A. B. Simpson

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24

It’s been a while… a long while… since I’ve updated you on what ZoeforKids is up to! The reason has more to do with my life being jam packed… NOT that nothing is happening at ZFK! Amid the madness of day to day life… one priority always stands out: our collective love for our 250 vulnerable children in South Africa! They will ALWAYS be our priority!

Now, before I update you on our amazing Easter week outreach… I HAVE to share some long awaited news!

OUR KITCHEN IS BREAKING GROUND IN MAY!

Because of your generous donations, and many years of faithful patience, we have finally gotten the right African project team together!

Based on our current plans, and with your covering prayers, we are shooting for the kitchen to be fully constructed, equipped, and operational by sometime in September!

Our budget is a bit underfunded, but that won’t stop the progress in the least! (I can always work more shifts!) The Lord has done and is doing great things! Soon our cooks will no longer labor in the ‘open air’ kitchen!

 

Back to my Easter week outreach update….   JOY

THERE is no greater JOY than gathering with fellow believers to celebrate the anniversary of our Salvation and our blessed hope of Resurrection! The Lord has risen! He is alive! He revealed His face, His blessing, and His glory to us in every way possible during our week-long outreach!

In South Africa, the Flames Christian Church gathered from Thursday night… all the way until Resurrection Sunday evening, for a holy celebration that is hard to put into words!

                    

Our ZFK team stood alongside our African brothers and sisters as we walked through Christ’s death starting from Thursday till Friday night; we waited in hope and anticipation thru Saturday and then… on Sunday we celebrated with JOY the resurrection of our Lord with communion and incredible worship!

There was dancing, praying, salvations, testimonies and each of us gave messages of hope: African and American together! Even now, as I am driving to work… as I am doing housework… as I am feeding horses or my little Zoelle… I break out in a broad smile. Even now, I am still overwhelmed with JOY… I can’t quite contain it, it spills over in a deep far away smile, it rolls down my cheeks as tears of joy, as the sounds, sights and worship from Africa takes me far away from wherever I am. It lifts me up!

 OUKASIE MONDAY!! 

Each day brought with it MORE JOY in different ways!  The Monday after Easter is always a holiday in South Africa.  We decided to have an outreach in one of the most dangerous villages in NW Britts:  Oukasie.

  

This place needs the Lord’s salvation like nobody’s business!  It is quite unsafe and you can’t be in this village past dusk.  You might remember that we have held crusades here in the past.  Sister Sharon has done major street ministry here, as well.

  

We chose the town hall as our ‘headquarters’ and there we held a games day, the wrapping it up with a message of hope and salvation.

Of course, we provided refreshments: peanut butter sandwiches and sweeties!

 

It is not hard to gather a crowd in Africa, really.  All you have to do is set up a sound system and the children gather around and start dancing.  It reminds me of how children always were attracted to Jesus and He wrapped His love around each one.

 

I’m sure Jesus didn’t have a sound system or sweeties, but I’m sure the disciples sang Psalms, and there were loaves and fish for all!

Oh, Lord Jesus may people always see YOU within us! May we always faithfully share Your message of Life, and Love, and Forgiveness, and Hope, and Salvation.  Ever fill us with Your Spirit and draw people to Yourself through our messages faithfully given so that the called will come, repent, seek You, follow, and be filled with Your eternal JOY!

Just look at these pictures! It was a day to remember!  In the youtube video below that you can actually see and hear the sounds of Oukasie!  We set up several stations with different games, competitions and prizes! We had a big message at the end and even some adults joined in the fun!

We were helped by Flames Youth and the day was quite-a-day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwY7JBpXouM&t=114s

UN-BIRTHDAY TUESDAY!!!  

This was the day that we celebrated EVERY BIRTHDAY for ALL OUR KIDS!  Thanks to all the donations we received at Christmas for new clothes we had a BIG party for all 250 of our vulnerable children at Majakaneng school!

They each received a new outfit,

     … birthday cake

          … and birthday cards filled with love! 

Pastor Kenny had a great message about Nicodemus and his ‘birthday’ question…

 “How can I be born again?”

It was a beautiful day and THEN the MOST joyful moment came in like a flood  for me.  In fact, JOY came rolling down my cheeks as it happened.  God showed me in His way that our daily feeding and pastoring of our kids several times a week really REALLY is making a difference.

That moment played out like this:

After Pastor Kenny and Kurt were finished with their message about eternal birthdays, I asked our kids who wanted to say a prayer before we cut the cake?

One little boy hesitated at first… he attempted to raise his hand, several times in fact.  He finally built up the courage and came onto the platform to offer a prayer. 

As he came up, tears were rolling down his cheeks and he refused to look at anyone.  I hugged him and told him he didn’t have to do it, if he didn’t want to.  But, he continued forward without saying anything to me and took the microphone.  As he started his prayer in Tswana, the tears continued to flow down his cheeks. The prayer continued on and on. 

I couldn’t understand the words of this humble prayer –

   …. but my heart could,

      … and our Father certainly did!

It was one of those moments… the world went quiet… the heavens opened up… Jesus tuned His ears into this humble plea and I believe all the angels looked down in wonderment.

He prayed for at least 5 minutes straight, becoming more earnest with each second. The crowd of children stood silent.  I simply had no words to speak after he was finished. 

      He wiped his eyes dry ….

           … and so did I …

                  … and our JOY was made complete.

https://youtu.be/zcpJDF43Cjs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcpJDF43Cjs

That evening the ZFK team was invited to speak to a local youth group. The youth belonged to the church attended by one of our South African volunteers, Lorraine.  We had an amazing evening and the youth group was so energetic about worship!  It was an incredible night to remember and many hearts were touched—theirs and ours!

They got certificates at the end of our messages that were signed by each one of us —encouraging them to give God the blank page of their lives so that HE can fill it with what HE desires!  They were encouraged to be Daniel’s of their generation!

CHEETAH WEDNESDAY!  

A local cheetah sanctuary invited 60 of our orphans to come to the park for the day!  So we loaded the children up in taxis and off we went!

We hiked through the park and even had a huge Easter Egg hunt!

 

It was quite an experience to load the children up and take them out of their village!  Some had never been outside of their village and were wide-eyed with curiosity and pure happiness!  Some had never seen live cheetahs, wild dogs, and vultures!

It truly was one of the best days filled with awe and wonder at seeing a bigger view of God’s creation… and the JOY we felt was palpable in every second….

OPKYK THURSDAY!

We got the privilege of going to Opkyk Pathways Education Center.  They invited 30 of our orphans, many of whom suffer from being HIV+, to come for the day and learn by…

… participating in some science projects,

playing soccer, and jumping on trampolines,

… building with Legos,

… setting off rockets,

… and grooming and riding horses!

   

… did I mention there were HORSES???

This was an incredible day of great JOY!  The kids were completely outside of their normal environment and were able to ‘let loose’ and be kids for the day—but, also learn a few things too!  We thank this Education Center built for handicapped children for inviting us to come alongside their children and enjoy a day!  Every handicapped child at the school added their laughter to the giggles of our children!

https://youtu.be/GKNhqVTBfYs

THURSDAY PART DEUX– Majakaneng school!!!

Our last day was Thursday. After our Opkyk adventure we went back to our Majakaneng school.

We played a few games…

 

And we enjoyed the chaos of attempted to say goodbye to our coworkers…

… and to our kids.    How does one say goodbye?  Look at those faces…

 

                         

The good thing is, when you are a Christian, it is NEVER goodbye… it is only, “Take care and be blessed, until we meet again or at Jesus feet!”

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:11-12

“It is His joy that remains in us that makes our joy full.” ~ A. B. Simpson

I can’t thank each of you enough—for what you are doing for these vulnerable children of Majakaneng. With our little orphan boy’s prayer—God showed me.

Lives are being touched.

       Lives are being changed.

              Hope is in the air.

AND

       Our Joy Is Being Made Complete.

I love you all so very much, Thank You for what you are doing for the least of them…  

Thank you for letting me share our trip with you,   Sal

We are off to visit our precious South African angels again!

 

Our visit will be from April 13-22 and will be a “team event” once again… SIX of us are going to minister to our orphans.

FIRST… we will hold a BIG BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT!

Or…  if you are familiar with ‘Alice in Wonderland’, perhaps it should be named a BIG UN-BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT… because we will be celebrating EVERYONES birthday on that day!

 

At the UnBirthday Party… each little one will receive an outfit that YOU so generously donated at the end of last year.

   

THEN… 

we will be holding youth services with FLAMES from Thursday (13^th) until Resurrection Sunday (16^th)— all day, each day.  What an opportunity this will be to bond with our kids, and teach them about Jesus, forgiveness, true love, and salvation.

I will also be giving a message called ‘Color Me Brave’ to the youth of our Majakaneng school. I will distribute workbooks to each dear one, and teach them about how to build healthy relationships and how to recognize abuse.

AFTER THEN…

we will head for Oukasie to reach out to the unsaved youth that tend to aimlessly wander in that poverty stricken area. We are preparing plastic eggs filled with candy and Bible verses – after hiding them, we will supervise as the kids as they hunt for these Bible-filled treasures. Pray that the Spirit will direct the right kid to the exact meaningful verse each child needs to hear at that moment! While the candy will be sweet on their tongues for a moment, may the verses we select be a sweet savor in their hearts forever.

AFTER… AFTER THEN…

we will have a big meeting for the Oukasie youth… Pastor Kenny and Pastor Kurt will speak to their hearts and call them to salvation… call them to abundant, meaningful life through Jesus. Pray that the Spirit will prepare these young hearts to hear the Gospel, and pray that the Spirit will fill the mouths of our two faithful pastors with the words He wants these children to hear and absorb.

THEN FINALLY,

…we will be taking another select group of children to the therapy riding school for two days of socialization, spiritual, and emotional healing.

In my “spare time”, I will be working on getting an agreement that will allow us to start building the new kitchen!!!

 

 

SO, PRAY, PRAY PRAY…

… for traveling mercies

… for the health of all

… for safety and good weather

… for the Spirit to go before us and prepare hearts to receive His message

… for God’s will to be done in each heart

… for peace dealing with a full and crazy schedule

… that God’s Word will put down deep roots in the hearts of ALL who hear it

… that our kitchen project will be well received and finally be launched

 AND, LAST BUT NOT LEAST… that we collect enough pictures and stories so that YOU can feel like you were there with us… for it is only through your generosity and obedience to the Lord that we can bless these wee ones with love, the news of salvation, clothes, food, moments of extreme joy, and again LOVE… your love.

I know we have been talking about our KITCHEN project for a VERY…  VERY…       VERY long time.

There is something I had only heard about, but now I have experienced it… when it comes to getting projects done, there is ‘American Time’ and ‘African Time’ and they are nowhere near equal. It is TRUE that most things in Africa take MUCH longer than we are used to expecting. This is not a value judgment; it is just a fact… and a factor when planning a big project in South Africa. I must confess, it has taught me A LOT about patience…

I have now three proposed kitchen plans and we are actively looking to choose a project manager!  In September, I visited a brick factory. I then reviewed a few of the kitchen project quotes with the principal of our Majakaneng village school—Eunice.

Principal Eunice is very excited to see this the progressing we are beginning to make, and so are we!

When God allows… our cooks will be replacing their outdoor wood fires….

 

… with stoves and ovens in a big, modern INDOOR kitchen! 

Our children will no longer eat in shifts in three or four different classroom, but will gather in one big dining room to eat… and bond together… and encourage each other… and do group activities together… and listen to Pastor Hendrick together!

Thanks to all of you faithful ZFK supporters who have donated, I have money in the bank waiting to be build this kitchen! As the project progresses, we may be forced to exceed our current budget… but we will labor to be good stewards of your donations and deliver the blessing YOUR kitchen will bring!

I am so excited… but we still need LOTS of prayer for our kitchen project!

Loving Father, You are sovereign over all things, even the projects and plans of men. We place our plans for a kitchen at Majakaneng village school in Your hands. We ask that You would bless our desire to serve the orphans in this school. We choose You to be the Senior Manager of this project. We choose You to select the plans, hire the right personnel, arrange for the delivery and assembly of all the building materials and appliances, keep it on budget – or expand Your funding for it, and we trust that You will set the project schedule to bring the kitchen project to fruition– not in American-Time or in African-Time, but in YOUR-time! Our trust is in YOU alone, because YOU alone are Able. We ask this by the authority of the great name of Jesus of Nazareth, Who had mercy on those gathered to hear Him… and He fed them all. Amen

I want to thank you ALL for being part of this project!!  I will share the plans with you as soon as I find a sharable format! I love you all sooo much!

This September, I arranged a ‘test’ field trip with a few of our orphans to see how it would go.  JUST WOW!!!!

Near Majakaneng village, there is a very, very special school named

“Opkyk Pathways Therapy and Educational Center”.

https://www.facebook.com/Opkyk-Pathways-Therapy-and-Educational…

This school is especially oriented for vulnerable children, like our ZoeForKids orphans.  Inside a converted old farmhouse they have built a computer and therapeutic school for children of need… and, close to my heart as you know, EQUINE THERAPY!  YES, I SAID HORSES!  The only thing better would be horses AND DOGS, but I digress!!!

But back to our story….

Our story starts in Majakaneng village school, where I chose 16 of our orphans to be our ‘test pilots’!

As we departed their township by taxi, two of our cooks lead us in a little prayer.  We then piled into a local taxi!  AT THAT MOMENT, the great adventure had begun!  The eyes of these 16 children were as big as the moon.

You see, many of our kids have NEVER been in a taxi, and have NEVER gone beyond their township!

Their response was priceless! 

 

As we were leaving, the taxi driver put on the music of their culture… and suddenly the brightest sunbeam hit inside our taxi… it nearly blinded me in tears!  The hard outer shells of these abused and rejected children cracked – they became true ‘children’… smiling, boisterous, rejoicing children.  Excitement beamed from each face and they began to dance and bounce  with the bumps and turns of the taxi.  I seriously, lost it.  I wanted to hug each child and never return them to their meager shacks.

 

One child, who is albino, and her brother have been part of ZFK since 2008.  I had NEVER seen them smile before.  They had NEVER felt comfortable enough to interact with me, personally.

 WELL, on this day… I got the smile I was waiting for… it brought heaven to earth for me.  I had to fight back tears.

 

 

 

We soon arrived at the Opkyk Pathways Therapy and Educational Center.  For perhaps the first time in their lives, they were able to just be kids, to let loose and JUST PLAY!

 They lighted off rockets,

            … they practiced balancing,   

                   … they ate good food,

                            

                            … they jumped on trampolines,

                                       … they became masters of ‘sand art’…

 

 … and most importantly– learned how to take care of a precious horse named Mercy,

 

walked and rode her and her friend around the arena,

… and loved on them ALL DAY LONG!

...

 

Most of all, they had FUN, they were able to be just kids enjoying their youthful energy and learning to open their hearts to the possibilities that life offers… a very rare opportunity to experience ‘life outside the village’… more than they have ever known or dreamed possible.  I’m sure it was a surreal experience for them.

The thought keeps coming to my mind… that this is what going to heaven will be like for us.  We are each so used to the routine and limitations of our lives here on earth, that we cannot even imagine or dream what God has in store for us.  The boundless joy, the happiness that I saw in those little dear eyes… is just a foretaste of our future with our Lord Jesus in Heaven.

I still have not stopped smiling.  Praise to our God the author of all true joy and satisfaction!

 

I have a prayer of thanksgiving to share with you, our precious ZoeForKids supporters! For years, we have been praying that God would provide a pastor who could commit to visiting our 300+ kids regularly and feeding their spiritual needs.  So I would like to share… that GOD HAS ANSWERED OUR PRAYERS!!!  PRAISE AND GLORY TO JESUS!!!!!!!!

Our tri-yearly outreaches have been great. During our visits, God has enabled us to bless them with… clothing, blankets, school supplies, personal hygiene…items of basic need; and Bible stories, players and speakers to teach them about God’s love for them.  But these kids… like all kids… need constant, regular ministry of the Word of God.

It is my delight to share with you that the Heavenly Army of our God has landed “boots on the ground” in this battlefield for the souls and lives of our Zoe kids.  As I write to you, there is now a team of dedicated South Africans who are devoted bringing the Gospel to them to our kids WEEKLY and caring for their spiritual needs!

Our team leader is Pastor Hendrick!  He is a beloved, local South African pastor who has a deep heart and calling to serve the youth of SA. He and his team currently minister in MANY poor schools, and now… our Majakaneng Village school is an official stop on his weekly route. Pastor Hendrick is excited to be given this trust and is already busy at it.
Here’s how it works…

Through our ZFK nutrition program, classroom by classroom, our kids are fed a second meal at the end of each school day. Pastor Hendrick goes to each room during this time, sharing the Lord, sharing the Word, and praying with them. He reports there was one child with vision problems and as he prayed for him, all the others began coming for prayer and the ministry was amazing. He has asked nothing from us… because IT IS GOD WHO HAS CALLED HIM to serve these kids… like the Apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 9, he is compelled to preach and share the love of Jesus to see these little lives eternally changed.

As I have shared with you, many times, our dear wee orphans are surrounded by evil and live on a very violent spiritual battlefield.  They are too often the victims of evil… Spiritism/Satanism, spiritual oppression, greed, theft, assault, sexual abuse and slavery, physical deprivation, death… the list of evil perpetrated against them just goes on and on.  The Apostle Peter told us in his first letter, “Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

There were times, over the last few years, when my faith began to wane and I thought that our service would be limited to just regularly providing for our kids physical needs. But then I would remember the founding vision of Pastor Martin Tivane, who loved these children so much but who was called Home to be with Jesus. Pastor Martin would always say, ‘We must continue to press through disappointments and challenges, and the day of victory will come’. The enemy is always at work trying in so many ways to destroy these little lives… these young souls—but we must press through to see them rescued in the name of Jesus!

I thank God for YOU, our faithful ZFK supporters.  The blessing that has been rained on our orphans, ‘Spiritual Special Forces, Team Hendrick’, is because of YOUR faithful prayers and generosity.  God has sent His ‘re-enforcements’ to this spiritual battlefield.  I invite you to join me in covering Pastor Hendrick and his team in prayer.

Loving Heavenly Father, You are our Provider, our Protector!  You are our God who sees our needs, hears the cries of Your children, and Who answers our prayers beyond what we can ask or dream!  We praise You!  We thank You for Pastor Hendrick and his team of volunteers.  We thank You that You have called them to serve on the same battlefield on which we have also been called serve.  Speak through them Your words of Life to the children of Majakaneng Village and all the other children they serve.  May many young souls be saved and freed from the bondage of sin and evil.  Bless their efforts each day to the Glory of Your Great Name!  Protect all who serve and all those young souls who are served from temptation and from evil.  Protect each one with the Whole Armor of God.  Give Your people, the old and the young, great victory on the spiritual battlefields of South Africa.  Push back the enemy, and let Your people flourish in the newness and abundance of life that only YOU can give.  We thank You for calling us to Your service through ZoeForKids… through the power of Your Spirit, may we be faithful and always seek You and Your will for those who minister and for these vulnerable young orphans… may You remind us daily to cover them in prayer… Precious Lord, shelter them all in the shadows and under the feathers of Your wings.  Brood over these young ones until they can fledge, and soar like eagles in Your Power.  In faith… because You are Faithful… and You are Able… we ask these things by the authority of the name of Jesus of Nazareth, our Savior, our Lord, and our soon coming victorious King. Amen

Give praise to the Lord ALWAYS!!!

An update from Pastor Hendrick…

We were at the school this morning. We ministered God’s Word and laid hands… praying over all the children.  We also prayed for all the teachers in the staff room after

I know, it’s been a while! I’ve been being pulled in many directions… but… I’M BACK!!!!

Many of you, our beloved and faithful ZoeForKids supporters, have been asking… WHEN IS YOUR NEXT DRIVE FOR OUR ORPHANS? WHAT ARE WE GOING TO BLESS THEM WITH THIS TIME?

I now have the exciting announcement you have all been waiting for…

On November 29, 2016… GIVING TUESDAY… we launched our January 2017 ‘Christmas’ Drive which we are calling: “LuLaRoe Goes to South Africa”

My sister and I are joining forces to purchase and deliver Mae dresses and Sloan Shirts AT COST for 300 of our wee ones—our dear orphaned children in South Africa!

Here is what they look like:

 

So if you would like to bless our kids this ‘Christmas’, please consider making a donation to fund the purchase of this clothing.

As you have faithfully done in the past, if the Lord leads you to donate to this cause, just click on the DONATE selection above. On that page you will find instructions to securely donate online, or how to direct your checks. We ask that if you send a check that you would write ZFK/LuLaRoe in the note section.

Check out LuLaRoe at (https://www.facebook.com/groups/LuLaRoeLoriPugh/)

Oh, and one more update on our kids— they are getting regularly fed in more ways than one!

Due to your generosity through the Lord. They are physically being fed through our daily nutrition program and their health has improved by leaps and bounds! And they are being fed SPIRITUALLY by the new visitations by Pastor Hendrick from a local SA Church.

Our “babies”, from the small to the tall… are ALL being blessed and are flourishing. Blessed be the name of the Lord! And I thank Him every day for YOU!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praise to Jesus!

I returned from South Africa last week, and not only did I hit the ground running with all our other projects, but amazement at all God did in SA continues to send me to my knees.  Glory to Jesus!

 The Crusade Services

The atmosphere of the entire crusade was joyousness in coming to Jesus.  The groundwork laid in breathtaking worship, all I had to do was share Jesus then “stand back and be utterly amazed.”  In fact, in our first service the buses came so late, we didn’t begin until after 10.  So my message was maybe 15 minutes max.  I called the people to Jesus and they literally streamed forward, meeting Him in salvation, redemption, healing…  It was simply amazing to watch Him do what only He can do – praise Jesus!

A New Church Dedicated: Lethabong Village

It was maybe 7 years ago that the people of a village named Lethabong came to us asking for a church.  We began building that church as funds and volunteer man-power permitted, and I am beyond humbled to tell you… the church opened its doors this past Sunday as we dedicated it December 7.  Thank you, for every brick laid was paid for by your giving. Glory to Jesus!

The Orphans

 

One of our rapidly growing outreaches is to AIDS orphans in SA.  Right now we feed about 300/day.

In October, Sharon and Sally worked with them for an entire week, bringing the Gospel, giving them Bibles, etc.  During the crusade, we held a Christmas party for them, providing a feast, new clothes, and more of Jesus.  And as we seek the Lord, He’s given us exciting new ideas to serve these kids even better in 2014. [ZoeNote: Please pray that we are given God’s wisdom and have His blessing in all that we seek to do!!]

Evidence of Effectiveness

It’s one of the most exciting things I’ve witnessed.  I apologize that I don’t have a photo of him but in every crusade service there was this little boy, maybe 4 to 6, obviously very poor.

[ZoeNote: we found pictures of him, below!]

 

He came from a far village, getting on the bus… by himself, riding it back every night and then walking to his shack, probably getting in after midnight – all by himself.  I didn’t recognize him right away, but he was one of our orphans.

In other words, this little boy’s life has been so deeply touched by God that he’s going through all this – the Gospel having been presented to him through God’s Word and through loving care, primarily via Sally and Sharon, through whom he has so obviously realized the love that Jesus has for him… [ZoeNote: please pray for this little one… we suspect God is calling him and drawing him for a ‘special purpose’]

You’ll hear more about this little treasure of a boy, but all to say to you who have prayed and given support, “Behold the fruit of your sacrifice.”  Glory to Jesus!

Alison’s Choice & the NewJesusMovie

All while in SA I was receiving photos from the NJM [NewJesusMovie] location scout in Israel.  We’re now busy matching scenes with locations as we take steps toward production.  Meanwhile, as you can see from the tally on AlisonsChoice.com word is spreading and God’s children are giving – the key to this film and also NJM as we strive to produce them free of commercial influence.  I hope you don’t me being bold as I ask you to “not grow weary” in doing your part to advance these projects.  Unborn lives will be saved through Alison’s Choice!  Salvations will flow through NJM!  What would the Lord have you do?  Glory to Jesus!

We Break for Christmas

With all this going on, I don’t get a break – but I trust you will.  “Tis’ the season”… to draw close to Jesus and to the family and friends He’s given us; to quiet the soul and thank God for all He’s done.

He loves you, precious one… just like He loves that little boy who came to the services and all those precious Africans who were born again in the crusade… just like He loves all those babies in the wombs of moms who don’t want them… just like He loves the throngs for whom we labor that they may know Jesus.

He loves you, precious one.  He loves you.  Have a wonderful Christmas!  Glory to Jesus!

Bruce Marchiano

If you want to share your love for Marchiano Ministries with others this Christmas…. the link below will take you to another FREE Christmas Card for you to print.  This one features a picture of Bruce Marchiano playing the role of Jesus in the MATTHEW movie.  This great picture has the message… Jesus Lives Forever…. praise God for the truth of that message!!! 

WARNING, WARNING!!!:  Let not your heart be troubled when you see some of the text is upside down… that is all part of the miracle of folded card making

CLICK ME… HERE>>>  FREE Marchiano Ministries Christmas Card for you!

The above PDF document contains two pages that are intended to print on the front and back of the same sheet of paper and folded in the middle:

• IF you can figure out how to make your printer do two-sided printing (‘duplex printing’ for you Techies!), then print both pages on the same sheet, fold it in the middle, sign it… and be very proud of your skills.
• IF you are more like me, and can’t figure out how to print front and back… you can just print out Page 1, fold it in half, and write your own message inside… and pretend it was always supposed to be that way… easily printed and highly personalized!!!  Then be very proud of your ability to turn obstacles into opportunities!

Enjoy sharing the love with your friends and family!!!

Bruce Marchiano    November 30, 2013

Final SA Crusade of 2013
Glory to Jesus! This year’s SA crusades have been astonishing as the Lord exploded in grace like never before with many coming to Jesus, many lives touched/healed… Our churches all report packed houses and new souls. And following Sharon/Sally’s October SA trip to reach out to AIDS orphans and kiddies, so many of them are now coming to church that our challenge is hiring more buses to get them there safely. Now our final crusade begins Dec. 6; general services, a youth meeting, and a Christmas event for the AIDS orphans. Please, we sure could use your financial support because we just had an extraordinary SA expense pop up (see below). So I invite your consideration. Glory to Jesus!

We’re Feeding 1500 SA Kids a Day
Recently I received the most heart-rending letter from the school our orphans attend. In the rural SA school system, the government supplies one meal/day for the kids (but if you saw that meal you would cry tears). For a vast number of kids this is their only food each day. So the principal writes, “Our school has 1540 learners, all classified in the last census as “the poorest of the poor.” They all depend on the school meals. For November we did not receive anything from the Department of Education and our learners are without food. It is up to the school to feed these hungry stomachs especially in this time of the year when they are taking final exams…” I could share more, but you get the idea. I hope you don’t mind, but we couldn’t just not do anything. The kids will all be fed.

You know, we’re often seeking, “What’s God’s will for my life?” But I’m learning more and more that God’s will is actually easy to discern. And the “big picture” is actually comprised of living in day-to-day faithfulness to what He’s put before you; daily living in His ways – giving of self; humble execution of responsibility; regarding others as you would have them regard you; truthfulness and graciousness; kindness, modesty, care; shelving my want for what HE wants – which, again, is actually very obvious.

So I want to stop for a moment and encourage you as I know you seek God’s best and want to please Him… Simply be faithful to what’s before you today, one day at a time. Take the hard steps of clearing away things that make your life less than what He desires for you (we are often our own worst enemies so be honest with yourself). And just walk forward in His ways that will always challenge our personal want and presumption of need. He loves you, precious one. He wants the best for you. And I have a feeling that’s right in front of our noses. And for me and MarchMin this past week, that means not turning those kids away. Glory to Jesus!

AlisonsChoice.com is Live!
Please go to www.alisonschoice.com. It is our new film undertaking under our new vision to save unborn lives. Please spread the word on Facebook and beyond. We film in the spring! [Go to http://alisonschoice.com/   for more details about this Marchiano Ministries project]

NewJesusMovie Locations Are Being Scouted in Israel
Our Israeli production designer and manager undertake a preliminary scouting trip Nov. 26 for five days. [Go to http://newjesusmovie.com/   for more details about this Marchiano Ministries project]

I Praise Jesus for You!
Pretty cool to see all this spelled out, isn’t it? You know, we’re just a handful of volunteers, each working out of home offices. It can make it feel like MarchMin isn’t such a big deal. But then you sit back and take an overall look, and it hits you that the Lord is extremely busy here, doing things that no man can do, reaching precious lives on many levels… And I’m just so thankful for you because it is only through your prayer, support, encouragement… that His fruitfulness flows. I praise Jesus for you, even as I head off to SA. Sharon will keep you informed until I return. May souls find Jesus! Glory to Jesus!

Bruce Marchiano

                    

  You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you—
John Bunyan

October 2013 Majakeneng Village Outreach

How these words ring true! How I hope your feeling the blessing I pray on your life! I pray the blessing comes back to YOU because of how and what YOU gave in prayer, support and resources to God’s little ones. These little ones will never be able to repay you and may never ever see you-but what you have done will last forever.  We pray you feel the lasting blessing that springs from their hope!

We started our outreach on Friday Oct 18th with an all night prayer. The youth of Flames Church gathered for their monthly all-night prayer and we were able to be a part. Imagine this if you will, 100 or more teens-on a Friday night, beckoning the heavens for His Presence! How remarkable! All night long till early morning they prayed, worshipped and get this, I never saw one cell phone! That was a miracle in itself. I was blown away by! I believe our week’s success was birthed from your prayers at home and followed up from here!

Saturday, Sister Sharon met with the Sunday School Teachers/Leaders to empower their teaching of the Flames Church youth! Flames church is exploding with youth, coming from everywhere! Sister Sharon engraved the heart of a child’s most important spiritual needs onto these leaders/teachers. She followed it up with offerings of tools and ideas they can use through this next year: 2014. It was then/there right in that place I sensed God was going to move big in the youth coming from all ends of every village to be nurtured and given hope. Oh! How it is so necessary to fill these leaders with tools and the ‘mind workings’ of a child to foster this coming-up generation! A generation, we pray that just might be angry enough and hungry enough to change the junk that has been handed down to them!

Revival! That was the word I was left with in my Spirit after the afternoon workshop. Unknown to me then, those Spirit spoken words—came alive. I can’t even sit right now, its that exciting!

Sunday, we had a gogo event and teen event. (Now, a gogo is anyone who is a grandmaJ.)   Sister Sharon gave those sweet precious ladies an empowering message on not ‘stopping’ until you’re dead and then they all enjoyed a big feast (from you) along with a gift of a beautiful purse from one of our committed donor’s!

I took the teens and we had a message on forgiveness and getting ‘unstuck’. They were given books and solar radios with messages from Charles Stanley. It was a great turnout and as a surprise to both of us, Sister Sharon and I were ‘dressed’ by our African family. It was such a grand privilege, my eyes water talking about it…..

 

Can I add that our outfits are from Martin’s tribe: Tsonga?

Yes, of course I cried. What a privilege to be dressed in his tribe!   I plan on walking into heaven and meeting Jesus and my Pastor Martin with his outfit on!

Monday, was quite the surprise! !! You know how it is. You plan and plan but reality doesn’t always look like the best thought–out plan. As Pastor Bruce always say’s “TIA” that is African for: This is Africa! We had planned to visit every classroom everyday with a single message that followed the 1600+ bracelets message with certain colored beads made by some awesome volunteers in Indiana!

 

The first color: black-meaning we all sinned. The second color: red-meaning those sins were taken care of by Jesus blood. The third color: white-meaning we are made clean. The fourth color:   green– meaning we need to grow in our love for Jesus. The fifth color: yellow-meaning we will get to see the gold of heaven!

However, on Monday, it soon became obvious that Sister Sharon, Lorraine, Fatima and a few other Flames volunteers could not share a lesson with every group of kids…  We quickly learned the new ‘teaching math’… we multiplied the minutes spent with each group by the number of groups and tried to divide it into the minutes of the day! IMPOSSIBLE.

So we improvised … and by week’s end we were so organized  it was scary. PLEASE pray that we continue to have access to our kids, because without it, the orphan’s needs cannot be reached!!! (I will tell you why, later)

As Sister Sharon, Lorraine, Fatima met with the childrens groups, I went to seek the little orphans we are targeting to assist. The ones without any relatives but are just living as sibling families. My goal was to get to know each one and start a deeper level of care. There are about 20 such sibling raised families among the 300 orphans who live with a granny or auntie or uncle. Thanks to you, we are feeding the 300+ but desire to do even more for the 20!

If I shared the stories I heard that week, surely your heart would break at the evil and slimy predators that are surrounding our kids, daily. As the week ended I didn’t want to hear anymore stories; I didn’t want to see any more shacks. I became more overwhelmed and felt like I was sinking in the absolute valley of impossibleness (if you will). How do you come against such horrible things; including witchcraft?  How do we keep these kids safely cared for outside of their sheltered school day? If you let me be human for a moment, I wanted to slice and dice every evil thing coming against the innocent little ones!!!

Those precious eyes look up at you so expectant, so alive and so wanting to be loved, held, mentored, given attention and respected. What I saw and heard was that the children really do fend for themselves; regardless if there is an auntie or granny or sibling there. They are coerced to bring money home in obvious evil ways; they are not encouraged to do homework; they are manipulated and not given attention to. Health needs go unmet; referrals to clinics/doctors never get done and things we give them-get taken away.

For example, little Aida… she lives with her granny who is part of a ZedC cult. She was forced to take off her bracelet and was hiding her bible we gave her otherwise it would get burned. She hung on me all week; just wanting to be near me. She was so proud when she took me to her shack! However, I was met by a irrate granny who yelled and screamed at us and so we had to leave. I had Aida in the car with me and she just started crying.   Here is a picture (un-posed I might add) of her reading her bible before putting it in hiding.

On a positive note; however……   I met with a white-South African nurse who came to the school for immunizations and she shared all her concerns with me and what does/doesn’t get done for the kids she has an ‘eye’ on health-wise.   She mentioned that there are fewer and fewer children who are falling off the curve of the national weight graph! So, this is a big credit-due you! Feeding these children for almost a year has been more than fruitful! When a child’s brain has proper protein life begins to make sense and they can think and reason as God had designed !!

On Thursday, of our week-it was very exciting. The truck hauled in over 1400+ bibles for the kids. We had the lesson with the green bead: growing in love with Jesus, going to church, and learning about Him in His Word. After every child got the lesson and they received their very own bible!!   What fantastic fun it was to pass them out! You cannot describe the privilege or the fun, we as children of the living God have when participating in a work like this! To everyone ‘out there’ it’s the farthest idea of a good time! But to us ‘in’ here YOU know, it is fun- a fun that lasts forever. It’s the only thing that will remain standing and alive after the dust settles here on our earth!       That, what we did together here with these three: Faith…Hope…Love.

The greatest of all these three is the Love!

because

IT LASTS FOREVER

Where do we go from here? In light of what we discovered this week .. …. What’s the plan?   The plan has always been and will never change: to love, nurture, feed and give proper attention to these precious children forgotten by everyone else. That stays the same.   But, three weeks after we left our week in Majakaneng a text I received from Pastor Alcy reads like this:

Hi my dear sister. I love you. We are fine but it’s just a bit hectic from my side. The kids are coming in huge numbers to church and now the challenge is transport because I have to now add a bus and buy more bread. But praise God we manage to assist. I love you more, sister.

As God leads us and provides we will trump the evil with good in Majakaneng. We will raise the children with proper love, food, mentoring and seek to tutor them when possible. There is some concern now that those who are living with ‘our’ kids may resist what we are doing as we are becoming more involved. They may choose to not let the children come to functions. But, they can’t stop us feeding and loving them. Please pray with us that our Father will restrain all evil and He will allow us to continue ministering to all our children.

We feel the need to build a proper kitchen for our kids and that will help the cooks. We want to bless our kids; bless the faithful cooking staff and keep an ever-present outpouring to the future children of Majakaneng Village.  There are a few different directions we could pursue… so pray that we be given wisdom to do what is best for the kids on a sustainable basis.

Our long range goal: to set up a safe house for the emergencies that our children experience on a daily basis–that we are missing. I have a letter from such a little one, right now. I will share at a later time. Then, the possibility to further the dream of Pastor Martin—He wanted to birth a church centered right here in this village-one of the least in South Africa NW Brits.

We are a long way off from such things… but, right before us are hungry, attention-starved and un-nurtured children.   We are slowly making a start, God-willing.  How do we make the group smaller that we are serving?  It’s impossible as the stories continue to speak to the need of the 40 most vulnerable, of the 300 orphans, of the 1500 village children.  I don’t know. And, this will hopefully pave our path, somehow…someway.

WE will have our Christmas Party December 7^th! Every child (300+) will receive an outfit and a bag to carry it home with, from you . There will be cards from you. And, a feast of food! Flames Youth will provide the Christmas Story and that will complete a very busy but fruitful year 2013.

I humbly thank each and everyone who has prayed, supported and resourced ‘our’ kids… God’s least.

If I was a rich girl, I would bless you back 100000% more than you gave. But, since I am not a rich girl I am asking God to do the 10000000% blessing each morning and each time I pray of ‘our’ kids.

I love you-each one,

Sally Herman

Original Link: October 2013 Zoe News
FB Album:       October 2013 Facebook Album