September Update

Our children recently attended a youth summercamp which was hosted by the Agape Church Middelburg for the children and their parents/guardians. The church runs a project where they teach the kids life-skills and they are given a book they work through with the boys and girls separately...the names of the book: "preparing your daughter for every woman's battle" and "preparing your son for every man's battle". They handle these subjects at the church's Sunday school and the youthcamp was just to continue this and give chance to pray together. They had some lovely food, including braai and potjiekos, and also there were activities such as volleyball and tug-of-war to help team-building. Thank you to Agape Church for giving our children should a lovely opportunity to enjoy themselves and grow.

In separate news, Anzelle van Aarde is a new volunteer at the home. Anzelle is an energetic young lady from the local community who is kindly offering to support us, particularly with the children's studytime. She is already having a good impact and is loved by everyone in the home.

Kind Donors

We continue to receive much-needed help from many good samaritans and we would like them offer them our thanks...

• Agape Church, Middelburg
• Mr Wagner from Middelburg High School
• NG Church, Middelburg
• Mr and Mrs Erasmus
  

We would also like to thank our recent volunteer Martyna who has now returned back to Canada. She was so kind and helpful and we cannot thank her enough for giving us and the children her time and effort.

In the past week we've welcomed little Willempie back into the home, a 3-year old boy who brings us light and laughter. He has sadly needed our care and we pray he is given a loving home soon. Donations like these mentioned help support us to continue running the home and allow our doors to stay open to shelter shining stars like Willempie.

Rest in Peace Jackson

Emmanuel Children's Home lost a dear friend when Jackson passed away last week. Jackson has been working at the home since it started and we will never be able to replace his contribution. His loss is especially hard for the children who have all grown up in his caring hands, felt his love and compassion, and learned from his humble example. He was always a kind listener, offering help and hard work without prompt, giving advice and reassurance in hard times, a vital and respected link to the community of Middelburg. We will never forget these gifts he gave us and he will live on through the children whose lives he touched.