It has been 10 years since the Care Centre began in July 2000. As I look back, the various stages of the growth and development of the Centre are in many ways similar to that of a child. A child will normally go through the different stages of teething, crawling, falling, hurting, holding etc., until finally that proud moment arrives when he is able to stand on his own two feet. However the difference is that at the Care Centre our ability to stand is totally dependent on your on-going generosity. As long as you surround us with your support, prayers and donations we are able to fulfill our God given mission.
Some of you have been in partnership with us from the beginning and have been witnesses to how from a very small beginning, the Centre now provides accommodation, education, counseling and a family life to 63 children between the ages of 1to18. This is only possible through the generous support of all our donors both locally and internationally. On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and children, thank you very much for making a difference in the lives of the children in our care. The service that you provide is not only supplying the needs of God's people, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God (2 Corinthians 8;12). I am reminded of the opening words of an old hymn that says it all “To God be the glory great things He has done''.
We appreciate an even deeper level of commitment from all of you as we face the on-going challenges of the rising cost of food, utilities, salaries and education etc. Presently our monthly operational cost is about R150,000 (one hundred and fifty thousand Rand - about 20,000 U.S Dollars]
In May Renu and I had the opportunity of travelling to the USA to update our current special supporters there – and also seeking to establish new contacts and to raise much needed support. Unfortunately this trip did not produce the desired results which I believe is due to the economic depression that the USA is experiencing presently. Nevertheless I want to thank all those who worked hard in organising meetings and providing hospitality to us. God willing, the next trip will be more successful.
Pastor David Booker and a team of 8 from the Bridge Community Church in Vancouver, Canada visited us for 2 weeks, during which time they were involved in ministry and maintenance work. We appreciate all that they accomplished during their stay with us. They left behind a bunch of children whose lives were changed for the better by their caring actions. Well done to you guys.
There were many local individuals, businesses, churches, youth groups and families, who gave of their time and filled the lives of our children with so much excitement, fun, challenge and hope for the future. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you all.
Volunteers both long and short term are urgently needed to help with the demands made upon the present 22 fulltime staff. I trust that the attached pictures and reports will be an encouragement to you.
Blessings
Mike