The clothing donation
We as a congregation in D’kar want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for each and every one donated clothes. We do not take this donation lightly. We see it as the Lord who touched the hearts of His children to think of us. He did not forget us.
It reminds one of Paul’s words to the Corinthians where he writes that such an act of love gives people reason to thank God. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:12: 12For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” (ESV) It was difficult for the Jewish congregation there in Jerusalem and the congregation here in Corinth to whom Paul is writing to make a financial contribution that they want to make, and so the Lord uses the congregation in Corinth to bring the Jewish congregation to gratitude. It is a miracle in itself that the Gentiles now help Jews, and the Lord is glorified for it. Not only that, in verse 14 Paul says, it now leads the Jews to pray for that church in Corinth. So I believe the Lord still works to this day. The one congregation helps the other congregation and this leads the latter congregation to thank and praise the Lord for their benefactors, and not only that, they also pray for their benefactors, and how will the Lord who is the initiator of it all such prayers are not heard. Then Paul ends with the words: “15Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”
In D’kar we have more than 300 children who regularly attend Sunday school classes. Our teachers divide the children into groups, from the very young to the standard sevens who are going to high school next year. Soon they realized how scantily clad the children were and how many of them wore the same clothes over and over again – hence we involved our supporting churches for help, who on their part contributed generously, for which we can not thank the Lord enough. Our prayer is that the Lord will bless you as our benefactors, for you have not only your help, but you bring us to thank the Lord and praise you, and the Lord Himself brings us to pray for you, and again it brings one to the question: Will He who is the initiator of it all not hear such prayers?
From the day the boxes arrived everyone in the congregation was excited about the shipment. My former colleague was particularly helpful with the arrangements regarding the sorting and division of the clothes into bundles. It was about a whole day’s work.
There were a total of 35 boxes. We are especially grateful to Mr. Manie Strauss, a local businessman, who is always willing to help with transport from South Africa. When his trucks return to Gantsi and there is space, he gladly helps.
It was a big task to sort everything out, but each and every one who was involved did it with dedication, and it was definitely not any trouble for them.
Our prayer is that the Lord through this donation will get all the glory, because it is He who brings us together to care for one another – as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:15: “15Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”
The children left the church building with everyone having something in his or her hands.
The elderly also had their turn with everyone grateful for their gifts
Easter weekend
The Easter weekend was quite busy from Friday to Sunday. On Friday night we placed the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus under the magnifying glass, his sorrows for our sake. Saturday night we gave different choirs the opportunity to perform, but the rain did not want to cooperate. As the impending storm approached we decided to rather adjourn.
On Sunday morning during the service we had a good attendance. The emphasis was on the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. He truly rose! Nearly 90 children attended the worship service.
To conclude, all our thanks to our Heavenly Father who gave us the opportunity to emphasize his greatness in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, and where his Word is preached it never comes back to man empty.
Your brother in Christ,
Hendrik du Plessis.