Cleanup initiative and prayer circle unite.

As in Heaven, so in South Africa.

Written by Lynelle Clark

Part of finding an open space also involves cleaning of said space. Both can be equally challenging.  

In South Africa, especially here in Brakpan, open spaces are synonymous with crime, litter, and homelessness. It has become a very tender topic that raises the ire of many of its citizens.

Some is of the belief that they pay their rates, therefore, expect service from the municipality. This has brought division into the very fabric of our society. However, a new norm has been born; rather complain about the lack of service, a group of people said, lets do something about it.

This small band is fueled by one goal; to clean Brakpan.

When I met up with them on 3 January 2024, I was truly astonished.

With a burning desire to change the culture within this town and limited resources, I didn’t know where to begin, who to ask, or who to connect with. But… there is always a but when it comes to God’s business. I know a friend. I think everybody must have a friend on speed dial who knows someone. This is exactly what happened.

When I contacted Loraine du Plessis about petrol lawnmowers, she referred me to Riaan van Zyl, which I did. This man’s value is equal to a 100 men. I left a voice message and about ten to fifteen minutes later he called, and we met up at the park. Riaan, and Lisa and Tinus Jordaan agreed to clean up the area I had in mind in Ebertson Park, Brenthurst, the following morning. For those that don’t know, the park with the burned down tennis courts opposite Spar.

Lisa and Tinus are a dynamic couple in the community. Their passion makes them highly valued.

Before I continue, I must interrupt myself by including Leon Kruger, part of the Lester Neighbourhood watch who immediately agreed to handle the security. An added value factor for those who are concerned about their safety. His team pitched up during the day and were on their post during the prayer circle.

We all pitched up at 8 am on 4 January, the day of the prayer circle with some extra hands to boot. Within hours, an area of the park transformed from an ugly eyesore to an attractive landmark. Already donations have come in and the next phase of the cleanup will continue on 6 January 2024, at 8am. Do support this dedicated team. Even a thank you or wave to acknowledge their efforts means a lot.

The very heart of the #Time2Rise initiative, an inter-denominational movement, is to connect the communities, to pray for a righteous government and to become a problem solver. The aim is for each ward in the country to have a prayer circle, which will bring unity into a divided community.

End of last year, the Lord gave me a word about mandates, and that we should take hands to do the work. No one can do it alone. No one-man-band-shows will work. Unity is the key, and in two days I have seen it happen when #CleanBrakpan #CPFBrakpan #VFParty #SafeCitiesForum #LesterBuurtwag and #SAPrayerCircles #T2R came together.

Invitation to join in prayer at Ebertson Park, Brenthurst, Brakpan.

In front of the tennis court, cnr. Lester and Heyns road.

Every Thursday evening.

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm

#Time2RiseSA #Time2Rise #PrayerCircle #prayers #prayforourcity #Brakpan

The only question that remains is: are you part of the solution?

Important contact information

To become part of the prayer circle, join the WhatsApp group for more information. 

To become involved with the cleanup initiative, contact Tinus and Lisa Jordaan at 073 335 3947 and like their page. Funding and donations are welcome. 

To become part of the Lester Neighbourhood watch, contact Leon Kruger at 072 022 2500

To know more about Time 2 Rise SA, visit the website or join the Facebook group.

To know more about the Safe Cities Forum and how you can help with funding, visit the website or contact Lynelle Clark 072 188 9124.

To connect with Loraine Du Plessis: Worthy Ministry Brakpan contact 072 180 0478.

Gamazine Manufacturing Company Brings Hope To Township Residents Amid Post COVID Unsettled Market

 By Emmanuel Kaitano

In November 2021, Mandla (35) received the sad news that a company he was working for was shutting down because of COVID-19 regulations. Hopelessness overwhelmed him as uncertainty took centre stage.

Having worked for the company for five years, Mandla received a paltry package, which he would rather forget about. The father of three’s troubles mounted as he stared unemployment in the face. In a country where finding a job is like looking for a needle in a haystack, he joined the unemployed. Even his Forklift Operators’ license certificate became a worthless piece of paper. Just like many other certificates or degrees possessed by country folks who are also feeling the full squeeze of the smelting economy.

With his financial situation in shambles, Mandla was left with no option than to move to his Villa Liza township home, in Boksburg.

Luck paid him a visit in 2023, when he was employed and got free training by the Gamazine Excellency factory.

“This factory has changed my life in a big way. I had lost all hope, but now I am happy that I have a job here and l can send my children to school,” said Mandla in an interview.

The factory Director Rudzani Malogwe said,

“As a company, we are happy with this approach, which is certainly bearing fruit. We make sure the community benefit from this initiative.” The director said.

“Economic meltdown is the dominant force behind waves of price hikes that have unsettled consumer markets. Also, the nation is soldiering through one of the toughest phases of a protracted economic crisis, with industries being grounded for hours because of the power crisis.

Magick by Lynette de Coning

With the victory of our Green-and-Gold rugby team still fresh in our minds, we can look at our country and say: Proudly South African. No matter where you live, you stay proud.

Yes, we hear some people complaining again about the holiday not being until December 15th, and about the weather, and load shedding; the complainers will always complain. The fact is that the complainant’s life will never improve.

Every singer and artist who visits our country to entertain us speaks from the same mouth: “South Africans have a ‘magick’. They have something different.’” We live in an incredibly beautiful country. Our people are hospitable and helpful.

Maybe we should focus more on living this ‘something else’, which causes the rest of the world to envy us. Despite the negatives, there are positives. That positive energy of yours will change your life—guaranteed!

Be proud Brakpanner, be proud South African. Stronger together!

I conclude with Dale Carnegie:

“Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”

Lynette de Coning, Realtor and author.

The Squatter Camp Animated Chronicles

 Written by Emmanuel Kaitona

It’s a windy morning. Taxi hoots illuminate a gloomy squatter camp so early in the day. Loved aunties, a group of volunteers, under the auspices of Martina Stickling, prepare soup in the kitchen of the Hamilton Street community centre, a distance from this informal settlement. An innocent child, 6-year-old Elijah, sits against the shack walls. Litter scattered around him, showing the neglect and pollution of the environment. “Mama is sick and there is no food,” says the boy to his sister, next to him. “Don’t worry,” she said, “it’s Wednesday, we can go to aunty Tina.” Quick scenes from the previous day could be seen all around him. His mother, the mother of four, was a well-known breadwinner in the neighbourhood. Glimpses of the dark figures who orchestrated her booze as a favour to quench her worries had abused her last night. “Why me Lord, why is my life like this?” was her prayer as she nurses her bruises that morning.

She used to work for a big company before the pandemic. During lockdown, things fell apart and turned to the Hamilton Street shelter for a couple of months. But moved to the squatter camp to be closer to her friends. That is how Elijah got familiar with Soul Outreach Community Upliftment soup kitchen’s schedules. The colour returns, the child rises, determination in his eyes as the thought of aunty Tina and a fresh meal crosses his mind. He prepares for the day, following his routine as his mother instructed him. The clock on the table signals the start of the line of hungry kids. An exodus of young sojourners heading for Soul Outreach Community Upliftment in Hamilton Street for a meal. Crossing the streets and dodging oncoming traffic, they got to their destination.

As Martina Stickling opens the gate and calls, “Food is ready. Kids come in first.” In a second, the yard is full of youngsters, the air thick with anticipation. Elijah, amid other children, with empty lunch boxes, plates and spoons in hand, stands in a single file with confident anticipation. They are not just hungry; they represent the outcomes of a community struck by economic meltdown since the days of COVID-19 lockdown. As the feeding begins, loud music plays from a distance. The shadowy figures present a twisted version of events. We see ghostly images of the real perpetrators, the instigators, in the background. Their smirks and whispers tell of their next conspiracy as they share the green and brown bottles. The unemployed, who gave up trying, tackle their days guzzling from dawn to dusk. All they are left to do now is to let life’s frustrations and trauma pass through a haze of booze. With heavy hearts, they sing the well-known song of Micheal Jackson. Lamenting about work, providing for their families, instead of being on the street. “Heal the world, make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire universe.”

Stomach full, Elijah takes to the streets again. Music welcomes him back into the squatter camp. Facts and evidence appear around him as he walks down the dusty streets. An accurate picture of an abused mother and an absent father figure. Highlighting the cruel irony of being neglected by those who should be their stronghold. “We need more donations, not only food but clothes and blankets. Also, a safe home for the abused kids.” This has been Stickling’s anthem for years. Aunty Tina, as she is known by the children in her area, sweats as the gravity of the burden bears down on her. Scenes flash through her mind’s eye. The reality of the injustice, the neglect and abuse and the empty faces of the children whose youth have been stolen. The spoon in her hand feels heavier as each child’s story is unearthed. “The thing is,” she told herself, “l cannot give up on my community. They need me. This is my calling.” Time slows down as she went to the office of the social workers. With a strike that echoes, she demands justice for the child, calling for social workers’ investigation into the perpetrators. 

“Enough is enough. Something needs to be done for this child,” she said to other volunteers at the centre. When the intervention of the authorities finally came, the community erupts in animated cheers as a smiling Elijah, mother and sister, steps out into the sunlight. The horizon promising a new chapter in their lives.

“Thank you, aunty Tina.” Elijah said, as they cross the doorpost at the centre. “As I feed the children, a thousand stories are told,” she repeated with a heavy sigh. “Be part of your community!” Tina says to everyone who cares to listen. The soft sound of rain signifies the cleansing and hope of the day as Elijah and his family unpacked their belongings for this new phase.

Set an Example by W/O Dewald de Coning

Brakpan’s Community Street Shower should fill all of us with hope for the future. This recent event afforded the downtrodden in our community with an opportunity to experience a few luxuries so many of us accept as patently obvious.

As a police officer, I frequent communities inundated by violent crime and social neglect. Communities that—one gets the feeling—has been “forgotten” by the very institutions and powers tasked with the responsibility to look out for them. Communities and people, the more affluent parts of our communities, would rather forget about. I’m reminded of times when young children run up to us as police officers, waving their school report cards at us with elation. All for just a little bit of recognition and motivation, as there is very likely little of that at home. Obviously, it is the responsibility of the police to protect every single South African citizen in equal measure, without favouritism regarding social standing. But when I don the uniform, I am especially mindful of the less privilege that I do so. Affluent communities can afford private security, but for the downtrodden we are very often the only line of defense. The example we as police officials set for those little ones with their report cards will in all likelihood determine whether we face the same social ills in a future generation or not. 

 Warrant Officer Dewald de Coning

Plastic City and the growing health problems.

Written by Lynelle Clark

During the Interview by Maroela Media, a few facts came to light, highlighting the growing problem in Anzac.

Early morning sounds fills the air as people stand up and get ready for the day. Business owners sweep the sidewalk and arrange their products ready to make a sale.

This is a typical scene of any town. The only difference is that this scene plays off in Plastic City. While fires burn and smoke covers the air, I cannot help but have mixed emotions of the “normal” scene that has become a growing menace in the main entrance of our town.

Amid the poverty, neglect and filth, people survive. On the one hand, I admire the tenacity of those who are building something upon the growing heaps of rubbish. On the other hand, they are a worry. So, what will happen to this city?

This is just one of the many questions raised during the interview by Janice du Plessis accompanied by Pieter Cloete, from Maroela Media on 3 November 2023.

What was heartbreaking was the fact that we were just five concerned citizens that pitched up that day, me included. Which emphasised the fact that we sit with many complainers in Brakpan and only a handful of solution solvers.

Some concerns that were raised by the interviewees were:

· Health deterioration.

· Illegal mining.

· Growing number of illegal immigrants.

· The Illegal sale of booze.

· Illegal shops

· Illegal dumping

· The growing number of illegal electric connections

· No health regulations are applied.

· Constant burning of rubbish.

· Constant Acid smell is released from burning.

· Loud music till early morning hours.

· Authorities can’t be reached.

· Unsafe environment

· Loss of income.

Samantha Labuschagne, owner of Medley House, lives in Anzac and has her own health problems. She is concerned about her employees’ health and the decline of her business, a popular venue in Brakpan. Smoke inhalation has become worrisome, and she must use an asthma pump to make it easier just to breathe. The black smoke makes it unlivable, and open windows are not an option. Her Snow-White cats are always filthy.

Even newborns in the area struggle to breathe, pensioners are stuck in their homes because of the unsafe environment and their health problems.

When asked why do they burn the plastic? Drummond Doig, AfriForum Brakpan Vice Chair, replied that it is the only way the squatters can control the influx of rubbish. All rubbish is dumped in Plastic City because of Weltenvreden’s Dumpsite limited intake. What the squatters cannot recycle, they burn to make way for the next wave.

It has become an eyesore within the entrance of Brakpan. The authorities don’t assist with the Illegal elements. Trolleys full of booze are carried to the shebeens and sold without licenses. Tuck shops are rising. No matter how many times they tried to contact the authorities, the resolve is always the same. NO RESPONSE.

People’s life investments have been reduced and nothing is done to safeguard, and many are stuck in a situation that they cannot get out of.

Because of the smoke, it creates problems when the AfriForum task force must go in, making visibility a problem. Many children are run over. “Risks are immense,” says Drummond Doig.

Pieter Celliers, Brakpan’s branch manager for AfriForum, confirms Drummond’s statements. Brakpan is no longer a municipal problem but a national problem which needs to be addressed urgently. He added that the medical profession doesn’t want to get involved or refuse to comment about the many rising health problems. He stated that there are big corporations funding the operational side of the squatter camp. They make money out of this state but do not plough it back into Brakpan.

This affects everything in Brakpan. Even our water resources are becoming problematic because of all the refuge that filters into it, Mr Celliers stated. 

William Douglas, a longstanding citizen, was heading up the Town committee but never received the backing from the citizens to make a significant difference. Since 2009, he has brought it to the authorities’ attention, but nothing has been done. The only excuse he received from the municipality was that there was no budget.

What was clear about all of this is that the powers to be show no interest and that laws did not apply to Plastic City.

So, where do we begin?

I almost want to say it is logical: Ban all plastic products from Brakpan but it will not solve the problem entirely.

But the first step is to lessen the rubbish. When there is no rubbish, Plastic City will have no feeder. Don’t add to the problem, reduce it.

Next time when the packers put your purchases into plastic bags, stop them. Make use of reusable or recycled bags. Minimise rubbish.

The only reason Plastic City exists is because of us. As long as we fuel the rubbish, they will stay.

The next step is to get the municipality involved. They must be held accountabile.

Street Shower Event @Parkstreet - 21 October 2023

Just Another day

21 October began like many other days. Stand up, go to the bathroom to relieve yourself, switch on the kettle, then proceed to the shower to open the tap … But for many, this is not the case. On this day, sponsors, and volunteers of Word and Life church in partnership with Devoted Street Ministry came together to make this normal activity a reality for 225 homeless people. Soon, the parking lot of the Ekurhuleni Metro police in Brakpan became a sanctuary.

Eleven stalls were created: 

• Medical aid manned by
• Waiting room.
• Counselling
• Towel section.
• Clothing area
• Shower
• Hair salon
• Coffee and tea station
• Food
• Water, Cool drink, fruit and sweets
• Prayer manned by Worthy Ministry Brakpan 
• 
  

Thank you Sponsors We hear so often that people don’t care about the homeless people, but on this day that sentiment was proved wrong. Many sponsors made this possible. Four branches of Chery; Centurion, Sandton, Northcliff, and Kempton Park worked together to create a magical day for every person. AfriTech provided the generator for the showers. Making it a pleasant experience for something many think it is a right. Word and Life - Woord en Lewe Church in Boksburg for their generous contributions and many skilled volunteers. Without them, all the work could not have been done. The volunteers at the different booths were on their post to make this truly an unforgettable day.

Ps. 91 Ministries, CPF, the medical team from the Guardian Angels First Responders and Truth Heals. Rata Brakpan Social Services, I Care Collective, and Worthy Ministry Brakpan.

Huis Bethlehem Huis van Brood, Soul Outreach Community Centre and Good Vibes pub and Grill in partnership with Clan 3663 van die Crusaders motor cycle club. Magic became real

"This was unforgettable.” 

“Thank you.” 

“Die Here seën julle.” 

“Ek voel soos ‘n nuwe mens.” 

“Well organized.” 

These were just some comments we heard throughout the day. As each visit the different booths, and received much needed attention and pampering, one could not help but become emotional at the sight of the smiles generated by the generosity.

The highest form of Worship is to Serve 

The meals were prepped by a dedicated staff from Ps 91 Ministries that truly went beyond to fill the empty stomachs. Children received toys and clothes and shoes were handed out. Each person received a towel with cleaning products and the transformation was visible once they stepped away from the hair stylist’s chair. As the photographer of the day, I could capture the beaming smiles, the anticipation of those in the waiting lines as they, too, long for normalcy in their day. May we never become complacent in the privileges we enjoy.

Testimonials 

Guardian Angels First Responders, 

Our motivation was to give back their dignity and right of dignity. Many of these people are too shy to go to the clinic for assistance because they are scared that they will be judged or turned away. We have received many complaints that the clinic doesn't really want to help them when they need it. Each one of these people needs to know they have a right to medical care, and nobody can take it away from them. We l love it to make someone else smile that keeps us going and always ready to assist if we are able to. We want to try to always make a difference, no matter how big or small.

Antionette and Terrence Du Toit, 

Our motivation was to serve as Jesus would have done. Cutting the hair of so many that needed it was wonderful. Terrence prayed and shared the good news with them. On behalf of me and my husband, we want to say thank you for the event, it was truly a humbling experience.

Antoinette Hattingh, 

My motivation has one name and His name is Jesus Christ. Everything I do I do for Him and because He loves souls, I love souls. I know it pleases the Father if I become like His Son and do what His Son did. The Lord led me to pray specifically for children at the Street Shower and it was an honour to be part of it. Thank you for letting me be part.

Colette Swanepoel, 

My grootste begeerte was om al daai mense te laat weet: “Dat hulle Baie belangrik is vir Jesus, en Dat God hulle Baie lief het. Die Here aanvaar jou net soos jy is, en jy die grootste Koning se kind is. Dit is nooit te laat om die Here se hand te vat nie. Baie dankie dit was ‘n eer vir my om te kon help. Ek was ook waar hulle is, net 3 jaar terug. Ek het die Here om hulp gevra en my lewe in die Here se hand gesit, en ek is vrygekoop deur Jesus.  Dankie almal.

Kurt Waurich, 

For me, I count it a privilege to serve. To show empathy and compassion to others and to try in a small way to alleviate some of their sufferings. To go out there to speak to the people and to try to understand the challenges that they face and empathize with their struggles.

Zoey Gouws organiser of the event, 

I've always loved working with the broken and poorest people, they are honest and desperate for change, God gave me this calling about four years ago and it's an honour to save one soul at a time for God's Kingdom. I also lived on the streets with my oldest daughter, I know the struggles people face, the loneliness and the desperation for change. Even if it's just for 1 day to let them feel special. They are also God's children just a bit lost.

Hanlie Storbeck,

My beweegrede om betrokke te raak by die Street Shower, was om Hoop te bring aan ‘n verloregaande wêreld ...

Jesus is ons Hoop op Heerlikheid ... Die gedagte wat Hy aangaande ons het is ‘n "hoopvolle toekoms" ... Asook Dankbaarheid!!

Ek is dankbaar teenoor die Here, dat Hy my hierdie afgelope 4jr deurgedra het, deur my moeilike pad van kolonkanker. Ek het weer opnuut besef wat dit beteken om Hoop te hê en ek wil daardie "Hoop" met almal deel.

Seënwense xxx

Jeanette Kleinhans, 

Die Here se gaan uit en gaan dissipels van mense ons moet die seer die weduwees en die mismoedigis gaan bemoedig met die goeie woord daar is hoop daar is liefde en Jesus Christus kan dit vir hul bied . Ons moet die mismoedig die woord gee sodat hul weet in hul nood is daar hoop. Ons is meer as oorwinners ons almal het seer gehad was diep gaan haal ... hul moet weet hul is worthy en gelief . Die woord gee .moed God vat jou soos jy is maar gaan jou nie los soos jy is nie.

Jenny van Graan, 

From our side, I Care Collective (we want to network with other organisations to streamline outreaches and projects more productively and effectively wherever we can). It is our directive from Christ to share to gospel. Go and tell others what He has done for you. We have come to know the Brakpan homeless quite well. We have lost 14 friends in these 2 years to either substance abuse over dose, suicide, or murder. They were not nameless faces—we knew them, albeit briefly. Our one peace of mind is that we reached them and told them about Jesus. We prayed with them and encouraged where we could. We have heard their stories, their choices, wrong decisions and desperation pleas. Have we not made some ourselves? And yes some of them do choose to live on the streets and until such time that they decide to make that change they will know that there are people who do not even know them but are still willing to help and still treat them like the people they are—the people Jesus gave His life for. We do not stand in judgement; we have not walked their journey, but with caring people who have the love of God and a serving heart, I believe we can change their lives. We can show them that with Jesus, all things are possible. We do it until...

Thank you all each and everyone for yesterday❤

Samantha & James Muldoon

Our Motivation for being part of this event was to see the smiling face and the joy in everyone's hearts after cleaning themselves up and having their hair done. We could see they have a new positive feel and look for life. We won alot of hearts for Jesus yesterday and it was the very best feeling in the world to make a difference in their lives. 

Yolandi Maree - Truth Heals, 

We are all about what our name says - healing no matter who you are or where you come from. God created us all in his image and created us with a purpose. Yesterday was so special to see hope in faces seen a million times. To spread the love, hope and God's faithfulness is what we are called for. Thank you Lord, that we could be part of this special day. Until next year, can't wait!!

Loraine Du Plessis - Worthy Ministry, 

Ek is deur God geroep om die Evangelie van Jesus aan almal te verkondig. Onģeag hoe hul lyk of ruik. Ek moet Jesus se liefde deel en wys aan almal sodat geen een verlore gaan nie. Ek wil tyd met hulle spandeer soos Jesus sou ... daarom is enige geleentheid perfek om Jesus te verteenwoordig.

Ronel Joubert, 

My rede is omdat Pappa my ‘n hart vir mense gegee het ... ongeag kleur, status, en ouderdom. Hy het gekom om te red. As ek net een mens Sy liefde kan wys en hoop te bring kan dit n verskil maak. Jesus roep ons om Sy liefde te openbaar in ‘n gebroke wêreld. Van hierdie mense wat ons gister bedien het lewe soms waar hulle net die donker kant van die lewe sien en dae soos gister gee ons die geleentheid om lig te skyn in ‘n donker wêreld. Dankie Jesus dat ons instrumente kan wees om Jou te eer. Amen

Linda Marais, RATA,

Last night, after the rugby, when I went to bed, it was as if the voice told me I had to testify. It was so amazing. I started working at Rata 6 years ago. I always wondered how we will ever reach All the people? How our kitchen would give the many mouths food? A year ago, the Lord sent these wonderful people on our way. Ps. Magda and her team was a God send. Doing such a good job feeding the people. I met Jenny and Werner and the Lord opened so many doors for us at Rata through them. Now we are so blessed with everything that has developed there. Last year’s street shower created a lot of excitement. This year, again the excitement grew. All the planning that was put in has been done so well. We got to know so many people and I trust that Daddy Father and Jesus has not yet come so that we could do it again. How blessed to be part of Jesus' children who can stand together and be His light. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless everyone who contributes and works so hard. What a privilege to be a child of Jesus.

Meryl Waurich, 

My reason for participating in the street shower was to show the street people love and kindness. Some were living just like us, and through various circumstances, they are now having to live on the street. Others were born into difficult circumstances. As much as we may feel we are better than them, the only thing that separates us is circumstance. We may only be able to help them on days like these, but God is able and willing to help them every second of every day. The greatest gift we can give them is a relationship with God, through His Son Jesus Christ. Ultimately, He is the provider of each and every one of us. It was a privilege to serve them.

Chery SA, 

We, Chery SA, and myself as Customer Experience Manager, as well as my colleagues Ronel Joubert and Samantha Muldoon from Customer Care decided to be a part of the Street Shower Charity Event because We've witnessed the hardships faced by individuals who are homeless. It's heart-wrenching to see people struggling to meet their basic hygiene needs. We believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Providing showers and a clean, safe space for those in need is a simple yet impactful way to offer them a sense of hope and restore their self-esteem.

We have all been fortunate in our lives, and want to share that good fortune with others who are less fortunate. Being a part of this event allows us to give back to our community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. It's not just about providing a shower; it's about showing empathy, kindness, and support to our fellow human beings. It warms my heart to know that through this event, we can bring a little comfort and care to those who have faced immense challenges in their lives and in Chery we firmly believe in doing anything we do with Care and Love one of our biggest driving factors #WithCheryWithLove." It was a privilege and a great honour.

Michelle Smit - Chery South Africa.

Joseph Botha, 

As God has a perfect plan for my life and wake me up every morning with a purpose, so does He with each and every one of those precious people in need of a brim of hope... Their purpose is maybe not the same as mine for now, but when I was lost and suffering the roller-coaster ride of this world's stormy tide, I learned to be a blessing for those who is currently caught up in survival mode. Therefore, I can be the Hands, Ears and Heart of Jesus to proclaim the good news, Jesus... A drop of Blood was enough to break every chain that is holding them captive, and His love is unceasing...

Therefore, I wanted to be a part of this outreach to make a difference... I truly hope that every one of the 225 people could see the love of Jesus in my eyes and experiences what is to come for if they are prepared to take what was given to them on this specific day and time and cherries it, everything will work out for the good... Thank you for everyone who made this possible and to make a difference for years to come.. Jesus liefde ❤ 

The reasoning behind our involvement: Abie, Michelle, Lizey & Logan Smit, 

The Greatest Commandment: In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'" Charity work is seen as a way to express love for one's neighbour. The motivation for charity work as a Christian is driven by the belief that serving others is a way to reflect God's love and fulfil the teachings of Jesus. It's not just about providing material aid but also about showing kindness, compassion, and empathy to those who are suffering or in need. This charitable work is seen as a way to live out one's faith and make a positive impact on the world. The motivation for charity in the context is multifaceted, encompassing love, compassion, service, and a desire to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It's about making a positive difference in the world, both in material support and in the expression of God's love and grace to others. I finally found a purpose in my job. ❤❤❤

Bianca Wright, 

From my side, my motivation was to help give back to the community as they are still humans and deserve to feel and be treated like humans. Being able to be part of such a beautiful event has opened up a new for me to view life and be grateful. 

But I must say my greatest motivation was to help the people that don't have much back onto the path that has been set for them by our Lord.

Wayne Hunt D.C., 

Greetings and congratulations on the RATA team and all their sponsors for the dedication and determination on assisting and helping the community members who are in dire straits... We as EMS C&T services are always there for our community and work hand in hand with RATA and other organizations that do or are involved with Christian work... to see a smile on a destitute human face especially on receiving a plate of proper food, clothed, a little toy for their child, and a shower...priceless.

It was a pleasure and honour to help with this exciting and wonderful day... GOD BLESS and thank you for inviting our Brakpan team.

We all thank and have and always will be there.

Kind regards

Wayne Hunt D.C and team.

Jackie van Wyk,

This was an absolute privilege and honour to have been blessed to play a minor role in the success of the street shower on Saturday. I always had a longing to do something good and try to make a difference. I had a vision of starting a charity day yearly and doing just that was the only way I thought we can contribute, and it worked. My hope and prayer is that we can do this annually and grow this amazing street shower to become one of the biggest and most successful charity events and more people in need can be helped.

I want to thank Zoe and the Devoted Street Ministry. You are the example of what Good in the world should look like. You are amazing. 

Ps. Magda van der Merwe,

We, Psalm 91 Soul Recovery, is blessed to be God's hands, voice, and feet in His soup kitchen. To each and every one you have done a great and good deed for the Lord God Almighty and was a blessing for Him and everyone.

In my heart I know that some of them wil never stop talking about 21 October and are already looking forward to 2024. 

SHALOM